Aa
Ankle Shattered
I've really done it this time--broken my ankle, the morning after Thanksgiving.
I live in a condo, and was taking my dog downstairs and outside. I came to the last two steps and then all hell broke loose. I don't know whether I tripped over the leash or just lost my MS balance, maybe both, but the upshot is I'm in bad shape.
At that point one of my neighbors came out, then another. They called the medics for me and I went to the ER in an ambulance. It was an all day thing, because, it being the day after Tgiving, there were no orthopods around. I had a shot of Dilaudid, and man is that powerful. I kept falling asleep.
X-rays showed I have a trimalleolar ankle fracture/dislocation. For those like me who have no clue, this is a serious break, in three major places in the ankle. When the orthopedic guy showed up he said it needed surgery, but not for a week or so, because that would give some time for the swelling to go down somewhat. They gave me crutches and wanted me to stay overnight, but I really didn't want to, so I came home in a private ambulance this time.
The thing is, I had to deal with my dog, and I wouldn't have been better after just one night. I do have helpful neighbors, but now I have made longer term arrangements. I have found a place for her and gotten some other things under control before the surgery. Yesterday a medical supply pharmacy delivered a rental rollabout. I just can't use the crutches--I lose my balance too easily and that could be dangerous to say the least.
Generally I'm a roll with the punches kind of gal, but the punches have gotten to me this time. I'll probably be laid up through January at least, not a pleasant prospect, though I'll make the best of it.
ess
I live in a condo, and was taking my dog downstairs and outside. I came to the last two steps and then all hell broke loose. I don't know whether I tripped over the leash or just lost my MS balance, maybe both, but the upshot is I'm in bad shape.
At that point one of my neighbors came out, then another. They called the medics for me and I went to the ER in an ambulance. It was an all day thing, because, it being the day after Tgiving, there were no orthopods around. I had a shot of Dilaudid, and man is that powerful. I kept falling asleep.
X-rays showed I have a trimalleolar ankle fracture/dislocation. For those like me who have no clue, this is a serious break, in three major places in the ankle. When the orthopedic guy showed up he said it needed surgery, but not for a week or so, because that would give some time for the swelling to go down somewhat. They gave me crutches and wanted me to stay overnight, but I really didn't want to, so I came home in a private ambulance this time.
The thing is, I had to deal with my dog, and I wouldn't have been better after just one night. I do have helpful neighbors, but now I have made longer term arrangements. I have found a place for her and gotten some other things under control before the surgery. Yesterday a medical supply pharmacy delivered a rental rollabout. I just can't use the crutches--I lose my balance too easily and that could be dangerous to say the least.
Generally I'm a roll with the punches kind of gal, but the punches have gotten to me this time. I'll probably be laid up through January at least, not a pleasant prospect, though I'll make the best of it.
ess
That's absolutely awful. I'm so sorry.
I broke my ankle last January. It wasn't nearly such a bad break (just the outer, non-weight-bearing bone--whatever that's called), but it was really tough on me. I could put some weight on it right from the beginning and only had to wear a boot, but still needed crutches because my balance is so terrible.
I hope you found somebody to help you out. I never would've managed without my husband even with my milder break. I hope the swelling is going down and that you can have the surgery soon.
Also, definitely get some PT once you're able to. I let them tell me I didn't need it and I still don't have the range of motion back in that ankle that I had before.
sho
I broke my ankle last January. It wasn't nearly such a bad break (just the outer, non-weight-bearing bone--whatever that's called), but it was really tough on me. I could put some weight on it right from the beginning and only had to wear a boot, but still needed crutches because my balance is so terrible.
I hope you found somebody to help you out. I never would've managed without my husband even with my milder break. I hope the swelling is going down and that you can have the surgery soon.
Also, definitely get some PT once you're able to. I let them tell me I didn't need it and I still don't have the range of motion back in that ankle that I had before.
sho
My thoughts and prayers are with you, please know that.
My wife, broke her ankle, in three places, back in October (at midnight, Friday, October 1st). We took her to the ER, Saturday afternoon, where they put a temporary splint on it, and told us to go see an Orthopedic Surgeon, on Monday (He did not however suggest anyone).
We found one, and went and seen him on Monday, October 4th, and she had surgery the following day, Tuesday, October 5th. She is now able to walk on it, but must wear a "walking boot" for, at least, a few more weeks. When it has been about 6 months, they will go in and remove a plate and screws they put it.
So, I inadvertently, understand your pain.
Take care and may God bless you, and heal you quickly.
--Socrates2k1
My wife, broke her ankle, in three places, back in October (at midnight, Friday, October 1st). We took her to the ER, Saturday afternoon, where they put a temporary splint on it, and told us to go see an Orthopedic Surgeon, on Monday (He did not however suggest anyone).
We found one, and went and seen him on Monday, October 4th, and she had surgery the following day, Tuesday, October 5th. She is now able to walk on it, but must wear a "walking boot" for, at least, a few more weeks. When it has been about 6 months, they will go in and remove a plate and screws they put it.
So, I inadvertently, understand your pain.
Take care and may God bless you, and heal you quickly.
--Socrates2k1
Getting your leg forward with weak hip flexors is a hard job on its own, but especially if you have limited mobility in your ankle and extra weight from a brace.
Have you heard of a knee walker? If you search on google then you can see some images if you aren't familiar with it. That may be a good idea for you to look into so you don't have to fatigue your leg. They are pricey, and insurance coverage for them is spotty. But if it is possible and keeps you safe and less tired then it may be worth it.
Where in MD do you live?
Have you heard of a knee walker? If you search on google then you can see some images if you aren't familiar with it. That may be a good idea for you to look into so you don't have to fatigue your leg. They are pricey, and insurance coverage for them is spotty. But if it is possible and keeps you safe and less tired then it may be worth it.
Where in MD do you live?
I am sooo sorry to hear of this. What an awfu
l accident you had and it sounds like a nasty break. You must be in terrible pain!
I hope you will be able to have your surgery soon so you can get back on the road to recovery.
Hang in there
((((Hugs)))
Red
l accident you had and it sounds like a nasty break. You must be in terrible pain!
I hope you will be able to have your surgery soon so you can get back on the road to recovery.
Hang in there
((((Hugs)))
Red
I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Hopefully the surgery will get you pieced back together well and you'll feel better sooner than you are expecting.
Speedy recovery!
Katie
Speedy recovery!
Katie
I am so sorry for what happened to you!!! How aweful for this to happen.
Wishing you a fast and painless recovery.
HUGS,
Paula
Wishing you a fast and painless recovery.
HUGS,
Paula
Ess
I am soooooooo very sorry to hear about your ankle and fear that it is going to be a long journey ahead of you. Not sure what is going on recently but there seem to have been a few ankle accidents and I am sure that Quix will beable to empathise better than most.
I am sure that you will have no choice but to be good and I remember 2 years ago when i tore all my ankle ligaments (tipping over a forklift tuck!) and was in plaster for 6 weeks, I found it so frustrating being out of control and reliant on other.
Anyhow good luck for the operation and all I can send you is love, support and my very best wishes
Sarah x
PS Well after the op..you will at least have no excuse to not keep us all posted on your progress and perhaps you shd start a blog/journal about your ankle/MS challenge!!
I am soooooooo very sorry to hear about your ankle and fear that it is going to be a long journey ahead of you. Not sure what is going on recently but there seem to have been a few ankle accidents and I am sure that Quix will beable to empathise better than most.
I am sure that you will have no choice but to be good and I remember 2 years ago when i tore all my ankle ligaments (tipping over a forklift tuck!) and was in plaster for 6 weeks, I found it so frustrating being out of control and reliant on other.
Anyhow good luck for the operation and all I can send you is love, support and my very best wishes
Sarah x
PS Well after the op..you will at least have no excuse to not keep us all posted on your progress and perhaps you shd start a blog/journal about your ankle/MS challenge!!
Oh, no! That sounds just horrible. Do you have somebody lined up to walk the dog?
SO sorry to hear you have so much more to suffer through right now! I can understand your problems with the crutches-I broke my left foot a week ago and can't stand the stupid things! I feel so wobbly, I'm afraid I might fall again and hurt myself even worse; so I borrowed a walker my mother had left after her knee replacement. My break is much less complicated than yours, though-hopefully just a walking boot with crutches for 2 weeks and without for another 4 weeks.
I hope everything goes smoothly with your surgery and you're on the mend soon. Take care of yourself!
Be well soon!
Jen
I hope everything goes smoothly with your surgery and you're on the mend soon. Take care of yourself!
Be well soon!
Jen
Hi Ess, sorry about your fall and right in time for the holidays too.
Do you have bad osteoporosis ? I know I do and I wouldnt want to fall and hurt myself badly.
Not having someone there with you is a problem. But I am sure you can get someone to come in, these breaks can take awhile to heal. But you will be fine and will work things out I am sure, we are strong people.
keep us posted and wishing you good luck with the surgery...
love you, meg
Do you have bad osteoporosis ? I know I do and I wouldnt want to fall and hurt myself badly.
Not having someone there with you is a problem. But I am sure you can get someone to come in, these breaks can take awhile to heal. But you will be fine and will work things out I am sure, we are strong people.
keep us posted and wishing you good luck with the surgery...
love you, meg
Hi Essy,
Oh how I do wish I were closer to come help you. In prep for the surgery I hope your friends keep you in good care and family finds time in their busy schedule to provide some assistance. This is something you just can't do on your own.
I'm thinking of you, friend. (((hugs)))
~Shell
Oh how I do wish I were closer to come help you. In prep for the surgery I hope your friends keep you in good care and family finds time in their busy schedule to provide some assistance. This is something you just can't do on your own.
I'm thinking of you, friend. (((hugs)))
~Shell
Thank you all for your very kind and supportive words. It's wonderful to know I have friends here who understand, not that I didn't know that already.
I am looking into getting someone in to help me, as it's very hard to move, even to go to the bathroom. The rollabout is very cumbersome and too big. I have nieces and nephews in this vicinity but they're all very busy with jobs and families. My two best friends are also laid up. When it rains, it pours!
Also, as it happens, the fractures are on the same side as my hip flexor weakness, making it much harder to get around. My thigh is aching from trying to make it do what it can't do.
Today I hope to learn when I will have the surgery so I can make appropriate plans. I sure didn't plan very well when I fell down the steps.
ess
I am looking into getting someone in to help me, as it's very hard to move, even to go to the bathroom. The rollabout is very cumbersome and too big. I have nieces and nephews in this vicinity but they're all very busy with jobs and families. My two best friends are also laid up. When it rains, it pours!
Also, as it happens, the fractures are on the same side as my hip flexor weakness, making it much harder to get around. My thigh is aching from trying to make it do what it can't do.
Today I hope to learn when I will have the surgery so I can make appropriate plans. I sure didn't plan very well when I fell down the steps.
ess
We will pray for fast and full recovery.
Oh, by the way: STOP IT!!! ;>D
Sounds like a good time to catch up on your reading. Maybe the only other good thing I can think of is that .... Well, it just slipped my mind... Guess there aren;t many. Drat. Get well soon, kid.
Oh, by the way: STOP IT!!! ;>D
Sounds like a good time to catch up on your reading. Maybe the only other good thing I can think of is that .... Well, it just slipped my mind... Guess there aren;t many. Drat. Get well soon, kid.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Ess,
Well if your going to do something, why not go all out and do it good and proper, no half measures for you, now do we need to wrap you up in bubble wrap too?
What are you suppose to do in the mean time, hop around? with a bad break it doesn't sound like a good thing to be doing, even if you didnt have MS, with MS balance issues like you've got its a bit silly to think you could use crutches. You'd think they would of thought or known hopping would be almost physically imposible for you and more likely to generate even more falls. Seriously now, wouldn't you be better off in a wheel chair, because you are so right when you say its so dangerous?
I'm sure getting your dog sorted has been a load off your mind, but who's looking after you my dear? You need food and your belly rubbed occationally too, can you get someone in for that, maybe skip the belly rub and opt for getting the washing and ironing done instead. :-) Please dont do more than you should, look after YOU or i'll come over and wrap you up in bubble wrap and gaffa tape you to a chair!!!
HUGS................JJ
Well if your going to do something, why not go all out and do it good and proper, no half measures for you, now do we need to wrap you up in bubble wrap too?
What are you suppose to do in the mean time, hop around? with a bad break it doesn't sound like a good thing to be doing, even if you didnt have MS, with MS balance issues like you've got its a bit silly to think you could use crutches. You'd think they would of thought or known hopping would be almost physically imposible for you and more likely to generate even more falls. Seriously now, wouldn't you be better off in a wheel chair, because you are so right when you say its so dangerous?
I'm sure getting your dog sorted has been a load off your mind, but who's looking after you my dear? You need food and your belly rubbed occationally too, can you get someone in for that, maybe skip the belly rub and opt for getting the washing and ironing done instead. :-) Please dont do more than you should, look after YOU or i'll come over and wrap you up in bubble wrap and gaffa tape you to a chair!!!
HUGS................JJ
I hope your Lortabs are handling the pain. I really feel for you..like Ashley above said you did it big.
Let us know how things are going when you are able. Are you going to Johns Hopkins since it is nearby?
Sending more hugs,
Ren
Let us know how things are going when you are able. Are you going to Johns Hopkins since it is nearby?
Sending more hugs,
Ren
Oh my goodness :(
That is such a serious break - go big or go home I guess. I'm so sorry that this happened. Good luck with the surgery
That is such a serious break - go big or go home I guess. I'm so sorry that this happened. Good luck with the surgery
I am sooo sorry to hear this happened to you my dear!!! I wish I was closer so I could try and help out but unfortunately I don't! I agree with not using crutches...I would fall on my face I am sure! I hope your surgery goes well and you don't have a long recuperation...you are such a positive person though I am sure you will do well! Keep us posted as to how things are going ok?
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
Ess, there aren't words to begin to tell you how sorry I am this has happened. Hang in there, Lu
Awww, shoot! I'm so sorry, Ess! I'm loving the good thoughts and suggestions, here, and all I can offer is (((Hugs))). Speedy recovery, dear!
Oh man, this really stinks. I am sorry this has happened to you. Are you in hideous pain right now? I hope not.
You can always let your fingers do the walking and order gifts online. You can even order gift wrapping supplies this way, if so inclined. Personally, this would be on the far back burner, but if you're really wanting to do this, it can be done easily. I've done this for the last several years for my girls and family because I can't walk around a lot to shop.
You've added so much to this forum. I hope we can give back to you at least a portion of what you've given us.
Take care, Sweetie. Giving you lots and lots of hugs . . .
Deb
You can always let your fingers do the walking and order gifts online. You can even order gift wrapping supplies this way, if so inclined. Personally, this would be on the far back burner, but if you're really wanting to do this, it can be done easily. I've done this for the last several years for my girls and family because I can't walk around a lot to shop.
You've added so much to this forum. I hope we can give back to you at least a portion of what you've given us.
Take care, Sweetie. Giving you lots and lots of hugs . . .
Deb
I just made a comment, dont know where it went.
I will start again.
((((ESS))),
I am so so very sorry this happened to you. You must be in tremendous pain. I hope they have you some strong pain meds to have at home. You really did it this time. You cant even have a small crack, you have a huge awful break. I wish I could come fly over and help you out. I really do.
On top of it all, your doggie situation. Who is taking care of her? Can they help out for a month or so? More importantly , do you have someone that can come help take care of you? Ahh, I really am sorry. You are in a rough spot. I so wish I was closer...
I am sending huge hugs and get well kisses to you,
Michelle
I will start again.
((((ESS))),
I am so so very sorry this happened to you. You must be in tremendous pain. I hope they have you some strong pain meds to have at home. You really did it this time. You cant even have a small crack, you have a huge awful break. I wish I could come fly over and help you out. I really do.
On top of it all, your doggie situation. Who is taking care of her? Can they help out for a month or so? More importantly , do you have someone that can come help take care of you? Ahh, I really am sorry. You are in a rough spot. I so wish I was closer...
I am sending huge hugs and get well kisses to you,
Michelle
Ess:
How horrible for you!
It must be a really bad break if they can't operate on it now. There have been such strides in orthopedic surgery where in most cases the wait is not necessary.
And the timing could not have been any worse, what with the holidays approaching and winter on the way. You are smart to realize you can't use crutches; crutches are dangerous for going up stairs even for people without balance problems.
I hope that you are resting as comfortably as you can and that you get through the surgery and recovery surrounded by many supportive and caring people.
Audrey
How horrible for you!
It must be a really bad break if they can't operate on it now. There have been such strides in orthopedic surgery where in most cases the wait is not necessary.
And the timing could not have been any worse, what with the holidays approaching and winter on the way. You are smart to realize you can't use crutches; crutches are dangerous for going up stairs even for people without balance problems.
I hope that you are resting as comfortably as you can and that you get through the surgery and recovery surrounded by many supportive and caring people.
Audrey
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