Tomorrow, June 3, 2012 marks 11 months since T-day. I promised somewhere earlier in this blog that I would report back, that I wouldn’t be one of those people who heals through this thing and leaves without an update. Well, I haven’t done such a great job at updates. So, in an effort to keep my word, here’s a quick catch-up.
December 15, 2011: On my birthday I ran my first mile since before the accident. It hurt. It took 16 minutes. I can crawl faster than that. Then my hubby took me and Stella to the beach for some fun. I completely stopped wearing my hiking boots shortly thereafter. While I felt vulnerable in regular shoes, I needed to cut the ties (or shoestrings) and let go of the boots.
January – February: Continued to build strength and continued PT. Thank goodness for health insurance that allows for unlimited sessions albeit with a battle and a $1300/month premium. Dorsiflexion = almost back to normal. Plantarflexion = not so good. My left ankle plantarflexion measured in at about 46 degrees compared to the 64 of my right ankle. Walking down hills and steps remained an issue despite the fact that I worked on it every single day trying to loosen up the tendons and break up scar tissue.
March 12, 2012: I ran 4.5 miles in 46 minutes. I felt like puking, but I did it anyway. THEN, I felt great! It was so nice to get back in touch with my inner Kick-Ass.
March 19, 2012: I ran 5 miles – this was my goal. yeah. baby.
Between the end of March and the beginning of May (6 weeks total), I traveled in Europe for both work and pleasure. It was cool to be able to walk around. It was scary to walk on wet cobblestone. But because it was so cool to have the ability to walk, I dealt with the cobblestone thing.
I don’t think I’ll ever take walking for granted again. My ankle is not 100%. I sometimes wonder if I’ll go a day without noticing my ankle or feeling tightness and some discomfort. My plantarflexion is still very tight. My PT suspects some type of adaptive tendon shortening. My big toe doesn’t bend and has very little strength (as evidenced by my inability to pick anything up with it). While the plantarflexion has definitely improved, it’s probably only about 80% of the “good” foot. Let me rephrase that. I only have about 20% to go. I’m still numb from my big toe to about the middle of my second toe and down the right side of my foot, BUT I have noticed lots of tingling the past couple of months and new sensations. I do believe the feeling is returning. This is good, because having a numb big toe feels weird in shoes. Which probably sounds curious, but yes, numbness feels weird.
I still get very stiff, and my calf muscles easily get tender. There’s something going on with my Achilles, hence the calf muscle tenderness. The scars are healing fairly well. I rub scar cream on them everyday with the hopes that I’m also breaking up scar tissue on the inside. They (the scars) have only seen the sun once as I’m trying to prevent them from getting any darker. It still swells on occasion – especially if it’s hot and if I’ve spent a long time on it, but otherwise, it’s almost back to the same size it was before. Every evening when I sit down to watch a movie with my hubby (yes, we watch a movie almost every evening), I spend the entire time stretching, doing the Alphabet, massaging it. I foresee a lifetime of special attention to this foot, but then again, that’s not a bad thing. I try to give lots of attention to my other foot too, as not to make it jealous.
I have learned that…
1 Time really does heal ankle wounds.
2. Sometimes all I can do is cry, and that crying is one helluva fantastic way of healing assuming that it doesn’t go on for too long.
3. I can get PTSD from this type of trauma and can begin to heal through it.
4. Some kind of innocence is lost after a serious injury and it slowly gets replaced with another kind of wisdom and more caution.
5. I can feel metal in my bones, and I don’t like it.
6. I can have the metal removed as I plan to do on July 18, 2012.
7. It’s okay to be afraid as long as it doesn’t stop me from living the way I want to.
8. What might seem like a desperate eternity when I was couch/bed-ridden and unable to be mobile is not an excuse for bitching but an opportunity to sit down, shut up, and practice the art of being.
9. It is possible to muster up strength, a bit of courage, and even a little humor while in tremendous pain, and that all those things help make the pain feel less painful.
10. A good diet helps the healing process.
11. Loved ones help the healing process and how important it is to accept support graciously (still working on this).
12. I have a friggin’ awesome husband (tho I knew this already).
13. I have fun, funny, loving, supportive friends and family (I knew this already too).
14. In general, stuff I read on the internet about illness and injury is more damaging than the actual illness or injury.
15. I should’ve listened to my husband and avoided reading stuff on the internet about Trimalleolar Fractures.
16. One day a year will pass and I can look back with utter relief and gratitude that the worst is over.
17. To watch my step and appreciate my body’s capabilities.
18. About 98.5% of my limitations reside in my brain and not anywhere else -including my muscles, tendons, and bones.
There you go – that’s my update!
Overall, I’ve healed very well and life is very good. I’m moving right along – ONWARD!
To see all the posts in the trimalleolar series, click away! Things DO get better!
Post #1 Me and My Trimalleolar: A Life-Changing Tripulation
Post #2 Me and My Trimalleolar: Transcending the Funk
Post #3 Me and My Trimalleolar: Tiny Bubbles of Progress
Post #4 Me and My Trimalleolar: A Healing Ankle
Post #5 Me and My Trimalleolar: Talus All About It
Post #6 Me and My Trimalleolar: A Week of Firsts
Post #7 Me and My Trimalleolar: Cast of Characters
Post #8 Me and My Trimalleolar: 9 1/2 weeks…
Post #9 Me and My Trimalleolar: The Screw, Some Scars, and a Busted Uvula
Post #10 Me and M Trimalleolar: Walk a Mile in My Screws
This is Post #11 Me and My Trimalleolar: 11 Months and Moving Right Along
Post #12: Me and My Trimalleolar Go to Mexico…with my husband and our pooch
Yes all you wrote is true for me too! Slow down, my foot comes first, i plan on knowing the foot will have some symptomatic issue always. I will deal. I will not stop moving forward. I am 63 this year.
Hello Maryellen and welcome to the blog. It’s inspiring to see that you will not stop moving forward! Please keep us updated about your progress and cheers to your healing!
Kenda, I was just reading a few old blogs and I saw that you had one screw out. Can you tell me or let me know where to find the details. You have prob written this before. I have nine screws and looks almost the same as yours. I have two on that tibia just like you and I feel like the one closest to the outside is bothersome. Why did you have one out, and then have the rest out later – I wonder was that your sisemoid (sp) screw? I never asked if I had a different type of screw. I guess if I did he would take it out. dang.
Hey, I went to the beach and on a boat this weekend. I totally felt way older than I am – walking on the beach with my daughter holding my one arm and a cane, so afraid to twist ankle in the soft sand. And getting on the boat – I felt like everyone thought I was such a sissy – but I was so hesitant to go in the first place and had to get on the boat in my own way! It all made me so nervous but I did it! Foot is starting to feel better. Saw doctor about bone density. Decisions to make! Hope you are loving Italy! Also – does everyone post on all the different stories that you had? All different people? Am I confused?
Hey ya’ll! I’ll respond soon! I’m currently taking a CELTA course to teach English, and it’s about 18 hours a day of work. You’ll hear from me soon! ❤️
Hi Jane, Yes! That screw was a syndesmosis screw to fix a ruptured ligament (syndesmosis). The syndesmosis screw has to be removed at 12 weeks once the ligament is healed enough to function without it. The screw cannot stay in because it prohibits proper functioning of the ligament. I think in 9 years only one other person had it.
I had the other screws out because a couple were bothering me.
You are NO sissy! Walking on the beach and getting in and out of a boat is a big deal!
Yes, loving Italy, but right now I’m exhausted because of the CELTA certification. One more week…
Yes, folks post on the various blog posts. Is that what you mean? It gets confusing, because there is no good format for organizing the comments.
Hi all, I’m 20 months post op trimalleolar fracture. My left foot sneaker caught on the carpeting of the steps and I fell down 3 steps, fracturing my left and spraining my right. This started out a joyous day, you see, our son and daughter in law had their 4th child that morning and we were watching the other children. We live about 3 hrs from our son, so I was in an unfamiliar ER, Hospital & surgeon. Although I can’t say enough positive things about everyone who made such a painful experience bearable. I won’t go into all the details, but hope someone out there is at the same stage of recovery as I am. The orthopedic surgeon, at my last discharge appointment, 12 months post op, said that it can take up to 2 yrs for complete recovery, with some ongoing swelling and numbness in my foot that may not get 100% better. My concern is the right sided tendon pain I am experiencing now, which I didn’t seems to have about 6 months ago. Also, pain in my ankle that causes some limping when I first get up to walk after sitting for an extended period of time. Since the surgeon is 3 hrs away, before I contact him to make an appointment, I was wondering if anyone else has experienced any of this. I did see my local podiatrist, who I saw before my accident, for arthritic pain in a great toe and in the ankle that I fracture. He recommended wearing a soft ankle support, and will follow up in a few weeks with an X-ray. Also ordered an nsaid cream to my ankle twice a day which helps, along with taking Alene twice a day. I have been taking water aerobics for the past year, after I finished with PT. The water aerobics seem to help.
So glad to have found this blog…good luck to all who are on their road to recovery!!!
Char
Hello Char and welcome to the blog! You’re through the hardest part, so well done on that. Wow, what a story! Did you end up in the same hospital as your daughter-in-law? That must’ve been incredibly challenging to manage.
It’s disconcerting to see you’re still having troubles, but like your OS said, full recovery takes time possibly 2 years. I’m wondering if the arthritis pain is changing your gait thus putting extra pressure on the tendon. I’m no doctor. That was just my first thought. I know for me, the initial change in gait (limping) lent itself to a couple of other issues in my body. I ended up doing some chiropractic and acupuncture to help, and things worked themselves out. I’m wondering if you are able to have that arthritis removed or if you’ve tried heat on the area.
Regarding the stiffness after sitting for a period of time: Depending on the weather, I still get some stiffness. I’m now in the habit (whether or not I have stiffness) of starting each morning out with ankle circles and stretches before getting out of bed and after sitting for a period of time. Again, I think heat could help here keeping in mind, I’m no doctor! I just know what feels good to me.
Something else to consider is to make sure your diet is high in foods that reduce inflammation. Even drinking a cup of turmeric tea each morning could possibly help. Make sure that any turmeric tea you buy or make yourself has black pepper in it for better bioabsorption. At first, it may not taste so great. I now love it. Sometimes I add a little almond or hemp milk to it. It might even help to include avocado and garlic in your diet each day. There are lots of foods out there to help fight inflammation, which could be the cause of various issues in our bodies.
Is it possible to transfer your records to an OS who is closer to you? It could save the hassle of driving so far (not that you wouldn’t mind an excuse to see those grandkids!), but it could help to have another set of eyes on your situation.
Hopefully I’m not overwhelming you with suggestions!
Please, if you can, keep us updated on your progress. I also appreciate hearing how things go. No pressure, ever, for anyone tho!
Cheers to your healing! ❤️
Great to read this blog as I thought I was going mad. I’m five months post tri malleolar and syndesmosis screw and still not walking without crutches. My ankle refuses to move and it hurts, every day! I am beginning to feel like a fraud and wish it would just hurry up and heal. I have a surgeon appointment tomorrow to see if I need further surgery which I’m worried about but if it helps I’m having it. Physical therapy and hydrotherapy haven’t helped and I am sooo fed up. Unfortunately I was a contract worker so no pay since last November which hasn’t helped the situation. I don’t go out as I can’t walk far which is driving me mad and I’m an expert in daytime tv. Fingers crossed I get better soon, god knows I need a job!
Hi Sarah,
It does sound like you’re struggling with some mobility issues, so your feeling of being driven mad is understandable. This injury can cause some grief. I’m curious: Do you still have the syndesmosis screw in? You’re one of very few on the blog who have had that screw. I did, too. My OS had it removed at 12 weeks as she explained this is supposedly protocol. My mobility increased after having the syndesmosis screw removed. If you still have it in, I would encourage you to push your OS on why.
No doubt there’s added stress with the work situation. Like you, I was a contractor, so I really get the “no work-no pay” situation. I was fortunate that, at the time, I had a gig that required a lot of computer work that I could do from home. I wish there was a magic wand I could wave to make this all better for you.
Please let us know what your surgeon says. You’re not alone. You’re definitely not a fraud. I’m hoping hoping hoping things improve for you, soon.
I’m glad you’re here, yet so sorry for the circumstances that brought you here.
To your healing!
So I am wondering what your ankle looks like now in comparison to the other…I know mine is still really swollen but I am wondering if it will ever go down all the way. I know I have a lot if hardware inside which they tell me I will never remove unless there is a problem…
Good question! Anyone looking at my ankles would not notice any difference. I’ve had a few massages these past years, and even massage therapists haven’t noticed anything off. I find it so curious that body workers don’t even notice the scars. Turns out they’re not that noticeable!
When I look closely, I can see the difference in size between the two ankles. It’s very slight (miniscule), but I can see the healed ankle is ever-so-slightly larger. But yes, your swelling will go down. Give it some time. And if you really want the hardware removed, make a case for it. My OS told me I could have my removed, if I wanted, at 1 year. She added that I would have to have a good reason for it in order for the insurance to cover it. Turns out it truly bothered me. I wasn’t just grossed out because I could see/feel a screw or two, I had actual discomfort that I attributed to the metal. Full disclosure: I am super sensitive. I’m the kind of person that will not be able to sleep on sheets that have been washed with fabric softener, because the scent gives me an instant headache. I have to cut tags off tee-shirts because they bother my skin. The list goes on…sigh.
Kenda, I am not sure if I am doing this right. I am curious. Why did you get the hardware out. My doctor is saying that I will leave mine in and it is very upsetting. I do have osteopenia though, maybe thats why. I am thirteen weeks out, and hate the little round screws I see in my skin when the swelling is down. Dr. says my ankle looks like it is shrink-wrapped and you can see the screws. I can def feel the hardware and I can feel it when I move as well. Terrible. I am 56 also – maybe that’s why. I feel like I would like to get that one screw removed that is the closest to my skin on the tibia – I saw that was removed for you first before the second one as well. Why was that? And when you get the plate removed, then you have to face the staples and the six inch scar all over again? He says I have an internal cast now, but I hate the way it feels, so foreign and gross! I wish I found this post earlier since I feel exactly the same way you did in your first post with all the emotion! I made another post on your blog but can’t find it!
Hi Jane,
It looks like two of your comments went into the spam folder for some reason. Sorry about that! Yes, you’re doing it correctly (writing a comment on the blog).
I would be inclined to get a 2nd opinion about the metal. Some docs are not in the habit of removing it. I just happened to have one that was, and at the time, I had great insurance that covered it.
You’re also early in the process. You may find the screws don’t bother you as much as you heal. It was much worse for me at the beginning. That said, if you’re like me (sounds like you are) and super sensitive to foreign objects protruding from your skin, you may want to get that 2nd opinion. Having the metal removed was a piece of cake. I didn’t even have staples. They just sewed me up with dissolvable stitches, and I was walking within 2 weeks. Very easy healing process, and I’m glad I did it.
I found your other post in spam as well. I’ll check that out now!
The other screw I had was a syndesmosis screw. It went across the front of my ankle where my talus was. That one had to be removed at 12 weeks. I wonder if you can get just one screw removed? In either case, you’ll have to wait for a full year of recovery as this seems to be protocol.
I don’t think I have a syndesmosis screw…I have not seen my surgeon since surgery. I don’t think he came to post op but who knows, I don’t remember anything but making fun of my anesthesiologist for being too serious! Oops… Here’s to Monday!!! I can’t wait!
Haha. I do appreciate a good post-op/anesthesia-fog story. 🙂
Oh, and I think you would know by now if you had a syndesmosis screw, but it might be useful to ask. You have a lot metal in there!
To Monday!!
18 staples out, 5 sutures out and in the boot! My foot set at a strange angle though so it is not wanting to sit flat in the boot :(. I am just trying each day to get my heel down. I picked my horse up today from the trainer (yay even though I can’t ride) and spent 4 hours of my day in the truck so awfully swollen tonight. 2 more weeks then x-rays to see how it is healing. Hope you are well!
You’ve “jumped” one more hurdle, yay! I had the exact same experience as you about getting my foot in the 90 degree angle in my boot. The OS assistant basically jammed it in on that first day with my Betty Boot. That fleeting moment (she, basically, pushing the boot up to the bottom of my foot) was one of the most painful in my life. Fortunately, it was just a flash of pain and then subsided. She insisted I keep my heel down.
You can, unfortunately, expect swelling for some time to come. Do follow your docs and PT’s orders on how much and how often to stay off of it. I want you to heal properly!
It appears things are looking up a bit?
Again, apologies for the delayed responses. I don’t know why, but I receive no alerts about your messages even though I should be. I just happen upon them when replying back to others. ?
Of course I will keep you updated! Staples come out on Monday!!! I hope I am more comfortable after that. Sleep would be good again. My nerves are all wacky too! Everything under my dressing feels raw. (That is the only way I can describe it). Does it feel better once stables are out? I still can’t believe all this hardware is in my ankle! 2 plates, 2 pins and I think 12 screws. The xray makes it look like the screws are going to be pushing against my skin. I still cannot believe I did this. I did buy myself a recliner 🙂 so that’s good! A bit more comfy than the couch. Thanks again for the support!!
? Good luck with those staples coming out Monday! I didn’t have staples, but I felt a relief when that big ole soft cast and all the dressings were removed.Then again, that’s when I was put into a boot, which created a whole new set of sensations. I would imagine removing the staples will bring some relief.
That’s a hefty set of metal you have there! Do you know if you have a syndesmosis screw? Very few people on this blog have had one. I did, and it necessitated my not walking until it was removed at 12 weeks.
My screws were pushing against my skin, and I really struggled with that. I had all the metal removed at 1 year.
The disbelief may ebb and flow for a while with each new step the reality sets in. Eventually, you will have a PT routine that will help the time pass with goals of moving forward. It’s a process….
Well done with the recliner!
Cheers to your healing!
I am do glad you have this blog, everyone here understands this isn’t a minor injury and that we are not being dramatic. This is a life changer, though it is temporary, it is going to take a long time to heal. Thanks for being there for all of us with our “little broken ankles”!
So sorry for the delayed response. For some reason, I didn’t get an email with your response!
I was reading your message and could feel your power. It’s a tough revelation to have…
I’m super relieved to see you have so much support and that others in your life get how serious and severe this injury is. Tell all those people I think they’re awesome. Not that they care what I think haha.
Heal well and may you grow stronger with each passing day! Keep us updated?
So, did anyone you know of who has contacted you drive prior to the O.K. from the doc? My husband is up in arms that I am not yet driving after being 1 week post op. I just don’t feel comfortable driving with my left foot. Just wondering if anyone else out here had to suck it up and do it…
Reading your comment, I can feel my heart sinking. You need more support now than possibly any other time in your life, so having a partner who is not only asking the impossible of you but who is also getting angry about your situation (a condition which is faultless) is causing me great concern. There’s no sucking it up. You should absolutely not be driving. It is dangerous to you, to any passengers, and to everyone else on the road. The only thing you need to be doing right now is focusing on your healing.
One week post op puts you in a precarious and fragile position. The majority of time in your day right now should be spent on the sofa with your leg raised. He and anyone else in your home should be doing whatever they can to make you well again; because the better they are at their jobs of taking care of you, the sooner you can get back on your feet. If you’re doing too much, you could set yourself back weeks or months.
Kendra,
I am day 2 post op with my trimalleolar. I fell on the ice outside my barn during a snowstorm. Nothing like going to the ED after crawling through horse pens on your belly to get back inside. I’m pretty shaky still and fell on my foot today.That was no fun but hopefully no damage done. I have been reading through your experience just to get an idea of what comes next. The hard things for me are a loss of independence and feeling like everything is day to day/up in the air as far as how long it will take until I am walking, drivung, and riding my horse again! I was told to expect no driving for 10 weeks,(I broke the right side), is this consistent with what you found? I don’t remember reading that part but things are a bit foggy as of late. Thanks for writing your blog and giving me an idea of what is going to happen.
When did you finally sleep again? I am so tired but can’t sleep. Post op pain is worse than the initial injury at this point.
Thanks for your story,
Kara
Hi Kara,
Welcome to the blog. I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here, yet glad you’ve arrived.
You are early in this journey and wow, what a story! You described it in a way that gave me a clear picture. Can only imagine how difficult that must’ve been to crawl through horse pens during a snowstorm. I’m guessing 2 days post-op, your foot and leg are wrapped up fairly tightly. It’s not likely you did any damage.
Yes, it’s a loss of independence as well as an element of predictability, and will be for a while, I won’t sugarcoat that. For me, I didn’t drive until after 12 weeks, so 10 weeks is looking pretty good from my perch! Maybe others can chime in. Some docs will be more conservative than others. Do you know if you have a syndesmosis screw?
Ah sleep…it took a while. Probably about 3 weeks from the initial break before I felt safe enough and pain-free enough to sleep again and even then it was in short stints. Mind you, I have a history of poor sleep, so I think many others have a much better sleep prognosis. Do whatever you can to get some sleep, because it will help your healing. There are all kinds of natural remedies out there, and I’ll be happy to offer some guidance if you need/want. You’re at the hardest part – early post-op. It gets easier week by week. I will gamble to say that even by day 8 you will begin to notice some respite from the pain and it getting easier with each passing week.
Keep us updated? I do like to follow the progress of the T-team members.
Cheers to your healing!
Kenda
Hey
I am Manasvi, 25 yr old frm Pune, India. I too suffered from a trimellular fracture and dislocate around 2 and a half months ago … and since then have been reading abt the injury over the net and trust me reading those stories have been hell depressing. Came across this one and could relate to every bit of it. The way you have put across your journey really gave me that one ray of hope that I will be fine soon n ready to run again. God bless you !!! 🙂 u made me smile
Hello Manasvi!
Welcome to the T-team. I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here yet glad you’ve arrived.
My hubby almost hid my computer (knowing I was physically incapable of getting it back haha) when I was immersing myself in those hellacious internet stories. It was one of the drivers of my writing these blog posts, so I’m beaming knowing that my posts are helping you out!
You WILL be fine again…sooner than you may realize. Eat well, rest well, drink lots of water and anti-inflammatory teas (turmeric is great!), and follow your docs suggestions while also advocating for yourself! Are you in physical therapy?
If you get the time, please write back with updates. I love seeing ya’ll through this journey.
Cheers to your healing!
Kenda
Thanks for writing your story! I’m 17 weeks after bi mall fracture. I started weight bearing 7.5 weeks post op and am doing great with ROM, but when I dorsiflex my ankle makes a grinding feel/sound. It may be from a lumpy mass on the front lateral of my ankle. You have any noises, scar tissue, or front tendon problems?
Hello Nancy,
Thank you for joining us, and I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here.
Wow – you seem to be doing great weight bearing 7.5 weeks post op!
I recall an annoying grinding sensation early on in the process – scar tissue is what I was told. I kept working at (like massaging the area) and I also did some acupuncture and FSM. Eventually it went away.
Are you able to or interested in any alternative treatments? It might help. Always consult your OS or PT first.
Keep us posted?
Cheers to you and your healing,
Kenda
Hi Kenda, I really enjoyed reading your story and reliving some of my own earlier horror/fear/amusement.
I’m 11 weeks post ORIF for a tri mal. My only saving grace was I did not need a screw on the tibia side as my surgeon truly wanted to avoid that. I just started walking this week with the lace-up brace vs. das boot and it’s a new world of pain. I am struggling with dorsiflexion and happy to read how well you’ve progressed.
Is Stella a long-haired Weimaraner by chance? My faithful companion during my recovery has been Ozzy, our LH weim. I finally took him for a walk on my own this weekend. I think I annoyed him with my slow and halting gait but it felt great to be out again on my own power.
Thanks again for the inspirational read!
Hello Rebecca!
Wow. I think you’re doing great – you’re already walking Ozzy (love that name!). We’re not exactly sure what Stella is. She’s an SPCA variety. We’re fairly certain Aussie/Border Collie with a dash of lab and a sprinkle of human. She was super silvery as a puppy, so you may be right about the Weimie part. One day we’ll do the DNA test. It’s good to have a faithful companion during times of horror/fear/amusement. 🙂
I love what you wrote “….to be out again on my own power.” How true in so many ways.
Hang in there with the dorsiflexion and keep at it even outside of PT as I’m sure you are. I feel confident it’ll come back. With a furry friend to walk, you’ll have lots of opportunity to practice.
Keep us posted?
Hopefully my messages are posting. We’re traveling with not-so-good internet.
To your healing!
Kenda
Hi Kenda,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write back while you were traveling! I meant to tell you, Santa Cruz is one of our favorite places. You can walk everywhere! I hope to be able to get back to that. 🙂
I know it’s been awhile since your break, but I think I read you had issues with your big toe not moving well. I’m having the same thing and it’s so frustrating! It’s just so darn tight, I usually can’t bend it much and it causes a bit of pain walking. I’m hopeful you aren’t still experiencing that issue and it’s just a matter of time.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and hugs to Stella!
p.s. I kind of miss the boot. With the brace, it just looks like I’m sloppy and wear the same pair of New Balance shoes with every outfit!
Hi Rebecca,
My pleasure!
Ahhh yes, Santa Cruz. One of my favorite places too. We now live in Southern Oregon and dream about the weather there!
Oh I remember those days of frustration with lingering tightness and discomfort. It’s no longer like that and hasn’t been for many years now. Everything is working well with no pain. Keep up with your PT and pamper your foot and ankle when you can. I remember spending time (usually while watching a movie at night) massaging my foot, toes, and ankle.
Your boot comment made me laugh. It definitely helps to have a sense of humor. Maybe every now and then you can whip out the boot for some validation that you’re not sloppy! 😉
Stella received your hugs and sent you several wags back!
Keep us posted on your progress!
To your healing!
So enjoyed your story! I read it from beginning to end, and it helped me smile. Not so easy, as I’m almost three weeks out of surgery and just beginning my journey. I spent the first week and a half crying. Deep mourning for an entire summer’s hiking and sailing and swimming lost to a “garden watering accident”. Thanks for all your insights. You reminded me that time really does heal everything, and all you really need is patience and a can-do attitude!
Hello Kelly,
Welcome to the blog! I’m sorry for the circumstances, yet I’m glad you’re here.
Three weeks out ORIF – that’s a big deal and probably the hardest part of this journey. A “garden watering accident.” I sense a good story in there somewhere. The summer might be tough as it seems you keep yourself active with outdoor adventures. Your new activities now will be all about healing and keeping your body strong. It may not seem like it now, but I feel fairly confident in saying that you will look back on this one day with great relief and a newfound sense of accomplishment for overcoming an incredibly difficulty. People around you who haven’t had this experience may not fully understand the pain and the struggles or even the excitement that comes with the “wins” along the way. Here, we do.
Yes! Patience will be your friend! The can-do attitude helps tremendously! Mostly, be true to yourself. During those moments you’re feeling crappy, let yourself feel crappy. Crappy passes faster (IMO) when you acknowledge it.
Keep us posted on your progress if/when you feel like it. I’m always grateful to know when a fellow T-mal emerges from the muck and is back on her feet!
Cheers to you and your healing!
Kenda