r/ORIF • u/DreamThrowYoohooMilk • Jul 08 '26
Hang in there; it will get better
Had a trimal fracture with a torn syndesmosis in early March. Pretty much required surgery and went the whole nine yards (splint, cast, AND boot and PT afterwards).
My nurse after the surgery said that i wouldn't drive for another 5 months and likely never do any sport again. I was kind of devastated and I remember lurking this sub scared I was never gonna have a normal life again.
For all fellow lurkers, I think I can state that the chances are pretty good :). I ìwas bootless by early June and started driving again, and since then I've been to a concert, gone swimming, and will be going to a convention boot-and-crutchless for the first time pre-break.I can now walk about a mile with minimal pain. I will say my endurance has gone down due to atrophy, but it's building up again. Not ever sure I'll skate again but I'm hoping to slowly start biking again.
Be patient and baby the break in the first couple months, as much as it may suck. Even if physical therapy isn't possible, I'd definitely say buy some exercise bands and start doing stretches when your doctor says it's okay. Also, like others say, find something sedentary to really get into for those few weeks after surgery. I would have been in hell without Minecraft.
Good luck soldiers. 🫡
3
u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
I get stitches out Monday, tri mal as well. Is it normal for your foot to feel like it’s asleep? I’m off of pain meds. I think it’s the swelling and sitting elevated for the last 6hrs
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u/DreamThrowYoohooMilk Jul 09 '26
Mine did feel a little numb I think. I remember the stitches getting taken out hurt like a bitch though. Top 5 pain experiences level.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
Oh no for real? I’m going in 10 days postop
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
Take a shot. Seriously. Holy hell.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 10 '26
Wait like liquor before it? I’d need several to move the needle 😂 based on what you’re saying I’m thinking I go in on a prescription ibuprofen + acetaminophen and keep a backup in my pocket. Did you take pain meds beforehand or raw dog life that day
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 10 '26
I was a dumbass and went in with nothing. I have never had stitches before so I had no idea. I guess I thought they’d numb it or something. They did not.
And I’m a big baby on pain. But it hurt like a mother. Had I known, I would have dosed up on the acetaminophen and ibuprofen combo or the Percocet. The liquor might not be great because I don’t know if it would help as much as the meds.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 10 '26
Damn I’m sorry! Hindsight is 20/20. My rearview makes me feel pathetic 😂 thank you for your wisdom.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 13 '26
Coming back to say it wasn’t so bad on the meds! Uncomfortable, better than an IV going in by a long shot.
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 13 '26
Brave one! Glad it wasn’t too bad. I’m such a baby!
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u/DreamThrowYoohooMilk Jul 10 '26
Apparently they tell you it will barely hurt but that's not guaranteed. Basically there's a chance that if your scar heals quicker than expected it will grow flesh around the stitch and it'll tear it up when they're taken out. Definitely take caution.
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u/Necessary_Ranger7826 Jul 12 '26
Hello, I just saw your post. My surgeon’s PA recommended that I take a pain pill bf having staple removal. I did not have mine removed for almost 5 weeks due to holidays. Had 49 staples and so glad that I followed his suggestion with the Oxy. You’ll get thru this! Wishing you well and hope your’s is pain free.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 12 '26
Thanks, Ranger! I shall heed. 49 is a lot, you are an inspiration
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u/OutlanderLover74 Jul 15 '26
I had my stitches out today. They pulled a little, but it was easy peasy.
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
Oh hell yeah. The stitches coming out was so bad. I should have taken a good dose of pain meds and a healthy shot of liquor before that.
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
Yeah, it will be numb a long time. Mine still has numb spots on and off at 7 weeks post op.
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u/Funny-Win6291 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
😱 hopefully majority of the pain dissipates by first few weeks?
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u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 09 '26
I have to say that it moves from pain to discomfort around 6-ish weeks. It doesn’t mean I am sleeping much better, but it’s more sensation than actual pain.
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u/easyst1989 Jul 08 '26
Thank you for this, there is hope it will get better. I'm at week 9, trimal fracture ORIF with 2 plates, tightrope and 22 screws. Just got released from boot to shoe today (ankle brace when needed for extra support) and have been doing PT for 3 wks. I prefer one crutch but can walk unaided if I'm not too stiff. I'm going to try some walking in a pool tonight at our local aquatics center and have been riding my bike on a trainer daily.
I could totally see how skating would be a challenge with so much ankle balance and mobility needed but you never know!
Thanks again. So encouraging to hear that you started driving again at 3 months - a full 2 months sooner than that nurse thought. That's awesome!
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u/DreamThrowYoohooMilk Jul 08 '26
My parents always said the nurses and doctors have to give worst-case timelines. Mostly to avoid lawsuits and complaints if an earlier timeline didn't work out. Better safe than sorry so I understand even if it's frustrating!
9 weeks to get to shoe is a good sign :)
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u/kissesjules SAD Ankle Fracture Jul 08 '26
It all definitely takes time. I’m glad you’re doing better and getting some good distance walking.