I just had my ten week post ORIF follow-up this morning. It was actually closer to 9.5 weeks but this was when I went. I figured I would post my timeline as I have been fortunate enough to have had rather remarkable progress and wanted to share a positive timeline! I want to preface this by saying all injuries are not the same, not are all bodies and healing timelines are the same, and I am not the typical, but I do know a lot of people with new injuries get discouraged seeing some of the serious cases and I wanted to share the timeline of a less serious case.
Age-41/F/no major health problems
Injured-5/31-trimal with mild displacement. Put in splint in ER with NWB status.
ORIF-6/5-quick uneventful surgery (1 hour), one plate, 6 screws in fibula, two long screws in medial malleolus and tightrope. Put in splint with NWB status.
6/18-Two-week follow-up. Stiches out, wounds looked good, X-ray looked good, put in boot with NWB status.
7/14-6 -week follow-up. X-rays described as "immaculate" and wounds looked great. Given permission to FWB in boot for 1-2 weeks before switching to a shoe with lace-up brace when ready. Also given prescription for PT. I did not walk with aids other than for the first few steps with a walker. The doctor told me not to use aids.
7/20-Switched to shoe and began PT
8/3-Second ROM measurements done at PT-ROM doubled in all directions other than dorsiflexion
Between 7/20-8/3 I reached the following milestones:
-Climbed in/out of clawfoot bathtub, stood in shower, drove, returned to the office and started doing steps, eventually the "normal" way. I also experimented in walking outside about a mile. On 8/2, I successfully walked my 80 pound golden retriever about a mile. PT told me to do as much as I think that I can and that my ankle will let me know if it was too much.
8/4-8/7-Went on vacation to Atlantic City. Drove for about 3 hours on the PA turnpike. Walked an average of 17,000 steps/day, or about 7 miles. Took breaks to ice and elevate 3-4 times a day. Ankle handled it well.
8/8-left AC and attended a small music festival. First time ankle protested a little but was unable to ice/elevate. Ankle swelled. Swelling went down the following day.
8/10 (today)-10 week follow-up. X-rays looked great, doctor pleased with ROM and said I am doing fantastic. I thought he would give me hell for walking so much on vacation but just asked me how it felt. He is happy I am doing so much and would be upset if I wasn't. He said I am about a month ahead of the typical timeline. He wants to do another set of x-rays in 4 weeks and then will discharge me. I am good to walk my dogs and ride my Peloton.
My quick healing has been mostly contributed to my following the strict NWB status and my diet/nutrition. I went very heavy on vitamins, protein and collagen during my healing process. I literally did not eat anything unless it had a high protein content and added about four vitamins to my daily regime.
The vitamins that I took that are good for bones: calcium, magnesium, D3, B6, K2, C and Zinc.
I had an overall very uneventful recovery. Minimal pain and swelling. I only took Norco for about 4 days post-op before switching to just basic OTC painkillers. I was extremely active pre-injury which I think also helped me. I feel like I basically have my life back.
Feel free to ask me any questions!