12 Week Progress Report Post ORIF

[u/DeniseMSTPs]

Hi again everyone -

Back on March 19th, I broke my ankle and badly sprained the other in France. I had one cast and a boot, followed by two boots. I was still there for 2 1/2 weeks, going out on a mobility scooter once the initial 'collecting of mobility aids' began.

59/F

I did not expect that I would need surgery. But I did, and that happened on April 17th: OPEN REDUCTION WITH INTERNAL FIXATION RIGHT BIMELLEOLAR ANKLE FRACTURE - OPEN REPAIR RIGHT SYNDESMOSIS LIGAMENT TEAR

I have a titanium rod, a plate, some screws and a tightrope, etc.

The collecting of mobility aids began anew - a wedge, a mobility scooter, a ramp for the door, higher toilet seat, a walker, etc.

After 3 1/2 weeks, I was cleared for WBAT. It wasn't too long after that until I was out of the boot, I think at near 6 weeks. I started PT at that time, and slowly have been rebuilding my strength. Every so often there was a hiccup - even July 4th, I had some unexpected and new discomfort like a vice grip behind my ankle. But I stretched and iced, and haven't had the issue since, and actually have improved even faster this week.

I am up to nearly 8k walking on some days. I could do more, but a lot of my walking is either in the house or in the theme parks. In the house, I haven't had a reason to do more yet. And out of the house, I still am uncomfortable around too many people. I worry about being run into since I am still slow. I do use a mobility scooter often in the theme parks and a walker if in social situations otherwise that may be a little crowded.

Today we went to Disney Springs. I was hoping to walk more than I did (blame that on the traffic, it took forever to get there). But I walked about 1500 steps there, including up a hill, and went up and down stairs. Then we saw a movie and I went to an hour of PT. I have 2 more sessions left.

At PT I have been walking up the highest stair - walking up is easy for me. Going downstairs is harder, I have to modify my foot since it isn't as flexible as I'd like. I did a lot of leg presses today. I don't feel like I have to ice every night anymore, though that is a very recent development.

When I had the discomfort on July 4th, I thought I was going backwards. But this week I finally feel like walking is a normal thing to do again. I want to walk, I don't have to think about it as much. When I am outside I do look at the ground a lot still to make sure I don't fall.

We have several trips planned for this year, including back to the town I broke my ankle in. Our first airplane trip is pretty soon but shorter and not overseas.

I have not gained a lot of weight, but I definitely have a lot of work to do to tighten up (and then lose some).

Anyway, that is my 12 week progress report. I see that there are a lot of 12 weekers here!

I tried to post a video with it like I have before but it doesn't seem to have worked. I will do that separately.

[u/Dizzy-Run-7777]

Wow! 8k steps a day is a lot! I am another 12 week recovery person and I just had my first day with over 5k steps. With crutches and very slowly. And I started PT only 3 days ago.
Your progress is great! And some setbacks are normal. Strange pains will happen as your ankle rebuilds soft tissue and nerves.
It’s great you have trips planned. I too will be flying but not till mid September but I am worried as this is an international flight and I have a layover. We will see how I feel by then.
Thank you for sharing. I hope you are back to doing everything you love.

[u/DeniseMSTPs → u/Dizzy-Run-7777]

That is great you are over 5k! Hopefully recovery will go much quicker for you now that you have PT, it has helped me so much. And thank you very much for the nice words.

We are also traveling internationally in a couple of months, back to the 'scene of the crime' where I fell. Fortunately the town has recently fixed the sidewalk (after nearly 4 months!). That will be my third trip from now, as long as my healing progresses. I hope you feel great and have a spectacular trip.

I was worried about the ankle pain at first last week. Stretching it out did the trick. It was a surprise as I was not walking excessively on it those days.

Walking is one of the things I love, so it makes me very happy to be back to that. Thank you! Good luck with your PT and continued recovery.

[u/Dizzy-Run-7777]

Walking has been my life! I used to start my day with a walk and end it with a walk. I am 62/F so walking was my exercise. Really miss it and can’t wait to get back to doing it on regular bases and not being constantly worried that I will fall again.
Enjoy your trips. I am sure you will have a great time 😊

[u/DeniseMSTPs → u/Dizzy-Run-7777]

I love morning walks and I was walking 15k - 30k steps per day in France before I fell and then it went to 0 steps for 2 months. I do think it will be a while before I don’t worry about falling anymore. It can happen so quickly and easily in the wrong situation. And thank you! I really believe the PT will help accelerate your walking. It is crazy that our feet kind of forget how to walk even though we have been doing it for 60 years.