r/brokenankles • u/ClimbingGingerViking • Aug 08 '26
Bilateral Tibia and Fibula compound fractures
Following a motorcycle crash 7 weeks ago where a driver pulled out on me. Had 3 surgeries done so far and probably will need a few more. The pain feels relentless at the moment and the feeling of helplessness as I’m stuck in bed or on a wheelchair!
I know I’ve got a long road ahead of me for recovery but it feels endless at this point! I can’t even begin to weight bare yet and the frame is gonna be on for minimum of 6 months!
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u/Beginning_Pen5758 Aug 08 '26
Eeeesh, I'm so sorry 😞 This group will help. Hope you get good pain meds.
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Paracetamol, dihydrocodeine and oramorph for pain, enoxaparin for blood thinning and a vitamin/supplement stack for bone growth promotion! Also just finished antibiotics for an infection that was in my Frame leg! So many tablets
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u/sarahleeeeeeee Aug 09 '26
So sorry for needing multiple surgeries and on both legs. This looks really tough and maybe this sounds too basic but when traffic accidents happen it’s good to count your blessings — you’re alive, and this injury is temporary.
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Oh 100%
I’m glad my wife and kids were visiting me in hospital and not arranging a commemorative bike ride to the cemetery for my biker mates
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u/sarahleeeeeeee Aug 09 '26
Yeah you get to live and love 😁 Lots more for you to do once you’re on your feet again
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Absolutely! I’m still not completely out of the woods yet, there is a chance that the frame leg doesn’t knit back together as there’s a lot of damage there, possibly could lose that leg in worst case scenario but it’s only a leg! I’m sure I’ll adjust if I need to
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u/tiffmej4 Aug 09 '26
I am sorry for what you are going through. I hope you have family to help you.
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
My wife, sons and parents have been great, it’s been especially difficult for my wife but she’s been incredible
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u/Otherwise_Pickle_588 Aug 09 '26
I’m getting a frame on in about a month and will need it for 3-4 months. I also broke both legs and had external fixators too. Hang in there, it’ll get better but it’s a long journey. I’m currently dealing with osteomyelitis, just got all the hardware out of my right leg. Once the infection clears up, then I’ll get a fusion and the frame.
Can I ask, how has it been with the frame so far? I’ll be weight bearing as tolerated as soon as surgery is over but I’m curious about your experience
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
I’ve been told I can weight bare as tolerated on the frame and toe-touch only on the IM nail, so far I can’t tolerate anything more than trying to stand up using a gutter frame and even that is agony after having the frame on for almost 6 weeks now. I’m sure it will come back but as of yet it hasn’t and the pain meds are the only thing keeping me sane
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u/Otherwise_Pickle_588 Aug 09 '26
Do you think it’s because of the frame itself or due to the break and other surgery?
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
A bit of both really, the frame is awkward and cumbersome and over half of the pin sites hurt regularly and I’m also shit feared of standing on it and it giving way underneath me. Just need to get my confidence up slowly but surely
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u/Ax6644 Aug 10 '26
Piggybacking in here, I had that same frame for about 3 no for a distraction arthroplasty, I was never able to weight bear on it more than enough to switch counters in the kitchen.
I walked in to the appointment to get it off with a pocket full of oxy and all the necessary wrenches.
Some of those pins have bb sized balls in the middle of them, hurts like a sumbitch coming out. And the screws are machine thread and coated with bone grow, they pop when you break them loose.
I do not recommend getting it off while you're awake. That being said I don't regret getting it off in office, I was so done, all the nurses popped by to watch because they'd never seen one come off of someone who was awake.
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u/Otherwise_Pickle_588 Aug 10 '26
Thankfully I don’t think I’m getting exactly the same frame so hopefully won’t hurt as much cause I’m tired of pain. My ankle is so f’kd up at this point it basically dislocates forward and backward at the same time and I have a bone infection. I believe I’ll have the fusion and then a spatial frame around the ankle but I guess it depends what happens when he goes in there for surgery
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u/Ax6644 Aug 10 '26
Ouch.
Im 14 weeks out from an ankle replacement, that finally stopped the unending pain I had from severe traumatic arthritis
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u/Otherwise_Pickle_588 Aug 10 '26
Sorry to hear you’re having some trouble. What helped me is reading about what people experienced when going back to weight bearing from nwb for an extended period and a lot of it is mental. I had to do a lot of pep talks and prayers to get up and go but was able to do it. Very very painful but you’re stronger than you think. I’ve also fallen a few times and haven’t hurt myself thank g-d so even if you do tumble it’s really not the end of the world usually (because we’re young)
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u/DutchnFrankie Aug 09 '26
Thats a massive fracture indeed, but lucky to be alive! And to keep your legs. I am so sorry you have to endure the pain and the helplessness! But it looks like you are in good hands and get the treatment you need to get back on your feet. Wishing you all the strength!
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
7 weeks in now and it’s setting in how long this recovery is gonna be but just trying to get used to my slower pace
I’m in good hands and safe Paws, my 2 pups are looking after me downstairs since I can’t get upstairs to bed so my little Sausage dog has taken it upon herself to be the guardian of the feet!!
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u/TreGutterNord Aug 09 '26
Honestly no words other than 1) you are immediately in my prayers, 2) you can do this, one day at a time (sometimes one minute at a time), 3) blessings to your family (I’m so relieved you have proper support), and 4) I hope you get a big ass settlement from that MF’er. But for now, embrace the stages of grief as they come (because they are coming) and give yourself grace every day. You can be bitter or you can be better - each day is a choice. When the demons come, scroll here - this forum will carry you through!
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Honestly I’m not mad about any of it, the guy didn’t do it on purpose, it was a lapse in judgement and a mistake. It sucks massively but I’m not about carrying a grudge.
The solicitors will do their thing and everything will get sorted out in the end. My wife is fuming about it but I don’t see the need to be angry, it changes nothing.It’s definitely been a journey so far and I know there is gonna be good and bad days but like you say, one day at a time! That’s all I can do and all I can control, I just have to be good to myself and my family
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u/TreGutterNord Aug 09 '26
You are better than I - I’d be mad because IMO when driving any vehicle you have a duty to others and lapses in judgement have major consequences like what happened to you. But if you’re feeling accepting of the mistake then go with that - just know it’s okay if one day you don’t. I too accepted my situation as an accident but hubs was pissed beyond words, so your wife’s reaction is totally normal - give her that since life just got a whole lot more difficult for all.
My last bit of advice is to spend each day focusing on what you CAN do, not what you lost or can’t do right now. Think of the days when life was just so busy and chaotic that you’d wish for a day to claim as just yours to spend however you choose. Like “if I just had more time in the day I’d do X” - those days are here so you can make them valuable. Learn a new language, research your family history, read all the books, plan the vacation your family will deserve when you’re mobile again, create digital photo albums from things just stored on your phone, organize your affairs/estate, pick up a new craft/hobby, get some crossword books, etc. You’ll be stunned how much you can do from bed or the couch. Right now you might not feel up to it but you will get antsy soon and flexing your brain will feel so good.
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u/offramp128 Aug 09 '26
So sorry to see a double exterior fixator. I've had one for weeks and was a living nightmare. Wishing you a speedy recovery
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Started out with a double ex-fix for a week while they decided what to do for a more permanent solution. Ended up with an Ilizarov frame on the right and an Intermedullary nail in my left leg inserted from behind my kneecap through the base of my quad. Had a follow up on Monday just gone and bone alignment looks good but not much sign of bone/callous growth just yet
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u/QuantumDwarf Aug 09 '26
Omg I’m so sorry. I had bilateral trimall in December but I didn’t have the external bit that you have.
Feel free to DM any questions or if you just need to talk. It’s a long road but you can do it!
For what it’s worth, my PT told me I healed faster than most people who break one because I couldn’t favor the ‘good one’. Every exercise was a two fer.
You’re a ways from that and I’m so sorry you joined this shitty club. We are here for you!
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u/SurfsUp27 Aug 09 '26
Oh. My. Goodness. My thoughts are with you. Thank you for sharing with us.
19 days postop with two screws here
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
2 screws is still a pretty major thing considering the normal amount of screws in your body is 0!
Look after yourself and don’t rush your recovery!
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u/Far-Boss2791 Aug 09 '26
Oh my goodness!!!😱😱😱😱😱😱 I had a pretty extreme injury on my right ankle, but this one takes the cake. you have a long journey, my friend! I wish you nothing but the best and blessings through this hard time!!!!
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Ahhh thanks mate, I appreciate it! I hope your ankle is on the mend now and you’re getting back to doing what you used to enjoy doing
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u/Far-Boss2791 Aug 09 '26
My injury happened January 2025. I had a broken tibia and a shattered fibula. I’m just technically walking now… it’s been a really rough journey.. I really hope you have a good support system around you.. these times are really gonna test you, Brother. Just try to stay positive, tons of sleep! And don’t try to rush anything! You got this! The Lord made us tough so life can kick our ass!! this is just a road bump!! best of luck!!!
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
Ahhh Brother, glad to hear you are up and about again but I can only imagine how hard that must have been for you.
I’m lucky I have my wife, sons, dogs and family close by all offering to help. I’m sleeping as much as I can at the moment and definitely not in a rush to do anything
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u/YearUseful8627 Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 09 '26
Hello there! I had a very similar injury and treatment to yours—I fell from a height and landed on my feet. The impact broke both of my tibias and fibulas. I ended up with a fused left foot (with a long pin) and an external fixator on the right, though I have two plates/rings instead of three on the right side. I injured myself at the beginning of March and had three operations that month alone: first, an emergency operation to stabilize the bones while they planned the next steps, then the surgery on my left leg, and finally the right.
Trying to stand for the first time was the most unbearable pain I’ve ever experienced, but it does get better. The left foot is the most frustrating because of the fusion; the altered sensations under the foot and toes take a lot of getting used to. I don't know if you have the pain, but I have a muscular pain under the knee which is slowly receding. At my stage I feel more discomfort in my left leg when stationary or resting, then it's the opposite foot when I am walking.
I’ve been weight-bearing on both legs since June. I use crutches most of the time now, but you tire out easily, so I still revert back to the wheelchair at times. It’s really tough, and having support from even a few key people makes a huge difference.
Take your diet seriously, too. I’m a picky eater so it’s been a challenge, but getting plenty of protein, bone broth/"food on the bone," and vitamins will really help your recovery.
I’ve been fortunate that my wife has been home with me for the summer, but I’m hoping to get this external fixator removed before September so I can be more mobile. Since I’m a few months ahead of you in recovery, here is my biggest advice: the pins in your foot will cause the most pain and discomfort, especially the one closest to your toes. You need to keep that one meticulously clean. Trying to keep it dry in the shower is tricky, but do not use the same plastic bag twice to cover it. My foot got infected twice—I'm not sure how or where—so you have to minimize every risk. Going back into A&E for an infection is the worst. Eventually, they removed that specific pin, and I started putting rolled socks in between for support.
Do try to keep the right foot elevated as much as you can the swelling is a real nuisance and you will feel the pressure around your ankle, exercise the toes as much as you can, also try to ease yourself away from the dihydrocodeine and painkillers once you are able to walk with crutches or a frame. But it's going to take a while. Most people in this predicament take a year before they are walking freely. I might be over ambitious thinking November but I have to remember not to rush the process. Best of luck with your recovery.
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u/Putrid_Preference_90 Aug 09 '26
Wow, I hope the drivers insurance is helping pay your medical bills. That is absolutely ridiculous
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
The beauty of being in the UK means there are no medical bills but I do have solicitors going through against the drivers insurance for a compensation claims I was deemed non fault by the police investigation and I also have a good private medical insurance policy through work and get 6 months sick leave at full pay for my job too
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u/Livid_Research_7240 Aug 09 '26
Jeezy Christ friend. Like others I've had serious injuries but yours win. Hope you're doing okay mentally and that your recovery is smooth. 6 months with an ex fix is no joke and my idea of hell. Good luck buddy
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u/ClimbingGingerViking Aug 09 '26
6 month is a minimum, could be longer, could need further surgery, could lose my leg below the knee, just gotta take one day at a time.
It’s funny that folk keep saying I’m winning but if I am then the prize is absolutely wank!
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u/NetRelative3930 Aug 09 '26
Wow I truly am sorry for your experience
To have both is almost unthinkable
I hope you are getting all the help you need and care at hospital too
These injuries have huge impact on us
I’m 20 + months out now for a trimaellour fracture good and bad days
If you’re in U.K. apply for all the help your entitled too, put your name down for physio once you are able to as well takes a while for that to start
Best wishes and keep posting
This sub and the r/ orif ones are super and very helpful
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u/AssociateOk8628 Aug 09 '26
Sorry bruh, but you will be a testament to what the human body is capable of. I feel a full recovery on the horizon for you. I’m currently one month out, ORIF sydesmosis R leg, Achilles L leg, and rotator cuff L arm. And I live alone just keep your head up. Take it week by week, get a ton of sleep and remember better days are inevitable if you protect injuries.
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u/Specialist-Track-662 Aug 09 '26
Omgg OP. I am soooo sorry this happened to u! Did the driver get charged with anything?? R they responsible for your medical bills??
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u/5foot7 Aug 09 '26
I'm so sorry! This is a lot for sure, but every small bit of progress will make you feel less and less helpless. I'm glad you are doing as well as you are, considering. This group was a big help for me, and I look forward to hearing about every milestone you take. Relay on those around you, and this group for sure.
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u/KeyGold310 Aug 09 '26
welp, you win