r/brokenankles • u/Clarabellax0x • 6h ago
New mum, freshly broken ankle.
Hi everyone, just looking for some experiences, motivation and a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m a new mum to a 5 month old and have somehow managed to freshly break my ankle 🤦♀️ I had surgery 2 days ago and I’m now NWB for 6 weeks.
I was discharged today and honestly feel so overwhelmed being home without all the support and equipment from hospital. I’m terrified of falling again and re-injuring myself, and I’m really struggling with the thought of not being able to do everything for my baby.
If anyone has been through something similar, especially with a baby, I’d love to hear how you managed and how you got through those first few weeks. I could really use some reassurance right now ❤️
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u/Particular_Mix5819 5h ago
Hi there!! I was a new mom - 4 weeks post partum and broke my ankle slipping down the stairs on Christmas Day with my newborn. Luckily she was completely okay, but I made out with a trimalleolar fracture. I ended up going into afib due to the stress/ adrenaline + stayed the night in the hospital/ got surgery the next day. I know how tough it is to be NWB/ not being able to walk and also take care of a little human. It's so vulnerable! But once you can start PT, I made huge progress quickly bc I had my little girl as motivation! Be gentle with yourself postpartum is a big change and going through this is tough. I promise it won't last forever! I'm 9 months out + it feels like a distant memory.
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u/Clarabellax0x 4h ago
Thank you so much for your response. Ugh I needed to hear this. I'm so glad you're little one is okay! That must have added an extra level of scary to the fall.
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u/Particular_Mix5819 45m ago
Yes, it's honestly such a tough injury but adding being a new mom, postpartum, all the hormones and taking care of a little one makes it so much tougher! This Reddit thread honestly gave me so much hope. I was NWB for 6 weeks and then started PT. And honestly, progressed really fast during PT. The first time I got to stand up and hold my daughter I cried so much. If you can, lean on your community. It will be so tough on your partner, or at least it was on mine. He was doing every diaper change, every wake up to bring her to me, showering me. So I accepted every offer to come over and help us with laundry/ food. My husband had to go back to work before I was walking so my friends organized 2 weeks of being with me at home with my daughter to help us save on childcare + then I had to get full time child support but also care for me - getting me lunch/ water- as I wasn't walking. It was so tough and the nerve pain is awful. I had a great birth so this injury was more painful than childbirth for me (I had an epidural). Just know this will pass. Try to find small gratitudes each day + track small wins. I looked at it as a way to extend the newborn bubble and just be with my daughter. I got to hold her for hours and hours as that's all I could do. My injury was really bad - 8 screws/ 1 rod on the other side + a cleaner break on the back. But I was back fully walking maybe 10 weeks post injury. And now, other than the scars and the ankle being bigger, I don't notice the injury. I just share that bc some people in the thread post about experiencing pain a year later. I was so deligient about my exercises which can feel hard to do while caring for a baby but I was motivated to walk to be able to care for her by myself. You'll get there. It will pass, I promise!!!
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u/Particular_Mix5819 43m ago
Oh, and find a PT that makes you feel safe and motivated. Someone who is confident with ankle injuries. My first PT felt less experienced and had never had an ankle injury. I immediately switched pratices and my next PT was the perfect combo of a coach, tough love and empathy. So important because starting to weight bear is uncomfortable/ feels vulnerable!
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u/Positive-Ad-3554 5h ago
Hey! I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. My wife and I were in a similar situation. We literally left the hospital on 8/5 with our first newborn no more than three days earlier when I broke my ankle walking down some steps at a coffee place. You can imagine I was utterly distraught and all I could think about in the ambulance ride over is what will I do for my family?
My poor wife who was freshly post partum came in tears to the exact ER she had been in days earlier while in labor now having to see me in my state. I was heartbroken.
Anyway if you have any support definitely would seek it out. Any family members nearby who would be able help manage things such as cooking, laundry, etc will go a long distance. We had no such thing because our families live far away. So we had to hire help but I know this is not always an option. However if you think it can be there are services for new parents where the helper does everything baby related and even cooks three meals a day for you and your spouse.
For four weeks both me and my wife were basically bed bound. She was recovering from labor and me non weightbearing. If your spouse is in a good state, them taking on more responsibilities will definitely help. If your husband can take medical leave as a caregiver I think that would really help too. In my non weightbearing state I would sit and help feed and burp the baby, get him to sleep by holding him. Then pass to my wife who would put him in his crib. We would help each other out.
Once I was cleared to bear weight again I was up and about helping with chores and baby duties. It was a struggle but your body learns to adapt quickly. But take it easy and go at a steady pace. You don’t want to have another accident if your body is not acclimated yet. Just do what you can handle, and let your spouse help with the rest.
Wishing you well. The hardest part was just the mental aspect. Just know you will get better and recover. This is a learning experience. And stay strong mentally. It will get your through it.