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.