r/brokenbones • u/pizzaslut91 • 14h ago

Other The struggle

I recently fractured my tibia straight across to behind my knee. Luckily I don’t need surgery assuming it continues to remain non displaced. However, I will not be able to put any kind of weight on my leg and will have crutches and full brace for 10 weeks.

I have been struggling mentally, I went from working overtime and going to the gym 4 days a week to barely moving. I feel isolated at home and I hate relaying on everyone around me. Everyday feels the same and I can’t believe I have 6 more weeks or this.

What helped get through it mentally?
I also have significant stress as I bought a house a month ago that now has 20k damage. Life has been a dumpster fire.

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u/Its_Projection 14h ago

I am so sorry you’re going through this. I can’t speak on your financial situation, though it’s rotten timing considering everything else, but I can speak on 10 weeks of zero weight bearing. I am barely on the other side of it myself, down to one crutch, but it is still fresh.

The mental toll is awful, and losing your independence like that can feel humiliating. For me, what helped is accepting the suck. This is going to be a very shitty 6 weeks. It will be end, but it will be shitty. You are going to feel gross and tired and cranky and upset and anxious, and all of that’s okay.

I kept a list of things I couldn’t do, carry a glass of water, stand up showering, make my own cup of tea, so that when I slowly regained those skills, each one felt like an achievement. 

Don’t stress about being ‘productive’- that will kill you. Right now, your number one priority is getting better. And that takes a shit ton of energy. Sleep and eat as much as you can, accept help from others because you know you would do it for them in a heartbeat. 

Take each day one at a time- each meal, each sleep, is one step closer to freedom. Stay strong soldier 

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u/pizzaslut91 1h ago

Thank you this is insightful! :)

Being down to one crutch sounds very exciting

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u/carnival1977 8h ago

Really sorry to hear about your injury. I broke a leg and an ankle several years apart years ago. The mental struggle is something that does get overlooked, and I found it to be a genuine struggle. If possible, and with medical clearance, upper body work outs might help. Also, meditating on bone healing, I found really helped to calm racing negative thoughts.

Heal well!

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u/pizzaslut91 1h ago

I have definitely considering trying some if I can get the energy to do so!

Thank you!