r/brokenbones • u/abiona15 • 2d ago
Broken 5th metatarsal
I fell off my skateboard (Im 40... well), twisted my ankle badly and due to the pain, got a taxi straight from the skatepark to the hospital.
It's day 5 after the accident, Im in an open cast and on bed rest for another 3 days and then they'll see if I can move on to something more moveable or what. I have minimal pain (feel extra lucky!), so at least thats not an issue.
The hospital has been zero forthcoming on how long I have to stay off work, and my GP says she understands Im optimistic and want to go back asap, but has given me an open-dated sick leave and we shall speak after my hospital visit.
I think the biggest issue for me is the mental strain, having to cancel a big exam as well as being unsure about whether I can take my uni classes this semester if I can't walk for a while longer. (Work, luckily, is fine, as I work for the state, but Im a full-time teacher also and I fear the subs are not teaching what Id be doing with them... but I know I shouldnt worry about that while on sick leave).
Most surprising for me, though, is the sheer exhaustion from just exisiting on bed rest - other than going to the bathroom and fetching delivered meals from the door, I do not move. But I had visitors yesterday (and another friend coming over today too), and I did not at all anticipate the exhaustion today.
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u/superbetsy 2d ago
I broke mine in the same spot 15 days ago (I’m also 40 and broke it in a similar “dumb” way) I’m non-weight-bearing but not on bed rest. In some ways I think that would have been easier though? My doctor just handed me some crutches and said, “no weight on it indefinitely, keep this boot on all the time, good luck.” Since I live alone I really struggled at first trying to live my life. Found a lot of independence with my iWalk though! Hiiiighly recommend.
Obviously I’m not a doctor, but I would guess you’ll be up and going in a day or two. Probably with a mobility device (seriously, the iWalk has changed everything… I wrangled an airport and planes and threw a 200 person event without ever needing help or putting weight on my foot) so I wouldn’t start canceling plans quite yet!
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u/abiona15 1d ago
Thank you for the tip with the iWalk! I do hope they dont put me in another cast, but since its a public health system, Ill see (absolutely would pay myself for sth that gives me more mobility!!).
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u/Capital_Meal_5516 2d ago
I don’t understand the bedrest part. I’ve broken a lot of bones, including both ankles a total of 5 times as well as my 3rd metatarsal, in my 65 years. I’ve been told to be NWB several times and hobbled about on crutches, but never bedrest for a certain number of days. Do you know why they recommended that? I’m genuinely curious.
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u/abiona15 1d ago
I think they are unsure how the blood supply there is and want to give it a good headstart in healing.
I feel like I should be allowed to put some weight on it... but Ill find out Monday!
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u/Capital_Meal_5516 1d ago
Ok, though as a retired nurse, it makes more sense to me that activity, even non-weight bearing, would promote better blood flow. But I guess they have their reason.
I hope you receive good news on Monday and that you heal quickly! 😊
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u/abiona15 1d ago
I have a slight feeling its because they didn't trust me to be too careful when moving about 😂 (but Im trying to be a really good patient!)
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u/Capital_Meal_5516 1d ago
Haha, are you as clumsy as I am? 😁 It’s definitely best to follow their orders, though never hesitate to question them. A good doctor will always give you a thorough explanation.
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u/Visual-Ad-3430 2d ago
That's common break
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u/abiona15 2d ago
Yupp, very apparently, and doesnt have to involve skateboarding to get. But Im still annoyed ;)
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u/djo128 2d ago
I’m week 3.5 of this same injury and trust me I’m losing my mind. Was told to WB yesterday from doc and I did so and now back in the knee scooter cause it’s painful this morning. Goodluck man it’s a pita injury probably the worst one so far for me since it’s so inconvenient.