If you are facing or recovering from foot and ankle surgery- You landed in the perfect place. š
I recently had another foot surgery. Yeah, I know. Iām all about these surgeries, arenāt I? If you read one of my previous posts about the bulging screws causing pain in my foot, then I bet you can guess what happened nextā¦
The lovely surgeon took them out. Because they HURT. The swelling had finally gone down in my foot for these little suckers to be sticking out. So, things werenāt going to be getting any better.
Let’s review-
HERE are THE SCREWS
Iāve re-entered the post-surgery malaise of pain and elevation and icing and meds.
It shouldnāt take too long to get back up and around, so they say. Iām waiting it out with bated breath because let’s be real for a minute.
It sucks.
Seeing as I already wrote my Ten Tips for a Woman in a Leg Cast, I thought I would fancy myself in writing a bit more to encourage the poor souls who suffer through such a trial. Iāve found that piece is still reaching many, so I decided with this new refresher course I am currently taking- it was a worthy road to revisit.Ā Life surely isn’t easy when you only have one leg to stand on.
Literally.
And when you are a mom of two kids?
Dang. Itās hard.
I learned so much the last time I was down throughout the winter months and having this fallback surely opened up new (and old) wounds that bear the burden of losing that infamous grip on control. Itās a tough terrain of relentless surrender when you are faced with limits, isnāt it?
If you have suffered this unfortunate fate, have hope that this list will someday bring you great gratitude for all you endured and eventually survived. There will come a time when you donāt remember the vivid details of your healing journey, as I did. I just hope you donāt have to be reminded with another surgery!
20 Truths about Life After Foot and Ankle Surgery
1. When the Doctor says to elevate, you darn well do it. Gravity is a beast that canāt be fought, and as the blood rushes down to your broken place- you will surely do what the doctor says.
2. The rest of your body will hurt *almost* as much as the surgical area. Iām only on the fourth day and my hip, back, and arms are trashed.
3. Crutches cause bruisingā¦ bad. Scooters are made by the hand of God.
4. Speaking of scooters– riding them resembles the bumper cars at the fair. Your furniture and paint jobs will never be the same.
5. Sleeping is glorious- if the pain lets you do it. Sleep as often as you can- both for healing purposes and even more for your mental well-being. It passes the time, and Lord knows the days and nights are long.
6. As you slowly surrender to all control, remind yourself that somehow the other people in your house will manage.Ā It may be messy and surely not how you do it all, but things will somehow get done.Ā And the big stuff you obsess over?Ā It will all be there waiting for you when you are healed.Ā Lucky you!
7. Discouragement rules.Ā You think you will have all sorts of time on your hands to read and rest and watch movies etc. But a month goes by, and low and behold- youāve done nothing worthwhile at all. Your days were spent doing daily functioning tasks that take an hour each, which pretty much fills the entire day.Ā (If you are a mom with kids in the house, this may be your truth.Ā Others may have the pleasure of *maybe* accomplishing more.)
8. You will stink.Ā Bathing is a luxury.Ā I’m sitting here with my hair nicely pulled back by the natural oils from my scalp.Ā Not kidding.Ā Sponge baths are golden.Ā You must lower your standards for hygiene and keep the cleanliness bar low with that dreadful cringe of acceptance.Ā Must haves are deodorant, toothbrush, and fresh panties/socks.
9. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go. Same goes for eating, bathing, dressing, and attempting to get from ANY one place to the next. Plan accordingly. Seriously. Plan AHEAD. These simple tasks are not so simple anymore.
10. If you want to cry, cry. I get it. All of us gimps get it. Itās absolutely no fun to be motionless and hurting. No fun at all. You think it will be a nice break from responsibilities, but you quickly realize that it is so much harder than any workplace you ever entered. Cry.
11. Ask for help. DO IT! I immediately dismissed my friendsā offers for meals and learned the day after surgery that I really, really needed their help. I texted my friend in a fit of sobs and told her “I retract my statement, bring food!” Bless her heartā¦ she did.
12. And about those friends? They are gold. I pray you have such treasures in your life too. Call on themā¦
13. You may be a bit more emotional than usualā¦ keep yourself in a reality check. I think we can start to dive deep into our victim stance and pity our condition- and in doing so, we can project our anger, sadness, frustrations on the ones we love. Be careful.
14. On that note, find trusted people in your life who know you well enough to allow your emotional voice to be heard. Sometimes ya just gotta let it all out. It helps.
15. Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. Find it. Your perspective will shift dramatically, when you go digging in the garden of gratitude.
16. There is no comfortable position. There just isnāt. Body parts will surely fall asleep, scream at you, and twinge over and over again. Get over it. You have to. Distract yourself as best you can.
17. Pain meds are a pain, but take them anyway. They will help with the healing, despite the fact that they wreak havoc on our bodies. I hate taking them, but I stick with the inflammatory meds as per docās orders. If you must take pain pills, many claim they help. They just muck me up more, so I usually decline. But do what helps you most. Pain meds are offered for good reason!
18. Repeat after me: āThis is temporary.ā Keep saying it and remind yourself that this is truly a blip in time. I lived through it, and it IS simply that. Winter was a hard season, but spring came- and summer. And I started to limp less and hurt less too. Say it again- āThis is temporary!ā
19. Healing has its own timeline. Itās a precarious thing, really. You may have the end goal in mind, and then surely it plays out differently than expected. Some heal quickly, others take more time. Honor your body and how it heals. Each person has their own biological makeup and as hard as it is to accept this, you must. Be good to yourself. Pace yourself. Trust that in time, YOUR timeā¦ you will heal.
20. When you are out in public, lighten up. Itās humiliating, isnāt it? I know. You move on those motorized scooters like an invalid, and everyone stares at you. As you knock down a display or two at the grocery store? Laugh! While you keep people stuck behind you as you hobble slowly? Make a joke about it. I remember approaching a 92 year old woman in the store on my mobile scooter as she was walking toward me. I immediately yelled out to her, āYou are showing me UP, woman!ā We ended up talking for several minutes and hugging each other in the end. She imparted invaluable advice that dayā¦
āEveryone gets all their undies in a bunch about everything. Itās not worth all that stress! Just learn how to handle lifeās frustrations, and move on.ā
The *moving on part* is trickyā¦
But in time we’ll all be able to-
MOVE on.
You need help and hope while you’re healing. I can offer you both through my book.
Ā SoldĀ ON AMAZONĀ
For more encouragement read these:
Ten Tips For A Woman In A Leg Cast
Managing The Pain: Stay off the Bridge.
Five Things You Need To Know When You Are Recovering From An Injury, Surgery, or Illness.
How To Help Someone Who Is Hurting And Healing
Friends Are God’s Way Of Taking Care Of Us- REACH OUT!
Important Advice For Moms Facing Surgery
***
I recently learned about this incredible device.
Better than the scooter, you say?Ā
YES!!
CHECK THIS OUT, GIRLS…
BUY IT ON AMAZON:Ā iWALK2.0 Hands-Free Knee Crutch – Alternative for Crutches and Knee Scooters
Aw, thinking of you Chris and hoping your healing time is quick now. Hugs and sending all good thoughts/prayers your way now, too š
Thank you so much Janine!! It’s NOTHING like the last surgery… thank God! But still unfortunately limiting me and painful. š
Hi there,
I had 3 screws removed yesterday and in major pain after 7 months of nothing but a fight with my healing my surgeon finally said ok let’s get them out. I can’t get over the pain this time around! Reading your story helps me realize I’m not the only one dealing with something like this.. I do with it was over though, I’ve been so very positive the last 7 month and I’m a little scared I’m going to start getting whiney…
Any advice would be great and again thank you..
Hi Tammy, don’t panic. I honestly believe at the seven-month mark you might be slightly entitled to be whiny LOL. I broke my ankle in 3 different places 9 days ago and just had my surgery 7 days ago and I am going crazy. I don’t know about you, but I am a very independent person and have a hard time sitting still. With that said, I’m sure you can imagine I am going insane now. It is especially hard because my husband works full-time and then comes home and picks up my duties while tending to me and our young daughter. To top that off, my parents are coming into town to stay with us for the next week or so. Which is great news, because they can help me and allow my husband to focus more on his work; however, in the midst of them coming to visit I sit and watch quietly as my husband tries to make sense of the house. He is the type of person that needs plenty of sleep in order to function well the next day, needless to say, he hasn’t been functioning since my accident. Today, I scooted up the stairs by lifting myself up and holding my injured leg out the entire time. Then I hopped to the guest bathroom, which our daughter and normally uses, to try to help clean it. Again, I am reminded just how important my Mobility has been to me. I can’t clean the bathroom without a struggle, I literally have a death grip on the wall, while hopping on my working leg. Sadly, it took me over an hour to clean a 3/4 bathroom and the result is barely acceptable by my own standards, let alone my parents standards. I guess I’m telling you this to let you know, that even though my surgery went well and I seem to be healing decently, everyday I struggle with an emotional rollercoaster because of this injury. Although my pain has been just recently manageable, thanks to prescription pain medication, I can’t help but remember the pictures I saw of my injury. The swelling so bad, that if it wasn’t for the tattoo on my leg, I wouldn’t have known it was me. Multiple fracture blisters, boiling up the size of a ping-pong ball, only to know they will eventually pop which will cause excruciating pain when I go back to the orthopedic surgeon for my follow-up appointment and the removal and re-wrap of my cast. I guess after I’ve told you my story, what I wanted to tell you is that I commend you for your bravery, strength, patience and courage throughout your seven-month Journey. The only advice I can give is find something that will distract you from the pain, it’s easy to give someone else advice… but, I guess I don’t know how to take my own. Just keep on being strong and patient and remember time will eventually heal. I wish you the best of luck and thank you for sharing your story.
Franny, your story is inspiring and helpful to all who read it. It brought me back to my recovery days from various surgeries. My husband is the same- bless him. And I tried to clean the fridge on one leg once and dropped a casserole dish as I fell off balance. I get it. Oh, do I get it! I hope you buy my book, my new friend. I KNOW it will help you! Hang in there. THIS IS TEMPORARY!
I’m so grateful to discover your site! Six months ago, I broke and dislocated my ankle, my first bone break, and I broke all of them. SPECTACULARLY.
The body is an amazing thing. The pain was not that bad. I felt more uncomfortable looking at my foot. The medical staff in the ER giving me a thumbs up and saying, “Impressive!” and constantly reminding me to not let the pain get ahead of the drugs, still didn’t click in my mind that it was a significant injury.
My first visit to physical therapy, the therapist, who looks like Dwayne Johnson, looked mortified and said “I saw your x-rays . . .” Shaking his head, talking about destruction of capsules, soft tissue. I hadn’t thought of that.
My surgeon explained to me that most people think of a broken bone as a one-size-fits-all, and don’t realize that there is a range of severity. This was me. He showed me my foot x-rays, pre-surgery. I almost fainted, it was a butchershop HORRORSHOW.
Informed, I’m proud of myself for the progress I’ve made. I only take aspirin and use a topical analgesic for the pain. I’m not feeling depressed anymore when I feel the need to need to restore myself. I don’t feel bad when I ask others for help. I embrace the pain, the way it reminds me to be aware, and CELEBRATE the awareness of being pain-free.
Thank you for sharing your story, LP! I broke every bone in my ankle on Labor Day (almost 4 weeks ago) while hiking with my husband. We were almost to the summit (small hike – maybe 2 miles), and I went to maneuver rocky terrain and lost it. My right foot went one way and I went the other, at which time I heard the dreaded “pop” and looked down to see my bone had dislocated. Although I knew I did something major to my ankle, I was in discomfort, not real pain, so I didn’t think I had done anything but dislocated it.
I immediately got my wits about me and had my husband dial 911, and told them we were in the woods on a hike. Luckily, my cell phone was fully charged and the EMTs were able to ping our location and find us in two hours – had to ride down the mountain on an ATV in a stretcher, which was an “experience.” When I finally got to the ER and had an x-ray the doctor said I had not only dislocated it but, broke my fibula and tibia and tore the ligaments. It took the doc three tries to set it in place, and then the orthopedic doctor came in and finally set it. He told us I had pretty much broken every bone in my foot and tore the ligaments and they scheduled surgery for the next day.
After surgery, a week in a splint, then a cast, and just recently another cast and stitches pulled, I am starting to go into a depression. I am a dog walker and am missing my dogs and also hiking the trails in our woods. Not being in control and having to turn to people for help has been a hard thing for me. I am crying all the time when nobody is around and feeling like I am not ever going to be back on my feet again.
I am so happy you created this website/blog, Christine, as I can finally see that I am not alone with my struggles and feelings of depression. My husband always says one day at a time and to take it easy but, if you are someone who is independent and active, it is hard to do when you are going on a month of being immobile and not able to drive. Some days I get scared when I think of having to take my first step on my ankle, then I wonder if I am going to have a limp or I will ever be able to hike again. It’s hard when you have so much time and thinking on your hands.
I guess I can only take it one day at a time and try not to feel sorry for myself. I have the calendar marked for October 16th, when I get my boot on. Not sure what to expect with that as I broke my right ankle and cannot drive. Has anyone had experience with a broken right ankle and how long it took to be able to drive? I will have the boot on for another six weeks, and then I go back in to remove a pin that stabilizes my tibia and fibula while the ligament in between them heals.
Sorry if I rambled on but, I am having a bad night and needed to vent and see if anyone had any advice on what to expect with the healing process, how to wear a boot and what to expect after surgery to remove a pin.
OH Melissa, bless you. I am so sorry you have to endure this awful recovery and I KNOW how it feels. The helplessness and hopelessness can be overwhelming at times. It’s HARD. So hard…
Healing is so very different for everyone. I had a cast on for 6 weeks, and then the boot for gosh, at least three, maybe four. Boots are SO MUCH EASIER to get around in. You will feel liberated on so many levels, but still stuck with limited mobility. Hold on. Be patient and keep the perspective- BIG PICTURE perspective. You have the rest of your life to walk those trails and your dogs. I promise it will get better and you will – YOU WILL be healed and this will be a just a memory on your timeline.
There is so much more I want to tell you to help you through this difficult season-
I want to send you my book. I think it might help you, encourage you, and give you hope. Email me your address, okay?
Send it to Chris@TheMomCafe.com
Melissa, I am so curious to see how you are healing. I can relate to what you are saying. I broke my fibula, tore a ligament and dislocated my ankle 3 weeks ago roller skating. Had to have a surgery and will have another in a few months to remove a screw, possible the plate. I can’t drive. I’m dependent on my family for everything and I hate it. I’ve always been one to do everything myself. My husband, bless his heart, is trying but I know he’s getting tired of taking care of everything. I stayed with my mom for 2 days while our heater was out and it was so frustrating. I have to depend on him for everything. Clean clothes, underwear, help with getting in the shower. He didn’t pack enough for me so I had to wear the same thing for 3 days. I ended up hobbling to the washer to wash my clothes myself because I hate asking for help. I cried and cried and cried. I get so depressed not having my independence. I hope I will be able to drive when I can start walking but my doctor said no. He said it will be in a boot for 10-12 weeks. I don’t know if I can make it. I know I will, it’s just getting through the next few weeks until I can walk again. Glad I stumbled across this. It makes me feel better to read the tips and comments.
Brandi, please email me your address so I can send you my book, okay? Chris@TheMomCafe.com
I want to help. I’ve been there. I know how incredibly hard it is to give up ALL CONTROL and be utterly dependent on others… AND hobbling to a washer to wash clothes, or a kitchen to get food ETC. I spent three months scooting on my butt all over my house. It’s easier than hobbling. Pride takes a vacation when we are in this desperate place! Please take a look at my other blog posts listed. I hope they encourage you. <3
(I also hope Melissa sees your comment and responds!)
So refreshing to run into this blog. not surprisingly, I am desperate. I broke my fibula one month ago and had surgery two weeks ago. This is the hardest thing ever… this morning I lost it with my children, i feel horrible not so much because of the discomfort but because of the way i am reacting and putting my frustration on my two girls (11 and 5). The doctor still has be on a cast for at least two more weeks. I cant wait to get the cast off- I am truly going insane.
I have been blesses with an awesome husband who is trying to hold the fort but he works full-time and we don’t have any other help. I am just exhausted and sad all the time and I know this is part of the healing process but oh my God, I need mental strength!! I feel that every morning I wake up to find myself back in pieces…. its like this feeling that my body is a puzzle with a missing piece so it can be resolved. but thank you ALL for sharing your wisdom.
Victoria! Please get my book on Amazon! If you would rather I send you a copy, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com. I GET. IT. I know how maddening and infuriating it can be. The recovery process is exhausting and so hard. I wish you had more support other than your husband to help you get through this difficult season! I’m sure your husband is overwhelmed with it all. Poor guy. POOR YOU! You need my book in your hands ASAP. Until then, hang in there, mama. One day at a time. Deep breaths. And be kind to yourself and patient with others- as best you can.
Broke 27 bones including both ankles of right foot.also the lovely lizfrsnc fx.the foot was deformed didn’t line up with leg. Top of foot immediately became covered in fracture blisters,never heard of such a thing.i of course was in shock. Barely remember going to hospital. Twilight sleep foot lined up and in a splint pain meds and see surgeon next day. By the time we saw surgeon the other foot had turned purple blue and black .yep broke it to.it was a straight fx so would heal well nwb status. Surgery scheduled woke from surgery wanted to just scream. Had to have some hardware removed at 3 months but still have the plates on both ankles and the lizfranc pins. Thry hurt so bad. I go to therapy and than can’t stand the pain for 25 hours.calling Dr to find out if ates can c I me out.i can’t stand it much longer.happened 9/25/20, I’m still in wc most of the time. Can walk with walker short distances.my experience has been terrible.hoping to see the light at end of tunnel soon
Oh, Donna, this sounds like a total nightmare! I can’t even imagine all the pain and frustration you have had to endure! It’s just all so awful. Yes, please call your doctor and demand he help you, and take a closer look at your injuries and figure out how to help you heal. This sounds unbearable. That pain must be dealt with. You poor thing. What does your PT say about this? I’m just so sorry you have to go through such a long hard road of recovery! I hate this for you. Praying your doctor helps you figure out why you are in so much pain. Praying for your strength to keep moving forward, and holding onto hope that someday, this will all be a terrible memory and you will have both your feet in working condition, WITHOUT ANY PAIN, again.
Hello momcafe.
Thank you, thank you. I am recovering from total foot and ankle surgery. Two weeks later I have experienced every single thing you wrote about. I have always danced and taught all my life so this was pretty tough to know I wasnāt ever going to point my foot again.
I found your article and thought now I can explain how Iām feeling to my husband and friends.
How lucky was I to have found your article. I have just finished reading
your words to him after having lots of tears and. a minor meltdown.
I did send it to him but he hadnāt found time to read it. I felt compelled to then read it to him so he didnāt think I was going silly.
You said it all! Loved it.
Thank you
Marilyn
Get the iwalk 2.0. It is seriously the best handless crutch ever!
GOOD TO KNOW! Thanks for the suggestion, Marian!
I got one of those iwalks
because it looked so easy. I found that I didn’t have the strength or flexibility in my hands and wrists anymore because of arthritis to get it strapped on securely. I was pretty disappointed. I ended up with a knee scooter instead, which was a god send.
I found this blog by accident. I was actually looking up how to cut my cast off!! I’m a 42 year old mother to 11 children only 4 still live at home and My husband works full time. I got injured walking out of a cafe while trying to help one of my son’s register for college classes. Stupid me fell off the curb… busted right ankle, sprained left wrist, and bruised and cut open left knee. It was one mean curb!! I see the surgeon this Tuesday. It’s only been two weeks and I’m going crazy. My husband and kids are trying really hard. I’m trying to breath and remember as long as we’re not having to go naked or starve then we’re ok. Everything else will manage later. That’s really easier said than done. I hurt physically, so that makes me grumpy, I peak in on my way to the bathroom cause let’s face it where else am I going and the mess just…terrifies me. School starts in a few days, so at least the kids will get a reprieve from me lol but what am I supposed to do then. I may never get a glass of water or lunch again.
I’m sorry for the pitty party I’m just so fustrated already and yes I smell too!!
Bless your heart, mama! I am SO sorry that curb attacked you! š I know how difficult it is, how frustrating it can be, and painful too. Oh yes. OH yes…
I want to send you my book. I’m hoping it may help you through the rest of your recovery. Email me your address and I’ll ship it off to you, okay?
My Email: Chris@TheMomCafe.com
Hi. July 26 2017 I was going down my daughter’s back steps after delivering my play partner (Grandson) home. Slid off the second step twisting my left ankle and horrible pain feeling all my left leg bones breaking at the ankle along with two ankle bones. The week before surgery l laid in bed in gripping pain even with pain meds in a temporary cast that every time I got up my bones would grind. Finally surgery which was a Godsend. The pain is always there but dulled by the pain meds. First week was sleep. Now I’m restless and the body is painful as well as the leg. I own my business that I worked 12 hour days most of the time took care of my hubby /home and was on several non profit board of directors. Busy full life when you add in the family and special overnight adventures with my Grands. My first lesson. It ok to give up control. My office staff is doing a fine job without me. My husband has a wonderful daughter setting up meals for him and he is doing a great job of cleaning and clothes care. And there are others that can volunteer on the charity orgs. Second lesson I can’t do this on my own. Since my daughter in law works from home , they offered to have me stay with them. Another Blessing since my husband and all the rest of family and friends work I would have been home by myself. Third lesson humility. All those who come by with gifts and caring hearts. It is quite humbling. Now it looks like I have many more lessons in the next 8 weeks in bed and another surgery in approximately 12 weeks to remove screws that is holding my ankle together since it wouldn’t stay together by its self. Major damage and the prognosis is really iffy at this point, healing and lots of prayers will tell the final results. It is so nice to find your website help me in my journey. This is temporary. I have a six year old Grand waiting for me so he can teach me the ways of a Jedi, how to use a light saber to save the world. My world one day at a time.
OH my goodness! Bless you, Cathy. I am so inspired by your story, your strength, and your wisdom! Those are hard lessons to learn and yet, I have every confidence that you will surely endure through this difficult season with the help and support and perspective you have. I’d love to help you through the rest of your healing journey with my book. Email me your address, and I’d be blessed to send it to you. My email is: Chris@TheMomCafe.com.
Heal WELL, my new friend.
I can’t even do the knee scooter as both knees have been replaced. The left knee was the worst, but the right knee just happened to be in the wrong place and I haven’t been able to get on either knee since surgeries. I’m 7 months past foot surgery and of the 5 fusions I had done, 2 have loose screws. Rest assured, I was really good as this was a revision surgery from 12 months before. After removing the cast and into the boot, I used a wheelchair to get from point A to Point B. I fear I might lose the foot because of the pain. I’m not sure doctor knows what to do since the x-ray shows a non-union. I go in Wednesday the 27th to see what progress I’m making, but I know it’s either gonna be bad news, or he’s just going to say, “let’s give it another month”.
ACK, this all sounds so horrible Linda!! You poor thing! I am so sorry. Keep us all updated as to what happened with the Doctor on the 27th.
I’d love to send you my book to help you through your recovery. Email me your address and I’ll ship it off to you! Email: Chris@TheMomCafe.com
Itās been 8 mos since surgery. I have screws cadaver bone , foot and leg rod. The screw started by rubbing against the rod and I sounded like the iron man walking. I went to my surgeon and he said that the screws would eventually break. The noise did stop after one of the screws broken. Now, my surgeon say the rod has slip down into my foot and may come completely out. Now he think I need to amputate. I am praying that the rod doesnāt come down any more. I am angry that he didnāt do something when the screws were right rubbing against the rob that probably Brought the rod down.
Velma,
Its been a few months since your last post. How are things going now, girl?
Did your doctor have better news for you? You have been in my thoughts.
Veronica
You are SO DEAR to come back and check on her, Veronica! God bless you, friend. <3
Velma Iām praying a healing miracle for your dear foot. Iām laid up with a two place broken right ankle and toes with 7 screws and a plate. I just found this site and it is giving me comfort. I start my day reading the Bible and singing to the Lord. My husband and I own our own business so he has to be away part of each day. My daughter comes to wash my hair once a week. I can identify with everyone here but I really pray that you are healing well and that your foot especially is healed in Jesus name. Much love to you dear one.
Sally, thank you for responding to Velma with such thoughtful and faithful encouragement! Even when you are suffering yourself, you chose to generously care for another person in need and that shows what a beautiful heart you have!
I’m so sorry YOU are having to manage such a terrible injury and yet, I’m so glad you found my blog and it is somehow comforting you! I’m so glad to hear you are finding strength and peace in God’s Word and through Praise and worship. May He continue to nourish you with all you need, to keep moving forward in your recovery. I’m reminded of a piece a wrote a while back that might resonate with you. Here it is: https://herviewfromhome.com/lord-you-know-what-i-need/
God bless you, my new friend. Praying for your healing and for your faith to grow through your suffering. (That’s always been my experience)
Hi Franny, I’m kind of riding in the same boat as you in regards to my ankle. I ended up rolling my ankle and in the process chipped bones that needed to be surgically cleaned and repaired. At this point, it has been almost 4 weeks since my surgery and have been in a boot(even before surgery for almost 6 months). However, after my surgery, and having to not put any weight on my ankle, I believe the not being able to do much has finally hit me. I too am a very active person and my summers mean doing the things that I enjoy while I’m not teaching. Having to basically be still and feeling like a burden to others has really gotten to me. My anxiety levels have gone up and the depession has kicked in even more so. In addition to that, I’m not sleeping well due to the anxiety and restless leg and nights; I’m lucky to get 4 hours of good sleep at times. It’s been really tough and hard to deal with and I’m hoping that when I start my physical therapy things will get better and I can start slowly being a little more active( and especially get out of the house). I’m really struggling…..
Reading through the responses and replies on here have helped me feel better inside especially knowing that one isn’t alone in the matter and it is only temporary. Thanks all for the encouraging posts.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond to Franny and I am hoping you are feeling more encouraged in your healing process every day. I hope you checked out my book because I would love to offer you more encouragement. Oh, how we need it when we are experiencing such a difficult season of healing! If you are unable to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com. š
Hi Chris,
Sorry for the long delay in responding to your comment. I would love to read & check out your book; I will definitely send you an email. Thanks
Thank you for this post itās 2021, I am pair op 2 1/2 months and my ankle still hurts .. but my calf muscle is gone and throbs all night and morningā¦. NEED HELP WITH THATā¦. Going crazy! Sorry that everyone is going through this or has.. wish I found this months agoā¦ God bless
Thanks a lot. I had blisters as well and therefore the doctor couldn,t do the operation on my double ancle fracture. I know how you feel and after my 5th surgery, I had enough of cast and crutches. 3 more weeks to go … then finally without a cast …
OH my goodness, Nadine, that sounds like such a long and painful healing season for you! You sure have been through enough, haven’t you? I’m so glad you are almost out of that cast! Hold on, friend. You are SO strong.
Thank you for your stories. I’m currently one week post surgery. I’ve got plates and screws both on the outside and inside of my ankle. The doctor determined that the break in the back did not require hardware and is letting it heal on its own. Needless to say, it has been very challenging and I’m only one week into recovery. I really appreciate the comment that it’s okay to cry, been doing that pretty much everyday. I quit taking the norco, couldn’t deal with the constipation. Living off Tylenol now. Just learning to get through each day, even each hour. I am very grateful to have my husband work from home so he is able to help me with bathroom runs and bathing. It is true about thinking you have all this time while sitting around. I thought I would have no problem working from home on my laptop, but I’ve found that I lose concentration and tire out after a short time. I’m thank God for the people in my life that have provided so much support. I know there’s light, and mobility, at the end of the tunnel, just wish I was there already.
Oh, Sarah, I know this is soooo hard and just thinking about the recovery road ahead can be so depressing and discouraging!
Please look into getting my book asap. I just know it will help you through this difficult season of healing. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
If you are unable to purchase it, send me your address to Chris@themomcafe.com, and I will get a copy off to you right away.
Hold on, my new friend. Make sure you read the other posts I linked too. You can DO THIS.
I have 3 screws also with plates in my broken leg is so painful when is cold help me how i can get a nice sleeping
Oh I just read this post thank you, thank you so much for writing this!! In sept I feel went to dr said bad sprain then went back and went for more X-rays, maybe broken go to ortho cast for 4 weeks. Then ortho tells me he doesnāt do ankle surgeries!!! Go to different surgeon he looks at very first X-rays, broke two spots one with shards floating about and all the walking now over the past three months has done major damage to ligaments and cartilage. Alas I finally had surgery and am now going crazy!! So again thank you for this I am bookmarking it so I can refer to it frequently!!
Aw man, I’m so sorry. What a crazy winding road you endured to get put back together again! I’m so glad you did finally have surgery and yes yes yes… going crazy pretty much sums it up.
I’d love to send you my book, J.C. Email me (Chris@TheMomCafe.com) your address, and I’ll ship it off to you!!
Hang. In. There.
Hi! Well Iām finding myself in the same boat. Except my incision didnāt heal so now Iām in wound care. Thanks for the tips. Feeling helpless.
Lisa
Oh, dear Lisa, I am SO sorry you are going through this! Ugh. You poor thing. Praying you are healing and feeling more hopeful as you do, friend. I know this must feel like it will never end, but it WILL. Just keep taking good care of yourself, and love yourself through it, okay? It WILL get better. Promise.
Praise God I found this information.
Iām currently doing therapy for my right foot. The stretches are killing me. Is it normal for my foot to pop when they are stretching it?? Iām going literally crazy waiting to get back on my feet and back to work! My bank account is almost empty. Itās so scary. I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon on this Tuesday. Praying for good news.
Melissa, I’m so sorry I didn’t get back to you until now! I sure hope your orthopedic surgeon had answers for that popping. That doesn’t sound right. I hope by now you are slowly getting back on your feet and back to work! I hate that you have to feel so overwhelmed and anxious about it all, (which I TOTALLY GET) especially the fear of running out of money and needing to work as soon as possible. Praying you DID get good news!!
I’m sure by now you are RUNNING around. I’m out of the 3 casts and in a pump up Aircast Boot. Still using crutches. My husband has been terrific through this. I walked a few times without the boot…not far. He noticed my toes were all pointing up. I have to concentrate to put them on the floor! It’s pretty funny really. THIS is, after all, only temporary. ???? Did your toes point up??? Thank you for your posts.
Oh, Nancy, how I love your humor and your positive perspective! And after THREE casts, that says a lot about your ability to persevere! I’m so glad your husband has been terrific through what was probably a very long and arduous recovery, and I’m thrilled you are taking those first steps!! My toes did not point up- but I’m sure that all depends on the surgeries we have.
Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to comment and share here! I will be hoping and praying YOU are running around SOON!! (Also, I do. not. run. This old body will NEVER run again. LOL But walking, yes. And YOU WILL TOO!)
I’m so scared have sugery 24
Good morning! This is an awesome place. I have felt alone and this ordeal…while getting some coffee from the Precious knee scooter…I got a little over zealous and stupidly lost my footing so I ended up slamming my 10 day post op right foot down, in a panic I reached for my phone to look up how bad have I hurt myself!!!! How, I found this treasure!!!
Rewind…I went downstairs on Feb 6 to shush our obnoxious but adorable bunch of yapping pooches which didnāt really help when I missed the step and fell. As I sat there in complete disbelief I yelled for my husband who came down thinking I was being silly. I wasnāt, it hurt and my foot swelled and I waited telling myself it would be better in the morning. It wasnāt so we went to our urgent care and sure enough they sent me to an orthopedic clinic at 1 that day. Hobbled in and the out me in a soft cast for two weeks. That sucked or so I thought. I also lost traction and hit my foot once in that…so, I go in for the follow up and am greeted by 2 doctors who show me exactly what has happened to my poor fifth metatarsal and exactly how it is NOT healing it is breaking down more. We schedule surgery for two days later. That was last Wednesday…it is not fun, it is not easy, I feel so down and lost. My husband tries but Iām so sick of sitting or laying around not being able to do anything. I try to help but it is pretty difficult. I tell myself to heal, to listen to advice I give other people but it is HARD! We are pretty alone. We have lovely family but my parents and his are not in the best of health. We just do things together and we like it. I miss my life.
Now, I freaking slipped again. What have u done? The surgeon told me at my post op on Monday that he didnāt like how it was healing but we were moving on. That I need to keep my foot off of the ground and elevated. I have and now this! I need bubble wrap!
Has anyone done this? What happened? Now, Iām going back to worrying which does absolutely no good.
Whew!!! Thank you for letting me vent & whine.
Oh my GOSH, Cindy!!! You POOR THING!! It sounds like you have been through such a messy and maddening ordeal with your poor foot! Sigh. I’m sooo sorry!!
Please look into getting my book! I want to encourage you through this hard healing season! If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I will get one out to you asap! Here is the link, in case you missed it: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
I’m sure you feel sooo discouraged and defeated with it all. I can’t believe you slipped again on top of everything else! Please don’t beat yourself up over that. It is NOT EASY getting around on one foot! I fell a few times and thought for sure I re-injured something, but I was lucky I didn’t. And being still is SO FREAKING HARD. Having your life stripped right out from under you is truly traumatic. Please try to rest and be patient with yourself, and try as much as you can to keep this all in perspective. It might feel like you are in this pit forever- but you will heal, slowly but surely, you will!
Thank you for sharing everything here. I’m honored to read it all and be in this with you, my new friend. Please make sure you read the other posts I shared at the bottom of this post, for more encouragement, okay?
Keep in touch and update us when you can. You will be in my thoughts and in my prayers!!
Gentle hugs,
Chris
So, how do you feel now that the screws are removed? That’s the point I’m at now. Do I want them to go back in and remove the screws. I’m struggling with that decision, as I had surgery April 10th of this year. The screws that sit on my ankle are sticking out , and they rub against my shoes, the brace I hate it.
Thanks for the shares
I struggled with that decision too, but I am SO GLAD I had them removed! The pain was no longer there from those screws poking through… I hope you can take those surgical steps forward with yours, and you have the same outcome!
I still have plates screws pins after multiple surgeries didnāt have insurance so couldnāt get them out. I dieing In pain what to do??
Oh John, I’m so sorry! Please talk to your doctor about setting up a out of pocket payment plan. He must do something for your pain! I hate this for you! Many people have surgeries who can’t afford them. Please make sure you follow up with your surgeon, okay? Praying you find relief in this circumstance fast!
Thank you for the website. I have scoured the internet looking for stuff anything to help me “deal” with the Liz Franc injury and fusion surgery I have had. This has been great to read. Finally someone who understands everything I am feeling going through. It was great to read..
Jenn
Jennifer, I’m so glad you found my blog! I hope you were able to read more of the posts I added below to help encourage you through your recovery. I’m so sorry you had to endure such a terrible injury and surgery. I’m not sure how far along you are in your healing, but my book will help you manage it all, too. You can purchase it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
If you are unable to buy it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy if you email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com.
Hang in there, Jennifer!
Doesnāt anyone have to continue to work at this time? I have medical insurance, but no disability insurance. This is not a workerās comp case. Sorry, but I need money to survive. Not an option to just sit home and relax.
I know it can be SO hard to go back to work shortly after any surgery. I’m so sorry you are unable to allow yourself to recover at home. I hope you can manage to heal despite having to go to work!
Hi, this is literally 5 years later but thank you !!! I recently had ankle leg surgery and it had been such a mental thing for me!!! Thank you for this article, it makes me feel better knowing that other people are going through the same thing that I am.
And five years later, it still is TRUE! Right? I’m so glad you found my blog, Nana! It really is such a mental struggle, I know. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I hope you check out my book on Amazon because I really think it will help you through the rest of your recovery! If you aren’t able to purchase it, email me your address and I’d be happy to send you a free copy. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Hang in there with your healing, and be patient and kind to yourself, okay? That is half the battle! You can DO THIS. This is TEMPORARY.
XOXO,
Chris
Hello im so grateful i fount your blog. Well here is my story. I am a chef and on july 10th i was going into the walk in cooler and slipped and fell before i new it i was on the wet cold floor and when i looked my right ankle was twisted backwards and stuck under the metal shelf. I was balling like a baby in pain and i could not free myself. Well for the Restaurant people knows that no one can hear you screaming in the walk in. So i sat there yelling and thinking some one will miss me soon lol im the grill cook tonight. Well my co worker came looking for me thank god and she ran and got my general manager and my husband lol yes we both work together in the same restaurant and im the executive chef and hes the assistant chef well they came running. My general manager had to twist my ankle the opposite way to free me. Once they got me up i felt the swelling and yelled take my shoe off now. My general manager drove me to the er. I was told its just a sprain. Well that was not true. 3 weeks later i had a mri and come to find out i had torn 3 ligaments in my ankle. Fast forward it took 6 months in pain and in a walking boot since 3 weeks of injury to get into see a ankle specialist. Her first words was surgery.. By this point i was fed up and just wanted my life back. On December 30th i had surgery..my doctor also fount a flat and torn tendon as well. The pain was bad i was crying in pain for weeks. I hated the pain meds they gave me cause they made me feel off. Now i am 5 weeks after surgery and today i fell off my knee scooter and lost my balance and my bare foot hit the floor and omg i screamed like someone was trying to kill me. I had my splint taken off last week thank god but now i can start walking with 50 percent weight barring with a walker but after today i stayed pff of it. I was so excited knowing i could start walking a little with the walker but no one told me about the pain and more swelling before hand. Yesterday i tried walking and i got 20 feet and the tingling and shooting pain i could not go any further.. It felt like someone had a stun gun under my foot on the max setting
.i feel so defeated.
OH my goodness, Pamela, what a STORY. I am just so sorry you have had to suffer through such a terrible injury for so long! What a grueling and agonizing and FRUSTRATING season you have had to endure! I’m sure it will take a long time to fully recover with all the extensive damage done to your poor ankle. I’m sure you are feeling so defeated and desperate to get your life back! Oh, friend, it WILL come!! Please be patient and honor your healing process. I know it’s SO HARD. But I promise, in time, you will be able to look back on this horrible LONG season and be so grateful you made it through. Give it time… yes, more time. It will feel like FOREVER, but it truly is TEMPORARY.
Thank you for this post itās 2021, I am post op 2 1/2 months and my ankle still hurts .. but my calf muscle is gone and throbs all night and morningā¦. NEED HELP WITH THATā¦. Going crazy! Sorry that everyone is going through this or has.. wish I found this months agoā¦ God bless
Thank god and thank you for this blog ! Itās been 3 months since my lisfranc injury. I had 5 screws which were removed 4 days ago. I felt like I was finally feeling a bit ānormalā walking in a boot but with less pain. I finally felt like things were getting better and was feeling a bit more positive and optimistic. Welp that didnāt last long after my hardware removal surgery my foot is back in pain although not as bad as the initial surgery. Itās very uncomfortable and the swelling is just overwhelming. I love working out and was in the gym 4 times a week for the past 9 years. I try often to be positive and optimistic ready to take on this challenge but then I start to feel depressed,sad, and mad all these feelings itās like a roller coaster. Iāve had to come back several times to read these stories of all you wonderful, tough, compassionate ladies! It lightens my rough days. I also wanted to share these crutches that are a lot better to get around on and much more comfortable (as comfy as possible ) than the traditional ones. Everyone always commented on them check them out
https://dynamome.com/products/sportswing-crutches
Oh, Alondra, I absolutely understand ALL you are going through! Just when you are starting to feel hope that you can get back to your active life, you take another dive down with a second surgery to get that hardware out. It’s just awful, I know. BUT, I promise it doesn’t last as long. Hold onto that and know you are surely on your way to a full recovery! I’m SO glad this article and all these amazing people who have commented here are helping you feel encouraged. You are surely NOT alone. And THANK YOU for telling us all about those crutches! That is super helpful!!
Hang in there, new friend. SOON you will be getting back to that gym! Be patient and kind to yourself. Honor your healing and don’t push yourself too hard, okay? This will all be a faded memory in time… This IS temporary, even though it often feels like forever.
I’m on day 38 in a cast 7 more days left hopefully. I live alone and the first few weeks were awful. I have a big dog. Kept falling in my house even with a scooter and did a lot of crying. I have been breaking the no weight bearing the last few days I just can’t take it anymore. I’m not a whimp. But was tired of crawling on all fours down 2 steps to let my dog out.. I’m hoping everything is still ok. Right before my surgery I got let go from my job.. it’s been a rough 2 months. I start a new job on Monday.. just praying I’m through the worst of this.!! I don’t think I could go through it again
Oh my gosh, Sue! You have been through SO MUCH. I am so sorry you have had to endure such a painful and difficult recovery while living alone. It breaks my heart to think of you trying to manage it all with no one there to help you with the day to day tasks you need to do, not to mention the loneliness of being isolated while you are suffering. And getting let go from your job must have been so discouraging and scary too.
I’m so glad you found a new job and I will be praying for your complete healing and your new job to be even better than the one before. You are SO STRONG. I certainly hope you are through the worst of it too.
I just happened on this site and read almost all of the posts. I fractured my ankle last May..long time ago. Broke both sides middle and three toes. 5 weeks leg up even with my heart.Got a leg scooter which was a godsend for me. Finally a boot which i couldn’t wear because it caused too much pain in the side of my ankle. Eventually soft cast. Then the compression sock. Still wearing compression sock…even and eventually found an ankle one at Tommy Copper. Finally got to walking with walker then cane and now nothing b ut the ankle compression sock. The problem is that it still hurts..not like before and still swells up especially if I am in a shoe and keep it down. Still ice from time to time. I walk every day..carefully…but it seems to be at the best it is going to get. I read about getting the screws or hardware out. Is this worth it. Sounds pretty grim. Does the swelling ever stop or the pain?? Still icing from time to time and always elevate when possible.Any advise would be most appreciated
Oh, Sarah, it sounds like you have endured such a long road of healing and recovery with your poor ankle (and toes!). I would definitely see your doctor about the residual pain and swelling. Sometimes, it takes so much longer for our bodies to heal and perhaps you will experience these symptoms as you become more active- but hopefully, in time, they will dissipate. BUT I would absolutely talk to your doctor about this to see if taking the hardware out would help or if there is anything else going on with your ankle.
Hang in there, friend. Praying your pain and swelling get better and your life can be completely restored!
Hi there,
Thank you so much for these wonderful articles. Other people may try and sympathise but the article above spoke my language of frustration, rage, tears and fear that normality will never resume.
Temporary, at the moment, feels ENDLESS!!!!!
After dealing with the problems in my life by walking 20km a day I have been stopped in my tracks for the past 13 weeks with fractures across 3 metatarsal.
I wore a cast for 8 weeks and then a surgical boot – both obviously non-weightbearing. I then rented a knee scooter (1km on that =20 km on both feet!!!!)
Now I’m at the point of transitioning into both my trainers again – the point I had been mentally racing towards – and I’m in agony when I limp along.
I’m crying and frustrated and totally disheartened.
Sorry – I know I’m feeling sorry for myself again but is this pain normal at this stsge?
Oh, Aileen!!! I’m SO sorry you have had to go through all of this suffering and you’re still in pain after waiting (I know,-temporary does feel like FOREVER when you’re in it) and wanting to get back to walking. It took me an entire YEAR to walk without pain- and I’m a WALKER TOO. But everyone heals differently, and every injury and surgery is unique, so there is no comparison here. I just wanted you to know that this may take more time. I know, I know, but one year of your life truly is just that. ONE year. Go slowly. If you push yourself too fast, you could inadvertently cause a delay in your recovery.
BUT please see your doctor about this pain you’re having. Sometimes it’s just how we heal, but other times, it might be something else and you need to follow up to make sure you are still on the right track to a FULL recovery before you train/walk too hard on it.
HANG IN THERE. ~Chris
Thank you so much for your encouraging post! It is 2 am and so uncomfortable. Broken both ankles, had surgery, and in casts. A mother of 3 this is not an easy road. I will keep your tips & advice closeby everyday!
OH my goodness, Lindi! I can’t even imagine how painful and hard it would be to break BOTH ankles. You poor thing. And on top of trying to heal and certainly not being able to walk- you are mothering THREE KIDS. I hope and pray you have a wonderful husband who is helping with it all and a strong community of support coming in to carry you and your kids through this season of suffering. You absolutely need friends and family who are willing to dive in and offer any provision they can give that your family desperately needs to receive. PLEASE let people serve you and don’t feel guilty for allowing them to do things for you. THIS is your time to be blessed by others- not the other way around. There will be more time in the future when you will be able to return all the love and support you receive when someone you love is in need.
I hope you were able to get my book! If you aren’t able to purchase it, please email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I will send you a free copy. Don’t worry- it is an EASY and encouraging read. I did that KNOWING any woman going through healing and recovery is certainly not up for processing anything too complicated. And especially a MOM OF THREE. š
OMG, you just described my life. The pain, the meds, the complete dependance on other people. The marks on all the baseboards and walls from my scooter. (WHICH I FELL OFF OF NUMEROUS TIMES). Foot fusion surgery in June. It is now the end of October and I am still dealing with it. PT has been wonderful. I was just getting to where I was feeling almost normal. Then tripped walking in my classroom after bumping into a kid’s backpack. Major swelling again. Hopefully things will get better soon.
OH Elizabeth, I am so sorry I am just seeing your comment now! I hope your foot recovered from tripping over a kid’s backpack. OH my gosh you poor thing. I remember walking down cement stairs to a building I was teaching at with and a big boot on my foot and I somehow slammed my injured foot into the cement and toppled down. I’ve never felt so much pain and I thought I’d just re-injured EVERYTHING. I dragged myself into the building sobbing. HEALING AND RECOVERY of ANY foot surgery is SO DANG HARD.
I’m soooo sorry you are STILL trying to heal.
Thank you so much for this! This is the second time Iāve read this. It really helped right before I had surgery and again now that Iām healing. On March 11,2024 I fell while walking to work and broke my ankle in three locations. As a mom of 3 under 5 and a full time nurse, my world came crashing to a halt on that sidewalk. Although I can resonate with all statements, the one that got me the most was ācry.ā I try to not be an emotional person but I did not know what else to do, watching other care for my 11 month old, 2 year old and 5 year old.
Thank you for not holding back and speaking about the not so pretty parts of recovery.
Oh Lindsey, I can’t imagine being a mom of three littles while recovering from such a painful and complicated injury/surgery. I remember when mine were little (I have two who are grown now!) and I had to release so much of their care to others and it was THE hardest thing to do. I think as moms, there’s nothing more excruciating than not being able to do what we were created to do for our babies. Interestingly, both of my kids do NOT remember my surgeries and long grueling recovery at ALL. (I had a double mastectomy, reconstruction, and a full hysterectomy all at once- it was high risk and very complicated, and well, traumatizingly hard.)
So, all that to say- keep taking care of yourself, so you can heal and be healthy and well- and in time, you will be able to restore all that was lost. Your kids probably won’t even remember this hard season- isn’t that amazing? I’m sooo glad you came back to read this and it helped encourage you!! (I wish you got my book before your surgery! It would have been a great help to you, too.)
Well, I’ve never had foot surgery but this sounds like great advice! I hope you heal quickly, my friend!
My last post about this is still getting seen a lot… so I do hope this helps more poor souls who have to deal with this trial. It’s surely no fun! Thanks for the well wishes my friend!
I, for one, appreciate you posting. I just broke my ankle Friday night. I’ve never broken a bone before so this is all so new for me.
I live alone. My only local family is my son and he works. I’m out of work right now because I drive a big rig for a living and can’t clutch.
I see the surgeon Tuesday to find out what has to be done, how long it’s gonna take before I can get back to work, and what it’s gonna cost (I’m uninsured).
Right now I’m just doing what I can to maintain my sanity and hope that things will work out.
So your articles let me know it WILL get fixed, one way or another. So thanks again!
Debi
Oh Debi!!! I am SO sorry you have to endure this break, and with little support! I’m wondering how your doc appointment went and the prognosis? I will be praying for you, that help shows UP for you in some way- whether through friends or your son taking time off, or any other miraculous way!
Maintaining sanity is imperative. I get it. Oh do I get it. Keep reminding yourself that this is TEMPORARY. You can get through anything short term. Hold on, find your peace, and be patient with yourself- okay?
Please let me know how you are, IF you can. (NO pressure!)
Sorry it’s taken a while to get back to you… although I’m guessing you understand the whys! LOL
I was able to qualify for our state insurance plan (since the break put me in the no job arena). I found an awesome surgeon who accepts it. I’m REALLY picky about doctors so I was thrilled they had one with such great reviews!
I had surgery a week and a half ago Friday and go back to the doctor Monday to remove staples and discuss range of motion exercises.
I was honestly surprised by how much more pain I’ve had post surgery vs. post E.R. I guess i thought it would hurt less once all was lined up. Of course I hadn’t factored in the whole cutting open both sides of my leg and having a plate and screws put on two different bones. DUH! ????
So I’m elevating, resting, icing and such. I’ve *finally* been able to reduce my pain meds which, like you, I’m not a fan of.
But ultimately, I’m still sane. I’ve only had one day in 5.5 weeks now that I could truly feel the anxiety creeping in. Outside of that I’ve simply been grateful that I was able to get insurance and a good doctor…. and even with my limited support system, have been able to accomplish the have tos.
I figure next week I’ll have a Verte idea about a timetable for getting back to a job. Doctor initially said 3 months minimum from surgery to clutch. I’ll have to see in the meantime if anyone will hire me at a desk job. A resume that shows 8 years of trucking and 3 years blogging makes it challenging but I’ve never backed down from a challenge!
Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement in your response!
I am a vet at this ankle/foot surgery for the past 62 years. Just had my 9th procedure.
When I was on my 7th operation my wonderful doctor at NYU died. In my town I had a terrible search for a replacement and ended up on crutches for 8 months. Ladies if you want larger breast just buy some crutches and use them foe every little move you make.
Listening to music is a wonderful stress remedy. Reading helps you take lots of healthy naps. Putting some legs you have cut from tights saves your other leg from the rough cast and sheets too. Splurge and buy a wild new pair for some grins. Never forget to apply the brakes to your wheelchair when getting up. Using crutches always put the two together and use the handles to stand up. Get on some sites that make you laugh, it helps!
You are a delight!!! Thank you for this post!
Sorry Debi I have never written on a site like this. I thought I was just chatting to all. Do your physical therapy religiously. Try all the sites for employment. You will work again.
Thank you thank you thank you! I’m 18 days post op & this was a fabulous read. I am reading it for the 4th time right now since I found it last night. I broke my 5th metatarsal on my right foot February 17th. However I swore it was just a bad sprain so I never went to the dr. I don’t go to the dr unless I have to of fear of everyone surrounding me thinking I’m
‘Just a baby’. Well finally after a 3 day whitewater rafting/camping trip for our vacation & being in a lot of pain, I decided it was time to give in & go to the doctor. Low and behold it was broke. And I needed surgery ASAP. And because I had been walking on it, the bone was separating & I needed a bone removed from my heal to graft in between that bone now. So 18 days ago I had that done. This has been by far the hardest, most difficult days of my life!!!!!!! I have been all over the place!!! Pain, discomfort, a feeling of being soooo incapable, huge fights w my live in boyfriend because he wasn’t picking up the slack as much as I thought he should, relying on tons of friends & my boyfriend & my parents who live 2 hours away & my ex who works longer hours to get my son to all his sports practices & tournaments every night & every weekend. Did I tell you it is my right foot? I can’t drive either on top of all this! People have been having to take me to work – once I started going back half days & then have to pick me up. I can’t do anything for myself – at least not much at all. I need help getting in shower & getting out, I need help getting dressed cause I can’t get my boot over most pants. I can’t take care of our new puppy who needs to go outside from the downstairs walk out basement which I can’t go down. I hardly have enough energy to talk to my sweet 11 year old son because I feel so awful most days :(. I missed my son’s first 2 tournaments the first 2 weekends after surgery – there was just no way I could go. It felt nice to get out yesterday to watch some of his games finally – and feel somewhat human again & I’m learning to get around pretty well on my scooter. However I slipped coming out of the bathroom & landed smack dab on my bad foot & had pain the rest of the day and night and didn’t sleep at all. Does this really get better??? I don’t see an end in sight! I took max pain meds for about a week & a half to stay on top of the pain – and then gradually started to wean off. I was so contipated – and now you know what……it’s like literally I just can’t catch a break. I feel like crying all the time because I feel so incapable of doing anything, the first week & a half were so bad w pain & discomfort, I feel so grouchy, I’m so tired of sitting, I’m so bored but when I get up and go to work or anything, it’s sooooooo much work & so exhausting & then my foot is in pain as well & starts to swell. I’ve been blessed with a lot of great friends who brought meals, took my puppy for walks & runs, my best friend who drove 2 hours to make freezer meals for me, sent cookie boquets & chocolate covered strawberries & flowers etc. My mom has been amazing and came to stay w me 2 different times to clean & cook & help w my son & watch movies with me, and do things for me so my boyfriend could work his many hours & not worry about me. I appreciate these people so much…..but now I’m still in this position of not being able to do a darn thing & it’s really getting to me. I can start trying to walk in a little over a week, so I’ll be in boot for about another 5 or 6 weeks & then can maybe start driving. This has been really hard but your article helped so much to know I’m
Not alone. No one really knows how this feels until they’ve been there. Literally having a leg & all freedom taken away. I just want to know it gets better š
Dear Michelle,
I am so so glad you shared all of this with me. I am SO SO SORRY you have had to go through this!! ALL. OF. IT. I absolutely get. Every single thing you shared- I KNOW how hard it is. I know…
I am incredibly honored you took the time to share it all with me, and please know I haven’t stopped thinking about you and praying for you since I read your comment. I wish so badly I could be RIGHT by your side as you muddle through this mess of having to let go and allow others to help you- as you manage the pain and all the limitations that can literally drive a person INSANE. Keep reminding yourself- this will be OVER. Just hold on. Your son will have more games and you will – YOU WILL be whole again. You will look back on this time and remember the strength that came from it all- and you will appreciate EVERYTHING in your life, just that much more.
Please know I get it, I’ve been there, and I believe that you WILL triumph through this difficult season.
Read this: https://www.themomcafe.com/theres-hope-for-healing/
Wow girls, I just walked that path in nov, 2015. No thanksgiving, christmas or new years celebrations, I totally understand every single step, just have patience and cry it all out. Youāll be in your feet again, like mom’s cafe I have the same thing on me 7 screws on the ankle and 2 9n my foot, I still limp, and still hurt and get swollen, but I can manage pain without pills they get me sooooooo constipated that an enema was need it, I didn’t know what was worst the surgery or the enema, so I definitely recomend miralax, my doctor recomendĆ© 3 times a day for me. I believe in natural medicine, so I drink lot of ginger or turmeric tea, eat lots of straberries, blue berries and cranberries this got me away from mussels relaxer pills and swelling. I am getting a 3D printer for a nice cause and I want to come up with some kind of shoe insert for people like us. I will definitely will share it as soon it is finish and used obviously by me, I have doctors, ingeniers and designers helping me, so if you have an idea share it, this project will be free of cost for the community. God bless and you will be in my prayers for full recovery.
Claudia, thanks for taking the time to share your experience and be encouraging to many who read this post! š
Did you finish your insert? That is amazing!!!!
All of this and in the time of Covid still. Please did you figure out inserts. Thanks for this blog. Still not healed fully and it had been 9 months. Thanks for the uplifting blog.
This has been the most helpful to me. I am a teacher and single mom who prides herself on overachieving pretty much everything. Needless to say, this injury has been both a blessing and a curse. I am in my fourth week of recovery after surgery from breaking my ankle in three places when I slipped in a restaurant dance floor. Embarrassing to say the least but that’s over with, and now I am recovering. The pain is incredibly humbling, and I have learned to take every ounce of help I can. My mom moved in to help, and she tells me she thinks of me as superwoman because she has had to do a lot of my responsibilities in addition to her own. I would be lost without her making meals for me and bringing me drinks while taking down times for medications and sometimes lying beside me while we rest. The hardest past for me though was learning to let go. Learning to plan lessons for school from my bed has been challenging but I am lucky to have a school that offers support through any accident and continues to ask what I need. As a special ed teacher, my first thought was my kids. I had the nurses at surgery thinking I had fifteen kids at home because under the anesthesia I kept asking who would take care of my kids while I was gone! They got a kick out of my mom explaining I was a teacher, but that those kids are my whole world! I want to thank you because, as a teacher, I always do my homework! I have watched YouTube videos and read countless sites about how to cope with injury and recovery. Yours made me laugh and nod at my phone screen. I feel so much better after reading this and everyone’s responses knowing I am not alone in my breakdowns. The hardest part for me was crying in front of my daughter when I had to have her make me lunch instead of making hers. She was more than excited to play nurse but being a mom, you never want your child to have to grow up fast and take care of you instead of the other way around. Seeing me crying was a low point for me, but she handed me a tissue and hugged me til I talked with her about why I was so sad. We have to learn from our accidents and believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe God wanted me to take time to slow down and truly appreciate what I really have in my life. That’s an amazing group of friends and family to support me through every hardship I face. Thank you for giving me more reasons to be thankful and feel relief in one of the most trying times I have ever had, as this is my first ever break of any bone at 36 years old! God bless you!
I hope you heal quickly, Christine! I’ve never had foot/ankle surgery, but I do know pain…and I always advise people to stay ahead of it and take those pain meds before you feel the pain! There were definitely times when I wished I had taken my own advice because I don’t like taking them, either, but ugh! Being in pain is horrible. Wishing you the best!
Thanks so much Ginny, for coming by to wish me well and add your perspective my friend! <3
Ouch!
I love your dear heart. This is temporary — my favorite part!! Get lots of rest and Netflix! xo
Thank you Charity, my beautiful friend. I love YOUR dear heart. <3
I’ll pass these advices on my colleague who just spent the last month wondering how on earth she got into this mess. May you heal quickly Chris. Everything will be find at the end. In Between, just relax and look after yourself.
I hope you did pass this on to your colleague, Marie! Thank you for your well wishes,my friend!
Oh, Chris, I had no idea!! I’m so sorry, love…
Can I tell how timely this was for me though: “This is temporary.” Such a different reality than Permanent, yes?!?!?
Wishing I were there with you: pjs, cheetos, a great movie, and some side-stitching giggles could help, right???
With heart,
Dani
Oh how I would LOVE to have you with me for pjs, cheetos, (great choice!), a great movie and definitely some laughter! I will add to that beautiful scene: Some cookies fresh out of the oven, HOURS of talking, and the best rum punch on earth!
I’m so glad whatever you are experiencing IS temporary. The permanent realities are the hardest. I know you know this. <3
What an inspirational message my friend! Ya know it could easily be the 20 truths about grief as well! (Well, maybe with a few changes). I guess it’s true… We all have our crosses to bear but thankfully, we don’t have to carry it alone! prayers for continued peace with this journey and speedy healing! xx
I love you, Marcia! People like you have helped me along tremendously. Oh, how I hope and pray you NEVER after to carry your grief alone, my precious friend. My hands are ALWAYS stretched out to you and your girl. (You know that, right?)
Oh I do sincerely hope than I and none of my loved ones ever have to go through this. BUT. If we do, I’m coming right back here to read this wonderfully informative post. Thank you, Chris.
Sending you fervent wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thank you SO much for coming by to read this and wish me well, Kelly. I’m so grateful!! XO
Loved this – you are so funny! But in all seriousness (really? who needs that?) I pray you heal quickly and have LOTS of love-filled helpers <3
Ya gotta laugh, right? Thank you SO much for your prayers Mindy! I TRULY am blessed with “love-filled” helpers!
sending prayers for a quick recovery! š
Thank you Andi!! I appreciate your prayers so much.
Only you would find a 92-year-old kindred spirit to hug. I love that.
My friend is only in her 40’s but hurt her knee and had to do Disney World in a scooter. Well I didn’t blame her! Those are hard enough as is. Scooters come in handy.
OH my gosh I cannot IMAGINE doing DISNEY on a SCOOTER!! Bless her heart!! I can’t remember who I was with that day at the grocery, but I remember the feeling of “Here she goes again” coming from the friend I was with… LOL I kinda love connecting with people. š
Aw Chris!! When I broke my ankle, when Tucker was 6 months old, I went down the stairs on my bottom with him on my leg. He thought it was a blast. At the grocery store, I got the motorized thing and ended up knocking down an entire display trying to back up. It looks and SOUNDS fun but it’s SO NOT fun. Sending hugs and love and wishes for a speedy recovery. And YES cry when you need to!
Thanks my friend. Ya just gotta deal… and deal I am doing. š
I am sure that God is using you tremendously this time. Praying that God will continue to give you the help you need every moment!
Thank you so much for your precious encouragement Nance!!! I do pray God can use me and all I have learned in this experience.
humour is the best medicine and you are overdosed my friend!! LOL
but seriously, I do hope this recovery speeds up a bit for you. Even if I do suddenly have an image of you drag racing on your motor scooter with some old lady in a parking lot. ha
My friend just said something SO funny about comic relief… “Without it, we would all be swirling down the drain.” Yup. š I have made a HUGE display of complete and utter insanity on that scooter. Oh, the looks!! I just look them in the eye and smile as big as I can and OWN IT. It’s that or cry… laughing and owning it works a lot better! And oh, it’s much more fun.
Wow. After three surgeries and months of convalescence – I totally related to this. Hope you’re feeling better now! (PS – I got a relatively inexpensive bench for the tub and a bag for the cast – and had a shower (with help) every two days. It was totally luxurious.)
Darnit Liv!!! I wish you told me about that bench about seven months ago… lol! I bagged up my leg and with my hubs help, manage to get into the tub. Even working that hard to get there was worth it! I can only imagine how luxurious that was for you! Did you ever see my other post about the Ten Tips for a Woman in a Leg Cast? You gotta read it. You will totally relate.
What happened to you, my dear? I remember vaguely- seeing something about it a long time ago. I do hope you are up and healthy and healed now?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. I’m in recovery mode from bone fusion. I have had foot surgeries several times and thought I was mentally prepared since I have been through it before. This week has been tough. I’m at day 17 of non weight bearing for 6-8wks. The last time I was able to get out of the house and drive and was fine on my crutches. This time is different. I have fallen twice and it just seems harder this time. Everything you wrote about was exactly what I was feeling. It made me feel better. Thank you and I hope you’re better soon.
Oh Tammy! I’m SO sorry you are going through this. I know… I get it. It took much longer for me to recover, and it was a long 8 weeks in that cast of mine and then some. Hang in there my new friend. It is so hard, but I promise it WILL get easier, get better… in time. Precious time. Give yourself lots of grace and patience, okay? Honor your healing. You have the rest of your life to do all those things you can’t do right now. So take good GOOD care of yourself and allow yourself to simply heal. Feed yourself of good things- whatever that may be for you. I will be praying for a fast recovery. Hold ON. It will come!
Tammy, I have a subtalar joint/bone fusion surgery coming up in three weeks. How is your recovery several months out?
I completely understand I’m one week post surgery for 5 broken metatarsals I ripped my lid franc joint completely away from the bone which pulled up shards of bone with it I have been non weight bearing for 19 days spent my first 3 days in the hospital after my injury. I have had an amazing outpouring of love and care with gifts of food books flowers it has been frustrating to be immobile and to have to depend solely on others to do simple tasks (oh I forgot to mention I badly sprained my other ankle) to miss out on so many things my birthday just happened to fall 3 days post op to not be able to leave the house due to the number of stairs to have to wait to take a shower until someone can help to not be able to take care of your children they have stayed with their dad through this only stopping by for a few hours after school every day for those much needed healing snuggles I have found snap chat to be incredibly helpful in the laughter department there are a lot of things I cannot do and my life is forever changed 3 screws and a fusion but there will be new joys and soon very soon I will feel the sunshine on my face I have another 11 weeks non weight bearing but I know this to shall pass I am humbled grateful and thankful for what I do have and am thankful everyday for my family and friends hard to believe you could miss work so much but I cannot wait to get back to it thank you for your words of understanding and encouragement
I had a big toe joint fusion after failed bunion surgery.
My whole foot gets hot and stays hot anytime I walk on it. I am continually fighting plantar fasciitis. I had it Dec 18th 2018. Will it take 6 months-1year ?
It is hard, and I am a teacher which is a be on your feet all the time job. Just wondering if you had any tips.
Three days ago my shoe didn’t catch traction to go down stairs at my mothers beach house and I fell. Two fractures to my fibula at the ankle and ligament damage is the outcome that will have me in surgery next week receiving a plate and screws. I am also a mother of two children 8 and 9. I read both articles today and they are spot on. I’ve been a crying mess the past few days as I surrender every shred of independence I’ve ever had. It will get better as I learn this new type of patience. Thank you for taking the time to publish much needed therapy for those of us that are challenged in keeping their sanity.
OH Brandi!! I’m guessing by now, you have had the surgery and are lying on the couch in a cast perhaps… Oh mama, I know what you are going through! I’m so sorry you fell and have weeks ahead of healing to endure! Please be good to yourself! Honor your healing and remind yourself over and over again that this time is just a blip on your lifelong timeline… I hope and pray you have support from friends and family and perhaps church or other places that can carry your burdens and all of those motherhood duties you are unable to do as you recover! You will be on my mind and in my prayers…
Thank you for this blog along with the one about being in a cast. This really put things into perspective for me and made me smile and laugh some too. I was involved in a traumatic accident with multiple injuries, but this leg of mine is the worst. I’m non weight bearing for about 4-6 weeks. I’m so grateful to have some great family and friends who have offered a helping hand with food, chores and the kids too. It’s so hard receiving help after being independent. But I know this too will pass.
Oh Jordan! I’m so so sorry you have were injured! Thank God you survived. Your perspective is just so healthy. This truly WILL pass. And oh do I know how hard it is to be dependent on people for even our basic needs. It’s awful. SO hard. And healing takes its own time. I pray you can honor that and allow others to help you as long as you will need. There will come a day when you will be well and whole again. It WILL come. Hold on.
Thank you for you words. To see what I am going through in print has been an encouragement- made me laugh, cry, hurt, and relate! Again, thanks.
I’m so glad you came by to read this, Connie! I’m so glad it was encouraging to read this and oh do I wish you WELL as you recover. Hold on. I know how hard it is. <3
Thank you for this! 3 weeks post heel surgery and needed to know someone understands!
OH Jennifer! Girl, I understand completely. Hang in there! I’m so sorry you have to endure the recovery, but as I celebrate my almost one year anniversary and I am pretty much HEALED up- I can say… You WILL BE TOO! Hold on. Hold on. <3
I’m going to have foot surgery soon and your blog has some great tips to help get me prepared. I will be in a walking boot and unable to put any weight on my foot for 4-6 weeks. What I would like to know is what do you dress yourself in during this time?! I keep trying to picture what in my wardrobe would be able to fit over the walking boot and I keep coming up blank. Any suggestions for what to wear around the house and what to wear when you’ll be seen in public?
Thanks!
I’m so sorry if I didn’t respond to your comment before now! It was a crazy pre-Christmas season! I lived in pants that had big openings at the lower legs! Stretchy Yoga pants especially worked well! I know it’s so hard to outfit yourself with a big cast on one leg!! I hope and pray you are recovering well and you found some pj bottoms big enough to slip on around the house and some yoga-type pants for those outings!!
Thank you so much for this! I am currently recovering from ankle surgery after a break and dislocation from tripping over my dog. All this three weeks before Christmas! Your post spoke to my heart. I’ve let go of a lot of control given that it’s the holidays. My hubby had been wonderful, and this had certainly been a Christmas for the memory books! Your posts about the knee scooter was spot on – What a God-send! Thank you again for this, it’s just the encouragement I needed.
Oh gosh Rebecca! Do you know my surgery was on December 16th of last year? Having surgery before the holidays is incredibly difficult, isn’t it? Oh I remember.
I am your FUTURE YOU! Every single day this season, I have taken every step in gratitude- moving around like a boss- and barely any pain to speak of! Every task, chore, or errand I have done- reminds me of last year and not being able to do anything. I celebrate the greatest truth of all- #18: THIS IS TEMPORARY. Your season of surgery and recovery? WILL be over…In time.
And next year? You will celebrate it too. š
Hold on sweetie. Hold on.
This made me laugh. I broke my ankle in two places and my leg last spring when I was 22 weeks pregnant w my daughter Magnolia (we ended up nick naming her steel magnolia bc of the metal in my ankle). Had to get surgery w only an epidural bc I was pregnant. Yes I heard EVERYTHING lol thank goodness they did allow anti-nausea meds. Yes to everything on this list and even though the healing process and relearning how to walk before my daughter was born was pure hell I made it. Walked in laboring w a cane and walked out of the hospital w out it. Still recovering but praise the lord I made it. I hope your second surgery went well.
Oh and I crochet 54 newborn hats to giveaway to all the babies born the day I delivered magnolia I posted it on my fb page and Instagram #encouragingitforward @jessjudkins Facebook.com/mycharmingcolors
OH my gosh Jessica! I am in awe of your strength in making it through all of that WHILE pregnant! Oh you poor thing. I can only imagine how hard that was for you. I need to go check out your newborn hats- bless your heart! What an amazing purpose you found through your plight. Praise the Lord for your recovery, your baby girl (LOVE the name!), AND the gifts that came out of it for SO many precious newborns and their parents! WOW. What a story. I’m so glad you shared this all with me! š
Thank you so much for this. I broke my big toe in almost the worst place to break it plus the two next toes on October 26th. Due to a insurance mix up I didn’t have surgery until Nov 19th which left me a mess. Being a college student with finals approaching I thought life was gonna end. I absolutely feel all 20 tips. The staring in public and don’t get me start on being emotional, the crying and feeling helpless. Here it is January 2, 2016 and I’m out of the cast but in a boot. Walking but haven’t started physical therapy. Can anyone tell me how physical therapy went for them?
Thanks for this Article I had began to think I was crazy for feeling this way.
Truth in your post! Broke my ankle in 3 places & still recovering. Alexia go to PT!!! It made a world of difference for me. Seriously I would have crawled on my hands & knees to get there. Only place I could see progress in learning to walk again. Do what the physical therapists tell you to do. They are even better than the docs.
Karen- three places? Oh my… And YES It takes hard work to get there, but DO IT Alexia! š
Alexia- I’m so so sorry you have been suffering so much!! You are NOT CRAZY!! It IS an emotional roller coaster! It’s awful. It’s exhausting and defeating and sometimes a merciless ride. Hold on. You are almost there. Get that physical therapy going to get to the end. Be diligent with your efforts and you will begin to feel HOPE renewed!
Thank you for your encouraging posts! I am scheduled for surgery next week for a plantar fasciiotomy. I will be in a cast for 4 weeks. I’m not used to depending on other people so this will be a learning…and humbling experience for me.
I’m so sorry you have to undergo this surgery and recovery, Crystal! You know what? I’ve been ‘forced’ to learn that asking for and receiving help actually takes STRENGTH. People that are aware of their needs and aren’t afraid to ask for help to meet them are incredibly strong and centered and confident people who I admire. It is hard. SO hard to do. I know… But remember there are people in your life that will actually be BLESSED by helping you. I truly believe there is a purpose in the people who serve sometimes even more than the people who are served. Allow them to fulfill their role and be blessed with the opportunity to care for you. I promise it works BOTH ways.
It is definitely going to take some work on my part to sit back and let other people take care of me. I’m usually the one taking care of others. In the past 2 years my parents have each had surgery for cancer and my mom also had a knee replacement so I’ve had to be the caregiver several times. Now I just need to sit back and let them help me. I think you are correct in that serving others is a as much of a blessing for the one that is serving as it is for the one that is on the receiving end.
Oh wow Crystal! You have been endlessly giving and serving! It’s time for you to receive. š Allow others to take care of you and be blessed by doing so! I’m so glad you get this. š
I broke my leg a few days before Christmas and then had to have ankle surgery the following week. I definitely needed to read this! I am so uncomfortable, everything hurts! Showers are so so difficult makes them almost not worth it! Ordered stuff and my goal is to learn to crochet, since I can’t do much of anything! My hats off to those with children, I can barely take care of myself right now let alone anyone else! Thank you for your words of encouragement!!
Oh Allison! I am SO sorry you have been through SO much! Good for YOU for starting a project like crochet! And yes, I chose to NOT bathe many days… Everything takes SO much time and effort. I do hope and pray you are taking good care of yourself. Honor your healing. It WILL come.
Hi. Just found this on Pintrest And am so grateful for your post. I am a 65 year old lady who on New Year’s Day (2016) slipped and broke my right ankle and my fibia. 11 days later still laid in bed with no op as yet – awaiting the phone call to tell me when they can operate. Hate this non weight bearing and elevating but am getting used to it. I also injured my left foot which makes using the crutches to go to the loo quite painful. I have found it easier to get up and down the stairs on my bum. Although going up has given me pain in muscles under my arms from hoisting myself backward step. I am trying to stay positive but sometimes struggling then I give myself a talking to and tell myself there are people worse off than me. Just a silly blooming slip can cause so much pain and discomfort and take so long to heal. Anyway thanks for listening – Onwards and upwards – take care
Oh Mary, how you speak my heart!! Everything you are going through I WENT THROUGH TOO! My arms were so sore, I could barely lift them! I dragged myselfon the floor more often than being upright and oh the stairs… yes oh yes. I would go up and down them the same way for MONTHS. It IS hard to stay positive… I understand. And yes, I’ve had those self talks too- so many others are worse than I. BUT- you are feeling so much pain and life IS hard and you deserve to have a pity party once in a while, okay? You keep strong and hold on… healing WILL come. š
Facing my own foot surgery in two days. Thank you for these posts and encouragement. I am not looking forward to the 8 weeks nwb, but I know I will feel better at the end of therapy and have a better quality of life. I have had trouble with my foot for 30+ years, so I will be glad when it is finally healed and hurts less.
You will be SO happy you did it- but be patient with your healing! I had terrible feet issues for a similar time span, and it was something I needed to do- I get it! (I still need to do the other one!) I’m so glad you found these posts to help you along with your recovery. I hope and pray all goes well and smoothly for you. š
This was very nice to read! I’m 15 and having ankle surgery in about a couple weeks and I was so nervous! I thought I will be up and going in a week or two! but the reality of it is that’s not the case, I just need to take my time and heal! And don’t worry about the rest of the world it will be back when I’m ready to get out of bed lol. Very helpful thanks!
Oh Madelynn! I’m so sorry you are facing surgery and being laid up for a while! You are YOUNG and STRONG and this will be over very quickly, sweetie. Remember that you have the rest of your life to be ACTIVE. Try to be patient and find something you love to do that you can do while you’re in bed. Hold on! Healing is on the way…
Thank you!
I just broke my ankle in 3 places and dislocated it, and have been feeling a lot of things, not the least is self pity and feeling so alone. This put things in perspective. It’s absolutely perfect.
Brandy
Oh Brandy! I’m so so sorry you have to suffer from such an injury and ALL it brings with it… yes, the isolation alone can be grueling and oh so lonely. I understand. I’m so so glad this helped put things in perspective for you! Hold on… I know it seems awful and terribly hopeless at times, but I PROMISE you it will be over. In time. Just keep digging deep to find new strength. It’s in you. Trust that, my friend. I will be praying for healing and for peace within you. Xoxo
Thank you Christine for sharing your wisdom form your experiences. I sprained one ankle and broke the other less than 24hrs ago, and am just beginning to realize what the next few months ahead are going to look like. Getting around is next to impossible with crutches when my ‘good leg’ is not so good either. I afraid I’m going to do more damage to my casted leg as I try to get from bed to attend to other necessities since I’m not good on my crutches and a sprained ankle…. As I read your blogs, and the realities set in, I had my first cry of acceptance. I knew yesterday that I will not be working for a while and still have to do all the paperwork to survive financially, but the realities of basic needs had not set in yet. I am blessed to be living with willing family to help me out, but I’m not looking forward to being at their mercy (for lack of a better word).
I’m sure I will come back and re-read your posts when I need a reality check. Thanks again.
Oh Kate! I am so so sorry you have to endure such a difficult recovery with BOTH ankles *not working*! A good cry is definitely called for, my new friend! I am grateful that you have family to help you through it all- I know all too well about surrendering and truly having to let go, receive, rest, and heal. Please honor all of them. This too SHALL PASS. I hope you truly trust that and keep that perspective while you are in this place of recovery. <3 Please keep reading- especially this one: https://www.themomcafe.com/theres-hope-for-healing/
This post was sooooooo encouraging and accurate!! I’m two and half weeks post-op from a major ankle surgery. What a humbling and frustrating season this is!! I have had coupe days where I just cry and pray. Ugh! But I tell myself everyday, “This is temporary”. Thanks again for the entertaining and insightful post š
Oh Jamica! I’m so so glad you found this post and that it was entertaining and insightful to you! š Yes, humbling and frustrating- oh yes oh yes, I know. Keep repeating that mantra every day, my new friend. Hang on. You can DO THIS. š
Thank you for these insightful and humorous words of advice! I’m 17 and I have bunions, which for me is a hereditary bone issue with my feet. I’ll be having surgery to correct the bunions on my left foot in a few weeks. I’m not looking forward to it, but after reading this post, I feel that I can do this! Do you have any other pieces of advice?
Aw Kayla! I’m so sorry you have to start your summer with surgery. How long do you have to be off your feet? Look at the end of this post, and you will see two more posts that may encourage you! Hang in there, sweetie. Plan to read, watch movies, whatever you love to do- while you are stuck off your feet. š
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I’m four months postpartum with my seventh child and broke my fibula four weeks ago. Thank God no surgery was needed. I’ve been in a wheelchair at home and crutches in public and I find out Friday if/when I’ll be able to walk again. I’m ready to stand and hold the baby again. I’m wondering what my rehab will look like after I’m cleared to walk. I’m wondering if I’m going to be limping and in pain? Is it worse than non weight bearing? Should I be excited or scared? Thank you again for this.
Oh my goodness, Julie! Bless your mama heart! What an awful way to spend those precious months postpartum! I do hope and pray your healing and rehab are smooth and you recover quickly, so you can get around and do all things ‘mothering’ again. I know it’s scary and uncertain, but you will heal and someday this will all be a faded memory. Stay strong mama! I hope you have much support with caring for your kiddos and make sure you tend to YOURSELF as much as you possibly can. I know how hard that is to do, with all your children’s needs. <3
Thank you so much for all of your posts! I’ve saved them to my Pinterest and every time I need them I go back to them and re-read your adive. You are 110% spot on! I’m 4 weeks post-op of having 3 metatarsals broken and fixed with 2 plates and a pin. I’m also a mother and teacher, so this summer has been brutally hard but again “TEMPORARY”! I did have a question….when you got the screws removed how long did that recovery take? How long were you non-weight bearing? They will take my screws and plates out in December, but I have no idea how long recovery might be. I read above that it was less painful than your first surgery. Thanks! -Jodie
OH Jodie! First of all, I’m so glad my posts have helped support you in any way. That means the WORLD to me. š Secondly, I am SO sorry you have had a summer like this- and yet I LOVE your attitude- TEMPORARY!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, and for your question- getting the screws out was MUCH less painful and restricting, as I recall. I can’t remember the detailed time off, but I KNOW it wasn’t long. I hope you have similar post op circumstances! (Especially if you need to teach!- and btw here are a few posts for ya: https://www.themomcafe.com/dear-teacher/ * https://www.themomcafe.com/a-letter-to-our-teachers/ THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO!)
This is exactly what I needed to hear. My employer has been very insensitive about my ankle surgery. They can’t understand why I can’t come in and sit at a desk. Considering it’s a chore to just get out of my house, walking across a large parking lot across & through a 20,000 square foot building to make it to a non-accommodating desk seems simple to someone who has never been through this. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me realize I’m not alone and that what I am going through is normal.
Oh Peg, I’m SO sorry your employer isn’t being understanding of your situation! That makes me so very frustrated for you! Grr… It is damn near impossible to get around and walking across the parking lot and the large building and not even an accommodating desk seems like a completely ridiculous expectation. Could you get a doctor’s note? I’m so sorry, hun. I UNDERSTAND and I’m so glad you at least feel affirmation and confirmation that you are DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. (I wish you could work from home? I know it’s still hard, but maybe less impossible!)
Thanks so much for this post as well as your “Ten Tips…” Your counsel is helping me as I am recovering from a broken ankle six weeks ago, ORIF surgery 4 weeks ago, and the cast. No words to express how difficult it is for this woman, but you get it. I’m on countdown for the cast to come off and xrays to reveal the healing (10 days). For me it’s the boot next (non-weightbearing and at some point weightbearing). L-o-n-g…
Thank you so much for writing this! On November 1, 2016…11 days after moving into our dream home, I ruptured my Achilles’ Tendon during volleyball practice with my 8th grade team (thankfully last week of season). Two weeks later I had surgery and have had an awful time dealing with pain, boredom, guilt, frustration (I love my husband and our two sons very much, but I have definitely had some “I’m living in a Frat house!!!” Moments), stress about my students getting taken care of, and on and on and on. I’ve read both your articles and have been truly touched, blessed and felt at peace that I’m not totally losing my mind! Thank you so much again! I hope your recovery went well!
Oh my gosh Lisa! I can only imagine how hard it’s been and painful too! Have you checked out my book? I think you could really benefit from it. I know all too well, what you’re going through! I wish you a fast recovery and peace while you heal. How much longer until *they say* you are healed? Are you in a cast? I’ve heard that Achilles’ tendon is PAINFUL and takes a long time to heal… Sigh. I’m so sorry.
And btw- you are NOT totally losing your mind! It just *feels* like it. š
I found this just when I needed to read it! I’m 2 weeks out from ankle surgery for ligament damage. I feel normal after reading this! I wasn’t prepared for the emotional part of surgery and have been struggling.
Thank You!
It’s SO hard. Especially the emotional part! Have you checked out my book? I think it would do you a world of good and offer you more encouragement and hope. It’s a hard road- recovery. I’d love to help you through it. <3
Have laxatives & fibery foods around!!! Especially after surgery! Trust me on this. Get coloring books & pencils. Go nuts on calcium & vitamin D.
GREAT advice, Shelle! š
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing these truths. Your perspective has allowed me to refocus and remain patient through this long healing process.
Oh Susan, I’m so glad you read them and they helped shift your perspective on this difficult recovery season you are in! If you need more encouragement and guidance through your journey, I do hope you look into buying my book. It’ll help. Promise!
OMG I happened about this and had to laugh at what you wrote. I had open ankle surgery 3 weeks ago now.
I would kill for a shower!
Zero weight bearing for weeks and weeks but the worst is no driving.
My car sits in the driveway making fun of me. š
My but hurts from sitting so much! And the scooter has been a life saver.
I am ready to be done but know I have a ways to go yet.
Thank you!
Oh Kari, I KNOW how hard it is!! Hang in THERE and keep saying to yourself: “This is TEMPORARY.”
And I do hope your recovery is moving along SWIFTLY. Oh the waiting, the being stuck and hurting and all the frustration around it- I KNOW.
If you need more encouragement, go buy my book. I promise it will help you through it. š
3rd ankle surgery (7days ago)in 4 years… I was well prepared this time around! This will hopefully be my last. Had my tib and fib fused together hoping that it will stabilize the bones from shifting. Praying I will heal nicely this time! Best advice~ listen to your Doctor and don’t be so hard on yourself! Every thing in this article is on point! Nicely written and so so true!
Ack, that is A LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY Carrie! I’m so sorry you have been through so many surgeries- I’m sure this has been a grueling healing process for you. It sure sounds like you have the right perspective- and it’s really ALL about that. I’m so glad. š
I really wish I would have come across this article shortly after my skydiving accident. Completely shattered my right ankle. Now, 7 months, 12 screws and 2 titanium plates later, I still have a tibia fracture that is stabilized between a bunch of screws, so I can walk and ride my bike, but not much else yet. Yet!
I have a couple of things to add to your list of 20 things…#21…You will watch the once beautiful, strong, shapely legs you once had morph into matchsticks and you’ll hate how you look. You all of a sudden relate to Gregor Samsa from The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Your body WILL betray you and redistribute weight to places you don’t want it. You can only go so long consuming 2000 calories a day while only using 800 of them before you really start to hate how you look…and feel.
So, number 22…make sure you ask your surgeon for a physical therapy referral while you are non weight bearing!!! I cannot stress this enough! Your physical therapist will give you exercises you can do at home to preserve thigh and calf muscle so you’re not like me and have to hold on to the banister for dear life while going down stairs. You’re lying on the couch or recliner chair anyway…work out 3 times a day to keep from losing your balance muscles so you don’t have to spend months learning how to walk a straight line again. I’m so angry at my surgeon for not recommending PT. I could have been SO far ahead of where I am now, but surgeons are only concerned about your hardware, not your whole mind, body and spirit. PT does wonders for all three.
Through the months of boredom and being home alone, your mind can go to some pretty dark places, as you described. I wish I would have known others who had gone through life-changing, catastrophic injuries like mine. I just didn’t know where to look. I came across your blog by accident and, now that I’m healthier, I want to channel some of my anger and frustration with how I was cared for into a resource for others. I will definitely point others toward you! Thank you for saying all the things I felt!
Oh my gosh what a horrible experience for you, Ann! I am SO sorry you had to endure such a terrible accident and recovery and still struggling to regain all you lost! Your added insight is excellent- thank you for that!
I appreciate your support in my own mission to help women through their unique recovery seasons… My book is the best source and really only resource that speaks to this personal challenge.
Thank you so much for this article! I’m 7 days post-surgery, after 2 weeks of cast already after a triple tib/fib fracture. I’ve got 4,5 weeks of cast and immobility to go before I’m allowed to put weight on it again, and then a year of physiotherapy to follow.
I just want to punch the walls sometimes. It’s good to know that the struggles are normal, that what I feel is normal, and that it’s ok. I’m normally a super sporty and active person, and I have really gotten to know my patient self in this period, and my partner for that matter (he deserves a gold medal).
So thank you for sharing!! It is, as you say, only a temporary blip of time. It’s good to be reminded.
OH Eveline, I’m SO sorry you have to endure this difficult season of recovery! Girl, we surely get to know our patient selves during this kind of thing, right? And yes- SO grateful you too, have a partner who is by your side supporting you in this messy maddening existence~
I think you really need my book. <3 You can email me your address if you are comfortable with that and I will send it to you. If you would rather go buy it yourself, you can find it on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330
Hang in there, my new friend! *This. Is. Temporary.*
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I broke my ankle on May 1st and returnā to work on Monday. It’s been a roller coaster ride both physically and emotionally. If not for the help of a live in boyfriend I’d be doomed. He helps me out of the tub and cooks and cleans. I’m going crazy because I can’t help or clean to my own standards and yes, the stink! Unfortunately the shower curtain just brushes my arm, and I feel like a shower never happened. Oh, and I just have to add my bum as a makeshift “stopper” where water gets trapped and I have to leverage myself up at an angle to drain the tub. Lol. Stay positive, right? š
HA! Humor helps… always! And hey, gratitude for your bum doing some good work is a plus! š
Thank God for your boyfriend, Melanie. I’m SO glad you have him to help you and support you through this awfully challenging time! Praying your re-entrance back to work is smooth and you pace yourself as you begin to take those first hard steps back into the world of ‘going and doing’. Be patient! Your 100% will come in time. <3
So sorry for you. Thank you for writing this. I needed it. I ‘ve had tarsal tunnel surgery with a bone spur removed. So, not as bad as yours but on my 4th day after surgery I was left home alone and vacuumed, did 2 loads of laundry, dusted and put the dishes away. I really hate just sitting there. I also went grocery shopping one day. Stupid. Of course my foot swelled up for a couple of days. In 3 weeks I have to get a hip replacement. Your right, it’s hard to just sit there while other people don’t do things the way that you do! Good luck recovering!
Gale! I can’t believe you did ALL that! You are a stubborn soul, aren’t you? š I hope with your upcoming hip replacement, you are able to honor your healing and take good care of YOU. I’d love to send you my book to help you through it. You can email me your address, if you are interested. My email: Chris@TheMomCafe.com You take care!
Hello and thank you so much for your posts. They are so inspiring and I am so thankful to know there is support.
I love your blogs and look forward to more of your writings
Question for you.
I have fallen now 3 times and yes all of them while using crutches. Did this contribute to a delay in your healing process?
I had surgery o my ankle for bimalleolar fracture dislocation on June 30th and I have a splint cast with ace bandages. I am supposed to have a hard cast put on tomorrow which will be 3 weeks post surgery. I pray that my fall does not delay my healing process.
Bobbie
OH Bobbie, you poor thing!! Those crutches are SO hard to use!! Are you in pain? I would bring it up with your doc when you get your hard cast on just to check and make sure you didn’t injure anything further. I hope you can get a scooter, which is safer and definitely easier on your body! Email me your address and I will send you my book! EMAIL: Chris@TheMomCafe.com
Good luck with getting the cast on. The good thing about the hard cast, is that it is near impossible to injure your ankle with THAT on. š Although you may injure other parts of your body… take GOOD care of YOU. <3
Hello Chris,
Doc appointment went good. Doc is very happy with both scars, had my staples removed and X-rays. So far everything looks good. I received my new cast. Much lighter in weight and not as bulky. I was able to start training on the knee scooter. Practice make perfect right. Thank you again
Bobbie
I’m so glad I found your post! On July 12th I suffered a bimalleolar fracture while hiking in Montana on vacation. Surgery was the next day in Montana, post op will be here in Texas on Tuesday. I’m hoping for a regular cast instead of this mess of a splint that looks to have been wrapped by the mummy wrappers reject club. (These things just don’t hold up, no dig on my awesome nurses at all!)
Since the injury I’ve booty scooted up and down stairs, hopped on and off several airplanes, and cried…which is when I decided to look online for people with similar injuries. I cry at sad movies and for lost puppies but never because of weakness or helplessness, and I felt both. Your post was funny, empathetic and showed me I’m not alone in these feelings.
This is temporary! I am still strong, and I can do this. I have an amazing family…and I think I just heard my husband fire up the vacuum. Today is a good day!
Karen! I somehow missed your comment weeks ago! I’m so sorry. š
Bless your HEART. I understand all of what you shared, and I celebrated with a loud HOORAY for hubs firing up the vacuum. LOL And yes, casts are SO MUCH BETTER. I’m sure you are in one now… hopefully!
You are NOT alone, my new friend. I want to send you my book asap to help you through your journey…
Email me your address as soon as you can. My email: Chris@TheMomCafe.com
You are strong. You can DO THIS.
I am 21 and have had two bunion operations (one in 2009 (age 13, right foot) and one in 2013 (age 17, left foot)) and am now facing bunionette surgery and it’s like you were in my head!! I know you wrote this years ago now but it made such a huge impact on my day! Thank you, it gave me courage and made me laugh and finally breeeeeeathe for the first time in a few weeks now. I’ve done it twice already, I can do it one last time!
YES Mary! YES YOU CAN!
I’m so glad my article encouraged you and I’m sure you totally get all of what I wrote! š
You got this. You are a PRO at this point, right? One more time… Just ONE more time. <3
On Monday I broke my fibula and ankle. I’m a 36 first timer. Thank you for this read! I’m blessed to have amazing friends and family who have been so helpful. I have surgery this coming Tuesday, Id be lying if i didn’t say i wasnt nervous. So mean while, i have my leg wrapped in a splint and doing anything kills me. Oh! and no one mentioned that while it’s bad enough that you can’t use your leg, you’re pretty much handless as well. Grrr! I had to fold my dinner up in a papper plate, carry it in my mouth while crutching myself back to the sofa.lol all the while telling myself, ” you got this.” And i do, just a little bit slower, one thing at a time, and day by day. Thank you again
Oh Dawn, I’m SO sorry you are now in our “club”. š It is a difficult journey to face, but you WILL get through this. I’d love to help you and encourage you more with my book. Email me your address, and I’d be happy to send it to you. My email is: Chris@TheMomCafe.com.
Hold on. You can do this. Healing will happen. Go slow, be patient, stay strong, have hope!
Christine,
I love this piece. My name is Zoe and I’m 22 years old. I recently had plates and screws put into my ankle. I’m a week out of surgery. Unfortunately, this is not my first rodeo. This is my fourth surgery (2 knee, 1 wrist and ankle) but this is my first experience with foot surgery. Even though I have been through this multiple times, it certainly does not get easier. It’s not like riding a bike, you don’t get the hang of it.
Furthermore, it has been my wonderful and beautiful mom who has been taking care of me. So, we have had to find a balance. I feel so awful that she has had to put her life on hold to help me recover. I read this article to her. So, I cannot imagine what it is like to be in her shoes, or you shoes as a mother going through this. Props to you!
Anyway, just wanted to say that I have found your blog so helpful. Thanks for the piece, it reminded me that I’m not the only one going through this.
Zoe, I don’t know how I missed your comment! Please forgive me. <3 I would have loved to send you my book to help you through your recovery! I hope and pray you are well on your way to healing and that you do NOT have to endure another surgery or recovery season. And I'm so grateful you have a mom that is such a loving and caring soul who helped you through this. What a HUGE blessing.
I'm so glad you found my blog and grateful it helped you to not feel alone.
These are some truly TRUE truths! All so very true, and when I got to #7 I cracked up remembering thinking I would do this or that. The hour that it takes to use the toilet leaves you exhausted and all you want to do is sleep or watch TV haha. I lost so many months to this ankle.
I’m sad you get all of this, Shan! But I believe you wrote in PAST tense, so hoping you are all fully recovered now!? š
Hello, happily came across this blog. I broke my ankle, fibula and tore all my ligaments in my ankle on September 10. September 18 I had surgery to get a few screw, a plate and wire. It’s been almost 2 weeks now and I go for a checkup on the 5th which will be almost 3 weeks. From the day I had my surgery I’ve been wiggling my toes bc I can’t stay still. The last few days I’ve actually been rotating my ankle clockwise and counter-clockwise. I have very minimal pain now. It’s more of an ache than it is a pain. I know I’m in the NWB stage but the last couple days when I brush my teeth I stand without crutches and have some weight on my casted ankle with no pain at all. Is this normal, or am I healing faster than what’s expected? I’m looking forward to starting PT and PWB as I have a pool in the building and want to start moving. I’m hoping to be able to walk in a boot by Halloween so I can go out with my daughter and wife. Can anyone relate to my healing process? It seems like everywhere I read that people haven’t healed as well 2 weeks post surgery.
Hey Ryan! That is WONDERFUL news that you are doing so well! I’d say that every healing process is different, and your doctor will be your best guide in evaluating your progress. I sure hope it continues to go as smoothly for you! That is awesome. š
I love your blog!! Thank you so much for sharing and for giving others a chance to share. I am scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. I luckily did not break my ankle but I somehow (well probably from falling down my stairs in the middle of the night back in May) shredded all of my tendons and ligaments on my right ankle. After months of PT it was worse. An MRI showed all the damage. Anyway, I’m freaking out a bit about all of this. It’s very overwhelming. Oh and it “had” to be my right ankle so once I have surgery I won’t be able to drive for at least two months. (whine) Doctor says I’ll be in a hard cast for two weeks then back in the CAM boot for 8-12 weeks.
Since I have a few weeks before surgery, I’m trying to get my house and job and personal life in order. HaaHaa! But seriously, please let me know of things that I don’t even know that I don’t know. For example, a shower chair. Never would have even thought of that. Oh…I have this plastic suitcase looking thing that has 18 small containers inside of it. It’s actually to organize your pictures. But I’m trying to think of things that I may need/want and not want to have to bug my hubby. Example, nail file, dental floss, handi wipes, eyeglass cleaner, tissues, tweezers, ….let me know other things if you can think of any please.
Thanks everyone! I hope everyone heals quickly!!!!
Hello
I am almost 5 weeks post op from ankle tendon
repair. And my husband has copd and wanted to be as self reliant as I could be. 1. tip I am using abathroom drawer for a few pairs of underwear, sleep sets & easy to put on comfy shirts & shorts. It has helped. Prayers for smooth, steady recoveries.
Oh Regina, let me send you my book okay?
Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I’ll get it off to you asap.
Hang in there honey. You WILL make it through this. <3
Everything you said in your 20 truths was spot on. I’m five months post surgery and still looking for answers for when it will finally be “healed.” Your blog lightened my heart for a moment or two!!!
I get it Teresa. I truly do! I always assume ANY surgery will take at least an entire YEAR to recover from.
Be patient. Have hope. Keep hanging in there and take GOOD care of YOU.
Thank you so much. This helped me in preparation for surgery. I have been worrying about how to cope when I’m laid up. The 92 year old woman’s advices resonated with me and I am going to take it to heartā”
Krystle, I am hoping you have a smooth surgery ahead! Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will send you my book. š I want to offer you more help and hope while you’re healing…
Aww, this is exactly what i needed to hear. I am on week 6 post surgery on the right side dislocated fibula–plate and pins– –went to Doc and I am not quite finished healing!!! I worried that ankle is still swollen and hurts and didn’t recover within the famed 6 weeks told to me by the docs!– I broke both ankles and hear everyone’s pain
— I have (or hope to have back in 100% range) this ability by early spring–but mostly– thanks all for your words– — knowing THIS WILL PASS and I will actually walk, drive, and do yoga again— that is good– i was very disappointed that I could not use the time I thought I would have to accomplish ALL that I wanted– I thought this time off I could use to do MANY things–
—forget about it, –you won’t be able to do anything but heal, rest, ask for help, watch the chores done by all–not like you would, but being through love of family—if you have ankle/foot surgery–= prepare to do nothing but rest:
I slept, i elevated the legs, read a little bit, worked on the computer a little bit, but mostly—I had the TV on, played with the cats, watched TV and dreamt about YOGA days with the cats and the dog once again!!!
everyone heal well, look ahead, and appreciate everyone’s help–
Oh Yogamo, thank you for your beautiful response to this post! I nodded through all of it with a resounding AMEN sister! Hoping and praying the rest of your recovery goes smoothly- healing always takes more time than planned. It’s sooooo hard.
If you want my book to help you through the remainder of your recovery, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com. I’d be happy to send it to you. š
Today is day six after total ankle reconstruction surgery. This is by far not my first surgery. I’ve had meniscus surgery on both knees and bunions surgery on both feet. Let me just say that I believe the bunion surgery on my right foot is one reason why I’m currently living in my recliner. In 2001 I had bunion surgery that wasn’t done right so I walked on the side of my foot for pain relief. Nine months later I had chance to fix it but chickened out. Stupid me.Then add sixteen years of walking on concrete with steel toed shoes and here I am. Thank you so much for your “Ten Tips for a Woman in a Leg Cast” it made me rethink my refusal of a friends offer of help. Thank you also for your “20 Truths….” I know I’m not alone and it could be worse, so I am surly blessed.
Any ideas for healthy eating plans cause I keep shoving food in my face. FYI the food at my hospital was delicious. I would love to know some exercises I can do right now. I am however on a good road to recovery with my healing scriptures by my side but extra advice can’t hurt. I need to get back to work as fast as I can cause I’m the family bill payer.
Oh my heavens Patricia, you have had a go of it! I don’t have any specific healthy eating plans or exercises for you- maybe check out some good health/diet/wellness blogs and aks your doctor about exercises that would be safe for you to do too!
What I can do, is send you my book to help you get through THIS recovery! You’re a pro by now, but maybe my book can give you some more encouragement and inspiration too. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will get it off to you, if you are interested. š
It’s crazy the number of people who have gone through or are going through this! I fell and dislocated and broke my ankle in three areas in Oct. while visiting my mom at the hospital. She had been on hospice for over two weeks at this point and we had been going up there everyday spending it with her and then I became a patient myself :(. I guess one blessing if you can find one is that I was on the hospital grounds so help came quickly because the site of my foot was enough to make me pass out. Like many of you, the pain wasn’t excruciating at that moment, I think I was in shock. They placed an external fixator on that night and if you’ve ever seen one of those, it’s quite the site. The next day I had the other surgery to fix the ankle. The recovery process has been very depressing and emotional. After weeks of non weight bearing and then weight bearing in a boot, (knee scooter save me) I’m at the point now where I am walking in a shoe with an ankle brace on but with a limp and it’s painful. My short term disability ends next week and I’m a nurse so I’m on my feet a lot for my job. I’m nervous about if I will be able to go back to bedside nursing. All of this and mourning the death of my mom who passed away 4 days after my injury. Thank god I was able to go visit her several times while I was in the hospital. The nurses were wonderful and wheeled me down there several times. I do keep saying to myself This is temporary but some days I don’t feel like that. Thanks for listening.
Kelli, your story made me cry when I read it and cry again now, to finally come back to respond.
I’m so sorry about your mom passing. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must have been on top of going through such a horrible injury and recovery. I am glad that you were able to see your mom while you were there during her last days.
I hope and pray you are walking a bit better and with less pain? I wish I could have sent you my book back in October. Let me know if I can help you now, in any way.
im 68 , had surgery for trimallelar fractures (5 broken bones)
and im at wk l6, and walk with cane, or rolling walker in house
and still have alot of ankle pain when walking and now my knee is starting to go out, i think
so younger people do heal best and my dr said, nO i dont remove screws , not at ur age
because the holes wont heal and it will have 80% chance of all breaking again
so NO way, am i removing screws that hurt, he even sadistically told me, just wait a yr, you’re gonna feel all 9 screws, asshole dr.
WOW Kath. I’m so sorry your doctor was so rude and down right cruel. I wish you could find another doctor. NO ONE needs to be treated that way.
I’m so sorry your recovery is so very difficult due to your age. Anyone trying to heal from five broken bones would be struggling, but I’m sure as we get older, our bodies surely don’t heal fast or fully. I hope and pray you can be pain free, or at least be treated for pain management by ANOTHER doctor who cares.
would love your thoughts on my blog post about basically the same thing you went through….I am not handling this very well mentally…although I am trying very hard…I gave up with the doctor…he turned out to be an ass…just hoping for the best.. here is my link…
http://rue-mouffetard.blogspot.com/2017/12/diary-of-foot-reconstruction6-months.html
My goodness Sue, you have had one heck of a journey. WOW. I read your blog and I think you are an incredible warrior to withstand so many painful and difficult surgeries and recoveries. I am truly upset that your Doctor did not address your complaints and I would absolutely go get a second opinion. What. A. Jerk. You deserve to have it looked at by another doctor who is interested in your well-being and use of your flippin’ foot post-surgery. I also think you need to get back to PT. Did they help you at all? Please go see another doctor. I’m so sorry you had such a horrible experience with yours. I will say that I STILL have numbness and tingling in my fused big toe and my surgery took me a full year to recover from. Maybe more? I just remember thinking, “this didn’t work” and asked my doctor about it several times. He had never done the two together before so he basically had no idea how the recover would go. I was frustrated and very discouraged for months and months… Three years later, I am doing much better. (I still get residual pain and aches.)
I wish I knew about this sooner- I would have loved to send you my book. š
I sent you a private message…about my foot and ankle surgery…would love to hear from you
GOT IT. š
YUP!
I’m thinkin’ you get it, Ellen! Hang in there!!!!!! š
I fell off ladder June 2017, walked around on 2 fractures for a month after going to a walk in clinic that told me I had bruised tendons and ligaments. Went to a podiatrist a month later, was sent to get MRI and ended up with surgery (2 plates and pinson metatarsals) in August. Had 3 casts and now Iām dealing with the severe loss of bone density in my bones of my foot. I realized during the last doctor visit that his concern is that plates and pins remain in place in less dense bones. This surgery has been worse than my 2 C-sections with kids. My goal was to be able to walk, even if I had a limp. Thatās what I have now. I have seen the ugly side of humanity during Christmas season because everyone is in a hurry. I have even more compassion for elderly who get out there. I refused to use electric scooter at stores because there were too many older people who needed it more than me. I used my scooter and pushed a cart to do what I needed to do. Iām still not out of the woods.
Good GRIEF what a story, Kim. I am so sorry you went through this! I can’t believe you walked with two fractures for a month. Kim, you are an amazing woman. I am hoping you can continue to make progress on that limp and be able to walk without ANY limp at some point soon.
I enjoyed this article so much, this is my life right now. Twelve days post op plate and 9 screws, broken fibula. This article sums up my life perfectly. Thank you for writing this!!
Xo
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Oh my goodness, Elizabeth! I am so sorry you have to endure such a horrible injury and recovery. I’m glad you found my blog! Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I would be happy to send you my book if you’d like. How long will you be in your cast? Hoping and praying you stay strong through your season of healing.
This is my story too right now (I posted something already somewhere on your website about it). But I just wanted to thank you. I bought your book and started reading it, and is was timely too! I had fallen in the pit of despair from the pain. Could not stop crying, and I started to fall apart. I am reading your book now, and it has been such a lifesaver for me! Unbelievable that I am now seeing a different perspective, and I’m writing out my dreams, taking an online artclass I can do from my bed. I have been in bed now for 5 weeks, and still have 7 weeks to go.(I can’t do the scooter thing you talk about due to the fact I already had surgery on my other ankle, and it is not recomended to walk and stand on one leg)
It is still hard, as you so vividly described above. But I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to have found your website. Your book is defenitely on my Gratitude list! And your a Christian too!
Lots of love from the Netherlands,
Emilie
Emilie, your beautiful comment made my heart SWELL. I am in tears because my dream for my book is to offer help and hope to those hurting and healing- and knowing it has helped YOU is an answer to prayer.
I am so sorry you have suffered so much, my new friend. SO sorry. But I am forever grateful you have found a new perspective and you are managing your recovery with doing things that FILL you and FULFILL you! Oh, that brings me so much joy!! 7 weeks to go… my gosh, you are a warrior and an inspiration to us ALL.
Keep that focus, hold on to that gratitude, and keep writing out those DREAMS! (And I LOVE that you are taking an online art class. PERFECT!)
All my love and prayers for your full restoration and healing…
God bless you, Emilie.
(OH! If and I mean a big IF… You are feeling up to it, could you possibly write a simple review of my book on Amazon? It would mean the world to me.)
Thank you so much for taking out the time to answer my post, that encourages me too. Actually I already wrote a review yesterday on amazon, so yes! Again, love from the Netherlands, Emilie
Oh, Emilie! You are such a love. Thank you so much, my friend. Praying for you always.
Iām so happy I found your blog while researching my situation. Broke my tib and fib mid December. Just had my second surgery about a week ago. The pain has mostly gone away minus my foot/ankle being dry and cracked with nothing I can do until my next appointment, BUT now I am dealing with number 2. My hips ache, thighs hurt, back of my knee throbs, my whole body just feels sore. I canāt get comfortable to save my life! What did you do to help that? Iām only 1 week post op my second surgery I have a log way to go. You have helped tremendously though! It helps take my mind off things reading your blog and getting insight/tips.-Michelle
Ah yes, it’s amazing how WRECKED your body can be! I’m so sorry you have had to undergo TWO surgeries, Michelle. As far as caring for the rest of your aching body, just resting and soaking in hot baths is all you can really do. You’re going to push all those muscles as you navigate with a broken body, and there’s no way of getting around it, in my experience. š
Have you looked into getting my book? I think it would be a great help to you! If you don’t have the means to buy it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com, and I will send it off to you asap.
Hang in there, my new friend! I know it’s so hard, but you WILL get through this. One day at a time. Have HOPE. š
You really nailed it! I broke my ankle vaccuming believe it or not….but didn’t know it until I could no longer bear to walk or do heavy lifting at my very physical job.
Surgery was in Nov. My scooter was possibly the most appreciated gift my husband has ever given me. It truly made the early stages of recovery bearable. Having a shower chair made bathing a joy even though it was a work out in itself. I completed physical therapy and am now making myself do my exercises and I walk at least a mile a day.
I truly am amazed at how much my stamina diminished after being away from my job.
I know my body and its still not ready to do a 60 hour work week again.
I may not be able to go back ….ever!
40 yrs in June with same company and I am praying I can get them to give me a job that is less physical.
I am eternally grateful for being home for 6 months, even in this condition.
Your words helped lighten my mood…Thanks
WOW Nancy! I would hope this company you have been so loyal to for all these years can find a new position for you that is less physically demanding! I can imagine how your stamina and strength have changed over the course of your recovery while you have been away from your rigorous job.
I’m so glad you have six months to be home. I’m sure this reprieve is something you have never been able to do. Hoping and praying you are fully healed and restored back to health in due time, my new friend.
Wish I saw this in 2016..I had 2 at one time..ligament tear in ankle and crew put in joint ..off my feet 3 months in cast..everything u say is true..cry..pain..depressed.. omg..pain worse than child birth..sad to say I ended with metatarsal foot pain..constantly..stiffness.swelling in toes.. so i limp..oh and due compensation due 2 pain i have had and still have planter pain in the other foot. I think I should have had 1 surgery at a time..now I am being told there is no fix for my after surgery result..this might b for life
Oh my goodness, Monica! I am so sorry you have been through such a difficult and painful recovery and you are still suffering from it all! Praying it won’t be for LIFE! I would recommend a second opinion to see what else you can do to alleviate the damage done and help you get restored back to health. There must be more options!
Hiii … My name is Lynn. I too am also glad I found this site. I am in my mid- forties and the mother of two boys. To this date, so far I have been in a cast for 4 months. It’s currently the beginning of February, however the beginning of last October I missed a step in the train station, ended up falling and broke the navicular bone in my foot as well as the bottom of my fibula. Initially I was put into a soft cast and a boot. I knew that something else was wrong because after 2 months in which my foot should have been healed … I’m still telling the orthopedic surgeon how my foot still hurts. He finally sent me for an MRI which confirmed that in addition I had 2 ligaments that had partial tears as well. Going back for the results the surgeon advised for a surgical repair considering that after spending over 8 weeks in a soft cast, there should have been a more progress than what had been had. I finally had surgery the very end of January in which the surgeon did an atfl repair with a tightrope on my fibula as well as using a fibrous material to fix the other ligament. Needless to say I am now in a hard cast for several more weeks. In 4 days I go to have the incision examined and recasted. Another 2 weeks before the sutures are removed. I can honestly say I am at wits end being in a cast this long. The pain Meds help because now the pain comes in waves in of constant like before. Of course now I’m in a non weight bearing situation which I honestly don’t know how much longer I can hold up. My knees, hips shoulders, neck, arms all hurt. Not considering the fact that my foot holds the worse pain. I keep my foot elevated as much as possible … Gravity is something really special especially when your facing a wound in a hard cast. If there’s any advice anyone can give to help get through this hardship I would greatly appreciate it. I know that when this hard cast is finally removed ( another month or so) I still have numerous months in a air cast after. Any suggestions is welcomed. Thank you????
Oh my goodness, Lynn! I am so sorry you have had to endure such an agonizing road to recovery! Too hard. Too long. Too painful! I can’t even imagine how difficult this has been for you. PLEASE check out my book. If you don’t have the financial means to buy it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com, and I will get it off to you asap!
I’m currently going through this. 3 kids 6 and under the battle is real. My parents are watching them 2 hours away and its hard to be away, we got to keep them for 5 days on my husband’s long weekend off but im realizing just how difficult it is to keep my energy level up (I’m trying and feeling like I’m doing my best but its hard and takes a toll on my body) your article was very honest and uplifting. I’m hoping I will recover soon than later. I’m going through the crying/depressed phase of things 3 weeks in after tibia and fibula fracture surgery. Thanks for the helpful tips on getting through this
Oh my gosh, Tabitha! It’s hard enough to have to endure a painful surgery and recovery, but having three little ones to think about, worry about, and miss while they stay at your parents must be SUPER difficult. I’m so sorry you are going through so much. Have you been able to order my book? If you don’t have the financial means, please let me send you a copy. I think it will really help. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I’ll get it off to you asap!
Dear Christine,
Just wanted to ask you something. Today the cast finally came off. Me and my husband expected to celebrate, but after two hours in the car to and from the hospital, 3 hours in the hospital, we were completely exhausted. I expected myself to be happy and relieved. Instead I fell apart and cried all evening, and my husband just had to get out and get a beer. I don’t get it at all. We had planned to go out to dinner together, instead we ate a microwave dinner, ate a bunch of chocolate icecream, and cried and felt miserable instead….
Any words of wisdom??? Or comfort for that matter. Thank you so so much for keeping up this website. You and your book and this website have helped me so much.
Again, thanks for taking out the time to read this.
Lots of love from the Netherlands from Emilie
Oh, my sweet friend, I am SO sorry you had such a horrible night when you were expecting to celebrate and feel GOOD! I’m sure you felt completely defeated and frustrated too. We expect so much from ourselves, and often it’s TOO MUCH. Getting your cast off AND added traveling time and time spent in the hospital is enough to wear ANYONE out, let alone someone who is healing! I remember getting my cast off, and I was exhausted and in a lot of pain afterward. I think I was sore from all the adjusting and manipulation of my ankle and foot to cut it off and the vigorous washing of my tender skin, not to mention the new huge boot that replaced it! I too was counting the weeks, then days until I got that thing off- SO EXCITED for the LIBERATION!!
But instead, I was deflated, sore, and exhausted. I realized there was so much work ahead still to do, and it wasn’t a celebration after all.
You two have been down a LONG road… A road filled with pain and sacrifice and hard work and a ton of emotions that go with it all. I’m sure you are BOTH so damn tired of it all. It’s no wonder everything pretty much crashed and burned.
I hope and pray you are feeling a bit better now and you have both taken nice deep breaths and even got some much-needed rest after such a long day. This is absolutely normal- I remember the clashes between my hubs and me- because it is STRESSFUL, this season you both are in!
Remind yourself to be PATIENT and GRACIOUS with both your husband and most especially YOU. It always helped me to think if someone I loved was going through the same thing I was- how would I treat her/him? Would I have compassion and empathy? Take a step back and remember all you have been through and all you still need to do, and be tender and gentle with your physical needs and all your emotions too. Try not to be resentful of your husband, (I was at times) and take a good long look at all he’s trying to do to help support you. Lean in toward one another, don’t push away. And honestly, sometimes a little space can be helpful to breathe and regroup.
But remember all he has done and continues to do to love you through this. And then, give yourself grace and pray for continued strength and perseverance and guidance in the next stage of your recovery.
Please let me know how you are doing, Emilie! I will be praying for you (and your husband) and I’ll be anxious to hear from you.
Gentle hugs, sweet one. You’ve GOT THIS.
Oh, Christine! Reading your warmhearted reply today, even weeks and weeks after my cast came off, your comment still brings tears to my eyes!
Just wanted to let you know that I’m able to walk now, drive my car and ride my bicycle. I’m working hard on regaining my strenght. I’m still frustrated sometimes, after cleaning my house for instance, I’m still so tired physically. But it’s getting better every day!
I’m so very grateful for my husband, he was a real trooper throughout the whole ordeal. It has brought us closer together. We enjoy our love and togetherness so much!
Also I find that I’ve changed, God has done some very deep healing, just as He promises, He works out all things for our good. I’m somehow more spontaneaous with people, I laugh more and enjoy my life more.
I wish you all the best, and a big grateful hug from the Netherlands!
Emilie
Oh, Emilie! Reading YOUR comment brings tears to MY eyes! I am just sooo grateful you came back to update me on everything! What an incredible journey you have endured and I love that you have experienced such rich blessings through it all. God is SO GOOD. Oh, friend- this just makes me SO HAPPY!
Now, if only I could reach through the computer and hug you! š (I hope you feel it, anyway)
What a beautiful testimony you are to enduring a hard experience while trusting God to bless you through it all. Thank you so much for giving me an update, sweetie!
All my love to you and hubs!
Six weeks post bimalleolar fracture. I recognize so much that has been written here. The crying, the pain (initially worse than childbirth), frustration, loss of dignity, control, mobility. The fear of the future – how long will my employer’s patience endure let alone my partner’s and will I ever achieve the normality that I want. Currently I spend the mornings in bed dozing, looking at sites like this for encouragement and bracing myself for the major effort required to get down to the bathroom for a shower and get dressed. I have the removable boot and elbow crutches (they are bad enough but I cannot understood why you people in the US still have those old fashioned under arm ones) and I am supposed to be non weight bearing although I have to put some weight on it now as the rest of my body is so exhausted. Life is not normal at all but it has opened my eyes and I realise it could be so much worse. My children are adult, elsewhere and self sufficient. My mother is 84 and still just about coping on her own despite disability. I have a live in partner with a full time job and he also knows how to use the vacuum cleaner and I was able to train him up pretty quickly to sort out downstairs before he goes to work with the phone, bottles of water and other bits and pieces all in the right place to allow me to safely lie there for most of the rest of the day until he comes home. I can keep in touch with supportive friends by text – that outside contact is good and easier than talking as they are all working. I am more available than I would otherwise be as a support for my sister whose husband has incurable cancer. I have survived this so far and most of my care has been brilliant from the wonderful 999 ambulance crew, to the NHS A&E and emergency theatre team, trauma services and my surgeon. If you are a trauma case with foot or ankle fracture then make sure the specialist dealing with you is a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. You do not want someone who ordinarily does shoulders or hips. The pain changes from mechanical broken bone pain to nerve pain which is like electric shocks particularly at night. It will ease but while you need them for pain , take the pain meds. Give in to it and if your brain wants you to sleep then sleep. Eat healthily or as best you can and take vitamin D3 at least 1000iu daily. Look after your toe hygiene between showers with perfumed baby wipes and I put an athletes foot powder between them to stave off trouble. Within reason find out what works for you but be mindful of your surgeon’s instructions and the physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Good luck everyone else out there. Solidarity!
Tracy, I just loved reading your comment here. You have such great advice and it seems you are managing the MADNESS so well. I am so glad you see some gifts in this season you are in and you are managing all the undeniable pain and the challenges that come with healing.
I hope you checked out my book on Amazon! I know it would help you through this difficult season. If you need a free copy, then email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will send it to you asap. š
SOLIDARITY SISTER!
YOU GOT THIS.
I have suffered a bimalleolar ankle fracture and Iām going into my 4 month ..I felt something wasnāt right . The mri showed some fracture s that where not medically corrected .im going back to the doctor in a week but he doesnāt seem to be to concerned over this ..it makes me wonder if he corrected all that he should of..he is a trama surgeon .i pray he did all he was suppose to fix …very concerned very depressed to think I would have to go through this all again …
Shelly, I am SO sorry you are going this. I can only imagine how depressed and concerned you must be. I’m anxious to hear if this surgeon needs to get back in there and fix what he DIDN’T DO. Perhaps you need to seek a second opinion? Ugh. This is just plain horrible. Praying you have the support you need to get through it all, Shelly.
Hi, it is my fourth week since procuring myself a pretty simple Weber A fracture (just the head of the fibula). 2.5 weeks in cast, one in a walker, started physio the day after the cast came off both dry and hydro. I think Iām healing pretty fast despite my age 52. I take a ton of vitamins, especially D and calcium citrate.
I employed a dog-walker and a cleaner, no use of arguing with husband and son about housework. Friends and relatives brought food and Tesco ready meals kept us fed. Got a kneeling trolley, used crutches only upstairs and out and about, wasnāt simple, our home is not made for wheels, plenty of steps. Netflix and knitting kept my sanity, codein and naproxen helped me stay sane.
I can walk now (I shouldnāt really), taking it easy, using my walker whenever on foot for more than a dozen of steps (loo run). Got an ankle brace to use later when working (Iām a swimming instructor, canāt have the walker on poolside). Iāll try the gym tomorrow, sitting on weight machines shouldnāt be too hard and will have a swim.
It was good to read othersā experiences, Iām feeling not that special anymore. Good luck everyone x
Sue, you are amazing! I think your tenacious (and humorous) spirit will keep you forging through your recovery, but make sure to not push TOO hard, okay?
My daughter is a swimmer! She also teaches swim lessons. I bet the water would be great therapy too. š
Hi,
Just found your site. I got a stomach virus right after Valentines Day. I thought I was staying hydrated, but forgot to count all the time I was sleeping & not drinking. On the 5th day, my husband was going to take me to the Dr. I got up to use the bathroom & past out, dislocating my foot & breaking my ankle. My surgery had to be postponed a week due to my recovery from the dehydration. So, it required 2 hospital stays. Let me mention, I am 59 years old & have a 15 year old son, yes, I was nearly 44 when I had him & got pregnant the old fashioned way & quite by accident! Anyway, like many of you have stated, I too was VERY independent. I run a Vintage Home & Garden Business as Well as a Vinyl Resale Business, both are in Antique Malls, so luckily, I don’t have to be there. However, what I’d like to address is the asking for help from one’s husband & children. I can’t say this didn’t come without a measure of guilt, but, try to relinquish this feeling & think of ALL you’ve done for them over the years. This helped me incredibly! I cooked nearly every night, fresh, homemade dinners, painted porches, washed smelly socks, sat with my husband’s aging parents, for years, gave up time, so much time for soccer games, tract & kung fu. Went to pick up my husband’s relatives from out of state at the airport, over an hour away, because I my schedule was “flexible”. I could go on & on, but, you get the picture. I’m sure many of you have a similar list. Sooo, while none of us wanted these injuries, please, let your self off the hook. My husband also works full time & my son is active in school sports, has a girlfriend & buds he likes to hang with. But, for the last 8 weeks, my husband has learned to make some excellent meals, he NEVER cooks, my son has learned to do laundry & run the sweeper. The plants have been watered & they both take new records to the shop weekly from home! This allows for a pay check for me & that’s one less worry. Also, remember, you’d do the same for them & probably more. I am VERY grateful for everything they’ve done for me, but, see it as an opportunity for for growth on their part as well. I an anxious to start driving as it’s coming on peak season for the outdoor Antique Shows & Flea Markets. I know it will still take some time as I just got my cast off Monday & start PT today. I accept it will take as long as it takes, but if you’re out and about & see a little lady on a scooter strapped down with water cans & vintage vinyl give a wave, it’s probably me! God Bless to All & Speedy Recovery!
Ah, Cheryl!!! ALL of what you wrote is SO TRUE and PERFECTLY said! Yes yes yes a thousand times YES. We are often the caretakers, the doers of ALLTHINGS and it can be GOOD for others to do for US. We would do the same thing, and it’s now our turn to settle in and allow others to serve US. Thank you for sharing your story and words of encouragement.
I’m so glad I found you lol. I was out of town and broke my ankle on a Saturday night. Drove back home Sunday b4 going to the ER that afternoon so we could be closer to our kids incase something worse was wrong. Found that when I slipped and twisted my ankle, I broke it in 3 places. So I ended up staying overnight at the hospital and had surgery on Monday. Came home that night and trying to deal with everything now. Being independ and not being able to do anything now has really gotten me depressed. I also have a 4 and 6 yr old at home while my bf works 2nd. I know it’s only been a couple of days but I feel as if this is already forever or will be forever. I ended up having some crying episode yesterday night thinking about things….when I usually don’t cry like that lol. I’m frustrated and even snapped at my bf last night. He was trying to be positive saying next month I’ll be able to walk while I told him it’s going to take months b4 I can really walk without pain since I’ve been doing lots of googles. I sit here and think of good meals that I won’t be able to make to eat for awhile since I love to cook…..and will have to just eat what he makes lol.
Oh, Pang… Girl, you are NOT ALONE. It’s so hard. SO HARD. Please get my book! I promise it will help you through this difficult season. And if you can’t purchase it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com, and I will send you a copy.
I am so sorry you have to go through this- letting go of #ALLTHETHINGS is the hardest part of it all. Remind yourself that this IS temporary. Be patient. Be kind to yourself. And cry when you need to.
Hi. I broke my fibula at the bottom (ankle fracture) and had surgery 3 weeks ago. The pain was manageable but now at 3 weeks, it is worse! I spoke to my doctor and he said it is normal to have more pain….but it is more pain than last week? does that make sense to you? I have no cast now but 3 more weeks to go until I can put any pressure/weight on it. The incision looks ok and not infected. can it be that the plate and screws are bothering me inside?
Has anyone had this where they were in more pain as time went on?
thanks!
Oh gosh Melissa, I’m so sorry you are in more pain! I do know that healing can have its rollercoaster of highs and lows and pain does get worse at times- BUT, I also know my screws were causing more pain as the swelling went down- they were starting to push through where the padding of swelling once was. I would bring that up with your doctor next visit and see what he says. I ended up getting my screws out because of this. Yes, another surgery- but worth it. Let us know how things go with this, okay?
I’m not sure how long your recovery will take, but for me it was months. If that’s the case, I’d recommend you get my book. If you can’t purchase it, I’d be happy to send it to you. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com, if you’d like a copy. HANG IN THERE.
Hello and thank you for your words of wisdom. I’m exactly four weeks post tendon repair/reconstruction and calcaneal osteotomy. I just got my fourth cast yesterday and am still non weight bearing. This is a long process (I had a ruptured achilles tendon repair on my other leg several years ago and this time it seems longer).
I live alone but have wonderful sons (20 and 23) that come to have dinner w me and stay the night.
I also have some amazing friends that have been helping me. (Lunches, showers, dr visits)
Today is my first with no help until this eve. I can’t get my own food due to my crutches and walker so I’m surviving on a “cutie ” orange and water. ????
My issue is that after having to be horizontal with my leg elevated for so long, I’ve lost strength and going much further than to the bathroom is exhausting. The scooter was hurting me because of the cast but I might need to try it again. The cast is from my toes to my knee.
I guess I’m having a bit of a pity party as I’m sure I won’t fade away from hunger over the next five hours!
I did two months of heavy duty Pilates prior to surgery to get strong but it’s amazing how quckly that can be lost.
Thanks for listening and next time I’ll have to have some non perishable food in my room.
Oh my goodness, Pamela! You must be starving because no one can survive on a cutie and water! Bless your heart. I hope you were able to get some help and more food quickly! And yes, it’s amazing how fast we lose all that strength. My husband recently had knee surgery and within a week of not moving, he’s so weak and starting from the ground up. (Literally)
PLEASE get a bunch of snacks to put near you at all times. And lots of water!
I think my book will be a great help to you, Pamela. Check it out on Amazon, and if you are unable to purchase it, I would be happy to send you a copy. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com if so.
Hang. In. There!
Thanks for your caring reply! (Sorry I was looking in the wrong place)
I did reach out to my “dog walker” who has been doing so much for me, on that hungry day and she came by. Since then, I’ve been having my son bring me snacks each morning before leaving for the day.
On another note that might have already been addressed, is how to explain to people why so much help is needed. The first two weeks, I had friends signing up on a spreadsheet that a dear friend insisted on doing, and supplying dinners.
She sent out another email (with concern on my part, because y’all know how hard it is to receive help, let alone ask for it) but only two people responded this time around. Certainly no hard feelings!!! Thank goodness for DoorDash!!
It’s been difficult to not feel like a total wimp and still needing the level of help that I do.
I can’t drive so I need someone to take me to follow up doctor apps. I can’t get in and out of the shower safely by myself due to the strucure (and I have a huge tub with a really wide ledge which makes it hard to get in and out even without a cast!). So showers have become a luxury. š
Maybe what other people think doesn’t really matter but, it is frustrating for me to have to be sooo dependant.
I’ll look at getting your book for sure.
Thanks again!!!
I am so thankful I found your blog! It helps to know I am not alone. I inverted my ankle and fell over 2 months ago, breaking both my fibula and tibia. I had surgery 3 days later with 5 pins and plate on my fibula fracture and 2 screws on my tibia fracture. The 6 weeks of non-weight bearing followed by 2 weeks 50 % weight bearing were the hardest 2 months I’ve ever experienced! Being an independent woman and one that has had rarely any medical issues, I thought I would be back at work in 3-4 weeks. I didn’t realize how much it would take out of me to only have one leg to stand on. I used the knee scooter during this time, and it was wonderful. But there were some places the scooter couldn’t get through and I had to hop. I remember hopping in my kitchen to let the dogs out and having to lie down on my kitchen floor because the exertion had taken so much out of me. I can relate to an earlier poster saying she thought she would have much time to read and watch movies. Where did the time go? I am single and live with my two dogs and cat. I had to make do with letting the house go while I was recuperating. I did lose weight because of the effort it took to go to the kitchen and back. Some mornings I didn’t even make any coffee, and I LOVE coffee, because of what I had to go through– a trip to and from the kitchen to make the coffee, a trip back to the kitchen to retrieve the coffee in a thermos, then a trip to and from the kitchen to get a refill. Some mornings I just didn’t want to make the three round trips. My dogs and cat were blessings because of their company and their sympathy but they did cause extra trips to let them out (they were and are worth it). Finally, the day came when the doctor said I could begin putting my full weight on my ankle.
I guess I thought that I was healed and would be over this ordeal. Physical therapy began at the 4-week mark and was wonderful. Except for the initial 2 days of post-op pain, I was relatively pain-free. So I imagined when I was able to walk on my ankle this ordeal would be over. It’s been two weeks since I’ve been walking on my ankle, and I’m having more pain now than I ever did after the surgery. My foot and ankle are swollen and preventing me from flexing my ankle completely and causing the pain. I hope that the swelling is just due to the stress from full weight bearing. I see the doctor again in 2 weeks for additional x-rays and hope they show the fractures completely healed. The doctor did say at the 4-week mark that one fracture was not filled in, he expected it to eventually fill in, but if not he would just go back in and remove that little piece of bone. At the 8-week visit, the doctor thought the fracture was filling in; it was not completely filled in but he didn’t think I would need additional surgery. Now I wonder if the extreme swelling and pain are due to the fracture not being completely healed. I’ll find out in two weeks, but the thought of having to have additional surgery, followed by weeks of non-weight bearing is discouraging. I thought the 8 weeks of non-weight bearing felt like a year! But blessings come in all kinds of packages. And this has been a blessing in spite of all the difficulties. I used the time to get my priorities and focus right and spent time reading His Word each morning. I’m trusting in the Lord that He will work all things out for the good. I know He is in control of this situation. Thanks for listening!
Oh my goodness, Glenn! Bless your HEART. It has been a long hard recovery for you and I am SO impressed with your stamina and your faithful attitude, my new friend. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your story. You really did a number on that leg, didn’t you? I will be praying the bone heals completely and that the pain and swelling is due to the PT. Could you ask your PT about this? I would hope that person would be able to help give you more of a medical assessment on this, and perhaps move your appt with your doctor up to tend to this sooner. I’m SO sorry you have to endure more pain and worry about this. I get not wanting another surgery! I didn’t either, but I will tell you the second time around is MUCH EASIER. If the doc just needs to remove that bone fragment, I would hope that it would be much less invasive and won’t set you back too far on your recovery from the first surgery.
Reading your comment brought so many memories back. There was lots of crawling, lying on the floor, and exhaustion from doing ANYTHING. I get it. Oh, do I ever.
Starting your morning off in His Word is the perfect way to face each day- armed with Truth to nourish you while equipping you with Godly perspective for what lies ahead. You are so wise to do this, Glenn. I believe God’s arms are outstretched toward you, wanting nothing more than to fill you with His Love. I will be praying for you to be blessed in ways you would never have imagined, as you continue to reach for Him.
Please look into getting my book! If you can’t purchase it, I’d be more than happy to send you a copy. (Just email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com)
Thank you for this; it’s exactly what I needed five weeks post-op (on my second surgery)! All my own grumbles translated into humor!
OH, Lydia. I’m so sorry! And your second surgery to boot? (Ah, poor word choice. LOL) Seriously though, if this is your second surgery, I’m guessing you have been recovering and grumbling for quite some time. And for that, I do a slow deep sigh. Please check out my book. I think it can help you through the rest of your recovery. If you can’t purchase it, email me your address and I’ll send you a free copy. š (Chris@TheMomCafe.com )
I am 84 yrs old and need some screws, a plate and a cadaver bone in my right foot. The pain now is not too bad. When I start to walk after sitting a short time, I have to start slowly. But then Iām ok! However, really debating if want to have this surgery at all. Still want to golf next year! Do I live with this pain?
My NON-medical response is a swift “NO! DO NOT DO IT!” Healing takes so much time, you will also be at risk for a host of other things with having any surgery at all- and, my gosh- who needs risk at your age? I say, do not go through all that jazz, especially if you can manage the pain fairly well. Forget the surgery, and YOU GO GOLF, SISTER! š
Mary,
I had what sounds like a very similar surgery in May, 2017, and wanted to share my results. My non-medical opinion is also a very emphatic “NO! DO NOT DO IT!”
In May, 2017 I had a right flat foot reconstruction with calcaneotomy, cadaver bone wedge, plate, and numerous screws. I was 30 at the time and had exhausted physical therapy, orthotics, cortisone injections, etc. My surgeon told me that without the surgery, my condition would worsen until I would not be able to walk normally, so I did it. The surgery was a “success” but the plate, screws, and bone wedge irritated my anterior tibial tendon to the point that I needed a second surgery to remove the hardware and repair the tendon (they removed 50% of the tendon which was necrotic, and had to do a tendon transfer to make up for the tendon I lost). No one warned me that this was a possibility pre-surgery, and it took ages for my surgeon to even admit that the pain I was having a year after my original surgery was not normal, or that my hardware was the blame (I was told that full recovery from flat foot reconstruction like this is about a year). I don’t know if this level of hardware irritation is common, or if I just have delicate flower tendons, but I would definitely not recommend risking it, given that your pain sounds manageable.
So, here I am recovering from my second foot surgery in two years. I had my second surgery in December, 2018 with a different surgeon, and I am hoping for better results. When I asked my new surgeon if I should consider surgery on my left foot (which is also very flat, but gives me minimal pain) he was very much against it because, as I’ve learned, there are just so many things that can go wrong unexpectedly.
One other thing I wanted to mention about the post was my experience with pain meds. I also really do not like narcotic pain meds so I took them after both surgeries, but tried to limit myself and get off of them quickly. However, I noticed that as I was weening myself off of them I would get very weepy and depressed – even more than I already was!!! I mention this because I really wish someone had told me about this as a possible side effect. For my pain, it was still worth it to power through this, but it was very helpful after my second surgery to be aware of it and know that I wasn’t going crazy!
I hope this information is helpful to you and others. Thank you very much for the blog post. It’s great to hear I am not a wimp or the only one with these frustrations. I wish I had come across it after my first surgery.
Mary, I had something that sounds very similar done in May 2017. I had a right flat foot reconstruction with calcaneotomy, and in my midfoot a cadaver bone wedge, plate, and lots of screws. I was 30 at the time and my pre surgery pain was very severe. I had exhausted PT, orthotics, cortisone shots etc. My surgeon told me I needed the surgery or that my condition would worsen so that I was not able to walk on that foot at all, so I did it. The surgery was a āsuccessā but all of the hardware and bone wedge irritated my anterior tibial tendon to the point that I needed a second surgery in December, 2018 to remove the hardware, smooth the bone wedge, and fix the tendon (removal of necrotic tissue, and tendon transfer). It took ages for my surgeon to admit that the pain I was having a year after my original surgery was not normal (I was told full recovery could take up to a year) and that the hardware was to blame. No one mentioned this as a possible side effect pre surgery either. I am not sure if this level or hardware irritation is common, or if I am just a delicate flower, but I would certainly not recommend risking it given that your pain sounds manageable.
Anyway, here I am recovering from my second foot surgery in 2 years. I used a different surgeon and am hoping for better results. Also, when I asked him about surgery for some mild pain and a bunion in my other foot his recommendation was an emphatic no.
One other thing I wanted to share was my experience with pain meds. I also really loathe natcotics, so I have just tried to not use them for very long. When weening myself off of them I have found I tend to get very weepy and depressed. This obviously makes an already difficult situation much worse! For my pain, taking them for a while was still worth it, but I wish someone had mentioned this potential unpleasant side effect to me beforehand just so I would have been aware of it and not felt like I was going crazy! Round two was better because I was aware of this possibility in advance.
I hope this information is helpful for you or others. I love the blog and wish I had found it after my first surgery.
Thanks for this blog. Iām 4 weeks post op in a foot reconstruction/ bunion removal surgery. Before surgery I did some web surfing in preparation, bought a pair of light weight crutches and practiced using them the whole week before surgery. Right after surgery I seemed like a new me without strength and balance ! My mother had a rolling walker she no longer uses so I trust it after falling with the crutches. Best decision I made . The walker has a seat where I place a gardening knee foam and I can scoot around the house. And when Iām tired at the end of the day I can sit on it and scoot. Also use an office chair in the kitchen to get around. Iām lucky I have a wonderful husband with a good sense of humor who helps me laugh at myself .
It was scary how quickly I went from being self sufficient to not being able to get out of bed. I thought it was me but your blog and responses let me see that itās the way it is.
The hardest part was leaving my kindergarten students at the end of the school year. I took medical leave with the hope to be ready when school starts in late August. Now Iām glad I did I and expect to have to take it easy even when school starts back up.
Oh, Trisha- I love how you have adapted and adjusted to this ‘new you’- and you are managing it wonderfully. I KNOW how hard it can be, and I’m so glad you have a husband to help you and bring some humor into this difficult season of recovery. (Humor always helps!) I’m thrilled you found my blog and it has encouraged you! I hope you read the other posts too- I think they would be helpful in getting you through your healing as well. š
Please look into buying my book! If you aren’t able to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy if you email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com. I wrote it for women just like YOU. XO
Here is the link to my book, in case you missed it: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Thank you so much for This! On March 25, 2018 I somehow misjudged my footing on the garage stairs, fell down 3 stairs on top of my foot and I now have 11 screws and a plate in amongst my right ankle and tibia. Had to do it to my driving foot, too. Blast! You put into words exactly what I have been experiencing and trying to do since the injury and surgery. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone! I have said, as a bonus of all of this, my hubby and kids have learned so many tasks and my hubby hopefully remembers all of this when I’m healed!
Nikki, I’m so sorry you have had to go through this difficult season of healing and recovery! How are you moving around now? And I am SO with you on that bonus! Our hubs and kids develop some good skills when we’re down! That’s one blessing that comes from such hard circumstances. š
If you are still struggling with your recovery, I’d love for you to check out my book! If you aren’t able to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a copy. Just email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com.
On March 7, I had lateral ankle stabilization surgery. On April 6, I had rotator cuff surgery.
I was off the crutches in time for the shoulder repair. How ācharacter buildingā it was to navigate in a knee height boot & the āextra specialā sling you wear that keeps your arm sticking out & away from your body with a metal rod.
What makes this experience so different than any of my friends or co-workers, is that I live alone. I have been alone my entire adult life, so there are no kids to help, even just a little. No husband bringing me dinner when he gets home. No one to bring or do anything.
From the time I arrived home from both day surgeries, it was clear how hard this would be. After my first slow, wobbly trip to the bathroom, it was just too hard to get up again to get food from the kitchen. So I did not.
I was afraid I would fall, again, but maybe this time wouldnāt be able to pull myself up.
My bedroom became a jail cell. The pain in my ankle and lack of confidence in trying to move my leg off the bed was too much to conquer through day 3. Yes, I was hungry, not starving, but I could not swing my leg off the bed because of the throbbing ankle.
At 53, itās painful to hear your friends stories of their kids pitching in to help mom & husbands ā cooking.ā I desperately wish I had someone here to help when I was at my worst. Because of the shoulder surgery & sling, I couldnāt drive for 6 weeks (turned to 7 weeks.) Now I was really stuck. Hard to ask neighbors or co-workers if they would mind picking you up some eggs. Even harder for me to inconvenience people to take me grocery shopping.
I settled for asking them for 1 item, eggs. I would eat those until they were gone. I would then ask a different neighbor if they would please pick up 2 or 3 cans of soup. Three cans of soup would last 3 days. I would skip a day now & then, then ask again for 1 item.
The last thing you ever want to be, as a single person, is a nuisance to anyone. So, maybe in another month, I can return to work. Iām not in a sling anymore, but because my job is very physical, I cannot return until I can raise my arm above my head on my own without pain, plus the ability to do other things.
I know recovery is hard, but think how much worse it would be if you were alone.
Ann, I can’t even imagine how had it is to recover from ANY surgery, let alone both of yours- ALONE. It sounds like it has been agonizing, lonely, scary, and truly traumatic for you. I’m so sorry. š
I encourage you to ask your neighbors and co-workers for help more. You would be pleasantly surprised at the goodness and generosity of others, but they can’t serve you unless you reach out to them and ask. If they are going to the store for one carton of eggs- why not ask them to pick up more groceries? Surely, that would be easy enough! Because you live alone, it’s critical you reach out and ask for help. One big grocery trip a week would be easier than asking one person a day for one item. I know you are trying to not tax anyone with too much, but right now you need to take risks in allowing others to serve you- no conditions or limits.
I’d love to send you my book if you are interested. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com– or if you’d rather purchase it yourself, you can do that too! I hope it will bring you more comfort and encouragement during this very difficult time. Here’s the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Hello there,
I not only broke my left ankle in 8 places but also had a compound fracture (yes bone sticking straight out) on 12/2/2017.
I can relate to all of these stories, depending on my mom and daughter for the simplest things, getting bathed at the sink and hair washed in the sink.
The hardest part for me was being non-weight baring. I mastered home PT as well as outpatient PT.
I went back to work full-time on 2/23/2018 with the aide of a cane, but only used that for 2 weeks.
Right now I am dealing with the fact that in addition to my broken ankle I have a fallen arch which took a total of 3 years for me to master without feeling any pain, my foot doctor was always amazed of how I walked.
Now my foot is trying to go back into that position and I am limping a lot more plus dealing with the swelling from the humidity and the joint stiffness from the air condition.
I’m tired of people saying to me why am I still limping. My daughter reassured me that its only been 6 months since the accident and that I’m doing great.
Here’s to positive thoughts that one day I will be walking normal again.
Oh and by the way I have two broken screws from my last ORTHO appointment, my doctor reassured me that I didn’t nothing wrong that its my body’s way of saying hey I don’t need you. If I start experiencing excruciating pain or screws protrude out of skin, then plate and screws will be removed and a long screw will be inserted in the bone where the plate currently is and yes again non-weight baring again for 4-6 weeks which I am not looking foward too.
Sincerely Badbreak1222017
Good Lord Mary what a BREAK! That sounds like a horrible injury to recover from! It will take at LEAST a year to fully recover, so don’t listen to those people who have no clue on healing and the details of your unique circumstances. It’s hard enough to be patient and endure the hard recovery, let alone have people shaming you for not being further along. Pff. Don’t mind them, they know nothing about your experience, your injuries, and all the facts. I’m hoping they just want to see you fully healed and are anxious for that to happen. What you do need are people who will come alongside you and offer you help, support, and encouragement with grace and empathy. I hope you have THOSE people in your life.
I PRAY you won’t have to have another surgery to get those screws/plate removed! Mary, this sounds like such a hard recovery, a horrible injury, and you are a WARRIOR to bear through it all! Stay strong, be patient and gracious with your healing, and surround yourself with people who will LIFT you up and encourage you and help you through it all.
Please go get my book! I think it will help encourage you. If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will send you a free copy.
I commented yesterday on how much you helped my emotional self. I praised the kneeling scooter as a lifesaver; however, I forgot to mention Iāve had bilateral knee replacements so the kneel was very uncomfortable. On a positive note Iām sure I got a few more degrees bend in it. Again thank you so much for helping me through my recovery.
My goodness, Noryne! I’m sure that knee scooter must be hard to use with your knee replacements! Just think when you are all healed up whole- you will have a new lease on life! Hold on, friend. I’m so glad you found my blog. <3
I know this post is old, but I’m glad that I found it. I’ve been down and out regarding my foot injury. It has been a long process to say the least. My injury occurred on April 13, 2018. I was 5 weeks out when my doctor informed me that I needed immediate surgery to insert some screws to fix torn ligaments. So, fast forward 4 weeks later, and here I am again. I’m still in a cast and will have that removed on July 6. Then, I go back into a boot and begin more recovery. Oh, did I mention that I’m a working mother with a 4 year old son, AND I’m 6 months pregnant! Luckily, I have an amazing husband who has helped out tremendously, but he works away 14 days at a time, and he is on his way out tonight, so I’m dreading the next two weeks already. I just keep praying that my healing process is as quick as possible with all of these responsibilities I have. It’s been a very humbling experience, and I’m grateful to know that I have some loving family and friends willing to help me (driving me to and from work while my husband is away). That is a super big help! Anyways, I just can’t wait to feel better and be back to normal and be in control of my life. Thanks for all of the tips and sharing your struggles. Not that I’m glad that other people are struggling, but it’s nice to know that I’m not alone.
Lacey, I’m so sorry you have to endure such a difficult injury and surgery! AND you’re six months pregnant with a 4-year-old son? AND your husband is gone for 14 days at a time? And you are trying to work with all of this? Oh, girl, that is just so much. TOO much.
I’m glad you found my blog. It is an older one, but the memories are fresh in my head, always. š I hope you check out my book because I think it will help you get through the rest of your recovery. If you aren’t able to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy. Just email me your address to Chris@TheMomCafe.com.
HANG. IN. THERE. You are such an incredibly strong woman to withstand such adversity. Be kind to yourself, be grace-filled and patient. It’s SO hard to be in your situation, so I pray those friends and family members can continue to step up and into your life to help you through it. Keep reaching out to them for support. You need and deserve it.
July 28, 2018 was opening night of a show in which I was playing one of my long time dream roles. It also marks the one year anniversary of breaking my right ankle, both bones (on stage, during the show, in front of a full house. Show went on, paramedics called, someone went on and finished the show for me as the ambulance rushed me to the ER… had surgery 6 days after breaking it. A plate and 7 screws on the outside, 2 screws on the inside… AND I live on the 2nd floor with no elevator. The accuracy of your blog blew my mind so much! I swear I could have written it myself, as these were my exact observations throughout the 7 weeks. Sadly, I was unable to even heal in my own home, since it would be at least 7 weeks before I could even attempt stairs. Thankfully, I have incredible family, friends and colleagues. What sticks with me to this day is how the humility and humanity aspects fostered an incredible depth of internal, indescribable gratitude… not only for my 7 weeks of hard core healing time, but for my entire life in general. As I sat healing in a relative’s beautiful and comfortable home, with around the clock care… we would watch the news of all the hurricanes that were ravaging towns and taking lives. And all I could think was, “My gosh, I’m sitting here in a safe and comfortable place healing, and there are people in my very situation who are having to physically fight for their lives.” Who knew how precious being able to take 15 minutes to do a 3 minute trip to the bathroom could be? To say this experience changed my perspective of life would be an understatement. It was a revelation to gratitude. I can honestly say that I am a different person because of the experience of healing from my ankle break and surgery. Dramatic? To some, possible… but I’m guessing to you, it is a familiar feeling. š I can say though that the NUMBER ONE thing that got me through every single challenge of healing was the ABSOLUTE FACT that it was TEMPORARY! This saved my sanity. And now, life is even better because no matter most situations… I can simply remind myself of the FACT that “this is temporary.” Thanks for taking the time to write this blog – it was quite wonderful to run across someone who has experienced “membership” into this unfortunate “club!” Be well!
THIS. š Karen, I’m SO glad you shared all of this. Girl, you know how to do the recovery thing well.
Why am I so fatigued 4 months after mid-foot fusion surgery? Can barely walk 30 minutes. Pre-surgery could do 45-60, No problem . Also dealing with oral surgery for a dental implant. Feeling frustrated and hopeless.
Oh, Deb, I’m so sorry you are still struggling. But please be patient with yourself! Your body has been through so much and it will take time to regain all your endurance and strength! I know that frustration and hopelessness so well. I would expect your recovery to take a year for FULL restoration. Be good to yourself and honor your healing. It WILL come. Also, if you are feeling concerns, you might want to call your doctor and perhaps get things checked out. Hang in there. <3
First of all, Iām so glad to have found you and your story! I did one of those spectacular, terrifying falls down nearly a full flight of stairs… somersaults, banging into walls, the bannisters, all the while praying I didnāt break my neck. A little bit of that ālife flashingā as well. It was just 24 hours ago, so I am early in the process. I see my surgeon in two days, anticipating surgery in a week or so, when the swelling has subsided. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I am very thankful to have ONLY the injuries I do. I had a total left knee replacement 8 months ago, and a little stumble related to that caused my fall. So, ending up with two right ankle fractures, a grim looking dislocation, and a fractured right tibia, but with my brand new knee seemingly ok (albeit a bit sore), I know it could have been so much worse. Iām not a scooter candidate due to the tibia, so we rented a wheelchair and purchased some crutches. Iām about 80 lbs over my desired, and healthy weight, and I have virtually no muscle tone. I feel this is the Big Guy giving me a push toward the commitment to get healthier. Iām blessed to have a husband who is available to be my driver, and caretaker, and just as blessed to have found this site. Iāll be ordering your book straightaway. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being here when I so desperately needed to read about your experiences and advice, along with so many helpful comments and individual stories. There is tremendous power in knowing others have gone through this exact thing! I know the pity parties will come and go, and Iām hopeful. At least for the next five minutes. Thanks again.
Oh my heavens, Ellen! I can envision your fall and I’m cringing as I write back to you, imagining how terrifying it was for you! Thank GOD you didn’t break your neck and somehow didn’t blow out your new knee! But girl, you’ve done some serious damage and I’m sure you are grieving the long recovery road ahead. I’m just so sorry this happened to you…
I’m so glad you found my blog and ordered my book! Praying it encourages you and gives you some hope as you heal from this awful accident. You seem like such a wise woman with a healthy perspective that will enable you to endure this hard road, but always remember to love yourself through it and NEVER give up hope.
I’m so glad you have a wonderful husband to help you through this and yes, God has a way of getting our attention, doesn’t He? I’ll be thinking about you and praying for your healing, my new friend. Take it one day at a time and know that this time might seem like it lasts forever, but keep reminding yourself it is TEMPORARY.
Please keep me posted, would you? I’ll be anxious to hear what the surgeon says and how you progress in your recovery.
I don’t know how I managed to stumble upon this site but I’m feeling pretty blessed and encouraged. 2 years ago I had a severe ankle fracture, and my fibula. It was traumatic as it was 20 below outside with a windchill of -40. I was very thankful my phone fell close by as it was 5:30 am with nobody around. I was very thankful for the emergency crew. I ended up having 4 surgeries total and was pretty much off of work for 6 months. I’m a single, working mom of 3. Well, 4 weeks ago I went to the doctor thinking my hardware needed removed. Partially, yes, but my fibula had collapsed onto my ankle bone. I was in surgery the next day. Here I am, home, non-weight bearing, again. It is a long road but only temporary. I love that I was able to read and share some feelings and know there are people that have experienced the same. It is quite depressing at times. Thank you and God bless!
Oh my goodness, Traci! As for your injury, I am so glad your phone fell close by! What a horrible and painful and scary situation- and I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to recover from all those surgeries! My gosh, you are a warrior! And I can tell why- you have an incredible perspective and a beautiful heart- both of which are critical to managing (and surviving!) it all. Not only did you have to endure the pain and recovery of all those surgeries, but you are a single mom of 3?! God bless you for all you have been through and I am praying for strength and peace for you as you face another long recovery. Please check out my book, Traci! And if you aren’t able to purchase it I would love to send you a copy. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I’ll ship it off to you asap! Here’s the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
I also hope you have clicked on the other articles following this one for more encouragement! <3
Hi! Itās fate I came across this because Iām feeling a bit depressed because Iām still so uncomfortable! Iām 11 weeks out of have surgery to repair a spiral tibia fracture, a crushed fibula that couldnāt even be fixed, and an ankle fractures in 2 places. A Murpheybed/wall bed came out of the wall and fell on me.
The surgery was weight bearing as tolerated from the beginning which to me was a joke. But Iām told that it helps with recovery. My ankle is still so tender, feels kind a dead and I feel like Iām a complaining character out of a book. Iām actually going to the Dr on the 4th to see if theyāre something wrong. I will flip out, if there is…but yet at the same time, I canāt think that this is how things are going to feel forever!
Hey Colleen! I’m SO sorry you have been through such a horrible injury and recovery! I sooo hope things are healing the way they should, despite the pain! I’m really glad you found my blog and I hope you read the other posts I included at the end of this post for more encouragement. I’d love for you to get my book to help you through the rest of your recovery. If you are unable to purchase it, just email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I would be glad to send you a copy.
I know it’s SO HARD. I remember asking my doctor several times if I was healing okay because it was so painful for SO long and I thought I would never heal! I was so discouraged and my gosh, did I complain! It’s just agonizing, I know. I promise you, it WILL end. Be patient with yourself, okay? Praying your doctor doesn’t find anything wrong. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and reach out to me.
I stumbled across this post while recovering from a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation that has left me immobile for the past two months, and likely will keep me immobile for a couple more. I didn’t know how much I needed to read this until I was laughing hysterically and crying uncontrollably while reding this post….someone who truly gets it. This was just what I needed to feel normal and human again. Thank you. This injury completely derailed me and happened just before Christmas. It cancelled a Non-refundable trip to Paris, London, and New York for me and my family; caused me to miss my daughter’s school concert the day after I got hurt; and made me rely on others in a way I’ve never had to before.
I had to accept offers for meals, rides, getting my daughter to sporting practices and events, etc. It has been eye-opening and showed me truly amazing people in my life. It affected my husband and daughter, and myself. Thank you for this post. It was a light I needed in a dark season of my life.
Oh, Amber! It sounds like you have had SUCH a painful injury and one long, hard recovery. You poor thing! And the timing sounds terrible with missing that incredible trip- non-refundable? I can’t even imagine…
I’m SO glad you found my blog and this post encouraged you! I also hope you read the other posts I added at the end because I do believe they would help too. š
Please check out my book on Amazon, Amber. You need more encouragement in this difficult season and if you can’t purchase it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will send you a free copy.
Hold on, sister. Stay strong. Be ever so patient with yourself and keep asking those beautiful people in your life for help.
Thank you for your kind reply! We have been thankful enough to have the hotel and and the first leg of our itinerary refunded, despite the airfare and hotel reservations being listed as “non-refundable.” JetBlue has customers for life for their amazing customer service. We are hoping to try again for the same time next year for the trip. One of the airlines won’t refund us, but offered to let us change our flights with a fee, so we are trying to explore options.
I am looking at ordering your book on Amazon. Thank you again!
Well, that’s good news! I’m so glad you can get another chance to take this amazing trip and you’re not out too much money, Amber. Something to surely look forward to during your recovery period! š
I’m so glad you’re ordering my book. I hope it encourages you through your healing.
Iām so happy i found this blog!! I fell the day after Christmas taking dogs outside on my front porch. I torn ligaments and tendons and need reconstruction surgery as well as to have fluid drain and biopsy of lesion on right ankle. I ended up having surgery on January 30, this has been so tough as a
Single mom and no family near by. Iāve had so many days of screaming and crying at myself for no being able
To do my normal activities and things for myself. This post was so real to me as Iāve felt everyone of those things! I know Iām in this hard cast for three more weeks and then will re evaluate to determine if needed longer or can start physical therapy. Itās def harder mentally than physically for me…. Iām so ready to get out of house and back to work! It is so true bc i had so many things and good reads i would complete and i find that i havenāt done any of them…. i sleep a lot, which then i feel guilty for that as well so Thank u again for this post. Def makes it seem ok for me to feel the way i do….
Oh, Christy, I am SO glad you found my blog too! It sure sounds like you have had a long hard season of healing and I’m just so sorry you have had to endure it! AND being a single mom on top of all of it? I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for you! I hope you have good friends you can reach out to for help and support. THAT is so key during times like this!
Sleeping is good. Healing takes place when you sleep- so think of it as being INCREDIBLY productive! š
I hope you have read the other posts I shared below this one. I think they might be an encouragement for you too! Also, I would love to give you more encouragement through my book! Check it out on Amazon, and if you can’t purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy. (Just email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com) https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Hang in there through the rest of your recovery. YOU CAN DO THIS! And remember, everything you are experiencing- all of it- is exactly what we other ‘broken warriors’ have experienced too. You, friend, are not alone… XOXO
It’s good to know more about foot surgery and recovery. My wife is probably going to need surgery on her left foot soon, and she’s a mom of three kids! I’ll make sure that she knows to follow the doctor’s order to elevate, and anything else.
Silas, get her my book! It will be the perfect gift for her! Here is the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
If you can’t purchase it, email your address to me and let me know her name and I will send you a signed copy. š My email: Chris@TheMomCafe.com
Why I didnāt find this post before!
Week 6 after my tendon repair surgery on my ankle.
I definitely had struggled this past weeks , specially when it comes to asking for help, depending on other people ( I even feel guilty for putting my friends through this with me) being without a shower for days, etc.
When I feel frustrated, I just try to remind myself how blessed I am for having wonderful people around me and think that this is temporary.
Thanks for this amazing post
Maria, I wish you had found my blog six weeks ago, but I’m glad you at least found it now! How much longer do you have in your recovery? I hope you read the other posts listed at the end of this one. I think they will also encourage you!
And my book might still be a good source of help too. If you’re unable to purchase it, just email me your address (Chris@themomcafe.com) and I’ll send a free copy to you. š
Hang in there!! You can DO THIS.
I recently broke both sides of my ankle and had surgery on January 14, 2019 and had my cast removed on March 1st and I am still not walking. It hurts so bad around the hardware (a plate on one side and a screw on the other) when I put my foot in the boot my foot swells and turns an awful shade of purple. This is my first broken bone at age 40. Is this normal because every time I go see the doctor he says oh it looks good š Hopefully you can give me some advice. I do all the ice elevate stuff I just want to walk someday. Thank you so much for this inspirational article!
Oh, Pauline! That sounds so awful and painful! I would definitely get a second opinion if your doctor keeps brushing it off like that. That does not seem right at all. The only thing I can think of that would *maybe* explain this is that your poor ankle just isn’t healed completely and needs more time. Please let me know how you’re doing when you can. Your doctor should be listening to you and figure out what’s causing the swelling and coloring in your foot!
I’ve been sitting here reading all your stories. I continued to repeat to myself that this is only temporary. But honestly I’m still feeling seriously suicidal. My ankle fusion was done on December 3rd 2019 and I am still having excessive swelling, pain and trouble walking. I use a cane most of the time. The swelling is still extreme and an awful discolor. When my surgeon saw it actually said to me that I had probably gotten more tan on that foot than the other foot! I asked him if he thought I was that stupid, or was he. There are times that I can get the swelling reduced but it always returns. When/how does the edema stop coming back? I’m assuming that when the swelling subsides, the pain will to. Feeling so disheartened.
Oh, Tami! That all sounds so horrible and painful and frustrating! I am appalled at your doctor’s response to your plight and I wonder if you might be better served going to see another doctor for the awful recovery you are having. Please hold on to hope that there WILL be healing! I’m so sorry you are experiencing such a difficult recovery. Please take care of yourself and let me know how you are doing and if you seek out another doctor to help you with your pain and swelling. You deserve to be heard and tended to with all that is going on. Praying for you…
Thank you so much for this article, I was feeling down on myself this morning and I came across your article and I read parts of it aloud to my husband and we both ended up laughing.
We were in a serious car accident a month ago that crushed my right foot so it is a mess of pins and plates and suture holding my tendons and ligaments in place and will be going to another surgeon soon to have a maxilla fracture repair and bone grafting because they didn’t catch that the ER. Luckily my husband wasn’t injured as badly as I was.
I get tired of people that have never been NWB telling me to be patient and heal but I just smile and nod. It does throw a harsh light on just how NOT handicapped-friendly the world is for my friends who are amputees or who are wheelchair-bound.
Oh, Amber! I am SO sorry you have had to endure such a horrible accident and such painful injuries! My gosh, it sounds like it has been such a difficult recovery and I can only imagine how much strength and patience it has taken to heal. You poor thing. I am grateful your husband wasn’t injured as badly as you. I hope and pray you hang in there through this hard season and please look into buying my book to help you through the rest of your recovery! If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@TheMomCafe.com and I will send you a free copy. I’m sure you have had to suffer through so much this past month, and I am just so sorry. Stay strong, and hold onto hope that someday this will all be a faded horrible memory and you will heal… in time. Here’s the link to my book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Wow! So many replies to your post. I love that you are so encouraging. I rolled my ankle HARD 16 months ago and originally was treated for a bad sprain in a boot for 3 weeks. No biggie, right? Once the boot came off, I did PT which did not help to relieve any pain at all. I got multiple injections which did not help. Then our family moved (military family) from Maine to Florida and I had to start over. Went to a new pcp who took x-rays and ordered an MRI. Referred me to more PT and an Ortho consult. Tried the PT, but it was so painful I was in tears. Finally had my MRI and saw an Ortho guy who said I have 4 things wrong including a piece of bone that has chipped off and has been floating around in there causing my pain for over a year. But he doesn’t do arthroscopic surgery! So I waited another month to see his partner and finally got him to agree to do surgery and repair this darn thing. When he said six weeks non weight bearing and no boot it scared me. That, and the fact that we are moving AGAIN in 7 weeks makes my head spin. Definitely going to tag your post and hold onto your positivity. Have you had anyone try that Iwalk thing? It seems interesting. Thank you!
Melanie, PLEASE forgive me for not seeing your comment and responding! My gosh, how did I miss it? You had SO much going on and I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to support you through it.
Please let me know how things transpired with your surgery and move and ALLTHETHINGS you were facing back when you commented! Praying you were able to have that surgery and heal fully while making it through your next move. It sounds so overwhelming!
Thanks for this article, I broken my right ankle April 9th and had surgery on the 30th of April. Most days I’m ok but others I’m frustrated, just sitting. I try and help around the house, where I can.I keep hoping I heal faster then they say so I don’t need help doing things. Just a waiting game.
Ah, Toni, it’s so hard to be still, isn’t it? It’s also hard to wait wait wait to heal. I understand this so well. Have you checked out my book? I really think it would be a great source of encouragement for you during your recovery. If you are unable to purchase it, you can email me your address to Chris@TheMomCafe.com, and I will send you a free copy.
Hang in there, Toni. I know it’s difficult, but try to remind yourself over and over again that this long hard season WILL end… in time.
Momcafe, thank you so much! You nailed it with your description of everything, including your advice. Six weeks ago at the end of April I somehow rolled both of my feet something awful and broke BOTH my ankles, my right one in every place you can break an ankle, in addition to pulverizing my ligaments. And to add insult to my injury, I ended up ON LIVE TV NATIONWIDE when A&E Live Rescue showed up for their second episode to film me lying on the parking lot ground covered in tiny Palo Verde yellow flowers that were also caked in my hair. Oh yeah. That was fun. I had no idea I was being filmed. My brother-in-law called from another state a while later to tell my husband they saw me on TV and felt bad. I was lucky enough to have surgery on both my ankles the next day ac everything went as well as could be hoped for. The surgeon smiled as he came out of surgery and spoke to my husband about my progress. I decided, as I lay on the ground in the parking lot, that this had to have happened for a reason even if I couldn’t think of what that reason could be at that time. And as I sat in the hospital room after surgery, I thought about everything that had transpired over the last two days. I told myself that if I was going to get through this, I had to have a good attitude. So I made up my mind to have an attitude of gratitude. I looked for everything I could to be thankful for. It turns out that there was A LOT of things that I had to be grateful for, even being on national TV against my knowledge. My husband was able to see how kind the emergency responders were in my suffering and how they helped me. He was able to share with me how they got me out of a pickle as I was stuck in between the curb and the bottom of my car–don’t ask, I don’t know how it happened. My neighbors and family were able to watch what happened so we all shared that together as well. My sweet husband filed for EMLA so he could stay home with me and take care of me and the kids full time without worrying about his job being in danger. We had friends and family help us in multiple ways. I even got not one, but TWO glitter casts for my right foot even though my doctor hates glitter. Today I got the second glitter cast off, and even though I still cannot walk on it, I am so thankful for everything, including the pain, so that I can help other people, just like you are doing! There is so much more I can tell you, and I’m sure you’ve probably heard it all. But when you said to be grateful, I’m here to tell you that it is essential in keeping your sanity. Oh I’m not ignoring pain or looking another direction. No lie, it hurt like heck and it continues to ache. But I also find I can focus on the pain or I can take some ibuprofen and focus on getting better. How can I be anything other than thankful when my husband and others have done so much to help me? God has been so good to me and I’d like to take that and give it to others who need it more than I do now. When I am healed, whenever that will be, I plan on helping others like you are doing. Who knows? Maybe A&E will film me again one day doing just that. You never know. Just next time hopefully my hair won’t be matted down with two pounds of tiny yellow Palo Verde flowers.
Paula!!!! Oh my gosh, what a STORY! God bless your grateful heart!! I absolutely love that you chose immediately to find the good, the gifts, the gratitude in what was and continues to be such an incredibly difficult season of healing and recovery for you. Oh, you are an INSPIRATION. I wish I had known six weeks ago, so I could have sent you my book to help you, encourage you, guide you through it all. I love that you have had such a strong network of support- especially having your husband home to care for you through it all. What a gift!
Thank you sooo much for sharing your beautiful words and story here, Paula. I just know you are going to be using your experience to help so many others. I’ll be praying God blesses every (painful) step forward for you on your road to full restoration and that He leads you to opportunities to fulfill your mission and purpose that comes from it all.
Thank you! I was a little drugged up six weeks ago (thankfully, I learned that percocet, which never worked for anything I’d ever been given it for before, works for bone pain. Who knew?) so I may not have been entirely coherent. I would love to meet you one day in person. If you’re ever out in the Phoenix area, please let me know. I’d love to take you to lunch. And hopefully by then I’ll be able to walk. But if not, at least I’ll have a handicap placard I will still use to get a great parking space, right? You do much good for others and I hope you know that. An attitude of gratitude is essential for me personally to keep my head in the right place. Even though yesterday was an achy day and I was sad, I know those days happen thanks to your post and I let it wash through me. I accepted it, let it run its course and now today I feel better. Back to the thankful. I am more than my injury, although my injury is getting jealous and wants to be a bigger part of me. So I’ll probably decorate my ugly gray utilitarian boot and make it pretty. It makes everything better that way. Grateful for a husband who will help me do that. ????
I believe you covered just about everything! I feel like a pro at foot and ankle surgeries (Iāll add shoulders another time!). About 10 years ago I completely tore my anterior talo-fibular ligament. Had surgery. No memory of how long I was non-weight-bearing. Surely a coping mechanism. Had surgery on the top of that foot for nerve issue. Felt light I was being tazed every time someone touched it. Then the anchors popped out of my ankle bone and those had to be removed. Said itās only happened to 1 or 2 of his patients over his 30 years. I told him to make me 3. Then out of the blue an abscess developed under the scar and well, you know what that means! Surgery to clean it out. That was 4 surgeries with many different boots in about a 15 month period. Fast forward to last summer. Never, ever jump down even 2 feet with flip flops on. They went one way. My feet the other. I heard a loud pop but was able to get up and walk for quite a while after. My left-same as the previous one-bruises and swell and I felt a little instability so I wore one of my ankle lace up braces leftover. Yes, it was that good of a brace. I was doing CrossFit 5 days a week. Two were with a personal trainer. She kept asking me when I was going to take it off and I told her when my ankle felt more stable. She tried to tell me it wouldnāt become stable wearing the brace and I told her I wasnāt taking it off. So she sent me to see my ortho. MRI showed a piece of bone that had broken off. My ortho said my ankle had loosened up quite a bit and would put a cadaver tendon in when he removed that piece of bone. For some reason I opened my mouth and asked if he could look at my right foot because I have a lot of pain during certain situations. No problem. Found out that my foot was broken! So last June I had surgery on my right foot and had screws used to fix it. 3 weeks later I had surgery on my left foot to remove the bone and add cadaver tendon. I was non weight bearing for a total of 13 week with 6 of them in a wheelchair and 2 of those beautiful black boots. Spent 6 months in PT. That was through April. Over these last couple of months Iāve developed arthritis so badly in my right foot from the break and walking on it for a month that I am scheduled for surgery on the 19th to fuse mid foot bones. Plates and screws on the top and inside of my foot. My only consolation is that itās 10 weeks rather than 13 and I can get around. Two weeks in a surgical cast. Then 8 weeks in a boot and then I can start weight bearing. I used a knee scooter twice and hated it! I found the iwalk 2.0
and am going to be fitted for it tomorrow so I have plenty of time to practice. Most people donāt know this but many times this will be covered by your insurance. So instead of $149 Iām only paying $68! This is now #3 surgery. Iām hoping the plates and screws will stay in like is normally done. I have very skinny feet with no fat on them (the only part of my body like that) and he said he wonāt be surprised if he has to remove them eventually because they can become painful. My feet surgery history. Except one thingāmy ortho opened the same incision on my left foot 5 times and itās hard to see. Canāt see the one on the top of my right foot from the screws. He should think about becoming a plastic surgeon if he ever gets tired or orthopedics!
JANA!! How on earth did I miss this? OMG I cannot believe all you’ve been through! Girl, that is a LOT.
I am sooo sorry. I’m sure it seems like this is a NEVER-ENDING process- with so many injuries, pain, surgeries, and healing. Bless your heart. I hope and pray you continue to manage this difficult season with strength and patience, grace and gratitude. Some day you will be able to look back on this awful experience when you are fully healed and back doing crossfit!
I hear the iwalk2.0 is AMAZING. I’m sooo glad you’ll have that. I bet that will make things so much easier to get around. Thanks for letting us all know that insurance can often cover it! GOOD to know.
I liked reading your posts about casts and about ankle and foot surgeries. A lot of the tips are great and true some of them donāt fit everyone you should include that, I will never fully get over whatās under my cast itās been going on for 7 years. My husband reads things like your tips and tells me it will all get better despite what I tell him until my 2 surgery yesterday and oddly it was a blessing him agreeing it will never be ok but it will be our new life. I have a bleeding issu so my ankle canāt be fixed using normal methods and my joins move easy so my knee scooter canāt ride it on my knee lol I did in the past ride side saddle sitting on the leg part. But this time my tendon ripped and had to have my ankle reconstruction done at the same time with it also trying to fix damage from spider bites from 7 years ago it will never be the same and Iām not alone in this many people have to except what they have changed for life and pray to god for that. I totally love what you said about crutches canāt use them oddly people never mention what they do to your neck thatās why I canāt use mine Iām back to wheelchair. Hope Iām not to harsh or ramping. Also pain meds can help you heal by taking the stress off other parts of your body I hate them too tried turning them down for other things like my every day foot and ankle but the pain was causing heart issues so interesting how one thing really effects our fully body then agin I recall something about that in the bible in a few places and the bible was written with many double meanings. In closing thank you for your blog and books I hope you are doing well with your struggles. I often find myself thinks of Paulās thorn in his side because whatever it was for some reason God didnāt heal him all the way so we never know if everyone will get over something just keep that in mind.
Oh, Mae, you are absolutely right for pointing out that not everyone heals completely and many continue to live a life full of physical challenges and painful limitations. I’m so sorry you are one of them! I’m heartbroken you have had to endure so many health struggles. I can only imagine how discouraging and defeating it must feel. I know there are many people who endure chronic pain and illness and I am one of them. It’s so hard to stay positive when your body lets you down and you have to battle it every day to manage life.
And yes, Paul is a perfect example of living with affliction that never goes away and just look at how God used him! I will pray for your health, your peace of mind, and for God to bring you hope and purpose in and through your longsuffering. May Paul be an ongoing encouragement to all of those who have their own “thorn” in their side.
I was in Italy two months ago and tried to jump on to a large boat from the dock. My foot got stuck between the fender and the boat. I fell in the water and by the time my foot snapped out, I had broken my foot/ ankle in three different places. The hospital drilled my foot in place with no anesthesia. It was beyond excruciating. After 4 days in the Italian hospital, I flew home. Once home , I contacted an Orthopedic surgeon and had surgery. I have 13 pins and two plates in my foot. It has been 8 weeks since the accident and a little over 6 weeks since surgery. I have adapted … somewhat…. to crawling around and using a wheelchair and scooter to get around. What I canāt get over is the pain! It is debilitating! The pain alternates between painful throbbing, electric jolts, numbing toes, and painful cast contact on my wounds. I am taking gabapentin 3x a day and hydrocodone at night to take the edge off. Neither drug has been a significant help. I am at my wits end. If I have to have surgery again/. So be it….. I just want my life back.
Question- how long do you have to wait to remove the pins?
OH, Mia!! Why on EARTH did they not use anesthesia? Omg- that sounds like torture! You poor thing. And my gosh, with the extent of your injury and surgery, it’s no wonder you are in so much pain- but please let your surgeon know because, after six weeks, I worry about all that pain. I will say that even with my less complicated injury and surgery, I was still in pain for the entire first year after. So, pain is to be expected and perhaps you will have to endure it through this long recovery period of healing. As for the pins, it depends on each case, so I would ask your doc if it’s even possible to remove them and take it from there…
I’m just so sorry you have had to go through this! I’m sure you want your life back and you want relief from all the pain! Hold on, girl. Keep communicating with your doctor and be kind and patient to yourself as you try to survive this really hard season of your life! Please keep me posted on how things are going, if and when you can, okay? Praying for you!!
I am a 34 year old, 7 month woman with a broken leg! Looking forward to my ten week countdown to my due date (and this is my fourth child) I was unexpectedly met with an entirely new kind of countdown: 8 week post-op non-weight bearing. Ouch. So–right in the middle of my oh-so-blissful, goes by in the blink of an eye countdown to baby—-my days have become longer than I ever remember them. Thank you for writing what you did so that I (and apparently many others) can realize that what they are experiencing during this ‘time of testing’ is normal and it’s okay to feel a little insane. I too have a faith that helps me overcome on a moment to moment basis, believing strongly that not only do all things happen for a reason, but that more likely than not, that reason is to shape each one of us into the person we were created to be (if we embrace it with a good attitude,) Thank you again for your twenty-truths. Now, I have five weeks left before my cast comes off and I can “walk” again whatever that will look like….and then a two week joyful expectation to my fourth child. …there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you again for your compassionate compositions to help others. After all, what else is suffering good for if not to give us something for another person in their time of need?
OH, Sarah… What a beautiful comment! You have been through SO MUCH and yet, your wisdom and perspective are inspiring! I’m so glad you found my blog and it encouraged you! I wish I had known about you earlier so you could have read my book. I think you would have really enjoyed it and found it comforting during such a difficult season. And baby #4 on the way- OH my heart! To not only endure such a hard recovery but also be pregnant? Girl, you are so strong and your faith is surely carrying you through and giving you the hope and courage you need to see that light at the end of the tunnel!
I will be praying for full healing and restoration before you hold your sweet babe in your arms! Thank you for sharing your story and your heart with me and all the other women who read this blog.
Thank you so so much for this article! Everything youāve written is exactly everything Iām going through right now! I plan an hour for every activity, even the simplest one because taking just a few slow steps leaves me breathless. Like you, I totally thought I was gonna get so much done while resting at home lol! And itās so nice to know Iām not the only one inexplicably bursting into tears for no reason. Im usually not such a crybaby! Iām 2 and a half weeks post surgery with a plate and seven screws in my foot and yup I just have to keep telling myself to be patient and believe that someday Iāll walk again!!
Linda, I’m so sorry for such a late response to your comment! I’m so glad my blog encouraged you! It’s such a hard hard road to go down, I know. I hope you are progressing well and managing all the pain and limitations with patience and hope, perseverance and grace. Although it feels like FOREVER, healing will come! Hold on to that truth, my new friend.
And I hope you read the other blogs I listed at the end of this post to encourage you, too. I’m not sure how much longer your recovery will be, but I’d love for you to check out my book to help you through to the end! If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com, and I’d be happy to send you a free copy.
https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Read this post when I first had my ankle break. Was very inspiring and I’m reading it again, by chance, 5 weeks post op and it’s a great reminder. It’s all temporaryā” thank you.
Hang in there Nic!! I’m so glad you came upon this post again and it encouraged you- as you have made it through six weeks now! I hope and pray you are feeling stronger and more hopeful every day. It took me a full year to recover, so please don’t push yourself! Healing takes time. And although it feels like forever some days, I promise you, in the big picture of your life, it’s only a blip on your timeline. Take care of yourself! XOXO, Chris
Well, it has been 9 months since my accident in which I broke both ankles and one foot. I have a big piece of hardware and 2 screws in one ankle and in the other ankle I have a big piece of hardware, a plate where my heel used to be and it’s all held together with 11 screws. I was not allowed to put any weight on my legs for 3 months , so that meant a wheelchair. I am just so totally surprised that I still can’t bend the one foot , or walk like I should be. I was not able to see my dr. since January because of the covid 19 thing, but actually have an appt. today, June 10, so I guess I’ll see what happens now.
Oh my gosh, Linda, I can’t even imagine suffering such horrible injuries to BOTH your ankles AND your foot! You poor thing. I’m sure the accident turned your world completely upside down and I’m sure this has been an incredibly painful experience for you. I am going to guess that all that healing will take a lot longer than 9 months. I’ve had quite a few different surgeries in my life and I’ve learned that every recovery from ANY surgery takes a full year to completely heal. So with all that YOU have to heal, I think it would take much longer. I’m so sorry to say that, but I want you to be patient and not get frustrated with your progress. Honor your body’s needs and try not to get too discouraged with how long it takes to get those ankles and that foot working again.
I’m anxious to hear what the doctor said at your appointment. Hoping and praying you are feeling encouraged. Please send updates if and when you can!
I read many of the posts from those of us who have broken ankles. I got my first broken bone at 55. Five weeks ago had surgery oRIF for 3 bones broken on my left ankle. I too have family that will help. Iām a very independent person so I went the route of using a wheelchair in my home when non weight bearing on my leg. It relieved lots of wasted energy using crutches or a walker. I educated myself on dietary foods that aided healing. No crazy dieting just common sense. I call fresh fruits and vegetables natures fast foods because I want to heal as fast as I can. Hated standard pain meds so I found that natural pain meds work best for me. I have taken this and other supplements for a number of years and that has been very helpful for me. Currently using the wheelchair and walker as I am only 25% weight bearing. Increasing my activity for the next few days I will be 50% weight bearing by 6 weeks out. It is strange learning to rewalk so far so good. I am doing my own physical therapy for now. Time will tell.
Melissa, first of all, it’s pretty amazing you had never broken any bones for 55 years! But I’m so sorry you seemed to have made up for it in your poor left ankle. Using a wheelchair would be SO much easier on our bodies and save tons of energy too. I’m so glad you were able to use one and good for you for choosing nourishment that helps with your healing.
It sounds like you are managing everything so well, Melissa. I know it’s an incredibly difficult experience all around and I hope you continue to stay positive and keep taking good care of yourself!
i shattered every bone in my ankle at the beginning of june and just recently graduated to a boot. my husband died last year and i am in our house alone and unfortunately only know one person in this entire town. luckily she stops by to help do the things i absolutely can not, but just trying to get to the bathroom takes such an enormous amount of effort i am usually exhausted afterwards. just the littlest things make me crazy: i can’t reach the bottom of my foot to put cream on it and it’s so dried out & flaky from having been in 2 casts for so many weeks. cleaning the cat litter takes me nearly a half hour. doing laundry is difficult. everything sucks. and now that i’ve had the cast removed i see that my foot is turning outward at a 45 degree angle and i’m planning to contact my doctor ASAP but i’m afraid it might mean more surgery. it can’t be normal. ugh. my life prior to breaking my ankle was bad enough as i am so broken over losing my husband. but i know that somehow i’ll recover from all the ankle drama.
Oh, Trixie, I’m so sorry you have had to endure such a painful injury and grueling recovery! It sounds awful and frustrating and every bit of hard. Thank God you have someone who helps and checks in on you, oh, how I wish you had more support! I can’t imagine the heartache you feel from losing your beloved husband. Your grief is palpable in your words, and I mourn right along with you.
You have made it this far, so that shows how strong and courageous you are, Trixie. HOLD ON, fight through the loneliness and tears, the painful challenges of healing, because you deserve to be well and stay well. I’m so glad you reached out to me, so I could be praying for both your broken ankle and your broken heart. <3
Thank you for your blog and all the comments. I am 13 weeks out of breaking both ankles. Left ankle was trimalleolar and required plates and screws. I wish I had found your blog earlier. Everything you said from feeling down to bathing is so true and you made me smile at times. Better days for me now, after 7 weeks non weight bearing and then gradual weight bearing as tolerated, beginning to walk unaided with only ankle braces, slow and steady wins the race. Iām still pretty dependent upon family and friends but grateful they are there for me. I miss working but maybe another month before I get to go back. I have decided to give up my control to God and take care of my health first. God Bless you and all the commenters here, it is a tough road but thankfully temporary.
Oh you poor thing! My gosh, BOTH ankles? I can’t even imagine how hard this has been for you. I wish you had found my blog earlier too- and also got my book 13 weeks ago when this happened. (Longer now, I’m so sorry it took so long to get back to your comment!) I’m so grateful you have had friends and family to depend on during this difficult recovery and challenging season. Letting go is SO HARD. I know. And yet, I think God does His best work with us when we do, and I hope YOU find that to be true.
You are almost through it all- and I will be praying for COMPLETE healing and restoration of your life- hoping God has renewed your spirit and joy and strength for what lies ahead. I can’t figure out your name by your email, but God knows exactly what you need and who you are! XOXO
I am known as “Not the most graceful person” in other words a klutz. I have had so many surgeries I start naming them from head to toe and vice versa. So back to being a klutz. I have fallen of the bed about 1 every year for the last 7 years and I really don’t know why. I wake up in the morning sore and hurt and not remembering I fell. I for whatever reason be walking and suddenly be on the ground not knowing how or why I fell. Sometimes so excruciating that I can’t get off the ground. Thinking back now, it’s always the right ankle. Sometimes I end up wearing a brace for a couple of days after. So on June 5, I fell of the bed and of course I don’t remember and woke up with pain in the left leg and shoulder and swelling on my right ankle. Surprise! I think I have a high tolerance for pain. I usually take a pain pill the first post op day then the pain is tolerable. So the pain was so bad I went to urgent care. Long story short, they think I injured the left side worse so I was immediately sent to an orthopedic dr. I was told I only have a sprained ankle and no big deal. I had to stay home on bed rest for 3 days. Wrong!! New insurance forced me to go to someone who doesn’t know my history. What do I know? I’m not the one with a MD after my name. Two weeks later, I come back. My toe hurts bad and if my ankle is swollen which is around 2 hours after getting out of bed, the toe pain disappears but swelling starts. I was told with my comorbidities it might take 3 to 4 months for it to go away. No need for a costly MRI is what I was told. 1 month after, I developed presumptive cellulitis which landed me in the ER. Another forced bed rest. All this time the pain! It’s fine in the morning and I have a cankle after 8 hours. The day before I saw my pcp again for another follow up, I zig when I should have safe fell and hit my head again along with twisting my ankle. I mean what’s another sprain right? So she finally orders an MRI. I requested crutches so I can stop walking on bad ankle. I also saw a podiatrist who ordered an aircast for me. 3 months after my fall of the bed, I got an MRI. I finally have a diagnosis. I tore my ankle tendon so bad that I fractured my first metatarsal as well. HR made me wait a whole week before deciding my job can after all accommodate my light duty requirements. In the meantime, it’s bed rest again. 3 months of agony!
3 days later I have an orthopedic appt and 2 weeks after they scheduled my surgery. Ankle reconstruction. It’s not even a week yet and I’ve fallen yet again because I’m too dumb not to stay in bed. It’s supposed to be non weight bearing for 2 weeks in a leg cast first. I can’t find a comfortable spot to lay down. I’m already bored with reading and TV bingeing. I researched everything about the surgery but I forgot to look for the now what after surgery. I wish I had read your blog before surgery. I probably wouldn’t be so antsy staying in bed. But after 3 months of laying in bed day and night not able to get out of bed…to others it’s heaven. To me it’s the opposite. PATIENCE you said is the best thing and so today is a new day. I will try not to complain about staying in bed. I will try not to complain about my crutches, scooter, or even not being able to shower. It’s like you’re blog opened my mind, expanding my perspective. Thank you so much!
MALU!!! My gosh, I can’t EVEN imagine how hard this has all been for you! ALL you have been through is just so awful!!!! I’m so sorry you have to manage all the pain from so many falls and have had one heck of a time figuring out all your injuries. It all sounds so frustrating and bedrest is NOT EASY for any length of time!
I’m so glad you found my blog and it helped you open your mind and change your perspective. Please look into getting my book! If you live in the U.S., I’d be happy to send you a free copy if you can’t purchase it yourself. Just email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
HANG IN THERE, my new friend!! Keep reading this or any of the other posts I linked at the end of this one, whenever you’re feeling discouraged…
I fell in May of 2018 while chaperoning at the Mets game. I went to the ER twice for it, a podiatrist (multiple times), my ortho (multiple times), and another ortho. Everyone said soft tissue damage, and after a year it was arthritis. They said I would just have to live with it and gave me meds. It kept getting worse with no reason for the pain–cold, hot, wet, dry, standing, sitting, etc…My friend had me go to her specialist. He said it was a Lisfranc dislocation fracture. He said if you didnāt know what you were looking for you wouldnāt see it. Yet, telling me Iād have to live with the pain wasnāt right because Iām so young. So…he went in and fixed it last Friday. He said that there were bits of fragments everywhere, ligaments are gone and that the arthritis came from the fracture dislocation rubbing against each other for two years. Grade 3 sprains in the foot and ankle. I canāt use my right foot for the next 4-6 weeks but should be able to exercise, swim, and live pain free after that. Surgery was last Friday. The surgeon just called the afternoon after surgery and said the foot was more messy than he thought. An inch and a half of bone had dislocated and lodged itself into one of my joints. It wasnāt on any of my images. He needed to do a bone graft.
So now a week post surgery Iāve fallen off the scooter in the night twice. I think because Iāve taken a not wide enough turn. Iām just terrified that Iāve ruined everything. Itās the middle of the night, Iām laying here, feeling so low. I take care of my mom, who refuses to admit that she canāt do most of the things she is trying to do and itās risking my surgery. Iām sorry to ramble but Iām just scared. Thank you for this site.
OH Anne!!! This is all just so awful!! I’m SO sorry you had to go through all of this and I can’t believe how all of that horrible damage was missed- that is absolutely unbelievable. Sigh. What a mess. I’m SO glad you went to your friend’s specialist and he was able to find all that was wrong (WOW) and hopefully, in precious time, you will be able to heal and regain all your strength and mobility and get your pain-free life back. I hope you made it through that dark night and you keep holding onto the hope that this terrible time won’t last forever! I’m sure you didn’t hurt anything in your falls, as I’m guessing you are in a cast. I remember falling and feeling so worried about that very same thing.
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story, my new friend. Please get my book! I think it will really help you through this. If you are unable to purchase it, email me at Chris@themomcafe.com your address and I will send you a free copy! https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Thanks for the encouragement, Chris. Two weeks ago I fell in the bathroom and dislocated and broke three bones in my right ankle. It was a compound fracture and my ankle bone was sticking out. I think I was in shock because I have no memory of even falling, just sitting up looking at my ankle hanging over and bleeding.
Luckily, I had already gotten out of the tub and put my pj’s on cause it was 10pm and the paramedics had to get me out. I had surgery the next morning putting in a plate and screws on both sides of my ankle. I borrowed a wheelchair and knee bike. The chair won’t fit through lots of my doors and I haven’t been able to get into my closet or shower. My husband has tunnel vision and can’t find anything I ask for. I’m sleeping in the Lazy Boy! I’m at my wits end. I fell off the bike the first time I tried it. Its a cheap one. I feel terrible asking him for things. I cry when he’s not around. I can relate to all your articles! Especially about every other part of your body hurting. Now I see I’m not the only other cripple! I really appreciate your articles and insight into this suffering!!!!! It helps me a lot. Thank you!
Ah, I cringed reading about your injury!! Oh my goodness, that sounds absolutely horrific. You poor poor thing. I remember sleeping on my couch for several weeks- actually months because I didn’t want to haul my tired aching body upstairs. The lazy boy chair is a FANTASTIC idea! I had to laugh about your husband having tunnel vision- omg that is such a perfect way to describe our (attempting to be) helpful husbands!
I love your honesty, my new friend. You KNOW I get it ALL. Please look into getting my book to help you through the rest of your recovery!! https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/ If you are unable to purchase it, you can email your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I will gladly send you a free copy. š
HANG. IN. THERE.
I realize this is a old blog post…I’m recovering from foot surgery. Thank you….thank you…I thought I was all alone in my thoughts and feelings and crying. While I do not have children I do have 2 Great Danes and 2 cats who need constant food, petting, in/out/up/down….so there is no real rest. This is when I just start crying. It just feels good to know that I am not alone in my crazy thoughts and exhaustion from just managing to make it through the day. You nailed it 100% with hygiene or lack thereof. My foot is throbbing, so I’m going to go and lie down, again, thank you. xoxo
Oh, Lana, you are NOT ALONE!! I am so sorry you have to be part of this “club” of wounded warriors, but please know you WILL GET THROUGH THIS.
Be patient and kind and OVERLY gracious with yourself, just as you would a dear friend. Allow yourself to rest and heal as much as possible and yes, crying is good too. Please look into getting my book to help you through this! If you are unable to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy if you email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
And yes, this is an old post, but the experience will surely be relevant through the ages… I’m just so glad this post and others continue to encourage many who need validation and inspiration to stay strong and hold on.
I just stumbled upon this post tonight and glad I did! I had foot surgery last week: bunions both sides and flat foot stabilizer. Right now I am full of regrets. No one was holding a gun to my head telling me I had to do this, but the doctor made it sound relatively easy. My foot was completely unstable (doctor’s words), and I was tired of my foot hurting when taking me kids out for outdoor fun. My goal was to get the surgery and be better by late spring. I had thought I would be in a walking boot after the initial non-weight bearing days, and I am BUT, I still need the crutches for another two weeks. I have a 7, 5, and 1 year old. So yeah, not the best decision I made considering I still need the crutches. I wonder how in the world how I am going to care for everyone and how I will make it. I am a mom who takes care of everyone else before herself, and I did think with this surgery, I would be helping my kids, too. Who wants mama complaining of a sore foot every time we go for a walk? And now, here I am a help to no one. Thank you for the encouragement, because I was grateful to receive it.
Oh Courtney, don’t give up! You are still fresh out of surgery and it WILL take time to recover. Please be patient and allow yourself to heal. I know it is SO HARD to take care of those precious children while on crutches. Is there anyone who can help you out for a few weeks with the kids? This is the time to allow others to care for YOU and support YOU. I know it’s the opposite of all you do and who you are, but it’s important for you to change roles and know that is OKAY TO DO.
And PLEASE don’t feel regret over doing this surgery. You are going to heal and recover SOON and be able to walk and play with your kiddos in time. Give it TIME. No one can recover this quickly from any surgery- You are not a superwoman! Your kids will adjust and be flexible as you tend to YOUR needs first. I know because I had little ones when I had major surgery and they don’t remember a thing from that horrible season where I felt so incapable of parenting!
Hold on, mama. Taking care of YOU is the very best thing you can do for your kids. There will be MANY more walks and play times and caring for everyone in the future. This is a temporary pause, a moment for you to practice some much-needed self-care so YOU don’t have to be in pain in the years to come.
And please look into getting my book here https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
If you are unable to purchase it, send me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I will send you a free copy asap!
I wanted to thank you for replying to my post. I had my surgery five months ago, and your encouragement was so helpful. I did purchase your book via Kindle, and it was a big help during those hard days. For whatever reason, my surgery was slower to heal than it should have been (even doctor said so), and I had physical therapy as well. I am still not as I should be. Still walking with a limp. Still hurting and sore, but grateful to be moving and taking care of my kids and my home, even if I’m not what I was before surgery. I am preparing now for a second surgery to remove the hardware. I am hoping that brings a more complete healing and gets rid of the remaining pain that won’t seem to go away. Anyway, it means a lot to so many of us that you take the time to respond to all these blog comments. Your words were soothing in a time when I could hardly understand all that was happening to me. You have a real ministry encouraging others in this way- something that most do not understand unless they have been through it. Thank you for what you do!
Oh, Courtney, I’m just reading your comment now and I’m in tears. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time and energy to share your beautiful encouragement! It means the world to me! What a gift you are and I can only hope and pray what you said is true for anyone who comes to my blog for encouragement, guidance, and most of all comfort and affirmation.
I’m so glad you are feeling some relief, and praying that getting that hardware out will bring more healing! Let me know how you are doing, if and when you can.
I stumbled on this blog while searching for what can happen if I accidentally put my NWB foot down. I had surgery on Thursday 3/11/21. An Achillesā tendon repair and gastrocnemius recession/slide. Iāve learned quickly that I am absolutely terrible on crutches and couldnāt have smiled bigger when I saw your blog post that had scooter being sent from God. Iāve been using it almost exclusively the last two days. Needless to say, Iāve accidentally put my foot down a few times with minimal pulling in the lower calf area. The nurse from my doctors office knows about those and seemed to be less than concerned. This afternoon (after the nurse check in) while using my crutches to get out of my bathroom after bathing, my crutch slipped on the linoleum (pulled the rugs so I wouldnāt get tripped up) and my foot went down. And it didnāt feel good. Iāve been icing and elevating all evening. Iāve had some tingling feelings in my toes and bottom of my foot since. My first post op appt with my surgeon isnāt until the 22nd. Is this too long to wait now with todayās bathroom incident? Iām considering calling tomorrow if the tingling doesnāt go away. Thoughts?
Oh, Morgan, I’m so sorry to hear about this! There is nothing worse than hurting your newly fixed and vulnerable area and you are not the first one who has done this! Seriously, so many of us have accidentally fallen, slipped, or slammed our poor injured leg/foot and felt that massive pain and FEAR we have ruined any healing or worse, injured ourselves more!
I would definitely call your doctor about this and see if they can get you in sooner. It’s always better to be safe and if something needs attention, better sooner than later! There may be NO damage from your fall, so try to wait to see what the doc says before you assume anything. (I know that’s easier said than done!)
Hang in there, my new friend! I’m sure this is so hard for you and even more traumatic than you expected- with this fall. This part is the worst part of the recovery process. I promise you things WILL get better!!
Please look into getting my book to help you through this very difficult experience. I believe it will help you and encourage you through it all. If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I will send you a free copy! https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Thank you! I am a week in after a tendon graft and starting to get emotional about everything. I needed the reminder…THIS IS TEMPORARY!
Oh, Mandie, I was SO emotional about EVERYTHING too. Keep telling yourself that it’s temporary- over and over again. And please get my book! It will help you through the rest of your recovery and give you some tools to make it through. Email me your address at Chris@TheMomcafe.com if you’re unable to purchase it, and I’d be happy to send you a free copy. Here the link if you missed it in the post! https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
I suffered a spiral fracture of the tibia, and a shattered fibula on Oct. 24th 2020. I had surgery on the 26th to install the ORIF and was sent home on the 27th. They gave me Gabapentin for the pain because I have a severe reaction to any type of codeine medications. I wasn’t suffering much pain at that time. I followed directions, kept it elevated, took my meds, and on November 6th had a second surgery to remove the ORIF and install two internal plates and twenty-one screws. The pain after that surgery was exquisitely incredible, and lasted for two days. Two weeks later, I went back to have stiches and cast removed. The nurse decided the stiches across my ankle were not stable enough to remove, but put me in a walking boot with directions to wear it 24/7. When I went back a week later, I told the nurse that the boot was rubbing against the ankle, and I could see an area that looked like it was developing a wound. I was told to keep wearing the boot anyway. Sure enough, the area opened into a wound about the size of a quarter. I was totally stressed. Fast forward-since I could not get an appointment with my OS team, I went to my primary doctor. She tended to the wound, put me on antibiotics, and wrote a referral for a new OS. My first appointment with him was January 7th. He was very concerned about the wound developing into an infection. He had me in every week until the first of February for wound care. He advised me to stop wearing the boot altogether. Eventually he said that my PT could begin weight bearing exercises as tolerated. I was liberated from the wheel chair to a walker. Finally, progress! Walking was very painful, so at my next visit my OS gave me a shot of cortisone in the ankle. It helped about fifty percent. Now we are into Mid-March. I continue working to get a better range of motion, and ice when it hurts too much. Back to the doctor two days ago, March 25th. He sat down and looked me right in the eye. He said “my ankle will never be normal”, that this was a “life changing injury”, that the only option for me at this point was “total joint replacement” but that wouldn’t be possible for a long time. He said that I have “traumatic arthritis” in my ankle. I am devastated. I don’t understand how he came to this conclusion after so many months of x-rays, and appointments. Why wasn’t this addressed sooner? Why didn’t the first OS say anything about this? Why didn’t he just do the joint replacement in the first place? I have an appointment with another OS on Monday. This will be the third surgeon I have seen, but the first one to suggest a MRI scan to check ligaments, and possible torn muscles. I just turned 60 in November, and I cannot imagine being homebound for the next two years, but right now that is what it seems I am facing. I am a teacher, and this year I was allowed to continue to stay virtual even when my colleagues went back in March. But I know that come September, everyone will be back in person. I’m afraid at that point I will be put on disability and my income will drop significantly. I am divorced, and fortunately my son was in a position to move in with me for a while. He has been aa huge help, but will be wanting to move on soon. Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Oh, Rebecca, this all sounds so agonizing and infuriating! My gosh, my heart breaks for all you have been through and all the pain you have had to endure with what sounds like a mess of a recovery. I’m just so upset those doctors failed you- especially the first one telling you to wear the boot which resulted in such a terrible wound. If I were you, I would be devastated too. And so angry that your healing has been catapulted into more pain and uncertainty, making this process so much worse than it already was, to begin with. I can only imagine how hopeless and helpless you feel. You are so strong.
I’ll be praying this new doctor can give you hope and take care of what needs to be done with your poor ankle for you to FULLY recover and be able to walk again by next September, so you can go teach. Praying you can muster the strength to keep moving forward on this hard road you are on. God bless your son for moving in and helping you! I hate this for you- all of it. I wish I could help you! Do you have friends who might be able to support you in any way? Praying so! Please reach out to them, please stay hopeful, and fight for the best care you deserve.
Please let me know how the appt goes. Hugging you gently from here…
I literally needed to read this information today! It literally made me cry. I am not alone and plenty of others are suffering. Long story short I had ankle surgery 4 weeks ago. My ATFL and CFL ankle ligaments were completely torn away from the bone. I have cried so much. My teenage daughter has to help me get in and out of the tub to bathe (how degrading but I desperately need the help). She also has been cooking Hello Fresh dinners (delivered and planned out as I am in no shape to try to meal plan or look for ingredients during a long grocery trip). I am non weight bearing. I get so frustrated because I cannot do what I need to do. I went back to work a week and a half after surgery. My daughter dances and 3 days a week I drive a total of 3.5 hours driving back and forth between home and work and her school and dance. I sit in my car at dance and pray that time passes quickly. Driving and sitting in the car without the ability to raise your foot is brutal. A friend offered me a bed in the back of her van so everyday I crawl back there and thank my lucky stars that she allows me to lay there for hours while I wait for her. My other child lives at home but he is 18 and in school all day and working all evening. Everything just seems so hard sometimes. My foot still turns blackish when I put it below waist level. I started PT yesterday so hopefully I will be better soon.
Thank you for posting this list. It means that I am normal. The next time I have a mental breakdown I will remember that this time will pass and I will forget how hard it was on me. PS-nobody tells you that basic self care is so darn hard. Who knew that going to the bathroom or sliding into a tub with one foot would be so hard? Or that trying to fix food that you have to eat to survive would be so painful.
Oh, Susan, I’m SO glad you found my blog! Friend, you are NOT alone. It’s all so HARD.
I am so glad your daughter is helping as much as she can and that you have a bed to lay on while she’s at dance. Bless your heart- those drives and waiting in the car sound absolutely awful. You are such a devoted mother to do all that for her while you are in so much pain and trying to heal! I SO wish someone else could take her though. Do you have any friends who could help with meals and housecleaning and rides? Oh, I hope you can reach out to them! I KNOW they would be blessed to serve you during this really hard season of recovery…
Someday, this will all be a terrible memory. Hold onto that truth. Praying the rest of your healing goes quickly and PT helps!! I can’t believe you went back to work so soon. That must have been unbelievably difficult for you! You are so strong. Hold on, my friend. And try as best as you can to honor your pain and healing and take care of yourself- not pushing too hard. I was a stubborn student of that particular advice- but my gosh, you simply must be gentle and patient and kind to yourself no matter how frustrating and disappointing it can be to have so many limitations.
Thank you for your kind words. I live in the middle of nowhere and most of my friends live too far away. Thankfully I have a desk job and I can prop my foot on a pillow on my desk. I am the only employee for 2 bosses but they have allowed me to take off work for a day when I just cannot drag myself out of bed or leave early when I am not feeling well.
As to getting someone to drive her to dance, I live an hour away and the studio allowed her to do virtual classes for the week after my surgery. Now they are working on choreography for the spring showcase so I take her in person. It is the least I can do for the daughter who has nightly helped me with home therapy and doctoring my wounds and cleaning and cooking for me. I am blessed to have her. At 13 she has been more patient with me than I would have been with myself at that age. I am hoping in another week or so she can just go back to being a disgruntled teenager???? For now she insists on taking care of me.
I feel I was meant to read your blog. Last week was so hard on me emotionally but today my spirits feel so lifted and positive. I had day 2 of therapy today and the toes I have been unable to bend since November actually picked marbles up off the floor and put them in a container!!! Thank you again for this wonderful blog. It made me laugh but also touched me deeply. I do not know you but for the first time in weeks I feel hopeā¤ I know this blog is older but I hope you ended up having a good recovery and that your life is easier now. Hopefully neither of us will ever have to endure another foot surgery.
Ah, thank you for explaining so much! I’m SO glad you have 2 gracious bosses who allow you to take care of yourself during your recovery. That is wonderful. And living so far away puts you in a difficult place, for sure. God bless your daughter for being such a gracious and patient caretaker! My gosh, what an angel. I laughed about her going back to being a “disgruntled teenager”. Ha! But this, THIS is who she really is- and mamma, that’s all because of you. All your time and energy and sacrifice and love and devotion you have invested in raising her are surely reaping so many rewards right now. What an incredible gift you surely deserve to cherish. I’m so grateful for her pouring all the love back onto you that you have certainly poured onto her all these years.
And lastly, I am clapping and jumping up and down, celebrating your PROGRESS!!! YAY!!!! You picked marbles off the floor and put them in a container with your TOES!! Oh, my new friend, I’m SO glad you feel HOPE. Hold onto that, even on the hard days- especially on the hard days. I remember being in such a dark place- MANY TIMES. And waiting for any change, anything to happen that is actually GOOD can sometimes be utterly unbearable. I know. I hope you were able to read the other posts I listed following this article. I think they will help encourage you too. And of course, my book! Although you are further along in your healing and recovery, perhaps it will still bring you guidance and hope through this last stretch of the road! If you are unable to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a free copy. Just email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com. Here’s the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Omg! I thought I was the only one going through this! I broke my tibia got 7 screws and a plate and also broke my ankle in 3 parts and also have to get 3 screws there all because I was trying to separate a fight between my family members. I was in so so so much pain, I donāt know how I did it. Here I am almost a month after surgery and in a cast. Sometimes I cry, especially having a 9 month old that wants to nurse and a 4 year old that wants to play with with mommy. This has truly changed my life and also my perspective on life. My husband has been an angel to me, all couples argue but sometimes with arguing Iād ask my self does he love me? Well when this happened I saw what I really meant to him and I am so thankful to have him in my life. I just connected so much to this. I return to work next week, I am looking forward to it and not because Iām so used to being up and helping. Iām anxious to see how my team receives me especially after being gone for a month and a half. Thank you!
Hi! Thank you for your posts. I just got my cast taken off after 9 weeks. My doctor gave me an air boot and some crutches to slowly start walking again. I find that Iām actually too afraid to do it. I tried it yesterday and it feels so weird. Tingly and almost like my foot and ankle are popping. The bruising isnāt helping either. Not sure if thatās normal after a jones fracture. But thank you for your encouragement, they help so much!
There are other people going through this! Day 4 post op and I feel horrible. Hobbling and limping, so tired I could cry, trying to entertain my 8 year old and tummy feels horrible from painkillers. Foot down instant pain, foot up relief. Calf release feels so tight and my foot so swollen Iām sure it belongs to someone else. I wish you all love and healing today and tomorrow until you are walking pain free xx
So glad I found this site! My story began in the summer of 2019. We had booked a cruise for June 2019 and I was determined I was going to wear my new bathing suit. So in May I was exercising every morning and every evening. One morning I was running in place and the moment my right heel hit the ground I had an excruciating pain shot up my the middle of my heel. I walked on it a bit and it went away. It only got worse when I sat for awhile and then had to get up. It would take 4 or 5 very painful steps until the pain went away. I put up with this until September 2020. By then I had resorted to walking on the side of my foot as much as possible to try and get off that heel. I went to a podiatrist and she took x-rays and came back and said there was nothing wrong with my foot except a little osteoporosis in the bones. She slapped a boot on me and sent me on my way with instructions to walk in the boot for 2 weeks. Did I mention I am a Special Education teacher? I normally walk at the minimum 6000 steps a day. The next day by 9am I called her office BooHoo Bawling… I proceeded in telling the nurse that I’m fat and gravity still works and that there was no way I was going to be able to walk on it for 2 weeks! She has me come in the next day and ask me what do I want? . Yes, She asked me that. My response was I want to be able to walk with no pain. So she gives me a cortisone shot directly in my heel. That was November 17, 2020. I have not been able to walk since that day….But Oh, the story gets much better! December 2020 I went to another podiatrist who again did x-rays. The first thing he shows me is that I have 2 heels spurs! Then he sends me for an MRI. That showed I had torn my plantar facia underneath my foot (Dr. said I had torn it several times and it heeled leaving a big knot under my heel, hence my heel pain) I had both peroneal tendons torn in half (from walking on the side of my foot for so long) and the worst was that he could see that one of the heel spurs was just about done sawing through my achilleas tendon on the back side of my heel. So surgery it was. January 8th,2021. He repaired all three problems during the surgery. The worst one was that he had to take my achilleas tendon off my heel bone, shave down the heel spur and then used 4 anchors to put it back on my heel bone. All went well. 6 weeks later, 2 days before I’m supposed to start rehab….I fell off my knee scooter. No boot on. On my kitchen tile. Falling forward. All my weight landed on that foot. 911, ambulance, Wednesday night during the second wave of the Texas snow/ice storm. Surgery again the next day. Dr. said that the anchors stayed with the achilleas, but the 4 anchors ripped the back of my heel bone into pieces. Then I went into a cast. and a wheelchair. Oh! but the story still gets even better! I wore the cast for 6 weeks. 1 week before I was supposed to have it taken off, I fell again. This time in my tiled bathroom. I was falling backwards and all I could think of was how I didn’t want to land on and break my tailbone. So I braced myself with my right hand. Broke my arm right above my wrist. So for 1 week I had a cast on my right foot and my right arm. My husband asked me what was I gonna do at school in my wheelchair – go in circles! LOL My co-workers kept asking me if I had been in a car accident. It is now July 1st and I am using a walker off and on now. I’m suppose to be full weight bearing…but omg it is still so painful. My ankle has locked up and I just can’t seem to get my ankle to move. I woke up in pain this morning and I just sat in the Livingroom and cried. I have a deadline. I HAVE to be walking by August 2nd. I have to be able to drive myself back and forth to school. I have good days when I walk all day with the walker to the point my foot feels a bit numb and I’m pretty much just dragging the walker behind me and then there are bad days I just want to be pain free and sit all day. I keep telling myself this is the same as quitting smoking (which I did 19 years ago). Take it one day at a time. I tell myself I’m going to use my walker today, no matter how much it hurts, and get up out of this bed. Because — I WILL WALK AGAIN.
O.M.G. DeLisa, I cannot BELIEVE all you have been through!! That is all just sooooo MUCH. Just so agonizing and awful and for so long you have endured too much suffering and pain and attempts at recovery! You POOR THING. I will be praying you WILL WALK AGAIN and by August 2nd, you will have minimal pain and also be able to drive to school and make it through your workdays. I’m SO SORRY you have had to go through all of this! It sounds like one nightmare after another. š
Thank goodness I found this post. Iāve saved it for months and read it often.
My ankle saga began two years ago when I required fusion surgery. Seven screws, two staples and a five inch nail pounded up through my heel. One of the screws didnāt set into bone, so it just tore at my insides with every step. I couldnāt get into shoes and wore out two ābootsā.
My first surgeon didnāt understand why my foot wouldnāt heal! The xrays didnāt show any problems.
Finally, I wised up and found a specialist. The CT scan, sure enough, showed a floating screw. Ironically, two years to the day from the first surgery, we did it again. This time removing everything except the staples.
I am now two months out and finally feel like itās healing. I canāt do a scooter, so Iāve wheeled it! Just this week Iām finally onto crutches and hoping to go to a leg brace and two shoes within another month.
Itās kinda weird that my major goal in life is to wear matching shoes.
Your article has cheered and boosted me. Thank you. My house is certainly not as clean as I would like, but nobody has starved and most of the time the clothes get washed!
Best wishes to all who have to struggle with this kind of trial and thank you again for your words of wisdom.
Oh my gosh, Becky. WHAT a story. Thank GOD you found a specialist after being in all that pain for so long! A floating screw sounds like a lawsuit to me. Did you ever go back and tell that first surgeon about it? That is just so awful and wrong. I’m SO sorry you had to go through such a nightmare! I’m so glad you are nearing the end of this mess and I will be praying for your continued healing and FULL recovery!! I’m so SO glad you found this blog and it encouraged you throughout your long, enduring, painful, and I’m sure at times, very hopeless season of healing.
Hereās an update on the continuing saga of my left ankle. It has now been 6 months since surgery #2 and Iām sorry to report that it didnāt work. After about two months of good healing everything stopped improving and the pain is still there. Soā¦.. now I play a waiting game to have surgery #3, which will include bone grafts, plates and screws. Sounds like a blast! So I keep moving along in my air cast boot.
NOOOOO!! Oh, Becky, what a nightmare!! I’m so so sorry you are going through this horrid mess of a failed recovery! You poor thing. I absolutely hate this for you. Praying surgery #3 leads to FULL healing. You are so strong. Don’t give up!!
After reading this & the tips for the woman in a leg cast, it has already tremendously helped me. I broke my ankle 2 weeks ago slipping on ice. Tibia & fibula are both in more than 2 pieces. Iāve been wrapped up in a soft cast for this time feeling helpless & SO bored. I get my surgery on Feb 28 (3 days thank the lord) I will be getting plates & screws in my ankle, go back two weeks later then get my cast & will be in it for months. Iāve already been dreading this healing process but reading these tips has helped me on what to expect & what I need to do. So so thankful I found these. Iām also glad Iām not crazy in thinking everything else on my body hurts from my crutches, & that Iām not the only one who crawls up the stairs to shower. Itās nice to know Iām not alone in my journey & to have these hellās full tips to go by. Thank you SOOO much for posting these, I will definitely be purchasing the book. And to all other women going through this, we got this!! Praying for a quick recovery as well as lots of love & healing for all women going through this!
Oh, Rachael, I’m SO sorry you had such a terrible injury and I’m praying your surgery goes well today. I’m so so glad you found my blog and it gave you some insight and encouragement! I’ll be praying my book gives you even more as you recover and heal! You got this, new friend. Update me when you can!
So thankful to have read this information. Iāve been at home for 3 weeks and on Thursday I will have surgery. I was becoming concerned about my mental space but after reading this, it sounds like I am just processing the change/adjustment. Thank you for sharing! So cool to see how info written so long ago can help today in 2022.
I’m so glad you found this blog but so sorry for the reason why! It’s sometimes harder mentally than physically I think, so I’m grateful you felt encouraged by my article. I hope you were able to get my book to help you through your recovery and healing, but if you aren’t able to purchase it, please know I would be happy to send you a free copy. Here’s the link to my book in case you missed it. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/ I will be praying for your upcoming surgery on Thursday. Hang in there!! I KNOW how hard this is. And I too, love that my experience long ago is still relevant to so many today. Time will never change how hard things can be.
Hi Christine! I just found this post from 2015 and it’s now April 2022! I’m having foot surgery next week and I just ordered your book Help and Hope While You’re Healing to read as I recover. It sounds like it is exactly what I need! I’m following you now and will keep myself busy getting caught up on your posts.
Thank you so much! Georgia
Hi Georgia! I’m so glad you found my blog and ordered my book! But I’m so sorry for the reason. I will be praying for your upcoming surgery and recovery, my new friend! I will also be praying my book encourages you and guides you through your healing, as I know it will be challenging and painful.
I’m so grateful you reached out to me! Let me know if I can do anything for you while you heal. Take good care of yourself! XOXO ~Chris
Omg into needed tonsee these .. I thought i was loosing it.. I had surgery about 9 or 10 days ago Dec 2nd 2022 I have felt every word you said
I’m exhausted.. the stairs are brutal
Incant use.crutches because of other health reasons and let’s be honest I’m. Danger on them.things .. so scooter it.is .. anyways thank you for this .. no back to.tryjng to find a pattern for the toe covers lol
Oh, Katrina, I’m so glad you found my blog and it encouraged you!! I know how hard it can be and you are definitely NOT alone. It’s even more difficult around the holidays. I’ve certainly been there too. HOLD ON. Be gracious and patient with your limitations and take GOOD care of yourself while you heal. This IS temporary.
Hugs and prayers,
Christine
This was so helpful. I am looking to have reconstructed surgery on my left ankle on Jan. 11, 2023. I’m pretty anxious and excited about it but can’t believe the healing time it’s going to take. Thanks again for all your advice and insights.
Susan, I will be praying for your upcoming surgery and recovery!! I hope you can get my book to help you through it. If you are unable to purchase it, I’d be happy to send you a copy if you email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hope-While-Youre-Healing/dp/0990830330/
Take good care of yourself!!
I broke both bones on right ankle in 2002. I had a plate and screws put in and 6 weeks later got a boot. Another 3 weeks, boot came off and I was nearly 100%! 20 years later I am doing fine, so please hang in there ladies. I just wanted to share a positive experience. Now, I am recovering from foot reconstruction on first foot due to severe arthritis (Nothing to do with ankle surgery). Its been really hard. I’m on week 5 and counting and hoping. I was looking for a positive experience when I ran across this. Prayers for all ????
Anne, thank you so much for offering your encouragement to all the other women who are experiencing their hard season of healing! So grateful you took the time to share your story and I will be praying for your recovery the second time around. Counting and hoping are perfect words to describe the enduring challenges and positive perspectives we all need!
I have Lisfranc surgery tomorrow. 2 screws. So scared. Ordered your book today. Thank you.
Oh Lizette, I’m so sorry!! You poor thing. That surgery sounds painful and scary. I will be praying it goes smoothly and successfully and that you have a strong support of people who can help care for you while you heal. I’m so glad you got my book!! I hope it encourages you through it all.
Hugs,
Chris
I just found your site and it was so uplifting to read. I have been going through a tough season. I am the Assistant Director of a church preschool and I am 63. Was getting the graduation gowns for picture day and was going down the stairs. I was being so very careful and doing so good but thought I was at the bottom and had one more step. If I even think about how that felt falling it panics me. Then workers comp got complicated and I had to go an entire month before I could get surgery on my left ankle. It was so bad after a month that he had to rebreak the bones and pull them down and eek. So here I sit almost a month later. Will be a month on May 20th. I am so sick of Alexa telling me to get up every 2 hours. Haha! Staying up for 20 minutes is so hard when you only have one good leg. I have tried everything but wheelchair is the best for me for not falling. But I have to stand up for 20 minutes every 2 hours. I have tried a scooter and it hurts my knee so bad that it made me cry. I can do a walker for a bit but literally have to hop. Crutches I will fall I am afraid. Ugh! I know this to shall pass but I’m so very ready. I am usually an active person and a crafter and I miss my life. Thank you for letting me rant on and on. Mendy Crumpton
Oh, dear Mendy, I understand your struggles and I’m so so sorry you have had to endure such a terrible injury and recovery! You poor thing. I hope you have had some trusted friends or family members who have been able to help you through this awful season of healing. Praying by now, you are through the worst of it! I’m so glad you found my site and my posts encouraged you.
XOXO,
Christine
Oh how fortunate to have found this site!! 18 days post injury 12 days post surgery. Really beginning to get into this thing and discovering the angst of it! They tell me 12-16 weeks yet. I’m 72 so I think I’ll be slower than the younger chickens… I detest that I did this at beginning of summer instead of cold dreary winter. We were fixing up our trailer for ALL our trips….now those are a NO!
I have been loaned a wheelchair, scooter, and crutches.FORGET THE CRUTCHES! I don’t need to break more bones. But reading all the stories was so helpful and I may need to do it everyday. Thanks one and all.
Oh, Pat I am soooo glad you found my blog and I love that all the stories of these wonderful, strong, warriors encouraged you!! I also hope you clicked on the list of other articles I wrote below this one because I believe they might be helpful to you too. If you haven’t ordered my book on Amazon, please consider getting it because I truly believe it would help you get through this summer! If you are unable to purchase it, email me your address at Chris@themomcafe.com and I’d be happy to send you a free copy.
I’m SO sorry you had this happen during the summer! I understand how hard that is! BUT I will share that getting around on crutches or scooter in the winter is dangerous and scary, so that might help you feel better! I hope you can sit outside as much as possible and soak in the sunshine when you can. Try and remember this is but one season and do what you can to manage the pain and limitations. You are stronger than you think you are! I think that’s always the biggest lesson for us all. š
Hey Chris, Iām from Germany.I found your Page today , and i am so happy. i have broken my ankle 5 weeks ago and have to stay without walking for 12 weeks. Ist hurts a lot. My whole body hurts and I had a bad day today. iām really happy that I found your side. thank you so much . Sabine
Oh, Sabine, I’m so glad you found my site too!! Thank you so much for commenting to let me know! I’m SO sorry you have to endure such a terrible injury and recovery- 12 weeks without walking is so incredibly hard. The physical pain along with the frustration and discouragement that comes with being so restricted in our broken bodies is sometimes unbearable to take. I hope you were able to get my book on Amazon! Also make sure you click on some other articles I referred to in this post because I think they will encourage you too.
Hold on, my new friend. Stay strong. And remind yourself over and over again that this IS TEMPORARY although it feels like an eternity. Care for yourself with patience, gentleness, and forgiveness- just as you would a sick patient. Remember, healing hurts and takes time. Honor both with UNconditional love and kindness. I will be praying for you!!
Thank You, I needed this. Week 7 after ankle surgery. Your spot on!
I’m SO glad you found this, Sue. Hang in there… As hard and long as it seems- it is TEMPORARY. XOXO