u/DeniseMSTPs

(I mean post ORIF)

Today I went to the surgeon for my 4 week after ORIF (Friday is 4 weeks) appointment. I can't believe I made it this far without accidentally hurting myself. Actually, it's been 8 weeks since my ankle fracture in France, so I have had to be NWB for 2 months now. I also sprained my other foot (which is a lot better now but has had to do all the work for both feet when needed and will be happy to have the help).

I had: OPEN REDUCTION WITH INTERNAL FIXATION RIGHT BIMELLEOLAR ANKLE FRACTURE - OPEN REPAIR RIGHT SYNDESMOSIS LIGAMENT TEAR

I was told I have a rod (which I did see on the x-rays), screws, tightrope, etc.

I knew ahead that the surgeon expected me to start walking at 4 weeks. But I expected PWB and not WBAT in my boot. It will be around the house, not on long walks. I have been using a mobility scooter since a few days after surgery, including to the Disney parks and Disney Springs, etc. starting on day 6. I also have taken 3-4 day breaks each week at a time to elevate and ice. The mobility scooter has been wonderful to use around the house, and has allowed me to cook meals and be more independent.

I was told today by the surgeon that in 2 weeks I can stop with the boot. I have an appt. with him in 3 weeks, so I will likely wait until then. I also have an order for PT.

My stitches have dissolved and I was told I can get my foot wet and use lotion on it.

I am really nervous now. I did break my other ankle 12 years ago with no surgery, and I remember how my scary it was to walk. I think I was in a cast much longer then - followed by a boot - and my calf got thin and scrawny, which it is not this time around. My calf and leg look good.

I have little pain. If my foot is down too long, then I can throb. I don't know on any given day how long is too long ahead of time. I have had several hours in the parks twice this week no problem, but making vegetable soup this week was oooouch.

Has anyone else been WBAT after 4 weeks? I am so excited and happy to be able to walk but now have to kind of learn how to do that again. I have only tried tapping down while standing so far today.

The month seems to have gone so quickly.

Thank you.

Hi everyone -

I did look the information up, but can't find exactly what I am looking for.

I will be 3 weeks post ORIF on Friday. My skin all of a sudden is peeling like a snake. I don't see the surgeon again for a week, but I would really like to deal with my foot.

Do you think it is ok to use Aveeno non-scented lotion on my foot? Even if it is not where the sutures are. Even though I saw the surgeon after 6 days and moved into a boot, they said they'd take the stitches out after 1 month instead. I think they said I could wash my foot a week after my last appt., but everywhere I read says to wait until stitches are out (so I haven't). Maybe I could use a washrag on my foot bottom but I don't know if that is okay either.

Thank you

I am curious where everyone is getting their info from - the surgeon or mostly here? I see so much conflicting information on what everyone is told and I have gotten so little information from my surgeon.

Background: I broke my ankle in France on March 19th, and sprained the other one. Returned back to U.S. on April 5th. I did go to the E.R. and follow-up with an ortho, but had no idea I might need surgery. I am 59 years old and active.

I learned then that I had: OPEN REDUCTION WITH INTERNAL FIXATION RIGHT BIMELLEOLAR ANKLE FRACTURE - OPEN REPAIR RIGHT SYNDESMOSIS LIGAMENT TEAR

One month after my broken ankle, I had surgery. It was apparently a difficult surgery that was a 'doozy' and took longer than expected. Nerve block also didn't work.

Because we have blogged about Disney for almost 20 years, that is what I wanted to get back to. Surgeon said 'live your life' once the first few days were over and he wanted me to get out.

Currently I am 2 weeks and 1 day from surgery. I never really notice any swelling no matter what I do. I am NWB in a boot after the first 6 days in cast.

I read daily a fair bit here and elsewhere. I noticed in one or two places this week where it said don't even place your foot down if NWB. I use a mobility scooter around the house and also out at the parks a few times now. The surgeon and assistant did know I was in one at my day 6 appt.

Then today I see that knee scooters are often recommended once 2-3 weeks have passed. I first tried it out maybe 4 days after surgery. The surgeon did know I was using it at day 6. I haven't used it much, but am starting to more now even just for exercise around the house because 6 weeks of no walking after often walking 10 - 30k steps most days is hard.

Supposedly I will go to PT and maybe PWB on May 13 after that appointment. It is a long time to not have questions answered - and they don't answer questions if asked unless I am there, so I have to look online.

Did your surgeon's office give detailed instructions for the weeks after you started recovery? Or are we all just on our own? It is amazing to me how different everyone's recovery is. One thread I found yesterday was of those who were WBAT practically from the time of surgery, which seems very uncommon but I would have liked to do that. My foot can get tired when out but I also do rest it and it's up a lot when I am working from home the remainder of the time. I wear my boot still to sleep also, even though I was told at day 6 I did not need to.