Ankle Is this normal?

[half]

Do they offer sedation physio by chance lol. That’s sort of where I’m at when it comes to the thought of anyone coming within a meter’s radius of my leg right now. It did cross my mind ,after these sleepless painful nights, that I would be much better off watching and learning from a therapist on YouTube, avoiding human contact with my leg all together . Unfortunately I am still sane enough to know that this is not how it works. My surgeon says that we can begin to discuss PT in a month at my next appointment so I’m praying that I’m much more receptive to the idea by then.

Your trepidation after such a bad accident is understandable, but if it ends up interfering with your ability to rehab, that’s not a good thing, as you realize. Rationally, you understand that nothing bad will happen from PT, but the irrational part of you seems to be terrified. It sucks, but hey, that just means you’re human.

Doesn’t mean you’re doomed to keep worrying about it though. I would actually suggest consulting with a cognitive behavioral therapist now before PT starts. They might be able to give you some coping strategies to help you work through it. Worth a shot IMO.

 

[Khooper]

@half

CBT is actually a great idea! I have used this in the past and I remember being amazed by its simplicity and effectiveness. So ,naturally, I forgot all about this tool because I have everything under control..... obviously lol. I will definitely look into it again though. Thank you for thinking of this.

 

[Khooper]

@Jockette

So there is hope! I love that you can understand this “over-the-top” thought process! I don’t love that you went through it of course but that you can relate.
The idea of surgical amnesia and subconsciously retaining information while having screws etc. drilled in my bone is mortifying lol. I would personally like to believe that I was 100% detached from everything that happened in that room. Were you not under general anesthesia?

 

[Jockette]

Yes, I was under general anesthesia. It’s just my opinion that the brain is still working and retaining the information, and it shows up at random times.

 

[Khooper]

@FCBayern

I would hope that my brain would get on with pushing this memory out sooner rather than later. It’s almost like your brain sneaks back to the exact moment once and a while and brings it to the surface to slap you in the face. Your dreams sounded awful! Especially because they can feel so real and are far more realistic than anxious flashbacks. Thank goodness you’re passed that! . I think I understand there is a psychological response when I think back. It’s the physiological reactions that are throwing everything off because I don’t know how to control them. I suppose they are probably one in the same really, but that’s way over what I get paid to pretend to know.
Like everyone keeps saying, This is only temporary and a normal part of recovery.As soon as I figure out a way to convince myself of that, I’m sure I’ll be golden

 

[Khooper]

@Jockette

That is a terrifying thought. If that is the case then I guess we’d be lucky our brains have the defense to forget and I would definitely be wondering if parts got stuck in our subconscious. Absolutely an interesting theory though ,scary but interesting.

 

[djklaugh]

@Khooper Sending you hugs and reassurance. It actually is very rare for patients to remember what happens when they are under anesthesia - modern day anesthesias not only numb you so there is no pain but also relaxes your muscles to make surgery easier for the surgeon and, as I understand it from talking to anesthesiologists prior to my surgeries, the "record" function of your mind is switched off during the surgery - aka deeply asleep.

It is very normal to have some nervousness following any surgery and maybe most particularly with joint replacements as we are all cautioned before hand about things like dislocations ... sigh, good to be a ware but since those things are actually NOT a frequent occurrence the info does tend to raise some folks' anxiety. Here at BoneSmart we see thousands of members every year and the majority of them have their surgery, recuperate well, and go on about their lives. Some need additional support and help because they, alas, fall into the minority of having complications. And there are some who stick around because they like to help and are willing to share their experiences.

If you take things slowly and stick to the directions given you by your surgeon and suggestions given to you here, things should go very well for you. Not being able to bend your ankle at this point is most likely because you are still healing and there is still swelling. My "shower thought" is that the swelling is your body's way of protecting that joint by moving fluid and specialized cells to the area and basically forming an internal splint or cast so the joint won't get injured further. The swelling will go down with icing, elevating, and time.

 

[Khooper]

@djklaugh

Thank you for the much needed encouragement! After reading about other anklers on this forum I did notice that a majority of members are getting replacements, fusions etc. and have to endure the whole pre-op panic. I can’t imagine. One “fortunate” thing about my experience is that I didn’t have a pre anything or any time to think about anything. I would have driven myself crazy having to amp myself up to voluntarily walk through those hospital doors for surgery . It was sort of inconvenient not being prepared though. I was just (temporarily) disabled all of the sudden and had to try and figure out how to function. Thank God I found you all in the beginning because this forum has kept me sane. I’ve never in my life broken anything, so every single thing is a question to me. Anyways, I am very grateful for the time you all put towards easing my mind. I really like your shower thought by the way, it almost makes me feel productive lol. Nice positive spin on a whole lot of crazy

 

[FCBayern]

How do you feel about your surgeon @Khooper? I really didn't have much of any idea what was going on after I reached the hospital with my injury. With all the pain control, and maybe a little bit of shock, It wasn't until after surgery that I really understood what damage I had suffered, and what was done to fix it. My surgeon explained then what had happened, how he fixed it, and that I would recover. I believed him, and he was correct. Deep breaths, you will get past this, and you will live your life again.

 

[Khooper]

My surgeon has the bedside manner that you would visualize a veteran orthopedic surgeon to have. I almost prefer the professional that’s slicing and drilling into me stay focused on just that though. So ,like you, the whole drug induced short visit was foggy. I ended up recovering in the prostate cancer wing (ortho was full) and was cared for by the urology nurses after surgery and never saw anyone from ortho again until Monday’s cast clinic. The only thing I knew at all for the first two weeks was that they think that two maybe three bones were fractured, maybe eight screws and definitely no plate according to urology lol. I took pictures of all of the X-rays when I was at the cast clinic and was shocked to see that my urologist truly had no idea.
I suppose I will know how I feel about my surgeon after I am sure that my foot isn’t falling apart. Though, I am grateful of course!
Did/do you have a syndesmotic screw? I was thrilled to find out that they are probably going to try and convince me to let them remove it. Of course I would love to lay conscious while a giant screw is being drilled out of my bone...Not going to happen unless they chase me down and knock me out cold. I am breathing and practicing patience. Do you think your surgeon would be available for a very long distant consult to let me know what MY surgeon did? Lol. He sounds nice and personable.

 

[FCBayern]

Are you scheduled to see your surgeon soon @Khooper? If not I would call his office and let them know you need someone to tell you exactly what they did during surgery and any follow up surgery (screw removal) may yet be required. My wife said the doctor talked to both of us in recovery, but I had no recollection at all with the pain meds etc. Your OS knows best what he did to fix you. Another doctor would be making an educated guess based on your x-rays, as opposed to the person that was actually inside your leg.

I did have two screws in my ankle that were removed (no idea if they were syndesmotic). It was done under conscious sedation and I had no idea that it happened until they woke me up. A tiny incision and no significant pain afterward, so don't let that part scare you.

 

[Khooper]

@FCBayern

Hello.The nurses at the cast clinic were able to tell me and show me last week. Speaking with my surgeon is probably not going to happen because he works in the hospital and not a practice. I am just going to worry about my syndesmotic screw removal when the time comes so I don’t make myself crazy. My next appointment at the cast clinic is in 4 weeks so if I have questions I can ask the nurses then.
It’s nice that your wife was there to catch all of the info for you. This lovely COVID has been making it so no one but the patients are allowed in hospitals (understandably so). So it’s almost like trying to remember what you did on a wild night out, minus the fun or someone to rub it in your face.

 

[Celle]

I am just going to worry about my syndesmotic screw removal when the time comes so I don’t make myself crazy. My next appointment at the cast clinic is in 4 weeks so if I have questions I can ask the nurses then.

That's a good policy.

I think there's every chance that you'll have a general anaesthetic or a spinal plus sedation for the screw removal.

 

[Khooper]

@Celle

Thanks, I hope so. Of course, being a self-torturing google addict as of late, I looked into it after finding out that I had one. I really have to stop doing this and just stick with the forum for support.

 

[Khooper]

Hello all,
I have recently been experiencing some differences in my recovery process. If someone could please ,again, just quickly let me know that I’m normal, I would be ever so grateful.
So, I never said anything but I fell getting out of the shower last Saturday. Thus began my week of panic that included a doctor visit, x-ray clinic visit and thankfully a phone call assuring me that I hadn’t caused any further damage.
The day after I fell my pain was different. It was sharp, numb, shooting, tingling and burning pain. I have experienced these new sensations constantly since the day of my fall- last Thursday. I am sooo uncomfortable no matter what I do. This air boot is the worst and the intensity of it’s discomfort is reliant on which part of my broken leg is dramatically swollen and forced to painfully support the weight of the 500 lb boot while the remainder of my broken leg is shifting lifelessly with every move I make without support. If I pull my leg under to use the knee scooter, my ankle just flops forward out of my control and likewise when I lift my leg out front to sit down my ankle flops back and makes me cringe every time. Laying down is a new painful adjustment in my rock hard 500 lb boot as my leg requires different support for different parts based on my swelling. EVERYTHING I have attempted, hoping to achieve any kind of comfort is either inconsistent/short lived or just ineffective and I am getting extremely overwhelmed because it’s a non-stop struggle. It’s not like I can just lay my leg down on a soft pillow and take a minute to relax and regroup because almost immediately some part of my leg will reduce it’s swelling and lay heavily in my hard cast, or circulation will slow after isolated swelling against hard air cast causing pins and needles, intense burning or numbness. Then there is always the bone pain that is easily activated by the slightest movement because the air cast isn’t supporting this area and ‘oh yeah’ my bones aren’t connected, just metal. Finally the shooting pain that I brace myself for while trying to relax with my leg up. Depending on where my leg reacts with the hard cast the pain shoots from anywhere. On the surface, my skin it’s getting irritated from chafing and having to adjust constantly in the hard, heavy, hot cast and of course my incisions are stinging and rubbing. For every pain I try to accommodate there are 5 more waiting. I removed the cast and my foot barely moves but rather stings, flops, shoots and tingles. I really wish I’d gotten a hard cast instead of this so I would have to take the time to heal without having to cluelessly mess around with straps and air and pressure and change all day and all night.
I apologize for my long winded , self-pity post. I did not intend on getting so carried away. Perhaps putting my feelings into writing and sharing with you all is healing because in reality I don’t cry when I’m overwhelmed and frustrated and I certainly don’t complain to anyone because there’s no use in dragging people down with me lol.
So, once again, I thank you for reading my poorly constructed rant.
Kristin

 

[Jockette]

I am so sorry you have so much pain in all your movements with that boot.

I‘ve never worn one like yours (and hope I never have to! ) but I have used a bulky boot to sleep in when I had plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago, and it was heavy and awkward and annoying! I bought and returned several before I found one remotely tolerable. Can you ask the doctor if there are any alternatives? Maybe at least tell them how much trouble you're having with it.

I’m sorry you fell, and glad you didn’t worsen anything from the surgery, but you did upset the soft tissue in the area, and that will take some time to settle down.

Do you have help at home?

Perhaps putting my feelings into writing and sharing with you all is healing

I think it helps to express what you’re thinking and feeling, and sometimes that’s easier in writing, and that’s what we‘re here for!

Hang out here with us,

Bonesmart has a wealth of advice, information and support.
We will offer helpful suggestions,

Cheer your accomplishments

And send hugs when you are feeling down.

Best wishes!

 

[Jaycey]

Of course, being a self-torturing google addict as of late, I looked into it after finding out that I had one.

We always advise avoiding Dr Google. The information is usually presented in a very patient unfriendly way and there is no way to question or verify its validity.

Sorry you are having a problem finding a comfy place. Not unusual no matter what joint is replaced.

Question for you: what pain medication are you taking and how often?

 

[Khooper]

Hello @Jockette @Jaycey

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to a very “on the edge” moment for me. Reading back I was hoping that my negative spew of emotion didn’t prevent people from reaching back. Ultimately I just tried to remember that most, if not everyone on this page has had a breaking point and there really no judgment and only caring support coming from this group. So thank you.

@Jockette :Great idea! I will call the cast clinic today. Not sure why I haven’t thought to call, considering I spend all of my time trying to think of different ways to better this experience.
I do,thank goodness, have support. Having just moved back to Canada, I am staying with my parents. Although, I have been determined to be as independent and low-maintenance as possible, just having them around when It’s important to get out of my head is huge. Not being able to carry my much needed coffee from point A to B is probably my biggest annoyance, so I do rely on their help for this the most lol.

@Jaycey : You are not wrong about google. I try to make sure that if I do go down that rabbit hole that I’m finding credible medical sources and not opinion based sites. Of course, regardless of where I look, compassion is not typically a priority over information. Realizing this is was brought me to this group though
At the moment I am taking 2 sometimes 3 Tylenol with codeine every 4-6 hours. In Canada this is the go-to for everything because ,I think, it’s in a lower controlled substance category and doctors seem petrified to associate their licenses with anything stronger. The day after my surgery I was sent home with a prescription for Tylenol with codeine and that was for a pretty serious situation with serious pain. Not too sure what you would have to get cut off or suffer through up here for a doctor to focus on pain management instead of possible addiction prevention. It obviously is not a case by case part of the medical system though.

 

[Celle]

For every pain I try to accommodate there are 5 more waiting. I removed the cast and my foot barely moves but rather stings, flops, shoots and tingles. I really wish I’d gotten a hard cast instead of this so I would have to take the time to heal without having to cluelessly mess around with straps and air and pressure and change all day and all night.

Can you ask the doctor if there are any alternatives? Maybe at least tell them how much trouble you're having with it.

I agree with Jockette.

Since your leg is able to move and your foot to "flop", it sounds as if your cast is not doing its job properly. It's not supporting where it should. That's a good reason for asking if there is an alternative.

 

[Khooper]

Hello @Celle,

I definitely agree that I am not getting support. In fact I think it’s probably slowing the healing process by causing so much agitation.
So I did call the cast clinic after @Jockette made the recommendation. They basically told me that I could keep it off when I’m not mobile, to keep it elevated, to exercise it frequently and to hang in there because it’ll be coming off soon. Oh and I did tell her about the fall, x-rays etc. So I got the extended version of what I already new but she was nice enough just doing her job. This is pretty much exactly why I come to the people on this forum when my questions aren’t general. It’s much more comforting to talk to people who have been where I am.
Thank you for your support