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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ideasguy on December 28, 2010, 12:01:38 PM

Title: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 28, 2010, 12:01:38 PM
My wife had washed the floor, and slipped and broke her ankle.
Happened at 1:30 pm yesterday. 999- Ambulance to hospital in Lisburn - xrays showed what they described as "dislocated ankle and a nasty break" needing surgery - had to be transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. They cant operate until swelling goes down, possibly tomorrow, or Thursday.
Hoping for a successful op and recovery.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Lyn and Malcolm on December 28, 2010, 02:10:32 PM

Thats something both of you don't need George.

One can expect to possibly slip on the ice and snow, but not in your own home.

Hope the swelling subsides quickly and they can get on with the op and recovery as soon as possible.

Best wishes to you both.

Malcolm
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Eric Hardy on December 28, 2010, 04:17:39 PM
What terribly bad luck, George! Not what anyone needs at any time but particularly galling at Christmas time. Please give your wife  best wishes for a speedy recovery from Anthea and me.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: greenfinger on December 28, 2010, 09:59:12 PM
Sorry to read this George. This is a sad end of the year. The best wishes from Lut and myself.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 28, 2010, 11:35:17 PM
Thanks for your kind wishes, everyone.
Mary is comfortable, so that is a big relief. It is so easily done, frighteningly so.
We took great caution when in Manchester after the snow fall, taking taxis rather than walking. Its ironic that the fall should happen in our own home. The snow and ice around the house was all but gone.
I have great admiration for the staff of both hospitals and the ambulance crews and gave them a special word of thanks. Waiting for such a long time gave an insight into the conditions and pressure they have to endure. In each busy A&E department of each hospital, I witnessed a very troublesome "patient" - not prepared to wait their turn in one case and just abusive in the other. Its lamentable and indicative of the society we live in that they have to treat such cases with such caution, in case of claims. They were very much a danger to the real "patients".
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on December 29, 2010, 10:41:15 AM
Sorry to hear it. More accidents in the home than anywhere else. Hopefully it will heal and she will be back to running around after you as quickly as possible.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 29, 2010, 11:00:28 AM
I'm trying not to think about the problems you had with your foot, Eric :o
The doctor said they will insert two pins on one side of the ankle and a small plate at the other.

How are you now?
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on December 29, 2010, 12:22:04 PM
With any luck the bone will set normally and in the right amount of time.
I seem to have swapped occasional excruciating agony for constant low level pain and occasional extreme pain. The inside of my big toe and the outside of the next one still have limited sensation in them and the incision scar is still very sore at times.
I really do hope that Mary has none of the problems I have had.   
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: NightHawk on December 29, 2010, 09:04:25 PM
Shocked to read about Mary's misfortune there George.

Please pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery from Kathy and myself.

We'll catch up with all the latest happenings, etc. behind the scenes with you George when we get chance.

Laurie.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 29, 2010, 11:00:40 PM
Thanks for your good wishes, folk.

Mary fasted right up to 4pm awaiting surgery, only to be told they couldn't do the op today.
She is on the list for tomorrow, but they cant guarantee it will be done, as emergencies take priority.
The good news is that the swelling has subsided very well, so the op can go ahead. She is also remarkably comfortable and bearing up bravely.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 31, 2010, 12:36:26 AM
Op was done this afternoon (Thursday). Spent most of the day in the hospital. Mary is recovering very well.
Fortunately the nursing staff allowed us to drop in and leave outside visiting hours. They really are Florence Nightingales!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Eric Hardy on December 31, 2010, 11:26:21 PM
I am pleased to hear of Mary's progress George and that she is recovering well.

This is to wish you both a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and a speedy recovery for Mary.

Eric & Anthea
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 01, 2011, 10:50:54 AM
Thanks for your kind wishes Eric.
We are hoping for discharge from hospital tomorrow. The ward was quieter last night and she has slept better and is in much better form this morning.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 02, 2011, 06:36:17 PM
Mary is home. The pain is well controlled at present, but she is very weak and tired.
I'm not looking forward to my new chores :)

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: NightHawk on January 02, 2011, 07:46:20 PM
Pleased to hear that good news George.  :)

Get your apron, feather duster and rubber gloves ready.  :D

Laurie.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 03, 2011, 10:58:51 AM
Groan.. ;D

The patient had a very good night - slept very well and pain under control. Dr Ideasguy pleased with progress :D
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: NightHawk on January 03, 2011, 11:12:44 AM
It's good to hear Mary is on the road to recovery  :)

Laurie.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on January 03, 2011, 09:14:09 PM
Good oh!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: newplantguy on January 04, 2011, 09:39:36 AM
Sorry to hear about Mary, glad she is now on the mend, happy new year to both of you. :)
Paul.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: roiphil on January 04, 2011, 09:50:17 AM
i missed this somehow george  :-[ hope mary is feeling a better today and keeping you on your toes  ;) with al the coffee making  :D
Phil
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 04, 2011, 03:33:46 PM
Thanks for your many kind comments folk!

Patient is comfortable and we are managing OK so far :)
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: The Gardener on January 16, 2011, 04:59:12 PM
George - just logged on.  So sorry to hear about Mary's ankle, but pleased that she is progressing well.  I hope everything goes OK.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 16, 2011, 11:31:58 PM
Thanks Chrissie, and its very nice to see you visiting :)

Mary is comfortable with painkiller control. She was worried about how the pain was lingering, and as you know, you don't get a lot of information on what to expect when something like this happens.
I looked her injury up on the internet (Trimalleolar fracture) and found a good forum discussion on the internet - and we learned to expect severe pain for 3 weeks or so, and that seems to be the case.
The pain is easing gradually and we are trying to spread the medication to a longer spell this past few days.

Its very difficult since she cant put that foot to the ground. To be honest, I don't know how she manages!

Dr George is a true jack of all trades now! ?We? made a very nice beef casserole today ? a first for me!
If I had time, I know I would enjoy cooking and baking (yummee)
I'd like to try that recipe Malcom gave us for his most popular cake on his Garden Open days ;)
Mary hasn't tried it - "we" are weight conscious  ???
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 20, 2011, 08:56:17 PM
Check up today went well.
X-rays showed everything still in place, and when the plaster was removed, the doctor was pleased with how the incisions from the operation had healed. Only one small part of the wound needed a dressing applied again. A new lighter plaster was applied.
The leg has to be kept off the ground until next checkup in 3 weeks :'(
It was Marys first day out since the operation, and on the way home we did some shopping ::)
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: roiphil on January 21, 2011, 09:52:22 AM
Check up today went well.
It was Marys first day out since the operation, and on the way home we did some shopping ::)
Excellent news and she must be ok due to the shopping  ;D
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on January 21, 2011, 10:48:29 AM
Excellent!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 21, 2011, 08:18:31 PM
Thanks Eric.
How is your foot now?
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on January 21, 2011, 09:10:38 PM
About the same, the bone has healed obviously, but there is still a lot of discomfort and I keep getting cramp in that food. Doubt if it will change for the better now. Ta.
Glad the boss is getting better for you though. Nothing worse than plaster and the waiting.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 22, 2011, 08:27:12 PM
Fingers crossed!
Ive read on the internet that it will require a lot of Physiotherapy, and they can be painful.
Have to be positive and face up to it.

I'm pleased to read that your bones have healed. The Doctor explained that some folks bones heal quickly, some slowly and some not at all :o
Do you have any problems driving?
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on January 22, 2011, 09:18:50 PM
Driving is no trouble as long as the cramp stays away which so far it has.
Physio can be bad but not always, they have some very sophisticated stuff these days.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Scott on January 29, 2011, 07:30:42 AM
Ach, I'm a bit tardy on many Forum things but I hope the recovery is going well and that you folks are having a good start to 2011!

All the best,
Scott
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 29, 2011, 05:36:48 PM
Thanks Scott, and its very nice to see you visiting again!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on February 10, 2011, 09:11:51 PM
Mary had her 6 week checkup today, and the good news is the doctor told us the healing process is satisfactory and the plaster cast could be removed.
She now has one of these gadgets:
http://www.physioroom.com/product/Aircast_XP_Walker/3122/35947.html
We were very surprised when the doctor told her she could put her weight on it right away (try balancing on one foot for a while and you'll know how welcome that news was!) but to keep using crutches for walking.
2 crutches for 2 weeks, then one crutch and when confident, unaided.
Next checkup is in 4 weeks, and he expects her to be walking without crutches at that stage, but still wearing the walking brace of course. It can be removed at night and when sitting, so we have a much happier lady this evening :)

 

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on February 10, 2011, 09:20:35 PM
GREAT!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Lyn and Malcolm on February 10, 2011, 10:38:25 PM

Great news George, all credit to the Doctors, Mary and of course you.

Best wishes

Malcolm
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on February 10, 2011, 11:29:50 PM
Thanks folk. That walking brace thing is some gadget! Its actually heavier than her last plaster cast, but the fact that it can be deflated when resting and removed at night makes it a winner. We saw some other patients who are obviously further on with the healing process wearing similar braces, and they were walking with no crutches. Very heartening.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: roiphil on February 18, 2011, 09:57:44 AM
That is great news
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on February 18, 2011, 05:53:38 PM
Thanks Phil. Mary is making very good progress, but it is very tender and inflamed around the operation incision on one side one side of the ankle. The inside incision is nicely healed.
She is now able to walk down the steps at the front door, so no need for my special home made ramps for wheelchair access any more.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 27, 2011, 11:32:05 PM
Its now one year ago today, and unfortunately Mary is still in a lot of pain as a result of that broken ankle.

She is able to walk short distances so I'm pleased to say she was able to do what she looking forward to on this day last year (as most women do!) - enjoy the first day of the sales  :)
Mother and Tara arrived home very happy with their purchases. I declined the invitation to join them ::)


Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on December 28, 2011, 10:37:23 AM
Sorry to hear that the ankle is still a problem. As you may remember I had the op on my toe around the same time and that is still a problem for me too. Awful thing this age lark!
Still if she can manage the Sales then it is one good thing and if she cannot, then think of the money!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: NightHawk on December 28, 2011, 10:58:27 AM
Sorry to hear about Mary' continuing foot problem George.

She needs a distraction like the 'sales' to take her mind off it  ;)

As Eric says, age is definitely a factor in how fast we bounce back from injuries and illnesses.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on December 28, 2011, 04:44:47 PM
Last scan showed that one of the three breaks was not healed and arthritis was setting in. It was a bad day when we heard that news.
Mary had a Cortisone injection on Thu 22nd Dec and this seems to have helped - not as stiff first thing in the morning or after sitting. She felt much more at ease when walking around the shops yesterday, but she had a reaction when she arrived home. Hopefully it will settle.

Sorry to hear you are still in pain Eric. You've had that much longer than Mary. How you manage to do all that work in the garden when your foot is giving trouble is quite a remarkable achievement.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: 3fren on January 04, 2012, 01:33:13 PM
Careful with every steps now,our bones are rather brittles.
I just discovered sheabutter is ideal to bring down the
bruises and swell.

My shin hit the corner of my table real bad over the weekend.
Happened that we had some sheabutter in the house.  I rub over the bruise.
Normally the blueblack will be obvious for 2 weeks.  Miraculously, the
bruise does not surface at all ! 
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: greenfinger on January 04, 2012, 09:23:24 PM
Best wishes from Flanders, in particular to Mary.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 04, 2012, 10:25:51 PM
Happy new Year Jessie and André.
Its really nice to hear from you folk again and lovely to hear from our friends in Singapore and Belgium respectively.

Thanks for your kind wishes André and thanks for the tip on the swelling Jessie.
I have to confess I had never heard of Shea Butter until your posting.
I did a quick surf and find there is a supplier in the UK:
http://www.akuawood.co.uk/home.php?cat=43
Reading that page, they don't make any claim as to the treatment of swelling, but they say
Quote
We always moisturise our skin and hair with it.
We live and learn!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: 3fren on January 07, 2012, 12:58:30 PM
Hi George ,

Used and tested is better than what's being advertised  :)
You should try the pure, without any perfume added.
It looks exactly like butter..cheers
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on January 07, 2012, 03:51:21 PM
Hi Jessie

The Cortisone injection has done its job.
For anyone else reading this, the Cortisone injection works by reducing the swelling and is not a pain killer. In Marys case it has dramatically reduced the swelling and the good news is it has also eased the pain that was associated with the actual swelling.

Thanks for the update on the Shea Butter Jessie. I wonder if any of our members have ever tried that treatment?
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 05, 2016, 07:18:44 PM
Regrettably, Mary never recovered from this injury.
I'm surprised it is so long since I posted an update here.

Arthritis set in with a vengeance about a year after the break.
The ankle swells every day to alarming proportions - very painful. In the evening she rests, but there is a continual burning sensation. Anyone suffering from arthritis will understand that feeling.
After receiving very bad service from the NHS in relation to regular cortisone injections to relieve the excruciating pain she finally took the only option open to her - ankle fusion.
After going privately for initial appraisal by a recommended consultant (last August) it took until now to actually get that surgery appointment.
Its tomorrow morning - 6th June 2016. Understandably Mary has been very anxious about it but also very brave.
I hope and pray that this will go well and that it will improve her quality of life.
 

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Eric Hardy on June 05, 2016, 08:41:02 PM
I know we have corresponded about poor Mary's ankle from time to time, George. I am sorry that she has to live with such pain, it's very wearing. As you know. Anthea has problems too so I understand very well what Mary has to go through. Please give her our very best wishes.

Eric & Anthea
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 05, 2016, 09:02:20 PM
I hope the surgery goes well and that the result is all you hope for.

Long term aches and pains sound "trivial" but are actually very debilitating and I am sure we all hope that Mary has much less pain in future.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 06, 2016, 07:07:19 AM
Thank you for your good wishes folk.
We are just about to leave to drive to the hospital (Musgrave, Belfast).

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 09, 2016, 09:40:37 PM
The op went well as far as we can determine.
The surgeon spoke to Mary after the op, but she doesn't remember what he said as she was "out of it".
In fact she didn't even remember that he had spoke to her - the nurse confirmed that he did.
He's a busy guy and does consultancy and surgery in a number of hospitals. We dont get another chance to find out more until 16th when she goes for her next appointment with him.
The nurse said she had major surgery, so we dont think he did keyhole surgery as expected. He did say that open surgery could be a plan 'B'.
As a result she was kept in an extra day.
Home yesterday with a barrage of drugs.
I'm run of my feet! She is not allowed to put her foot to the ground for 6 weeks. Imagine the difficulties!

Dr George in charge :o
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on June 10, 2016, 07:52:25 AM
Fingers crossed for a successful outcome then. Mind you, not the best time of year to be chair bound. Hope you can get her outside to enjoy the sun (if any).
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Eric Hardy on June 10, 2016, 09:23:50 AM
Anthea and I feel for you both. What an ordeal I hope after the long period of convalescence, which won't be easy for you life can return to some semblance of normality. I am afraid the garden, George, will have to take a very definite second place in the scheme of things.

Eric H.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 10, 2016, 10:52:38 AM
Thank you Eric (palustris) and Eric H.
Its been too muggy this week so its windows open and a fan in action.
Its probably as good a time as any for the op. Hopefully I will be able to take her out and about when she is feeling better.
Too soon for outside. That would be real good as I could do some weeding and plant out the bedding plants crying for attention in the greenhouse :D
You are quite right Eric (H) - garden will have to take a back seat!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on June 10, 2016, 12:59:04 PM
Quote
garden will have to take a back seat!
Or in this case, a wheelchair seat!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 10, 2016, 02:41:19 PM
All our good wishes go with you!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 10, 2016, 11:34:01 PM
Thank you Barry for your supportive email.

The girl is quite weak yet but bearing up well. It was fresher and cooler today so she felt much more comfortable.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: roiphil on June 20, 2016, 10:57:33 AM
Oh dear look what i have missed whilst away/busy, George hope your wife is doing ok after her surgery and hope for a speedy recovery
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 20, 2016, 12:39:02 PM
Thanks Phil.

Heres an update on progress.
Mary had her first checkup last Thursday.
Initial heavy/clumsy plaster packed with absorbant material was removed and a new one applied.
The keyhole surgery wounds look very clean and healing nicely already.
However, the biggest healing process is internal to the ankle of course.
Mary is now feeling stronger and we are beginning to manage better.

Next appointment is in 4 weeks from last Thursday. If all good, the plaster will be removed and she will be fitted with a special boot.  She had one before when she was recovering from the broken ankle.
With that, she will be able to walk again. We look forward to that :D


Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 20, 2016, 04:04:57 PM
Our best wishes that it should all go well (and also for strength to the nurse)
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 20, 2016, 10:55:51 PM
 ;D
The nurse was fortunate to have a relief nurse to take over for the weekend :D
Tara (our daughter who lives in Manchester) flew home to take charge.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 22, 2016, 09:19:45 PM
Good news! ;D
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 23, 2016, 10:11:31 AM
Yes indeed Barry.

The pain killers work very well. She is fairly comfortable.

The unexpected extra was an itch which started from a rash under the plaster.
Its a nasty irritation. Fortunately the tablets to help that have worked quite well and after a week since that started it has  subsided and almost gone.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 23, 2016, 08:40:53 PM
ug; dont remind me. !! I was once in plaster for 5 months and the itching was a nightmare.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 24, 2016, 12:10:18 PM
Me too, when I was 16 - tibula and fibula - football accident when another guy and I kicked the ball simultaneously.
Full plaster, no pins etc used then - so full 3 months in a cast (changed occasionally).
The itch inside the plaster was wicked :( Skin was like a crocodile hide after 3 months.

Fortunately Mary is OK again and very comfortable - thanks to constant medication.
Three weeks to go until the boot :D
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on July 15, 2016, 12:00:36 PM
Hospital appointment and check up again yesterday.
Plaster off, XRAY and then a talk with the consultant.
We sat on eggs as he looked at the XRAY.
Then he told us that it was fusing very well and it was OK to go with a boot :D
It was such a relief. Mary was at the end of her tether sitting about helplessly.
I cant describe the excitement to see her walking again.
We met up with Simon and his family afterwards for a meal. She walked into the restaurant with the aid of crutches.

She felt quite tired later that evening, and the boot had caused a little discomfort as it has been strapped up very tight.
Feeling much better this morning.
Next appointment is in six weeks. Consultant said if she felt strong and confidenet enough it wold be Ok to try walking without the boot after 4 weeks. He wuld be quite happy to see us attending the appointment walking unaided.

Not to get too excited - we know its a very, very long healing process.
Looks good on the outside, but there is a lot of healing to do internally and it will take some time until the bones have fused 100%.
We will take it all in moderation.





Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on July 15, 2016, 12:14:30 PM
Our continued best wishes for a complete recovery.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on July 15, 2016, 12:19:09 PM
Thank you Barry!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on July 16, 2016, 10:26:01 AM
Excellent. Doing the Samba before long!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on July 16, 2016, 11:46:33 AM
 ;D Hopefully Eric;D
Still very tender around that ankle.
Steeping it each morning is a comfort, then moisturiser.

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 23, 2016, 05:23:58 PM
Mary is still making good progress.
She is now helping with food preparation - that is a big help :D and can get around the house on her own.
We went to the seaside one day but she had to be content to venture not too far away from where we parked.
She now comes along to grocery shopping and can get around the stores surprisingly well, especially if the store has a clothes department ;D

She has walked a little (twice) in the kitchen with the boot off - with the aid of crutches of course.
The consultant said she should be able to do that, so we gave it a go.
No reactions ;D

Next appointment with the consultant is this Thursday. We are hoping she will be allowed to walk unaided.
He said he would not be surprised to see her walk in to the appointment with boot removed.
We decided to wait until they do another x-ray and give the OK.
Fingers crossed!!

For anyone who happens to surf in on this, they might be interested to know the side effects.
Mary experienced a severe burning sensation around the area where the major surgery was done, particularly after walking more than usual during the day (not a lot on any given day I hasten to add).
Fortunately an ice pack eased the pain in her case.
I did quite a bit of surfing to find tips and to try and find any information posted by other patients, but could find precious little.
From our findings, we believe it is superficial nerve reaction and internal healing going on.
I did find that many patients had difficulty getting sleep because of the burning. Mary was luckier - the pains subsided shortly after she went to bed. She hasn't been kept awake at any time during the recovery process.
The other major side effect was tummy pains etc which we concluded (more surfing and talking to others) was associated with the withdrawal from morphine. email if you'd like precise details.
These lasted about a  couple of weeks but have now gone away.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on August 23, 2016, 08:55:32 PM
Glad the healing is on course.
My problem with morphine is that it damages the nerves and they never properly regenerate. Where I had the op on my big toe is now permanently numb ( a very strange sensation when you walk) and to a lesser extent the same on the other foot where I had the toenail removed. One reason why I have Dental treatment without anaesthesia.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 24, 2016, 11:27:55 AM
I did some surfing last night after reading your post Eric.
I found some articles which explained Marys withdrawal symptoms from morphine - sudden tummy cramps and what goes with it  ::) and feeling sick.
Fortunately she was on a low dose and for a relatively short period.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on August 24, 2016, 04:57:10 PM
Hope tomorrow's appointment has a successful outcome for her.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on August 25, 2016, 06:33:54 PM
.. and best wishes from me too.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 25, 2016, 09:43:58 PM
Thank you Eric and Barry.

Good news.
The consultant was very pleased with the progress. He showed us the X-Rays and he reckons there is over 90% knitting, but with a word of caution - still a lot of healing to be done before it will have reached full strength.
The metal work (2 screws to hold the bones in place during fusion) have not shifted.
Boot can now be discarded but he said to wear it if she felt she needed to at any time (say after overdoing the walking around and it swells). Quite a lot of the decisions on how and how much to walk was left to her.
Initially, use one crutch but he said it would be OK to bear full weight if feeling confident and ankle felt OK.
It does! It feels great. However, it has puffed up a bit with the walking today. Ice pack applied as I write.

The big question was "Can I drive".
He said yes :D Imagine the relief to hear that!
Need to feel really comfortable and confident with the ankle first of course.
Very pleased as you can imagine. During that recovery time we gave a lot of thought to people with disabilities who don't have something like today to look forward to.

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on August 26, 2016, 10:17:13 AM
Good oh!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on August 26, 2016, 10:35:44 AM
Sounds good
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 26, 2016, 11:57:49 AM
Indeed!
Puffing on top of ankle didn't fully subside overnight. Should rest, but she has opted to put the boot on for a while instead.
She does not like sitting about!

Getting around the house quite fast now and doing some things to take the pressure off the "carer and chef" ;D
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 29, 2016, 09:02:10 PM
Very good news.
Mary tried driving on Sat.
I sat beside her in what was supposed to be up and down the tarmac at the back of the house.
That was OK so she turned the car and drove down the driveway. Unannounced she did an emergency stop. It sure caught me off guard and seemed effective ;D
Drove half a mile, turned and drove home.
It went so well I allowed her to drive us to the supermarket and home again (only a 1.5 mile round trip).
To my amazement, she said there was no noticeable difference from before the op.
The ankle was so bad before it looks like she had very little ankle movement to begin with.

Boot off - walking around now with 2 crutches outside, but can get around the kitchen on only one crutch.
Looking very good.


Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on August 30, 2016, 07:24:36 AM
Sounds like good progress. WHen I had a hip replacement and (separately!) after my wife had a  knee op we used a supermarket car park on Sunday after it closed as a test drive arena. (the fit person drove there and the reccovering person then tried driving including emergency stops). The point being that it is a safer environment than public roads.

Glad Mary is making such good progress.... how is the nurse and the chef?
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on August 30, 2016, 02:13:33 PM
Great news!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 30, 2016, 03:34:18 PM
Even better news is that the weather has changed - warm and that very rare commodity in Ireland for all of the 3 months that Mary has been incapacitated- Sunshine ;D
Both the head nurse and head chef "are" out in the garden ;D
It was SO out of control I had great difficulty choosing where to start. 

That must have been a difficult time for you Barry, both recovering from major surgery.
I should have said the roads were very quiet here on Saturday as there was a major band parade in Lisburn. We took the "scenic" route and we didn't have to drive through town traffic to get to the supermarket.

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on August 30, 2016, 09:42:26 PM
I should clarify that my hip and my wife's knee were well separated in time. I had fully recoveed well before her knee was tackled.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on August 31, 2016, 10:16:02 AM
It would have been very difficult otherwise Barry.
How successful were your operations?

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on August 31, 2016, 04:46:57 PM
My hip is amazing. I do not ever think about it unless I am asked a question.

My wife's knee is rather less successful though she can do a lot more now that she could before the op. She probably needs a repalcement but that is a big thing to contemplate.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on September 07, 2016, 10:25:33 PM
Your hip operation was obviously a resounding success Barry.
Its good to know that and anyone reading this who are facing surgery may feel more at ease about the prospects.

I know of other friends with knee problems. Like your wife's experience, its clear that it is a more difficult issue.

Mary took her first solo drive yesterday - a short drive to the car wash!
She didn't have to get out as its an attended fairly manual service - much better that the drive through standard car wash.
She is suffering yet - quite badly some days. She resorts to wearing the boot for additional support sometimes, and the ice pack occasionally.
They did say it was a long recovery period - anything up to 18 months for full recovery.
Mind you she is doing a lot around the house! I'm now able to spend more time in the garden (doing catchup ::)).


Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on September 08, 2016, 11:45:46 AM
You know what they say! Patients need patience.....

Glad you can get back in the garden. Given the weather this year I am surprised you are not totally overgrown with weeds.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on September 08, 2016, 08:26:09 PM
The grass in flowerbeds have taken over - its a massive problem Barry.
Its going to be hard work to regain control. Need a spell of decent weather to do that.
We've had very little sunshine here (N Ireland) this summer with at least some rain most days. Not very pleasant to work in.
I feel sorry for the folk in parts of Scotland. They have had even more rain than us.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 07, 2017, 10:50:47 PM
Update!

Its one year from the ankle fusion operation, and I am very pleased to report that it is a resounding success.
A little swelling from time to time, some slight burning sensations from time to time - all bearable, but the good news is she has little or no pain any more and is fairly mobile. Sharp inclines are a little challenging due to the fusion.
Driving is easy.

We were told it would take 12 to 18 months to fully heal. Its certainly so far, so much better!

If anyone else is faced with the same decision (to go for ankle fusion in the case of bad arthritis) we certainly recommend it.

Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on June 08, 2017, 01:39:25 PM
Very welcome good news.  ;D

It's a long time since this saga started (december 2010) and fantastic that the end of the tunnel is in sight. Hope Mary continues to heal well.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: Palustris on June 09, 2017, 05:50:16 PM
Excellent stuff.
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on July 21, 2019, 05:51:41 PM
Its just over 2 years since I posted on this.
Barry and I were communicating over the weekend and he asked how Mary was (thank you Barry) - so I thought I'd better post an update here.

Swelling has been a problem for a year or so now. That causes pain and discomfort.
Resting helps, but Mary is not one for sitting around. She is on her feet a lot each day with the usual chores, but rests with her foot up when she gets a chance (or finds the pain is too much) and when she watches TV in the evening.
The swelling is much worse in hot weather (not that we get a lot of that in N Ireland!!).
We were in Portugal for 9 days at end of June and she had to "sunbathe" with her leg elevated and keep her leg out of direct sun.
There is some good news! She can drive short distances to the local shopping centres and do short walks to enjoy the delights of shopping ::)

The pain she suffers is nothing like it was before the fusion, so we still have no regrets about going for that op.


Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: barryl on July 21, 2019, 06:17:21 PM
Good news but stay away from the heat!
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on July 21, 2019, 07:23:40 PM
She loves the sun normally Barry and so do I :)
Title: Re: Broken ankle
Post by: ideasguy on June 24, 2021, 02:40:11 PM
Eric (Palustris) and I exchanged emails and he asked how Marys ankle had healed.

Ankle fusion healed well, but unfortunately the ankle does swell badly each day with some burning sensation.
Probably arthritis in other joints in the ankle and foot.
She is fine up until lunchtime, but this girl does a lot of work each day - cooking, laundry, sometimes baking - etc, etc.
Has to take a rest frequently and elevates the ankle in the evenings when she watches TV.

Ive asked the good lady and she tells me it is much better than the pain and agony she had before the surgery where the ankle was fused. She can walk short distances. It seems to be relieved a little when she gets into her favourite shops  ::)

Fusion is still recommended for anyone facing the same dilemna.