Those 2 weeks after my surgery where the worst of my life as I explained in my recent post. After the sutures where removed on weeks three I felt much better. The pain on a scale from 1to10 was about a 4. I still elevated my foot and I practiced my flexing.
My foot was so stiff during these weeks I thought I would never be able to move it. I felt a tingling burning sensation on my little toe. The best way to explain it is when your foot falls asleep and you step that feeling you get of little pricks that was exactly what I felt. Per the Doc it was normal and the feeling should return. It can also be because of all the trauma and surgery he had to cut little nerves.
I wasn't able to sleep it wasn't because of pain but more to worries about money work and the weather. I live in Chicago and we have pretty bad weathers with lots of snow and ice.
At week four I was more relaxed my foot was regaining some motion. I was able to wiggle my toes but they still were stuck together. I was able to rotate my foot clockwise and counter clockwise with a little pain. At that time it was Thanksgiving week so I was able to distract my mind a lot. I withdrew from the pain medications totally. I also started taking ZQUIL. It helped me relax a lot I didn't feel groggy at all I woke up every morning wonderful.
I also trained my bladder to stop urination pass 10pm I didn't want to wake up in the middle of the night unable to focus and fall. One other tip I forgot to mention is make yourself with the help of others a little space in your living room bedroom to have everything at hand. I usually kept a Bath and Body works bag with all my lotions and my lovely CeraVue lotion it works miracles on dry ugly skin. I kept my sketch book pencils, medications, and some magazines people brought over so I can read by my bed.
Week 5 I was even more comfortable. To tell you the truth I never wore the big ugly boot. What I did was use the black sleeve it came with and walked extra careful taking my time with the crutches. I only wore it if I had to go outside. Which I never did only to see the Doc. I kept doing my range of motion exercises everyday I saw a little bit of improvement. I was now able to flex my ankle and the wound was looking even better the steri strips had fallen. and I was able to shower.
I ordered a shower stool on amazon and thank heavens for my prime membership I was able to get it in 2 days. I recommend getting the long stool not the round ones they can get really slippery. I also got a shower mat. And don't forget the shower head. The first time I showered I was so scared. I had my husband sit in the bathroom with me. If you have a tub you can sit on the edge and scoot your self back onto the stool with your back facing the shower. Also don't scrub your leg the first few times I just let the water run down my leg and scrubbed the bottom very gently.
At week 6 I felt like my self again. I did still experience a little throbbing from time to time. Also when it was really cold outside my leg felt it. My quick solution was an electronic heating pad and icy hot. A lot of people hate the smell including me but the relief it brought was a million times better. I also had my follow up with the doctor. Like usual I was sent for xrays first then he went into the room and said he was really happy with my recovery but still no weight bearing. According to him I have a piece of bone that is till healing on my tibia which has only a screw holding it in place and he wanted to give it 4 more weeks hopefully by that time I was going to be able to put weight on it.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Surgery Day 2 first weeks
That night I wasn't able to sleep. I was so nervous! I felt ill. I was his first patient. I felt lucky but I usually over think things that I started thinking maybe this is a bad idea to be his first patient. Is he fully awake? Ohh gosh I am crazy.
After I was admitted. I was set up with my IV line, vitals and signed consents. Talked to the anesthesiologist. She examined my mouth making sure I didn't have lose teeth. I was told I would be intubated and the vent would be breathing for me. I was so freaked out.
I was wheeled into Op room 10 it was an old cold room smelled sterile. There was an xray machine crash cart and a lot of instruments and doctors waiting on me. My name written on a dry erase board in purple letters and my orif procedure. I remember they told me I would be going to sleep and I would feel really really drunk. It felt like only ten minutes had passed by the time I had woken up. But according to my mother the surgery was 5 hours long.
I woke up yelling pain!!! Pain!!! That's all I felt hot and burning throbbing pain. I would slip and wake up to this pain. In the recovery room I was only separated from others through thick hospital curtains in the middle there was the nurses station. One approached me asking me if I need any more pain medications I nodded and dozed off.
About 30 minutes later I woke up again with major pain. The pain medication had worn off. I felt really bad. the Dr. stopped by to speak to me. "The surgery was a success you won't be needing any additional surgery". I was relieved he told me I had lost some bone and he was able to remove the piece. I am now the proud owner of 2 plates and 10 screws according to him I will be sporting for a life time.
I had an accident I couldn't hold my bladder and I pee on the recovery bed. I was very ashamed but it happens. Dr. told me I was free to go home and follow up in 2 weeks. The nurse helped me get dressed and wheeled me to the main entrance with my mom.
I will let you guys know that those 3 weeks where the most painful weeks I have ever experienced in my life. I wasn't able to stand up without having my leg pound in pain feeling the blood rush to the bottom of my foot. It was horrible pain I wouldn't want anyone to experience.
That night I must have woken about 15 times needing to use the restroom. And every time I stood up the pain was so unbearable I felt I was going to pass out.
I was taking Morphine along with Norco and I was only touching my pain level. The advice I can give you is elevation. Elevate the hell out of your foot above your nose. I felt tons of discomfort in my splint the bottom of my heel burned. I felt my pinkie losing sensation because the bottom of the splint was wrapped around my toes. I was tired my back hurt so much those 2 weeks where the worst in my life.
Follow up day with the surgeon. Xray was taken healing was going great no infection. I was given the option to use a cam boot or he would apply a cast. My swelling was gone. I will post pictures as soon as I can. Of course I opted for the boot. He told me I can take it off to sleep and any time I wasn't up. I was told to start practicing dorsiflexion. My range of motion was gone and my calf muscle was wasted away. That day he pushed my foot mimicking a walking motion and oh my god was it painful. I quickly jumped up and yelled we still have more time!! He said move it or lose it darling. He gave me more medications and told me to follow up in 3 weeks. I left happy because even though I wasn't able to bear weight I didn't have to carry that nasty splint I could sleep with an ace bandage. Also he told me I could sleep any way I wanted just as long as I didn't experience pain.
I could see some light or the beginning of a long tunnel. And I need to move forward. Let the long journey begin!!!
After I was admitted. I was set up with my IV line, vitals and signed consents. Talked to the anesthesiologist. She examined my mouth making sure I didn't have lose teeth. I was told I would be intubated and the vent would be breathing for me. I was so freaked out.
I was wheeled into Op room 10 it was an old cold room smelled sterile. There was an xray machine crash cart and a lot of instruments and doctors waiting on me. My name written on a dry erase board in purple letters and my orif procedure. I remember they told me I would be going to sleep and I would feel really really drunk. It felt like only ten minutes had passed by the time I had woken up. But according to my mother the surgery was 5 hours long.
I woke up yelling pain!!! Pain!!! That's all I felt hot and burning throbbing pain. I would slip and wake up to this pain. In the recovery room I was only separated from others through thick hospital curtains in the middle there was the nurses station. One approached me asking me if I need any more pain medications I nodded and dozed off.
About 30 minutes later I woke up again with major pain. The pain medication had worn off. I felt really bad. the Dr. stopped by to speak to me. "The surgery was a success you won't be needing any additional surgery". I was relieved he told me I had lost some bone and he was able to remove the piece. I am now the proud owner of 2 plates and 10 screws according to him I will be sporting for a life time.
I had an accident I couldn't hold my bladder and I pee on the recovery bed. I was very ashamed but it happens. Dr. told me I was free to go home and follow up in 2 weeks. The nurse helped me get dressed and wheeled me to the main entrance with my mom.
I will let you guys know that those 3 weeks where the most painful weeks I have ever experienced in my life. I wasn't able to stand up without having my leg pound in pain feeling the blood rush to the bottom of my foot. It was horrible pain I wouldn't want anyone to experience.
That night I must have woken about 15 times needing to use the restroom. And every time I stood up the pain was so unbearable I felt I was going to pass out.
I was taking Morphine along with Norco and I was only touching my pain level. The advice I can give you is elevation. Elevate the hell out of your foot above your nose. I felt tons of discomfort in my splint the bottom of my heel burned. I felt my pinkie losing sensation because the bottom of the splint was wrapped around my toes. I was tired my back hurt so much those 2 weeks where the worst in my life.
Follow up day with the surgeon. Xray was taken healing was going great no infection. I was given the option to use a cam boot or he would apply a cast. My swelling was gone. I will post pictures as soon as I can. Of course I opted for the boot. He told me I can take it off to sleep and any time I wasn't up. I was told to start practicing dorsiflexion. My range of motion was gone and my calf muscle was wasted away. That day he pushed my foot mimicking a walking motion and oh my god was it painful. I quickly jumped up and yelled we still have more time!! He said move it or lose it darling. He gave me more medications and told me to follow up in 3 weeks. I left happy because even though I wasn't able to bear weight I didn't have to carry that nasty splint I could sleep with an ace bandage. Also he told me I could sleep any way I wanted just as long as I didn't experience pain.
I could see some light or the beginning of a long tunnel. And I need to move forward. Let the long journey begin!!!
Pre Surgery What to Expect some tips
After getting home I was more depressed anxious and angry. I kept thinking why my ankle and not my arm!!! Coping with pain is not ease I thought I was strong but i'm not. My splint was so uncomfortable. Every time I stood up I felt a tightness and my foot would throb. I elevated above my nose for that whole week. I couldn't sleep. The narcotics made me constipated. I lost my appetite. I was a mess. I cried a lot that week. I searched the web for what to expect and I became more depressed, of the success stories I read. I really didn't care if I had a limp as long as I was able to walk again.
I kept thinking about all the people with spinal cord injuries that are unable to walk. If they can manage I will also. I was entering into deep depression and I had to keep my mind busy. I really wanted to blog about my experience and tell it how it is. Every step of the way from week one to what ever week I am functional. But I didn't. I am in week 11 right now. What I have learned is you will get so bored tired weak am all the emotions under the rainbow. Keep a journal. I did lots of crafts. I worked with polymer clay. I learned how to sew youtube is wonderful! Keep a structured day. I ate at the same time kept my bathroom breaks at certain times. Ohh most important get any help you can. But also work your way into doing things. I started to wash dishes with one leg on a chair. I felt wonderful even though they where not really clean I did something for myself its the best feeling ever. Trust me you will cry the day you dress yourself!!!
I kept thinking about all the people with spinal cord injuries that are unable to walk. If they can manage I will also. I was entering into deep depression and I had to keep my mind busy. I really wanted to blog about my experience and tell it how it is. Every step of the way from week one to what ever week I am functional. But I didn't. I am in week 11 right now. What I have learned is you will get so bored tired weak am all the emotions under the rainbow. Keep a journal. I did lots of crafts. I worked with polymer clay. I learned how to sew youtube is wonderful! Keep a structured day. I ate at the same time kept my bathroom breaks at certain times. Ohh most important get any help you can. But also work your way into doing things. I started to wash dishes with one leg on a chair. I felt wonderful even though they where not really clean I did something for myself its the best feeling ever. Trust me you will cry the day you dress yourself!!!
Meeting The Orthopedic Doctor
After I was released from the hospital I arranged my mother to pick me up. The hospital security guard helped me into my mothers jeep. The tough part was to come. How the woods am I going to go up the front stairs there are not many but they are tall and curve. First was to pull my self up while sitting on the stairs but I couldn't stand for the last one. My upper body is not what you call fit at all. So with the help of my lovely brother he lifted me up and I jumped to the last stair.
I took that day to rest. I elevated my leg and I was in terrible pain. I had to manage a way to get around this. Master the potty with a full leg cast even feeding my children making dinner how am I going to do this?
The next day I called my boss and since she is the ortho manager at my workplace I was able to get an appointment quick.
The couple of days that followed were agonizing. I am a smoker an outside smoker not inside I had to manage to jump the door step otherwise no smoking for me. And this was before I was told to stop for healing reasons.
The day of my appointment came I met the Doc wonderful he said my ankle was to swollen for surgery sent me for x rays and that's where I got the worst news!!!
I have four broken pieces not two but four!!! A trimalleolar fracture I know tri means three but my talus also. He wanted me to get a ct scan because he suspected bone that had moved under my ankle and if that was the case I would need 2 surgeries!!!
After the CT scan his suspicion was true. My ankle was dislocated so bad he didn't even want to take the splint off. At the ER they never placed it back in place. What he did do is cut the back of the splint just below the knee which made it more manageable and me more happy.
What he told me next scared the living hell out of me. He told me I would have a good chance of walking with a limp, arthritis, and chronic pain swelling and worst I would not be able to go back to work for at least 4 months. I cried again. What he said next to me made me feel so bad!! "If you want to keep your foot you have to quit smoking" I will not preform you surgery if you smoke. I just kept taking blow after blow. Smoking was my way to release stress. I thought how dare he tell me this. Doesn't he know everything that is happening to me? I know its for my own good.
We scheduled the surgery for the following week had all my pre op labs done and sent me home with more heavy narcotics..
I took that day to rest. I elevated my leg and I was in terrible pain. I had to manage a way to get around this. Master the potty with a full leg cast even feeding my children making dinner how am I going to do this?
The next day I called my boss and since she is the ortho manager at my workplace I was able to get an appointment quick.
The couple of days that followed were agonizing. I am a smoker an outside smoker not inside I had to manage to jump the door step otherwise no smoking for me. And this was before I was told to stop for healing reasons.
The day of my appointment came I met the Doc wonderful he said my ankle was to swollen for surgery sent me for x rays and that's where I got the worst news!!!
I have four broken pieces not two but four!!! A trimalleolar fracture I know tri means three but my talus also. He wanted me to get a ct scan because he suspected bone that had moved under my ankle and if that was the case I would need 2 surgeries!!!
After the CT scan his suspicion was true. My ankle was dislocated so bad he didn't even want to take the splint off. At the ER they never placed it back in place. What he did do is cut the back of the splint just below the knee which made it more manageable and me more happy.
What he told me next scared the living hell out of me. He told me I would have a good chance of walking with a limp, arthritis, and chronic pain swelling and worst I would not be able to go back to work for at least 4 months. I cried again. What he said next to me made me feel so bad!! "If you want to keep your foot you have to quit smoking" I will not preform you surgery if you smoke. I just kept taking blow after blow. Smoking was my way to release stress. I thought how dare he tell me this. Doesn't he know everything that is happening to me? I know its for my own good.
We scheduled the surgery for the following week had all my pre op labs done and sent me home with more heavy narcotics..
How It Happened
What else could go wrong! I suffered a freak accident. I broke my ankle in four places requiring surgery with 2 plates and 10 screws.
On October 9th 2013, on my way to work I fell down a flight of stairs. I was wearing nursing shoes those tall ones. Well my ankle left ankle inverted in and out. I heard a loud pop and actually felt the bones shift while I fell to the ground. After the initial shock I took a look at my ankle and my foot was hanging on to my leg just dropping. I panicked but I didn't experience terrible pain it was more of a shock "like what did you just do to your self".
After some seconds I dialed 911 from my cell and crawled myself to the ledge of the stairs. The fire department was first on the scene. They splinted my leg and applied an ice pack and we waited for the paramedics to arrive.
Upon arrival the processed the works vitals name insurance all the questions and lugged me into those portable wheelchair and into an ambulance.
At this point I still didn't feel terrible pain my blood pressure was perfect heart rate. The paramedic kept telling me I was very strong not to feel pain some people would be dying for pain medication he said.
When I arrived at the hospital I used to work at many ED nurses recognized me and took really good care of me. I was there for approx. 3 hours. The doctor said if xrays came back ok then they would pop my ankle in place and immobilize it for a couple of weeks. But boy was I wrong. He came back and said sorry Erika you are going to need surgery you have what looks to be a bimalleolar fracture. And you have to see an orthopedic surgeon and need this asap but the bad news is we can't keep you here. Ahhh I cried for a while!!! My mind kept thinking about my children, my husband that was just recently diagnosed with Huntington's Chorea. Work and how am I going to pay for this surgery with out any kind of insurance!!
After my sobbing was over about an hour an ER tech came in and put a splint on my leg from my toes to my upper thigh. It was the most uncomfortable I had been and pain started. She showed me the proper way to walk use and sit with crutches. I was given my pain meds a referral my new crutches and set free.
On October 9th 2013, on my way to work I fell down a flight of stairs. I was wearing nursing shoes those tall ones. Well my ankle left ankle inverted in and out. I heard a loud pop and actually felt the bones shift while I fell to the ground. After the initial shock I took a look at my ankle and my foot was hanging on to my leg just dropping. I panicked but I didn't experience terrible pain it was more of a shock "like what did you just do to your self".
After some seconds I dialed 911 from my cell and crawled myself to the ledge of the stairs. The fire department was first on the scene. They splinted my leg and applied an ice pack and we waited for the paramedics to arrive.
Upon arrival the processed the works vitals name insurance all the questions and lugged me into those portable wheelchair and into an ambulance.
At this point I still didn't feel terrible pain my blood pressure was perfect heart rate. The paramedic kept telling me I was very strong not to feel pain some people would be dying for pain medication he said.
When I arrived at the hospital I used to work at many ED nurses recognized me and took really good care of me. I was there for approx. 3 hours. The doctor said if xrays came back ok then they would pop my ankle in place and immobilize it for a couple of weeks. But boy was I wrong. He came back and said sorry Erika you are going to need surgery you have what looks to be a bimalleolar fracture. And you have to see an orthopedic surgeon and need this asap but the bad news is we can't keep you here. Ahhh I cried for a while!!! My mind kept thinking about my children, my husband that was just recently diagnosed with Huntington's Chorea. Work and how am I going to pay for this surgery with out any kind of insurance!!
After my sobbing was over about an hour an ER tech came in and put a splint on my leg from my toes to my upper thigh. It was the most uncomfortable I had been and pain started. She showed me the proper way to walk use and sit with crutches. I was given my pain meds a referral my new crutches and set free.
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