topic Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery? in Community Chat

Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

LeoGrl — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:01:57 GMT

My sister (and my very best friend) slipped and fell on ice the other day. She went to the ER and they splinted her and she had to see an orthopedic doc today and she has to have an ORIF for a bimalleolar ankle fracture. She was put in a boot and is so scared and uncomfortable. I've been trying to comfort her and she is so afraid to have the surgery. Has anyone had this procedure before and what to expect? I've been looking up online info for her but would love to hear from any nurses or people who have gone through this. I keep crying with her because she is afraid. She never broke anything before and I love her so much and any thoughts and words of comfort I can give her would be so much appreciated! Thank you!!!

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

SydneyH — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:07:41 GMT

Not sure what an ORIF is, but I've had surgery and some hardware inserted after a break. They put to sleep for the surgery and I was as good as new after the cast was removed and a couple weeks of rehab.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

MaggieToo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:12:06 GMT

I had ankle surgery 7 years ago. I had fallen and fractured the ankle. Surgery was a breeze. Because I am an older person, it has developed arthritis there, but that was to be expected. My ankle has a lot of hardware in it.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

rondell — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:15:52 GMT

Leogrl, so sorry to hear this. All I know about an ankle injury is mine. I twisted the left one last week, and I'm still limping and experiencing swelling with some pain. Your poor sister must be having a good deal of pain, if it's broken. That can't be fun at all.

Your sister is very blessed to have you with her. I'm sure she'll be thankful after the surgery. She won't feel a thing since she'll be sleeping through it. I hope all goes well for her.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:17:24 GMT

Oh no. I had a bi-mal but managed to survive WITHOUT the surgery. But I was literally couch bound for weeks and months . . . because he said if it shifted at all . . . surgery, plates and screws. Scared me to death. I only got up to go to the restroom for the first 6 weeks and to dr appts. . . . went down steps out of house on my rear and same way back up and would crawl to a chair to pull myself up. Thank goodness I was in good shape as doing many things on one leg takes some strength. Even kneeling on the running boards on my vehicle with bad leg, then step and pull up with good one . . . gag WORST THREE MONTHS OF MY LIFE . .. and my kids life and my husbands life . . . heck you'd think they had it harder than me.

Best wishes and a recovery for your sister. Oh and PT was a crock. Making the alphabet with your big toe pretend style. Heck I can do that for free at home. And heel lifts.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:19:56 GMT

On 2/20/2014 rondell said:
Leogrl, so sorry to hear this. All I know about an ankle injury is mine. I twisted the left one last week, and I'm still limping and experiencing swelling with some pain. Your poor sister must be having a good deal of pain, if it's broken. That can't be fun at all.

Your sister is very blessed to have you with her. I'm sure she'll be thankful after the surgery. She won't feel a thing since she'll be sleeping through it. I hope all goes well for her.

rondell . . . my swelling took forever to go away . . . I guess when you're immobile . . . it adds to the time . . . toes higher than your nose . . . 24/7 for me for weeks except to sit up to eat/drink and go to restroom. Dr. said to get up high . . . thus toes higher than your nose.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

sophiamarie — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:22:59 GMT

I don't know if this is the same or not, but 12 wks. ago I had 3 screws implanted in my thigh as a result of a fracture of the femoral neck. All I know is the Anesthesiologist came to me in the pre-op room and told me that they were putting something into my IV and I won't be aware of anything.

He mentioned something about a spinal too......

The next thing I knew was a nurse telling me to "wiggle your toes"..... It was all over.... I think the whole thing was about an hour - then I was in a Recovery Room for about another hour.

Do you mine if I ask how old your sister is???

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

LeoGrl — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:24:02 GMT

Thank you all for responding. I'm reading all your replies to her now.

Qwackertoo - The doctor she saw today was very quick for her to have the surgery...something about arthritis setting in. Were you given an option for surgery or not? He told her she would need it within 7 to 10 days. She was hoping to just have it casted and didn't know if she should get a second opinion.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

LeoGrl — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:25:21 GMT

On 2/20/2014 sophiamarie said:
I don't know if this is the same or not, but 12 wks. ago I had 3 screws implanted in my thigh as a result of a fracture of the femoral neck. All I know is the Anesthesiologist came to me in the pre-op room and told me that they were putting something into my IV and I won't be aware of anything.

He mentioned something about a spinal too......

The next thing I knew was a nurse telling me to "wiggle your toes"..... It was all over.... I think the whole thing was about an hour - then I was in a Recovery Room for about another hour.

Do you mine if I ask how old your sister is???

She is in her mid-forties. She's also never had surgery before so she was scared of the pre-op and what to expect for it.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

SydneyH — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:35:35 GMT

On 2/20/2014 LeoGrl said:
Thank you all for responding. I'm reading all your replies to her now.

Qwackertoo - The doctor she saw today was very quick for her to have the surgery...something about arthritis setting in. Were you given an option for surgery or not? He told her she would need it within 7 to 10 days. She was hoping to just have it casted and didn't know if she should get a second opinion.

You don't want the bones to 'knit' the way they are now. She can have someone take another look at her xrays, but timely surgery sounds like it's necessary, sooner rather than later.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:43:16 GMT

On 2/20/2014 LeoGrl said:
Thank you all for responding. I'm reading all your replies to her now.

Qwackertoo - The doctor she saw today was very quick for her to have the surgery...something about arthritis setting in. Were you given an option for surgery or not? He told her she would need it within 7 to 10 days. She was hoping to just have it casted and didn't know if she should get a second opinion.

I could have had it. But I didn't want it. He said IF it moved, I'd have to have it. I was in a splint for 6 weeks maybe 8 . . . swelling would not go down. Then in a non-walking cast . .. and finally the boot. OMGosh when I finally got the cast off after having the splint and cast on so long . . . when I went to put my foot on the floor, just sitting there . .. it was like my foot was on slippery slippery glass or ice . . . not cold but just absolutely no feeling except this weird slippery sensation. It took a good two weeks for that to go away.

Then husband finally had to go back to work and kids back to school . . . and to go get son, since it was my right foot . . . I'd have scoot down steps, get to car, take boot off, drive 5 miles, get son, put boot back on . . . and scoot back up steps. First time, I got to bottom of steps and realized I left car keys in house and had to scoot back up and down again.

So I didn't want surgery at all costs. Even laying there so long. Vs. getting up and straight into boot or walking cast . . . didn't want the hassle the rest of my life at airports, etc. And no I don't really have arthritis in it now 3 years later . .. I just do foot circles IF it gets a little stiff or achy.

I was hit from behind while at traffic light the day before I fell . . . we were in Little Rock going on our Presidential Library and college campus tour with daughter who was a junior in HS . . . and I still think with my foot on brake and getting hit could have caused a hairline fracture then when I fell at the Riverwalk . .. it broke more . . . as I've never broken a bone in my body before.

Again, good luck to her. Maybe she can ask the doctor IF there is ANY WAY she can avoid the surgery IF she promises to stay put and let it get going on healing??? Worth a shot. I'd say. Worst he can do is say no. Unless it has already shifted and alignment will grow back bad . . . I think they are too quick to operate and cut you.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

LeoGrl — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:50:03 GMT

On 2/20/2014 Qwackertoo said:
On 2/20/2014 LeoGrl said:
Thank you all for responding. I'm reading all your replies to her now.

Qwackertoo - The doctor she saw today was very quick for her to have the surgery...something about arthritis setting in. Were you given an option for surgery or not? He told her she would need it within 7 to 10 days. She was hoping to just have it casted and didn't know if she should get a second opinion.

I could have had it. But I didn't want it. He said IF it moved, I'd have to have it. I was in a splint for 6 weeks maybe 8 . . . swelling would not go down. Then in a non-walking cast . .. and finally the boot. OMGosh when I finally got the cast off after having the splint and cast on so long . . . when I went to put my foot on the floor, just sitting there . .. it was like my foot was on slippery slippery glass or ice . . . not cold but just absolutely no feeling except this weird slippery sensation. It took a good two weeks for that to go away.

Then husband finally had to go back to work and kids back to school . . . and to go get son, since it was my right foot . . . I'd have scoot down steps, get to car, take boot off, drive 5 miles, get son, put boot back on . . . and scoot back up steps. First time, I got to bottom of steps and realized I left car keys in house and had to scoot back up and down again.

So I didn't want surgery at all costs. Even laying there so long. Vs. getting up and straight into boot or walking cast . . . didn't want the hassle the rest of my life at airports, etc. And no I don't really have arthritis in it now 3 years later . .. I just do foot circles IF it gets a little stiff or achy.

I was hit from behind while at traffic light the day before I fell . . . we were in Little Rock going on our Presidential Library and college campus tour with daughter who was a junior in HS . . . and I still think with my foot on brake and getting hit could have caused a hairline fracture then when I fell at the Riverwalk . .. it broke more . . . as I've never broken a bone in my body before.

Again, good luck to her. Maybe she can ask the doctor IF there is ANY WAY she can avoid the surgery IF she promises to stay put and let it get going on healing??? Worth a shot. I'd say. Worst he can do is say no. Unless it has already shifted and alignment will grow back bad . . . I think they are too quick to operate and cut you.

Wow, what an ordeal you went through. I guess it couldn't hurt to ask to see what not having surgery would entail. I feel so bad for her. And here's the irony in this whole unfortunate fall she had...she was actually heading out to the store to buy some salt to put down and that's when she slipped. My sister has such a big heart and is always worried about everyone's safety and yet she fell herself.

And again, thank you all so very much for your replies. It means alot to her. It's actually calming her down a little.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Lotus — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:55:06 GMT

Sorry about your sister.

I broke my left ankle about 8 years ago. It was a displaced fibula (I think that's the thinner bone) fracture which needed surgery. I broke it on a Friday afternoon (I actually heard it when it broke...sounded similar to when you snap a carrot in half).....the orthopedist came into the ER and "set it" (one of the worst pains I have experienced) and I then had surgery the next morning. The ortho put a plate and 7 or 8 screws.

I was in a hard splint with an ace bandage for two weeks until my stitches came out and then placed in a hard cast for 6 weeks. I was able to get a cast that could get wet which was great for showering.

When the cast came off, I was able to walk out of the office unassisted and then had physical therapy for about a month.

She should be fine.....wishing your dear sister luck with her surgery.

PS.....I had never heard of that type of fracture before so I just googled it. It sounds to me that surgery would be necessary.

Here's a link with some good information on it:

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/footankle/fl/Bimalleolar-Ankle-Fractures.htm

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:55:54 GMT

Good Luck to her Leo. I was TERRIBLE with crutches . . . my kids and husband thought I should be swinging around and getting around like a ten year old with no fear.

But I had FEAR . . . cuz doc said IF it shifted . . . surgery.

They did buy me a wheelchair off craigslist . .. we were in TX on vacation 700 miles from home . . . and I'd use it in the kitchen cuz you can't carry anything and use crutches so at least I could manage to fix myself something to eat . . . then sold it on craigslist for what I paid for it . . .

And those boots are expensive. 300.00 I think it was. For one boot. Not even a pair. And insurance didn't cover the boot. Covered EVERYTHING else 100%. Weird huh. Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Oh and sometimes the kids and once or twice their friends . .. would borrow my crutches and wander around the house . . .and did they put them back where I could reach them . . . oh no they were across the room. So like I said . . . a very long 3 months. But worth it with no surgery, no screws, no plates and no scars.

OH and showers were the worst. Ordered a little chair for our shower. A shower on one leg is NOT fun. And dangerous too.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:58:17 GMT

Oh and there were bi-mal blogs and boards . . .and she will cry and have bad days . . . and reading about and posting with people going through the same thing will help. Just search for them.

I still hope she can avoid it.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

LeoGrl — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 04:59:36 GMT

On 2/20/2014 Lotus~ said:
Sorry about your sister.

I broke my left ankle about 8 years ago. It was a displaced fibula (I think that's the thinner bone) fracture which needed surgery. I broke it on a Friday afternoon (I actually heard it when it broke...sounded similar to when you snap a carrot in half).....the orthopedist came into the ER and "set it" (one of the worst pains I have experienced) and I then had surgery the next morning. The ortho put a plate and 7 or 8 screws.

I was in a hard splint with an ace bandage for two weeks until my stitches came out and then placed in a hard cast for 6 weeks. I was able to get a cast that could get wet which was great for showering.

When the cast came off, I was able to walk out of the office unassisted and then had physical therapy for about a month.

She should be fine.....wishing your dear sister luck with her surgery.

PS.....I had never heard of that type of fracture before so I just googled it. It sounds to me that surgery would be necessary.

Here's a link with some good information on it:

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/footankle/fl/Bimalleolar-Ankle-Fractures.htm

The strange thing is she doesn't have any pain. Just uncomfortable and the boot she has to wear is heavy.

Thanks for the link. I'm going to check it out now.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Qwackertoo — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:01:25 GMT

I didn't really have pain either. Just swelling. I did drink my fair share of wine in the evening though. It was my reward for surviving another day.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

mistriTsquirrel — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:07:08 GMT

On 2/20/2014 LeoGrl said:
On 2/20/2014 sophiamarie said:
I don't know if this is the same or not, but 12 wks. ago I had 3 screws implanted in my thigh as a result of a fracture of the femoral neck. All I know is the Anesthesiologist came to me in the pre-op room and told me that they were putting something into my IV and I won't be aware of anything.

He mentioned something about a spinal too......

The next thing I knew was a nurse telling me to "wiggle your toes"..... It was all over.... I think the whole thing was about an hour - then I was in a Recovery Room for about another hour.

Do you mine if I ask how old your sister is???

She is in her mid-forties. She's also never had surgery before so she was scared of the pre-op and what to expect for it.

The worst parts of the pre-op for any of the surgeries I've had have been 1) Not being allowed to eat or drink for many hours beforehand and 2) Them putting the IV in. Neither of those things are actually a huge deal...they are just uncomfortable and annoying.

The "I'm going to give you something in your IV to calm you" part is the best part.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

Big Sister — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:08:39 GMT

I was taken to the ER in 2007 with an ankle that was broken on both sides. Became inpatient and had surgery two days later. I have two plates and seven screws in there and the surgery went very well. I did at one point have physical therapy on the ankle. I followed the dr's orders implicitly (sp?) and was not able to put weight on that foot for about 3 months. Used a rental wheel chair and hired help at home. Had changes of casts and then the boot. It took a long time but it was repaired very well and I have no problems now, except sometimes a painful "kink" which I think is from the metal, but it clears up quickly.

If she has a good ankle surgeon, she should do very well. Good luck!

Oh, and everything was covered by my Medicare and supplemental insurance.

Re: Anyone Ever Have Ankle Surgery?

sophiamarie — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:38:06 GMT

To the OP: I don't think it's a good idea to read the "negative" posts on here to your sister.. Every person has a different result and a different kind of outcome.

I hope she does well - but if it were me, I would not be giving her any advice from a bulletin board.... JMO Please keep us informed as to the outcome.

I'm sure her doctor will address all her concerns. Tell her not to be afraid to ask as many questions as she wants. Again, good luck....