Hi Roro,
You are NOT alone! I am so sorry you had this accident and this injury! It WILL be a long journey, but you can make it through. In my experience, (and what I have gleaned from reading others' stories), the most important thing initially is to be a very compliant patient. When folks try to tough their way through it, they later suffer. I know lying in bed staring at the ceiling can drive you stir fry crazy, but your foot needs the babying, the ice, the elevation and the rest.
Finding this site for me was a Godsend-I'd never heard of this thing called 'LisFranc.. I fractured my 2nd metatarsal while innocently watering plants on the deck-just stepped wrong. I was down for the count and off my feet for several months. I made the mistake of reading LisFranc horror stories online and depressing myself quite severely. I recommend not doing too much research, although I know it's hard to resist. I ended up logging a lot of TV time, but it didn't damage me in any way. Pretty soon you'll be able to do some bed exercises-even with your foot elevated and that will give you hope. There IS life post Lis Franc.:-) You WILL get through this, I swear! You will walk again and return to your life.
I will watch for your posts. Take care.
Em
Thank you so much, Em. Your words are so reassuring. My mind goes a mile a minute. I run all the scenarios over and over in my mind( and , of course, am haunted by the memory of that fateful day.) I am so glad that you are doing better. I can't believe that you were just watering a plant! You are amazingly strong, and with your sense of determination , I know that your full recovery is near. I have so many questions, Em. I hope that you won't mind if I ask. -In terms of recuperative time, is there a general rule for each phase? I mean, I assume most people have a hard cast for 8 weeks or so. What did you experience? What happens after that phase? Are you now walking on your own(with or without cane)? Is your hardware out? Sorry I have so many questions. I was trying to piece everyone's timeline together from the postings, but it is hard to keep track of it all. 8 weeks- hard cast What comes next? When does one become" weight-bearing"? My doctor says I won't be doing PT. Is that unusual? He says that my "walking" will be PT. That kinda worries me. Forgive me for all of these questions. This is still all so very fresh. You are a doll for even having responded, as I wasn't sure if people still checked this site. Thank you so much for being a light in the proverbial tunnel. :) Great to have someone to correspond with.
Thank you so much, Em. Your words are so reassuring. My mind goes a mile a minute. I run all the scenarios over and over in my mind( and , of course, am haunted by the memory of that fateful day.) I am so glad that you are doing better. I can't believe that you were just watering a plant! You are amazingly strong, and with your sense of determination , I know that your full recovery is near.
I have so many questions, Em. I hope that you won't mind if I ask.
-In terms of recuperative time, is there a general rule for each phase? I mean, I assume most people have a hard cast for 8 weeks or so. What did you experience? What happens after that phase? Are you now walking on your own(with or without cane)? Is your hardware out? Sorry I have so many questions. I was trying to piece everyone's timeline together from the postings, but it is hard to keep track of it all.
8 weeks- hard cast
What comes next?
When does one become" weight-bearing"? My doctor says I won't be doing PT. Is that unusual? He says that my "walking" will be PT. That kinda worries me.
Forgive me for all of these questions. This is still all so very fresh. You are a doll for even having responded, as I wasn't sure if people still checked this site. Thank you so much for being a light in the proverbial tunnel. :) Great to have someone to correspond with.
Thank you so much, Em. Your words are so reassuring. My mind goes a mile a minute. I run all the scenarios over and over in my mind( and , of course, am haunted by the memory of that fateful day.) I am so glad that you are doing better. I can't believe that you were just watering a plant! You are amazingly strong, and with your sense of determination , I know that your full recovery is near.
I have so many questions, Em. I hope that you won't mind if I ask.
-In terms of recuperative time, is there a general rule for each phase? I mean, I assume most people have a hard cast for 8 weeks or so. What did you experience? What happens after that phase? Are you now walking on your own(with or without cane)? Is your hardware out? Sorry I have so many questions. I was trying to piece everyone's timeline together from the postings, but it is hard to keep track of it all.
8 weeks- hard cast
What comes next?
When does one become" weight-bearing"? My doctor says I won't be doing PT. Is that unusual? He says that my "walking" will be PT. That kinda worries me.
Forgive me for all of these questions. This is still all so very fresh. You are a doll for even having responded, as I wasn't sure if people still checked this site. Thank you so much for being a light in the proverbial tunnel. :) Great to have someone to correspond with
For some reason SteadyHealth didn't send me notice that you had replied! I guess I didn't click "subscribe to topic." I just decided to check to see if you had replied and I'm so glad I did!
It is hard now to remember all the phases of this process, but I'll try to answer your questions. I do NOT mind you asking! I have empathy galore for you, and would love to help you through this journey any way I can.
I went from hard cast to boot at week 4. The boot was kept on all the time, including nights. I was cleared for some weight bearing (in the boot) at week 6 or 7. They had me use a bathroom scale and put some pressure on it up to a certain point (10 lbs to start, I think), then gradually increase it. I was to get the 'feel' of this amount of pressure and start applying that much while walking with crutches (or walker).
I had the screw removed 5 months after my initial surgery. In my case it became loose, (they could tell from x-ray and my symptoms), so it was necessary to remove. I've read of others having theirs removed after 4 months.
I am now walking on my own without cane! It is AWESOME!!. I did start PT again a couple weeks ago to learn how to walk normally, using full range of motion. I am surprised your doc said no PT. I think it was absolutely essential for me. I started the first time the 3rd month after my surgery and it gave me hope! They give specific exercises to start regaining mobility after so much time non weight bearing. I would insist on a referral to PT-don't blame you for being worried-not having physical therapy after this injury just isn't the norm.
Want to get this sent off so you know I haven't abandoned you!
Em
Thank you , Em, for writing back. I appreciate the details and recommendations. I am trying to figure this all out as I go along, and having someone to correspond with is so very helpful.
I am so glad that your recovery is coming along so well. You inspire me..giving me hope that perhaps life will once again go back to normal. I'm almost at my third wk post surgery and had the stitches out. I will return to doctor in additional 3. Not really sure what to expect other than a recasting and xrays,but each baby step gives me hope. :) I agree with you about the therapy. Sounds weird, right? Given that all my metatarsals were dislocated, I'm thinking that this severe injury will take time. May I ask what shoes does one wear after such an injury, and will I ever be able to wear anything other than running shoes? Just curious. Honestly, after five wks of non-walking, I would love just to be able to walk around again..but looking toward the future, just wondering if any type of dress shoes are possibilities. Things here are going along slowly, but I have begun a few hobbies (lol) including crochet, drawing, jewelry making, etc. Never say never...lol...Truly, I so appreciate your notes. Thank you . I will keep you posted. Hope all is well there.
Nice to hear back from you. Because I am so busy these days, (hope that's encouraging to you), I need to whip up a response before I start my day.
At nine months post injury, running shoes are definitely still my preferred shoe. A quality running shoe provides good support and because of the laces, holds my entire foot securely. I do have leather loafers with a 3/4 inch heel that, with my custom orthotic inserted, work well for night trips to the bathroom or walking around the house. I can slip in and out without having to tie repeatedly. My understanding is that until the foot reaches a certain level of stability, running shoes are best. My goal at this stage is to keep my foot secure to prevent further injury.
I have gone through a bit of a grieving process to let go of a variety of shoe styles. Spiky 2-3 inch heels, (not too much grief there) are not in my future, nor are backless sandals. Anything that will not accommodate my orthotics is out for me. Another requirement, set by the doctor, is a shoe that will not bend through the center. His nurse said I could wear a 'platform' shoe, but the heel and front would need to be the same height-(haven't found one that matches that description yet.)
When I switched from cast to 'walking boot,' I bought Dr. Scholl's gel inserts to cushion the pressure against the flat surface of the boot. I trimmed the toe end to match the open toe shape of the boot. The doctor didn't require this, but approved and it made my foot more comfortable during its' confinement.
I'm SO glad you are filling your time with fun 'handsy' projects. Anything to stave off depression is good. I actually had to take an anti-depressant during this period. I completely relate to that primal need to walk after so much horizontal time. I will never take the simple act of walking for granted again. Even though I still have soreness, a limp, and shoe restrictions, I cannot tell you how much pleasure there is in planting two feet on the ground and striding forward. Yes, this injury is 'significant,' as the docs are so fond of saying, and it does take a long time to recover. But you WILL get there. Again, I'd strongly encourage doing some bed exercises to help reduce deconditioning. I googled something like "exercises with a broken foot."
Oh, another thing you might look into is purchasing ahead of time, is a set of "Powerstep" shoe inserts-they're available online. I had an old pair on hand that I'd used for foot strain before my injury. Before I got my orthotics, I slipped those into my old running shoes for better arch support. I also used them in a cheap pair of black Velcro-closure shoes. Those were my 'dress' shoes and because of the Velcro, fit snugly. I know, not glamorous, but I wore black pants and the black shoes weren't that noticeable.
If I've managed to confuse you about footwear, please feel free to ask for clarification! Take care.
Em
Checking in to see how you are doing. I think about you often and hope you are keeping your spirits up!
Take care of yourself. You WILL get through this.
Em
Thinking of you. Hope you are doing well.
Em
Thank you so much for writing. I hope that you are doing well . How are things going there? Slow and steady here. I just received word that I could get out of cast and into a walking boot yesterday. I have been trying to apply some weight(light) but am overly-conscious of every twinge and odd feeling. It feels like pins and needles on the heel when even lightest pressure is applied, and a twinge of pain stabs as I bend the foot. I am hoping it's normal. Trying to keep positive now that I am 9 wks post surgery. I can't believe how the time has gone...and yet it has seemed to all be in slow motion. What concerns me most is that the doctor advised me that I should be full weight-bearing (in boot) by next week and in a shoe in six. Does this seem overly ambitious? I'm sorry that I haven't been writing with updates, but there really hasn't been much going on. How are you doing?
Thinking of you, Ro
So nice to hear from you! Looking back through my calendar to week 9 post surgery, I had just started physical therapy and began carefully setting my foot on the floor (in the boot). I remember wild and zinging, lightening-like pains in my heel and foot. I was surprised by heel pain, but apparently it is normal and will resolve. Pain when the foot is bent takes much longer to lessen, frankly. But it Will calm down.
My doctor also told me I could be full weight bearing in a week, but I took my own sweet time! This is where my physical therapist was a tremendous help. I needed the encouragement and expertise she offered. I liked my surgeon, but once I was in a boot, I felt basically left on my own to recover. I cannot recommend strongly enough asking for a referral to PT.
Speaking of PT, I will have my last appointment this Friday 6/21/2013. I asked for a 2nd round after the hardware removal surgery 12/2012. They have helped not only with my foot, but to reach a better level of fitness. My foot still talks to me, but the pain level is much, much lower these days. We went to a play in a large city Saturday, and I was able to drive, walk several blocks from parking to the theatre, and climb 2 flights of stairs to our seats.. My foot complained a tad on the way home. It is SO much better these days! My optimism has returned. This is an injury for life, and as you know knocks you flat literally, but it gets better and better.
Take care and write when you can. Think of you often.
Em
Hi Em
Thank you for your reply. I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well.!! When was the date of your initial surgery? It sounds like PT really has been a help. I wish I could go, but have been told that I will need to wait awhile. I’m not sure why as I can see how it would prove beneficial and empowering . Left now on my own to decide on weight-bearing, I tend to get a little frustrated. I am not sure what is normal discomfort vs pain, and I can do so very little. I try every hour or so-- trying to give some pressure. I get the heel pain that you were referring to as well. Of course it freaks me out a bit, and the zingers occur when I bend even a little to attempt a “normal” step. I don’t want to reinjure the site, but also don’t want to baby it too much. The idea of walking without any assist seems years away. I read blogs where people are saying , “Yeah, went from 25 to 100 percent in three days….” I’m like, are you serious? Lol…Then again, I fractured all my metatarsals, so I guess it is what it is. Thank you for writing and keeping me posted on your progress. I have no idea what to expect on the next month’s journey, but will keep you updated. A couple questions: How long did it take you to go from crutches to just boot/no crutches? How long has it been since your injury, and is it still massively swollen? What did the doctor say would be the chance of reinjury?…(Does the area ever become “calcified” back into its original state, or is always just a breath away from reinjury-susceptible to any misstep?) Thanks again, Em. You are so sweet to keep in touch. Glad to have a friend. x
Hi roro,
So nice to hear from you. I remember the stage you are in as being frustrating for me, too. The doctor told me to use my own judgment when it came to applying weight, but I was extremely fearful of reinjuring and the pain was off- putting, too! PT was helpful in distinguishing injury pain from that of general disuse. PT involved a lot of stretching, however, and it must be too soon to start that much manipulation. Since you broke more bones, maybe your recovery will be slower, however I'm, uh, retirement age, so you might fare better!
My original injury was July 20, 2012. I had surgery a week later. The surgeon put a screw through the side of my foot into my 2nd metatarsal. It was quite some time before the swelling subsided, but I have no swelling at this stage.
My transportation mode was wheelchair because crutches were too hard on my wrists. I didn't even set my boot on the floor (without applying weight) until 71/2 weeks post surgery. I got a walker 9 weeks after surgery and began the slow process of experimenting with weight over the next month. I would switch back and forth from wheelchair, walker and walking. I'm sorry, but I don't remember the first date I walked unaided, but believe it was in the latter part of the 3rd month.
My doctor could tell by x-ray when my foot was healed and though he instructed me to be careful, he said bones are actually stronger at the break site than they were before. I accept that, but at almost a year post injury, I am still cautious.
Would love to keep hearing about your progress. It gets better, it just seems like forever! Take care. Hugs.
Great information in this thread
and as OP says - there is a lot of negativity and pessimism out there..
but equally there are great stories of hope and triumph
which need to be shared to provide Hope and Inspiration for those 'following behind'
IMO the greatest challenges are
> finding medics who have knowledge and experience (or can even correctly diagnose) Lisfranc
> lots(relatively speaking) of info on surgical procedures, but very little info on the non-surgical challenges
> finding someone who's been there before you and who can reassure you that you're feelings, experiences and Frustrations are 'normal'
would love to hear from you at our Mutual Help and Support Group - your insights would help other members
(Facebook - Lisfranc Fracture Club)
How are you now? I'm eight weeks in to non weight bearing period and going BONKERS!! I have two boys aged 2 and 4. My husband is currently being superman. I don't do very well on crutches :) my screws are coming out in two weeks and I can't wait! Only thing with my injury is it went undiagnosed for four months (I was having physio and wearing a moon boot all that time) so hoping the screws have worked and I don't require a fusion. I love your positivity and am so depressed reading the constant bad news stories! Btw I did my by missing one step...one lousy step! I curious to hear how you're doing now. My boys are desperate for me to go bike riding with them again! Take care, V