Hey bogglor-
Sounds like I'm about 20 days or so behind you. I go for my next appt. on June 23rd. and expect the green light for PT then.
How many screws do you have, and what was the degree in mm of your displacement?
chlobert- I hope you will listen to the Dr. and cast the foot. In my limited civilian research on this injury it sounds like the only real way to fix this fracture is to non wt. bear for 6-12 weeks with or without the cast.
Dr. told me "absolutely NO WT. AT ALL" for 8 weeks then partial wt. for 4 more weeks. I am on week 8 right now and have no pain, but also have listened to the Dr.s instructions to a TEE.
I am 34 years old- very active Lots of Hockey, road races and a 5 acre spread that requires daily mtc. I enjoy all that stuff and was very scared to end all that for a short term gain by continuing to walk on the injury.
Please reconsider for your longterm benefit.
Sounds like I'm about 20 days or so behind you. I go for my next appt. on June 23rd. and expect the green light for PT then.
How many screws do you have, and what was the degree in mm of your displacement?
chlobert- I hope you will listen to the Dr. and cast the foot. In my limited civilian research on this injury it sounds like the only real way to fix this fracture is to non wt. bear for 6-12 weeks with or without the cast.
Dr. told me "absolutely NO WT. AT ALL" for 8 weeks then partial wt. for 4 more weeks. I am on week 8 right now and have no pain, but also have listened to the Dr.s instructions to a TEE.
I am 34 years old- very active Lots of Hockey, road races and a 5 acre spread that requires daily mtc. I enjoy all that stuff and was very scared to end all that for a short term gain by continuing to walk on the injury.
Please reconsider for your longterm benefit.
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I have 6 screws and 2 plates. Don't know the degree of displacement since I haven't looked at my medical records or have been told it. I know I broke #1, #2, and #5.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
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I have 6 screws and 2 plates. Don't know the degree of displacement since I haven't looked at my medical records or have been told it. I know I broke #1, #2, and #5.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
I have 6 screws and 2 plates. Don't know the degree of displacement since I haven't looked at my medical records or have been told it. I know I broke #1, #2, and #5.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
I have 6 screws and 2 plates. Don't know the degree of displacement since I haven't looked at my medical records or have been told it. I know I broke #1, #2, and #5.
They told me "partial weight bearing as tolerated" to start and then work my way up. I did that, but it only took a few days. He said to go home and put your injured foot on a scale and see how much weight you can bear on it without any pain, then use that as a guideline for the feeling out stages. Then just work it up. On the first day I could do about half my weight, 100 lbs. Then gradually I just got to be able to do more and more w/o pain. I don't believe I am messing anything up, but we'll see what they say when I tell them of my pace on June 6.
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Wow 6 screws. I only have 2, but was told that my displacement of the first and second mets. was severe.
Where was your pain when you started to bear wt? was it in the keystone area( AKA Lisfranc ligament) of the top of the foot.
Thats where my pain seems to be and I hope thats part of the normal pain one goes thru when Wt. bearing starts.
Thanx.
Where was your pain when you started to bear wt? was it in the keystone area( AKA Lisfranc ligament) of the top of the foot.
Thats where my pain seems to be and I hope thats part of the normal pain one goes thru when Wt. bearing starts.
Thanx.
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Hi all, and thanks for your response, Deano73! It was nice to get a response, and I just wanted to clarify that if I were to get casted non-weight bearing, I would lose my job. Where I work, we are being struck hard by the economy and there have been some layoffs, with possibly additional layoffs in the near future. Besides that, only being at this job for 7 months now, and not qualifying for FMLA, I've been told my job would be gone as soon as my accrued time off was depleted (I only have about 5 days available). It's their policy to terminate employees who have used their banked time, and I'm not even allowed to be off work with no pay. It happened to another person a few months ago after she fell and injured her back; once her accrued time was used, they called her and told her she was done. It didn't even matter that she was released to return to work two days later. Aside from these strict rules, I really love my job and what I do. As I also mentioned, my husband and I have enough debt that I HAVE to work just to keep up with the bills. I've been hoping to maybe wear the air cast until I've been there at least a year, feeling maybe I'm protecting my foot from getting much worse. At that point, maybe I could take a step further and get more aggressive with my treatment. It's very frustrating to me that I have to delay treatment in order to hopefully keep a job! >:( I've become very depressed about all of this, and each time the foot aches and throbs, I get even more upset, knowing I can't do what needs to be done to correct what's really wrong with my foot! It's a shame our laws can't help people who are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to healthcare. I know there are many many more people out there who are far worse off than I am, but it still doesn't stop the tears and hurt that go along with not being able to get the medical treatment I need. :-( Thanks for reading, and I'm going to continue to read the posts here, knowing that maybe someday, I can also get the treatment I need. My best to all of you, and I pray your healing goes well and swiftly!!!
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Hi again....I know I was the last post, but I have another curious question about lis franc injuries. Has anyone had one of these types without any swelling to the foot? I've had several xrays and a CT scan, and only the xrays showed a possible lis franc injury. Due to having a spinal cord stimulator, I'm told I can't have an MRI to get a definitive diagnosis. After about 4 weeks in an air cast, it still hurts just as much, no better at all yet. I know these types of injuries can be difficult to diagnose, and yet through all my pain (injury occurred in Jan 2008), there has not been any swelling, which I'm glad for, but the pain can be tremendous! I KNOW in my heart there's something wrong in there, and I seem to have all of the symptoms of a lis franc injury, just not any swelling. Ok, sorry to babble but anyone else out there who didn't have swelling with their injury? Thanks so much for helping me!
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Chlobert.... so sorry to hear about your injury. My advice would be to make sure you are working with the best orthopedic foot specialist you can find, especially if you are needing to delay your surgery. I wonder if the air cast is enough. Maybe wearing a boot to walk in would help your pain more than the air cast. I suffered a lisfranc fracture Feb. 7, 2008. The emergency room docs only diagnosed me with a fractured 4th metatarsal and a possible fracture of the 2nd metatarsal, but said to follow up with a specialist. I went to the specialist a few days later and after taking a weight bearing x-ray, and taking note of all my swelling and bruising, he manipulated my foot around and he had no trouble at all diagnosing the lisfranc fracture, even though there was no obvious dislocation.
I had surgery on February 14 and had 5 screws and 2 pins inserted in my right foot to stabilize it. The surgery was extremely painful and I had to be completely non weight bearing for 8 weeks. I had the 2 pins removed from the 4th and 5th metatarsals on April 10 and then began physical therapy and partial weight bearing--beginning with 2 crutches and 25% weight bearing and increasing 25% each week until I now am full weight bearing, but wearing a boot to walk in. I go back to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully will get the ok to start getting rid of the boot, but from everything I've been reading I think it may take a while before I'm back to normal. Hopefully, the 5 screws will be removed in August--doctor says that will be painful as well.
As to your question about recovering without surgery, my doctor has shared many stories with me about the many people with this type of injury who have just let it heal on it's own and he usually ends up having to fuse the joints because when the lisfranc injury isn't surgically repaired, severe arthritis almost always develops and the foot is frequently deformed to the point that wearing shoes is not possible. My doctor understands that many people have to delay treatment because of work issues, but he just advises that eventually surgery of some type will have to be done and that will involve being unable to bear weight for a period of time and a fairly lengthy recovery period.
Good luck to you!
I had surgery on February 14 and had 5 screws and 2 pins inserted in my right foot to stabilize it. The surgery was extremely painful and I had to be completely non weight bearing for 8 weeks. I had the 2 pins removed from the 4th and 5th metatarsals on April 10 and then began physical therapy and partial weight bearing--beginning with 2 crutches and 25% weight bearing and increasing 25% each week until I now am full weight bearing, but wearing a boot to walk in. I go back to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully will get the ok to start getting rid of the boot, but from everything I've been reading I think it may take a while before I'm back to normal. Hopefully, the 5 screws will be removed in August--doctor says that will be painful as well.
As to your question about recovering without surgery, my doctor has shared many stories with me about the many people with this type of injury who have just let it heal on it's own and he usually ends up having to fuse the joints because when the lisfranc injury isn't surgically repaired, severe arthritis almost always develops and the foot is frequently deformed to the point that wearing shoes is not possible. My doctor understands that many people have to delay treatment because of work issues, but he just advises that eventually surgery of some type will have to be done and that will involve being unable to bear weight for a period of time and a fairly lengthy recovery period.
Good luck to you!
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Hi Ashleymom! Thank you SO much for responding to my questions! It means a lot to hear from people who take the time to answer! I find it so strange that I've never had any swelling of the foot, yet the pain can be unbearable! I'm sure people look at me at work when I'm putting on my air cast boot and think there's really no problem! I'm just not sure what else this could be, as the symptoms all seem to be exactly that of a lis franc injury except for the swelling. The air cast that I'm wearing is like a boot, going almost up to my knee. It does a real good job of immobilizing my foot and ankle, therefore minimizing the pain. I can also walk normally with it instead of having to walk on the outside of my foot without it. Just recently, when I wake up (I don't wear the boot to bed), my ankle hurts very bad until I've moved around a little bit; almost unable to bear weight at first. It also makes me wonder if the ankle is somehow involved, but I think I've read where this can be mis-diagnosed as an ankle injury. I'm STILL waiting to hear from my pain management Dr to see if he'll approve my having an MRI. It's been coming up on 2 weeks now since I asked my nurse to talk to him. Not uncommon though, as they are extremely busy, but I'm going to call again today. I really would like a definitive diagnosis for my problem, and according to my Dr, it's the only way to know. I'm seeing a podiatrist who also does surgery. She seems to be very knowledgeable, but I haven't seen an orthopedic Dr yet. I'm not sure if I should try for a second opinion since I've had 3 sets of xrays and a CT scan. As I said before, the CT scan showed nothing, and only the xrays show a small space in the lis franc area. The podiatrist also said that since I've been wearing the boot, it at least hasn't widened, so I guess that's a good thing! When I had the spinal cord stimulator implanted, I never thought it would stop me from being diagnosed with a foot problem! Anyway, I wish you the best in healing; it sounds like you've been in a lot of pain, and I hope you do very well when the Dr gives the OK to fully weight bear! Take care!!!! Chlobert
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Hey all,
Just an update on how the foot is doing. Had my 8 week post op. appointment. All looks well on the xrays. The distance between the 1st and 2nd mets looks good. I asked him what my actual original separation was and he measured 4mm. This was very disturbing since I thought it was only 2.5mm to start.
I am still NWB until June 23rd. and then progressive wt. bearing after that. Screws are scheduled to be removed on 7/22/08 which is 4 months post op.\
After the screws are removed is when I start PT. I looks as if I might need about 2 weeks after the screws are out to go back to work. I have not been to work since 3/23/08 the day of my fall from the ladder.
I really hope all goes well with the healing process since I have not tried to walk in 8 weeks now. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go thru and I hope all of you out there with this injury are doing well. Please share your recovery story with us if you can.
Chobert- I hope you can find some time to get your foot taken care of. I posed your situation to my Dr. yesterday and he said ( mind you he would need an xray and MRI ) that if you had a significant lisfranc injury that you need to be NWB for some time and possible surgury. Please reconsider walking on the foot since your longterm outcome might be affected. I hope you can work all the logistics out. Take care everyone and I'll continue to post.
Next Dr. appt. is on 6/4/08 for more xrays. I go weekly now since I told my Dr. that I was a road race runner, and active hockey player. To not do these things anymore would dampen my life and make my wife nuts.
I pray those things will come in time, but right now I just want to walk normally without pain.
Just an update on how the foot is doing. Had my 8 week post op. appointment. All looks well on the xrays. The distance between the 1st and 2nd mets looks good. I asked him what my actual original separation was and he measured 4mm. This was very disturbing since I thought it was only 2.5mm to start.
I am still NWB until June 23rd. and then progressive wt. bearing after that. Screws are scheduled to be removed on 7/22/08 which is 4 months post op.\
After the screws are removed is when I start PT. I looks as if I might need about 2 weeks after the screws are out to go back to work. I have not been to work since 3/23/08 the day of my fall from the ladder.
I really hope all goes well with the healing process since I have not tried to walk in 8 weeks now. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go thru and I hope all of you out there with this injury are doing well. Please share your recovery story with us if you can.
Chobert- I hope you can find some time to get your foot taken care of. I posed your situation to my Dr. yesterday and he said ( mind you he would need an xray and MRI ) that if you had a significant lisfranc injury that you need to be NWB for some time and possible surgury. Please reconsider walking on the foot since your longterm outcome might be affected. I hope you can work all the logistics out. Take care everyone and I'll continue to post.
Next Dr. appt. is on 6/4/08 for more xrays. I go weekly now since I told my Dr. that I was a road race runner, and active hockey player. To not do these things anymore would dampen my life and make my wife nuts.
I pray those things will come in time, but right now I just want to walk normally without pain.
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Hi again all.....and thanks Deano73 for speaking with your Dr regarding my injury! I did find out yesterday that an MRI is absolutely out of the question, as I guess when I just walk into the room, there is already magnetism. I was SO upset when I heard this because now I don't know if I'll ever get a diagnosis and know what's going on in my foot. I'm now thinking about getting a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon; hopefully that Dr may see something that's been missed on my xrays and CT scan. I'm not too hopeful though. I'm now feeling extremely depressed and wonder what my future holds. After 5 weeks in the air cast boot I feel there may be some improvement, but not sure if that will hold up if and when I stop wearing it. I'm also having more pain around the ankle area and am wondering, has anyone worn a boot (or air cast boot) and had their ankle start hurting? I don't know what this is all about, but it's just one more thing that's bringing me down. I took my boot off at work yesterday about 1-1/2 hours before it was time to leave (fortunately I was able to remain at my desk for most of the time) because there are times the side of my ankles where the round bones stick out get really irritated and red; plus sore. Anyway, I'm so confused about what I should do next. I'm SO frustrated I can't have an MRI because I was SURE they would be able to find out what is really going on in my foot with that. Thanks for listening and I wish you all speed and comfort in your healings!!! Chlobert
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Oh, man, what a relief to find this forum. I am not alone, nor am I the only one who doesn't feel "lucky" to be able to watch 10 hours of TV a day.
I experienced a lisfranc fracture in a car accident on 4/30. I was slamming on the brake as a rear-ended the person in front of me.
At the emergency room an extremely competent ER doc suspected that, in addition to fracture in 3rd meta, I might have lisfranc.
The next physical exam at the orthopedic surgeon confirmed it. He has been in practice 21 years, said this is extremely common injury but that is is best determined by office visit rathar than CAT scan since an experienced surgeon could tell by seeing & feeling the foot. As in, "Mmmm hmmmmm, your foot is not supposed to bend THAT way, see?" OUCH!
I was put in an ace bandage in the big black boot, and given vicoden. Surgery was scheduled for 5/5 so swelling could go down.
Surgery went very well. Closed procedure, 4 total sutures on incisions. I have 2 screws joining the 1st and 2nd metatarsal. One of these is expected to come out, the other will likely stay in if, as surgeon says, I can "tolerate it". I was put in a soft cast/splint and went home same day. I did 1 vic every 4 hours and 2 motrin every 6 for about 3 days, then 1/2ed that.
On 5/15 went back for a checkup. Soft cast removed, sutures removed, X-ray with simulated weight bearing (which would be tough if you weren't in good shape, I think, as it required some awkward positioning). All looked great, doc put on hard fiberglass cast to below knee w/ foot at 90 degree angle. At this point he said I could place the cast on the ground "like a pirate" to assist in balance only for activities like dishes and cooking.
Doc also approved me to return to work 6/2, due to my begging and pleading. I am a HS special ed teacher and this accident has really been a nightmare as far as work. I work 1 hr from home so no way to visit the kids -- they really miss me.
Next visit is 6/17, where cast will be removed and I'm HOPING for a boot at that time, if not gradual weight bearing.
In the meantime I got an excellent rolling scooter, the Ram TLC cart. I recommend this one: it has turning front wheels and a hand brake. This cart has enabled me to resume many regular household activities since we have no stairs in the house: dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. W/out this scooter I would have serious reservations about returning to work. As it is, I’m only going back for finals (1/2 days) and graduation. Then it’s summer vacation.
I have been completely off pain meds for about 1 week but I wish there was an easy pill for the depression. I sympathize with all those active folks out there. A typical day for me was work (including commute 1 hr each way) from 7am-5pm, ride bike to gym for 1.5 hr workout or walk dog for 1-2 hrs, cook dinner, bed. Thank GOD we have no kids or I’d really be a mess.
Good to know that others out there have been through it. I think I’m being unrealistic about my recovery time, after reading this forum. Some people say 1.5 years before resuming regular activity? My main concern is being able to drive 1 hr to work by Aug 12th. What do you all think?
I experienced a lisfranc fracture in a car accident on 4/30. I was slamming on the brake as a rear-ended the person in front of me.
At the emergency room an extremely competent ER doc suspected that, in addition to fracture in 3rd meta, I might have lisfranc.
The next physical exam at the orthopedic surgeon confirmed it. He has been in practice 21 years, said this is extremely common injury but that is is best determined by office visit rathar than CAT scan since an experienced surgeon could tell by seeing & feeling the foot. As in, "Mmmm hmmmmm, your foot is not supposed to bend THAT way, see?" OUCH!
I was put in an ace bandage in the big black boot, and given vicoden. Surgery was scheduled for 5/5 so swelling could go down.
Surgery went very well. Closed procedure, 4 total sutures on incisions. I have 2 screws joining the 1st and 2nd metatarsal. One of these is expected to come out, the other will likely stay in if, as surgeon says, I can "tolerate it". I was put in a soft cast/splint and went home same day. I did 1 vic every 4 hours and 2 motrin every 6 for about 3 days, then 1/2ed that.
On 5/15 went back for a checkup. Soft cast removed, sutures removed, X-ray with simulated weight bearing (which would be tough if you weren't in good shape, I think, as it required some awkward positioning). All looked great, doc put on hard fiberglass cast to below knee w/ foot at 90 degree angle. At this point he said I could place the cast on the ground "like a pirate" to assist in balance only for activities like dishes and cooking.
Doc also approved me to return to work 6/2, due to my begging and pleading. I am a HS special ed teacher and this accident has really been a nightmare as far as work. I work 1 hr from home so no way to visit the kids -- they really miss me.
Next visit is 6/17, where cast will be removed and I'm HOPING for a boot at that time, if not gradual weight bearing.
In the meantime I got an excellent rolling scooter, the Ram TLC cart. I recommend this one: it has turning front wheels and a hand brake. This cart has enabled me to resume many regular household activities since we have no stairs in the house: dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. W/out this scooter I would have serious reservations about returning to work. As it is, I’m only going back for finals (1/2 days) and graduation. Then it’s summer vacation.
I have been completely off pain meds for about 1 week but I wish there was an easy pill for the depression. I sympathize with all those active folks out there. A typical day for me was work (including commute 1 hr each way) from 7am-5pm, ride bike to gym for 1.5 hr workout or walk dog for 1-2 hrs, cook dinner, bed. Thank GOD we have no kids or I’d really be a mess.
Good to know that others out there have been through it. I think I’m being unrealistic about my recovery time, after reading this forum. Some people say 1.5 years before resuming regular activity? My main concern is being able to drive 1 hr to work by Aug 12th. What do you all think?
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Chlobert, definately go see an experienced orthopedic surgeon. The ER doc said I'd need a CAT, but when I asked the orthopedic surgeon for a CAT scan he me that someone who has seen enough of these injuries can tell right away from feeling and seeing the foot. Also he looked at the X-ray to determine degree of separation in 1st and 2nd metas. Said CAT was unnecessary.
Also I read your post and, when I was in the accident and broke the foot, I thought completely it was my ankle. I even told the ER doc so, and he grabbed my foot and I SCREAMED. "oh," he said "it's your foot."
Look for someone who has done this kind of surgery before, and I bet you'll get a diagnosis.
good luck!
Also I read your post and, when I was in the accident and broke the foot, I thought completely it was my ankle. I even told the ER doc so, and he grabbed my foot and I SCREAMED. "oh," he said "it's your foot."
Look for someone who has done this kind of surgery before, and I bet you'll get a diagnosis.
good luck!
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chlobert:
I'm so glad someone mentioned the rolling scooter. My orthopedic surgeon gave me a brochure about it--you have the option to either buy one outright or renting one. I chose not to use one because I'm not currently working outside my home (although I'm plenty busy in my home) and my home has lots of stairs and carpeting--I didn't think it would be helpful to me, but I thought of mentioning it to you. It might help you be able to be NWB at work. There is supposed to be no stress on your shoulders, elbows, etc. And around your home, I've now talked to many people who have resorted to crawling around if necessary (if you absolutely can't use crutches---on stairs, wherever else you couldn't use a rolling scooter or wheelchair). With enough thought, you can usually work things out. While I got around most of my home with crutches, I could never master hopping up the carpeted stairs while I was completely NWB, so I just crawled up on my knees and had a strategically placed step stool at the top of the stairs to help me get back up on my feet.
About the driving issue...obviously the OS is not going to give the ok to drive with your left foot officially, but I found it wasn't difficult at all to learn to drive that way. I waited until a few weeks after surgery, and decided that I had way too many places I needed to get myself and my kids to, so one day I went out in the car to just drive around the neighborhood and see if I could do it. It wasn't hard at all. Once you've mastered the driving, your life gets so much easier. No more relying on others to get everything done.
I think your ankle pain may be due to wearing the boot all the time. I know the boot has made me have a lot of pain in my ankle because it's movement is so restricted. I can now begin to wean myself off of my boot and my ankle is none too happy about having such a full range of motion. I try to take my boot off anytime I'm sitting and move my ankle around in circles (both ways) and trace alphabet letters with my foot. You may well be walking on your foot in an abnormal fashion because of your foot pain, which can lead to all kinds of pain from your ankle up to your back. It's best to walk with your foot in as normal a position as possible and with your weight spread on your foot in a normal manner even though you are in a boot.
I do also think it would be in your best interest to get into an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in feet and ankles ASAP. He or she could give you some excellent advice and hopefully get you in touch with some type of occupational therapist to help you figure out how to get your injury repaired while still functioning at work.
Best of luck to you all!
I'm so glad someone mentioned the rolling scooter. My orthopedic surgeon gave me a brochure about it--you have the option to either buy one outright or renting one. I chose not to use one because I'm not currently working outside my home (although I'm plenty busy in my home) and my home has lots of stairs and carpeting--I didn't think it would be helpful to me, but I thought of mentioning it to you. It might help you be able to be NWB at work. There is supposed to be no stress on your shoulders, elbows, etc. And around your home, I've now talked to many people who have resorted to crawling around if necessary (if you absolutely can't use crutches---on stairs, wherever else you couldn't use a rolling scooter or wheelchair). With enough thought, you can usually work things out. While I got around most of my home with crutches, I could never master hopping up the carpeted stairs while I was completely NWB, so I just crawled up on my knees and had a strategically placed step stool at the top of the stairs to help me get back up on my feet.
About the driving issue...obviously the OS is not going to give the ok to drive with your left foot officially, but I found it wasn't difficult at all to learn to drive that way. I waited until a few weeks after surgery, and decided that I had way too many places I needed to get myself and my kids to, so one day I went out in the car to just drive around the neighborhood and see if I could do it. It wasn't hard at all. Once you've mastered the driving, your life gets so much easier. No more relying on others to get everything done.
I think your ankle pain may be due to wearing the boot all the time. I know the boot has made me have a lot of pain in my ankle because it's movement is so restricted. I can now begin to wean myself off of my boot and my ankle is none too happy about having such a full range of motion. I try to take my boot off anytime I'm sitting and move my ankle around in circles (both ways) and trace alphabet letters with my foot. You may well be walking on your foot in an abnormal fashion because of your foot pain, which can lead to all kinds of pain from your ankle up to your back. It's best to walk with your foot in as normal a position as possible and with your weight spread on your foot in a normal manner even though you are in a boot.
I do also think it would be in your best interest to get into an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in feet and ankles ASAP. He or she could give you some excellent advice and hopefully get you in touch with some type of occupational therapist to help you figure out how to get your injury repaired while still functioning at work.
Best of luck to you all!
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Hey all,
I am writing again for my benefit and others. I hope someone reads this, but if not then its theraputic for me anyway.
Injury was on 3/23/08. 20 foot fall from a ladder while cutting down a tree. The tree won the battle, but not the war since I will torch it this winter in the wood stove.
Had surgery on 4/01/08. 2 screws were given to me. 1 form the first Met. to the cuniform and one from the first to second Met. This was to fix a 4.5mm gap in the keystone area ( aka Lisfranc ligament)
All Dr. appointments have looked good with xrays taken each time..
June 23, 2008 will be my next appt. At this point I will be 12 weeks NWB and will most likely get the green light to start 25% WB. Then working up to 50% and so on.
The Hard ware is sched to be removed on July 22nd. which will be the 4 month (16) week post op. date. The Go ahead for PT will be given 10 days after screw removal (assuming all goes well).
OK now I am up to date.
I ofter ask the Dr. about the long term Prog. about running, soccer, hockey- my 3 favorite things. He is very illusive and will not comit to anything at all. " my hope is that you will return to all those activities" is the coined answer.
I don't blame him at all since everyone heals differently and that he does not want to make an empty commitment.
My foot feels ok and am able to stand barefoot in the shower without pain. I have not tried to push off the ball of my foot yet since I'm NWB( I do cheat a little) but would love to try. My calf is a matchstick and it will be a long road for recovery. 12-18 months in total I am told. 4.5mm is a pretty big displacement.
Bottom line is that I am very determined to get back to normal activities however long it takes. Power of positive thinking is huge and I'm just starting to realize how much I need it. I am 35 years young and I will teach my 2 girls how to skate. I will teach them how to ride a bike w/out training wheels. I will Hike all the mountains In Maine that I want to. And last but not least I will give my wife the 10th anniversary Vaca she so deserver when I get better.
If anyone needs some positive energy or needs to vent then drop a lone or to. I can help with the injury up to the 9 week phase, and will continue to post my progress.
I hope all is well with everyone else. Let me know how your spirits are.
Thanx for listening
I am writing again for my benefit and others. I hope someone reads this, but if not then its theraputic for me anyway.
Injury was on 3/23/08. 20 foot fall from a ladder while cutting down a tree. The tree won the battle, but not the war since I will torch it this winter in the wood stove.
Had surgery on 4/01/08. 2 screws were given to me. 1 form the first Met. to the cuniform and one from the first to second Met. This was to fix a 4.5mm gap in the keystone area ( aka Lisfranc ligament)
All Dr. appointments have looked good with xrays taken each time..
June 23, 2008 will be my next appt. At this point I will be 12 weeks NWB and will most likely get the green light to start 25% WB. Then working up to 50% and so on.
The Hard ware is sched to be removed on July 22nd. which will be the 4 month (16) week post op. date. The Go ahead for PT will be given 10 days after screw removal (assuming all goes well).
OK now I am up to date.
I ofter ask the Dr. about the long term Prog. about running, soccer, hockey- my 3 favorite things. He is very illusive and will not comit to anything at all. " my hope is that you will return to all those activities" is the coined answer.
I don't blame him at all since everyone heals differently and that he does not want to make an empty commitment.
My foot feels ok and am able to stand barefoot in the shower without pain. I have not tried to push off the ball of my foot yet since I'm NWB( I do cheat a little) but would love to try. My calf is a matchstick and it will be a long road for recovery. 12-18 months in total I am told. 4.5mm is a pretty big displacement.
Bottom line is that I am very determined to get back to normal activities however long it takes. Power of positive thinking is huge and I'm just starting to realize how much I need it. I am 35 years young and I will teach my 2 girls how to skate. I will teach them how to ride a bike w/out training wheels. I will Hike all the mountains In Maine that I want to. And last but not least I will give my wife the 10th anniversary Vaca she so deserver when I get better.
If anyone needs some positive energy or needs to vent then drop a lone or to. I can help with the injury up to the 9 week phase, and will continue to post my progress.
I hope all is well with everyone else. Let me know how your spirits are.
Thanx for listening
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Finally, I'm back to a semi-normal rountine following my injury in Jan 2008. After after having my screw removed in May, I was able to start full weight bearing within in a few days. I traveled to Florida last week and walked around Busch Gardens for a day without too much discomfort. I go back to Dr. for check-up on 16 June. I hope to get green light to start running again at that point.
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