Well...now 11 weeks post op. I went to the Dr two days ago because my foot was more swollen than usual, red, and painful. I was given antibiotics for an infection and went back today. It is much better. This is the first time my Dr has really sat down and talked to me and answered questions. Anyway, he said that 12 weeks is the normal time when people start to weight bear (don't know why the other Dr. told me three weeks ago that I could). Anyway, I don't have to wear the camboot anymore, was just told to weight bear as my body allows. I am also starting physical therapy next week. The Dr said by the time I go back in three weeks, that I should be able to walk without crutches or anything, but that I will not be able to walk normally (without a limp) for 3 or 4 months. Atleast I am improving, and I really think physical therapy will help me progress.
That is great news, Somethingmore! I'm glad you saw a different doctor and that you're getting PT. I do hope that the PT helps a whole lot and that your infection goes away quickly.
Today, I started a new phase in my recovery --- chapter three, and I hope this story ends pretty soon. I caught my foot in a cord, fell flat on my face, and broke three metatarsals on my nicely mending foot. The good news is that the screw didn't come loose and probably protected me from worse injury. The bad is that I may have to have pins inserted to mend those bones again. The ugly is a huge shiner where my glasses pushed into my face. At least now I look damaged not that I need the sympathy. Tomorrow will be another day and somehow we will get through it, screws, pins, plates, and black eyes. Yes, I am asking what I didn't learn the last time, and what should I be learning now. %-)
Today, I started a new phase in my recovery --- chapter three, and I hope this story ends pretty soon. I caught my foot in a cord, fell flat on my face, and broke three metatarsals on my nicely mending foot. The good news is that the screw didn't come loose and probably protected me from worse injury. The bad is that I may have to have pins inserted to mend those bones again. The ugly is a huge shiner where my glasses pushed into my face. At least now I look damaged not that I need the sympathy. Tomorrow will be another day and somehow we will get through it, screws, pins, plates, and black eyes. Yes, I am asking what I didn't learn the last time, and what should I be learning now. %-)
Ow! Thats one of my fears...that I will fall again and screw up my foot again. Sounds like you have a positive attitude though...hope you heal soon!
I just found this site today, and while it was really helpful, it has also scared me a bit as I am more fearful of my future now than ever!
I stepped on a toy on 7/7/07, and then, I felt a pop, and instant pain, and then fell over. It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I went to the orthopedic foot specialist, and had an MRI one week later. The testing confirmed that I had a break to the base of my 2nd and 3rd metatarsals, and a complete rupture of my lisfranc ligament. I was told I would have to have surgery, or I would never walk properly again. The surgery was done on 7/26, and fortunately, I never really had much pain from this procedure....as long as I didn't try to put any weight on it. I felt a burning/pins and needles sensation before the surgery, but really not much after the surgery. I consider myself very lucky after reading the other postings on this site. I did fall down 3 times while trying to get the hang of the crutches, but thankfully, I didn't hurt myself too seriously from those falls. I have been non weight bearing since the accident happened, and I am scheduled to get my screw out on 10/25. Thankfully, I only had to have one screw during my initial surgery, and I am thrilled that my dr plans to remove this. I hate the thought of another surgery, but I hate the thought of leaving the screw in even more. It's strange how some doctors leave this in, while others take the screws out. I hope my doctor's choice ends up being the right one.
I was told that I can start partial weight bearing one week after my screw is taken out, and that I will begin PT as well. He said it will take 2-4 wks for the hole to heal where my screw used to be, so I will have to wear my boot for at least that much longer. He then mentionned I would then probably transition to an ankle insert. I do find it interesting that some of you were able to begin partial weightbearing much sooner than my dr has recommended. I even referenced a website to my dr that indicated that lots of pro athletes begin partial weightbearing after about 6 wks, but he said they take unnecessary chances, and he wasn't doing that with his patients. I guess I should be happy that I had a dr who was really concerned with making sure that I healed properly, but it certainly hasn't helped with my frustration level.
I have been on crutches for almost 4 months now, and I have never been so depressed in all my life. At least there is hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel soon. My main concern is how painful the therapy is going to be, and if I will ever walk normally again. I seem to have lost all muscle in my calf area, and my ankle has no strength whatsoever. I also have a lot of problems with swelling and my foot turning purple when it's not elevated. I also share the same fears that all of you do about re-injuring myself. I wonder if I will ever be able to walk normally again without fear. Can anyone give me some idea of how long it will be before I can walk without crutches or any type of assistive device again? Also, is there anyone out there who is symptom free now, or is this going to be a problem for the rest of my life? The dr has already told me that I am going to have arthritis, which scares me because I am only 35 yrs old. I am really hoping this isn't going to ruin my life forever.
I stepped on a toy on 7/7/07, and then, I felt a pop, and instant pain, and then fell over. It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I went to the orthopedic foot specialist, and had an MRI one week later. The testing confirmed that I had a break to the base of my 2nd and 3rd metatarsals, and a complete rupture of my lisfranc ligament. I was told I would have to have surgery, or I would never walk properly again. The surgery was done on 7/26, and fortunately, I never really had much pain from this procedure....as long as I didn't try to put any weight on it. I felt a burning/pins and needles sensation before the surgery, but really not much after the surgery. I consider myself very lucky after reading the other postings on this site. I did fall down 3 times while trying to get the hang of the crutches, but thankfully, I didn't hurt myself too seriously from those falls. I have been non weight bearing since the accident happened, and I am scheduled to get my screw out on 10/25. Thankfully, I only had to have one screw during my initial surgery, and I am thrilled that my dr plans to remove this. I hate the thought of another surgery, but I hate the thought of leaving the screw in even more. It's strange how some doctors leave this in, while others take the screws out. I hope my doctor's choice ends up being the right one.
I was told that I can start partial weight bearing one week after my screw is taken out, and that I will begin PT as well. He said it will take 2-4 wks for the hole to heal where my screw used to be, so I will have to wear my boot for at least that much longer. He then mentionned I would then probably transition to an ankle insert. I do find it interesting that some of you were able to begin partial weightbearing much sooner than my dr has recommended. I even referenced a website to my dr that indicated that lots of pro athletes begin partial weightbearing after about 6 wks, but he said they take unnecessary chances, and he wasn't doing that with his patients. I guess I should be happy that I had a dr who was really concerned with making sure that I healed properly, but it certainly hasn't helped with my frustration level.
I have been on crutches for almost 4 months now, and I have never been so depressed in all my life. At least there is hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel soon. My main concern is how painful the therapy is going to be, and if I will ever walk normally again. I seem to have lost all muscle in my calf area, and my ankle has no strength whatsoever. I also have a lot of problems with swelling and my foot turning purple when it's not elevated. I also share the same fears that all of you do about re-injuring myself. I wonder if I will ever be able to walk normally again without fear. Can anyone give me some idea of how long it will be before I can walk without crutches or any type of assistive device again? Also, is there anyone out there who is symptom free now, or is this going to be a problem for the rest of my life? The dr has already told me that I am going to have arthritis, which scares me because I am only 35 yrs old. I am really hoping this isn't going to ruin my life forever.
Yes, I was also told that I will have arthritis...and I'm young too, so it scares me. Like you, when I first saw this site, it scared me, as my Dr had not told me about long term outcomes and such. I posted my story earlier in the thread so I won't repeat it, but on Tuesday, I got the okay to weight bear...as much as I could handle. I can take a couple steps unassisted, but not regular steps...more like a fumble...lol. I start physical therapy tomorrow. My foot also swells and gets purplish and veiny. I sit in the recliner a lot and elevate it. Sinse my surgery, all I have really had on my foot was an ace wrap. I had a boot, but honestly, never wore it. It hurt my foot. The Dr says it is not necessary for me to use it anymore...little does he know, I never did. Anyway, when I have my foot unwrapped for a period of time, it begins to ache and swells more. I find that the ace wrap really helps. I am kind of nervous to start therapy, I know its gonna hurt, but I also know it will improve my outcome overall. My doctor tells me in four or five months, I should be able to walk normally...a regular shoe, no swelling, without a limp. He also stressed that even though the pins are out and I am able to start doing more, my foot is still going to remain very swollen and thats normal. I wish you the best of luck!
I am glad I found this board, too, as I have learned a lot, and talking about my injury really helps me to deal with it.
I am glad I found this board, too, as I have learned a lot, and talking about my injury really helps me to deal with it.
Welcome, pace2sun!
I'm sorry you're here under these circumstances, but hope that you'll find encouragement from this site.
I think it is rather normal to fear the unknown, and after an injury such as ours, be afraid of falling again. I've been visiting this site for close to a year, and I don't remember reading about anyone sustaining more major injury from another fall. I hope I am the exception, and I have age against me (60 yrs. young?). Let my story be a lesson to everyone reading it to keep all obstacles picked up and out of the way, and move wires so they are not a hazard. Always follow good safety rules.
Accidents happen but many can be avoided, such as my new one. Discouragement and depression is also a part of the whole process, but how you approach it is your decision. I chose to be positive about surgery and put my all into therapy. It hasn't all been fun and games and without discomfort, but after four months of recovery after surgery I was doing very well. So, life happens and my recovery needs to begin again.
Painful physical therapy: Don't do more than you can handle painwise. If your therapist is pushing you too hard and hurting you a lot, it is probably too much. Slower is better. My therapist has moved me at my own pace, but fast enough so I reached my goal of being back in the classroom in Sept. My leg and ankle were quite weak, but building them up is part of therapy. Stretching should be a part of that, and it isn't without discomfort. BUT, don't be afraid. What may seem like baby steps can turn into giant steps, and before you know it, a lot of this will be behind you. And, give yourself time.
Here's wishing you well.
I'm sorry you're here under these circumstances, but hope that you'll find encouragement from this site.
I think it is rather normal to fear the unknown, and after an injury such as ours, be afraid of falling again. I've been visiting this site for close to a year, and I don't remember reading about anyone sustaining more major injury from another fall. I hope I am the exception, and I have age against me (60 yrs. young?). Let my story be a lesson to everyone reading it to keep all obstacles picked up and out of the way, and move wires so they are not a hazard. Always follow good safety rules.
Accidents happen but many can be avoided, such as my new one. Discouragement and depression is also a part of the whole process, but how you approach it is your decision. I chose to be positive about surgery and put my all into therapy. It hasn't all been fun and games and without discomfort, but after four months of recovery after surgery I was doing very well. So, life happens and my recovery needs to begin again.
Painful physical therapy: Don't do more than you can handle painwise. If your therapist is pushing you too hard and hurting you a lot, it is probably too much. Slower is better. My therapist has moved me at my own pace, but fast enough so I reached my goal of being back in the classroom in Sept. My leg and ankle were quite weak, but building them up is part of therapy. Stretching should be a part of that, and it isn't without discomfort. BUT, don't be afraid. What may seem like baby steps can turn into giant steps, and before you know it, a lot of this will be behind you. And, give yourself time.
Here's wishing you well.
somethingmore: Thanks for the reply...I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who hates that boot. I wear it when I go out, but that is all. I am just paranoid that I will hurt myself again if I trip and fall without it on or something like that. I find it to be really uncomfortable though because it forces your foot into a permanent right angle position, and no one rests with their foot like that. I actually slept with it on for 3 1/2 months, and I just stopped wearing it to bed last week as I couldn't take it anymore. My dog jumps on the bed at night, so my doctor was worried he might step on my foot and hurt it if I didn't have it on. Ever since I took it off though, I have been sleeping much better.
I'm glad to hear that you are able to at least hobble along for a few steps at this point. It seems that you and I are almost at the same place in our recovery, so I will be curious to monitor your progress as well. I hope to start my therapy next week. I hope it isn't too painful, but judging by the other stories on this site, I am preparing myself for the worst.
My doctor and I haven't spoken a great deal about my overall recovery times, but I do seem to remember he said early on I would probably be able to walk fairly normally about 3-6 months after my screw comes out, but I could expect to have trouble with swelling for up to one year. It is just so frustrating to hear about how slow this process is. I have broken my wrist before, but nothing like this. Foot injuries are just unbearable at times!
Well, thanks again for the reply. I look forward to reading your updates in the future so we can compare stories.
I'm glad to hear that you are able to at least hobble along for a few steps at this point. It seems that you and I are almost at the same place in our recovery, so I will be curious to monitor your progress as well. I hope to start my therapy next week. I hope it isn't too painful, but judging by the other stories on this site, I am preparing myself for the worst.
My doctor and I haven't spoken a great deal about my overall recovery times, but I do seem to remember he said early on I would probably be able to walk fairly normally about 3-6 months after my screw comes out, but I could expect to have trouble with swelling for up to one year. It is just so frustrating to hear about how slow this process is. I have broken my wrist before, but nothing like this. Foot injuries are just unbearable at times!
Well, thanks again for the reply. I look forward to reading your updates in the future so we can compare stories.
Musictch: Thanks for your reply as well. It' really good to hear that your therapy went well. I know it's going to hurt, and I know it's going to take time, but I am willing to do whatever I have to in order to get my normal life back. My only fear was that I would do the therapy, and I still wouldn't be able to wear normal shoes again or walk without a limp or pain. I am really trying to stay positive though, so we will see how it all goes. I have my surgery to take the screw out in 2 days. I will keep you all posted on my progress.
This is a great site. Thanks to all who have added comments...I only wish I would have found this sooner. It's a great support system.
This is a great site. Thanks to all who have added comments...I only wish I would have found this sooner. It's a great support system.
I saw my dr. today and am not looking at more surgery at present. He expects a full, natural recovery from my latest setback. I praise the Lord for that. The camboot will be my friend for the next several weeks, with much elevation of foot for at least two weeks. I am scheduled to go back to teaching two weeks from tomorrow. Obviously I won't be wearing shoes, but I did enjoying my regular shoes for a few weeks, so take heart. You'll get there. You may find that for awhile you need a bigger shoe than before, but that is a lot better than wearing the boot or a surgical shoe all of the time.
Hizgrace, are you still out there? Would love to hear from you!!!!
Hizgrace, are you still out there? Would love to hear from you!!!!
My therapy today was very painful...while I was doing it, as well as being sore still tonight. I go back on Wednesday.
Yes, you are not the only one that hates the boot! I could never stand it, because, as you said, it forces your foot into the right angle position.
I am looking forward to being back to normal but have come to the conclusion that that is going to be a slow (and painful) process.
Yes, you are not the only one that hates the boot! I could never stand it, because, as you said, it forces your foot into the right angle position.
I am looking forward to being back to normal but have come to the conclusion that that is going to be a slow (and painful) process.
I am interested in what you did in therapy today. At my first visit, the PT examined my foot, massaged it, then started with me trying to pick up marbles with my toes. Not even one made it into the little rubbermaid container. By the next week, I was doing at least 15. I also had to do towel grips and pushes. It was hard, but it got a lot easier and less painful.
The physical therapist watched me walk first. Then he had me work on one of the machines. I sat on the machine with my foot stretched out in front of me, and pushed off...the chair part moved. I don't know how to explain it better. He had me do it with my whole foot, and then trying to do with the ball of my foot, but I couldn't do that too well. He gave me a band to bring home...to do resistance exercises like that by myself. I go back tomorrow...
You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!!! I had been doing much less strenuous exercises for at least two months before I started that particular exercise. It was even hard for me to do last week, at least the ones using my toes and keeping my legs extended. You might want to ask about cutting back to something less strenuous. Let me know. I can tell you about some exercises you can do at home (non-weightbearing) that you might find difficult enough and help build your stamina between appts.
Yeah, if i you have any suggestion, let me know. I think when I go tomorrow, I am going to explain to him that I am not able to do as much as he wants me to do.
Hello:
I sustained a complex Lisfranc/Crush injury 10/21/06. My injury required a staged, complete surgical reconstruction... screws and plates and 15 weeks of non-weight bearing. I was originally told that I "may never walk again." I am 45 years old, was/am a runner and very physically active. I too, went through a lot of things that I have read on these posts.
Well, hears the good news...not everyone does poorly. One year later, I have resumed running...approx. 15 miles per week. No pain. Some intermittent stiffness in the morning. Last Friday, my day consisted of an early morning run, then morning surfing, then an afternoon golf game (walking)...all with no pain. I have been called the "Poster Boy for Lisfranc" by my orthopedic surgeon. My functional recovery, one year later is 100%.
I attribute my recovery to many things, beyond the scope of this post. If you would like to correspond with me, I would be happy to share with you what I did to recover fully.
For those feeling depressed and helpless, don't...this injury can be beat. You need to stay positive, active, and involved in your rehab.
That's it for now. Good luck.
**edited by moderator**
I sustained a complex Lisfranc/Crush injury 10/21/06. My injury required a staged, complete surgical reconstruction... screws and plates and 15 weeks of non-weight bearing. I was originally told that I "may never walk again." I am 45 years old, was/am a runner and very physically active. I too, went through a lot of things that I have read on these posts.
Well, hears the good news...not everyone does poorly. One year later, I have resumed running...approx. 15 miles per week. No pain. Some intermittent stiffness in the morning. Last Friday, my day consisted of an early morning run, then morning surfing, then an afternoon golf game (walking)...all with no pain. I have been called the "Poster Boy for Lisfranc" by my orthopedic surgeon. My functional recovery, one year later is 100%.
I attribute my recovery to many things, beyond the scope of this post. If you would like to correspond with me, I would be happy to share with you what I did to recover fully.
For those feeling depressed and helpless, don't...this injury can be beat. You need to stay positive, active, and involved in your rehab.
That's it for now. Good luck.
**edited by moderator**