My doc told me that taking out the screws is the easiest part of this entire ordeal and that it will be done as an outpatient procedure. He will discuss it further with me on March 6th (which makes 11 weeks since surgery).
I have several questions for those people in post opt recovery:
How long was it after the initial surgery before your screws came out?
How long did it take to walk again once the screws are out?
Are you placed in a cast again for a short time?
Are you given more medication?
Is this the best time to start physical therapy?
Just wondering. :-)
I have several questions for those people in post opt recovery:
How long was it after the initial surgery before your screws came out?
How long did it take to walk again once the screws are out?
Are you placed in a cast again for a short time?
Are you given more medication?
Is this the best time to start physical therapy?
Just wondering. :-)
I've read a lot of people getting second opinions and delaying surgery for weeks or even months. Don't do it! It's okay to get a second opinion, but do it soon. You're going to be laid up one way or another for a while with this injury, so why wait? The sooner you get it fixed, the sooner you'll be back on your feet!
I too was told initially that my injury was "just a sprain", though I could see a fracture of the medial cuneiform. I pointed that out, and the doctor said it was just an avulsion fracture and would heal on it's own. I went to my orthopedist 3 days later, who took one look at the xrays and said "You need surgery!". He then referred me to another ortho doc who specializes in foot injuries, stating that he would be the best person to do the surgery. I called his office immediately after I left that appointment and got in the next day. (I think it helped that I work at the hospital he works at). Before I left the surgeon's office, I had a surgery date already scheduled. I had three screws placed 4 days later after the swelling was less.
The only way to recover from this injury is to take care of it immediately. I am an ER nurse and have finally been given the okay to go back to work....4 months and 5 days after the injury. I can't imagine being off work and basicall off life for any longer than this!
I strongly recommend following your doctor's advise too. I pushed my doctor a little at times, and when he would push back I knew I needed to be patient and let my foot heal. There's a reason these people are specialists!
On another note, for anyone who wants to get out and about while recovering, I recommend a knee scooter. There are several types available. I used a Roller Aid when I was out and about. It allowed me to do my Christmas shopping and help out at work (though not my real job). At home I used a Roll A Bout (I have a split level house and didn't want to carry the scooter up and down, so rented one and bought one used). The Roll A Bout folds up smaller than the other, and even fits down the aisle of an airplane and in the overhead bins! I went to Washington DC at Christmas time, and did all the tourist activities I could.
I try to act as if this didn't really affect me at all but it has. I've had rough days and shed lots of tears. But I'm glad that I got this done as soon as I did and look forward to getting back to normal!
I too was told initially that my injury was "just a sprain", though I could see a fracture of the medial cuneiform. I pointed that out, and the doctor said it was just an avulsion fracture and would heal on it's own. I went to my orthopedist 3 days later, who took one look at the xrays and said "You need surgery!". He then referred me to another ortho doc who specializes in foot injuries, stating that he would be the best person to do the surgery. I called his office immediately after I left that appointment and got in the next day. (I think it helped that I work at the hospital he works at). Before I left the surgeon's office, I had a surgery date already scheduled. I had three screws placed 4 days later after the swelling was less.
The only way to recover from this injury is to take care of it immediately. I am an ER nurse and have finally been given the okay to go back to work....4 months and 5 days after the injury. I can't imagine being off work and basicall off life for any longer than this!
I strongly recommend following your doctor's advise too. I pushed my doctor a little at times, and when he would push back I knew I needed to be patient and let my foot heal. There's a reason these people are specialists!
On another note, for anyone who wants to get out and about while recovering, I recommend a knee scooter. There are several types available. I used a Roller Aid when I was out and about. It allowed me to do my Christmas shopping and help out at work (though not my real job). At home I used a Roll A Bout (I have a split level house and didn't want to carry the scooter up and down, so rented one and bought one used). The Roll A Bout folds up smaller than the other, and even fits down the aisle of an airplane and in the overhead bins! I went to Washington DC at Christmas time, and did all the tourist activities I could.
I try to act as if this didn't really affect me at all but it has. I've had rough days and shed lots of tears. But I'm glad that I got this done as soon as I did and look forward to getting back to normal!
Chocolate,
I had my 3 screws out a week and a half ago, at 15 or 16 weeks post-op. It was simple! I went to the outpatient surgery center (not even the hospital!), had an IV started, did all the paperwork, then was wisked into surgery. I was in recover less than 30 minutes later with a bulky dressing on my foot (no splint or cast). I was sent home less than an hour later with instructions to leave the dressing in place and follow up with the doc in 7-10 days. My instructions were written as "no weight bearing", but I had already talked to my doctor pro-op who said I could do a little weight bearing over the weekend (surgery was on a Wednesday). I was chicken to do it though until Monday, and by the time I went into the office Thursday for suture removal, I was already about 80% weightbearing and had very little pain.
I did get a prescription for Percocet, and my husband made me take one every 4 hours for the first day, though I didn't have any post-op pain. Now that I'm up and about more, I anticipate needing some Motrin or other antiinflammatory.
I'm now in the process of losing the crutches...for me that's the toughest part! After 4 months of not walking, I need to relearn in 5 days! I was instructed to wear my "boot" at least for the next month, until I see the doctor again, then hopefully can venture in to real shoes. I did get a referral for PT last week, but haven't started it yet. I think anytime is good to start though because they will work on building up your strength.
In short, I agree with your doctor. The screw removal recovery has been incredibly easy after enduring what we already have gone through! Have no fear!
I had my 3 screws out a week and a half ago, at 15 or 16 weeks post-op. It was simple! I went to the outpatient surgery center (not even the hospital!), had an IV started, did all the paperwork, then was wisked into surgery. I was in recover less than 30 minutes later with a bulky dressing on my foot (no splint or cast). I was sent home less than an hour later with instructions to leave the dressing in place and follow up with the doc in 7-10 days. My instructions were written as "no weight bearing", but I had already talked to my doctor pro-op who said I could do a little weight bearing over the weekend (surgery was on a Wednesday). I was chicken to do it though until Monday, and by the time I went into the office Thursday for suture removal, I was already about 80% weightbearing and had very little pain.
I did get a prescription for Percocet, and my husband made me take one every 4 hours for the first day, though I didn't have any post-op pain. Now that I'm up and about more, I anticipate needing some Motrin or other antiinflammatory.
I'm now in the process of losing the crutches...for me that's the toughest part! After 4 months of not walking, I need to relearn in 5 days! I was instructed to wear my "boot" at least for the next month, until I see the doctor again, then hopefully can venture in to real shoes. I did get a referral for PT last week, but haven't started it yet. I think anytime is good to start though because they will work on building up your strength.
In short, I agree with your doctor. The screw removal recovery has been incredibly easy after enduring what we already have gone through! Have no fear!
Im a 22 yo who fracture 2,3,4 th MT and apparently have a lisfranc#
2 days before i was meant to leave for some long term work/travel snowboarding in japan, work in UK... out at a club, slipped on some water on the floor, bam all my plans/dreams come to a halt
head honcho Dr at hospital I saw didnt pick it up, told me to start walking on it... he didnt have good bed side manner, ws busy talking about what was on the front page of the news paper, and didnt even look at the CT i had had...
went to private OS, Dx was this...
I have quit my job, due to the travel plans, so i dont have a job, My family is in another state, and after reading all this (has been good) not feeling very positive at all,
thinking long term - fusion, pain, no more activities, Im 22 i cant start leading a sedate life now!!!
any way, Dr appt next week to book surgery,
my biggest worries
-mental state
-weight gain
- chronic pain -leading to limit in activities
- cost...
will try to keep updated,
feel like my life is ruined...
at 22 i have also undergone 3 knee reconstructions on the 1 knee (same leg as foot fracture) i say maybe i should just chop it off.
2 days before i was meant to leave for some long term work/travel snowboarding in japan, work in UK... out at a club, slipped on some water on the floor, bam all my plans/dreams come to a halt
head honcho Dr at hospital I saw didnt pick it up, told me to start walking on it... he didnt have good bed side manner, ws busy talking about what was on the front page of the news paper, and didnt even look at the CT i had had...
went to private OS, Dx was this...
I have quit my job, due to the travel plans, so i dont have a job, My family is in another state, and after reading all this (has been good) not feeling very positive at all,
thinking long term - fusion, pain, no more activities, Im 22 i cant start leading a sedate life now!!!
any way, Dr appt next week to book surgery,
my biggest worries
-mental state
-weight gain
- chronic pain -leading to limit in activities
- cost...
will try to keep updated,
feel like my life is ruined...
at 22 i have also undergone 3 knee reconstructions on the 1 knee (same leg as foot fracture) i say maybe i should just chop it off.
Thanks so much for your comments and suggestions. I saw my podiatrist on Thursday to talk about my pain and fears of Lisfranc injury. After examining my foot he says that he thinks the pain I'm having is just normal recovery. He says that although the pain is "in an area that's cause for concern" that there was a lot more going on than broken bones. He seemed to think it's joint pain and bone bruising (PT thinks so too) that's causing the pain. He gave me a prescription for Celebrex, which does help with the pain somewhat. I just want to walk normally again. People are continuously saying, "You're still gimping around? What's going on?" I'm beginning to feel like maybe I just have no tolerance for pain, and if I could just "suck it up" I could walk normally. I've tried. So, I'm scheduled to see my podiatrist again this Thursday, and he'll take x-rays again. We'll take it from there. I've decided that I'll see an ortho dr. if I still have pain by then. I read the articles recommended and thank you all so much. I'll keep you posted. :-)
m a 22 yo who fracture 2,3,4 th MT and apparently have a lisfranc#
2 days before i was meant to leave for some long term work/travel snowboarding in japan, work in UK... out at a club, slipped on some water on the floor, bam all my plans/dreams come to a halt
head honcho Dr at hospital I saw didnt pick it up, told me to start walking on it... he didnt have good bed side manner, ws busy talking about what was on the front page of the news paper, and didnt even look at the CT i had had...
went to private OS, Dx was this...
I have quit my job, due to the travel plans, so i dont have a job, My family is in another state, and after reading all this (has been good) not feeling very positive at all,
thinking long term - fusion, pain, no more activities, Im 22 i cant start leading a sedate life now!!!
any way, Dr appt next week to book surgery,
my biggest worries
-mental state
-weight gain
- chronic pain -leading to limit in activities
- cost...
will try to keep updated,
feel like my life is ruined...
at 22 i have also undergone 3 knee reconstructions on the 1 knee (same leg as foot fracture) i say maybe i should just chop it off.
KBubb1: Really stinks! Life not ruined, don't chop leg yet...
Definitely book the surgery and don't be non-compliant with doctor's orders re: walking, elevation, etc. This is your life, and this is one situation where you probably don't want to push the envelope re: recovery. You are young and I bet you will recover fully. The injury will tax your patience and yes, your mental state. My OS offered antidepressents as soon as she diagnosed the injury. Keep an eye on yourself and don't be afraid to ask the doc about medication if you find your mental state a big problem.
Re: weight gain...as much as I was lying around and elevating I figured my body was burning about 800 calories a day. Tried to be really careful and also used a product from Metagenics which is a meal replacement. Blended "shakes" 4X a day and ate fruits and vegetables. Kept all "yummy" stuff out of house (chips, cookies, candy, etc). It is wk 13 for me and I have not gained any weight.
I can't address chronic pain as I haven't started to weight bear yet. Cost is expensive. I am lucky enough to have a good insurance policy. If you don't, try negotiating with the doc and the hospital. Ask doc if you can get out the same day as the surgery (saves the overnight hospital fee); and some people/institutions will put you on a payment plan. You will need HELP. If dropping in on the folks is an option, I'd go hang with them and maybe get my surgery where they are.
2 days before i was meant to leave for some long term work/travel snowboarding in japan, work in UK... out at a club, slipped on some water on the floor, bam all my plans/dreams come to a halt
head honcho Dr at hospital I saw didnt pick it up, told me to start walking on it... he didnt have good bed side manner, ws busy talking about what was on the front page of the news paper, and didnt even look at the CT i had had...
went to private OS, Dx was this...
I have quit my job, due to the travel plans, so i dont have a job, My family is in another state, and after reading all this (has been good) not feeling very positive at all,
thinking long term - fusion, pain, no more activities, Im 22 i cant start leading a sedate life now!!!
any way, Dr appt next week to book surgery,
my biggest worries
-mental state
-weight gain
- chronic pain -leading to limit in activities
- cost...
will try to keep updated,
feel like my life is ruined...
at 22 i have also undergone 3 knee reconstructions on the 1 knee (same leg as foot fracture) i say maybe i should just chop it off.
KBubb1: Really stinks! Life not ruined, don't chop leg yet...
Definitely book the surgery and don't be non-compliant with doctor's orders re: walking, elevation, etc. This is your life, and this is one situation where you probably don't want to push the envelope re: recovery. You are young and I bet you will recover fully. The injury will tax your patience and yes, your mental state. My OS offered antidepressents as soon as she diagnosed the injury. Keep an eye on yourself and don't be afraid to ask the doc about medication if you find your mental state a big problem.
Re: weight gain...as much as I was lying around and elevating I figured my body was burning about 800 calories a day. Tried to be really careful and also used a product from Metagenics which is a meal replacement. Blended "shakes" 4X a day and ate fruits and vegetables. Kept all "yummy" stuff out of house (chips, cookies, candy, etc). It is wk 13 for me and I have not gained any weight.
I can't address chronic pain as I haven't started to weight bear yet. Cost is expensive. I am lucky enough to have a good insurance policy. If you don't, try negotiating with the doc and the hospital. Ask doc if you can get out the same day as the surgery (saves the overnight hospital fee); and some people/institutions will put you on a payment plan. You will need HELP. If dropping in on the folks is an option, I'd go hang with them and maybe get my surgery where they are.
Hello Lynda
Just read your post... wanted to let you know that I know exactly how you feel by all the comments/questions - "is your foot still bothering you? " how much longer until it's better?" " it's been a long time for your foot problems?" .... I work for a large company, so I hear them too. I'm about 9 months post surgery... I still limp some days... I think I am getting arthritus or maybe it's the cold weather? I just know, it still bothers me....too often. So, just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you . I know most people are just concerned... it's really hard to explain how hard this injury is.... hard to put it in words... most people I talk too have never even heard of it. ( yes, I know I've said this before- how many of you agree)
Take care,
SKH
Just read your post... wanted to let you know that I know exactly how you feel by all the comments/questions - "is your foot still bothering you? " how much longer until it's better?" " it's been a long time for your foot problems?" .... I work for a large company, so I hear them too. I'm about 9 months post surgery... I still limp some days... I think I am getting arthritus or maybe it's the cold weather? I just know, it still bothers me....too often. So, just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you . I know most people are just concerned... it's really hard to explain how hard this injury is.... hard to put it in words... most people I talk too have never even heard of it. ( yes, I know I've said this before- how many of you agree)
Take care,
SKH
SKH,
I know how you feel...I am about 5 months post after having 5 pins removed and still have too much pain. I have done the PT and everything that I am supposed to and still.....I am hoping it is the cold weather. I have gotten so used to the pain that no one believes me when I say how much it still does hurt, I just try not to complain. People, even the ortho doctors are confused by this injury, they all seem to treat it differently. All we can do is try to stay positive and be thankful that we are blessed in many other ways!! Keep your spirits up eveyone....Spring is right around the corner!!
I know how you feel...I am about 5 months post after having 5 pins removed and still have too much pain. I have done the PT and everything that I am supposed to and still.....I am hoping it is the cold weather. I have gotten so used to the pain that no one believes me when I say how much it still does hurt, I just try not to complain. People, even the ortho doctors are confused by this injury, they all seem to treat it differently. All we can do is try to stay positive and be thankful that we are blessed in many other ways!! Keep your spirits up eveyone....Spring is right around the corner!!
Hi All,
I am at 15 weeks post-op from having 4 pins inserts to help correct a lisfranc fracture, and 8 other fractures from my 2nd to 5th meta. The pins have been out for2 weeks! yeah!!! What a difference. Most of the pain left when the pins were removed -- especially the pain due to touching my foot. I am now able to put 50% of my body weight on my foot, while wearing my aircast boot and using crutches. I thought the nerve growth was getting better because I was getting feeling back in my toes, and the feeling is coming and going, however, it's better than it was.
I absolutely agree that counting the blessings, however, small they may be is essential to continued healing. I'm a strong believer in "how we see things, is what we receive." Have you seen The Secret or Oprah's coverage of The Secret? I've been watching it once a week during my recovery as a reminder to keep my sights on what I want to experience.
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070208.jhtml
http://www.thesecret.tv/
I am at 15 weeks post-op from having 4 pins inserts to help correct a lisfranc fracture, and 8 other fractures from my 2nd to 5th meta. The pins have been out for2 weeks! yeah!!! What a difference. Most of the pain left when the pins were removed -- especially the pain due to touching my foot. I am now able to put 50% of my body weight on my foot, while wearing my aircast boot and using crutches. I thought the nerve growth was getting better because I was getting feeling back in my toes, and the feeling is coming and going, however, it's better than it was.
I absolutely agree that counting the blessings, however, small they may be is essential to continued healing. I'm a strong believer in "how we see things, is what we receive." Have you seen The Secret or Oprah's coverage of The Secret? I've been watching it once a week during my recovery as a reminder to keep my sights on what I want to experience.
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070208.jhtml
http://www.thesecret.tv/
Hi
I am 4 weeks post surgery for a lis franc inury which actually occurred more than 8 months ago and was consistently mis diagnosed. In fact I was even told in the A&E dept(I live in england) that I just had a low pain threshold. Due to the delay I have had a mid foot fusion which has involved 3 pieces of bone graft, 2 titanium pltes and too many screws to count and alll this is permanent. I felt that this was unusual but now after reading this know it is not. Luckily I see a specialist foot orthopeadic surgeon, but I know that this is a permanent disabling condition even with the amount of treatment I have had and will need in the future. Please if there is one piece of advise I can give you in the US that is see and listen to the physiotherapists, they do know what they are on about both before and very importantly after surgery.
I am 4 weeks post surgery for a lis franc inury which actually occurred more than 8 months ago and was consistently mis diagnosed. In fact I was even told in the A&E dept(I live in england) that I just had a low pain threshold. Due to the delay I have had a mid foot fusion which has involved 3 pieces of bone graft, 2 titanium pltes and too many screws to count and alll this is permanent. I felt that this was unusual but now after reading this know it is not. Luckily I see a specialist foot orthopeadic surgeon, but I know that this is a permanent disabling condition even with the amount of treatment I have had and will need in the future. Please if there is one piece of advise I can give you in the US that is see and listen to the physiotherapists, they do know what they are on about both before and very importantly after surgery.
Hi Im Marilyn. I had my left foot run over by a white transit van in London UK; and then thrown across the road. I was diagnosed with a Lisfranc fracture at the fracture clinic one week later and immediately operated on. I had been in caste one week since the time of my accident on 13 Feb 2006. I went through the same as everybody else. Pain and suffering, depression. But I had the most amazing surgeon who literally put my foot back together again. 1 year later I am left with one screw after having 2 removed on the 2nd op; this remaining screw, I have been told may have to be removed with bone fusion at a later date. Ive already had two ops on my foot and a third one will have to wait for as long as possible. You can't really expect other people to understand the pain you go through; and yes other people are worse off, but that does not help your current situation. I am still unable to walk in shoes. I try to walk in them around the office, limping around. I was offered intensive physio at the hospital in London (UK) and without this I would never have been as mobile as I am now. I have an ugly foot, wider and bigger than the other and this greatly upsets me and often reduces me to tears because the whole experience of hospitals, being in a fracture clinic and painful operations and the first step i was allowed to put weight on it; was the scarriest ever !!! My whole foot became infected and it wouldn't clear up. My ankle is stiff, my big toe joint is soooo very painful, the lateral part of my foot is painful; but when I get really upset I just think im lucky not to have lost my foot, because 50 years ago with such awful injuries as the Lisfranc, they would amputate. I still go to the gym, its painful but I carry on. Some days are better than others. At the present time I am working in Bermuda and the damp humid weather here does not help it. Last Oct when I arrived, I was able to go for walks on the sand; which some other person said was very very painful... when it happens for new people reading this website, just be very easy on yourself, don't push it and don't weight bear until you are told you can. When you can exercise it and be brave. Take care to all who read this. Marilyn
Impatiencia - please be patient. I had my Lisfranc when I was on my way to Bermuda. Had to cancel.. I was unable to work for 8 months. got in debt with the credit card to live. Please don't go chopping any leg off.. thats you just being upset about the situation - but you will need it for sure when you go snow boarding etc in one years time. It takes a long time to heel. and your only 22; im slightly older than that 50! but it dosnt' matter what age, we all go through the same emotions. Just dont' be tough on yourself because when your "back on your feet", other things will be there for you to do... you have to go with the nature of the injury, give in to it... if you want to cry do it, read books and watch dvds until you can weight bear again.... IT DOES GET BETTER, but the injury will limit you in what you can do. When you can put weight on it for god's sake exercise it. do extensive physio and get it moving again. take care. Marilyn
Heather, I am currently working in Bermuda, but had my accident in London 1year ago. But I had the most amazing surgeon and was diagnosed within 1 week. he completely put my foot back together again. im walking ok now, limping sometimes, in pain most of the time. but i wish you well and so sorry to hear you were not diangosed for many months. Marilyn
Marilyn--Thanks for the comments. Just for the record, the 22 year old is KBubb1 a few postings ago. I was trying to respond to KBubb1 by making an inset of the original posting, then respond to it. below the original. It obviously didn't work; guess I am computer challenged....
Hi there. I was just wondering whether anybody has had bone fusion. The questions im asking are; are you put in plaster again with no weight bearing and what was the recovery time? Thanks. Marilyn