Hi everyone;

I've been reading this forum for the past few weeks and am so glad to have found a group of people going through the same thing I am. I broke my foot while skimming the pool nearly 4 weeks ago. I stepped half on/half off the edge of the pool, twisted and broke the foot and fell in the pool.

The ER doctor identified a fracture below the 4th met, but sent me to an OS for follow up. He identified the Lisfranc fracture between 1st & 2nd. I had surgery less than 1 week post injury and am now 3 weeks post surgery.

I had two screws put in and am in a boot. I am non-weight bearing until at least July 29, when the OS will take a weight bearing x-ray to determine if I'm healed enough. I am basically pain free, but get swollen and "uncomfortable" at various times throughout the day. I am allowed to take the foot out of the boot for showers and to "air" it, as long as I'm sitting, the foot is elevated, and my kids are nowhere around!

I have two questions:
1) Does anyone have any suggestions for sleeping? My doctor recommends that I sleep with the boot on, but it's terribly uncomfortable (as I'm sure many of you know). I tried sleeping with just an ace bandage wrapped around the foot, holding it in a fixed position, but I awoke 2 hours later in intense pain. Are there any good "night splints" or anything else that any of you recommend? How do you guys handle sleeping?
2) My doctor wants me to decide whether or not I want the screws removed. He's generally of the opinion that they are fine to stay in, except that they often break once patients begin walking. He says that if I'm uncomfortable with the idea of broken screws in my foot, I should have them removed BEFORE I start bearing much weight. I'm torn. I feel that if I leave them in, it may help the foot remain "healed" and less likely to reinjure. On the other hand, I've read so many reports on this forum about the pain and discomfort caused by the screws. Plus, I AM a little leary of the idea of having screws (especially broken ones) in my foot for the rest of my life.

Any suggestions or opinions? I'd truly appreciate hearing from those who have been there, done that.

Thanks! I look forward to getting to know all of you! BTW - I'm a 46 yo, not terribly athletic, SAHM.