Out of Action

[Skierchickie]

I went to the walk-in clinic this morning, since my sprained ankle from my mountain bike crash on Sunday seemed to be getting worse. Still swelling more.

So, I broke a bone. "Oblique anterior fibula" was what the doctor said. I go back tomorrow morning to have a metal plate installed. 6-8 weeks before I can do anything. Time off, but can't DO anything!

I was having such a great biking summer! Plus, we were going backpacking on Isle Royale at the end of August. I am really bummed out. I'll be off work for at least the rest of this week - don't know about next week.

Sigh.......... Sorry - just needed to whine.

[andtckrtoo]

Oh man! How frustrating!!! I'm so sorry to hear that. Prayers for a fast recovery.

[divingbiker]

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that. Right during the peak of the summer, too. Darnit.

[HappyTexasMom]

I'm sorry, that really sucks

[Biciclista]

oh bummer. That fibula is so over rated! get well soon.
I'll bet it really hurts.

[Skierchickie]

It aches a little, but actually, it doesn't really hurt that much unless I put weight on it and try to move it at the same time. Laterally, especially. So I was slowly shuffling around until they put me on crutches today, which I hate (has anyone here figured out the stairs/crutches thing?? I'm terrified.). I fully expect the real pain to start tomorrow, after the surgery. Well, and there is the mental and emotional pain of the very thought of the next couple of months.

I had this perfect 43 year long streak with no broken bones. Hey - does anyone know if calcium supplements are helpful while mending? I made sure to eat yogurt & drink milk today, anyway.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, everyone.

[tc1]

Owie! I know it hurts, I broke my fibula while hiking. I got bad medical advice so didn't see a physical therapist until months later. So now I have lesser mobility, lesser flexibility, gave up skating because I can't skate straight, am having to do a lot of tuning to my ski boots 'cause I can't put that outside edge down, have to wear orthotics, and am developing trouble with the outside of that foot. And I never had surgery. Oh yeah, it hurts all the time too, a little bit.

Find someone who knows about rehab and do it. Just walking won't fix it. And FWIW, I used a cane and never crutches because crutches scared me.

[HappyTexasMom]

For the stairs, I did: crutches level with me, lift myself up and put good foot on next step. Once I make sure I'm stable (all weight on foot), then, bring crutches up. Repeat.

For going down, crutches go down first, then bring good foot down.

Basically you never want the crutches higher than where your good foot is resting, because then they will be too high to fit under your arms.

[sarahspins]

When I was on crutches after I tore my ACL (and again after surgery) I just hopped up/down stairs on my "good" leg.. faster and easier, and just about the only physical activity I could do on crutches (I wasn't cleared for PT either time until I was walking).

I'd hold both crutches in one hand, with my other hand on the railing.

[Skierchickie]

Thanks for the crutches tips, everyone. Once I get better with them, I'll have to practice. We have a log house with log stairs (open steps), no carpeting anywhere, so I'm a little afraid. For now, DH has moved stuff downstairs for me (tv, computer, etc - we have a bedroom & bathroom on both floors, so I can just stay down here for now).

I feel like such a pest right now. Poor DH is doing most things for me. I can't even carry a plate. This stinks!

Here is a picture of my new bionics (hey - I'm part metal now - maybe I'll be able to pedal faster!).

[nolemom]

Sending healing thoughts your way. I am sure that you will be hopping around quickly within a short time. My DH swears that his knee with the pins is a lot stronger than the other one. At least the tour is a good diversion while you are sidelined.

[Ana]

That metal looks scary on the x-ray

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[Trek420]

6-8 weeks before I can do anything. Time off, but can't DO anything!

Owwwwwwiiiie! That was quite a crash. Nothing? Can you:
swim
do yoga
pillates (sp?)
stretch
walk (with crutches)
weight lifting
rowing .....

Sometimes injuries are great teachers of other things we can do. It still sucks and is a heck of a way to learn to cross train

[Skierchickie]

It sounds like nothing at all. I see the doctor next Tuesday, so hopefully he'll have something to suggest. Nothing weight-bearing, anyway. I suppose stretching (not something I ordinarily do much of, but probably a very good idea). I don't actually know what pilates are, to tell you the truth. I should probably check into that. Maybe some sort of Yoga (something else I've never done).

No swimming (partly the foot position, and partly the cast). It is supposed to be completely immobilized. We actually have a rowing machine, but I'm pretty sure the foot motion, even if I don't push with that one, would be bad.

I definitely need to check into the stretchy/yoga-y stuff. Hadn't thought of that. Maybe sit-ups & push-ups. Thanks for the ideas! I'm supposed to do nothing much at all except crutch around every hour or so for the first few days.

The tour is a blessing right now!

[sundial]

walk (with crutches)

I once walked a mile on crutches.