Trimalleolar fracture lessons learned

[CPO1893]

Hi Nurses. Longtime lurker, few time poster. I broke my ankle and had ORIF in the middle of April. For those of you who have went thru this wonderful odessy can you share some insights on recovery? I start PT next week and coincidentally excepted a new job two weeks ago which I start at the end of July....12 hour shifts...med surg/ED/psyc (float) Recommendations for shoes...high tops, mid tops/ ankle brace?? Was it he'll when you went back? What tips do you have for me? Starting later like August or September is not option, I have to work and make money. For background I am a middle aged male, not taking any pain meds, and I am losing my mind keeping my foot elevated. I am really good at hopping up steps and binge watching Hulu.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

While I personally haven't had a trimalleolar fracture, I do know that recovery is going to take a while, if you're looking for a decent recovery. You're about 3 weeks into recovery and starting PT in about a week sounds about right. Keep doing what your surgical team told you to do and don't do those things your surgical team told you not to do and wait for PT to evaluate you. It's probably going to be quite a while before you can stand and walk around for 12 hours without some discomfort. It's possible that you may never completely recover full pain-free use of that ankle. Let the PT know your goals and needs and hopefully your PT can come up with a rehab plan that is aggressive enough to get you to where you can tolerate work.

How do I know this? I used to do Sports Med...

[dianah, ASN]

Ugh, what an unfortunate time to get injured, just before starting a new job!

I hope the pain is lessening.

Per the Terms of Service, no one here can give any medical advice.

The Physical Therapist might be the one to ask about what are the best shoes to wear for support.

Or your Ortho MD.

Wishing you rapid healing and patience.

Closing this now.