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How much is it possible to do with a broken ankle?

110 replies

Dawevi · 05/12/2024 08:27

DH broke his ankle at the weekend. He's not in a lot of pain but it does ache and obviously he's on crutches. I've never broken a bone so I don't know what's reasonable to expect from him, because he's done nothing but sit on the sofa since and I'm struggling to do everything (we have two kids with additional needs who are at home all the time).

Obviously I have to do all the driving but could he be doing some light housework or cooking? Or is he right to be doing nothing at all? I asked him to write some Christmas cards and he hasn't even done that.

I'm getting really stressed with everything that needs doing for Christmas and the kids, I also have loads of work on and yesterday I had to beg him to play with our youngest so I could actually get it done, I cried in the car on the way to Tesco because I'm so overwhelmed with everything (we have a lot going on, it's not just Christmas stuff. Like DD has a college thing next week that he was going to take her to, because I'm taking DS to something at the same time, and he was just like "oh I can't take her" but didn't look for alternative arrangements or anything, he left it to me to sort out).

I didn't want to put this in AIBU but am I being unreasonable in wanting him to try and do some stuff, especially stuff that can be done sitting down? Like I said I've never broken a bone so I really don't know.

OP posts:
WeWillGetThereInTheEnd · 06/12/2024 12:11

I can’t understand why OP prioritised Christmas over her DH’s health?

All it needs to be is presents for the children and a big roast dinner. Forget everything else like Christmas cards, children’s activities - whatever she can’t cope with! I am sure friends and family would understand if she said “DH is laid up and what with working, looking after him and DC, I just couldn’t do x, y, z this year!”

I did everything the doctors told me to, but bone healing was only “adequate”. Five years later, I can only stand for about 20 minutes and walk for about an hour - then I get pain exactly where the fracture was.

I would prioritise DH’s healing well, and his long term full recovery over one Christmas!

northernbeee · 06/12/2024 15:21

A broken ankle is pretty bad - its not like a finger!

My son broke it a few years ago and he had to keep it elevated for a while as the blood flowing downwards doesn't help the swelling. Its not a quick fix - bad timing unfortunately! The more he rests now the quicker it will be in the long run.

HornyHornersPinger · 06/12/2024 20:46

BettyBardMacDonald · 05/12/2024 10:13

Absurd. There are many types of breaks and fractures. If the OP's husband was told to be non-weight-bearing, her entitlement and lack of empathy are breathtaking.

It's not absurd.

OP asked for people's experiences with a broken ankle and that was mine.

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Respectisnotoptional · 06/12/2024 23:00

Dawevi · 05/12/2024 19:00

He's had a lie down this afternoon, I promise I'm not making him do stuff! I've listened, I had no idea a broken bone was such a big deal, he's being looked after I promise.

How can you think a broken bone isn’t a big deal?
It will take at least six to eight weeks to heal, probably much longer, he must be allowed to rest and recuperate or you will delay healing and make things much worse.

SundayDread · 06/12/2024 23:21

when I broke mine I had a temporary cast and then a walking cast. It was a while ago but all I can remember is how tiring it was having crutches/cast and I limited my movements. You need to sit a lot.
25 years later I can tell you which ankle it was as it gets stiff. Also after I had the cast off my leg was withered and it took a while to get it back to full use.

openscanofworms · 07/12/2024 00:05

My husband couldn’t do much. He did try but ended up back in hospital on bed rest as his operation wound wasn’t healing. I wouldn’t rush things - but he should’ve written the Christmas cards!

BruFord · 07/12/2024 00:42

It takes ages to heal, OP. Has he got it elevated on pillows or cushions while he’s on the sofa, it needs to be pretty high (three pillows). He should also elevate it in bed at night, I put pillows under the duvet.

Someone has already recommended hiring a knee scooter and it was a lifesaver for me. It meant that I could scoot into the kitchen to prepare food, for example, while resting my leg on it.

BettyBardMacDonald · 07/12/2024 01:00

How can you have no idea that a broken bone is no big deal???

Untery · 07/12/2024 11:13

The muscles that aren’t being used will atrophy really quickly. Even after 2 weeks the muscles in the calves will have wasted away. It’s quite a shock when the boot/cast comes off and you realise the work required to strengthen everything again

GreatGardenstuff · 09/12/2024 11:31

Step back and reassess your Christmas plans and what you need to do for the DC. Accept that plans can and will have to change this year. It’s ok to let go of some stuff go the circumstances, and you can still have a lovely Christmas without it being overwhelming.

Much more fun for everyone to be happy and relaxed than stressed and over extended.

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