Broken ankle and housebound, how are others passing the time if you are laid up?

[Inastatus]

What are you up to today if you are laid up for any reason? I’ve broken my ankle and not allowed to bear any weight on one leg so am pretty redundant at the moment unable to do anything round the house. I’m getting around by hopping with a walking frame. I might consider a knee scooter once I’ve had my hospital appointment next week and find out whether or not I’ll need surgery. DH is running around after me and I feel guilty - I can hear him hoovering and I’ve never wanted to do housework so much in my life!!

I’m sat on the sofa with my leg up watching morning tv which is quite depressing. I’ve been half heartedly doom scrolling on my iPad and occasionally read or have a go at a jigsaw puzzle. What else can I do to occupy my time? Any good Netflix recommendations/games/activities?

I broke mine 4 years ago. Both bones but luckily they stayed in line. Was meant to have weekly XRays to check all was well but caught Covid and was positive for over 2 weeks so missed X-rays weeks 2,3 and 4. Was not allowed visitors because of this. Hubby had Covid too- he gave it to me. Luckily all healed well and it is now an almost forgotten memory. Like you I was given a wheeled zimmer with strict instructions that my foot must never touch the ground, which is one of the hardest ways to get around. Try hopping on one foot with a full bladder-not recommended. Luckily we had an old lightweight wheelchair in the garage and that became my mode of transport- propelling myself around the ground floor with my good leg. Was brilliant as I could make cups of tea and food and move them from one place to another. See if you can get hold of one of- local Red Cross might be able to loan you one, or may see one on eBay or similar. They are the one with 4 small wheels. Failing that ask if you would be allowed the knee scooter when you go back. What did I do? Caught up with a backlog of admin, watched various box sets, just did things slowly. Until you are suddenly immobile it is hard to comprehend how this feels- you will get frustrated, feel useless and by the end of the first week you will notice that, due to lack of interaction with the world around you, your brain seems to have slowed down. Try and find something that will use a bit of brain power. One thing that is imperative as you will be mainly housebound is to take a VitaminD supplement - 400IU, 10 microgram should be enough. Sorry not be too helpful about things to do.

I can relate as have just had a knee replacement.
One thing I have been doing - although not thrilling- is sorting out wardrobes a drawers-
clothes to keep
another season
charity etc
Also bathroom and makeup/skin care drawers
It is the sort of thing you put off
But you can sit down while doing it it and afterwards you feel productive

more fun got some new books on amazon deals, also started learning italian on duolingo

Ugh. I'm with you. I've been stuck at home with a broken ankle and wrist for the last two weeks. Seeing orthopedics on Monday to find out the state of play. I'm the family driver and we're meant to be going away in two weeks. My husband has had 2 weeks of watching me doing nothing and I think it's grating (not that he'd say anything). I've been working on the laptop a bit, but that strains my wrist so only in short bursts. I've also been watching a lot of films. But I'm in a boot and can at least hobble around a bit. But I do miss being able to write and draw and crochet. How long does this take???

@Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow - oh sorry to hear this, wrist too must be v difficult. My ortho appointment is also on Monday. Fingers crossed for both of us.

I'm in a similar situation and normally read a lot, listen to the radio (plays, speech, music), watch some tv, and do crosswords and sudoku but it is still all very frustrating not being able to walk, especially in this fine weather. My latest distraction is duolingo which I am happy to say has filled the niche as I slowly improve my foreign language skills. The house is a tip and awful to contemplate.

Just remember, people whose ankles heal 100% don’t put their stories on line !

I had a plate and 9 screws. Took 6 months before I could jump & run again. I am a regular gym bunny and very fit.

I paid for private physio , NHS was shocking , no real plan for exercises or regular appointments!

Any questions, happy to help !

@Lovetocook49 - thank you. Yes, I have to remember that fact! I am missing the gym soo much - never thought I’d say that! Will definitely be getting private physio - I am determined to give it my all and I’m 62 so need all the help I can get!

Knee scooter was a winner for my sanity, it meant I could cook dinner and do the washing !
Its a long road , but you can get back to where you were, I’m 51.
I was allowed back to the gym for upper body only , 3 months after ? I had a physio session and cried and she agreed🙈
Use a pool too , helped mine so much !

@inastatusgood luck in hospital today... Currently in waiting room

@Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow - and to you too. DH and I are just on our way in the car. I feel sick 😞

Good luck both of you

Same 😞 it'll be grand though! Good luck soldier x

@Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow - well I had some good news. I don’t need surgery. I’ve got a new cast on for another couple of weeks then can hopefully transition to a boot.
I really hope your appointment went well too.

Colouring, I love colouring atm. Coco Wyo books and alcohol markers. Also love playing rummykub online

I was a huge Neighbours fan, back in the day. I had forgotten most of the storyline’s in the first few years so I’ve been watching from the beginning again since I’ve pinched a nerve in my leg and are in a lot of pain.

Wonderful! I also don't need surgery on my wrist but need to make a separate e appointment for my ankle, which he also seemed happy with.

@Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow - great news 😊 X

@LoudPlumDog - hope you feel better soon.