C section with broken ankle

[mrktmummy]

Hello, 2 weeks ago I broke my ankle and am non weight bearing for 6 weeks, it was a bad break and have 3 plates and screws in. I'm having a section in 2 weeks time and I'm just wondering if anyone here has had a c section with a broken ankle? How did you find recovery ? Any tips or advice at all? I'm dreading getting into the house after the section 😢 thank you xx

Hi there I am a midwife and a mother of 2. I didn't have a broken ankle or a CS, but a lot of pelvic girdle pain. My pelvic girdle pain got immediately better after delivery. No wonder- I lost about a stone- the weight of the baby, the placenta, waters and some blood 😅. Your balance will be better. In my experience of working on the postnatal ward most women can manage with paracetamol alone 5 days after CS. You will get help with a newborn whilst in hospital. I think your biggest challenge will be not to put on weight while your ankle heals. I think you will be alright from a midwifery perspective. Please check if the screws might present a problem for the doctors. I do remember we had some issues with a prison ankle tag - however it was so long ago I can't remember what the actual issue was. I hope it helps

@Kosenrufugirl It'll be because of the diathermy most likely, along with the risk of pressure sores. They can either put the pad on the opposite leg, or use bipolar instead. The surgeons will be able to make a plan around it no problem.

@mrktmummy No advice sorry as my broken bones were long before I had kids, but would they be able to arrange hospital transport to help get you to and from home, and into the house itself? Will you also have someone at home to care for you and baby whilst you finish your recovery? If not, then it's the duty of the hospital to look after you both until you're able to yourself. I hope your ankle heals well, and your C-section recovery goes well too.

Thank you both, sorry I should have said yes I have too have hospital transfer in and out and they're bringing me in the day before for the pre op and I'm staying overnight then before the op. This is my second baby so I have had a section before all be it it was an emergency one. I was fine by day 3 after last section but I'm just more worrried about trying to be mobile straight away with the wound and only 1 foot. I'm worried that the healing process will be way harder x

I’m guessing they won’t want you using crutches with a giant abdominal wound. Can you buy one of those knee scooters to get around the house?

If you're in plaster, keep an eye on how tight it is. I imagine your ankles will get ticker/thinner with changing fluid once you're no longer pregnant so you cast might need redoing

@FlowerDot I'm not allowed crutches at the moment only a Zimmer and I'm only allowed to literally go from the bed to commode to chair as baby is engaged and they're scared moving around too much will cause early labour 😬

If no one's already mentioned it I'd ask about blood thinners both pre (if you're not already on them) and post op - will likely need a longer course afterwards.

Absolutely second the idea of keeping an eye on how tight the cast/boot feels both pre- and post op (esp if you have/develop PET as a bit of extra oedema might make the cast too tight pre-delivery).

Also, is there any chance that attempting a vaginal delivery might work/be safe? Would avoid a whole bunch of hassle with mobilising with crutches/frame and a wound post op? Clearly not always an option, but if vbac is potentially safe it may be worth considering.

@Greybeardy thank you I'm on the injections twice a day already as I'm so immobile at the moment 😢 and yes I will keep an eye on the swelling thank you, I know I wish I could attempt a VBAC but I tore my broad ligaments during labour last time so i can't risk it as they don't want them to tear again x

If you haven't already, get an extra-long charging cable for your phone, space on your beside table for all the stuff you need, and one of those grabby stick things.

Have you got something to put on the zimmer (basket /tray) that allows you to move things from room to room?

Knee scooter ala VBto help you get around?

@idontlikealdi I have a knee scooter arriving Sunday so hoping that will help a little x

Good luck @mrktmummy!

Have you got one of the cribs on wheels for baby? Might be useful for you to be able to have little one close to you but also easily moved away (without disturbing them) when you need help moving etc.