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Original poster

Broken Legs

59 replies

ABC12342 · 08/07/2023 15:25

Hi all, DS15 recently broke both his legs. He broke his fibulas just under the kneecap so is in two full leg casts from his toes up to his thighs. Hospital and fracture clinic weren't much help with advice on how to get about. They sent him home with just crutches although insisting he should be non-weight bearing until the casts come off and on bed rest for the next week or so. We have rented a wheelchair from the red cross but as he is currently stuck upstairs the only use for it is to move him from the bedroom to the loo.

I really do think it would be good for him to come downstairs somehow for just a change of scenery instead of being constantly stuck in one room but I have no way of getting him down the stairs. Really DP is strong enough to carry him down, but our stairs are quite narrow and I wouldn't want to risk hitting his legs against the wall or god forbid DP falling and getting hurt as well.

On top of this, he keeps getting quite hot and cold, does anyone know what the best clothing would be for him, at the minute he seems to constantly be changing his clothes to try and keep a comfortable temperature. Particularly socks, his toes either seem to be boiling hot or freezing cold, any ideas on how you can deal with that?

Really just looking for any advice in general for anyone who has been in a similar situation with their kids, any help would be welcomed.

OP posts:
SlightlygrumpyBettyswaitress · 08/07/2023 17:07

Could you rent a temporary stair lift? I has a mate that did that. I think it was 350 ish to install and 40 quid a month?

Topseyt123 · 08/07/2023 17:24

BCCoach · 08/07/2023 16:10

When someone has a broken leg you make up a bed for them downstairs to save them from going up and down the stairs. I’m pretty sure the leaflets they send you home with state this for the benefit of people with no common sense.

What an unbelievably rude and stupid post. OP definitely said that they have no downstairs bathroom, hence why her DS is upstairs.

Do you seriously think that people with no downstairs bathrooms have no common sense!!

Capricornandproud · 08/07/2023 17:32

Poor guy and poor you. As someone who has been laid up with a broken foot, the boredom and futility are HARD.

if he had surgery, I found I really sweated out the GA. Then could be freezing but I suffer with a condition that makes them cold so lots of cotton tees and cotton hoodies.

order Tena Wash, Water Wipes and two limbos from Amazon. The limbos are a life saver for keeping casts dry.

That way he can freshen himself up every day etc.

i think keeping him upstairs is best for now. And I would be very very sure he’ll go to a wheelchair next, no crutches. If he is to use crutches eventually, be prepared for some sore arm and chest muscles, and someone who will tire easily! Perhaps pay for some subscriptions temporarily to Disney+ or something else if you havent already?

pinkfondu · 08/07/2023 17:32

Leave him where he is and focus on what you are going to do after this week is up

Slowlivingiwish · 08/07/2023 17:33

BCCoach · 08/07/2023 16:10

When someone has a broken leg you make up a bed for them downstairs to save them from going up and down the stairs. I’m pretty sure the leaflets they send you home with state this for the benefit of people with no common sense.

I'm just here laughing at this poster going on about common sense. 😂 irony at it's best

OP I have no advice but hope DS gets well soon!

Topseyt123 · 08/07/2023 17:33

OP, will he not have physios or occupational therapists round to advise and teach him how to get around using the crutches when the time comes for that?

Maybe phone your GP for advice here about what will happen and how to make sure it does. Tell them that the advice from the hospital has been totally inadequate and impractical, so you need their guidance and for visits from the right teams to be arranged.

RandomUsernameHere · 08/07/2023 17:37

How horrible for him Sad. Have you had a visit from an occupational therapist? We had one come round after DS broke his leg, she advised us on a few things and I imagine this would be even more helpful with both legs broken.

longtompot · 08/07/2023 17:45

Your poor ds, though sounds like it could have been much worse.
When you contact OH ask for a frame around the toilet. They have two handles and it is much easier getting up & down.
As frustrating as it is for him, he needs to sit with both his legs up most of the time. He runs the risk of injuring himself if he tries to get up & down the stairs without the use of his legs. I had one broken ankle and that was hard enough. I would save the times your dh has to carry him down for the various hospital visits he will have over the next 6 weeks.
Thin blankets are good, keep away from fizzy drinks as they can impede healing, take calcium tablets, and do things to just while the time away. Read, watch stuff, play games, but mainly rest. Good luck!

garlictwist · 02/10/2023 17:56

@ABC12342 how is your son doing now?

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