Diet & broken limbs/limited mobility (Terrified of weight gain)

[Borisjohnsonshairbrush]

Hello all,

I'm 3 weeks post bimalleolar Ankle fracture and 2 weeks post surgery to fix the the break and dislocation.

I'm usually very very active (i did this while indoor rock climbing fgs ) I used to be very overweight 16st now 10st and thankfully I've lost my desire for things like white pasta and chips/crisps since the break.

I just cant treat myself at the moment as I feel I don't deserve it. adjusted my diet to low (ish) carb - berries and protein yogurt, fish and salad for lunch and chicken with greens in the evening. snacking on nuts or low sugar protein bar. And of course no alcohol due to meds/thinners

Has anyone else been through similar and found diet played a massive part? did you eat your usual pre-break diet? did you lose or gain?

How is everyone? I’m going to get my cast checked today. Hope all is ok. Also having cramps in the night. Anyone else? My good leg around the knee is protesting. Hope it’s just the ligaments.

Im ok, Im actually managing to wash up holding my zimmer! I have a bean to cup coffee machine that I an use from my phone then pick it up from the kitchen when its ready which is a game changer.

Sill useless on crutches minus bathroom trips, our best purchase was a wheelchair off ebay for £100.00 and its helped keep my spirts up to get out 1ce a week, A small company on there sells them

one weird thing i keep doing is signing up to supermarkets online and doing shopping but never buying! weeeird!

I found my wheelchair on Gumtree for £50, it still had the plastic wrapping on the wheels. Looking forward to having a spin in it when we are on holiday next week.

I am wondering whether to invest in a shower stool has anyone else got one? I won’t be able to weight bear without a big surgical shoe till about 6 weeks post op, I got a waterproof neoprene cover to protect my dressings but am fairly sure that won’t fit over the shoe. I am managing to wash and using dry shampoo on my hair but would love a shower

yes! shower stools are deffo worth it, I have a waterproof cast cover too.

Its great xx

Hi I’ve got a shower stool and it looks good. Haven’t used it yet mind nor the my shower cover! I am washing hair in sink and not managed to brave the shower. Been using flannels and baby wipes unfortunately my dogs are barking to get out. I have 3 kids but they are all still asleep despite me calling their mobiles. Sounds like you are all quite adventurous. I haven’t got a wheelchair or scooter. My husband keeps saying it’s only for 6 weeks but my god this 2 weeks and 2 days since the accident has been the longest ever!

I really would recommend getting a scooter Lushmetender. After losing most of a foot earlier in the year and a very long healing process (which is still ongoing) it has been so good to get out of the house again !
Cost £150 for a second hand one and another £80 as the batteries needed replacing .

I’ve got 3 dogs too and they are having to stay downstairs (worried they might trample my foot) which means I can’t see to them if they need anything. It’s been all right until yesterday when my husband went out for a couple of hours, one of them broke into the utility room to get the kitten’s food and managed to shut herself in. The other two barked non stop, I didn’t know why until DH got home, but I didn’t dare attempt the stairs even on my bottom as I was on my own in the house.

The pets make such a lot of work, I have 3 Guinea pigs as well, and I just do it all as a matter of course but I think poor DH is finding it really hard going.

Gosh what happened pavlova. Yes I would agree esp if we ever get some nice weather. Plus have to get the dogs walked! Thankfullyy son emerged so let the dogs out!

I had Sepsis. Having the amputation was the only option available

Glad your son has helped out with the dogs.

Ah sorry to hear that. Did you get that through injury or other means? Yes my parents are here now despairing at the fact I’m still in my room just had a wash and did my hair! I’m also not sure what to wear down below. I only have 2 pairs of shorts and they need washing. Need a home help or cleaner but hard to get a good one round here!

Eventstar - yes we have 2 dogs. I see them in lounge in the evening but I darent go in the kitchen as one is only over a year old. Spaniel! Crazy! The other turned 14 in April. We hadn’t heard him bark in the past couple of years as he’s deaf until we got the puppy! My DH is finding it hard going and I bet the kitchen is a tip! Parents are here and can hear them cleaning up. Desperately need clean sheets and towels!

so so sorry to hear that @Pavlova31. what an absolute trooper you are.

@Lushmetender I cannot recommend Jersey Shorts enough, cheap and can be lounge wear or outdoors. simply google jersey shorts i have several pairs now xx

It was a cut that became infected and my body overreacted causing the Sepsis.
Aww thank you Boris. Made my day
I will google the Jersey Shorts.

Gosh Pavlov! Hope you can get to some sort of normality when heeled but a tough thing to go through!

Jersey shorts! I wonder what size is best! I’m not exactly miss bay watch!

Mil broke her ankle really badly a couple of years ago and bought a knee scooter, honestly saved her sanity as she was able to get out and about and around the house on her own, also allowed her to exercise without causing any damage to the broken ankle. Highly recommend one if you can find one.

Any you guys had leg cramps
In the cast!

Crutches are so much harder to use than they look. I couldn't hold myself up on them.
I broke my foot a couple of years ago, so not nearly as immobile as you but I could only walk a few steps. I don't really find exercise makes much difference to my weight. I lost a bit even though I was inactive for several weeks. If you are a healthy weight to begin with I wouldn't worry, just eat what you normally eat.

yes had spasms @Lushmetender but not cramp yet. i have this over whelming urge to stretch my good leg out in the morning though. xx

As long as you're covering your nutritional needs limiting cals shouldn't be a problem.

Take supplements if necessary.

The obvious nutrients people will tell you are calcium and protein to heal from a break but vitamin c and d and potassium are also crucial. These don't need to be found in high cal foods though. Skimmed milk, fruit, eggs, bananas, mushrooms, cucumber... all great for these nutrients.

as I find my digestive system is so sluggish anyway due to lack of activity

Water soluble fibre is your friend here, also berries and flax seed are good gentle stool softeners.

And of course plenty of fluids, especially if it's warm where you are.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

I think I may have lost a little as I can’t help myself to any food, DH and I were doing healthy eating before my op and he hasn’t brought me anything unhealthy to eat! I know there is chocolate but I am not sure he knows where it is!

As I had lost around 6kg I am not worrying too much now until I am back on my feet.

thank you @Graphista

hit a low point today guys, my degus died last Thursday and I'm more upset over it than i realised, had the little critter 6years and I miss his cuddles while heaaling xx

Oh sorry to hear boris! It’s not great at the best of times but at this rollercoaster time. I worry about my 14 year old dog. He sleeps so much now I sometimes poke him awake!

Sorry to hear that Boris

I went to hospital today! So no chafing 🙄 but obviously more room in boot due to
Muscle wastage. so new cast and a look at the leg today! New cast is even snigger than last one. Horrible feeling how stiff the ankle is already and how much muscle gone already! Another 2 weeks 5 days to next appointment.