Crap. Have broken both lower limbs. Survival tips please.

[TellMeSomeGoodNewsPlease]

Have managed to simultaneously break left fibula and metatarsal in right foot.

Left leg is in below knee cast, strictly non weight bearing (hoping to keep it all in one place and avoid surgery).

Right foot is minimal weight bearing as comfort allows, although bearing my (admittedly too high) body weight through one broken foot is obviously bloody painful and feels a bit perilous. Was given one of those standard issue massive rocker bottom walking boots but that made it impossible to balance on crutches - I just toppled backwards. Can just about manage a short painful distance on a Zimmer (the glamour) but to be honest have been shuffling around on my bum most of the time.

DH is working from home (as am I) and has been a superstar but is unfortunately hellishly busy at the moment in a way that cannot be avoided - as well as doing absolutely everything else around the house/with the DC etc.

So what can I do to help myself here? I can fortunately throw a bit of money at it.

We already have a cleaner who says she can do a bit of ironing etc for us too. Already do online shop. DH is the main cook anyway and we will get deliveroo etc when he can’t face it. Children are in maximum childcare.

So far I have acquired:
A flatter soled/lower ortho boot which should help with balance/mobility once my right foot starts to heal up
A large refillable water bottle for me
A step to help me get on/off the loo
A limbo cover for showering
A thing to hang my phone round my neck as I shuffle about
A little hospital style table to go over the bed/sofa so I can work

Any other tips gratefully received.

Also any stories about how quickly my right foot might be balanceable-on as I feel like that might be the crucial turning point.

Have a small table at the side of you which has everything you may need ie plugged in phone charger, fruit, wipes, tissues, book, tv remotes etc.

Get an insulated jug and fill it with whatever you normally drink, so that refills are easy.

Don’t leave going to the toilet till the last minute.

Sleep as much as you can and take painkillers if you need to.

Stretchy clothes.

Big sock rolled over toes and over pot if your toes get cold.

Put a stool or chair in the bathroom so you can sit to clean your teeth etc.

Keep your legs raised above hip height to help with the swelling.

If you can shuffle around, a bucket is surprisingly useful for carrying things. Open topped so easy to put stuff in and out, stands upright on the floor, can dangle from a crutch handle. You can even put a mug of tea in it and it won't matter if it spills a bit.

Chair in the bathroom in front of the basin.

Bidet is useful.

Your local branch of British Red Cross may have a wheelchair + other aids hire service, this might be helpful.

I haven't done both at the same time but I did one ankle but injured shoulder arm and wrist so whilst I could do crutches it really wasn't comfy and ended up with arm/elbow jobbies.

I would get yourself a tea trolley - if you can zimmer walk this could work for moving things around with you or alternatively as setting up as a drinks and snacks station for you and the kids so you can do that when they are home. Flask for hotwater and flask for milk. I managed to get one that was a tall one which was easier to move around than a traditional 50s job and I could use as a walker frame effectively.

Ironing can be done sitting down as can food prep with a couple of bowls and boards. I set up a sitting perp area at the kitchen table.

A messenger type bag (ie larger and slips over and across body, is best for transporting stuff around in the house - doesn't get in way of crutches etc.

You can handle household paperwork and the phone and if you work from home probably can still work.

I would get help with keeping kitchen sorted so dishwasher, wipedown etc. Focus on slow cook one pot meals, meal plan and online shopping. Then also washing and drying and sorting/putting away laundry, and then general cleaning.

I may be worth trying to get a wheelchair to use at home or out and about. I would try and make the effort to go out occasionally because those 4 walls will close in.

How old are the kids - can they be of help with some encouragement e,g, dishwasher filling, running up and down with clothes. Becoming more independent with bedtime etc. Storytime can be with you on the sofa giving DH a break.

lol Prep not perp area

Thanks for all the tips everyone. My Zimmering around the house has been a bit more proficient today on my new shoe but I don’t think I’ll be able to get anywhere fast. Plus it makes my left leg hurt to have it hanging down for too long. So I’ve booked a wheelchair hire for the next few weeks (and ordered some kerb ramps for the kitchen!) so I can get out of the house for some fresh air at the weekend as well as around the house more easily. Feeling a bit more positive all round. It’s really desperate feeling marooned like this (ablebodied privilege alert, I know).

What about a knee scooter? A friend of mine had one

What about a knee scooter? A friend of mine had one

A knee scooter (the peg leg as we called it) was great for my friend, however OP would have to be able to bear weight on her right foot even if she was assisted with crutches. Worth the investment at the appropriate moment!

Am eyeing up a knee scooter for future reference!

Private physio & acupuncture

I bought a wheelchair off eBay
(Double Achilles rupture)

It was amazing not to have to worry about getting about and meant I could cook etc

I did this once OP, nightmare. Lots of great tips above. I’d also suggest chair raisers so it’s easier to get up.
Once you are out of plaster and able to have physio then push for hydrotherapy- it really helped me.