Summer with a broken ankle: how did you manage?

[malvas]

Hey everyone :)

I had surgery in my ankle for a bimaleolar fracture 4 weeks ago. I’ve had a cast that will (hopefully) be removed in a couple of weeks, and after that i’ll be wearing the moon boot. Not sure yet what the tempos will be after that, when i’ll be cleared for weight-bearing on the hurt ankle or anything else.

Did anyone go through something like this? How did you manage?

I’m mourning the loss of this summer to just being at home all day. Usually I LOVE going to the sea and swimming, but I’m not sure if i’ll be able to with the scars.

If any of you have any experience with it (also and especially about swimming or being in the beach, covering your scars or something like that) please let me know. I could use any piece of advice or encouragement.

Thank you so much <3

I'm in the same boat but a few weeks ahead. I can walk short distances at home but still mostly in the boot (which is getting increasingly hot).

If you have national trust membership, most of them have really good mobility scooter you can borrow. During half term we went to 3 different local ones, mainly so the kids could go in their playground, as it was the only place I could get to.

I snapped my Achilles tendon in 2006 and ended up a cast for 14 months and unable to weight bear without crutches. Long story but it was absolute hell. You will get through it but it certainly makes you realise just how much we don’t appreciate things like mobility until you no longer have it. Sending you a hug and hope you heal as quickly as possible and get back on two feet.

I'd try a few sessions in a pressurised oxygen tank to speed up the healing process.

Thank you all for the encouragement and the tips 💚

I'm now 7 weeks since the surgery on my broken ankle (they put a metal plate in), and went swimming yesterday! I'm still in the moon boot most of the time, but can manage short distances without, so limped the few meters from cubicle to poolside. I did 30x100m lengths in very sedate breaststroke, but it felt nice to at least be doing something.

Once your casts off, if your wound is healed over and you can safely get into the pool, go for it.

Thanks a lot! that sounds very encouraging :) i was actually able to swim in the sea yesterday, it was amazing!

Still very frustrated and sad over the whole process, but I hope it passes soon. Thank you all!

Try to avoid getting much sun on your scars while they are new as it will make them less likely to fade with time

Do you think you could use a knee cycle or a knee crutch..it all depends on where your cast will come up to.