Not the day I planned… but I got an ambulance ride!

[Quigleyandme]

No words really except I hope it gets easier and less painful soon x

 

[PurBee]

Crikey scats, you're one brave lady! I would have passed-out..but i guess adrenaline is a super-powerful drug when freshly hurt and in shock so we amazingly can function. Thank god you had your phone on you.
Fingers crossed for you the plating operation is very soon.
Its shocking to hear how snowed-under the nhs is - that sounds worse than ever. Not to even get offered some water after such trauma is worrying. I hope that just a&e madness and your plating op conducted with more attention and care, which im sure it will be. A relative needed that recently and got very good treatment/aftercare.

For natural powerful pain relief try these:

https://www.naturalblaze.com/2021/05/natures-most-powerful-pain-relievers.html

Also wasabi has pain relieving properties, i grow it fresh so its ultra potent, if you‘d like some pm me.

 

[Goldenstar]

On washing try an over the bath seat and buy a LimbO leg cover you will get one on Amazon .
You should be able to wash today if your mum will help you buy sitting on the edge of the bath and wriggle back and lean back slightly Use the shower hand held to wash with it on low pressure.
Wrap your plaster in a towel and the put a bin bag with a hole in the top over it .
Put a couple of towels on the floor .
You can wash your good leg by swinging it into the bath or put your foot in a bowl and get your mum to help .
It’s all a bit precarious but it works .
Good luck

 

[Bradsmum]

Glad to hear you are on the mend, it’s an awful break isn’t it? I’ve broken my other ankle in the past but that didn’t require surgery, so this is a whole different ball game.
The orthopaedic specialist yesterday said that physio will play a crucial role in my recovery and in an unusual twist of fate, a new customer that I met less than a week ago happens to work in the physio department at the hospital I am under and he’s been messaging me, so hopefully he can make sure I get everything I need. He’s keeping an eye out for my name on the system.

Can I ask if you felt much relief once the plates were in?

Hi Scats. It took a while for everything to calm down after surgery and definitely non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. I lost my balance a couple of times and put bad foot down - big mistake! I found paracetamol for pain relief was good as long as you take it regularly. I was given liquid morphine in hospital but it didn't hit the mark at all whereas the paracetamol did. I also had to have clexane injections in the stomach for weeks on end. I couldn't do it so OH stepped up to the mark (I think he secretly enjoyed stabbing me - lol). Glad to hear you have a contact in Physio. The day my cast came off, the stupid surgeon said physio wasn't necessary and to just start walking on it. Really wasn't possible besides the fact that still v swollen and couldn't flex foot. Physio has improved that considerably. By the way, I too heard the bone(s) crack and it's quite a shock to see your foot at the wrong angle

 

[Sealine]

I broke my knee a few years ago and I was in plaster from toe to the top of my thigh. I managed to shower using a Limbo cast cover. Have you got a walk in shower that you could put a stool in? Please make sure there is someone with you if you try to wash/shower as it's too easy to fall or feel a faint and light headed.

 

[Bradsmum]

By the way, you might need to phone them to get back into hospital for surgery - I luckily did and it didn't seem there were any plans to call me in soon, so glad I did. I gave it a couple of weeks, swelling didn't go down much but I wanted it sorted

 

[luckyoldme]

Bloody hell Scats, it sounds like a terrible experience, and I know the first few days will all be about learning how to do things that were so easy before.
I have a shower over the bath too, and I figured time was one thing I had a lot of so it didn't really matter how long it took .
I got an old chair (I sort of walked it to the bathroom by resting my poorly leg on it while moving the other leg.)
I sat sideways on to the bath and had an all over wash. I used my poorly leg on chair manoeuvre to get in the bath to hose myself down a little bit.
It wasn't easy but I found the days quite long anyways
From the word go I did leg strength exercises (loads on you tube) missing out the ones which caused too much pain... there's lots of poorly foot exercises on you tube.
I also do did seated aerobics and loads of jigsaws.
I got some wool and made my daughter a blanket and discovered crotchet (don't knock it till you've tried it)
It's a long road with a lot of frustration but posting on here was a godsend. I swear to god you can ask the most random I'm the only person in the world question on here and someone will be able to help.
I honestly feel for you because I really do know how it feels ??

 

[scats]

Thank you all, it’s so nice to be able to pop on here and chat. You’ll all be sick of me in a few weeks time ?
I have to inject Fragmin blood thinners into my belly every evening. That’s a painful little job! I thought the needle would be hidden in a plastic thing like my uncles insulin so you didn’t have to see it much but this is just a bit long needle that I have to stick right in ??
That took a bit of courage and it actually really stung! Dreading 6pm again now!

 

[BallyJ]

Those blood thinners are stingy yes! I found pushing the needle down slowly hurt less!

 

[Fransurrey]

Urgh, this all sounds horrific! Second the bathing stool suggestion but make sure you have help. I passed out when my arm was manipulated and know what you mean about being trapped in 'white light'. I'd made the mistake of visiting a lower grade A&E (who bloody knew they were graded??), so they couldn't give me strong pain relief as they weren't equipped for reactions, so I got ye olde Entomox. Did fek all. Fingers crossed surgery is soon (another reason to not move unless you have to - any chance you can get a commode?).

 

[HorseyTee]

Ouch @scats
You've done the same as what I did. Fracture dislocation. Had both my tib and fib screwed back together at the ankle.
The pain, gosh...I can't have morphine so was also just on the paracetamol, and when they manipulated my ankle back into place I literally shit myself and I think I also screamed.
I'm pretty sure that's why when I was in labour the midwife didn't believe me as I was just sat there lol.

Please absolutely do your physio...I know it won't be anytime soon, but I was lazy with it and have had endless issues since, and my ankle has just collapsed 3 times since because my tendons and ligaments are a mess.

Speedy healing.

 

[scats]

Ouch @scats
You've done the same as what I did. Fracture dislocation. Had both my tib and fib screwed back together at the ankle.
The pain, gosh...I can't have morphine so was also just on the paracetamol, and when they manipulated my ankle back into place I literally shit myself and I think I also screamed.
I'm pretty sure that's why when I was in labour the midwife didn't believe me as I was just sat there lol.

Please absolutely do your physio...I know it won't be anytime soon, but I was lazy with it and have had endless issues since, and my ankle has just collapsed 3 times since because my tendons and ligaments are a mess.

Speedy healing.

The manipulation has to be felt to be believed doesn’t it! ?
I remember feeling the most horrendous pain of my life, then hearing a scream and then realising it was me screaming ? Awful!
I wouldn’t have minded if I’d woken up not remembering, like I’d been promised, but I remembered every last bit of it.
The doctor later asked me exactly what I felt and remembered and he was quite shocked that I quoted him word for word. He did say that me telling him that would actually make him up the dose on his next patient! So hopefully I’ve saved someone else the trauma (or possibly made their experience worse!) ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

When I broke the left leg, I was able to sit on a bath seat with my cast outside the bath and use the hand-held shower to wash the rest of my body. I needed a sturdy seat at the side of the bath to get out onto, which I suggest having your mum around for, at least until you get used to the process.
To answer your question about the metalwork, as soon as I had the temporary fixator in place on the right leg, while waiting for the swelling to go down, it felt so much more comfortable.

 

[HeyMich]

Blimey Scats, sounds like you did a proper job!

Call your doctor's surgery and ask for the district nurse - they should be able to lend you a shower chair and any other gadgets you need to make your life easier (walking frame etc). I borrowed some things for my MiL who we had stay with us for a month after a knee replacement, even though it wasn't her local surgery or even health board. The district nurses couldn't have been kinder or more helpful!

 

[HorseyTee]

The manipulation has to be felt to be believed doesn’t it! ?
I remember feeling the most horrendous pain of my life, then hearing a scream and then realising it was me screaming ? Awful!
I wouldn’t have minded if I’d woken up not remembering, like I’d been promised, but I remembered every last bit of it.
The doctor later asked me exactly what I felt and remembered and he was quite shocked that I quoted him word for word. He did say that me telling him that would actually make him up the dose on his next patient! So hopefully I’ve saved someone else the trauma (or possibly made their experience worse!) ?

Lol it's not the best moment is it. I remember screaming as well but not quite realising it was me.
All I had was some entanox, didn't offer me ketamine lol.
It was about 8 weeks in my cast before it came off. I used to just sit in the bath with my legs dangling out, and used the shower head to wash myself. I also got a trolley on wheels so I could get a drink and food as I was on my own.
I also borrowed my nans wheelchair so I could walk the dogs...that was a big mistake, I rolled through dog poo and didn't realise until it was all caked up my sleeve lol. Definitely not my fondest memories.
It's been 11 years since it happened to me. I really hope you mend well.

 

[Xmasha]

Good grief, that sounds horrendous. Injecting yourself as well.. just yuk. Wishing you a speedy recovery

 

[Laurac13]

What a dreadful thing to happen ? hope the recovery goes well thinking of you

 

[holeymoley]

Good grief that sounds awful. Hope you mend quickly x

 

[Bradsmum]

Yeah, I think I might have a bit of needle phobia now and dreaded that time each day. Don't know if they told you but don't rub the area of the injection because that will make it bruise more. I was covered in little bruises despite not rubbing and we had trouble finding a good place in the end. Well done for being able to inject yourself. It will all be worth it in the end - I keep thinking if only I'd done the lunchtime feed differently that day. I only slipped a couple of feet down a not very steep bank!

 

[Esmae]

Urgh, this all sounds horrific! Second the bathing stool suggestion but make sure you have help. I passed out when my arm was manipulated and know what you mean about being trapped in 'white light'. I'd made the mistake of visiting a lower grade A&E (who bloody knew they were graded??), so they couldn't give me strong pain relief as they weren't equipped for reactions, so I got ye olde Entomox. Did fek all. Fingers crossed surgery is soon (another reason to not move unless you have to - any chance you can get a commode?).

Shocked!! Indeed, who knew that A&E's were graded!?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The manipulation has to be felt to be believed doesn’t it! ?
I remember feeling the most horrendous pain of my life, then hearing a scream and then realising it was me screaming ? Awful!
I wouldn’t have minded if I’d woken up not remembering, like I’d been promised, but I remembered every last bit of it.
The doctor later asked me exactly what I felt and remembered and he was quite shocked that I quoted him word for word. He did say that me telling him that would actually make him up the dose on his next patient! So hopefully I’ve saved someone else the trauma (or possibly made their experience worse!) ?

They had to manipulate mine as well but luckily I had so much gas and air I didn't what planet I was on so I hardly felt anything, my oh said I was talking utter rubbish then just did a little yelp when they yanked it ?

Well done for doing the injections I couldn't do it so my friend came and did it for me everyday she is a nurse so I was very lucky really, she would pinch a bit of the skin and put the needle in that and it wasn't that bad and just swapped sides everyday but it still was quite bruised.

 

[scats]

Yeah, I think I might have a bit of needle phobia now and dreaded that time each day. Don't know if they told you but don't rub the area of the injection because that will make it bruise more. I was covered in little bruises despite not rubbing and we had trouble finding a good place in the end. Well done for being able to inject yourself. It will all be worth it in the end - I keep thinking if only I'd done the lunchtime feed differently that day. I only slipped a couple of feet down a not very steep bank!

I did find myself lying in hospital thinking ‘if only I’d ridden Millie that morning’ or ‘why didn’t I just take Polly in the school’ but decided that was not helpful at all and I just had to accept that what was done was done and I just had to get on with it.

I feel like a huge burden. I’m with my parents and they are having to run around after me, which I hate.
Bless my dad, I’ve got a pressure sore under my little toe off the cast so he was there with his tools earlier trying to fix the cast to make it more comfortable.

Needle time in 10 minutes. I’m dreading it!

 

[COldNag]

Eeek that sounds horrendous .
Sending bone-knitting, swelling-reducing vibes your way xx

 

[scats]

They had to manipulate mine as well but luckily I had so much gas and air I didn't what planet I was on so I hardly felt anything, my oh said I was talking utter rubbish then just did a little yelp when they yanked it ?

Well done for doing the injections I couldn't do it so my friend came and did it for me everyday she is a nurse so I was very lucky really, she would pinch a bit of the skin and put the needle in that and it wasn't that bad and just swapped sides everyday but it still was quite bruised.

They didn’t offer me gas and air. When they found out I was allergic to strong opiates they seemed to decide that any sort of pain relief was too dangerous, despite my insistence that I can take normal strength codeine, just not the dihydrocodeine, pethadine, morphine band. ?. I wasn’t even given paracetamol, apart from in the ambulance.

Im a bit disappointed about that. Thinking back now, it was a bit inhumane!

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I’m sorry, all I can take in is that you’re allergic to strong painkillers! I hope it heals quickly and without issue, it sounds horrific. I’m delighted you had your phone with you (and a signal!)

 

[Peglo]

Yeah I was going to say the injecting the belly was pretty sore when I had to do it after knee surgery but then thought after what you’ve already endured it maybe wouldn’t bother you. Your certainly a tough cookie. The poking in bit was fine, it was the liquid going in that hurt me. OH loved that time of day. Never seen him so happy ? but he also had to put me knickers on me as I couldn’t bend that far ?

Hope you manage to find a way to wash easy enough. I really want to hear you’ve had it pinned. I keep thinking about it crunching and moving.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

So sorry you e had such a horrible accident, sounds extremely painful ?. Wishing you a quick and full recovery.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

That sounds horrific. Wishing you a good, speedy recovery.

 

[Billyandme]

You must be exceptionally tough,! I had a tri malleolar ankle fracure at the beginning of Covid and was in hospital for 5 days. It was tough but I found the best physio I coud find (privvate) and was weight bearing and driving within 3 months. Admittedly I am a pensioner so I don't bounce like youngsters ?

 

[Britestar]

Thank you all, it’s so nice to be able to pop on here and chat. You’ll all be sick of me in a few weeks time ?
I have to inject Fragmin blood thinners into my belly every evening. That’s a painful little job! I thought the needle would be hidden in a plastic thing like my uncles insulin so you didn’t have to see it much but this is just a bit long needle that I have to stick right in ??
That took a bit of courage and it actually really stung! Dreading 6pm again now!

I did a month of Fragmin, but injected into my thigh, using alternate legs eaxh day.
Flipping stingy.