Quote:
Originally Posted by tpilkey
I just fractured my tibula and fibula I have 8 plates and 16 pins. I am told I can NOT put any pressure on my leg for at least 6 months and if I do I could ruin it for life and lose use of my leg. I am scared to death. Can anyone relate or at least tell me what I am in for....
Scared and worried...
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Tpilkey,
I just re-read your post, glad you found this site and I hope you are finding helpful info. here. You are not alone in being scared and worried, I was too as I am sure most of us on here were. The main advice I can give you is to read the many stories on here, it is what has helped me through this.
Everyone heals differently so the time frames for each persons progress is different. Follow your Dr. orders and I truly feel the sooner you can start PT the better, I wish I had started earlier, but things are going pretty good for me. I broke my tib/fib on Jan 15, had one surgery Jan 16 and a second surgery Jan 28, 2 plates and 16 screws.
After my second surgery I had a temp. plaster cast for 2 weeks, then a fiberglass cast for 3 weeks. Got the fiberglass cast off on March 5 and fitted for an air boot. At that time I was allowed to put my foot down for balance and begin to put a small amount of weight on it but could work up to 50% within the month.
My OS last week told me I could FWB with the air boot as I can tolerate. I am not there yet, but gradually working up to that. I try to listen to my body and respect my limits while still pushing forward, I just don't want a setback.
So that is pretty much where I am now and I know with time, I will walk normally again and get my life back and do the things I love. I am a very active person so being laid up had been tough for me. As many others have posted, keeping your mind busy helps pass the time, reading, puzzles, movies, games and there are endless things to look up and do on the internet.
I hope this helps, take care and goodluck with your recovery!
Nanny