It's been just over 6 months since I broke my ankle and I'm still struggling.
4 weeks ago I suddenly started getting horrendous pain, restricted movement and a large egg shaped swelling directly over the plate I had put in my ankle in January. I went to the Dr's to be told they thought I had an infection ??? I was given a 7 day course of penicillin and told to return in a week. A few days later the swelling started to reduce and the pain eased I went back the following week as instructed. The Dr was pleased and said come back again if I have any more problems.
10 days after I finished my course of penicillin the familiar pain, restricted movement and swelling started again, so the Dr has given me another course of stronger penicillin and referred me back to the hospital. The hospital called 2 days later with an appointment for me to be seen in a couple of days ( I do love the orthopaedic team at my local hospital, they are so on the ball and accommodating )
I had a physio appointment the day after I had seen the Dr for the second time, I decided to go to the appointment although I knew she wouldn't be able to do much with me, I wanted to 'stay in the system' and pick her brains about what's going on. It turns out that she has never known anyone suddenly get an infection for the first time 6 months after surgery and all my measured progress in movement has gone backwards quite significantly in the last 4 weeks
I wondered if anyone else had ever heard of this huge backward step in recovery.
Feeling quite down about the whole thing, still not able to walk without a limp let alone try to run , I just want to get back to where I was !!!
Written by
CrazyCat1973
Graduate
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Hi CrazyCat1973. Not an expert on injuries, but I didn't want to read and run without expressing sympathy for your plight. I really hope you get your ankle sorted out soon. With any luck, the hospital will find out what's going on. Keep us posted! X
What a horrible time you have been having CrazyCat☹️. I am really sorry that I can't offer any advice but just wanted to wish you all the best and I really hope that things start moving forward for you soon. Hang on in there and be strong.x
I'm not surprised you're feeling down. Thank goodness you're in good hands by the sound of things. I wonder what could have caused an infection now after 6 months but I hope it can be sorted out soon.
Same as everyone else, have no advice but heaps of sympathy. Are they sure that it is an infection? I do hope they can find the cause quickly and get you on the road to recovery.
The Dr was pretty sure there was an infection, and the penicillin has cleared the symptoms within 2 days of taking them twice now. I'm expecting that they will xray and do blood tests at my hospital appointment this week, hopefully then I will get some answers
Hi crazycat, I hope they get this sorted out soon for you. It's strange getting an infection when that plate has been in for 6 months. You must feel so frustrated. How did you break your ankle?
I broke my ankle by slipping on the stairs at home, I only fell down the last 3 stairs and managed to break all 3 bones in my ankle. I was admitted to hospital from A&E and I had a plate and 10 pins put in the following day
Oh crikey, just shows you, we take our health for granted most of the time. You must be so fed up. Let's hope your ankle starts healing now. Healing thoughts coming your way xx
Oh crikey! What a palaver you're having. You won't be running any time soon I think that much is obvious but once the infection is under control I dare say your physio will be able to sort you out. Once the steps of recovery begin, you get fully engaged in it and it really helps your mindset as you are taking positive steps towards getting well and regaining your mobility. It might seem a slow job but once the physio starts then you can start the count down to your first run. Small steps though but keep smiling. Let us know how it goes!
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