Broken ankle! Who's Been There?

[Helena]

I finally have something significant to post:

Broke my ankle in 3 places along with dislocating it Sunday night and still awaiting surgery!

It's always so stupid and you don't read the warning signs:

We had a great day riding the Woodlot Sunday and I was tired after 5 hours of pushing/riding. The Burnaby Mtn. skills park was on the way home so I figured we'd have a snack there and maybe ride more if up for it. I felt pretty tired when we got there but I figured I should ride... why wouldn't I? What could happen?? I'd feel lazy otherwise.

So I skipped the usual dirt jumping and drops and decided to work on the blue wall rides since I'd had some trouble with them last time I was there. First lap, I slid off but with some coaching I was able to nail both walls on the second lap but on landing I slid out on the loose gravel and must've put my left foot down. The unlucky part is that my pedal managed to smack right up against my ankle dislocating it into eversion (rotated out) and breaking my tibia and fibula with displaced fragments.

Matt was able to immediately (and expertly, I have to say) traction the ankle back in place but at LGH I was told I'd need plates and screws. So now I'm waiting for surgery tomorrow.

I know there's plenty of similar stories out there so I'd love to hear them.

It's not the worst thing that can happen in life, that's true, but I'm still waiting to wake up from this little nightmare :crybaby:

[Endless Biking]

Aww, damn! Healing vibes Helena!

Your off to a good start with treatment, Lions Gate is great for surgery and treatment.

Accept it as a blessing and embrace your new opportunities to grow as a complete person. Riding will always be there, waiting for you when you are ready. It's the time you'll get to spend with your friends, family and with yourself that will truly enlighten you over the next few months.

Things happen for reasons right? Although sometimes very difficult to see and understand, especially this early, you'll be able to take advantage of the opportunity and turn a negative into a positive with the right attitude.

Hang in there girl! Let us know if you need anything

DB@EB

[connor]

yeah I heard, that sucks.

Simon Stevenson broke his ankle at Bear on Sat too, seems like everybody is getting injured this week..

You
Simon
Steve
Daleth
Judy

and those are just people I know..

[Knnn]

Damn, sorry to hear your bad news.

Not broken anything yet (touches wood...really), but partially tore my ACL and MCL with a similar silly 'foot out' incident. The biggest problem I had was going stir crazy and loosing my fitness. After 2 months off riding I was not a nice person to be around. Hopefully Matt can put up with some grumpyness :)

Hope you heal up quick, and at least you know all the stuff you need to do to get back into shape.

[Fluid]

Accept it as a blessing and embrace your new opportunities to grow as a complete person. Riding will always be there, waiting for you when you are ready. It's the time you'll get to spend with your friends, family and with yourself that will truly enlighten you over the next few months.

Things happen for reasons right? Although sometimes very difficult to see and understand, especially this early, you'll be able to take advantage of the opportunity and turn a negative into a positive with the right attitude.

DB@EB

So well put Darren!! And you of all people definitely know firsthand about injury rehab. :hurt:

Major healing vibes to you Helena, for a speedy recovery!
I can't see you ever being grumpy about anything.
If there's anything Steve or I can do, we're only a phone call away :)

[shirk]

Sorry no war stories to share.

My free soloing abilities have kept me injury free all these years. Knock on wood.

Hope the surgery goes well tomorrow. Is it at LGH? If you are still there after I get off work I'll skip my usual time wasting at that NorthShoreBikeShop (seems to be extra clean this week, I wonder why?) and stop by.

Heal up quick, so you can start looking forward to ski season.

[Lady Gravity]

Not broken anything yet (touches wood...really), but partially tore my ACL and MCL with a similar silly 'foot out' incident. The biggest problem I had was going stir crazy and loosing my fitness. After 2 months off riding I was not a nice person to be around.

hey i did that too, back in feb, but just my MCL and screwed up my hip. i still rode however...i'm not a very good patient. took about 2 months to not hurt anymore.

major healing vibes to you helena. you may not be able to bike, but don't lose track of all your biking buddies.

[JCL]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger !

[seand]

Healing vibes Helena!

hey i did that too, back in feb, but just my MCL and screwed up my hip.

wow you *are* old...I remember when my grandparents injured their hips.

[FlipFantasia]

that sucks helena! just remember to take it easy and let things heal, don't rush it, and just accept it for what it is, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't that long and you'll be riding by fall! stay tuff!

[Marvel]

I guess you now have some time to kill on NSMB :) or revive the arteest in you!

I don't have any stories to share but fingers crossed that you get in for surgery tomorrow. I hope that things go smoothly for a speedy and healthy recovery.

Keep that positive attitude that keeps popping up, and let me know if I can be of anymore help.

I hope your birthday wish from yesterday comes true.

VK

[stinky_rider7]

Healing vibes being sent...

Hope surgery goes well tomorrow.

If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. I'll be more than happy to join you for some non-biking activities... I guess this will be a good opportunity to catch up on movies, art stuff, crafts etc...

Lots of options:
Vancity Theatre (film centre) (http://www.vifc.org/films/comingsoon.htm)

Pacific Cinemateque
(http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/)

Vancouver Art Gallery (http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/current_exhibitions.html)

Imax (http://www.imax.com/vancouver/)

Center for performing arts (Spamalot) (http://www.centreinvancouver.com/)

[heckler's better 1/2]

Helena, time to check out opus for some supplies and get painting... Didn't matt mention that you owed a couple paintings to friend back east? Now is the time to catch up on all those loose ends.

On a side note, I can take the recycling to presentation house for you if you want... you sure go to great lengths to get out of doing your recycling!

dee

[gotham]

Get well soon!

[heckler]

I can't believe no one's mentioned it yet...

Make sure you see a good physio for rehab! ;)

Good luck tomorrow and heal up!

[heckler's better 1/2]

oh, yeah...I broke my ankle on Nicoles way back when... that was when I first discovered pilates and kayaking.. it was great to be out on the water moving around even if my foot was in a cast. And make sure you hit up the pool too. Nothing like a little float about the pool, with a nice drinkie-poos in hand.

[mattj]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?

Healing vibes from the interwebZZ sweet stuff!


-m

[Helena]

I can't thank you guys enough for the healing vibes! I have to comment on how supportive of a community this is - even if it's just virtual half the time! :)

[the Master Plan Dan]

Oh man!

Heal up! Healing vibes!

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?



Yeah that is about it. When I broke my hand that is what I had to do.

It is pretty akward at first, but then it gets easy.

Cheers!

Dan

[DaveM]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?

Healing vibes from the interwebZZ sweet stuff!


-m

you can get waterproof casts now, you may have to pay over top of MSP, but it is an option.

Heal up Helena!

[Fluid]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast?

I can't speak for pool usage, but when I couldn't get my ankle wet I was really thankful for our handheld shower head because I could then direct where the water was going at all times. It also makes it easier to wash your hair when you can't raise your arm due to a shoulder or rib injury :)

[DARTHYOGA]

It's not a broken ankle story but I broke my sit bones ( those ones you sit on) a few years ago and they told me I would be laying down for three months. That didn't work out as I had to fly to Germany for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary ( was not missing that!) in the next week. I filled the Percocet prescription and didnt ever realize I had been on a plane until I woke up with a beer next to my bed at my grandparents place in Hamburg.
Somewhere along the line I switched from prescription to beer and things started getting better. I hobbled through castles, pubs, fish and chips stands and even managed to buy some new clothes with a broked ass and a pair of crutches.
I spent two weeks in Europe and started physio when I got back.
I healed pretty quickly and yoga set me right again.

Hope you get well soon, All the best Helena!

[heckler's better 1/2]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?

-m

nothing elegant... you do realize who you are talking with right? Elegant it is not, but it sure works.

A couple of bread bags (long and narrow) work really well, tape at the top with duct tape to form seal and voila! Plus if you don't remove the air the whole leg becomes a floatation device. Safety first at the pool.

[J-Kwon]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?

Healing vibes from the interwebZZ sweet stuff!


-m

hey matt, i've broken my wrist twice, with two surgery/cast. the 2nd time i definetly had to go with the waterproof cast. it cost twice more, but it's soo worth it. and even when i had it and went to shower, the water goes in the cast. it's only waterproof, not sealing. i could see and take out black skin cells by the end. I tried dumping alcohol in there to kill the moisture/germ. but it simply does not work. my suggestion is to get a 2nd cast after the half point. getting the new cast replaced will serve you well Matt. mine stunk like shit. my family were staying the hell away from me.
for shower putting a plastic bag w/ rubberband worked well with tradition cast, but i don't know how that would work w/ a foot cast, when she can't really stand.

edit: healing vibe.

[J-Kwon]

how do you use water (shower, pool, rain, etc...) with the cast? Big bag and duct tape or is there something a little more elegant available?

Healing vibes from the interwebZZ sweet stuff!


-m

i personally got the waterproof one, because i was afraid i'd get my cast wet, which would destroy it.

Taking shower, i would wrap it with something even if it's waterproof.

[J-Kwon]

Matt make sure you take a video after the surgery.

[Buzom]

yeah I heard, that sucks.

Simon Stevenson broke his ankle at Bear on Sat too, seems like everybody is getting injured this week..

You
Simon
Steve
Daleth
Judy

and those are just people I know..

Add me to that list, I broke my elbow at whistler last week =/

[synchro]

sorry to hear that. on the bright side matt can be your personal slave for the next little while!

[biggles604]

Last october I blew out my ankle and couldn't walk for a while, and 2 years ago was my ulna (compound fracture), and I found that I managed to stay fairly chirpy through both (when pain allowed :P). Riding will always be there, and the injury allows you the time and chance to change your perspectives slightly and focus on something else.

Seeing how many people I know getting injured recently. and after my recent injury (large hematoma in my groin from impaling myself on the end of my Handlebar this weekend), I've started to question what it is we are doing and whether it's worth it, so I know at this moment that I will spend some time off the bikes and re-centre myself, so I can start off fresh with a new set of goals for riding.

Whatever you decide, don't let it get you down, just focus on something else, and the time will fly by. This would be a good chance to do some more painting!

I'll trade you X-ray photos for bruise photos ;)

[gtse]

as what everybody said......about healing vibes. i've been lucky and other than a huge bruise on the side of my knee all the way up my to my hip that's as bad as it's been for me. that was in feb but my hip is still tender today when i sleep or sit too long on the side.

i'm at lgh tomorrow for a site meeting, so when i'm not asleep from the boring meeting i'll be pushing out vibes to where ever you are.

take care

[heckler's better 1/2]

biggles604 is always looking for a reason to drop his drawers...

[Fluid]

I'll trade you X-ray photos for bruise photos ;)

DO NOT take him up on this offer, Helena - TRUST ME!!

biggles604 is always looking for a reason to drop his drawers...

Your point being? ;)

[heckler]

I've started to question what it is we are doing and whether it's worth it, so I know at this moment that I will spend some time off the bikes and re-centre myself, so I can start off fresh with a new set of goals for riding.



I've got a baker's dozen of wheels you can true up if you're bored. Will supply :beer:

[Fluid]

I've got a baker's dozen of wheels you can true up

I never knew you were such a hack :P

[heckler]

maybe a hack, but I can outrun steve at the moment.

[biggles604]

I've got a baker's dozen of wheels you can true up if you're bored. Will supply :beer:

Deal. If I can't ride, then I can work on bikes.

[heckler]

delete that shit. it doesn't do the bruise any justice at all.

get a better camera straya...

[Straya]

too fresh, hadn't had time to mature.

[big_perm]

helena you are probably going to ahte life after sugery. when i broke my snkle and got screws in the ankle, i was in a cast for 3 months. id have to go to nanaimo every couple weeks to get a new cast put on. the last month i was in some removable air cast, then i had to do another month of physio

oh i showered by tieing a white kitchen bag around my thigh. when i broke my hand a few years ago, id put my hand in a big industrial rubber glove, and use hockey tape to seal the deal. although for the shred times, i made it waterproof by wrapping duct tape half way up it

[connor]

too fresh, hadn't had time to mature.

yeah, I've seen a more recent pic.. pretty gross.. and small, ,wow is it ever small..

[biggles604]

QFT

Take that sissy picture down and stop derailling the thread ;) New thread here. (http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=113405)

[stinkbat]

wow... I seem to do the same as you guys except a really silly way... In march I broke two bones in my right foot (the same that is needed for driving) - son left a wooden block at the bottom of the stairs and I managed to step on it jumping down from 3 steps up. When in uni I did a 3rd degree sprain on my foot biking... (don't ask how -it was really stupid). Now I am finishing writing my thesis and my wife won't let me ride anything other than the shed or ubc till the work is done - she is too scared of me hurting myself and I am going stir crazy!!!!

[Chef]

Compound fracture of the calcaneus. Doctor said i might lose the foot and if not probably walk with a limp forever. One plate, eleven screws, and a fresh new demo 7 later, I'm back rippin it up again. Just got back from 3 days at Silverstar and 2 days at Sun Peaks with the guys and feel great.

Heal up soon, you'll be rippin it up in no time. Good luck with the surgery... they do really good work at Lions Gate.

[King of Fasia]

no injuries................but many healing vibes sent your way.

[J0SH]

I heard today when I went into NSBS. Hope you heel up soon.

But I know what you mean about feeling tired but still riding. A couple of days ago I went DJing, and just before I left I decided to go one more time. After the fastest pedal there I sort of fell asleep in the air and just landed on the ground like a sack of potatoes. Thankfully I was able just to get up and was left only with a few scrapes and a slightly mangled hand.

[Testy]

Heal up with a smile on and lots of patience Helena! Big time vibes going your way!!

Summer 2005 I had what looks like a pretty identical injury to yours. my GF suggested I slow down a bit and join her softball team. Well after a few jello shots in the dugout, and one really bad decision to slide into
3rd base I came out with a broken Tib, broken Fib and displaced ankle and all kinds of ligament damage. yuck.

Went in within a week for surgery and the plates and screws. All I can say right now is it WILL get better with time, time, time and physio a few weeks down the road. And it does stop hurting after awhile.

The local beaches and camping became a huge activity of ours that summer, as both are outside and on the lawn chair, (get the one with the built in footrest). The bike and trails will be there next season.

And to Matt's question about the cast and water? Garbage bag and duct tape is the way to go. Its likely you'll only have a cast for a couple weeks as the screws and plates do a great job of imobilizing the ankle.
I had a cast for just the first two weeks then went without for the rest. much easier for showering and getting an earlier start on physio. Yes physio before you're able to weight bare helps imensely with flexibility and retraining your muscles when it comes time to start figuring out how to get that leg walking again.

Helena, I found a website called www.mybrokenleg.com
On there is a forum board with hundreds of folks who have or have had broken ankles. Every question I had I was able to get an answer for. All from folks who were going through or had gone through the injury. I found that website was a great place for support and the best place for instant information out there.

Good luck with Helena! Its only a short term setback, lots of us have broken an ankle, foot, legs etc and we are back riding at the same or even higher level as before the injury.

[Lady Gravity]

yeah, I've seen a more recent pic.. pretty gross.. and small, ,wow is it ever small..

:lol:

[SkunkworkS]

Ouch!

Heal up Helena. In a way, injuries are great in that they help us to refocus and recentre our minds, all the while healing up our bodies from all the abuse it generally takes.

Have some fun. Try new stuff and in no time, you'll be able to go back on the bike and enjoy all your new found pleasures as well.

Healing vibes sent your way!

-Pedro

[kalisto]

Hope you're doing okay!

At least it was later in the summer rather than sooner!

... like shirk said, you gotta start getting your ankle upto par for ski season!

[Dude]

Helena,

What an unfortunate pain in the ass.

Been there three times w/ broken legs / ankles. All from soccer.

First time was 6 months to walk, full year for full recovery. No surgery. Second time, no surgery again, not as bad a break, but no sports for three months, and no recovery for 6. 3rd time: surgery, plate, screws. Walking in less than 6 weeks, full recovery after 4 months. My right ankle is as strong as ever, and absolutely no change in my activities.

The sugeries and doctors are getting better and better.

Look at it this way: August and September are great months for hanging on the patio drinking beer.

[THE CHAMP]

It sounds like i had the exact break i believe it called a
"maisoneuve" facture its where you break or displace the foot and
ankle so far that ligament and tendon that attaches in the ankle
runs up and attaches to the fibula below the knee its pulled so hard that it breaks the fibula requiring a plate,and the ankle will require closed reduction screws,the really crappy thing for me was i got a walking cast but was not allowed to bare any weight on it until the screws where removed 10 weeks later but atleat i could take it off to have a bath, i pretty much didnt walk for almost 4-5 months it was a long road but coming up on 2 years and besides some slight swelling and a little bit of lost of mobility its pretty much 100% recovered, good luck to you.

[Marvel]

... like shirk said, you gotta start getting your ankle upto par for ski season!

One of her concerns was that her ski boot might not fit properly after. I'm sure it will and there's great bootfitters out there if needed. I like how you think lady!

We'll definitely be shredding pow this upcoming season :woot:

[biggles604]

One of her concerns was that her ski boot might not fit properly after. I'm sure it will and there's great bootfitters out there if needed. I like how you think lady!

We'll definitely be shredding pow this upcoming season :woot:

Hee hee, you called Kalisto a lady.

[Marvel]

Hee hee, you called Kalisto a lady.

"I like how you think lady" was in reference to Helena thinking about ski season already and being concerned about her ski boot not fitting a day after the incident.

But I will add that I think Kalisto would look good in drag.

[kalisto]

:lol:

Drag eh? I do need to top last years Halloween costume...

http://www.sfu.ca/~jrp1/pics/costume.jpg


Back on track though!

At least you have an excuse to get new boots Helena!

[Ty.]

Accept it as a blessing and embrace your new opportunities to grow as a complete person. Riding will always be there, waiting for you when you are ready. It's the time you'll get to spend with your friends, family and with yourself that will truly enlighten you over the next few months.

Things happen for reasons right? Although sometimes very difficult to see and understand, especially this early, you'll be able to take advantage of the opportunity and turn a negative into a positive with the right attitude.

DB@EB


So very very true. Serious injuries seem to really promote self-growth. Take advantage of the time.

Healing vibes.

Ty.

[1994canucks]

http://www.activeankle.com/store/media/cf_pro.jpg

I've been there a couple times. The last time was about 2 years ago up on CBC. Freak accident on nothing really, the left just gave out. Dr F'd up and I had to have two surgeries!! not fun.

I have a pair of these, make sure you get a pair. Go with the all season pair.
Good luck and healing vibes.

[M13]

helena you are probably going to ahte life after sugery. when i broke my snkle and got screws in the ankle, i was in a cast for 3 months.

yeah I'd ahte my life if I broke my snkle too. ;)

[gtse]

http://www.activeankle.com/store/media/cf_pro.jpg

I have a pair of these, make sure you get a pair.....


i few years ago i sprained my ankle playing vball and the doc told me i'd need to get the ankle braces. but even though you might only need it for one ankle to still wear both. the reason being that you favor the wounded ankle and what happens is that the other one gets over used making it tired and weak after a long game of vball. so what happens is if you should sprain the other ankle most of the time it'll be a bad sprain due to the surrounding muscles being tired and weak.

also to ween yourself off them other wise the muscles get weak and dependent. so now i ride w/o them and only wear them when playing competitive vball.

oh also most extended health benefits will cover them!!!

[M13]

i few years ago i sprained my ankle playing vball and the doc told me i'd need to get the ankle braces. but even though you might only need it for one ankle to still wear both. the reason being that you favor the wounded ankle and what happens is that the other one gets over used making it tired and weak after a long game of vball. so what happens is if you should sprain the other ankle most of the time it'll be a bad sprain due to the surrounding muscles being tired and weak.

also to ween yourself off them other wise the muscles get weak and dependent. so now i ride w/o them and only wear them when playing competitive vball.

oh also most extended health benefits will cover them!!!

Truly.

I had a terrible left ankle due to multiple sprains and tendon fatigue. I was not able to push my left ankle and used that support as a recovery tool and extra protective gear when necessary. Little by little I started not using it, and got my muscles back to par and my left ankle is just as strong as my right now. I even sprain them these days and they do not hurt as much as say a few years ago.

RECOVERY FTW.

[Helena]

Thanks for all the info! Wish me luck! Checking in today for surgery, finally.

[1994canucks]

i few years ago i sprained my ankle playing vball and the doc told me i'd need to get the ankle braces. but even though you might only need it for one ankle to still wear both. the reason being that you favor the wounded ankle and what happens is that the other one gets over used making it tired and weak after a long game of vball. so what happens is if you should sprain the other ankle most of the time it'll be a bad sprain due to the surrounding muscles being tired and weak.

also to ween yourself off them other wise the muscles get weak and dependent. so now i ride w/o them and only wear them when playing competitive vball.

oh also most extended health benefits will cover them!!!

I have no faith in my ankles anymore, I can't count how many times these puppies saved a trip to the hospital. Not riding without them...each to their own I guess.

[mattj]

Wow thanks so much guys for all your thoughts and advice. We really appreciate your support and it's awesome that Helena finally posted on NSMB. And Craig too!!! Welcome to the boards buddy. Thanks a lot for your post.


-m

[forest]

good luck Helena, sugerys not so bad. Just like taking a nap.

[Chef]

No problemo Matt. I thought if there were ever a time to reply this would be it.

In reference to the showering question... lie down in the bath, hang said foot out of the tub and proceed. There is no need for bags and duct tape. It worked for me for 5 months. I had an air cast and could take it off at home/shower/work, etc... but had a nasty wound that couldn't be submerged or get wet due to infection concerns!!!

Good luck to Helena and wish her a speedy recovery.

[DaveM]

it's awesome that Helena finally posted on NSMB And Craig too!!!


welcome to the abyss :lol:

[LeeLau]

Sucks Helena! Hope you heal up well!

We had a guy in the WBP last year who dislocated his ankle on the wall ride...

Day 2 of a 14 day trip. He was from Switzerland and he was by himself.

Sharon.

[schoenrock]

Thanks for all the info! Wish me luck! Checking in today for surgery, finally.

good luck on the surgery helena with healing vibes of course....did you get dr.bagoo?

[big_perm]

yeah I'd ahte my life if I broke my snkle too. ;)
its hard to type when i have my weight lifting gloves on

[biggles604]

good luck on the surgery helena with healing vibes of course....did you get dr.bagoo?

If it is Bagoo, and the quality of work he did on me is anything to go by, then you are really in good care.

[J-Kwon]

good luck Helena, sugerys not so bad. Just like taking a nap.

more like,
oh hai,
bye.

[Chef]

Dr. Bagoo did my surgery and I've been pretty happy with the work so far. He is an ankle specialist so hopefully you get him.

[mattj]

Helena had surgery last night at LGH. Everything went well and she is at home resting now. She was drugged up good but it seems that she is feeling relatively well.


-m

[Testy]

Good to hear you guys. I know that hurts like a bugger when you wake up morning number 1 after the surgery. T3's T3's T3's

[J-Kwon]

Helena had surgery last night at LGH. Everything went well and she is at home resting now. She was drugged up good but it seems that she is feeling relatively well.


-m

hey matt, sometimes people have different reaction to surgery(doesn't mean it went wrong). But i remember the 2nd time after the drug wore off, my wrist started to swell ridiculously, and it caused extreme throbbing, and pain under the cast, in that case, get advil liquid w/ iburfrophin(sp?)

[Lady Gravity]

yeah unless you want to get uber constipated stay away from the t3's - try extra strength advil first to get the swelling down.

[Marvel]

Thanks for the update Matt!

[SkunkworkS]

Helena had surgery last night at LGH. Everything went well and she is at home resting now. She was drugged up good but it seems that she is feeling relatively well.


-m

Drugged up you say?

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4619/comicparty2nw.gif

[biggles604]

Drugged up you say?

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4619/comicparty2nw.gif

Your sig file makes that so much funnier.

[Helena]

You guys are too funny!!

Last night was pretty rough b/c I didn't have my leg elevated enough but today I'm happily buzzing on T3's and doing absolutely nothing! The in-laws are taking care of me then my mom arrives in a couple of weeks to wait on me hand and foot to boot! Perhaps I can turn all of this into a vacation after all :)

Anyhow, I'll be non-weight bearing for the next 6 weeks (and off work from physio - so I can't help anyone let alone myself!)

Have a great rest of the season everyone. Short of XC later in the fall I think I'm done with shore riding for '08 anyway. I got in some firsts this year so I'm happy... (Do the wall rides count as nailing them if I demolished my ankle on the landing???) Maybe in the future I'll stay out of the park setting.

Ride safe everyone!!

[Helena]

Oh! I forgot to mention that I missed Dr. Bagoo by a day and was operated on my Dr. Panagiotopoulous (wrote that from memory so I think I just butchered his name!) Anyway, nice, confident young guy. I'm sure he did a great job. We'll see in 2 weeks!

[J-Kwon]

did they staple you?

[Helena]

No clue. Just woke up in the recovery room with it all bandaged up. So it'll be a big surprise when it comes off in 2 wks.

[Testy]

Great news surgery went ok, are you going to be without a cast after the two weeks? That was the best choice I made, better for bathing, less itch, and ya don't need it if you're non weight bearing.

And stay plateaued on those T3's Helena. Week one was pretty much impossible for me without them.

[Helena]

I may be able to go without the cast after 2 weeks. Just a bit freaked out now b/c I looked up my "Pilon" Ankle fracture in the medical journals and the outcomes don't look good. Here's hoping for a small miracle. This is the downside of being in the orthopaedic biz.

[Sparkplug]

I may be able to go without the cast after 2 weeks. Just a bit freaked out now b/c I looked up my "Pilon" Ankle fracture in the medical journals and the outcomes don't look good. Here's hoping for a small miracle. This is the downside of being in the orthopaedic biz.

Don't get too down about what specialists think... Everyone (surgeon included) commented on how bad my wrist injury was. My physio said that in her 30+ years of practice in sports physio she had never seen such a bad wrist injury. (I had a multiple fracture, complete dislocation, reduction etc.) Long story short, it has recovered sooo well - full range of motion; full strength; fully functional - a little bit of clicking now and then from one of the loose bone pieces (small chunck off the end of the ulna). So, just goes to show you that the body is amazing and can outsmart even the most knowledgeable orthopaedics!! Happy healing...

[HIBuLlitT]

I may be able to go without the cast after 2 weeks. Just a bit freaked out now b/c I looked up my "Pilon" Ankle fracture in the medical journals and the outcomes don't look good. Here's hoping for a small miracle. This is the downside of being in the orthopaedic biz.

As sparkplug said, don't let the "possible" get you down. Think about you being
healthy, and where you want to be when you're healed. Your body knows what
to do. I've broken most of the bones in my body from top to bottom. When I break
something, if the doc lets me, I move the joints near the break to keep it moving.
I find when I get the cast/boot/strap off I have some mobility already. I never
go till I hurt, just a little movement here and there.

Anyway, trust your body that it can do what it needs to and do what ever you can
to stop from going crazy. Nows the time to go to Disneyland, you get someone
to push you around in the chair and you get to the front of all the lines (that's
what I did after about week 5-6 of my broken ankle).

Healing vibes...!

[J-Kwon]

I may be able to go without the cast after 2 weeks. .

then you are probably stapled. it's really refreshing when they take it out.

ps-t3's suck really bad, harsh on liver, and don't do anything, inspiration on the otherhand... seriously.

[J-Kwon]

As sparkplug said, don't let the "possible" get you down. Think about you being
healthy, and where you want to be when you're healed. Your body knows what
to do. I've broken most of the bones in my body from top to bottom. When I break
something, if the doc lets me, I move the joints near the break to keep it moving.
I find when I get the cast/boot/strap off I have some mobility already. I never
go till I hurt, just a little movement here and there.


i would seriously not try to flex the cast by flexing the joint/muscle. that led to non-reunion for me...

[.max]

My GF just had surgery for a broken wrist and she's finding Advil better for sleeping, the T3s contain caffeine

[HIBuLlitT]

i would seriously not try to flex the cast by flexing the joint/muscle. that led to non-reunion for me...

How much were you moving it?
My doctor told me there was a good percentage of patients that will have
a nonunion no matter what, especially with a plate and/or screws installed.
Having broken my fibula, ulna, radius, humerus, 2 clavicles, 2 ribs, 6X nose,
2X hand, xiphoid process, several toes, one concussion , and lots of stitches
(a whole different list). I have yet to nonunion (knocks on wood) though my
nose is pretty screwed up.

Maybe wiggling would be a better explanation. If you're getting a nonunion from
movement, you must be moving the bones a lot too. I was just saying keep
the joint loose (unless you got a pin trying to stop it from moving). If I couldn't
move my ankle joint because it's screwed I'd still be wiggling my toes a lot.

[Lady Gravity]

Having broken my fibula, ulna, radius, humerus, 2 clavicles, 2 ribs, 6X nose, 2X hand, xiphoid process, several toes, one concussion , and lots of stitches (a whole different list). I have yet to nonunion (knocks on wood) though my nose is pretty screwed up.

:| you must look real purdy

[HIBuLlitT]

:| you must look real purdy

I prefer to use the word rugged thank you.

[Helena]

Yeah, I'm getting more focused and positive about all of this! Thanks for the advice! Just wiggling my toes and trying not to be on my feet too much throughout the day. Gotta give it time I guess...

[J0SH]

All I have ever broken was my nose, and that was from playing a game at school. Have you ever heard of the game where someone asks you "if your hand is bigger than your face you have cancer.". You then put your hand over your face and they hit you. My friend was having a bit to much fun, and hit me REALLY hard. My nose has still not healed, and its been over a year, so my nose will forever be wobbly. At least if someone asks I can say I was is a fight, I guess :rolleyes: