Tuesday - January 9, 2018
Happy New Year!
I just got back from spending new years with my friends in Hawaii! I had such a great time, minus catching the nasty cold that's been going around.
I went on one hike called the Koko Head, my first time hiking this with the hardware in my ankle. I was nervous but ambitious. I was curious how I felt afterwards. The steep upwards uneven steps was never ending. I had no problem going up.
I finally made it to the top without issues! No pain! No soreness! No problem! I felt so accomplished and happy I made it! Even better, my ankle was happy! From 100 to 1000 steps! It took about an hour with my slow pace and many breaks for the view and water.
After a break at the top, coming down was a different story. The steps were big, steep, and uneven. My legs were tired. Jello legs. At the beginning I started out with my right foot stepping down. The pressing stepping down was a bit much. It started to pinch at the wrong angles when I stepped down. Then my body weight was adding to the stress on my ankle while stepping/hopping down. Some parts of it I even had to crawl down because the steps were too far. It then got a bit too much. I changed sides and had to step down with my left foot first. By the time I reached the end, I started to limp a tiny bit because of the soreness. I wasn't in pain though. Just tired and the few times I felt the pinch pain while stepping down with my right ankle. My foot wasn't meant to bend that way stepping down with the hardware on. It felt awkward. However, I did it! I'd do it again! Probably once I'm in better shape. I'm more aware now how I step with the hardware in my ankle. I love hiking and it's always been a challenge to get back to it. But it is the greatest workout to stretch out my ankle! I love it! I look forward to my next hike!
Happy 2018!
Hi I was wondering how long it took you to be able to stand and walk for extended periods without a lot of pain or limping. I had 8 screws and a plate put in my outside ankle and a big screw in my inside of my ankle 2 weeks ago and I have to be back to work in May. I have to stand and walk for 8-9 hours a day and I’m hoping I won’t have to work in a wheelchair. Also I love that you have been updating your blog for so many years, I think it’s helped a lot of people! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAshlea
Hi Ashlea, thank you for your comments! I hoped my blog can help others by reading my progress. I remember I had surgery on Sept 28, and still needed my one crutch to support my walking into February. I couldn't walk or stand for more than 30 min. I documented that progress here: http://brokenrightankle.blogspot.com/2013/02/day-80-cant-stand-for-more-then-30.html
ReplyDeleteMay is coming up, I do recommend to follow all of the exercises recommended by your Physical Therapist and Surgeon. You may heal faster than me, it's hard to say. I just tried to eat healthy, rest, and follow all the exercises to heal as quickly as I can. I remembered I slowly increased my walking exercises to get use to being on my feet again to grow my foot and calf muscles. Then elevate my foot everyday that I was sore or swelling after.
My nurse broke her foot and used a knee scooter to help alleviate the pressure on being on her feet all day at work. Then she sat to elevate her feet when she could. This may help you in case you do need the support. I always had my one crutch easily accessible in case I needed it wherever I went for that extra support. I also remember I wore or had my ankle brace with me whenever I needed to walk more that day. The best advice would come from your doctor and Physical Therapist, let them know your work schedule and they'll be able to help you the best. Just be careful and don't force the healing like I did. I thought I didn't need my one crutch in early January (I still had a little limp when walking, and walking slow) when I went out for a happy hour with friends and ended up resting in bed the entire next day from all the soreness and swelling from being on my feet for just a few hours.
All the best to you!