BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)

Subject: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Hawker
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 03:42 PM

Well what a start to 2007! everything was going so well, I crouched down to put some more paper in the printer under my desk and pop! Searing pain and inability to walk! I am now plastered from the knee down, I have a partial rupture of my achilles tendon and am likely to be immobile for about 6 weeks minimum! For the first 2 weeks I am plastered with my toes down and am not allowed to weight bear. My other leg is already complaining at taking all the weight, I know I am supposed to be resting but a girl needs a certain amount of mobility! I am doing stairs on my bum and think a chair on wheels - like an office chair may be an easier way to get round the house than crutches - anyone got any suggestions?
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 03:48 PM

Oh dear, poor Lucy, commiserations, I bet that was blood painful. I recommend a decent set of elbow crutches, an office chair with wheels is only good on a non carpeted floor. I would offer to come and wheel you round myself, but I'm off for a hip replacement tomorrow, and will need wheeling around myself for a while afterwards.
Keep well
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Scoville
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 03:54 PM

Oh, that's awful! My mother broke a bone in her foot a year or so ago and it drove her nuts. I don't know how anyone stays still enough for leg/foot injuries to heal and still gets anything done.

Mom did spend a lot of time rolling around on her office chair. The floors in our house are very uneven under the carpet, though, so she kept getting stuck.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 03:58 PM

Some empathy here, Lucy. I had a "slightly" strained Achilles tendon some years ago and although not a plaster job it was ******* painful.
Best regards from fB.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 04:06 PM

I used a rolling office chair all over our house, but we've got tile and hardwood with no carpeting, so it was easier. Hate crutches. Best advice for any kind of foot injury: TAKE TIME TO HEAL!!! It does more harm to get impatient and try to push through the pain, etc. Love yerself enough to stay off it and let it get better. Your body knows what to do if you let it. I say this from experience with a ton of soft tissue damage over the past year and a couple of months.:-)

{{{{{{{{LUCY}}}}}}}}}

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: sapper82
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 04:07 PM

You've drawn a short straw on that one. I can imagine you quietly fuming with yourself, so my sympathy and I hope you are finding ways to cope with the situation.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Charmion
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 04:20 PM

I did 10 weeks without weight-bearing after a spectacularly messy ankle fracture in 1990, and then another month after fracturing the other ankle four years later. I disagree with Giok on the choice of crutches; I advise the basic wooden hospital-issue under-the-oxter type. Just make sure they are correctly fitted, with the tops four fingers below the hollow of your armpit, and have nice cushy padding on the tops and the hand-grips. Elbow crutches require more strength in the arms, shoulders and upper chest than the long kind, and therefore are less suitable for women who are new to the entire crutch experience. Of course, your mileage may vary, especially if you start your day with ten push-ups from the toes.

As long as your leg is in plaster, spend as much time as you can on the sofa with the cast propped up at or above heart level. During the non-weight-bearing phase, sleep, entertain friends, watch the telly, read, and undertake only such work as can be done in a recumbent position. (I edited an entire manual of government contracting procedures alternating between bed and sofa, carrying the copy back and forth in my teeth.) Let other people feed you and fetch and carry for you. Bumming around is not only good exercise, it is also a safe way to get downstairs until you build up enough strength in your arms to do it upright without risk of toppling headfirst.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 04:21 PM

I imagine that this, like many other foot and lower leg injuries, will benefit from keeping your foot up as much as possible. Be patient!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 05:05 PM

Commisserations from here too Lucy ! Get a good chair and possibly a foot stool by the 'puter and spend a few weeks in Chat ! I'll see you there , and sympathise a bit more !

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: artbrooks
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 05:39 PM

LISTEN when they tell you no weight bearing. I broke my leg (smaller leg bone inside top of ankle) and got up on it too soon...and my foot has angled out ever since. Do you knit?

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Gizmo
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 05:40 PM

Sympathies and commiserations Lucy.

Keep your leg up, and amke sure you have lots and lots and lots of things to keep you entertained e.g. I had a TV remote, piles of books, magazines and puzzle books etc when I was laid up with knee probs as a teenager. Incidently, if you have a jigsaw puzzle that never seems to be done - now is the time to do it.

Have a makeshift nest where you intend to be all day too - plenty of cushions blankets etc - treat yourself as though you were queen. (I'd recommend a little tinkling bell too, but it might make the dog a bit potty).

I found that the elbow crutches were easier for me than the wooden underarm ones - I think it probably is personal preference. Nice idea with the computer chair!

I send you wishes for a speedy recovery.

Nicci

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 05:59 PM

I can lend you some cross stitch supplies, magazines and a handy carry pouch for crutching days... made it for a mate who had his ankle smashed by a bus. He's still limping 18 months later but no longer needs the pouch. Clips round the waist like an apron but has 3 pockets for carrying stuff.

Take care, and rest!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 06:09 PM

Hard luck Lucy!

I used an office chair to get around when I had a bunionectomy. Again, non carpeted floors but it made life a lot easier, especially when taking food or drink from the kitchen to the living room. I had one of those cushioned trays that sat properly on my lap and, so long as I didn't try to move too fast, was quite safe.

I would go along with everyone who has said stay off the leg for as long as possible. It really isn't worth trying to get back onto it before it is properly healed.

Healing thoughts coming from Maine.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 06:21 PM

Why not hire a wheel chair from the red cross. one of those that has a leg support.

A bed pan is useful LOL

However you could have a wheelchair with a toilet underneath as well as a leg support.

Do what you are told to do. Get lots of talking books from the library, then you don't have to read yourself, just listen.

get the toyboy in to pamper you. I am sure you can rent them these days.

Above all try to relax and take it easy

Les

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Hawker
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 06:31 PM

Thanks for the good wishes all,
We have a non-carpeted floor so it would be OK I think, just got to borrow one now!
When I had my arthroscopies on my knees we invested in a recliner chair which is great it has 2 positions feet up level and feet above knee, knee above hip as I have been told to sit, so I am lounging around at the momentin reclined mode. The dog is loving every minute of it - having my lap 24-7 dont know how long KB and the kids are going to enjoy making ME coffee etc! I'll enjoy it while it lasts!
I have no intention of not doing as I am told, but when the kids are at school and KB is at work I will need to go to the loo and eat! its that kind of miving around I need the chair for.
fB it was *!$%ing painful till they immobilised it, as it cannot move, it doesn't hurt now (except when the dog catches my toes!) they said it it one of the most painful injuries - more painful than a break they reckoned - and I didn't cry! (moaned and aaaarghed a lot though!)
Oh well I'll hop it to bed soon, all this hopping has knackered me!
Cheers, lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: JennieG
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 06:49 PM

Ouch Lucy! Be kind to yourself. Can you train the dog to fetch stuff for you, or is that a lost cause? *grin*

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 07:18 PM

Time to sit & play the harp eh?.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: JennyO
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 10:24 PM

My sympathies! I broke an ankle in 1989 while ice-skating. It was what they called a Potts fracture - my foot was set in a strange sideways sort of position and I was also told not to put ANY weight on it for 10 weeks. I found the rolling office chair invaluable.

One of the problems with crutches (I had the wooden hospital kind) is that it is very hard to move food around, and impossible for drink. I also found they aggravated an old shoulder injury and made my other leg tired if I used them for any length of time.

Also, unless you have a very open-plan house, it is difficult to manoevre a wheelchair through doorways and round tight corners, so I'd definitely go for the office chair. Liz's carry pouch sounds good too. Your tray with the padding underneath - I've got one of those - it's good for eating in front of the TV, which we tend to do sometimes. It's called a "Stable Table" here in Oz.

Good luck with it all! This too shall pass!

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Ron Davies
Date: 09 Jan 07 - 11:40 PM

You're absolutely right about the utility of a wheeled chair (not a wheelchair)--crutches are hideous. I broke my foot a few years ago and tooled around both at home and at work (at considerable speeds at work, propelling myself along the corridors by pushing on the walls with my arms.) It became fun, even-- (and I passed virtually everybody else in the corridors). (It's a sizable building).

If you have to use crutches, be particularly aware of potentially slippery surfaces.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:03 AM

Ha! That reminds me Ron of when I got my first crutches when leaving hospital that time. They made me try them out around the hospital - not only on the flat surfaces, which are pretty slippery, but also up and down the steep stairs of the fire escape. This was quite terrifying, but they stood there and watched me every time (ready to catch me I suppose in case I fell) and I had to repeat this over several days, until I "passed". It was like a driving test.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:10 AM

one of my friends did her Archilles tendon in & it took a long time to heal, probably cos she also had long term back problems.

keep resting & wheelin'

best wishes from sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Bert
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 12:34 AM

Frankie Howerd had this TV show called "Up Pompei"

He's saying, "I go sloshed in Syracuse and rotten in Rome and I'm not going to tell you what I did in Pisa"

Then he goes on with his show, cracking all kinds of silly jokes.

Eventually, he says, "I got plastered in Paris too"

Keep yer chin up.

LUVYA,

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 04:54 AM

Some hints for legless people!

Hot Drinks ~ Ask a beloved (or just a generally useful person) to get you one of those huge vacuum flasks and fill it with boiling water before they leave the house. Get a supply of your favourite beverages placed near you. You can now make your own beverage without having to trapse up and down the house. Unless you drink black tea/coffee or herbal drinks, you may require a smaller flask for cold milk. Cold drinks can be kept cool in a small flask, buy individual juice pouches and keep a big bottle of water handy. Of course, the more of these beverages you drink, the more you'll need the loo, so think carefully before you indulge too much! HAving said that, as you're less mobile, it's important to keep your kidneys in shape by drinking plenty of water.

Wear an apron with a pocket if you are moving around. You'll always have something to carry things in then. Don't be tempted to sling a carrier bag over the handle of your crutch - it'll throw you off balance as it swings.

Plan ahead. If you are getting up to get one thing, think of what else you can take at the same time in your pouch or pocket. If you get up to the bathroom for a pee, how about cleaning your teeth whilst you're in there. If you fancy a snack, how about bringing back a clean cup as well.

Clench your buttocks alternately. Try lifting your bum off the seat occasionally by pushing up with your elbows and thighs. This will keep them from getting numb (few things more annoying than arse cramp when you can't get up) and keep the circulation going. Bed sores don't just happen in bed.....! Try and limit the time the furry friend is sitting on your lap - extra pressure on your bum isn't going to help you at this point (unless furry friend is a chihuahua or a Yorkie, where weight isn't really an issue. If he's a mountain dog or laborador, then get him his own room!).

Avoid the temptation to 'treat' yourself with sweeties because you're poorly. Ask friends to bring fruit rather than choccies as you're not going to be able to burn off the excess calories for a while.

Have a fan spare blankets/jumpers within reach so you don't have to keep getting up to turn heaters on or off, or open windows.

Borrow a book on Pilates excercises which you can do whilst seated. This will help strengthen the muscles you use and will be useful when the plaster is off to tone those you can't use yet.

Don't have someone with you 24/7. You will be driven up the wall and they will want to beat you sensless with your own crutch.

Patience is the best virtue. Everything takes time. Don't set yourself a calendar of 'by this date I'll....' healing doesn't work that way.

Hope some of this is useful - they're observations made by myself and the mate mentioned above - he spent 2 months supine at his parents house and a further 9 months with severely limited movement after turning his ankle to small fragments.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 05:16 AM

OUCH! Hope you have a smooth recovery.

Lot's of great advice here. Especially not having someone with you 24/7... LOL, Liz.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Partridge
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 05:31 AM

Can't add to all the advice(LTS - you should write a book!)
I can only wish you well,

cheers

pat x

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 06:40 AM

Great advice all, Today I feel as though I did 10 rounds with Mike Tyson yesterday, I ache all over, having used and probably pulled muscles i didnt know I had! I have found crawling the most effective way of getting anywhere quickly, though its not doing my knees any good and the dog thinks its a great game, I'm hunting round my local friends today for an office chair, I cannot believe we got rid of ours!
I shall utilise some of your ideas all and enjoy the rest!
Thanks, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 06:52 AM

Ouch indeed!

Sorry, I have no advice to give, Lucy, but you have my sympathy!

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 07:29 AM

Just a thought on the office chair - I think one with arms would be safer - and more comfortable.

Believe it or not, I found my current one (with arms) by the side of the road during a council clean-up. Someone had thrown it out because the lifting mechanism wasn't working, but when I tried it out, I found it was exactly the right height for me, and extremely comfortable - just like it was made for me - in fact it's the most comfortable chair in the house. Just as well considering the amount of time I spend on Mudcat!

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 08:35 AM

Have borrowed one - with arms! its great and much less hard work than hopping with crutches, my aching arms are much happier now and I can scoot aboput quite well, negotiating the doors is a bit tricky, but certainly better than before!

Cheers all
Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Becca72
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 08:42 AM

Warning, thread drift ahead....

to expand on Liz's comment about not having someone with you 24/7...when my father had bypass surgery a couple of years ago he needed to have someone stay with him for the first couple of days home to make sure he took his meds on time, prepare his meals, etc. Pretty light duty stuff. So I volunteered. I brought a book with me and just hung out with him, doing the things he needed to have done but trying to stay out of the way. He made a comment at one point during the 2nd day that will stay with me for the rest of my life. He said "I'm glad it was you who stayed with me. You don't need me to entertain you, you can just BE". It was one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten.

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 09:00 AM

Good one, Lucy! I remember those aching arms - mine are already feeling better in sympathy with yours :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 10:50 AM

I broke my leg when I was 7 years old and using the crutches was no big thing. I was on them for three months. My friends thought they were great to play with, sometimes leaving me stuck until they brought them back. A few years ago I had a bunionectomy, and how the tables had turned! Relearning crutches as an adult is far different, though I figured I was getting some exercise that was good for me. I wasn't allowed up much at first, or to go far (it was my right foot so I couldn't drive) and I only used them for a week or two. Adjusting them to the proper height is important. You may find that there are lots of little holes in each crutch with a corresponding height embossed in the metal. This is a recommended position based upon the height of the user. A professor friend was hobbling painfully with too-short crutches at work one day, and I was able to adjust her crutches for her and see immediate improvement in her comfort level.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Being Plastered! (below the knee!)
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Jan 07 - 04:10 PM

The crutches are at the correct height, just that I have been using my arms for the 3 days before I got plastered and age makes it a whole new ball game, also, when I had my knee ops, i was allowed to put my foot to the floor, this time I am not allowed to bear any weight on it............unusually for me, I have so far done as I am told! but I have only been wearing this damn pot for 24 hours the next 5 weeks and 6 days are going to be testing!!!!!!!!

Cheers Lucy