On Aug. 16, 2003, I was working on my house, my ladder was at a bad angle, collapsed; down I went with it, breaking my tib and fib about an inch above the ankle. It was so bad that there is a gap in both bones that will have to fill in. I've got plates alongside both my tib and fib, wih many screws. I just got my cast off today, am now able to use a boot, but NO Pressure yet, for several more weeks, just crutches, still. But it's great getting my awful cast off. 6 weeks of being flat on my back, leg elevated, swelling quickly when I stand on crutches, has been horrible. Now, my foot/ankle can swell, but doesn't get tourniquetted (sp?) by my cast when upright. Now I have to exercise my ankle, careful not to dislocate my break; I'm a bit spooked. Gotta wait for the bone gap to continue to scar, be "cartiledge-ized", calcify (at 50% calcification, can start to put pressure on it, my ortho surgeon told me today)...I've got weeks to go. Discovered this site a few weeks ago, but only now can I sit up long enough to be able to read and write some, though it still is awkward and uncomfortable, and I can only do it for a while (our computer is on a desk in a corner, not that comfy to sit at with my leg up). I share your pain, appreciate your effort and courage, posting your info, and say to you what another patient at my ortho clinic, also in a boot, but walking on the injured leg, said to me today "It'll get better...". I thanked him, because that is just what I need to hear.
Take care,
Barry