Broken Ankle

[RowdyandMe]

Well I broke my ankle 8 days ago and I am still waiting for surgery. I meet tomorrow with the surgeon to see if the swelling is down enough to do the surgery. I know they will be putting in metal plates and screws on both sides of my ankle. And I am not ready to sit and do nothing. So what I am asking is that anybody who has had this surgery how long before I can at least walk on it or even drive.

[trekkin_gecko]

looks a lot better than a week ago
don't rush it - let it heal up
you'll be back on south mountain and in the supes soon enough

[RowdyandMe]

We I got my stitches removed yesterday. And I also got the first cast of my life. It comes off in two weeks. After that I am hoping for a walking boot.

[RowdyandMe]

[----]

Good luck, I hope it goes well. My recovery has been going well and I hope to know just what it means to feel normal again by end of summer. That is, if some idiotic pencil pushers can be convinced to mind their own business.

[RowdyandMe]

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Well I finally got my cast off. I was put in a boot and told not to put any weight on it. My next appointment is in two weeks.
But at least I can wash my foot and sleep with just a compression sock on.

[big_load]

It must be a relief to be rid of the cast. Can you take off the boot at night?

[RowdyandMe]

@big_load yes I take it off at night. I have to wear a compression sock.
I so glad I can shower without a bag on my leg. I am hoping to be walking in two weeks.

[RowdyandMe]

Well I am not happy with what me doctor is telling me. I think it time for me to just go for it.
For what the doctor wants me to do,I will be unemployed. So starting next week I will walk on it no matter what. I will be going to get my dog and start his training. I am so ready to be out on the trail as well as back to work.

[joebartels]

be careful

Are you all moved now?

[Jim]

I understand the frustration, I recently did something to my foot and hiking yesterday made thing worse, but you don't want to push it after surgery. Did he say why he wants you to stay off your feet?

[RowdyandMe]

@joe bartels yes I was all moved in by March 24. But I am not done cleaning up the old place.

[RowdyandMe]

@Jim_H
Because I did some internal damage. I have so much work to do on my new house. And making some up grades for my new rescued dog. And of course if I can't be at work by June 11 I become unemployed.
The sad part is he wants to cut me open to remove one screw which he says will take another to weeks. Of course if I break it then I can leave it in.

[CannondaleKid]

Well I am not happy with what me doctor is telling me. I think it time for me to just go for it.

With half a life-time of hiking ahead of you I'd urge caution. If full healing isn't allowed to take place you just may be cutting short your hiking life-time.

Tough as it is to put up with, positive things can still come out of the experience... from personal experience of losing a job as a result of an injury and going 9 months without work, the job I eventually found turned out to be the best (and longest lasting) job in my life... one I never would have found if I wasn't forced to make a career change.

Take the time to allow your body to heal, you'll be glad you did (especially 20 years later when you find you can still walk)

[paulhubbard]

I'm not sure who your employer is, but look into FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). Its a government mandate designed to protect your employment in cases such as this - And you employer cannot deny it, it's law.

[big_load]

I'm not sure who your employer is, but look into FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). Its a government mandate designed to protect your employment in cases such as this - And you employer cannot deny it, it's law.

I haven't been keeping track, but it doesn't seem like you've been out long enough for your job to be at risk, at least under NJ law. I would definitely check into it. I had a guy whose short-term disability just timed out after six months. Now he goes on long-term disability.

Apart from that, I would be as cautious as possible with pushing it too soon. A permanent physical deficit is a high price to pay.

[RowdyandMe]

O@big_load I am on flma but it runs out June 11

[RowdyandMe]

@CannondaleKid hell I won't be alive in twenty years

[gummo]

O@big_load I am on flma but it runs out June 11

How does FLMA run out? I heard of short-term disability benefits running out, but I never heard of FLMA running out. Did you get a 2nd opinion on your ankle?

[Trishness]

FMLA is 12 weeks

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/benefits-leave/fmla.htm

[outdoor_lover]

You can go on Short Term Disability after FMLA, but only if it was part of your Elected Benefits. Most Employers offer it as an "option" not a given....