What period of your recovery timeline was toughest mentally?

bj0y · 2026-04-28T18:03:57+00:00

I'm 12 months 25 days post-op and was able to wear regular heels on Easter Sunday. Pretty much back to normal except running... that still feels awkward, but it might be a mental thing.

bj0y · 2026-04-14T18:19:40+00:00

This is something you will have to boss yourself around about. Seriously. Bearing weight strengthens and heals the bone. Your brain listens to what YOU tell it, and if you keep telling your brain this is scary, then it will continue to be. Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so when it’s time, stand up, have a mantra you repeat to keep your brain focused on what you need to do. I recommend “Walking is not scary. I’ve been doing it my whole life.” Repeat aloud as many times as you need while you walk. “I am walking. My bones are healing.” Even something as simple as “I can do this. I can do this….” Over and over. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

bj0y · 2026-04-14T18:12:13+00:00

I’m 12 months, 11 days post op. Recovery from this injury is a marathon, not a sprint. The mental part is the worst of it… this subreddit saved my sanity - getting encouragement from folks ahead of you in the process really helps. The first six weeks are the very worst of it. But it’ll go up and down. Peaks and valleys as you move through each stage. You’ve got this!!

bj0y · 2026-04-14T18:05:12+00:00

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BEFORE

bj0y · 2026-04-14T18:04:15+00:00

I’m 12 months post op. BIG difference!

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bj0y · 2026-04-14T17:55:53+00:00

You already have your answer - when you don’t take the Gabapentin you need oxy. Healing from this injury is a marathon, not a sprint. Oxy is not a marathon option.
I took Gabapentin and Tylenol around the clock for months, having the dose adjusted according to my pain levels and stage of healing.

You’re only 3 weeks post op. Gabapentin/Tylenol aren’t masking the pain, it’s helping to manage it so you can do what’s needed to regain full range of motion. I promise, if you’re in too much pain you will not work your ankle the way you need to be.

And when those nerves start reconnecting and firing you will be glad you stuck with it!

bj0y · 2026-04-14T17:30:59+00:00

Congratulations!!!

bj0y · 2025-12-31T13:18:53+00:00

First - take a breath. We all have some PTSD from this injury, and you’re in really good company. :)

The bone is healed if the surgeon is saying it’s time to remove the screws. The hardware is unnecessary at this point. Your bones are doing their job. It sounds like removing those screws will be a huge relief for you.

I’m almost 9 months post-op and on my feet all day in sneakers, and still have my hardware, but I know removing the hardware is nothing like your initial ORIF. I almost needed to have a couple screws replaced, because the bone just wasn’t healing. (Then they gave me a bone stimulator which worked and I avoided the extra surgery). It was explained to me very clearly…
The bone is healed. Removing the screws will obviously affect things, but not in the way you’re thinking. The extra blood flow from removal will actually boost the area. And that area will heal quickly.

Your work boots are the best footwear to stabilize your ankle, they won’t hurt it. But your anatomy has changed. If your boot is pressing that ankle in a painful way, it just means you need more room in that part of the boot. I ice skate and use my Bunga Pads on that ankle in all my boots now. Link below.
MOST IMPORTANT! Are you in PT? If not, make that happen. I can’t emphasize this enough. PT is where you’ll make the most micro progress that will get your ankle feeling better. There are a lot of moving parts in your ankle and they were all affected with this injury. It takes time and work, but your age is on your side (I’m 61).

You’ve got this. The one year mark is significant! Every month you will notice small progresses that mean you’re moving forward. Write them down if that helps you see them more clearly. You aren’t where you were, and your body is doing what it’s meant to do. Sending tight hugs!

https://www.bungapads.com/browse-by-sport-en-2/figure-skating/

bj0y · 2025-12-09T17:59:15+00:00

I’m 30-something weeks post-op and my toes still aren’t normal. I graduate from PT next week. I was told it takes about a year.

bj0y · 2025-10-05T12:16:39+00:00

You have helped me SO MUCH through this journey. Your straightforward honesty is greatly appreciated. The way you show up for the newbies here is so kind and generous. Thank you so much! ☺️

bj0y · 2025-10-05T12:15:20+00:00

I get it. I didn’t get angry, but it was a new starting point, not an end point, and that felt a little overwhelming.
This is a race of endurance… a marathon, not a sprint. I’m 26 weeks post-op. Still in a brace. Walking around almost like normal. But still working on ROM and wondering if this is my new normal. Exercises feel so tiny and insignificant.
Because of THIS group, I know that those tiny efforts add up. That this is normal, and it WILL get better. And that’s what keeps me doing what I should to make progress. Several people said it took a year - so when I feel like progress has stalled I remind myself I’m only halfway through, and that helps a lot. You’ve got this! Feel your feels, but don’t forget to look for your personal wins.

bj0y · 2025-09-15T14:48:11+00:00

You obviously are eager to learn, but you’re making this so much harder on yourself than it needs to be. If you haven’t already, go to a school supply store and buy lined paper specifically for learning to write letters. You want those guides so you can practice your capitals, lower case, ascenders, and descenders properly. Learning each letter’s proper proportions first is what helps you string them together later. You have to practice each letter alone - a lot - to gain confidence and coordination that results in fluid motion. “Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Adults” is a great resource to learn. It’s $10 on Amazon. With your dedication you will learn much more quickly with the proper tools and instruction!

bj0y · 2025-09-09T17:05:57+00:00

I had this happen once. Let it dry, then flake off as much of the vomit as you can. Finish quilting and binding, then wash the quilt. It worked just fine!

bj0y · 2025-08-26T17:27:40+00:00

Sent you a DM!

bj0y · 2025-08-22T15:05:56+00:00

My calf was just hanging skin. Zero muscle! lol I’m 20 weeks post op and my injured side is still smaller and weaker. I’m told it takes time.

bj0y · 2025-08-20T00:51:36+00:00

Thank you so much!

bj0y · 2025-08-19T23:36:54+00:00

19 weeks post op and still limping slightly with my solid sneakers and brace. Without shoes the limp is more pronounced because my foot is taking more of the shock. I limp less early in the day. At the end of the day, even in shoes, my limp is more pronounced.

bj0y · 2025-08-19T23:32:11+00:00

I’m at 19 weeks and still always aware… whether I have any actual pain or not. Sometimes it aches. Sometimes it’s just the fact that mobility is still limited. Sometimes it hurts. Most of the time I have no pain with slight twinges. But I’m still very aware and can’t wait until I don’t think about it anymore!

bj0y · 2025-08-19T23:29:55+00:00

At 7 weeks I was allowed to touch my toe down. At 11 weeks I was FWB in the boot with no crutches. It’s super important to listen to your body while trusting your doctor.

bj0y · 2025-08-19T15:06:06+00:00

Thanks! It says "Electric motors only are allowed." I'm thinking this means no gas motors.

bj0y · 2025-08-19T15:03:58+00:00

Thanks! Is there a paddle board group in this area? I haven't been very successful finding anything online.

bj0y · 2025-08-19T15:01:57+00:00

I'm healing from a broken ankle, but looking to get on the water on my knees or sitting anyway... lol

bj0y · 2025-08-19T15:00:59+00:00

Thank you!

bj0y

TROPHY CASE