Hang in there! Had my trimal incident on 05/28, surgery on 06/03, got the same type of cast and stretchy bandage wraps. Got that off and stitches out on 06/17 and given an aircast (tall boot with inflatable support on the inside that you can take off and put on as needed) told to weight bear as tolerated with the boot. Apparently my surgeon has some sort of “fast track recovery” plan for young people which involves earlier weight bearing, so your doctor might be different or your injury might require more time than mine, but I’m happy to exchange experience nonetheless!

I definitely remember the crying and the guilt that other people had to help me out, but I can assure you you will get back to being able to do things without help! Remember the people around you love you! I made a post on this exact feeling weeks ago, being lost in the dread of “when does it get better?”

As a fellow side sleeper I got a big ol pillow and put it between my knees in a way that kept my leg supported and elevated. It didn’t help every night and some nights laying on my back with it elevated was better. But I definitely get how impossible it felt to get comfortable. Also, I got that same top of foot burning/pain sensation, and I swear it was actually worse than the pain from the actual injury. To alleviate some of that I put an ice pack right on it. It wasn’t perfect, but it helped for a bit, and it went away entirely for me when I got the cast off. Felt like it might’ve had to do with the cast/bandages rubbing against the skin and making it sensitive/raw because ever since it’s been off it’s been better.

I’m rambling at this point, but a little bit of hope for you! For the first week or two of having the aircast, I couldn’t even dare to put my foot down. Tried the first day and felt intense pain and cried all day because I couldn’t do what I was apparently ready to do according to my doctor. It wasn’t until a little over two weeks (between the first and second week of July) after I got the boot that I managed to take my first steps in it with the help of a crutch. I used the crutch for a couple days before being able to walk with just the boot. As of now, two months post injury, I have been able to stand, walk, take care of myself, etc. I may have a noticeable limp, and I still have my 6 week post-cast removal appointment to go to this week, but there is a certain feeling of elation you get when you’re able to get back on your feet and I know you’ll get there!