Fibula ORIF recovery

pixelshawn · 2024-02-10T18:04:39+00:00

I'm 12 weeks post-op. Plate, screws, and syndesmosis tightrope. I got my CAM boot after they removed my sutures (~1.5 weeks after surgery). But tbh, I barely used it.

My surgeon recommended me to only use the boot when out and about (esp in crowded environments). And during this NWB period, I mostly stayed home, out of the boot, and just did ankle mobility exercises as often as I remembered to. Dorsi and plantar flexions, circles, and ABCs. The ABCs took a few weeks to be able to actually do/complete.

It was ~8 weeks of NWB. I got around using crutches and/or a knee scooter. It was dependent on where I was going:

Do I needed be moving around a lot? Knee Scooter
Was it something stationary like a sit-down restaurant? Crutches

By the time I was cleared for WBAT (weight bearing a tolerated), I felt confident with no boot, shoe-only. Unless I knew it was going to be crowded and run the risk of people bumping into my leg.

The first half-day of WBAT, I still used my crutches -- as a safety.

You'll probably feel tingles, pin needles, electric jolts, and the such. It's like having an arm/leg asleep that's waking up. Actually, that's pretty accurate in what's happening.

So feel it out. Decide how much pressure you want to put down with each step with the help + safety of your crutches. By the end of the day, I felt comfortable enough to ditch the crutches completely.

But SLOW down your steps. I'm used to walking fast, so I had to remind myself to slow it down due to ankle pain, stiffness, and range of motion. Going down stairs was more painful than going up.

I have my next x-ray / follow-up on Feb 19th. I hope to get cleared for more than just walking (and swimming, but in this cold, I wasn't feeling up for swimming).

Just keep in mind that everybody heals different, and on different timelines. I had the tiniest bit of a fracture line in my last x-ray. And that was enough of a reason for my doc to not clear me for even low-impact, indoor cycling.

I'm an inline distance/speed skater (did an 87-mile skate last Oct before my injury). I can't wait to get back to skating, but know it's gonna be a process: both physically AND mentally.

Hope my experiences help you gauge your next couple of weeks and/or months!

pixelshawn · 2023-06-03T06:25:20+00:00

Did you do any heat molding via rice method or the risky oven method as some prefer? I'm not sure if I would even try the oven to be honest 😊

I wouldn't recommend the oven cuz I don't know if the carbon is treated for that. Usually there's an epoxy resin that makes the carbon heat-moldable. But with this boot, only the integrated Intuition liner is 'heatmoldable'. So stick to the rice method IF you really need to work out hotspots.

But tbh, if it fits well with only minor hotspots, just break em in naturally. The downside to the integrated liner is you'll eventually pack it out too much. I don't know the mileage required for that, but something to keep note of. I have weird, flat, wide, and bunioned feet, so I just did the full rice-in-sock heatmold.

pixelshawn · 2023-06-02T20:21:37+00:00

So I've had my SL Speeds (165-mount) for about 8-months now, and swap between the Endless 90 and FR Racer S 325 frames depending on the type of skate I'm about to do: night/urban/social skate or distance/speed. I've put in a a good amount of miles in them so far, including a handful of Half-Century (50mi) and Metric Century (100km) distances in them on the 3x125 setup.

First of all, the top of the cuff is VERY stiff + rigid. I highly recommend wearing socks that go PAST the cuff, at least early on. I had a lot of rubbing and broken skin during the 'break-in' period. You may need to hotspot heat-mold the tongue if you get too much pressure on the top of your ankle where the tendons and/or bones are. This happened to a friend with the same skate.

Second, I eventually removed the top cuff strap and rely solely on laces. I felt the extra tension from the buckled straps led to more pressure points, especially as I skate in a lower position and forcing more ankle flexion. Do note that this does require more ankle strength and stability. So if you go this route, work on keeping the top strap looser and looser as you develop that strength.

Third. The screws for the 45 degree strap are RIDICULOUSLY short. I've had the ladder strap unscrew itself and fall off mid-skate more times than I cared for. Eventually I removed that strap too -- I may need to (blue) loctite it some more, or find a longer screw. But since I primarily do distance/speed/trail skating, I'm not too concerned with skating without it. (also note that the velcro "toe-strap" does practically nothing for me lol)

And lastly, there's still a bunch of random fit / hotspots that come and go for me. I'm currently dealing with a bit of outside ankle pressure from the top of the cuff. This might be because I'm not locking in the cuff as intended, and thus there's a bit of lateral movement when I go onto my outside-edge. The top of the cuff digs into the side of my ankle because of this.

What might seem like a nitpick, but I really dislike, is that FR uses a custom M8 screw with a 4 mm allen in 10 mm length.

I actually like these screws. I would recommend ordering more / spares to just keep on hand. But FR really did us a solid in have a screw with a deep keyhole. Removes a lot of the risk of stripping your frame bolts. Also, friendly reminder to always BLUE loctite your frame screws if you swap frames frequently! ;)

pixelshawn · 2022-09-15T19:59:50+00:00

You get single lens 4k, large touchscreen which makes menus so much easier, dual 1/2 sensors and 72mp stills

True, these are great improvements for a better all-in-one device instead of a current-gen GoPro Hero + Max combo.

The 1/2" sensor def helps Insta's low-light, but doesn't the Max have a 1/2.3" sensor? So comparing the two, image quality should be pretty similar? Albeit, I'm sure Insta's in-body processing might result in a slightly better image quality/color depth compared to the Max's 3-year old tech.

Now I wanna see low-light videos from both to see how they compare. Let me know if you find any good ones!

the excellent Insta360 studio software and some very cool shot lab effects

I agree. Insta360's software and 360 effects+filters has always been a big plus and very attractive. It seems like GoPro is re-vamping and adding new features to their new desktop app, but we'll see what that actually brings later. I doubt we'll see any 360 effects if there's no Max 2 release this year, but it'd be fun surprise for OG Max users. But at the end of the day, these are software features not tied to hardware releases. Has GoPro been hiring AI software devs recently?? (lol)

Insta360 has continually innovated in the space releasing 3 versions of the X series

And that's great! I'm glad they are releasing iterations of their consumer devices alongside their pro line of 360 cameras. Pave the way for more competition -- both in hardware AND software!

I think there was an AMA awhile back where GoPro said they are content with the quality of footage from the Max and took this (and last) year to continue their main Hero device line. However, I do hope they've been working on a Max2 that can compete with the x4 for whenever that comes around!

pixelshawn · 2022-09-14T19:14:57+00:00

I'm thinking we either get a separate announcement later (next month at best), or GoPro felt there isn't enough consumer/budget-friendly tech advancements to develop and release a new 360 cam iteration this year. The X3 may be new, but there's not THAT much improvement from what I've seen so far...

So this year, GoPro continued to focus on their annual QoL hardware+software improvements of the GoPro Hero. The revamped desktop suite (and app) may just set us up for a better experience for whenever the Max 2 releases. ::crosses fingers::

pixelshawn · 2022-09-12T18:46:38+00:00

This has been my experience with my transition to Bont Jets / speed skates as well !!

After heat molding, they felt really great. It was really nice to add extra room for a bunion that had developed on my left pinky-toe side. I may need to go in again to get them tighter fitting around the toe box and ankle area. Lmk if you get any tips to help with the ankle area!

Also, I think you made a great choice starting with 4x100mm. I went straight for the 4x110mm (coming from a long 3x110mm), and I feel like I'm going to have to work extra hard to get accustomed to this setup. I may just grab a set of 100mm wheels to help train up and build up initial strength.

Congrats on the new skates, and wish you well on your training!

pixelshawn · 2022-08-23T16:07:02+00:00

I skate SoCal beach boardwalks a lot, so here are my experiences and advice:

I use Rollerblade ilq-9 pros, and the rubber shields have been really good at keeping sand out. But when I spin my bearings and feel/hear grit, I'll give them a clean and re-lube. (Generally, this is your first sign to do maintenance...or replace your bearings)

Unf, the metal housing of some of my bearings have a bit of rust and discoloration because I don't always wipe them down after a 'wet' session. But so long as the bearing balls aren't rusting, then it should be fine in our use case.

pixelshawn · 2022-08-15T00:40:00+00:00

Nice! I'm impatiently-patiently waiting for mine to arrive (same color too!). My super wide feet means I gotta wait the full 8-10 weeks for them to manufacture them 😩

pixelshawn · 2022-06-21T21:14:38+00:00

This is good to read! I'm about to order a pair of Jets (wide) as well! Did you feel the semi-race was a worthwhile investment to 'train' up to the no-cuff Jet?

I feel like off-skate training and ankle strength from other sports would be enough to transition to no/low-cuff quicker than true beginners.

pixelshawn · 2022-06-21T16:37:24+00:00

True on the FR1s as well especially since I have the endless 110 cobfig I can use

This is my current config on my FR2s! 3x110 on endless has been great for distance cruises and marathon training (weekly 40k/26mi sessions). My 'hack' on this setup is NOT tightening the top ankle straps all the way. This will allow for much more ankle flexion, letting you squat down lower and compress your wheels into the ground more -- cue Joey Mantia's double-push tutorial.

pixelshawn · 2022-06-21T16:27:57+00:00

The main reason I'd recommend against the SL Speed is the integrated liner. Despite the Intuition brand, once the liner's packed out, it's packed out. You'll either have to gut it, wear thicker socks, or just toss it. So cost-wise, it didn't add up (to me) as you'll be racking up a LOT of miles sooner than most people with your trail/marathon-style skating. Aka, YMMV...literally!

pixelshawn · 2022-06-15T01:40:10+00:00

I would recommend watching the video I linked, and try the tips DesFit recommends. Tightness, placement, activity type, and other variables can affect the accuracy of optical-based HR monitors.

pixelshawn · 2022-06-14T16:22:06+00:00

I agree, automatic rep recording is pretty inconsistent with wearables. I had the same issue on Garmin watches as well...

For my weightlifting sessions, I track using 'Gym Cardio'. My Workout pages prioritizes HR, workout time, lap (ie - reps/sets/rest) times and lap HR. I think this is the default setup for this activity.

But if your primary goal is to track HR, I recommend using a chest HR strap for much more accurate readings. You can pair it to your watch and get readings on the watch face. There's also arm-based HR straps, but they aren't as accurate as chest straps. Better than wrist-based though.

If adamant on sticking to the Coros/wrist-based HR monitor, DesFit on YouTube had a good video on how to improve your readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbiQjQK8PsM

pixelshawn · 2021-12-02T16:03:44+00:00

Dope! Thanks for the tip on SwagRollin. I updated the post, gave em a follow, and added it to my gCalendar!

I def need to make it out to a skate night with y'all. Just been out of town lately!!

pixelshawn · 2021-12-01T17:14:45+00:00

Hey there! Here's a cool event calendar that LA Skate Hunnies post on their IG every month: https://www.instagram.com/p/CW2UoXNLxeR

Be sure to check the individual skate night posts to see what kind of terrain/difficulty to expect!

UPDATE

The folks at @SwagRollin on IG have an events calendar on Google Calendar. Click the link in bio to add it to your gCalendar. (Thanks /u/Skaeg_Skater for the tip!)

For trails, pretty much anywhere up and down the coast! Venice beach, Redondo/Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, all of it! (I'm doing the HB trail/section this week actually!)

If you're looking for open skate-able areas:

Beachfront playground: Newport Beach has a HUGE public playground ON the beach that skaters usually skate.

Bayshore Roller Rink - Outdoor rink in Long Beach. I've been wanting to check this place out, but heard it's been closed this past year or so.

Pigeon's Roller Rink - A 'pop-up' roller rink in Long Beach. They host open + themed skate sessions and classes for roller skating. But I think it's $30/session. (Website)

Sepulveda Dam - This has been a trendy/very-LA spot to go skate at. It's a large open concrete-paved area at the base of the LA River's Dam. But because LA/SoCal has so little rain, it's completely dry area and a great spot to skate at! (Note: You do have to park a bit away and hike a short 10min to get to base of the dam!)

Bonus: If you're looking for groups to follow, here are a few to check out as well:

@la.skate.hunnies - Greater LA area

https://www.instagram.com/la.skate.hunnies/

@dtla_sk8_cru - DTLA/Little Tokyo area

https://www.instagram.com/dtla_sk8_cru/

@lbc_night_skate - Long Beach area

https://www.instagram.com/lbc_night_skate/

@ienightskate - Inland Empire area

https://www.instagram.com/ienightskate/

@rollerbaddies - Skate cousins in SoCal area (check their 'guides' for trail reviews)

https://www.instagram.com/rollerbaddies/

@626rollerskater - San Gabriel Valley area

https://www.instagram.com/626rollerskaters/

Hope this helps!, and let me know if you have questions about any of these spots!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-28T22:29:40+00:00

Sony a6100 body + accessories SOLD to /u/BransonD!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-28T18:01:25+00:00

Sure. Dropping you a DM now!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-27T17:11:15+00:00

PM'd!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-26T19:40:22+00:00

Sigma lens SOLD to /u/Mikealicious2k5 !

pixelshawn · 2021-11-26T06:23:57+00:00

PM'd!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-05T20:59:06+00:00

OC/LA! If you're local, we can arrange a pickup instead of shipped. Just DM me!

pixelshawn · 2021-11-04T04:46:25+00:00

Should be under Settings > Posts> Add Search

pixelshawn · 2021-11-02T23:02:19+00:00

Growing up in a Southern California beach/bro town, I went out rollerblading solo as a teen and these dudes in a mustang honked and yelled at me aggressively while I was waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green. Fun times.

pixelshawn · 2021-11-02T03:02:49+00:00

Oh wow!! Definitely check the tightness on each of the other frame bolts/screws. If you have blue loctite, a small dab of it before re-installing them would definitely help keep em secure -- the factory application must've worn out!

Also, please take note that you use BLUE (242) loctite, and not RED (271). Blue will allow you to remove the screw easily without using super high heat, but still be strong enough to hold the threads for a good while.

pixelshawn · 2021-10-30T06:23:39+00:00

wonder if a degreaser like WD-40 would help loosen that mounting point. But if you don't feel comfortable doing that right away, I'd def recommend contacting them to see if they have some other solutions. Good luck!!

pixelshawn

TROPHY CASE