Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello, and thanks so much for being here. I broke my fibula at the talus, self treated the "bad sprain", and 6 months later, in October, went for help. First DO cast it for 3 weeks, then played with depo-medrol inj, oral Prednisone, MRI reported possible non-union, and lots of thickened medial and anterior ligatures, so he finally sent me to a specialist in March. Specialist re-broke the bone, put a metal rod in, splinted it, and said, "no weight" for ten weeks. (Original DO had told me to walk as soon as the cast hardened.)
The post-op pain is unbearable, and even when I was taking 2 Percocet every 4 hours, I felt it was worse than the original, which I did sans meds. Is this typical? I am now taking Aleve, double dose, and alternating it with Motrin, double dose, to get by until my follow-up. Yes, I have called, receptionist is so very polite, and says she will have him call me the next morning, as he's in surgery, but he does not call. Until I see his face, and can discuss it and get an answer, how long does this level of pain last typically? I literally feel the plate in my leg and ankle, and it feels as if someone is pouring heated, salted vinegar over it. Also, how much Motrin and Naproxen is safe? I doubled, as the old DO had told me if he'd prescribed it, it would be double the OTC dose. Thank you. You may post this, or answer by e-mail, depending on whether you feel the question relevant to others. Kim
Answer -
Hello Kim

First, I am very sorry about your pain and suffering. NO ONE should endure pain especially with all the medical advances today.

Instead of waiting for your doctor to "return your call" at his/her convenience, I would immediately go to a medical center that can take you NOW, such as a medical center or a hospital. They can examine your problem, give you something for the pain, and refer your to another specialist who can help you.

When I had extreme feet pain, I changed podiatrists 3 times before I found someone who would properly deal with and finally STOP the pain.

You definitely need something stronger, such as Tylenol with codine. That is available by prescription. The hospital can prescribe something a lot stronger for you than what you are taking now.

Hope this helps.


David, Thank you so much for responding quickly. I will push my surgeon to be a little more responsive, I think he has too many patients, but this does not excuse ignoring the ones he's already cut. The only other DO in the area is the one who told me he couldn't help me. I have considered going back to him for the follow-ups, seriously, as his services are covered by the deal I have with the hospital, and my new surgeon isn't, I'm paying a note for anything he does, only exception being the actual hospital OR useage and xrays done IN the hospital. However, his adamnant assertion that my little 3/4 cm loss of length in the fibula could not possibly be causing me pain or instability makes me feel that if I call him, and things go bad, he will not "treat" me appropriately again, justifying that I went against his advise, and so "did this to myself". I did, in a way, going 5 months without treatment... Regardless, I will talk openly with my surgeon at follow-up, and let him know I understand busy folks can lose track, but I expect some response, even if it is simply a call from the receptionist giving me his answers... Thank you. As I progress, and especially as I begin to feel better, I will write again, as I am becoming seriously interested in figuring out an exercise program that I can do seated and/or lying down. I have small (5#) handweights) and need to design an aerobic benefit. Gaining weight, on 1100 KC a day, don't dare go lower. Was 210 in OCt, down to 187 by Mar, now 195 again, splint might be 5? Let me know if you have any ideas. Have a great day, and be blessed! Kim

Answer
Hello again Kim

Thanks for the nice comments. Definitely you need to see someone who will help you with your problem. I once sprained, not tore my arch muscle. The pain was amazing. Our feet are really tough, but when they get hurt, we know it! EMPHASIZE strongly the pain you are in, what-ever it takes to get an appointment. If not, like I said, contact the insurance company and find someone else.

Here is a easy sitting-down exercise program that you can do.

Get a good chair with no arm rests, like a dining room chair.
Buy a couple of 5-gallon pails with lids, like the kind they sell at Home Depot.

Put some water in each pail. Put the lids back on.

Sitting down, pick up both pails with your hands and HOLD the pails up off the floor (1-2", does not have to be high up, just UP off the floor). Try to keep your elbows bent a slight bit and bend forward a bit. If there is not too much pain, keep your feet firmly on the floor for balance.

HOLD this weight for 60 seconds. Use a wall clock to keep track of the time.

What this does: by lifting and HOLDING the weight, you are making the muscles in your body, especially your stomach, back, arms, shoulders to tighten up.

Now rest for a day. This is when you get stronger; when your muscles are resting.

Repeat this exercise again the third day. Keep doing this exercise every other day. Once a week, add a little bit more water to the pails.

When you get your pain/problems fixed, and can stand up again, do this exercise, from the beginning again with a little water, and stand up, holding the pails. This time, bend over a bit, keep your knees bent a bit, and keep your elbows bent a bit. Do every other day, and add a little water each week.

This is the beginning exercise for you. More to come when you get better.

Have a good rest-of-the-week and a good weekend. Hope you feel better soon!