I'm so mad more than anything! It happened today at 3, and it's already gotten old. I slipped on grassy hill -- was it icy too? I don't know-- while carrying a whole lot of stuff, at work, my leg twisted underneath and I fell on it and heard a sickening crack!

The event was kind of like a circus. I hobbled inside the building where I was headed and a secretary brought me some ice. I lay on the floor and put my leg up on a chair. Some guy came in and started reading a budget to me, just to distract me. The head of HR popped out of a meeting and saw me and said, "you need to fill out some paperwork." So now it's a workman's comp deal. They whisked me over to an occupational health center, did x-rays, said I have a broken fibula, made a splint and made an appt for Monday with an orthopedist.

But now I have to wait until Monday. Shouldn't I get fixed sooner than that or is this okay?

Fortunately I shaved my legs just the other day!

I sure could use some prayers, and if anyone is a doctor or nurse, could use some advice too.

Well Jeez, it's a good thing you shaved your legs!

Why do things like this happen on a Friday? Then you spend an agonizing weekend waiting for anything?

All kidding aside, I am not sure if waiting is a good idea. Wouldn't the bone start healing together? Or maybe it would take longer than 2 days for that to happen?

I am praying for you and sending you hugs!

Cathi

id have thought they get to seatting it straight away, iv only knowen of a child braking that part of leg and he ended up in traction, plastered or bandaged up and then in a hip spiker for 6 weeks.

i not medicalie traned but would have though it be taken care of sooner.

waite iv just thoough maybee the swelling got something to do with it, and waiting the few days might be to manipulate the bones together properly and waite for sweeling to go dowen for a better fit of plaster.

anyway as i said iv no medical tranning,

but d*$%m you hurt yourself bad their girl!
all sounded a bit surreal while waiting for you ambulanse, did he make you do your paperwork.

well rest well and i gess we be seeing much more of you in heer good comes from bad sometimes.

Oh Crap how unfortunate DJ. Our Josie here is a nurse. PM her and ask what she thinks. I'm thinking of shaving my legs now...well Naw...It's too cold.
Keep us posted.

LOL, I'm so sorry DJ, but your "shaved legs" comment got me going. I thought the same thing once when I was in a car accident!

My first thought was that you should get to the doctor, but then I did some research and found this info for you: (by the way, they said a fibula is part of the ankle?)

Splint
Splinting an ankle fracture is commonly performed in the emergency room. A splint is often done for a few days, followed by a cast. The splint will allow more room than a cast in case there is continued swelling. If the ankle fracture is not badly displaced, the splint may be put on without moving the broken ankle. If there is displacement, a "reduction" will be performed. After being given anesthesia, the ankle fracture will be re-set to improve the alignment and displacement of the broken bones.

Cast
A cast is usually done after a few days, unless the swelling is minimal and it may be done early after the injury. A cast is made either of plaster or fiberglass. Plaster molds to the skin better, and is preferred if the cast is needed to hold the broken bone in a specific place. If the fracture is not unstable, or if some healing has taken place, a fiberglass cast may be used. The fiberglass is lighter weight and more resilient to wear.

I posted the same time as Dancing Dolphin, and her post seems to clarify the why.

BTW, I'm sorry this happened to you!!! Will you get some time off work do you think? (That's a selfish question, because if you DID get some time off, I hope you'll spend more time here with us! Every cloud has its silver lining, you know.)

DJ, sorry about the broken leg! That must be very painful. I hope you have good meds for pain management and that you will be up and about again in no time!!

Dancing Dolphin, that makes sense to splint the injury until swelling decreases and then apply the cast.

Oh goodness DJ...what a PITA! I'm sending prayers and love your way and seeing you healed quickly.

My brother is an orthopedic surgeon...if you want me to check on this approach with him, let me know and I'll make a call. If you could DM me, that would be great since I'm not in here as often as I was and I'm prepping a teleseminar for tomorrow.

Ouch, ouch, DJ. I think like you do. My first concern when I broke my ankle was grateful for shaven legs on that day. And, matching undergarments LOL!

Kathy's info is right. The splint is to monitor swelling. I'll ask my daughter as well as to what to look out for and when it would be necessary to take your leg to A&E before Monday. Like MRed's brother, my daughter is an ortho-trauma specialist.

Are you taking anything for pain in the meantime? Praying that the injury heals soon and that your leg is itch-free.

Yes to DD's advice. I recall that you have to wait for the swelling to go down before they cast it.

God bless you. I hope they gave you crutches.

DJ, I've spent months on crutches so I have some tips. The best is to get yourself a backpack so you can carry stuff around easily. Also, it's really important to keep the leg elevated. When you are in a place where you can't elevate, use your cruth to do so. You can elevate it a bit by leaning the crutch on the chair and propping your leg on the crutch. Or, you can prop it a lot by standing the crutch up and putting your foot on the place where you put your hand. It's a balancing act, but I became a pro at it. Whatever you do, prop your leg up. Once casted, you don't want it to swell, trust me.

Whatever you do, listen to your doctor.

Is it your right, driving leg? Oh gosh, I hope not.

Be careful crutching around the campus. Get a temporary handicap parking tag.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else.

Take care and don't try to do things you shouldn't be doing. Be still!