2 Days Post OP (ORIF - Right Ankle Syndesmotic Fixation with Tightrope)
What can I say 😅 My accident was almost 2 weeks ago now (8th May). Ended up with both a medial and lateral malleolus fracture. Between the date of the accident and date of surgery I had to undergo 2 closed reductions because the fracture was unstable and displaced.
The first 12-24 hours Post OP honestly felt relatively tolerable in terms of pain, pressure, and general discomfort. I am now 2~ days Post OP and the nerve block has worn off 😑 and wow… the pain and discomfort levels have massively increased.
The nights are definitely the worst part so far. I keep waking up every couple of hours with pulsing/throbbing pain and a ton of pressure.
Currently prescribed:
- Codeine + Paracetamol for pain management (Codeine doesn't seem to really scratch the surface of the pain 🙄)
- Apixaban for DVT/clot prevention
Current planned steps - Im to remain NWB for 6 Weeks. In 2 weeks time im due to go into the Fracture Clinic to have the Cast/backslab removed for Wound check and possible conversion to a Boot (which I am looking forward to).
TL:DR - Just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions that helped them survive the first week Post OP? Any elevation tricks, sleeping positions, distractions, or just reassurance that this phase eases up soon.