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  1. #76
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Posts
    19
    it's becoming apparent to me, sadly, that i will need pain management for my life for chronic arthritic pain.perhaps the break i had is so wretched because of my age as well as it was, as the dr said "a very very bad break".
    im bordering on being depressed and thankful my very good friend is a shrink.but right now, not thrilled w the pain dr im using-never see him -only see the PA.im weaning down on my own and have done many things to try and make it better.
    sorry i sound like such a downer but that's how i feel.

  2. #77
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    14
    Quote Originally Posted by Bett View Post
    it's becoming apparent to me, sadly, that i will need pain management for my life for chronic arthritic pain.perhaps the break i had is so wretched because of my age as well as it was, as the dr said "a very very bad break".
    im bordering on being depressed and thankful my very good friend is a shrink.but right now, not thrilled w the pain dr im using-never see him -only see the PA.im weaning down on my own and have done many things to try and make it better.
    sorry i sound like such a downer but that's how i feel.
    I completely understand - as far as I'm concerned, feel free to vent. For some people, these pilon fractures affect the rest of their lives. I have 2 friends who will never run again because of one, and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to do a sustained run again (thankfully for me I never like running anyways).

  3. #78
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    10
    hgh could be very beneficial for major injuries like this. it wasnt readily available for me (or i would've used it) but a ton of pro athletes use it for recovery and healing of bones. it can be very expensive, but i know there are doctors that can prescribe it too

  4. #79
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    14
    Figured I'd post an update. Had my (infected) hardware removed just under 2 weeks ago.
    Surgery was really late Tuesday night (Sept 26). Was getting around with a cane or crutches the first day (Wed) by Friday was back in the office with the cane. By the end of the weekend both cane and crutches were parked in the bedroom not to be used since.

    Thus far, seems to be healing up pretty well. Pain is minimal - I took some pain meds the first night, one the second night to get to sleep, and just the occasional ibuprofen for a couple days after that. Absolutely nothing since Saturday the 30.

    Swelling was minimal compared to previous surgeries, and is basically gone at this point. My biggest concern is obviously kicking the infection for good, since that's what necessitated the removal to begin with.

    Overall though I think I'll be happy it's out - have the distinct feeling things will be a lot more comfortable once the million and one staples in my four zippers are out. Honestly the biggest "pain" is from the nerves regrowing - there is a rather large area that is numb in my ankle and foot, but the nerves are trying to regrow, so they're going bonkers. The other night my sheets felt like course grit sandpaper was being scrubbed on my foot :P

  5. #80
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Posts
    178
    I guess I'll give an update as I finally thew in the towel and had my ankle fused last Friday. All of the skiing, MTB and walking over the past 18 months wore my cartiladge completely out and my talus started wearing a notch into my tibia. I dealt with the pain thru this ski year and then had surgery as I could no longer walk without major pain. I'm only a week in but I'm already starting to realize why everyone says, "had I known, I would have gotten it fused sooner". Obviously I can't weight bear for another 5 weeks so I won't know how good it is but when I'm sitting on the couch, I already have less swelling and nerve pain 6 days after surgery than I did before. Kayaking, MTB and motocross should all be pain free after the surgery so I'm not researching some new 3 piece ski boots to so I can start prepping for next season. Heck with this fusion I may even start climbing again as that was one thing I couldn't even attempt after the pilon fracture.

  6. #81
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    14
    Quote Originally Posted by Red7 View Post
    I guess I'll give an update as I finally thew in the towel and had my ankle fused last Friday. All of the skiing, MTB and walking over the past 18 months wore my cartiladge completely out and my talus started wearing a notch into my tibia. I dealt with the pain thru this ski year and then had surgery as I could no longer walk without major pain. I'm only a week in but I'm already starting to realize why everyone says, "had I known, I would have gotten it fused sooner". Obviously I can't weight bear for another 5 weeks so I won't know how good it is but when I'm sitting on the couch, I already have less swelling and nerve pain 6 days after surgery than I did before. Kayaking, MTB and motocross should all be pain free after the surgery so I'm not researching some new 3 piece ski boots to so I can start prepping for next season. Heck with this fusion I may even start climbing again as that was one thing I couldn't even attempt after the pilon fracture.
    Glad to hear you're in a lot less pain. I have a number of "friends" in my FB group (Pilon Fractures SUCK!) that have ended up with a fusion and definitely feel better afterwards.

    I guess I can give an update as well:
    Last November I was finally feeling able to return to the gym and more "regular" workouts. That has done a lot to improve my leg overall, and for the most part, in my day to day life, it's not a huge concern. Sure, if I push it on a very long day it'll swell up and be a bit more stiff in the AM, but pain is minimal to the point I don't notice it unless I'm trying to really work it's ROM or pushing the ROM (still seeing very small improvements in my plantar flexion, dorsi seems stuck where it's at).

    I can jog, hobble run, walk normally, run up and down stairs fairly well, jump (still doing only small jumps, but getting braver as the muscles and coordination rebuild), balance is improving on that leg (still a long ways from my other leg though), etc. I stretch and work it daily still, practice things like balance in my normal activities.

    Riding an racing my leg isn't much of an issue EXCEPT that the nerve damage means I can't feel the peg or shifter, so I'm really have to retrain my muscle memory and remember to be VERY deliberate with my movements or I'll bump the shifter or have my foot in not quite the right place without realizing it until the bike lurches or I'm struggling to get into position on corner entry.

    All things considered though, I'll take it!!

    Even had my first race crash since the leg, managed to high side myself when I tried something new (answer was NO, NO I cannot get on the throttle harder and sooner in that spot)....made it back out for our last race of the day after that, too!

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  7. #82
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Posts
    19
    bett- i know havent been around. not much change, still lots of pain. dr tried thinking out of the box, plastic surgeon nixed the idea of a fat graft, skin too fragile. ok, still on some pain meds, much less, but cant just cant stand the pain. rain of motion im told good, and almost 4 yrs later, still having pt, once a week, still going to gym doing all the ankle exercises, leg press and now a complication in my husband's health so im kind of not going to the gym every day, and still attempting to get to pt once a week.
    long haul for husband and im still in pain. he also tried breaking up the scar tissue, which was brutal, until my skin tore,yup plastic guy was right, and then that lovely shot directly into the ankle joint. brutal to say the least but i took it like a champ. did it help? i have no idea as im still in god awful pain two days before it rains or when it snowed. just not a good break to have at my age, im guessing.
    now to deal with serious health stuff with my husband. first had heart ablation, and by accident found lung cancer. at sloan , and praying it's not anywhere else. sorry to be such a buzz kill, but it's my life right now. pray.

  8. #83
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    MY PILON

    Did a Pilon fracture on 11-5-18 3 operations [22 screws 3 plates] 7 weeks from last one.Hoping to ski race again is that wishfull thinking?Me a 63 Yr old Master racer,very active weight lift[power] biking walking hike some Aikido, East coast boy love the ice. Tried to post a few days ago didn't happen,I guess do to just joining.GOOD DAY PAUL,PS See it posted so if anybody is interested I'll keep it updated.Help the next injured on there recovery. Update 2-28-19 Doctor gave me the go ahead for weight barring, informed me to listen to Therapist stated 'a little pain is OK not alot'.3-1-19 took my first steps in 17 weeks with crutches, no pain just numbness tingle top of foot and stiffness ankle. Therapist advised me to pace myself next day on 2nd did lots of stretching walk to corner and back with crutches 222 steps, lots of work ahead of me but NO HILL FOR A CLIMBER. UPDATE 3-13-19 week #15 from last operation Lots of pain last nite [almost took okie would of been first sense Dec 31st] wore boot 5 hours yesterday Iced last nite. Heat and ice today feeling I am having a set back can anybody shed some lite on this?Didnt do any stretching or exersize all day didn't want to over do it am I wrong? stretch daily? PT went very well Monday 11th even walked across floor no assistance confused can I get some input? UPDATE week # 17 from last Operation#20 sense crash 3/30/19, seen Doctor on 28th bones are healing well.I was in lots of pain Doc said I tweek or been over doing Exersize,very true been PT twice a week also joined a pool Spa so been walkin running jumping in pool.I'll need to only due 2 days a week at pool,2 at PT.Doc said slow and steady wins this race,and I will have a bad day time to time.This is truly a long haul injury.But Doc is happy so far.Foot tingle starting to go away Ankel swells big time if weight barring, been going back and forth Kane to Crutched some days just Kane. Soaking in Epson salt in am helps then icing 3 to 4 times a day.
    Last edited by PET; 03-30-2019 at 04:53 AM.

  9. #84
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Posts
    1
    Since I’m new it won’t let me post URLs, but there is a great and very active Facebook group called “Pilon Fractures Suck!” that had been a great support group since my unfortunate pilon ski disaster on 2/17/19.

  10. #85
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    PILON

    THANKS PHIL, check it out lots of Info not a Face Book member but read some Blogs great. UPDATE Week #19 from operation having High pain days ankle swells as soon as weight applied. Therapist said still doing to much so dropping pool wants me to do ankle pumps and daily stretching and PT twice weekly that's it, keep weight off, so back walking on crutches. Oh I just want to thank the COLORADO MASTERS and CAM RACING TEAM MEMBERS, they really circled the wagons around me when this happened last Nov, got me to Hospital took care of my Van and many other little chores that I needed, Great people great racers. UPDATE Week #8 weight barring, Week #24 total, Doctor visit on 4/25/19 went well he is happy with healing progress Xrays look good said Bones are still filling in. Explained that my high pain level is due to everything healing coming together and bones filling in. Also have developed Planters Fasciitis so going to foot Doc next month, I guess its part of this Injury from no walking ect... for so long. Doctor wants me to rest more stay with stretching daily and drop Physical therapy to once weekly for now. So long and short of it I started doing PT four times weekly drop to twice now once, looks like I came out of the Gate way to fast.
    Last edited by PET; 04-27-2019 at 07:44 AM. Reason: UPDATE

  11. #86
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    WEEK13WB UPDATE

    Hey Pil how's the healing? Me UPDATE week #13 [29 SENSE FALL] of weight barring started to make some gains about week#11WB,able to walk around house in A M and making lunch, a few days ago walk around in the Eve with out stupid pain. The last Doctors visits went well bones are still filling in healing Doc like what he seen move appointment up to 8weeks from every 4.Also seen Podiatry foot ankle specialist he raised my heal a bit [slimmed shoe] wants me to focus on stretching Achilles , next appointment 12 weeks. Doc's did advise of Ankle Fusion and Ankle replacement, far down the road, pretty much Arthritis related. Doing PT three times a week body is healing and dealing with that. So all in all I got a shot on being back on the snow next year may be the Bunnyhill green slopes but at least I'll be on skies. My boot fitter is going to hook me up with some soft boots I'll never get those stiff ass racing boots on by next season. Zack is right "Pilon fractures suck". Lets see at 63 two broken shoulders torn MCL, sprained Ankles, blown out back, Broken Ribs, worn out knees and I can't wait to get back on the snow. Maybe I've hit my head too many times.HAVE A GREAT DAY HEAL WELL LOVE LIFE PAUL.
    Last edited by PET; 06-04-2019 at 04:33 AM. Reason: ad ins

  12. #87
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    WEEK 21 W.B.

    WELL DOC VISIT WENT WELL AS FAR BONES HEALING.PROBLEM IS THE ARTHRITES IS SETTING IN CAUSING LOTS OF PAIN.WEEK 18 AND 19 OF WB WERE OFF THE HOOK PAIN.SO GETTING CAT SCAN ON 8/1/19 THEN SEE ANKLE SPECIALEST ON 13th THEN ANOTHER DOC. WHOM DOES ANKLE REPLACEMENT.SO FROM THERE I'LL [AND DOCTORS] HAVE TO DECIDE ANKLE REPLACEMENT,ANKLE FUSION OR MAYBE LUCK OUT AND JUST REMOVE HARDWARE[ME WISHING] THE CAT SCAN SHOULD TELL THAT TAIL.I AM ABLE TO WALK IN HOUSE AND A BIT OUTSIDE MAYBE 2OO 300 STEPS A DAY MY DAY ENDS 2PM TO 3PM THEN NEED TO GET OFF FEET.SKIING RACING WITH ANKLE FUSION? I SURE WILL GIVE IT MY BEST TRY.GOOD DAY
    Last edited by PET; 07-31-2020 at 11:28 AM.

  13. #88
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    ANKLE FUSION

    Morning, anybody know someone whom skis with Ankle Fusion? Its in my very near future 10/2/19.

  14. #89
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    2,715
    I think I remember Lou Dawson from WildSnow has one. Good luck man!

  15. #90
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    1YEAR PILON FRACTURE 5WK ANKLE FUSION UPDATE

    THANKS JOHN B FOR REPLY, so there is hope I'll be back on skis. Well my Pilon Fracture has led to a Ankle Fusion on 10 /2/19.Down to 14 screws 2 plates [3 screws are for fusion] from 22 screws 3 plates.4 doctor visits sense, 1st check wounds change bandages x ray, 2nd visit same,3rd visit install a Cast x ray,4th visit x ray remove Cast put a boot on note the boot has raised the pain level up not as bad as before Fusion [that was crazy pain].The pain drop on day 25 or so after the fusion. Pain is getting a bit better from first day of boot in install only 4 days ago.Doctor says all is going well I'll be no weight barring for 12 weeks or so total, then baby steps, no skiing this year. A walk with out pain would be a real joy after this year of injury. HAVE A GREAT DAY PAUL.PS Thanks Vets for our freedom.
    Last edited by PET; 11-10-2019 at 10:34 AM. Reason: AD ON

  16. #91
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    428
    Best wishes on your healing. I know there have definitely been folks on this forum skiing with a fusion. The issue is just finding a boot that allows you to slide in and out, some have mentioned Full Tilt, but would love to hear from people who have actually tried different boot brands so that I can share with others.
    Originally Posted by jm2e:
    To be a JONG is no curse in these unfortunate times. 'Tis better that than to be alone.

  17. #92
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    PILON FRACTURE 15 MONTH,ANKLE FUSION 18 WK UPDATE

    Well weight barring 6 weeks now making progress, the PAIN is down to 1.5 [24x7] from just plain crazy I never knew that pain that bad even existed. So doing PT twice weekly one at Therapy one day at home. Being very carefull,do not want to brake anything. Pick up a Pedometer up to 9.5 miles per week[10% on crutches] just walking around on a smooth floor. Did step ups and Lunges last week poor poor form, and I now have a balance issue. Before crash I had the Balance of a MT. Goat, so lots to do there. I AM ON THE DOWN SIDE OF THIS AND VERY HAPPY. Next goals my 2.2 mile daily walk, Getting Ski Boots on, Skiing green hills, onware and upward from there, and who knows maybe just maybe I'll here those Magic words again RACER PLANT YOUR POLES. So anyway if your reading this and have this Pilon Fracture FIRST I feel your pain but if you would like to chat about my Rep Hap Recovery or just need someone to hold your hand as your rolling around in the wheel chair. Answer and some how we can exchange emails maybe phone #s. HAVE A GREAT DAY PAUL PS thanks to my Pals at Mid Atlantic Masters,ASRA, Hunter Mid week training crew, for all the get well cards wishes also Eclipse Therapy great Therapists and Staff and my BIG sisters whom have told me I need to find a wife, Brother in laws for hauling my Ass around for Months, friends for visiting and getting me out of the house, all the Forums and Utube Videos chatt rooms of those whom have gone before me.
    Last edited by PET; 02-07-2020 at 05:43 AM.

  18. #93
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    On the beach somewhere
    Posts
    639
    Well, this thread is depressing AF. Got a couple questions if anyone is still reading this:

    Any positive stores 1-10 years out? Running isn't important, but snowboarding, hiking, walking, biking, and dancing to the dead are important; even knowing that none of those sports may ever be the same.

    How about the pain spectrum? Is the pain the worst now it will ever be (exfix + just injured 1 week ago,) after the OFID surgery, during NWB, ever after? Just curious if the pain is going to get worse before it gets better.

    ...asking for a friend

  19. #94
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11
    SO SO SORRY for your injury Shaft. The pain is just unreal. I am about 21 months out from crash 4 operations last one Ankle fusion, in Oct. Pain at #1 24x7, goes to 1.25 to #2 on heavy work out days. I am walking 1.5 miles 3 days a week 2.5 on Sunday, biking up to about18miles on a ride day I live In Mts so its always heavy pulls, finnish up my Physical Therapy today up to about 3% Dorsiflextion. Before Fusion I was only 5% [normal about 15%] with so much damage in Ankle. I did get a soft Flex 110 Ski Boot Linner on the other day, Havn't tryed racing boots yet 160 flex,or linner with Boot,so snow board boots should be a breese. I was 63 when Injured so hopfully your young that should also help greatly. If there is any thing I can do for you to keep up your progress we can try to exchange #s email some how I will be there to help you stay moving forward.HAVE A GREAT DAY PAUL.PS wecome to a club that nobudy in there right mind wants to be in[humor always helps,laughter some how works]

  20. #95
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    On the beach somewhere
    Posts
    639
    ^Thanks PET! What I should have said, but forgot, is: "I hope you are all doing well and wish you many days without pain." Seriously, for all the people on this thread...I'm thinking of ya.

    PET: when you say #1 24/7, and moving to #2 on heavy workout days, is this out of 10? That sounds like progress!

    I really was asking for a friend. My 37yo wife just had a pretty bad pilon a week ago, and has a historically low pain tolerance. I'm keeping positive vibes....meaning I would never let her read this fucked up thread! I'm also trying to prepare myself for the upcoming year. How many weeks after ORIF do you feel like she should move from opiods to "grin and bear it?" If you're using non-narcotic pain meds, like advil or weed, what kind of dosage and consistency? How are stairs for you @ 6, 12, and 21 months? Our house has so many damn steps.

    I'm nursing my third full ACL tear, which had really bummed me out in January. After researching this injury, I can only say that I feel like a fkn pansy. I've re-categorized ACL into the same grouping as sprained ankles and hangnails.

  21. #96
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Park City
    Posts
    5,105
    Acl is not in the same league pain wise.

    The orif usually hurts less than the ex fix at rest. However you are only really immobile in an ex fix. Nerve block is usually a no go due to concerns of masking compartment syndrome. Initial post op pain seems pretty terrible but rapidly improving over the first month (anesthesia perspective)


    Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
    I rip the groomed on tele gear

  22. #97
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11
    MORNING,READ, MEDITATATION SAVED MY LIFE; PHAKYAB RINPOCHE ,Sofia Stril- Rever, A big help for me dealing with pain that is best measured on the Ricker Scale [ie;8x800 pain].My pain is now back to a normal measurement #1to #10 scale. Opiods due what Doc says I tryed not to take many and really suffered.Now still take 3to 5 Okie [5mg] weekly on heavy work out days. Weed in my mind do what ever to beat the pain back, Stairs just started sleeping upstair last month #20.That book was my best tool and saved my life, just can't say enought good about it. Buckel down Husband your are really going to proof your worth. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. HAVE THE BEST DAY EVER PAUL.
    Last edited by PET; 07-23-2020 at 06:37 AM.

  23. #98
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    On the beach somewhere
    Posts
    639
    Wanted to give an update in case anyone just got a pilon and is reading this depressing-thread. This thread literally gave me nightmares.

    I know things will get worse and arthritis will kick in, but my wife has had a pretty good recovery so far (knock wood.) She started snowboarding at 6 months, is currently at 9 months and back to normal on a board with about 30 days on snow so far this season. Today was an epic, empty powder day. Her ankle hurts often, she still has a limp, but still has her foot and can do stairs etc. THERE IS HOPE. FWIW, my wife's was way into the worst category of fracture, but was not a compound. Type 3C or something? Hard to remember.

    I have the following advice if you just got this diagnosis:
    1. Buy a Game Ready Ice Machine. It will be the best $2k you ever spent, and you can sell it on eBay later. We will be keeping ours until it breaks. These things rock! A second surgery is more expensive than the machine. If you are in Canada or anywhere with reasonable healthcare, they might rent it to you. This is the single best advice I have ever received on TGR.
    2. Go to the best foot and ankle specialist you can find. Seriously, anyone else would be a mistake. Orthos are very skilled, and also often overconfident individuals. I think it just comes with the job? They will tell you they can fix it even if they have never had a success story. I know you only have 5-15 days to find a foot and ankle surgeon, but do it! We used a US Ski Team doc out of Reno.
    3. Be careful. The best story I have heard about this injury is an olympic speedskater who stayed in bed for 3 months and won a bronze medal at 10 months. The revisions and infections are what will get you. A simple fall going by yourself into a shower is enough. Just lay down and ice that puppy.
    4. Stay positive. Cause what else can you do?


    Good luck!
    Last edited by shaft; 07-07-2021 at 05:08 PM.

  24. #99
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11

    Smile MONTH 31 PILON SKI BOOTS

    SKI BOOT UPDATE MONTH 31 Pilon Fractor.Boot fitter got me hook up with Ski boots no easy task being only 4% 5% Dorsi,that I've work really hard to get.Boots are Apex out of Golden Co,Kieth at thr Pro [Hunter NY] did a Awesome Job working with this old broken up Ski Racer.AS far as my Healing still feeling progress how ever slow slowly maybe 86% healed,pain#0.50to #2.0 but not till end of day#2pain not often.Have some new doctors on the job helping.Walking 2 daysx2.3miles {Doc cut me back from 3 we argued he won} weights 3 days also heavy Ankle work at least one day,Bike1 dayx8miles weekly.So my next update will be when I am back on the snow,that should be about it.Thanks again PRO SKI SHOP HUNTER NEW YORK.Have a great day folks Paul.
    Last edited by PET; 05-03-2021 at 05:50 AM.

  25. #100
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    11
    HEY ALL,well back on the snow[12/7/21 37months 2 days][2days so far] slow going just the bunny Hill.Ankle feels just about wierd foot too,not big pain even felt a bit better next day.Used 15 meter skies my Pals said I looked good drop hips bending Knees and all that I felt like I even had good Angulation but hell not much of a hill.Those little turns on that little hill were surley putting a COOLAIDE smile on this old ski racer.GOOD LUCK ALL if I have any big news problems with Ankle,I will post and advise. Feeling if I kept my head squared and give that Ankle Leg lots of respect should be all right.Maybe Race again

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