Should I JUMP?

[elfanie 0]

Here's the deal..
(background: broken ankle, plate + 6 screws 6.5 weeks ago)

Last doctor's appointment was a week and a half ago (tuesday). At that appointment he went on and on about how wonderful my ankle is healing. I had been walking without any cast or anything at all for about a week and a half at that point (walking without a cast 3.5 weeks after surgery, appointment was 4.5 weeks after surgery)

The doctor said specifically, "I wouldn't be surprised if you were jumping again within the next month..." When asked what I should be able to do (trampoline? jogging?) before jumping, he said, "When you can stand only on the right foot, and jump up and down with that one leg without pain...you are fine for jumping."

I can do that. I can run up to 6 MPH on my treadmill (I'm only 5'2", to put it into perspective)...just came in from being outside on the trampoline without problems....and can jump on just the right leg without pain (although I can't "spring" as high as I can with the left, becuase I don't have the "squat" motion as deep in the broken ankle...I can't "dip down" as far with that ankle).

So...I can jog..I can trampoline...I can jump up and down...in fact, I've stood up on the couch and jumped down (but that's only downward motion, no forward motion).

My ankle doesn't have 100% movement...but there is a possibility it never will. (my "twist your ankle in" like you're going to sprain it is not nearly as flexable as it was...but the point-n-flex is just about 100%).

It's only been 6.5 weeks since I had surgery on it.

So...with all of that information...I wanna hear from YOU guys!

Should I jump this weekend?

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[CloudOnMyTongue 0]

IF you have to ask...

[nightjumps 1]

AS long as you meet the doctor's criteria for jumping, why not?

[elfanie 0]

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AS long as you meet the doctor's criteria for jumping, why not?

That was what I said...

but because the doctor originally said "in a cast for 3 months...you won't be able to jump for 3-6 months.." everyone around me is...well...not freaking out, but CONCERNED that I'd be doing it too soon - and are really being on the edge of discouraging.
Even though the doctor told me that it was going to be much much sooner...it's just that it's SO much sooner that nobody else seems to beleive me when I say that I can do this, that, and everything else. I've actually considered not jumping for a few more weeks so that people around me aren't biting their nails about me jumping again "so soon"...

(I'm actually curious to see if the DZO is going to ground me, so this might be a moot question...since he came down on me pretty hard for walking without my cast....)

but that was MY point..if I've fulfilled the doctor's criteria...is there a reason NOT to jump?

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[nightjumps 1]

You have any release paperwork from the Doctor that states, "When able to jump on that foot with no pain, can go back to regular activities?"

If he does ground you, there worst that happens is you go show the Doc, get a "normal activities" document and jump next weekend.

That's all I ask from most folks.

[elfanie 0]

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You have any release paperwork from the Doctor that states, "When able to jump on that foot with no pain, can go back to regular activities?"

If he does ground you, there worst that happens is you go show the Doc, get a "normal activities" document and jump next weekend.

That's all I ask from most folks.

Excellent idea!

In fact, I've put a call in to my doctor's office...they are supposed to be open another 20 minutes, but had to leave a message so I hope he gets the message before monday.

One reason that I'm kinda HOPING to jump this weekend is because we're going to the rocky point boogie this next weekend..and if I don't jump this weekend, then I won't be able to jump in Rocky Point. It's either jump this weekend or I have to wait at least 2 weeks (and miss a chance to jump over the ocean)...

Oh well...whatever is meant to be, will be.

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[KolinskyDC 0]

Well, the average healing time after surgical repair of a fracture is 18-20 weeks, obviously some people heal quicker and some take much longer. It has only been 6 1/2 weeks. There are things taking place in your body right now to make that ankle stronger and the more time you give it, before putting added stress on it, the better off you will be. I know it must be frustrating not to be able to jump, but I would really give it at least a few more weeks. Think of what could possibly happen, re-injure it and possibly require surgery again, then you would be missing out on jumping for most, if not all of the summer. That would suck. It is just my opinion, but I would give it another month, just to be safe.

Melissa

"May the best of your past be the worst of your future"

[elfanie 0]

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Well, the average healing time after surgical repair of a fracture is 18-20 weeks, obviously some people heal quicker and some take much longer. It has only been 6 1/2 weeks.

*nods*
My doctor told me a week and a half ago that the BREAK is no longer an issue...that it's the sprain that occured when I broke it that's going to take so long to heal.
he said that the break was basically a non-issue as to activity level. (maybe that's because of all of the hardware and such that's holding it together).

I even asked him, "If I twisted my ankle..would it sprain it? rebreak it? break it somewhere else?"
he said it would sprain it. that if I broke my ankle...it would be more likely to break someplace else (that it's actually sturdier now that it has the metal in it)....

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There are things taking place in your body right now to make that ankle stronger and the more time you give it, before putting added stress on it, the better off you will be. I know it must be frustrating not to be able to jump, but I would really give it at least a few more weeks. Think of what could possibly happen, re-injure it and possibly require surgery again, then you would be missing out on jumping for most, if not all of the summer. That would suck. It is just my opinion, but I would give it another month, just to be safe.

Melissa

Yeah...I do see your point. And I was prepared to not jump for 3 months...so waiting a few more weeks wouldn't be that big of a deal (except the Rocky Point boogie).

Although if I'm going to reinjure it..now would be the time since I live in the Arizona desert....it's not as fun to jump here in the summer anyways.
I'm JUST KIDDING!!

I hope to never have another broken bone as long as I live!!

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[skymama 37]

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(although I can't "spring" as high as I can with the left, becuase I don't have the "squat" motion as deep in the broken ankle...I can't "dip down" as far with that ankle).

Has your doctor recommended physical therapy? Could it be possible your ligaments have tightened up? That describes the problem I'm having with my ligaments after having what's considered a "severe" sprain. After 3 therapy sessions this week, I'm a new woman! The therapist did electric stim, followed by ultrasound, followed by therapy where he pulled back on huge rubber bands that were around my foot while I twisted and turned it. It hurt like hell, but I've gained a good 2 inches of flexibility in just 3 days. He was actually upset that the Orthopedic Surgeon didn't recommend therapy until 4 weeks after the accident. He said I should have been in there at least a week after I hurt it. It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor though in my opinion.

I'm going to jump tomorrow with my ankle taped in athletic tape, and only if there's some wind.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[elfanie 0]

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(although I can't "spring" as high as I can with the left, becuase I don't have the "squat" motion as deep in the broken ankle...I can't "dip down" as far with that ankle).

Has your doctor recommended physical therapy? Could it be possible your ligaments have tightened up? That describes the problem I'm having with my ligaments after having what's considered a "severe" sprain. After 3 therapy sessions this week, I'm a new woman! The therapist did electric stim, followed by ultrasound, followed by therapy where he pulled back on huge rubber bands that were around my foot while I twisted and turned it. It hurt like hell, but I've gained a good 2 inches of flexibility in just 3 days. He was actually upset that the Orthopedic Surgeon didn't recommend therapy until 4 weeks after the accident. He said I should have been in there at least a week after I hurt it. It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor though in my opinion.

I'm going to jump tomorrow with my ankle taped in athletic tape, and only if there's some wind.

He asked me if I wanted PT....said that it didn't seem like I needed it, but went ahead and wrote me a script and said I could if I wanted to but it was totally up to me. Maybe I'll call them on monday and just see what exercises they recommend that I haven't been doing..*nods*

Edited to say:
I didn't even realize who I was responding to!! I wondered how your ankle was...that looked positively ghastly!! How is it doing? Are you back to jumping?? I've thought a lot about you (and Sunshine..how is sunny doing??)
(and yes...doc said that the ligament damage that I occured when my ankle broke - ie. the severe sprain - is going to be the source of any problem I have from here on out and that tightening of my ligaments was my #1 enemy....and that's why walking on it and doing all that I'm doing is supposedly so good for it..)

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[skymama 37]

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and yes...doc said that the ligament damage that I occured when my ankle broke - ie. the severe sprain - is going to be the source of any problem I have from here on out and that tightening of my ligaments was my #1 enemy

Ok, then definitely call them on Monday. I'm telling you, I didn't think the improvement would be this drastic. I still had a lot of swelling on Monday. He said it's because the doctor didn't give me the right kind of exercises.

In a nutshell, he said it's easier to manipulate and flex the muscles when he's pulling back on them with the bands then if it was just bone on bone while I was trying to flex it by myself. The first day, it was popping all over the place. He said that was a good thing because then the blood was circulating. Sure thing, the swelling is way down after the 3 sessions. The electric stim and ultrasound made it easier for him to be able to pull on my foot so much and it helped the swelling also. Today, he used a thicker band and he was a good 3 feet away from me, pulling on it for resistance. The PT hurts more than the initial accident, but it is totally worth it!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[sunshine 2]

Your PT exercises sound exactly like mine. I got the ultrasound at my last PT appointment and loved it. I felt so relaxed. The exercises have made a huge difference in my range of motion. It's so weird that i have to actually work at moving my ankle around. But without PT i wouldn't be healing as fast.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[kpjumps 0]

I don't think my ankle was near as messed up as yours was, but I got this advice from a jumping doctor. I stood on a picnic table a few feet off the ground then jumped. If I could do that a few times plus a PLF she said jump! Hope this offers some help...Be careful!

Edited to add~ my ankle was not THAT messed up, it was a running thing.
________________

Your character will ultimately determine your destiny.

[domesuzie 0]

Hell if it were your ankle I would jump on it.

[freeflygoddess 0]

Just depends on what you think is best. My doctor told me after my knee surgery that I wouldn't be able to walk for at least 4 weeks....4 days after my surgery, stiches still in knee I was jumping...

[Nightingale 0]

PLEASE get the PT, even if you think you don't need it.

I didn't. Took me six months of physical therapy a few years later to undo what six weeks of PT after the sprain would've taken care of. I was en pointe (toe shoes) in ballet class and didn't have nearly the flexibility in my ankle that I should have.

[cvfd1399 0]

Would you rather wait a couple more weeks or a couple more months if something goes bad? Error on the safe side.

[Skymonkey13 0]

Just curious, did your injury happen jumping?

[elfanie 0]

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Just curious, did your injury happen jumping?

Yup...multiple things that led up to it that were stupid, too...and it was such a dumb little *dink* nothing kind of landing.

I flared a bit late, my toe caught on the grass and flipped my leg underneith of me with my toe pointed to the outside instead of the inside and I came down on it and *POP* broke it.

I'm definately going to call on the PT on Monday...and this weekend, depending on the weather, I'm still undecided about jumping. I don't want to jump in no wind...and of course never jump in high wind. I'll just see what God throws at me.

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Elfanie
My Skydiving Page
Fly Safe - Soft Landings

[Skymonkey13 0]

Well good luck.

[garef001 0]

five screws and a plate in my ankle. was walking without crutches or a cast 3 weeks later. haven't had a problem with it and this happenned in 97. and yeah i was really active on it, wasn't jumping(didn't jump back then) but doing other stuff that put stress on it. if you feel comfortable on it go for it.

Thanasi

[tigra 0]

Good luck whatever you decide to do. And its WAY too early to give up on your ROM, or accept any limitiation. Keep working at it!

maura

PS: If I could do all that with my stupid ankle right now, I'd probably jump. Be careful, and go to PT to work on your ROM!

[weirdchris 0]

Hey definately do not jump until you can run again.
Wait atleast 16 weeks minimum. Don't mess with your landing gear. Stay on the couch, Grab the X-Box and get good at Halo or some game. The time will pass quick enough.