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Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:52:04 GMT

I am having some mild swelling. I notice it most after a long day at the hospital and when I'm wearing my cycling shoes. does anyone know how long it will be before this edema is gone??

Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:19:07 GMT

It was the most difficult thing I have endured in a long time. I have to be honest and share that I lost some strength, endurance and flexibility....despite my attempts not to.

I opted to not have surgical fixation. My orthopod was diligent with xrays and keeping tabs on my healing process. Lucky for me I work in the same hospital as him and could always hobble up to his office for a quick visit and xrays.

I was relegated to non weight baring status for over 12 weeks. That was the most difficult time. I used a lot of positive reinforcements like visualizing my bone healing, etc. Everynight I would meditate on healing and my body calling in good energy. Sounds kooky, but it really helped me. I used bands for strength and never took off that horrible boot!! (except for showers and bed)

I did lots of stretching once the pain was controlled and the bone was more near anatomical alignment. I was not allowed to swim/bike until Christmas Eve. My break was really precarious. I had to bike WITH the aircast boot on...and no jumps in spin class....just a nice easy ride. I can't tell you how many looks I got. He wouldn't let me swim just because was afraid I would fall at the pool with the crutches...and he's right. I am clumsy. But once those crutches were gone I was in the pool. I used a leg buoy at first as to not have to kick and concentrated on aerobic workouts in the water. I treaded with my arms for a while...but as time passed, the bone had a good amount of bony callus..I just went back to a normal stroke. By Jan 12, he let me attempt biking in my biking shoes...it worked. By Jan 14th I was in a shoe full time. I wore my Danskos b/c the were very supportive. I truly am not 100% comfortable in my tennis shoes yet. I still have some swelling and atrophy in that foot. PT starts on friday. I have some alignment issues after using crutches for so long. Hope to work that out during therapy.

Most of the pain came from atrophy as I transitioned into a shoe. Lots of toe pain, dorsal foot pain, CALF PAIN!!!! It was so giggly....i laugh about it now but it looked awful when the boot came off. However, I am totally pain free around the fracture site. I stopped having pain there just after Thanksgiving.

My husband was sooo supportive. He would remind me that my body is healing and that time will pass. Spring would be here and I'd be back on the bike in no time and at least it was dreary winter and not a wonderful summer. Snow on the ground made it easier to not be outside playing. My family would send me links to races next summer and very inspirational books. I did lots of reading and meditating. Deep breathing and relaxation were keys to my recovery. Helped greatly with the pain.

I am finding that I am still struggling with sadness as I progress back to my normal fitness level. Sad that I lost it so, so quickly. But I just keep reminding myself that I am whole again, I will never EVER take my body for granted again and cherish my ability to MOVE.

Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:49:51 GMT

It's been a long 5 months and I finally feel like myself again. Foot pain is gone, air cast boot and crutches have been gone about a month now. Just really looking forward to PT and getting back to running again. Thanks for all the well wished during this trying time.

Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:13:02 GMT

Welll, it's been almost 2 months and I'm still on non-wt bearing status! Good news is the bone is starting to heal. Will be on crutches until at least the New Year. But that's okay....I'd rather not have to have surgery! The surgeon is allowing me to ride my trainer for 10min day with my aircast but no resistance. I'll take that. It's going to be a long road to recovery but I can do it! I know I can. By this time next year I will be back to myself----even BETTER! Having an injury like this really puts things into perspective. I will NEVER take my body for granted again. Not being able to move, be active, run, walk or just dance is awful. I have vowed to myself to take better care of my body and soul. I wonder if I took better care of my bones if this wouldn't of happened. Anyway, can't focus on what you can't change====but you can focus on the future. I've decided to put my health first and stop giving to others and neglecting my body. This has truly been a time for healing====body and soul! Wish me luck on the final stretch of non weight bearing.....and send those bone healing vibes!

Annie

Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:57:46 GMT

Toby,

Thanks for the great suggestions. My break is much further down the shaft than yours. It's a transverse break across the bone but underneath it splits a bit and goes down the bone instead of all the way across. Wend to the ortho today and had more films. the bone is in good position and has not moved or been displaced. But no healing as of yet. He said minimum of 8 weeks in the boot 24/7. The area that is broken is known for notoriously poor blood flow which equals long healing time. Going back in 2 weeks for more films and to see if healing has occured. If no healing...discussing internal fixation. No swimming for me now....so, I'm sticking with sit ups, push ups and some weight lifting. Ironically, I've dropped about 8lbs since the accident...but I attribute that to depression. You are right about positive thinking. I got blasted with a bad cold this past week and have been throwing myself a pity party. DONE! Only positive thinking from here on out!

Re: 5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:21:17 GMT

Thanks for your advice. I am not allowed anything at this point. He has me on limited weight bearing this week. I see him on 10/29 and hopefully he will release me to do a bit more. I am looking forward to getting into the pool for at least a good tread or something. thanks for the reply. annie

5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:54:34 GMT

You may not believe me when I tell you all that I have a sustained a 5th metatarsal fracture on my right foot after jumping on the bed....well, jumping off the bed. As i landed improperly on my foot and it buckled and i suffered a psuedo jones fracture of the right 5th metatarsal. My orthopod says it's right between a midshaft and jones fracture. I'm in an Aircast for now. I can bear weight with my boot on but my orthopod asked for a week of couch sitting, minimal weight bearing to go to the BR and kitchen and RICE. I will get re-evaluated on 10/29 to see how things are healing and to then see if internal fixation will be necessary. He does not think that it will. Anyway!....how the hell can i stay fit while not being able to run/walk/bike/swim at this time...or for the next 6 -12 weeks? He laughed at me when I asked about running a 10K in March. States my bone won't be ready for running for at least 8-12 months. What am I going to do. I have been doing sit ups and push ups but I don't want to be lop sided...strong on top but weak on bottom. I am worried about losing strength in my right LE and gaining weight. I'm already in a recovery mode despite the fact that this injury is only 4 days old. Any suggestions/help would be appreciated! I don't want to get mushy during recovery....especially when it's going to take place over the holidays. What the heck was I thinking jumping on the bed?!!??

5th Metatarsal Fracture! How to stay fit during recovery???!!!???

Annie Lehrer — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:48:40 GMT

Looking for a new road bike--any suggestions

Annie Lehrer — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:53:46 GMT

I have been riding a pretty beat up road bike for the past 3 years or so. It was my beginner bike and was great. Now I'm looking to get a new bike...still not keen on spending 1K. I would like to stay between $500 and $700 if possible (fingers crossed). I am a weekend rider. Maybe 40miles a week. I am short! 5'4'' with a short torso. In the summer months I do do the occasional century or sprint tri. Any suggestions!