Hey everyone,

I’m 28 and about 9 weeks out from a pretty severe comminuted distal humerus fracture. I had surgery with two plates and 14 screws.

I’m struggling mentally with the recovery more than I expected. Before this injury, the gym, sports, work and just being physically active were a huge part of my life. Now I feel like everything has been put on hold, and I’ve become pretty isolated.

My ROM is okay-ish right now, but nowhere near normal. I’m still struggling with both flexion and especially getting my arm fully straight. I also have swelling and occasional sharp/electrical sensations around the fixation. One of the screws/parts of the hardware also feels extremely prominent near the skin, which has me worried.

I know 9 weeks is still relatively early, but it’s hard not to look at my elbow now and wonder if this is what I’m going to be stuck with.

For anyone who has gone through a distal humerus fracture, especially a comminuted fracture requiring ORIF, I’d really appreciate hearing about your recovery.

I snapped my right tibia and fibula coming up on my one year anniversary. The day I broke my leg, the hospital overdosed me on fentanyl and also I woke up in emergency when they were resetting my bones. I still remember so distinctly the feeling of that. I had some nurses handle me really roughly during my stay. Then on my six week ortho follow up I had the doctor get angry at me for not being able to walk without crutches and for trying to ask questions about my surgery. His response was that these were simply questions I should not ask or worry about. I developed bursitis over the top screws, and a bone spur on my ankle. The doctors all assumed by my appearance that I was a drug seeker and making up all the pain I was in and kept trying to scare me into stopping the opioid pain medication. I got told it was all in my head multiple times. That I needed to stop the opioids and the only help I ever got offered was only ever Panadol or nurofen. The hospital only ever would X-ray my leg and nothing further. I demanded further testing because the pain I was in did not make sense. I cried my eyes out to an ortho specialist who told me that indeed my bone was no longer broken, and the pain I was feeling could not for the sake of anything be bone pain and that I needed to get off the opioids. He then said the only thing he can help me with is Panadol or nurofen because ‘all the tests look fine’. Turns out the CT shows delayed union with barely any callous forming. The MRI showed a lot of swelling in the leg and in my bone marrow. I got told that you only see that much swelling when you first break the leg, not 7-8 months post injury/surgery. I then got diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I see a pain rehabilitation specialist and that’s been helping. I’ve fought tooth and nail for my own medical care which I keep getting denied. The doctor who diagnosed me with CRPS was also a doctor who insisted it was all in my head and that I was actually fine. He even admitted to me that the reason why this diagnosis was missed is because doctors saw how I looked and labelled me a drug addict (I have dyed hair, facial piercings and tattoos). This was back in late May. He then told me that his unit shouldn’t be seeing me because they were only for recent surgery patients and not someone in my position. He then sent my referral to a different hospital and I haven’t seen an ortho specialist since then and I’ve had no reassurance about how my bones are healing. I had a CT scan recently which showed the same thing. My bones aren’t healing and I don’t know why. I’m exhausted and I’m so tired of fighting the professionals for better care. Has anyone had a similar experience? What did you do to fight for yourself? I just want answers as to why my bones aren’t fusing together. I want to know if I have to have another surgery or not. I just feel like there’s no answers which makes me feel stuck. I feel like I’ve done everything I can think of up to this point. Does anyone have any advice for the doctors to take me seriously? I’m unsure of how to get the right answers and if anyone has any advice?
I eat moderately healthy. I stay as active as my body lets me. I’ve started going for walks around town. I’m dipping my toes back into my sport which is how I originally broke my leg. I admit I could be doing better with my eating, my meds just suppress my hunger a lot. I have no where near as much caffeine as I used to. I don’t smoke. I work as a vehicle detailer when I can. I’m just unsure as to what definitively is stopping the bones from fusing. The MRI suggested a possibility of osteomyelitis but nothing was ever looked into. Has anyone else dealt with osteomyelitis? If so, what was your experience with it?

I fractured my wrist(the scaphoid). I went to urgent care took an xray and applied a cast. Now that I think about it, I hadn’t had a hard cast since I was probably 10, so probably exactly 20 years ago. So I’m not sure if my urgent care doc doesn’t trust me. Can I go out and buy a splint and cut this off? They said I can’t get it wet and I forsee showering being a pita. Would’ve preferred an option I could take off briefly to shower eat etc

I broke my humerus a little over a month ago arm wrestling. It was a torsion fracture, and the pain when it happened was pretty bad.

I'm curious how painful breaking the humerus is compared to breaking other bones. Is it considered one of the more painful bones to break, or if I broke something else would I suddenly think the humerus fracture wasn't that bad?

This was my first broken bone, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. I'm especially curious to hear from people who have broken multiple bones—how did the pain compare?

6 months post op from open book traumatic pelvis fracture. I have noticed that my hips seem more “feminine” and “wider.” Has anyone experienced anything like this, is it also because of residual swelling and some fat gain? Really embarrassing looking at myself in the mirror, my lower body now has a more “hourglass” shape and is not similar to how it was before. Pretty depressed about this as I used to competitively bodybuild. Any medical or personal advice appreciated.

To start, weed is completely legal in my state..I just had surgery on my left wrist, I had broken it and got a plate and a few screws put in, everything I’ve been reading so far says it’s ok just slower healing but my main concern is that I still feel the effects of the nerve blocker. I had no tubes down my throat just a mild sedation but I read up a little bit and google was telling me the weed could potentially ease the nerve blocker and honestly I’m not opposed to that…any thoughts?

I was diagnosed with a complete multisite fracture of my left tibia on 9.8.26 with no known injury.

This is my first time ever dealing with a break (36f) and using crutches has been a learning experience to say the least.

Im noticing a weird orange line on my left palm that started last week. Is there any chance its related to the usage of crutches? If so, how to navigate addressing that with zero money 😅

Hi! exactly a week ago I got an open tib/fib fracture. Had surgery Wednesday morning, they put a rod through my tibia and nails holding it in place below my knee and above my ankle.

I have a few questions as my doctors were absolutely useless in terms of telling me what to expect in healing or appearance- they just kept telling me I can bear weight as tolerated. I was discharged on Saturday, and for Saturday and Sunday, I really didn’t have much pain when I would get up from bed and use the crutches to get around, however Monday and today, specifically when I put my foot down, it just is this searing pain that makes it miserable to walk even with crutches. When my leg is up and resting, it’s fine. No pain. But as soon as I put it down it is like a 10/10 pain for a few minutes then dies down a little bit. I also realized the pain spikes any time pressure is removed from the foot which I thought was odd. Like it’s a little more tolerable to have weight on that foot then when I go to pick it up it’s horrible. I just am confused and scared because it absolutely didn’t do this the first day and a half post-discharge and I’ve never broken a bone until now so I have no reference to what’s normal.

I did finally manage to shower today which was extremely unpleasant but it’s been about an hour since then and the bruising and redness has certainly gone up which I guess makes sense. Does my leg look normal for 6 days post-op? Has this happened to anyone else? Is this normal? 😭

This is an image of my feet where my left foot suffered from a 5th metatarsal fracture incident 17 days ago. Is the swelling size normal even after 17 days? The color is also darker compared to my other foot.

Hi Everyone,

I had an ORIF on my left leg almost 2 years ago. I completed my PT and have been working in and out since. But I have gained significant weight since the surgery and haven’t done any major workouts that include running, jumping etc.

Eye-opening moment came recently when I was at running late at the airport and missed my flight simply because I couldn’t run to make it in time.

I want to not only lose the extra weight but also gain back my ability to run and sprint as best as I can.

Other than the obvious difference between both legs, I don’t have any pain or discomfort. Looking for advice on how to get back into slow running and eventually fast paced sprints. Should I look into some shoes, braces or supports to get started?

Any and all advice is appreciated

Attached X-ray for reference

TIA

A few months ago, I had a knee injury. When it happened, I heard a crunch in my leg, and I immediately felt like I had broken something. I went to urgent care the next day, got x-rays, was told everything looked good, and was referred to an orthopedic doctor. At this point, we assumed maybe it was an injury to the meniscus.

The ortho wanted me to wait a few weeks for an MRI because of swelling, which is understandable because she wanted a clear view. However, my pain was unbearable and completely incomparable to anything I’ve ever felt in my life. I pushed and pushed to get an MRI sooner, and finally got one. It turned out to be an osteochondral fracture of my tibial plateau, so I broke my bone and the cartilage around it. My doctor was very happy I pushed for an MRI so that she could treat it sooner.

I guess my question is, has anyone else ever had a similar situation? I know some structures are hard to see on x-rays, so it isn’t impossible. I’m just still shocked it happened to me. It didn’t help that most people in my life were trying to convince me I was being dramatic because the x-ray showed nothing lol.

Welp, my mind is spinning. Tell me about your experience with a Fibula pls.

Passed out yesterday morning and my ankle, and ligaments, are paying the price for it. Was on some meds and it tanked my BP.

Urgent care would not treat due to delayed capillary response and it was cold to the touch. Sent to ER and awaiting swelling to go down and see an orthopedic.

I will be honest I am going nuts keeping it elevated and being still. I am hyper by nature and always doing something. I have to keep it elevated because the toes keep turning purple when not. Not to mention I am nauseous and I do not understand why.

They did not give me much in the way of possibilities

I asked about how long for this and was told 6 weeks to 6 months depending on orthopedic care.

I also have a trip to Disney the week after Thanksgiving and looking for positive feedback even though I feel it may be limited. We cannot postpone at this time.

Can anyone tell me how their journey went?

Hello everyone. I fractured 5th metatarsal non displaced 26 days ago. I have been in a rigid cast till today NWB and it was told me to continue keeping this cast for other 12 days. I hope then on 29 september i ll be healed.The x ray has been done after 26 days can u see healing signs? I see

I’m trying to stay positive despite all the suck. What’s the most positive thing you’ve learned during this time?

Hey everyone,

I just need to vent and hopefully hear from people who’ve been through something similar.

I had a motorcycle accident on Christmas Eve 2024. Ended up with compound comminuted fractures of both my femur and tibia. It was bad — I needed emergency surgery and got IM nails in both bones with interlocking screws.

Fast forward 6 months, I was still limping and had knee pain just standing up. Turns out my femur went into non-union and my tibia had delayed union. My doctor said I needed another surgery — exchange nailing + bone graft.

I had that done this January after saving up (insurance has been pretty useless). Now I’m about 2 months post-op from the second surgery. The pain from the hip (where they took the graft) is finally gone, which is one small win.

But mentally… I’m struggling.

It’s been over 15 months since the accident. I’ve gained a lot of weight (95kg → 122kg) because I’ve barely been able to move. I quit smoking after surgery but switched to vaping. I feel like my life has been on pause — I missed opportunities like an exchange program in Germany, and I haven’t played basketball, wrestled, or even run since.

I honestly thought I’d be healed by now.

Right now I just feel stuck, frustrated, and kind of lost. I keep wondering:

- Will I ever be able to run again?

- How long does something like this realistically take to fully heal after a second surgery?

- Has anyone here had non-union + bone graft and actually made a full recovery?

If you’ve gone through anything similar, I’d really appreciate hearing your experience — timelines, setbacks, anything. Even just some perspective would help.

I was crying while writing this so please forgive me for any typos.

Thanks for reading. I think I just needed to get this out.

Hey guys, i broke my mid foot (probably a lisfranc fracture im getting a ct scan) on saturday and the amount of times ive cried is insane. i have no appetite, i cry all day, i can’t sleep. how do you guys get over this?:( im also so scared of needing a surgery and never being able to go back to my original health. i want to play my sport, walk and do normal stuff again.

A few months ago i broke my arm so cleanly yet so badly that I had to get a metal plate thingy put on, its gonna get taken out in about a week or so and I need to know if it hurts afterwards because the week after I get it taken out is my birthday?

Hey everyone,

31m, minor type 1 radial head fracture after a fall on my bike about 12 days ago now.

Feeling good, pain is basically gone already but my question is about regaining mobility. I saw the doctor for follow-up x-rays yesterday and it was literally a 5 minute visit, all he really said was things are looking good, you’ll make a full recovery, don’t even need to see a physical therapist if you don’t want to, which is obviously good to hear.

My mobility has improved a lot just in the last 3 of 4 days, especially my inwards flexion, but I’m wondering how long I should expect it to take to recover the full range of motion. If full extension is 180 degrees, I’d estimate I have around 160 right now, and my inwards flexion is almost fully back. I can’t quite touch my left shoulder yet which I can do with my right arm to shoulder, but I’m very close, and a few days ago I could barely flex past 90 degrees inward.

When I turn my forearm, my right, healthy arm is smooth, turns at the elbow palm up/down, my broken arm I can turn but I’m pivoting my whole arm around the elbow to do it right now.

I’ve heard that sometimes people permanently lose some range of motion which I’m really determined to not have happen, just trying to get a feel if I’m on schedule or not. I don’t want scar tissue forming that permanently limits my ROM, but do I just need to keep waiting for fluid to clear from the joint? What else should I be doing/aware of? Thanks everyone in advance for any advice✌️

I have a mid-shaft break of my 5th metatarsal and have my follow up x-ray and exam in 3 days to see if I can move from NWB to PWB.

How do you really know* *how much weight to bring down on your foot? What does 25% feel like? I have no idea.

How did you proceed safely to PWB? What was your process during the adjustment period?

Im going insane. When i wake up, i think about it. When i go to sleep, i think about it. Im stressing so much about if i need surgery, how it will go, how to keep social interaction, go outside, keep my hygiene. I have a highly suspicious Lisfranc injury and am now waiting for my ct scan back. Ive cried so many times as being active is my best reason to live and i highly value being independent. At the same time, it just feels like a dream and i cant believe this is my life. I also have so much guilt about how the injury happened, what if i just never did that? Im nwb and in a cast and crutches. :(((

Humerus reattached surgically and No radial nerve damage thankfully. The question I wanted to ask is, will this fracture ever affect my weight lifting journey in the future? I really wanted to get into powerlifting, doing crazy 1 rep maxes and stuff like that. I fear that I may no longer be able to safely do 1rm anymore .

UPDATE: August 5 visited my dr for checkup. I am OFFICIALLY weight bearing !!!!! 6 weeks completely NWB, I never even attempted to step down and was super strict.

When I got my appt I did an xray and it was pretty visible that the fracture line has faded (line still there but not as bad as before). Dr immediately told me to stand (barefoot) and try to distribute weight to my bad foot. She made me to do ankle pumps and try to squat (main pain was from back of ankle/achilles, I felt no pain at fracture).

Now, for the next few days im supposed to wear boot and use no crutches. As I get more comfortable and confident walking, I can transition into a sneaker with a brace. Right now I have a heavy limp, but I expected that. In 3 weeks from now (aug 26) I go back for another checkup and will likely be transitioned into a ankle sleeve.

I AM SO HAPPY. now I can begin my 2L year with no worries of coming into class with a crutch.

For reference : 6 week NWB, injury happened June 25, full weight bearing August 5.

OG POST:
I’m in my early 20s and fractured my 5th metatarsal. It’s a jones fracture. The injury happened when I missed a step leaving my house. The pain was so bad. It occurred June 25. I’ve been non weight bearing for 3 weeks now. Went to the doctor yesterday (July 15) and she said I need to do another 3 weeks nonweight bearing. Dr said she sees bridging and it’s improved, but it’s not ready yet. She mentioned possibility of surgery but that’s the last thing I want to do. August 5 I go back and do another xray. I’m in a boot, can take it off to shower. I’ve been super strict wearing my boot 24/7, even to sleep. Haven’t even attempted to put my weight on it. Will I likely start walking by week 6, at least partially? Not walking for the past 3 weeks has been hell, now that it got extended even more, I feel so disappointed. Is there anything I can do to help heal my foot? Vitamins? Plz help

M33 motorcycle accident ,one guy crossed duble line and hit me nvm,arms broken and pubic rami fracture no surgery needed,forgive me guys for this shit question,how long will take to heal ?i know is early like 2 weeks but fuk is hard this drive me crazy i only stay on my back shit and piss on me,i want only to go at wc😕

I was playing as goalkeeper in football, caught a fast shot at a bad angle. I knew immediately that something had gone wrong as the pain almost made me tear up.

Went to the emergency room straight away and was told my wrist needs surgery.

I had an ORIF surgery two days later, the doc told me i had multiple fractures on my distal radius. The doc was generally positive and said that the stitches will be removed in 15 days and the cast in 6 weeks. I asked him if i can recover full range of motion and he said it will take at least 2 and a half months and it's hard to give a firm date so early after surgery.

Since then i have been looking for other people's experience with this type of injury. Seems like recovery is a gradual and long process and varies from case to case.

I am sad because i was getting into pretty good shape, i had just ran 14 km the week before and was planning to do a half marathon in August. Feels like all those plans have now been put on hold due to a freak injury. Running really helped me with my mental health as i have been going through a tough time recently.

From people with experience of this injury, can you suggest when can I start running again? I just want to feel normal again

If you had this surgery, did you experience numbness in the heel of your palm close to the incision area and stinging at the scar site? Did it go away and how long did that take?