Welcome to my continuing journey of my tibial plateau fracture recovery.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery Update:
Moving on with life after a tibial plateau fracture:
My first post of the new year. Happy 2018 everyone! I’m glad I decided to journal my tibial plateau fracture recovery. I hope that it is helping those of you reading this in some way. I remember early on, I feverishly searched for blogs of people who had this injury who journaled their recovery. I’m so grateful to them for sharing their experience. Now, I will try to pay it forward as best I can.
It’s been seven and a half months since my open reduction internal fixation surgery. Life moves forward with or without pain. You can let the pain stop you or you can push through it and carry on with your life. I choose the latter.
You can live your life miserable and feel sorry for yourself, or you can choose to be happy. Remember, someone out there most definitely has it worse than you do!
I learned this lesson somewhere around 5 weeks post op. I wasn’t even partial weight bearing yet and my boyfriend took me to the beach to get some fresh air and lunch by the ocean pier. As I was exiting the pier on my crutches, an older gentleman walked up behind me and said, “I’m glad you’re getting out.” Startled, I looked back to see who was speaking to me. The man proceeded to tell my boyfriend and I how he was swimming in the ocean one day and had a stroke in the water. He was paralyzed and couldn’t speak or move. He couldn’t call out for help and he said the beach was rather empty.
Can you imagine the horror of that? He continued with his story, “The ocean tide was coming in and the water was rising. Luckily, a passer by came and realized I was in distress and saved me.” At that very moment, I realized that if this man lived through that and overcame such a horrible ordeal staring death in the face, and rehabbing to walk and talk again, then I knew I most certainly could do the same. We chatted a bit more and he asked me what had happened to me. He left quite an impression on me.
I realized that someone always has it worse off than I do. I carried that story and lesson with me through out my recovery. Whenever I was having a bad day or found myself crying, thinking I would never walk again, I would remind myself of this run in with this man and readjust my attitude right quick. It’s funny how fate places someone directly in your path, right when you least expect it and need it.
I do something everyday to work on my recovery. Even at almost 8 months, I’m still healing and trying to build muscle back on my injured leg. It’s hard work. I walk as much as I can throughout the week and on weekends. I pedal my desk cycle under my desk at work when time allows, and if I’m sore from doing too much of one activity, I’ll work on something else. Like my core. Or maybe I’ll only have time to do some leg exercises for the day.
The point is, I work on my recovery every. single. day. I’m trying hard to avoid more surgery to have my hardware removed, but that is looking less and less likely as I am approaching the year mark. When I walk I have a constant tight feeling around my knee like someone is tightening a vice grip around it. Then there’s the tuning fork sensation that begins at my knee and resonates down my shin all the way to my ankle with every step that hits the ground.
I can’t say it’s painful but it is definitely uncomfortable, annoying, and unnatural. I feel that if this metal were out of my leg, that my leg would feel more like my own again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful my ever so skilled trauma surgeon and the metal did me a solid over this period of time, but now that my bone has healed, it’s time for it ta go!
I have overcome a lot since this horrible injury first happened on May 20, 2017. There have been many firsts…again. Like, how I taught myself how to walk again. I walk mostly without a limp or maybe a slight limp. I’m not sure anymore. Honestly, a limp doesn’t bother me because I’m just so grateful to be walking at all. I am back to going up and down the stairs at home alternating feet again, for the most part. Some days I’m just too doggone tired to walk up or down the stairs normal. All kinds of creaks, clicks, and pops go on when I descend the stairs.
Let’s see, there was the first shower standing up again and sleeping in a bed for the first time again. The list goes on and on. After I accomplish one goal, I set my sights on another. One of my goals was to get back on my bicycle. It doesn’t matter how one acquired this injury, there is always some post traumatic stress that accompanies it. Most physicians don’t address the emotional or psychological aspect of our injuries. They are more focused on the physical side of it. Rather, the more concrete side that they can see.
Unless you have this injury, it’s hard for others to truly relate and understand the struggles we go through. It’s weird but the PTSD will mess with your mind and try to stop you from doing a lot of things. Even if your injury didn’t occur from what you are afraid of. I was thrown off a run away horse, and I’ll probably never ride a horse again. I wasn’t in a motor vehicle accident, but I’m terrified to drive on any highways or express ways, but I do it, because I can’t let fear paralyze me. If I see a dog running full speed I get anxiety, thinking they will run into my knee. I’m afraid of falling down and breaking my leg again. All kinds of weird shit that my boyfriend thinks I’m crazy to think.
It makes you acutely aware of your surroundings at all times. I used to love riding my bike and now I’m frightened someone will hit me while I’m riding it. I’m looking for a helmet to purchase to ride my bike now, which is something I’ve never worn before. It’s just stupid not to wear one. Especially, while riding in traffic.
Any how, I got back on my bike for the first time yesterday. I felt safe riding away from traffic, so we went to Everglades National Park to Shark Valley bike trail and took in the sights on the 15 mile round trip bike trail.
You can get up close and personal with the alligators right along side the trail you are riding on. In fact, sometimes alligator tails are lying on the path and you have to avoid running over one!
It’s amazing how close you can get to the wildlife. You most certainly need a healthy respect for it as well.
I feel so grateful to be back doing some of my favorite leisure activities and rehabbing my leg at the same time. All that cycling at work must be paying off. We did about 12 miles of the 15 miles and my leg held up pretty well. My back and shoulders hurt more than my knee did. This is why it is so important to work on building those leg muscles back up.
My next goal to conquer is running again. It’s not that I want to run for exercise. I never enjoyed running and it’s so hard on your knees, I would just like to be able to run from danger…or a bee!
Heal on TPF friends! Heal on!
I’m glad you commented because my feed reader didn’t update with this post! The PTSD is soooo real. I’m thinking I might see if I can find a therapist for it. I think I’m making improvement, but every once in a while an abnormal sense of panic swells out of nowhere. It’s SO GOOD to see you riding your bike!!! I hope that’s me by the time all of this snow melts.
I can’t imagine having to contend with snow and ice.Trying to balance and walk upright is hard enough. I guess if I had to do it I would, but it would be one more fear to add to my already full plate. Spring will be here before you know it. By summer it will be way too hot here to walk outside let alone ride a bike. I have to take advantage of the cool weather while I can.
Your injury and recovery has mirrored mine so much! I’m coming up on 4 years and I’m still pushing to keep getting better! I’m never satisfied! PTSD is horrible and very real but thankfully there is help. Keep working hard!
I just read this and thank you! You have articulated everything I have been feeling.
I’m eight months from surgery (was run into by a wild dog) and am finally walking without a limp thanks to a cortisone shot.
I agree with others—no one told me recovery would take so long.
I decided a few months in to try to have limited expectations and not judge progress by the day or week—monthly was more accurate! The hardest part was allowing myself to slow down. Recovery is a job, but you have to be kind to yourself too.
Elisa, so true. We have to be kind to ourselves and let our body’s guide our recovery. But we also have to mentally push through so much. I wish you all the best in your recovery. I’m sorry you have to endure this awful injury and recovery process, but know that it’s possible to have a good recovery outcome, maybe not perfect or our pre TPF selves, but a good recovery nonetheless. It’s all about perspective.
Thank You for sharing your journey.
You have encouraged me to live life to the fullest as I had the same injury and are x-rays look identical. This is my first NWB week using a walker graduating to a cane next week.
Surgery 12-13-16.
Thank You Again for your upbeat attitude & active videos.
Congratulations on WB! I was wondering about your surgery date. That would have been a super long time to be NWB, but some have other medical issues that accompany TPF. You seem right on the normal schedule for WB. Wish you all the best!
Hi
I have just been reading every one’s experiences. This injury is so grim. I had ORIF surgery for tibial plateau fracture at end of February and am just starting to weight bear with crutches. It is very hard! I started physio last week and have a further session next week. Gill x
Surgery 12-13-17
Thanks for writing this, I am 8mths out from surgery. I was struck a horse. I feel lucky I have not suffered from PTSD. All I have wanted is to get back out with my horses. I finally sat on my old steady horse bareback for the first time. I am still unstable and weak in that keg. I put a gym in my house to continue exercises after physical therapy ends. Like you I have an active lifestyle I need to get back too.
You have no idea how much it helped me to read your story. I fell off my porch and got an almost identical injury as yours. I was 71 years old when this happened. I still have the metal in my leg and my doctor tells me that he doesn’t want to remove it because I have osteoporosis in my femur and my tibia is very soft too. It has been a year and a half and I am walking without a cane, however, it has been a real struggle to walk again. My doctor never expected me to even walk with a cane. I still have to go up the stairs one at a time because of so much muscle atrophy in my calf. I also have a metal screw in my ankle, (same leg) and have developed tendonitis in my heel. I believe that I also have some damage to my ACL. When talking to the doctor about it he says the tendon was stretched rather badly because the bones were so displaced and hanging off to the side of my leg from the fall. He had to use an external fixiter to hold the bones in place for a couple of weeks before he performed the second surgery to put the IML in place. Your X-rays look identical to mine. I joined a gym and I am up to 14 minutes on the stationary bike. I know what you mean by pain in your back. I discovered that it was mainly caused by not being able to stand up straight, so I am working very hard on standing and walking with my back very straight. I get a thumping sensation in my knee when I walk that drives me crazy, but it seems to be getting less as time goes on. The doctor seems to think it is because the cartlidge is damaged and I am pretty much bone on bone. Again, thanks for sharing your story. It has helped me tremendously.
Linda, I’m so sorry for your injury. You sound like you have a come a long way. I do love it when we prove our surgeon’s wrong. I wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Hi Sherri,
Very sorry for your injury, but nice write up.. I am also 50 and suffered TPF in a kitesurfing accident in august 2017 with ORIF surgery similar to yours (no external fixators though). It is indeed a crazy long recovery.. I have pushed my self very hard and was back biking two months after the surgery and back kitesurfing after 3 months, but still my leg is far from healed.. knee makes all sort of noises and it swells up and get inflamed a lot when I over do it..also thinking about removing the hardware, but if I do it, it will be in a while.. read that you want to go back to running..try the alter-g threadmill, it is a reduced gravity threadmill that allows you to run with a reduced body weight.. it has worked very nicely for me.. I do it every week and now I can also run 2-3 miles outdoor (horrible form, but can run).. stay strong you are not alone!
f.
Sorry to hear of your injury. I’m in a support group where someone got 2 TPFs from kite surfing. I haven’t been able to locate anyone near me that has the anti gravity treadmill. I’m not in any real hurry to run. I think as my leg keeps getting stronger that I’ll be able to run. Again, not too worried about it, I just would like to be able to run if I needed to. I wish you a continued blessed recovery.
Your story is everything I need right now. I am only 2.5 weeks post op, but there’s a lot of uncertainty around this kind of injury. Having you tell your story gives me an idea of some things I can expect. I was a person that was knocked down by a dog at the dog park. So when you referenced that scenario, I totally related to it. Thank you for sharing your stories so others could read, relate, and know they are not alone. I also loved your story about the man telling you about his stroke. It’s good to remind oneself that others have it worse.
Darlene, I’m so sorry for you injury. You’re so welcome and I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Thank you for posting this. I’m about 8 months into recovery for my Tibial Plateau fracture. Its tough to maintain positivity on days where it feels impossible to go back to normal. My normal was being very active and it feels like a long way away. I’m also questioning the metal in my knee. Your description of the metal feeling is something I can relate to. It is great to know someone else understands. And the reminder to work on it every day and your positive outlook is an inspiration. Thank you for blogging about your injury!
Amy, thank you. I wish you a continued blessed recovery.
Hi, Sherri – thank you so much for sharing your story! It was very informative…and entertaining! I’m 10 days post-op for my TPF and am very optimistic after reading good-news stories like yours. My surgeon (before the surgery; I haven’t had my check-up yet) advised me I’ll need to focus on small victories like walking without a limp over the next 6 months. I said, so I’ll be skiing again by December? To which he replied, “did you hear what I just said?”
I’ve borrowed a walker to get around at home and a bath seat for my shower. Every day, I pull on the same baggy dress with pockets along with a hoodie with pockets, and everything I might immediately need (like my phone) is in the pockets.
I have been in an immobilizer before for a repaired meniscus (only 3 years ago), and a cast for a repaired ruptured Achilles tendon, but this is the longest recovery and NWB I’ve experienced. I’m extremely active and also in my 50s, so thanks again for shining the light at the end of the tunnel! I look forward to your continued updates.
Hi. I’m so sorry to hear about your injury. You are fresh into it, but it appears you have experienced NWB on some level previously. Not that it makes this recovery any less difficult, but you at least have some knowledge of what it takes to recover. Gah, the baggy dresses! My boyfriend initially shopped for my dresses and let’s just say they won’t be hitting the fashion runways anytime soon! I swear I can’t even look at those dresses anymore and they are all going to the Good Will pile!
It sounds like you are healthy and active and given that, you should make a great recovery with dedication to your nutrition, physical therapy, and positive outlook. I wish you a blessed recovery and I’ve no doubt you will be back on the slopes again!
Thank you for your post. It can be so isolating recovering from this injury. I did mine skiing almost a year ago. It is a life changing injury in so many aspects. Its funny because im probably in better shape now then I was before the injury because you learn quickly that recovery is not passive. I started doing doing barre classes almost as soon as I could walk again. Now I’ve been branching out to interval and even cycling classes. I know my knee is never going to be the same but I’m trying focus on what I can do. I have even been skiing a few times this year (only for an hour each time and only on the bunny hill) but I think it’s important to face your fears. I relate so much to your comment about wanting to run again. I hate running but now that I can’t it’s so scary to think I physically could not run away from danger (like a bee).
Hi Ashby. I fell asleep on the couch the other night and heard what I thought was someone trying to get in my front door. I bolted off the couch and ran to the front door. Outta nowhere! Didn’t even think about what I did until after it was all over, which turned out to be my imagination playing tricks on me. At least I know it’s possible. Wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Thank you for your posts! I am 6 weeks post op TPF (1-25-18). Thank you for giving validation to my almost daily “pity party for one”. I am lucky to have a good support system who tries, but does not understand. My profession for 22 years has been a L&D nurse. It has been hard transition to being the patient in pain. Along with finding the patience for my love ones who are also new to their role as a caregiver.
Thank you for giving me a glimpse of life on the other side of this loooong recovery!
Hi Stephanie. So sorry for your injury. I was a L&D nurse for 11 years! I now work as a legal nurse consultant at a law firm. I can’t imagine working such a fast paced stressful job on my feet for 8-12 hour shifts! It’s hard enough recovering from this injury let alone working on your feet while still recovering. Wish you all the best.
I happened upon this website when I was looking for additional exercises to help with extension. I am just a few weeks short of a year and a fall which resulted in a TPF, and I guess the adage that misery loves company is so true. It has been so helpful to read everyones’ individual experiences. I am not sporting quite as much hardware as some of you, but my gait is still not great, my extension still needs work, (flexion is good at 136!), and the pity party comes and goes. What was really good for me to read was that others have experienced the “panic attacks” (not good you have them, but good that it is not just me). I only recently experienced a couple, while out in a large department or grocery store. With no shopping cart or walking sticks handy, I was sure I was going to lose my balance, and from there the anxiety set in. I was pretty convinced I was going nuts, until I read some of your posts. I am glad I don’t have a full time job, because my job has become pretty much full time exercises to keep the knee moving. I think I have had the best PT person one can find, and I have been told to expect at least a year for recovery but it seems like it will be more than that. I use my recumbent bike and walk 3 miles daily, plus the other exercises. It is just a crazy, long recovery isn’t it? I too wear the baggy exercise pants and oversize shirts. It’s easier to move around and covers a bit of the extra pounds I have put on with limited activity. Thanks everyone for your comments, they were so timely for me! Hope your recoveries continue!
So glad I came across your Blog. It was like I was reading my own life situation. By the way my name is “Sherri” as well and I am 52. I had a car accident on 11/11/17 which resulted in a TPF. I so enjoyed reading your timeline of recovery. I am just under 20 week post op. I am full weight bearing and walk with that annoying little limp now too. Some days are better then others but still have the swelling and weird sensation in my knee as you described in your blog. I feel the muscles in my thigh and ankles have come a long way but the muscles around my knee feel so flimsy. Did you feel you gained muscle strength in the knee area once you started the peddling exercises? Also was wondering if there are any other excercises you have been doing to strenghing that area. Would appreciate any advise you have to offer as far as strengthing those muscles in my knee area… Again, it was great reading your blog.. God Bless you in your continued recovery.
Hi Sherri. I’m so sorry for your injury. But glad to hear you are walking and moving along in your recovery. Yes, I still lack strength in my quad muscles and VMO muscle. I do feel that walking and cycling have built muscle and strengthened my leg over time. I also do squats and heel lifts. I find my whole body and muscles all suffer from weakness and I get easily fatigued. Some days are better than others. I really need to take up yoga and also focus on my core strength as well. It’s amazing how this injury affects the whole body from being down so long. I wish you all the best and I’m due for an update post, so stay tuned! Happy healing!
Thanks so much for posting your journey. I’m 40 with 5 children ranging from 4 to 22. I stepped on something while carrying my sleeping 4yo in the house. I suffered TPF on my left leg. My surgery is scheduled for April 13, 2018. It has definitely been a major adjustment. But I always thank God cause it could have definitely been so much worse. I really enjoyed reading your story and feel very encouraged and have a good idea of what to expect. Just have to put my big girl panties on and push through.
Hi Natasha. I’m very sorry for your injury. And how awful that you suffered your injury in your own house. I say this all the time, I don’t know how I would have done it if my kids were little. Luckily, it seems you have a few older ones who can help out. Hopefully, your family understands just how serious this injury is and will pitch in with the chores and cooking. When they say no weight bearing, they mean it. Be diligent about your isometric exercises when you’re released to do them and hopefully it’s soon after. Your journey is just beginning, but you will get through it. You’re going to cry and get frustrated, and feel left out at times, but I can promise you that it will all get better and life will resume again. It just takes a lot of patience and things to fill up your time. For me, that was researching my injury, which I probably became obsessed with, and focusing on ways to heal my body. Looking back now, I had a lot of wasted worry, but how could I have known at the time. This injury sucks, but you will get through it. The first few post operative weeks were the hardest because of pain and learning to physically adjust to non weight bearing etc. I’m here if you have any questions. Wish you all the best in your recovery.
Of all the information there is regarding tibial plateau fracture, yours is the very best. I love yah! I am looking forward to what you have to tell us after you have some of that metal removed. I am also thinking along the same lines. I am 73 years old and this happened to me June 9, 2016. It will soon be 2 years and I still don’t walk naturally and still have to go up and down stairs like I’m doing a two step. Takes me forever this way! Please let us know all about your new adventure and what it entails regarding EVERYTHING they have to do. Thanks Again. Your fan, Linda (ha ha, have to keep a sense of humor, don’t we!)
Linda, you’re too kind! Thank you. Wish you all the best my dear TPF friend.
P.S. I am going to the gym now and I do the stationary bike and the tredmill now. I walk as much as I can and try not to limp because I don’t want it to affect my hips.
Hi, thanks for your story. The doctors told me it was serious injury but they didnt really stress to me the apparent lifelong issues. I just thought it’ll six months recovery and ill go back to my life before. I was so wrong.
I am 4 years since bicycle accident which i broke both my right arm and right leg. Because of the arm, recovery was really difficult. I was mostly wheelchair bound so any weight bearing was delayed.
I was surprised and comforted by everybodys story of PTSD. I have only in the past year come to realize I must have it too. Was afraid to walk on wet ground (dont get me started on icy days), walk down stairs without holding banister, dance, jog basically anything involving any pressure on my leg. Only last week was listening to music and decided to just try jump up and down. I did it and was totally fine. Definitely slowly making the first steps to addressing the fears.
I struggle to find the balance between exercising enough to strengthen my leg and too much that leaves me aching for days with a bad limp. So many factors come into it. I wonder if anybody has any suggestions on how to come up with an effective exercise plan. Unfortunately cant weight bear on my arm for too long. Yoga is great but so many poses involve the arm.
Thanks in advance
Hi Deirdre. It’s crazy how this injury can cause so much PTSD, even if certain things didn’t cause our injury. I’m so afraid of breaking my leg again and I find myself babying it a lot of the time. I due for HWR this coming week. I keep telling myself that once some of that metal is out, I’m going to really get back to my weight and HIIT workouts. I really miss those. Even at a year out I have still have quad atrophy. It seems to be the hardest muscle to get back. Probably because I hate doing squats, ouch!
I also struggle with low back pain intermittently, from walking wonky. I still have a slight limp and feel like I’m walking on a peg leg. I’ll take it though, as I remember those early days lying on the couch recuperating after my injury/surgeries thinking, I’ll never take walking for granted again!
I wish you all the best! Maybe someone reader’s can offer an effective exercise suggestions for you. I’m one of those people who just walk and use a desk cycle…for now.
I am 3 1/2 weeks post op. I am glad I found your blog but also surprised. No one has explained that recovery will be so long. I was expecting to be back to normal in 10 weeks. At least now I can plan my life. Friends ask what they can do to help and because I thought it would be a short recovery I just say the family is managing but I cant expect my grown children to be here every day for months after working all day. I will be accepting that help now. My husband is no susie homemaker and the mess is really getting to me. I am a sheep farmer. Hubby is managing the farm or says he is, and working afternoon shift. The kids come and do evening chores but its driving me crazy not being able to get out there to see what is messed up. My newborn lambs are now half grown. The sheep have to be sheared… so much to do. Maybe its time to retire because they do bump legs but now I know what questions to ask next time I see the doc. It will kill me to give it up so I am at least ready if it comes to that. I have been worrying about the arthritis in my ankle. I am now expecting a long recovery but I wont let that stop me. Oh yeah, I also have MS and 25 years sgo when I heard that I determined it wouldnt get me and it worked. I deal with the bad days and appreviate the good days. I can take this one on too
Hi Aj. I’m so sorry for your injury. It really is a life changing injury, but luckily most of us are able to recover, although we may never return to what we were pre injury. I always tell myself, it’s better to live with the residuals than not be able to walk or move about. Meh, I can live with a little limp compared to what could have been the alternative. For that I am grateful. You really should accept the help people are offering you. There’s no shame in that, especially when being in the most difficult part of recovery during NWB period. Yes, accept ANY and ALL help! Hoping your lambs are being well taken care of as well. Sometimes, we just have to let go and take care of ourselves first. Trust that your partner is taking care of them. And oh my goodness, yes, after healing, I’d be so afraid they would bump into my leg. I’m in a support group for this injury and I know people have gotten their injuries from lambs, pigs, dogs, horses etc running into their legs. Yeouwwww! You sound like a tough cookie given everything else you’re also dealing with health wise! I wish you all the best. Please let me know how you are coming along in your recovery from time to time.
Hello everyone,
I suffered a non displaced Left TPF from playing Kickball. I joined a league since my coworker told me it was so much fun. Big mistake for me. Were were scrimmaging and I was running and my left leg bent inward. The pain was immediately, but I didn’t go to the doctor for almost two weeks after it happen, just thought it was sprung. And being that I already had narcotics from my Sciatia, I just took that but I just knew something was just not right because my leg hurt so much and it was hard from me to do things. After finally getting into the Ortho doctor and was sent from an MRI that was not read until three weeks later. He told me I have a non displaced Left TPF and I should have been on crutches and non weight bearing. He put me on crutches to prevent it from becoming displaced and told me to come back in two weeks for an xray to see if its healing proper. Went back for an Xray and it appears to be healing properly so he wanted me to start PT 2xs a week, use only one crutch and come back to him on July 3rd, 2018 to see how I am progressing. He doesn’t foresee me having surgery and he said the therapy should help me to not have a limp. While my injury sounds no way compared to others. I’m just glad to have found other people’s story in regards to this injury. This is a serious injury and I just can’t wait to get back to a normal life if possible.
Hi Nicole. I’m so sorry about your injury. Have you been checked or do you suffer from osteopenia/osteoporosis? Try not to blame yourself. In the beginning, I can’t tell you how many times I’d wished I’d never gotten up on that horse. I replayed the accident scene over and over in my head. What if…? I finally realized I had to let it go and get on with my recovery. Wishing it away, changed nothing. I will most likely never get back on a horse, and I’m ok with that given the trauma that accident put me through, physically and emotionally. Just because you didn’t have surgery doesn’t mean your recovery is any less harder than those of us who have. Yes, this is a very serious injury… whether you have surgery or not. It does sound like your recovery is coming along well though.
On a side note, our law firm has started up a kickball league this summer and my coworkers were talking about it the other day. I just jokingly laughed and said to them “Notice how no one asked the girl with the broken leg if she wanted to be on the team?” One of the attorneys yelled out from his office, “Hey Sherri you wanna join the kickball team?” We all had a good laugh about it and decided I could be the “water girl.” I’m cool with that!
I am sorry for your injury, and thank you for this blog. I know it’s not easy to acknowledge the challenges of such an injury. Your blog is inspirationall. I sustained a L TPF and a similar injury to my L wrist 5 weeks ago, and had surgery on both joints 5 days later.
My injuries are the result of domestic violence, and marked my exit from a 40 year marriage (I am 61).
I have skipped a few days, but have rededicated myself to doing my PT every day! Thank you!
I am having trouble completely straightening my leg, with flexing my foot, and with swelling. Anyone else!
I am sorry for your injury, and thank you for your blog. It is not easy to acknowledge all of the challenges of a TPF. You are inspirational!
I sustained a L TPF 5 weeks ago, and also injured my L wrist severely. I had surgery on both joints 5 days later.
My injuries were the result of domestic violence and marked a new beginning (ending a 40 year marriage). I am 61, and worked with my husband, a family law attorney.
I’m having problems completely straightening my leg, flexing my foot, and with swelling. I have eased up a day here and there, but I am rededicating myself to every day!
I’m so sorry Fawnette, your situation is awful enough let alone knowing it came from someone who was supposed to protect and love you. I was in a domestic violence relationship for year, so I understand where you’re coming from. You are so brave and I wish you all the best. Hang in there and just keep pushing. You are stronger than you think. All my best!
It’s been seven months since I had ORIF for a fractured tibial plateau AND a broken ankle. My ankle is fine, but the tibial plateau is taking forever to heal. I am not feeling sorry for myself, but I am wondering when I will be better. I am wondering when I will be strong enough to carry my bicycle downstairs and go for a bicycle ride. I am wondering when I will be well enough to go camping (right now it’s too hard for me to lower myself to the ground, although I am doing that more and more), and I am wondering when I will be able to go on long hikes again. I am also searching for a tibial plateau surgery support group.
I had the same injury fell off a ladder January 4 2018 and fractured my tiba plateau I have two plates and six screws never though much about removing the hardware,walking and long periods of sitting has become a challenge for me I can ride a stationary bike with no problem I’m 69 years old taking it one day at a time
Great post. It was something that I needed to read today. I am 7 months since injury (no surgery). I went to a dog park for the first time since the accident. PTSD big time- I was hugging the walls and looking for a bench to avoid running dogs.
You are right- be grateful- someone has it worse. Thanks again for your post.
I just found this blog and am nearly in tears of gratitude! I suffered a TPF with depression and displacement skiing 2 weeks ago. My surgery is next week and I was/am so scared of the pain, long recovery, and how long it will take me to get back to “normal”. I am extremely active; in addition to skiing, I rock climb 3 days a week and walk ~5 miles each day. It is terrifying to think how long it might be before I might enjoy those things again. But, reading your blog and the comments of others who have gotten through this (or are continuing to heal) is inspiring and gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel…
My doctor wouldn’t do an MRI to check for any ligament damage and that worries me too, since it seems like that would be good to know. But he said we have to focus on the fracture first.
Thank you again for your blog and continued replies to others who are going through this terrible injury.
Tamara, I’m so sorry for your injury. I’m not going to lie, the first few weeks after surgery are awful and you have to learn to adjust to losing your independence. Hopefully, you have someone to help you out, because there’s very little you can do. As the weeks pass, you will finds ways and tricks to become more independent.
It’s a very slow recovery process, but you will improve with time. Make sure you get yourself a good PT and do your exercises religiously. It’s 20 months since my accident and I’m still building muscle back, but things have improved so much for me. I’m back to doing just about everything I did before the injury. Having some of my hardware removed last May has been a game changer for me.
Just take it one day at a time. You’re definitely going to have your good days and bad days with a few ugly cries thrown in. I don’t care who you are or how strong you think you are, this injury will get the best of all of us, mostly because it robs us so swiftly of our independence. We never had time to adjust. Boom! It just happened and we had to deal with what was thrown at us.
I wish you all the best. I’ve never had an MRI either, so I always wondered like you if I had any ligament damage. I think not knowing may have been a blessing really. I don’t seem to suffer from instability, locking or buckling so either there was no ligament damage or building muscle has compensated for it. Some tears will also heal on their own with time.
Thank you so much for your supportive reply! I’m sure I’ll be reading/re-reading your blog over the coming months.
You’re most welcome. Happy Healing!
Hi Sherri
My name is also Sherri. I had a ski accident 2 days ago which resulted in tibial plateau fracture.
Went to ER, have a splint and crutches and have to get appt with Otho this week.
Is there any chance of not needing surgery?
There are many people who have suffered this break who didn’t need surgery; however that doesn’t make recovery any less difficult or shorter. The one benefit of not having surgery is obviously the side effects of anesthesia, recovery, and hardware pain. I’m so sorry for your injury and wish you all the best.
Thank you Sherri for your blog, i found it inspirational, I read it after searching for information about getting back to normal following a TPF im 63 and it’s been 8 mths since my surgery and i relate to everything you said in your blog , I am glad your getting on with life and things are improving for you, I am back in work 10 hr shifts but get very frustrated as exhausted by end of shift , physio is still on going, just hope I can eventually get back to a normal ish life again soon
Hi Sherri
Glad that you managed to stay positive. I found this the hardest part after the TPF.
I had a nasty one with depression and displacement, plate, 7 screws.
2 days after surgery i began the therapy, first on a funny machine which was kind of cycling my knee without putting any weight on it. After 3 days i got 30 degrees back of range. Then i got back home and started the therapy with a specialist. I was going every day at their gym (if i can call it like this) except for weekend when i was doing the exercises at home.
3 months non weight then progressively, until full weight bearing. 3 months after surgery i recovered my full range of motion then i learned walking again. 6 months after surgery i was able to walk without limping. 9 months after i was feeling stronger but not yet able to fully rely on my injured leg.
I kept training my leg with easy short runs, bicycle, swimming, lot of walking and basically keeping that knee in motion.
At 1 year i was able to run properly although some pain and swelling.
2 years after surgery i removed the hardware and felt much better. I agree, a new intervention sucks but it was worth it.
3 years after accident i was able to run, sprint and even go up in the mountains for 1 week, hiking with 20 kg on my backpack. 6 years after i still run, hike and do everything i want. The knee feels funny, sometimes pain but reasonable. I think it will never be as before, you will always feel that “something happened” but the point is that i can do everything i want. Able to run 100 m in 13 seconds which is pretty good anyway and particularly good at 48.
From my experience i would suggest a few things:
– hope for successful surgery, it is the first condition for a full recovery
– aggressive kinetotherapy to start as soon as possible after surgery in order to regain mobility
– recovering mobility and full range is paramount. Dont worry about loosing muscle mass, you will get it back
– work on your mobility every single day. Keep that knee moving as often as possible
– you will work thru pain. Learn to accept it and keep working out
– DO NOT GO WEIGHT BEARING TOO SOON! Some therapist are too eager. Just follow the doctor’s advise. If no weight for 3 months then 3 months it is. Remember, mobility is most important, take a conservative approach
– work hard, do your exercises even twice a day, even when you feel lazy
– after you are cleared for weight bearing start slowly and build mass. Do not rush into running too soon when the muscles are not strong enough
– no matter how optimistic you are and how strong your spirit is. Because of the nature of this fracture and long recovery you will all have some low days and some may even go trough depression. Especially if you used to be very active. By the way, tpf seems to affect mostly very active people. You have to fight that bitch and not allow its ugly head creeping in. I believe you all used to be strong and athletic and you cant be like that without a strong mind and will. So, when you are low remember who you are and fight back. It is a hard battle but you have to stay above. Depression is tricky and very easy to fall pray to it.
Sherri did a real good job in pointing that out. That was her strongest message, she has chosen to fight back.
Staying positive is what i found the hardest even when i was making progress.
When you are able to walk again do a lot of cardio on bicycle, swimming etc. Do strength training for the upper body. Endorphines will keep you sane and happy.
Find something you like but never had time for it (reading, play guitar, learn new things etc.).
Now i am able to do everything. Running, climbing, hiking you name it. At this very moment i am in the middle of Atlantic. I work as a ship’s Captain and being a seaman is a demanding job, physical fitness being a condition.
So, dont loose hope, stay strong. You will get back to full power again.
All the best,
Alex
Thank you Alex and Sherri. Alex, I feel as if you were writing directly to me. I fell backwards off of a ladder on 4/1/2019. I was cleaning a ledge above a closet from the very top of a 5 ft ladder (bad idea) and stepped over to a tall dresser for extra support and steadying (another dumb idea) and slipped, the ladder came out from under me and my knee came down onto the dresser, then I fell backwards and my hip hit the nightstand and my head hit the siderail of the bed frame. I had a concussion and thought I had a fractured rib (still not sure) and my back hurt near the location of my spinal fusion (from 2010) but my knee felt as if it was just barely attached. My meniscus was ripped away from my knee and I needed a plate and six screws with cadaver for the surgery. I had the surgery nine days after the fall and those nine days were absolute torture. My head was constantly spinning, my ribs were mangled and my back and knee were so painful that I am ashamed to admit I wanted to die at times. Just months before the fall my husband and I had opened a gym for hardcore weightlifting, a dream we have had for years and one we just found the courage to go for at the age of 50. I had been spending a lot of time building my own strength in the gym and I believe that prepared me for this surgery due to my muscle mass. But it also threw me into depression due to this inactivity.
I am just now at 9 weeks post surgery and still in a brace but finally able to drive again, able to walk with one crutch from two and from mostly being in a wheelchair due to not wanting to take a chance falling (dizziness still comes and goes), and able to put full weight-bearing again. My spinal surgery (fusion at l4-s1) back in 2010 was nowhere near this devastating as crazy as that sounds. I don’t know why. Seeing others who are worse off is a reminder to pull myself out of that slump and fortunately those bad days are very few now. I agree that movement is essential even though it comes with painful days afterwards. But having lifted heavily I know good pain versus bad pain and I can tolerate it. I am still of course limping but am hopeful that will fix itself. I hope to get back to squatting and using my prized leg press machine in the gym but I know it will take time. As for PTSD, it is funny how that works. Our gym actually gives free memberships to veterans with PTSD (my husband himself a veteran suffers with this) and we feel strongly that weightlifting helps with those symptoms. However I am now feeling the effects of slight PTSD after my fall. I watched my husband climb a ladder at the gym and felt that fear rising up inside me to the point that I had to beg him to get down for fear that I wouldn’t be able to help him while in my wheelchair.
Thank you Sherri for documenting your awesome recovery. I wish I had found it weeks ago for it would have given me more hope that I needed.
So glad I found this blog. Everyone sharing their TPF experiences makes me feel sane again! I injured mine 6 months ago in Hawaii from a big forceful wave breaking against my knee close to the shore! I was devastated and couldn’t weight bear for 3 months. It was non displaced so no surgery which I was so grateful. I can walk unassisted but slowly and with a little limp sometimes but I find the sharp pain I get behind the knee the worst part for me at this point. I’m guessing there’s soft tissue/ligament? damage there but doc has not okayed MRI yet! I will push for that if it continues. That and how slow the quad/hamstring muscle recovery is taking. It is such a long recovery for sure and the PTSD is sooo real. I had many anxiety attacks out of nowhere and am also afraid of re injury so I hear you all!! I try my best of work at it all the time and take rests when needed. Worst injury I’ve endured and took a toll on my physical and mental health but I too, decided to be grateful for the improvements I’ve made and keep going forward. So nice to see we are all “normal” in this process and have a community to chat with! Thank you Sherri for starting this blog.
Wish you all the best Nat. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thank you for this post Sherri! I suffered a TPF on December 20, 2019 while helicopter skiing which sounds extreme but it really isn’t that extreme! We at first thought is was an ACL injury since there were no x-ray facilities nearby. I wanted to stay at his fabulous resort and let my husband continue skiing which he did for 2 days. After that, we left. We could see that this wasn’t a ligament problem. Because it was Christmas it took 1 week for the diagnoses and another week for the surgery. I had no idea what this was going to be like so I spent a lot of time scouring the web and blogs like this for possible outcomes.
My experiences:
The pain post surgery was bad but manageable with the prescribed drugs. I took Percoset for a few days then switched to Tylenal X-tra strength during the daytime and Percoset at night to sleep. After five days, no more narcotics. I hate what they do to my head. Managing the Tylenol and Ibuprofen dosage was what I focused on.
I had help for the first week! My dear husband was my assistant full time for the first three days and then my parents who are the sweetest came with love, soup and assistance. I highly recommend having someone around for the first 5-6 days.
The nerve block that I wore for two and a half days was great too.
I had some depression. I am a positive and very active late 50’s woman. I was so sad about my predicament! I moped around after my folks left for the next week. I slept a lot and rested. This actually was a good thing since there is so much healing going on. It’s tiring.
At three weeks post-op I started PT and then felt like I was doing something to get better!
I went to the gym and realized that there was little that I could do so I hired a personal trainer to “bring me the weights”! I worked my upper body and core, did my PT exercises and this was great! Again, I felt that I was doing something to stay active.
I used a lot of ride-share rides to get me to the gym and to PT.
I went up and down the stairs in our house on my butt. I reminded myself that it helped my triceps…
I hired a woman to come once a week to make meals for me. My husband is a busy business person and the cooking thing is not his forte. I was not about to eat take-out or frozen foods and sacrifice my diet and meal plan. This was great. She cooked wonderful soups, crock pot style meals that just needed to be heated up.
I learned that I just could not do everything (anything) and that I had to learn to be appreciative for what others were doing for me. I met some incredible people! Things were aligning and my attitude changed to one of gratitude.
My husband was at the top of the list! Every morning he made me a coffee, brought it upstairs to the bedroom with the icing device with my phone too so that I could read the news, email or play a game. Then he took our dog for a walk (used to be my job). This went on for now 10+ weeks.
Ice is your friend!
Do your PT at whatever level you can! Follow the directions but listen to your body. I felt that I could do more than what he told me I could but I wait until I see him next to try.
Don’t push it – read in this blog and others about what can happen if you overdo.
Be thankful for the progress. Now that I am 2 weeks weight bearing, I am so happy even though I am limping a little and there is pain at times. I am so grateful for the surgeon and to be done with my crutches.
Because I was in pretty good physical shape before the injury, I have had a good recovery and muscle memory. I’m walking mile or two, doing the PT and stationary biking now. It is good to sweat again.
I hope that if you are reading this with a new TPF that it will help. I won’t be as good as before but there is a bright light at the end of this ordeal.
Great advice Debra. Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! Wish you all the best in your recovery.
So happy I found this blog! My injury was 8/27/19
Type 6 comminuted bicondylar 3 plates 14 screws
All this from missing a stair! Having hardware removed in a week because of discomfort and then need a total knee replacement in 3-6 mths. I’m really apprehensive about it all but need to be able to walk and get a normal traveling life back. I’m much older than you so arthritis settled in fast. Everyone says this is a life changing accident and it sure is I’m encouraged that it will be better after reading your story.
I’m recovering from a wreck that broke my tibia, fibula, elbow, and both feet. I was non weight bearing 4 1/2 months. 6 months later I’m plowing forward with weakness in my knee, limited bending and stiffness and a painful tendon in one foot. I still cant straighten my left arm, but it’s getting stronger. I’m exercising and stretching daily. Prayer has gotten me this far. No matter how badly you are injured, there is hope. You can get better though it will cost a lot of pain, sweat and tears!! Don’t stop!!!!
So true Kathy. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for your description of your pain when you said like a tuning fork…that’s exactly how it feels. And my foot and ankle still hurts probably more than my knee. Weird!
Hi there.
I fell after having a nightmare, broke my leg basically the same way as you. Thank you for your post.
I have a horrible dead sentation between my cuts right down to my ankle, and my ankle hurts like hell. I fell the 30th of nov 2020, bit more then 2 months ago, week 8 after surgery. Did you have a dead feeling sentation like that? I tried to start walking about a week ago, so painful, and everybody just keeps telling me, its not pain, its just unconfortable… hate not being able to do my own thing and drive a car, but if i look at your recovery period, looks like i am to over eager. I would love to talk to you more, as it is wonderful knowing someone else felt my pain and worries. Not sure if you would be able to chat or wanting too, surely u get lots of requests. Thanks again for your post. Regards
TG , I taught I was going crazy, had external Fixator for 10 weeks, nom weight bearing for 3 months,
8 months since my fall, Ladder accident. Surgeon great at fixing bone, that’s it no follow up with PT on his part. Insurance paid for 30 visits, and that’s it, I go to pt once a week I pay myself, I go to gym, use bike, stair master, and thread mill, light leg extension, and I walk a lot , mostly on uneven ground, I feel it makes me stronger. Reading other people’s experiences with the same Injury was great, I am tired of people asking ,so when did u break you leg as it seems to most people think I should be completely healed by Now. I feel strongest in the morning, Most pain is in my knee, thigh and calf muscles are still tight, and weak, Ankle is also weak, worse part of the day is the evening when I sit down, getting back up is painful, I use a cane to assist to get around. I take Aleve when its really bad may be 2 times a week. A support group sounds like a good Idea, never taught of something like that. I can go up stairs holding a handrail, going down i have to go slow and really hold on, not enough strength in my leg yet to support me, going to be a long road.
Anyone find a brace help in any way, I mean a knee brace, not a strap on one.
Keep healing
John
Wishing you all the best John.
Thank you very much for your blob! My TPF occurred on 3/8 while skiing. The wheels of medicine turned slowly for my and finally had an ORIF 3 weeks later. Sigh! I am now 31/2 weeks out from surgery. I keep reading how long the recovery period is and it makes me sad an a little depressed. I am doing ham and quad stretches, ankle rotations, patella mobilization, straight leg raises, and can bend my knee to 70 degrees so far. All per direction of the surgeon. I need to be at 90 degrees by my next post op visit in a week and a half. So I think I am progressing well. Hope to be in my kayak by July and skiing again by December. Thanks for the encouragement and positive thoughts. You are correct… there are a lot of people worse of than I am! I am an active 63 year old and hope to continue so! 🤞🙏
Hi Karen. So sorry for your injury. Wishing you all the best and I just know you’ll be in that kayak in July!
Hello,
It’s been a few years now since I have left a comment. I noticed that your injury was in May of 2017 mine was in Oct of 2017. I still have pain daily and all the hardware but lately I have been thinking of seeing if it was an option to remove it. I still have swelling and limping but without assistance unless going up steps or stairs. It for sure has been a life changing experience and is still a challenge at times but as you say moving on with life. I am trying but man are you right about up and down days. I haven’t been on a bike nor have I ran. Wish I could. I truly miss it. How did you do it ?? mind over matter and therapy? I want to get back to the way I was. Dreaming of the day I walk correctly.
Hi Tammy. I’m not really sure how to answer that question. I’m not afraid to ride a bike, but I’m afraid to run. It’s so mental I think. I catch myself limping from time to time, but in my mind I think I’m walking perfectly fine…haha. I just remember laying in the ER bed and the doctor telling me I wouldn’t be walking for months. Right then and there I said to myself I don’t care if I walk with a limp, I just want to walk again. I got my wish on all levels I guess (shrugs shoulders.)
I think a lot of it is mind over matter like you say. I have caught myself attempting to run while crossing the street on my walks when a car seems to be coming at me quicker than I had judged. My attempted run is more like a quick lopsided jog. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll really be forced to run and find out I was able to do it all along.
Wish you on the best on your continued recovery.
Fell off a ladder at work, and ended up with TPF in November 2019, had surgery in December 2019, plate/7 screws/cadaver, was NWB for 3 months. I had PT for months, continued seeing my surgeon. He decided since I was having pain and swelling that we needed to remove all hardware. That was in March 2021 — still using a cane, having issues with swelling and knee feels like it is going to give out. Sending me in for a MRI, thinking I may have ACL or MCL issues from this original injury. I just want to be able to walk normally (or should I say without a cane). SO frustrating some days.
Hi Karen. So sorry to hear about your complications for this injury. It can be a bugger at times for sure. I hope you find the answers and solution you seek in your recovery.
Hang in there and don’t give up. I wish you all the best.
Hey! I just wanted to say thank you so much for this blog! I joined the “TPF” club on Sunday when my dog ran into me full speed. Surgery this coming Tuesday. I’m so ready to get back to my life and my freedom. Much encouragement gained through your experiences. Hope you are feeling great today!
Hi Karen, I’m so sorry for your injury. I wish you all the best in your recovery. And yes, it’s 5 years tomorrow from my accident date and I’m doing great. Seems so long ago and how the time has flown by since I began walking again. Still get a few aches and pains from time to time but overall, I’m doing fantastic and glad that part of my life is behind me and a distant memory.
I’m glad I wrote about my experience though because I come back from time to time and re read these blogs.
I fractured my tibial plateau a year ago being thrown from my runaway horse. Since then I’ve had two slips and falls where I’ve slipped and my ankle (which is fractured 15 years ago) has gone over and the knee has bent outwards. It’s so frustrating as it sets me back each time.
I have been back on my horse but I need to strengthen the leg. It’s the little things that I always took for granted though – being able to walk downstairs without having to do one step at a time first thing in the morning; being able to get into the sea when it’s a bit bouncy without worrying about being knocked over onto the stones; being able to walk downhill without getting an Elvis leg tremor; being able to run without a strange sideways lurch; not getting the occasional physical pain and mental pang for how much you took your previously fully functioning knee for granted.
Bethan, I’m so sorry for your injury. Seems we acquired our injuries through the same manner. Kudos to your for getting back in the saddle. I just don’t have the guts to do it, but I wasn’t an avid rider to begin with.
Yes, it’s so true, I took the use of my limbs for granted. Not being able to walk for months was a reality check for me for sure and made me much more humble and thankful I was given the chance to recover and walk again. I wish you all the best in your healing.
Glad i found this can relate/ whipped out on my mountain bike aug 2021 ER visit xrays CT scan(paramedics at scene felt my knee area said it feels in place thought might be just bruised bone had me try to walk on it excuciating no way) so commuted tibia plateau fracture mildly displaced asked orth doc if i could avoid surgery said yes no weightbearing for 8 wks had know idea the ordeal i was in for to recover it took over 4 and a half months to start trying to walk this led me to look up everything about bone health started covering all the essential nutrients k complex(k1 mk-7 mk-4) sublingual /liquid under tongue/ magnesium(was clinically low on ) which i could feel i after couple days thru my whole bone system increased calcium from food sources yohgurt, milk and cheese. put together a couple pgs on other important compounds to help it has made all the difference now walk normal and can run not real fast yet but so grateful to be almost recovered if u want to see the pgs let me know i would consider getting yr last hardware out and optimize yr bone health u can can back and even have stronger and healthier bone i was seriously low on several important elements so it actually led me to a better place but it was really hell i was not in any pain during it just had to be careful and started bending the knee at about 4 wks got full range in 2 wks Bless u
optimum bone health:
calcium// best from food sources ie . milk(cow, goat) cheeses, yogurt products
magnesium 400mg oral forms not obsorbed well// liguid sublingual-dissolved under tongue
k complex (per day)
k1 – 2000mcg(2mg)
k2-mk4 45 mg
mk7 360 mcg
DIM (diindolylmethane) 75-150 mg
MEN hornygoat weed extract (icariin) taken with DIM [prevents,conversion to estrogen]
WOMEN non GMO soy isoflavones standard amount
D3 3000-6000 IUs
zinc 16-34 mgtaken with 4-6 mg copper (gluconate)
l-DOPA (safe Growth Hormone releaser)
phosphatidylserine 100-120 mg
I wish I would have found this page sooner. It’s been two and half years since my wreck, also horse related. I still walk with a limp even though I am able to sometimes hide it, but every day is painful. Cryotherapy is something I’m trying and it really seems to help. I wanted to see where you are at with your recovery and what other people are experiencing since I’m coming up on three years and still not 100%. My surgeon told me I would never run again, but funny how you do think about ever having to escape someone or something and probably not being able to (lol). I have two plates and twelve screws and figure I will take them with me to grave. I haven’t thrown my leg over a horse since the wreck but have a goal this spring to make it happen. Swimming seems to be the best exercise since it causes less pain to my leg. Thanks for any advice and support. It is a struggle every day and frustrating when people ask me “When are you going to get better”.
Hi Jacqueline. I’m sorry for your injury. I’m doing really well. It’s coming up on 7 years for me. I don’t think my leg will ever feel how it did prior to the injury but I have adjusted to it physically and mentally. It doesn’t prevent me from doing anything. I still haven’t ran hard or fast but I can run if I need to. It’s not pretty, but I can get away from danger if needed. Most people, unless they have experienced this injury, don’t understand or comprehend what it is like to recover from it, and I hope they never have to. That would be my answer to them. We all heal differently. Our knees were like puzzles they had to put back together. I wish you a blessed and continued recovery. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience.
Thank you, Sherri! Your story gives me hope and encouragement. I’ve started Pilates and so far it is helping a lot more than I expected. Just the other day, I was able to descend stairs without holding onto the railing! Oh, the little things…