It’s been 2 years into my tibial plateau fracture recovery and I think it’s time for an update. This tibial plateau fracture recovery hasn’t been easy, but it’s been eye opening. It’s humbled me in a positive way for sure. This TPF has also made me angry at times. It’s all very normal with this injury and I just let my emotions occur and process them as they come. It’s all part of being a tibial plateau fracture recovery warrior!
When my injury happened May 20th, 2017 I had myself convinced that I might not ever walk again. The second the ER doctor informed me that I had a TPF, and wouldn’t be walking for several months, it was pure fear and devastation. Talk about having something ripped out from under you without a moment’s notice.
My first thought wasn’t what’s a tibial plateau fracture (TPF)? I’m a nurse and had never heard of this injury. I mean I knew I messed up my knee pretty badly. And I knew the anatomy of the lower leg, being the tibia and fibula obviously. The reality of what a tibial plateau fracture was came several hours later when I was situated in my hospital room and had time to research it.
And with it came a fear that I had never experienced on such an obsessive level. Aside from the insurmountable pain I was having, all I could think about was not being able to walk ever again and when that time came, would I be able to? I remember thinking as I lay there helpless in my hospital bed, I just want to walk again. Even if I walk with a limp the rest of my life, I won’t care. I JUST want to walk again. You can read my series of recovery posts here on my blog to get the full story.
Inspiring Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery:
Well, turns out I was able to walk again, and I DID care about walking with a limp. But as my leg got stronger and my muscle and confidence grew back, my limp subsided. It’s taken me exactly 3 surgeries, one being partial hardware removal, and two years to get to this point, but I’m here! I’m a tibial plateau fracture recovery warrior and proud of it.
A few weeks back TZ and I took a day trip to Jupiter Island Blowing Rocks Preserve. I’v lived here in Florida 13 years and didn’t even know this place existed. Here in Fort Lauderdale, the beaches are flat and sandy. Blowing Rocks preserve has craggy limestone cliffs along the shoreline of a small area of the beach.
Some of the cliffs areas are rather high and the sand on the beach has a blackish hue to it. It has like a hard outter layer and almost like it cracks and crumbles as you walk on it as your feet sink down into it. It’s weird.
When it’s high tide or during storms, the waves crash along the limestone and propel some 50 feet high on a good day. It’s an awe inspiring sight.
Over the years the wave erosion and wind has formed natural blow holes in the rocks. This sort of limestone is found mostly underwater and how it is appears along the shoreline is sort of a phenomenon. I don’t know the lady in the photo below but she was sitting out on a rock and would let the waves spray her. It was unbelievably hot this late May day.
Even more awe inspiring to me was that I was able to traverse the limestone in flip flops. Admittedly, not the best choice of shoe apparel for this adventure. I definitely have a history of that. Some years back when we went to St. Lucia I climbed a mountain in slippery sandals. What was I thinking? I could have easily slipped and plummeted hundreds of feet down into the ocean below, but not before hitting jagged rocks and trees on the way down.
But by the grace of god and holding on for dear life I made it to the top.
I’m definitely more careful when I walk on uneven terrain now. But I did it! I thought I might trip and face plant a few times, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy getting up from this sitting position either. Thank god for strong arms!
I posted the below photo on the Gram and a fellow TPF friend follower who found me via this blog left the sweetest most awesome comment. “Look at those beautiful strong legs that carried you over the rocky terrain! You are a recovery warrior.”
In fact, Kee Kee wrote about her own experience with her tibial plateau fracture. I just love her. Probably cuz she’s a pie lover and baker too! I hope she doesn’t mind that I sent ya’ll over to her.
I was pretty proud of this moment. I was super impressed that TZ finally captured a likable photo of me. And he was able to capture the spray behind me. Some Instagram boyfriends and husbands take their job seriously, but not TZ. He’ll play along for sure, but doesn’t give two shits if he gets a good photo or not.
I set the aperture and ISO for the camera though, so I’ll take some of the credit! I’ll let his photo mishaps slide though because he’s a great partner and took excellent care of me during my recovery. He was my biggest cheer leader and support during those awful early months of recovery.
Overall, I’m back to life and everyday activities. I can even almost run again. It’s still kinda gimpy but if adrenaline kicked in and I needed to save my ass, I think I could. Man, I hope I could! Haha, hopefully I’ll never have to test that theory.
I still get weird pains and things going on inside my knee, none of which I know what it is. I’m still lacking muscle compared to my other leg. The pain is manageable and it’s more of an annoying stiffness than anything. When the pain comes it’s usually because I moved a weird way and it’s more like an instant stabbing or stinging pain. I’m still holding out hope that my recovery is not done yet and I will continue to make gains.
I also have days where I overdue things or being on my feet for hours makes my knee remind me who’s boss. However, I rest when I need to and I don’t let it stop me from doing what I want to do. Those sad days of recovery are behind me and my life has returned to a new normal. All of which I’m so grateful for.
I have a whole new respect and empathy for people who are paralyzed or physically challenged. We get a chance to recover and walk again. Just image what being confined to a wheel chair the rest of your life is like. I could barely deal with 18 weeks of it. I can’t take my thoughts there for long because I feel extremely sad for people in that situation.
Moving forward, I’m working on dedicating more time to the blog and recipe updates. I’m also practicing on improving my photography skills both in nature and bringing my recipe readers some tantalizing food styling photographs to go with the recipe posts as well.
I want to thank anyone who actually reads these posts and have followed me over the course of my recovery. I hope that I’ve been able to help shed some light on what this injury and recovery is like in my experience and you were able to take something away from the posts. Hopefully, feeling better and more inspired that you too will recover and walk again.
I feel like when I write these updates now that I have less and less to complain about. That’s a great feeling! So warrior on my tibial plateau fracture friends. Continue to be TPF strong. We got this.
Hi Sherri. My name is Joyce Flannery. I too have had a tibial plateau and tibial spine fracture of the left knee, in November of 2018. I just found your blog (google doctoring) and just wanted to thank you for all your information. I went 7 weeks undiagnosed, until a MRI was preformed in January. I think because this injury is so rare, it was miss diagnosed as just a sprain, in my case. Thank you again for sharing your story, I too hope to be up and moving again soon!
I am so encouraged by your recovery. I’m 56, and 6 weeks since surgery for TPF. Truly thankful I found this blog, thank you for giving many people hope.
Hi Sherri,
You could have written my recovery progress. My fight with a ladder left me with a broken tibia right below the knee and a shattered TP. The swelling required a four compartment fasciotomy with 2 incisions. 2 plates and 18 screws. The external fixator was on fo 3 weeks before the final repair surgery.
It’s been 18 months and I can walk without limping, I’ve hiked over 9 miles on mountain trails, it hurts but nothing like the recovery.
I’m looking forward to heal more and your progress gives me hope that will happen.
Thanks for your posting on this subject, there are people who need reassurance that they will recover.
Thank you for all the posts about your TPF. Mine occurred on May 6, 2019, when I fell on stairs and twisted my left leg. Surgery was very successful and I was released to PWB on June 29. I read your blog many times during my recovery, and it really gave me hope! Thanks again!
Good morning.. I too had a type 3/4 TPF. Also broke my collarbone.
TPF was hard, but after 13 weeks in Wheelchair, and now 2.5 years out. I can say. Those 13 weeks. We’re the toughest.
Thank you for the update. I can walk 4-6 miles. Not sure I want to on sand. I live in the Rocky mtns of Colorado.
I just slipped on a patch of ice, but it was hitting the curb on the way down,.. that did the injury.
Hi Janei. Glad you’re doing better. Yes, totally agree, the first three to four months of recovery were the worst. So glad to be 4 years out and happy to say I’m doing so much better and this is just a distant memory on most days.
Wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Thank you so much for sharing your tpf journey. At each stage of my recovery, I reread your posts and get peace from a different part of your recovery story. I am so thankful that you posted your experience. I’m at 16 weeks and waiting for my appt to hear if the last cracks have healed. It was somehow a big relief to hear that you went 15 weeks before bones were healed. Somehow makes me feel more normal and that my body hasn’t completely betrayed me. 🙂 I’m anxious to get my recovery moving forward. Just wanted to let you know that you did a really great thing by sharing your experience.
Hi Sherri, I just stumbled on your post about hardware removal and you are an inspiration. I am almost 11 months out from my TPF with multiplebreaks below and a lower spiral fracture I also broke the fibia. I am headed back to the dr next week to talk complete hardware removal. I had one screw against the knee removed last March. Only a plate and 7 screws left to go. I am in constant pain and so restricted in walking. Wish me luck!
Hi Sherri
I am so grateful that I came across your blog last night. I have read all your posts about you TPF from the beginning and they are giving me hope, so thank you. I am a 51 year old woman in Australia and 2 weeks post surgery from a skiing injury that left me with a type V TPF and detached ACL. I have had a plate and 7 screws inserted.
My experience so far has been so similar to your early recovery. I was so relieved to find that I wasn’t alone in things like not being able to make it to the bathroom in the first week and having to use a pot to pee in! It has been so difficult to transition from being an active, busy mother and wife one day to someone that needs help to wash and toilet myself. I have had quite a few tearful moments, but know that I will get through this one day at a time, just like you have.
Thank you for sharing your story, it has helped both my husband and I understand the journey ahead of us. I know it’s going to be a long road, but hearing your inspirational blog has lifted my spirits.
I am 18 months out from my injury. I had never broken a bone in my 70 years on this planet. I missed the last step on a flight of ten and sustained this devastating injury. I wish I’d discovered your story while I was mightily suffering, not just excruciating pain, but the loneliness of no reference point for progress. Like you, I questioned if I would walk again. I am walking somewhat haltingly, but walking just the same. I have gradually returned to a normal life with a limp and some pain in my leg and back when I overdo it. The biggest help for my progress has been a recumbent bike, which I pedal every other day for 20 minutes. It is in my bedroom, too prominent to forget. I am hopeful that my recovery will continue indefinitely. I do limp but it seems a small price for having braved the storm. Thank you for sharing your story; it is extremely validating. This particular fracture represents only one percent of all fractures, so we are in a special category of survivors. May we all continue to grow and heal with encouragement such as your story.
I’m 9 weeks post car accident where a TPF was one of my many injuries. I’m still NWB because of my meniscus tear, but it was good to get a positive perspective! I’m 23, and all I want to do is move, but just a few more weeks. Thank you!
Hi Sherri,
When I had my accident and learn that this was absolutely impossible to believe. After I started navigating the internet, and searching about this TPF, I learned from you. Before that, I was so devastated, no hope in my situation, and you inspire me to move on and understand this was just a situation that eventually was going to pass. I am very grateful for you sharing all your journey, it has inspire me. Thank you
I’m 4 days post injury and I’m so happy I found your blog and was able to read about your injury. I realize now how very lucky I am that as TPFs go, mine seems pretty minor and I’m probably not going to need surgery. But I’m with you. As someone who doesn’t like asking for help, etc., it’s humbling. Anyway, thank you for your story.
Thanks so much for that update Sherri wishing you continued recovery but you sound as though life is normal again thank goodness and that gives us all hope. To share my story I was very stupid putting up Birthday balloons on a chair which slid as I was getting down throwing me across a room doing the equivalent of a skiing injury. I’m at 8 months now after stage vi tpf plus fracture of the tibia and making progress with the help of an excellent physio. I didn’t have surgery but for a while they were not sure what to do with me as like you I’m in my 50s. Unfortunately the months of inactivity has left me needing to loose a few pounds and I’m working on that but you have to eat well to give you strength to cope with this injury. My walking is still quite robotic but I’m getting there and much quicker! Heel toe heel toe and swinging my arms helps! I’ve found I have to do lots of exercise about 90 mins a day to make the leg stronger and straighten it when it has a tendency to bend. I use the exercise bike and have worked on it gradually until the tension is at the maximum setting but watch a good tv programme as it will help! It is quite a commitment but I think it’s the only way to get it stronger and I can walk more comfortably. It also helps mentally to exercise the leg. My physio has recommended well fitting running shoes (I bet you’re all laughing at that) and they support the leg from having a tendency to bend inwards as I was blessed with slightly knock knees😂 I still get annoyed that I can’t just jump out of bed in the morning and have to tense and straighten the leg but your posts have constantly helped me. Its a depressing injury to have when you are a busy Mum but I’m getting back to my life again and want to tell others please don’t give up hope – it’s a slow recovery but work at it – let the tears fall when you need to – I found I have to sometimes it’s a release but then quickly get back to working on making your leg stronger. I just hope you are all blessed with supporting loved ones but if you are not so fortunate we are all routing for you. I felt so proud of your mountain climb Sherri it brought tears to my eyes but what an achievement after all you have been through. Like you I am so more understanding to those who cannot walk and make an effort to speak to a disabled person as I know how it cheers you up after my months of being unable to walk on this tpf journey. I send love and determination to all those going through this challenge that life has thrown at us and believe that we will climb our own mountains in the future like Sherri xx
Hello Maryse,
I am 2 weeks post a TPF and also a meniscus tear. My orthopedic doc is not recommending surgery and has advised me to weight bear as tolerated. I am only able to toe touch at this point. Did you have to wear a special brace or cast? When did you start rehab?
Hi Sherri
Thank you for sharing your journey! I am a 60 year old active Grandma who wants to continue playing with my grand babies to the fullest. I am 3 weeks PO with a plate and 6 screws. PF occurred trying to avoid falling on a 2 year old. I would do exactly the same thing again!! I have never had any type of traumatic injury and what a journey this is!!
🤗🤗😢 I am almost 9 years post bilateral TPF, Nursing home recover for 3 months and. 4+ surgeries later and I found out I am not alone in this world with Hardware pain! All but 1 screw is still in android til 3 years ago nobody would remove the screw that was eating away at the fascia in my leg every time I moved any part of my leg even my toes! But that is all he would remove! 😢 I am so happy for you! Best of luck
So happy to have found your blog but also tearful to read of the pain/aches you still feel sometimes after 2 years. But happy reading all the positive progression. I sit here 7 weeks today out of surgery for almost identical fracture but right leg. My scar is in exact same place as yours but right leg. Im 51. I was a super active, run around like crazy Mum of 1 (daughter just turned 11) and literally ran around on the go all day everyday. Hubby was always telling me “slow down, you do too much” Then one day walking from my car to my gym late November I managed to slip on a small patch of ice (it was not that icy or snowy that day, just a few patches of ice around) stepping on to a sidewalk and up I flew and down I went. In 2015 I had a blood vessel burst in the same knee and had an arthroscopy and was on crutches for 6 weeks and then 1 crutch for a few weeks and then limped and I suppose it was 1-2 years even then before I was super strong in the legs. I have osteoarthritis in my knee cap and twisted the same knee as a teenager. So of course it was that leg/knee that broke! Although I have been through crutches and limping before it was different as I could put my foot down right away. Nothing had broken before. Not had surgery before. Now I have a plate and screws and some days after being on the bed working for a while, I get up and the lower leg feels like it weighs a ton and the plate feels like it doubled in weight and its pressing in. Oh and almost 4 weeks ago I had intense pain in my calf and we went to Emergency on a Sunday night (all 3 of us) and 12hrs later and bloodwork and an ultrasound it turned out I had a small blood clot at the back of the knee on the side of the vein, like I needed another worry. Now on blood thinners for 3 months. There goes my wine intake (but that is not a bad thing and I do have the odd small glass on the weekend). I am thankful for a husband that is taking good care of me but its tough for him. We have a wheelchair that was loaned to us that we use to get me to hospital appointments as I cant manage the 2 big steps out front of our house with the crutches and there is snow and ice half the time (not crutch friendly)! But now for pasts 8 weeks he is cleaning, grocery shopping, school run twice a day, making 3 meals a day for 3 people. Sometimes my lunch is not how I like it but keep quiet (once I didnt and man the argument was a bad one). He is doing his best. He did help out before and is a great cook thankfully but I did a lot, too much. Hard part mentally and emotionally is knowing my legs (i also have osteoarthritis in my good leg which is suffering a bit now) had finally got so strong and now here I am worse off than before 2015) with the long road ahead. My foot gets hot and swells up everynight. Now when I go to the bathroom or hop on crutches for a bit my toes go purple (blood clot) til my leg goes up on the bed again. I spend all day moving my ankle to get rid of stiffness. My knee is crazy stiff. But had 2 physio appointments and am working on it daily at home to get it bending. Its a long road ahead I know, longer than I care to think about. Actually going to a restaurant next week (crutches or wheelchair as still non weight bearing) for hubbys birthday. We used to eat out a lot, not been to a restaurant in 8 weeks! Nothing prepares your emotional state for the recovery process. Good days and bad days. At least I run my own online business (wig store website in Canada) and am busy working 8hrs a day from special desk that sits over my legs in my bed. Keeps my mind busy. Speaking to customers on the phone and email so dont feel so isolated. Got a special shower chair with handles so I can shower. February 3rd is my 8 week post op appt with my surgeon and praying I get the go ahead to put that foot down to start partial weight bearing. It also would have been my Mum’s 82nd birthday (but she passed away nearly years ago) so still a special day. I am going to refer to your wonderful blog as I go through this long process to remind myself I am not alone. A big help is having an 11 year old daughter who helps me out a lot too (brings coffee, puts laundry away etc) and gives me lots of hugs is a huge help too! On the plus side I did too much for her and now she is doing her own laundry and taking her own baths and making her own breakfast sometimes and becoming more independent thanks to Daddy’s encouragement! On another plus, my gym took agreed they were at fault for not salting the sidewalk that morning and our lawyers are in touch with theirs and I will get some financial compensation eventually. We are tentatively booked to go to our favorite resort in St Lucia April 19th. I will be 19 weeks post op by then. We dont have flights booked. We will wait til much closer to the time. If I am limping without a crutches I will go as I will spend most of my time with my legs up on a lounge chair anyway! But we shall see. Nearly 3 months away. Finally – would you recommend the Biofreeze stuff for pain after physio? My physio place sells it. Thank you! Liz
Hi Liz. I’m so sorry to hear about your injury. I’m glad you found my postings useful and comforting. Thanks for reading. Yes, I absolutely recommend Biofreeze. Here in the US we can find it at a local pharmacy or grocery store. It may be cheaper there than purchasing it from your phisio place. I still use it from time to time. I’m doing well at the present time in terms of my injury. It just takes a really long time to recover. Again, I still have aches and pains but our injury is a very traumatic one as you know and what I’m dealing with now doesn’t even compare to the emotional and physical trauma as the initial recovery entailed. I wish you all the best!
Sherri,
I can’t begin to tell you how much your blog has helped me through my own TPF experience. In Dec, I was helping a friend move, about five miles out if town, I hit black ice over a 30 ft tall bridge. The truck started sliding and heading head on in into another vehicle. I told myself to make just a slight correction so as not to over correct, but when I did, the loaded truck turned and catapulted us up over the railing and down the hill. We flipped the truck at least five or six times. My head apparently broke the windshield. I don’t remember hitting it but the lump on my head, that was bigger than an egg, told me that was likely what happened. All I remember was going over the railing and immediately realizing, oh God, this is not good and I started praying. A kind man helped us out of the truck, the doors were jammed shut and we couldnt open them ourselves. The paramedics lifted me out of the truck, up the hill over the railing and into the ambulance. Thus began the rest of the journey. Once at the hospital and after three CT scans, I was told that I shattered my tibial plateau into 20 pieces. After an external fixator for four days and TP ORIF surgery, here I am. I am currently nearly 8 weeks post ORIF, with two plates and 11 or 12 screws. I can’t quite tell from the x-rays as there are a few screws together at the top of the tibial plateau. I have an appointment on Thursday to see if I’m healed enough to bear weight. I’m scared, nervous, excited and worried all at the same time. Since my accident on Dec 15th 2019, I’ve been thankful that I am alive, that no one else was injured in the auto accident and that I have had financial provisions in place due to short term disability provided to me at work. However, I’ve also cried, gotten frustrated with my limited abilities and wished several times that I had a supportive partner during this time. I do have my lovely Daughter who comes over to help me out though. She brings her three little ones with her. I’m very grateful to see their smiling faces and get those sweet cuddles that are priceless. I’m ready to be out of the wheelchair, off the walker and back to life again. Though I wouldn’t wish this injury on my worst enemy, I am grateful to be where I am, alive, with family I dearly love, and closer to the Lord than I have been in a long time. I wish you continued success on your recovery and thank you again for your posts. I’ve read them a few times trying to gain perspective on the healing process. I appreciate the opportunity to share my own story and read stories of others who have endured this injury. Wish me well on my continued journey as I wish all of those who have posted here well on their road to recovery. Thank you again Sherri
Kim, I’m so very sorry you have to endure this injury. It’s an awful injury, but one that is recoverable, albeit it’s a long journey. Just reading your story about your accident gave me shivers. I can’t imagine the horror of that whole thing. I hope your appointment goes well today and you can bear some weight. It’s hard to watch everyone live life while being laid up, and it’s downright frustrating at times. The norm is to start bearing some weight about 8 weeks out.
It does help to have a supportive partner. You find out who your true friends are during the worst times right? Thank goodness your daughter is there for you. It’s a very isolating injury. Those of us who have suffered this debilitating injury know this all to well.
I wish you all the best and hope that you found the Facebook support group (if you’re on Facebook) called Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. It’s a great closed support group with over 3,000 members. Myself included. Wish you all the best and I’m glad to hear my story helped you in some way.
I am so happy to find your blog. I am 2 week Post Op from TBF, which occurred from a motorcycle accident. I have a plate and screws (not sure how many). I have cried many times to and from the bathroom. My body aches from holding myself up as i am NWB. I am petrified of the weeks ahead,as I don’t want to walk with a limp. I lived such an active, outdoorsy lifestyle and am afraid I will not get back to that. Your story gives me hope that I may get some of that back. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and fracture. Sorry you have to join the TPF “club.” You’re in the toughest part of recovery right now. I remember having all those fears and feelings. Just know you’re most likely going to be ok and get back to all the things you used to do. If I could give one good piece of advice it would be, try not to waste your energy or time worrying about what will or won’t be. I did so much of that and looking back it was all needless worrying. Focus solely on your recovery and try to enjoy & appreciate this down time to recover and heal your body. Find a new hobby that will help pass the time and make sure to do your PT exercises when cleared. I promise it’s going to get better in the coming weeks, months…and yes, even years! If you haven’t found and joined the Facebook closed group (if you’re on FB) I highly recommend joining Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. It’s a great support group with only people who have our injuries. There’s a whole gaggle of us believe it or not! Someone is always available to lend support or answer one of the many questions we have. I practically lived in that group my first 6 months of recovery. I’m nearly 3 years post fracture this coming May and I’m doing really well. I wish you all the best in your recovery and thank grateful & humbled I am able to help others with even the smallest thing I wrote that is relatable.
I am re-reading your blog posts to cheer me up at this time as I recover from a TPF after being hit by a car. Let’s just say I’m no stuntwoman as I bounced off the front of the car and hit the road hard getting bruised all over as well! I’m in New Zealand and our country has just gone into lockdown for the covid19 virus and I’m still in the NWB stage of things. My surgery was 3.5 weeks ago so I still have 2.5 weeks of not moving much. My stitches luckily were removed last week so now I need to find some online physio … a stationary bike has been mentioned as a good idea by some. Looks like I’ll be rehabbing without professionsl help!
Hi Vicki. I’m so very sorry for your injury. Having to recover at a time like this with all the Coronavirus stuff is crazy… total understatement I’m sure.
You can still do your PT at home. While it’s nice to have a physiotherapist to guide and direct you with exercises, it’s not needed to recover. There are lots of video and exercises on YouTube that you can do. Just make sure it’s ok with your surgeon. And yes a stationary bike is a great way to rehab your leg.
I only saw my PT once a week and did almost all of rehabbing at home…I’d say 90% of it was done on my own. You’re very early in to your recovery so if you’re cleared for isometric exercises I recommend you start there.
If you’re on FaceBook, I also recommend you find and join a support group called Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. It’s a great resource group and I found solace there in my early days of recovery. I wish you all the best in this recovery and during such a difficult time with the COVID-19 mess as well.
I had my injury the beginning of February and am so very thankful that I just stumbled on your page. Praise the Lord. I truly thought I was the only one! After an extremely tough day of PT I’ve gotten so frustrated so I’m so happy to know I’m not alone. I’ve got two plates, twenty six screws and more stitches to count. Had an external fixator in addition to a surgery due to compartment syndrome. Thank you so much for sharing!
Sherri – thank you for writing about your TPF journey. I just came across your blog this weekend. This has helped me understand what to look forward to and confirm what I went through. I’m currently 6.5 months from my accident. I was mountain biking and lost control and fell in a ditch. I ended up with a right lateral TPF and right ankle trimalleolar fracture open reduction and internal fixation on both. I feel like I take two steps forward and one step back. I’m currently going on week 5 of lower back pain. I went to a chiropractor, MD, had a MayoFacial massage. I’m not getting any relief. I feel like I have lost momentum. I’m doing PT for my back now. I hope to have my hardware removed next year and look forward to getting back to as much “normal” as possible. Good luck to all!
Lilian, I wish you all the best in your recovery. I still get lower back pain from time to time. It never lasts for more than a day, especially if I get up and move. Core exercises really help as well.
Hi Sherri! I am also a TPF survivor and I wish I would have found you sooner! I am at week 17 of my wonderful adventure. I never in my wildest could anticipate the pain in “learning” to walk again! My knee fortunately is being somewhat quiet, but my foot and ankle have other plans. Happy to see I’m not unique in that experience. This has been an emotional roller coaster that family just doesn’t understand. And yes I see things totally different now. Disappointed to read still at year 2 you are dealing with side effects but I am grateful for how far I’ve come. Still have my low says but more good than bad. Thank you for your story. I wish I could talk with you directly. To find someone who is or has had the same experience is priceless to me!
Debbie. So sorry to hear of your injury. Hang in there, it gets better with time and lots of exercise!
I’m 3 years post injury now and doing really well all things considered. Still have aches and pains from time to time, but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything. Will I ever ride a horse again? Probably NOT! My (ex) brother in law owns a horse and he told me he won’t ride it ever because of what happened to me. LOL.
Wish you all the best!
Sherri, beautiful TPF conquerer!
Thank you for writing about your experience. I found you while laying here in the middle of the night (can’t sleep as usual but at least I’m not online shopping !) with my own TPF recovery. So many things you wrote was like seeing my own thoughts at almost the same time in the process. Very reassuring since I could fast forward through your timeline and hope with all my heart I can have the same positive outcome.
I’m at 8 weeks, on crutches, still NWB and literally praying that next xray the crack will be healed but I’m older than you so..lol..damn old freakin bones.
You were much more brave than i have been about going out to do anything. Going up and down the outside stairs is such a nightmare and the ever present obsessive fear of not being able to run if some unknown situation pops up..being on the internet 24/7…sheesh, it’s a crazy world right now.
Anyway..thanks so much for documenting and sharing.
PS~ Not to make you paranoid but take care in the ocean. That’s how I ended up in this predicament. In the lovely warm water at Pawleys Island, SC. Truly a freak wave that hit me hard. I cannot wait to get back on the beach . You give me hope ..it’ll happen.
Jan, glad you found me. So sorry for your injury. And yes, I won’t go in the ocean unless it’s very calm. I belong to a Facebook group called Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery and there were many in that group that acquired this injury by a rogue wave!
You should join the FB group if you haven’t already. Very helpful. It got me through my recovery. It’s been over 3 years since my injury and all things considered, I’m doing really well. Yes, I still get aches and pains from time to time, and my muscles in my injured leg are almost back to where they were before the accident. I can run now but it starts out gimpy. I think it’s more mental than anything. I only run when necessary but it’s nice to know it can be done.
And I have no doubt you’ll be back on your beach again! Keep the faith and push forward. This is a rare and complicated injury but one that is recoverable in time. Wish you all the best.
Do you have a 3 year update? I just got a TPF non surgical but I’m scared I can’t play sports again. Your story is inspiring but if you are 💯 back to normal it wil make me feel so much better!
Jon, I’ll never be 100% back to normal, but I can do just about everything I did before. Running isn’t pretty and I can’t do it fast but I’m sure most of that may be mental. I know people with this injury who have went back to sports etc. Keep working, the human will is stronger than the human body! Wish you all the best.
Sherri,
I found your site 12 weeks post my TPF/ORIF, and I am now 21 weeks in. I pop in when I need a little encouragement! This week I was able to briefly do a hop-like step. I have been between a wheelchair and walker. I have broken many bones in my lifetime. This one has been harder for me. I am an RN in my mid-50’s and realizing I may not be able to return to hospital nursing. I hope that will not be the case. Thanks for putting your recovery out there, it gives me a reason to keep moving!
Hi Sherri,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m 9 weeks in at this point and was just cleared for PWB. I know I have a long and arduous, painful journey ahead, but inspired by you I’m gonna do all I can to make as full of a recovery as Possible. I’m gonna join the Facebook group to be able to ask questions. Thanks again for your courageous account, and for being so inspiring and honest.
Hi Mary. I’m so sorry for your injury. You’ll love the Facebook group! It’s a game changer as far as the mental health aspect of this injury goes. You’ll get lots of great advice and people’s experience also. I wish you all the best in your recovery. I’m doing really well, almost 4 years out. I never thought when this injury happened that I would have come this far, but I did. It seems so long ago now, yet went so fast once I began walking again. Keep the faith.
Hi Sherri! I happened upon your blog here and found it super helpful! My fiance is almost 3 years post TPF from a car accident and is discussing having the hardware removed but he’s nervous about it. His big question is, will the pain actually be better after removing the hardware? He doesn’t want to have it removed and go through that whole ordeal if it’s not going to change that much. Would love to hear your thoughts on it! Thanks for being so informative and forthcoming with everything, it looks like it’s really helped a lot of people!
Hi Lauren. It’s really a personal choice for everyone. Not an easy choice that’s for sure. Going through surgery and the risks that surgery entails it a very serious decision.
For me, I was glad I had it removed. I wish I could have had it all removed but my surgeon didn’t want to take out what was buried deep behind my knee. He felt is was too risky to go in there and disturb all the vascular structures. It doesn’t bother me and the hardware he removed was what was really bothering me. It was as much mental as physical.
And for me, yes that weird sensation went away and my knee feels a bit more like my own again. I don’t think it will ever feel “normal” again, but almost 4 years out it feels better than it did at 2 years out, so I have hope that I’m still improving as time passes. I hope that helped you with what you were asking.
I wish him all the best in his decision and continued recovery.
Just stumbled onto your blog. I’m 2 weeks post op from breaking both of my lateral tibial plateaus during a skiing accident. Wheelchair bound, non weight bearing for 10-12 weeks has me shocked and frustrated already. Glad I’m not alone, it’s great to see the positives of your recovery!
Hi Robyn. I’m so sorry for your injury. I can’t imagine a double TPF. It’s a very shocking injury because we lose all mobility for a considerable amount of time. If you’re on Facebook look for a support group called Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. It’s a closed group to only people like us and close family members taking care of someone with a TPF, so everyone can’t see your business, if you know what I mean. You’re going to go through a gamut of emotions. That’s all completely normal. I think my “overall” positive attitude made all the difference in my recovery. Certainly had my share of bad days and ugly crying spells.
Hang in there, it’s a long haul and accept help…because you need it. Try not to be stubborn or proud in that capacity. It will get better with time. I’m wishing all the best in your recovery and if you have any questions I’m right here. The FB group is great also because there are members in the group who have had a double fracture like yourself. Some, at the same time as their initial accident and others who have subsequently broken the other knee a time after… for whatever reason.
Sherri,
Update, from a little over one year ago. I was given permission to fully weight bare on the day of my last post. Recovery as been extremely slow as I was unable to do more than two sessions of physical therapy. My insurance covered the surgery in Dec 2019 but then I had all new deductibles to meet in 2020. Too expensive. Then I tried the pool at the gym. After three trips, Covid happened and the gym shut down. Shortly after I was furloughed from my position as an Audiologist. Then laid off. Talk about a crazy year. Anyway, I am walking but still have a limp. I’m unable to fully straighten my knee when I stand or walk. I’m currently going to physical therapy now, and things are improving. I was fortunate enough to get a position in audiology at a physical therapy and balance center, makes getting physical therapy a lot easier. My gait is getting better. That is, until I sit for a while and the knee stiffens up again. Does the long term stiffness ever subside after sitting or getting up in the morning? I feel like this knee is never going to heal properly. However, on the plus side, I’ve come a long way from where I was a year ago. Also…any tips on quad strength. I’m trying a few different things, but not being able to fully extend my leg keeps me from fully engaging the quads. I’m hoping that will improve with continued physical therapy. Glad to hear things are continually getting better even after a few years. Gives me hope that things can still improve. I appreciated your feedback from the last post. Hope all continues to go well for you and that you faired through 2020 without things getting too crazy for you.
Hello
What brand of arnica oil/ cream do you use
Hi Dan. I use Arnicare.
Hi Sherri
Thanks for your inspiring blog. My wife is 4.75 mo PO TPF. She was slow going in recovery but up to 110 degrees flexion – 0 extension. She is using walker and only now using a cane in PT. You mentioned being stuck at 120 degrees ROM. Did you find you could flexion ROM after 4-5 mo PO? What helped in moving past 120 degrees ROM? My wife went up 6-7 degrees in flexion last month, but her gains have been slow, but steady. Thanks
Hi Mark. I have to say I can’t remember exactly when I moved past 120 degrees flexion. I was just persistent in doing my exercises and it eventually came. I can finally also touch my behind with the heel of my foot, but it’s not very comfortable.
As long as your wife is making is making progress, that is what matters most. Try not to think of it as a race or compare yourself to someone else’s timeline. We all heal so differently such as we all have unique breaks.
Wish your wife all the best in her recovery. Having support of a significant other makes a huge difference in our recovery so I commend you for being supportive and taking an interest in her recovery.
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Just found your blogs….thank you for sharing! I am almost 2wks post surgery and about ready to go crazy!!! Reading your posts and the comments make me feel like I can do this. I know I will refer to them throughout this long process.
Hi. So sorry for your injury and having to find this blog, but I’m glad you did. I was the same way during my recovery. I needed and wanted to know that everything was going to be okay, because it sure didn’t feel that way at the time. Trust the process. It is a long one but there is light at the end of this tunnel.
If you’re on Facebook, I recommend the closed group Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. It’s a great group and it’s what got me through some of my toughest times during my recovery.
Wish you all the best in your recovery.
I’m only two weeks post injury (car accident) and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your blog. I’m reading with tears streaming down my face – tears of hope for a return to walking, hiking, and biking – maybe even some tennis one day. One can hope. Anyway, thank you. As I work from home and rely on the kindness and love of others for the moment (for whom I’m also so so grateful), you give me a hope and assurance I am not alone. Thank you.
Carol, I’m so sorry for your injury. Hang in there, with exercise, rehab and determination I’m confident you’ll get back to where you want to be. Most of us with this injury do. Keep the faith, it’s so hard int he beginning but I promise it gets so much better. Try to relax and enjoy the down time and heal your mind body and soul. I know it’s scary and we think of all the “what if’s” with this injury but as time passes you’ll see all the process you’ve made and how strong of a person you really are.
I wish you all the best.
I don’t seem to be able to wake up from this hellish nightmare. In trauma unit for almost a month/ 7 breaks tibia/3 plates/13 screws – week 11 of no weight bearing. Trying to educate myself on what’s next when I came across your blog— the possibility of crutches another 12 weeks just made my heart drop. I just want my life back. The days of not dragging myself across rooms trying to take of myself and try to earn a living so I don’t lose everything I’ve worked for…, not bumping into walls… being able to shower without fear of falling into glass – not being in pain every minute of the day – not eating frozen dinners or delivery ha! Reading this blog was inspiring and crushing at the same time. I know people have it worse and that this is temporary – just hadn’t read stories that confirmed that this will effect the rest of my life. I’m lucky to live in a community that shares and showers their love on me. Still though…I just want my life back!
I’m truly sorry for your injury and I wish you all the best in your recovery.