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calcaneal (heel) fracture from climbing fall 27-Sep-2012 At 7:33:07 PM Comablur

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On 23/09/2012 Eve wrote:
>I suffered several calcaneal fractures (essentially pushing my heel into
>leg bone) from climbing fall. Had surgery last wednesday with some plates
>and screws pushing everything back in place. Looking at the internet, I
>was shocked by the negativity of statements regarding a full recovery ("your
>foot will never be the same again."). I find that ridiculous and was wondering
>if there are some 'good' stories about recovering from calcaneal fracture
>in the climbing community. thanks! Eve

Hi Eve hope all is going well. Thought I would reply to your post as I broke my ankle (in a fall) way back in January 21st 1990 at werribee gorge. I pretty much sent my Tibia and Fibula past the main ankle joint displacing the Talus bone out the back of my foot. Thankfully my skin is reasonable elastic as non of the bones made it out side. The doctor said it was easier to fuse my ankle (not good) or maybe try some pins to stick it all together. After 2 weeks in hospital and 6 months (non load bearing) on crutches I was finally able to take my first steeps. The main problem was with amount of bone movement in the fall and during the operation, which resulted in the removal of a large amount of cartilage (protective layer) from between the bones. This means that when ever I walk or run it is bone rubbing on bone and leads to bruising and inflammation and ultimately stiffness after rest.
In the first ten + years I was able to remain fairly active, running (long distance), walking (multi week), climbing (all styles) etc. In the last 10 or so years, I have had to give up running and I find it painful to do a bush walk of more than 2 days. Climbing is not a problem, only the walk in, descent and walk out, in fact I am considering moving to Spain were it seems that all climbing is at least 10 minutes from the car.
I would suggest that this is a "good story" as I could not imagine doing all this with a fused ankle joint.
I would suggest that this is a "good story" as I can still climb and do a lot of the things I use to do
I would suggest that this is a "good story" as I got a lot of back rubs/wash's from nice nurses whilst staying in hospital.
I would suggest that this is a "good story" because things change in life and you just learn to move with them as they change and you get older (life would be such a bore if things did not change).

I would embrace the moment, except the challenge and get on with life, and disregard all "the negativity of statements regarding a full recovery"

Regards
Cameron