Both legs are stretched out straight, and both feet should be pointed in same direction… but one of these things is NOT like the other…
Today is my “breakiversary” — one year ago, I broke my ankle so severely that people gasp when they see the x-ray of the repair.
The trimalleolar fracture has healed but the metal remains.
Most of the time, I do not need a cane — I keep it in the car for walking on uneven surfaces and for days when I am sore and tired. I can go up and down stairs if there is a sturdy railing. I do still take the cane with me to the YMCA pool; locker room floors and poolside walking make me nervous. The fear of slipping and falling is stronger than my confidence level.
I’m doing better with pain control these days. I’m wearing compression socks or stockings which really do help. I’ve learned to rest and elevate in advance of activities, not just after the fact. I’ve discovered that I can have a couple of busy days in a row before I have to take significant time off my feet. I can power through the pain when necessary but the price is twofold: I will have trouble concentrating and thinking clearly, so everything takes longer, and I will pay for it with increased need for subsequent rest. I no longer spend much time with my leg elevated above my heart (unless the ankle is really swollen) but I still prop it up on a spare chair and a pillow at the dining room table and I do spend quite a bit of time at home either on the chaise lounge portion of the sofa or on my bed.
One year ago today I went from mobile to immobilized. What I live with now may be my not-so-happily-ever-after or perhaps it could slowly get a little bit better. But I can walk — and that is more than I was promised one year ago.
Spokalulu 
Thanks for the update. Keeping you in my prayers.
Hugs!
Walking is good. Pain is not. I’m sorry you are still having trouble.
It is so good that you are able to actually walk. Even with all that hardware in your ankle So happy the pain is being managed to some degree. See you next year!
Isn’t it amazing how walking –something we all take for granted when we’re younger– becomes this thing we’re incredibly grateful for?! I’m glad that you are able to walk, and I’m sorry that the pain is something that won’t just go away.
I cannot imagine the clutch of fear of falling again. I’m glad you’re mostly mobile. Hopefully the pain can get managed somehow sometime soon, that’s no way to live.
Every time I see that xray I am shocked all over again. It’s just so incredible. Glad you’ve made such enormous strides (ha, no pun intended) in the last year – maybe that means there is indeed still more healing that can happen!