So I Broke My Ankle....

So... 2.5 weeks since I broke my ankle snowboarding here in Winter Park. I live for snowboarding so have been searching page through page on the internet of what I could expect in terms of recovery and most importantly when I can get back to riding, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. Unfortunately I know others will have to go through what I am, so I thought posting this would help in terms of what to expect, as well as help alleviate some of my boredom and stop me from going completely mental!


Me? I am an aussie here in Winter Park for the season (well was here for the season...), more on that later.


So 12th December was lapping the park with a work buddy, hitting bigger jumps than I have before, feeling awesome about life in general, and day 20 riding for the season. Decided to take a quick drink break, headed down a run, bombing down the hill, speed checked, caught an edge and ate it. Felt ok, tried to get up but my ankle disagreed. Next thing was a sled ride down the hill and a bit of teasing from my mates about how it was a little early in the season for that.


Got checked in and warned how expensive it was and that I could go elsewhere if I wanted, opted to stay (thank god for travel insurance - best decision ever). Patroller took my details whilst I saw stars, eventually I had to ask to have my boot taken off... Yep, what fun. At this stage did not know what the damage was, but let me tell you thank goodness for shock and adrenaline, not a pleasant experience getting other people to remove your boot whilst your foot is rapidly swelling. Was given ice and left alone, being curious I had a little touch... and felt something move. Kinda knew this was not a good sign, but was still holding out hope for a sprain or dislocation. Fast forward through examinations and x-rays and I was informed I had a bimalleolar fracture, had broken both my Tibia and Fibula. Not one for tears but will admit a few escaped when I realised it'd be a little while before I was riding again...


So next great news was that surgery was necessary. Yay. Only upside of this is being allowed to move the injury much earlier, and it being much stronger after recovery (how am I so informed - oh I just broke my wrist back in July in our Aus season, 3 weeks into the season, meaning no riding for 7 weeks while it puked snow, yep, what a year...). So got scheduled for the following Tuesday, just over a week later.


I was put in a splint - any of you going through this, I will not lie, even with Percocet this hurt like a bitch. Basically it takes 3 people. Why? One person to hold you still, one to wrap the splint and dressing, and one to manipulate your ankle back into it's correct place. Yep, I swore. Loudly. 


Was given pain meds (go America, strong meds, geez...), my crazy crutches with safety spikes on the bottom for icy conditions - hilar! and kindly sent on my way.


And I have to say, the staff at the clinic at Winter Park were amazing. Thanks so much for looking after me.