How soon is to soon to work after an injury?

Question

I recently posted a question about swelling and after some responses i have a new question. After I totaled my car when I hit a tree and broke my left foot, right tibula (compound), fibula, and femur, I went through surgery and have had NO physical therapy at all (doctor never mentioned it) and no guidance from a physician it has been 5 weeks tomorrow. I was back at work 3 weeks after the wreck and had stiches and staples removed at the 4 week mark. I am driving and working but having swelling and pain. I have an ace bandage on the leg and knee brace on the right leg were surgery was performed. Am i just being completely stupid (won't hurt my feelings if someone feels that way) and risking further injury or poor recovery? Also I am smoking cigarettes again, will that further worsen my case? Thanks for any answers out there, my doctors and surgeons had none.

Answer 1

First, sorry to hear about your accident. If you're having pain and swelling that is beyond what you've been told to expect then you should call your doctor at once.

As for how soon you go back to work, it depends on the nature of the job. If you're mostly behind a desk then going back to work and getting into a normal routine can help you with the mental aspects of healing from a physical injury. If your job requires to move around a lot and it's putting you at risk of re-injuring yourself then you should take additional time off and go to physical therapy when the doc says that you're ready.

I once had a bad bike accident in which my armbone was hanging out of my skin. The day after I got out of the hospital I went to my gym. Of course, I couldn't do much but being around people and socializing were important in helping to staying positive mentally. I did a couple of ab crunches that day but just doing something was important to moving the healing process forward.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You should already have started therapy. Call your doctor .
Ask your employer if it would be possible to elevate your leg or foot at your desk - is should be up at height of your waist.
Get up and walk or run errands for 5 minutes every hour.
Try to lie down with leg up for 30 minutes at lunch [ then eat at your desk if necessary ].
NO SMOKING! Cigarettes delay healing, increase chances of blood clot, decrease circulation [ you already have a swollen leg ].
Eat reallywell, and take multivitamin while you heal, at least.
Keep an ace bandage as long as you need it, and use a foot or knee elastic [ kind of a onepiece ace wrap ] when you need it.

Answer 3

Hi there. you really need to see your doctor, you really should be OFF that leg.trust me I know and have been out of work since last Aug for a tibula and fibia break. let me know what happens ok? Feel better