Broken foot, cast sending me into total meltdown mode!

[Sikayda]

I got a call from my doctor a couple days ago saying that what I thought was tendinitis is a broken bone that requires six weeks in a cast.

Since I couldn't get an orthopedist appointment until Tuesday, I'm temporarily in an "aircast."

This thing is HORRIBLE. It is touching me super lightly in some places, and is making me feel trapped because at the same time there's one part of my toes that is being pushed down on and I can't think of anything else.

I keep losing it and pulling the whole thing off without even undoing it properly (probably making the break worse) or hitting it against the floor where it is touching me lightly.

Please please please does anyone have any advice for how to get my mind off of it or learn to deal without having
meltdowns? I keep coming so close to hurting myself more, or breaking this stupid boot.

 

[Vinca]

Some random ideas

- in the places that the cast is touching you super lightly, would it be possible to insert something that would pad it out,but that would have some give, so the pressure wasn't so light? eg - cotton wool, fabric, sponge, lint (the type they use in first aid)
- could you wear some Tubigrip over your foot/ankle, so that there is a sense of pressure?

Taking you mind of it

- listening to music via earphones (prefereably something that isn't overstimulating)
- wearing an elastic band or hair bobble round one wrist and 'pinging' it with your other hand so it snaps back on your wrist. The sting it creates could help redirect your attention away from the cast, without causing you serious harm.
- Activities that require a high level of concentration and focus, especially if its a hobby or special interest.

Redirecting anger and frustration

- find something that is safe to break/destroy, in a way that is safe, eg tearing an egg box up into small pieces with your bare hands or ripping up a newspaper/magazine.

 

[On the Inside]

I have only had one cast in my life, on my hand and forearm, but that was long ago. It was on mt left arm, so I couldn't play bass, but I got better at playing slide guitar. I also continued to compete in cross country ski races, using one pole. At one race, a guy watching asked me if I broke a pole and if I wanted to use his. I replied "Only one hand!"

Sorry, I don't remember much about it, but I am more hypo-sensitive, sensations don't much bother me. Hope you find relief.

 

[NovaScotia Aspie]

I got a call from my doctor a couple days ago saying that what I thought was tendinitis is a broken bone that requires six weeks in a cast.

Since I couldn't get an orthopedist appointment until Tuesday, I'm temporarily in an "aircast."

This thing is HORRIBLE. It is touching me super lightly in some places, and is making me feel trapped because at the same time there's one part of my toes that is being pushed down on and I can't think of anything else.

I keep losing it and pulling the whole thing off without even undoing it properly (probably making the break worse) or hitting it against the floor where it is touching me lightly.

Please please please does anyone have any advice for how to get my mind off of it or learn to deal without having
meltdowns? I keep coming so close to hurting myself more, or breaking this stupid boot.

I had a wrist fracture about 5 years ago so I know what you are going through . Personally, I enjoyed my time off work and took advantage by doing a lot of reading . I actually enjoyed the experience of going to the doctors office . Hang in there .

 

[gonzerd]

Reminds me of the first time I was in a cast, after an operation on an ingrowing toenail when I was 11 (seems weird to need a cast for that but apparently it was necessary). The thing bugged me terribly and I fiddled with it so much I could basically slip it off and back on after a day or 2. I had 2 more casts later on, the last one earlier this year. First a temporary one, in plaster, which was way to loose too, and I kept picking at it and sort of trying to crush it with my other hand to get some extra pressure going, up to the point where it was pretty much broken at the time of the checkup, where I was put in a much better one, made of some plasticky bandage stuff (picture below). I'd fiddle with that one too actually (I actually repaired and drove my car while wearing it, and I would sometimes hit it against table, none of which I'd recommend). There were 2 metal pins sticking out of my hand and by the time I got out, those were bent a little from shifting the thing around. I think it was mainly pressure I was after, so I'd squeeze the entire cast, or scratch the inside with a ruler (even though it wasn't that itchy), as a way of distracting me from the parts that were annoying. The pins and the broken bones didn't really hurt at all to me, it was the slight touch that annoyed me.

Anyway, I can totally understand how it can send you bonkers. Places with too much pressure, other spots with just some slight touch from the cotton type stuff inside... aaargh. Vinca made some good points earlier. Try to distract yourself, try to fill it with some extra cotton or so in the places where you need extra pressure, and look for a way to redirect the frustration. Don't move it around, but try to around direct pressure where needed. Once you'll get your permanent cast, it should be better. Be sure to mention it when they are putting the new one on and be critical about it. If it feels too loose, or too tight, say so and have them put on a new one. But mention any sensitivity beforehand. They might be able to put some extra stuffing in where you need the pressure.

Oh, and get yourself some good markers. Drawing on the thing helped to distract my mind from what went on inside too

 

[Beverly]

Ugh, casts, especially air casts, but any of them. Distracting, annoying, just feel wrong then, whatever is injured aches, throbs, hurts and that's more stress and distraction. Just about get it all under control and whatever skin is under the cast goes to itching.

Anything that will distract you from the cast is good, even things that annoy you even more than the cast, though happier things to do would be better.

As other have said, when they do the hard cast, be particular, it should be as comfortable as possible, no pinching, rubbing sores or tickling. If you need firm contact in certain place, or all over tell them that but, be understanding of the limits of putting pressure on the injury as well.

Be sure to ask them what to do if it feels too wrong and starts making you freak out to the point of feeling as if you need to get it off immediately. They can offer suggestions about that just as they will about bathing with it, walking, etc...

 

[Sikayda]

Thank you everyone- I appreciate all the replies and suggestions! Since I can unstrap and take the aircast off, I was able to put some folded up fabric where I needed more pressure, and that had helped a ton. I will definitely keep the suggestions on hard cast fitting in mind once I have my orthopedist appointment.