Ankle Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: Bill H’s Story
On Sunday March 22, 2020, Bill and his wife were enjoying the outdoors by taking a walk through their local forest preserve. Bill went off the path to get a closer look at the Des Plaines River when he lost his balance and slipped on an incline. As he fell, Bill heard his right ankle snap.
“At that moment I was in a bit of shock and I was mad thinking about it. I knew it would be a life changing fall and felt that something was wrong. I made it back up and was hoping it was just sprained,” he recalls.
Bill was able to make it back home where he called his Internist, who advised him to ice it and monitor it. For the next week Bill said it was fairly livable and he could still “hobble around.”
His ankle didn’t hurt too much until the next Monday, March 30. The swelling did not decrease, leading Bill to call IBJI. He was able to get in to see IBJI’s Dr. Sherman at the Bannockburn Doctors’ Office.
“Dr. Sherman ordered x-rays and that’s when I found out my right ankle was broken. He said it would need surgery and recommended I see Dr. Bryan Waxman as he was their orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankle care,” said Bill.
Bill scheduled surgery with Dr. Waxman on April 2. He was surprised they were able to get him in so quickly considering everything going on in the world with COVID-19. Bill said, “At this time there were concerns with cleanliness issues but I was confident in their ability to keep the place as clean and safe as they could. The surgery was very good and went smoothly. There was virtually no one there with the time we’re living in. I went under, woke up and I was done. They wrapped my ankle up beautifully, it was very protected.”
Bill was able to go home the same day after surgery to start his recovery process. He used a boot and crutches throughout his recovery as well as a medical scooter for better mobility around his house.
Bill also did physical therapy at IBJI with Brian Mills, PT, DPT and Carol Bromberek, PT, COMT. “Brian was tough but he pushed me just enough, he is a very nice and friendly guy. Carol is so understanding and asks questions throughout the whole process. She adjusted the exercises based on my feedback.”
Now Bill is back to walking the greens of the golf course, “I feel great now. There is minimal pain, sometimes it aches but it’s gotten stronger. I’m still doing the exercises at home and have been able to walk everyday on the golf course, I can walk and hit the ball. I am very fortunate for the staff. Dr. Waxman and the physical therapists told me what to expect every step of the way. They kept me informed and I always knew what was to come and what I needed to do next. Dr. Waxman, Brian, Carol and the rest of the staff I was in contact with were great. They were all helpful and patient.”
Richard Sherman, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in treating disorders of the knee, hip and shoulder, including sports injuries, trauma and the various forms of arthritis.
Bryan Waxman, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in treating disorders of the foot, ankle and knee, including sports injuries, trauma and the various forms of arthritis. He also provides care for traumatic and sports-related shoulder and elbow injuries.
