Broken bones update
Recently, I had a fall that has really changed my life for the time being. A little over 2 weeks ago, I had a terrible fall, and I broke my leg and my ankle in multiple areas. It has been incredibly painful, and I had surgery just days later to fix the issue. I received 10 screws, 1 pin, wiring, and a plate. Now, I have been resting, and taking time off to rest. I am focusing on my health and getting better. Being non weight bearing in one leg has been so hard, especially because I have had many episodes of dizziness, and blacking out.
Finally to put the icing on the cake, I found out I have a blood clot in my surgical leg. This has been very hard for me, as blood clots are so serious. Physical therapy has been put on hold for the time being, and I am on strong blood thinners, and I have been elevating my leg non stop.
This has been very painful and depressing for me. But I wanted to take this opportunity to point out some important diet related tips for my situation, because it may help others!
Broken bones - When bones are broken, the body needs extra calories! The calories contribute to skin, muscle and bone repair. Protein is also so important at this time, due to less physical activity and healing. If enough protein is not eaten, muscle mass can deteriorate quickly, and healing could be slow. Fluid is also important to hydrate, replenish your body, and contributes to healing. Do you know how much protein you need? What about your fluid needs? Both are so important to know, even if you don’t have injury!
Blood clots- Blood clots are a cluster of red blood cells that form in the blood vessels. Blood clots can be common when you have surgery, particularly leg surgery when you are not moving or using that part of your body much. Blood clots can be life threatening, so it is very important to get them taken care of. Treatment for blood clots are blood thinners (medication to help your blood thin, which prevents the clot from growing, and makes the body less able to create new blood clots). Compression stockings help to maintain and increase circulation in your legs, which increases the blood flow. Another big important factor of managing blood clots is DIET! Did you know that the body uses vitamin K to help clot blood? Sometimes, these foods need to be limited or avoided on some blood thinners. Foods high in vitamin K includes kale, spinach, collards, Swiss chard, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, kiwi, green snap peas, and cabbage.
Do you have broken bones or blood clots? Have you had any issues with either before? If you need dietary advice for healing, I can help! I do need some more days to rest, but in the near future I could help you with these needs, along with many other needs you may have! I will attach some photos of my before and after. Let me know what you think!
