Recovering from your broken tibia: A practical guide to healing from intramedullary nail surgery, from one patient to another

This book is for anyone who has broken their lower leg (tibia and, potentially, fibula) and requires the surgical insertion of an intramedullary nail or rod. If this is you right now, you are bound to have a lot of questions: “How long will it take until I get back to normal?” “How will I cope?” “How long will I be in this much pain?” “Does it get better?” “Is there anything I can do to help myself?” This book will help you answer all these questions and more, including: • What the first few days after your injury and surgery will look like, and what you can do to help yourself to get out of hospital as soon as you’re ready. • What the days and weeks after surgery will look like for you once you get home, and how you can deal with the physical pain and emotional frustration of your situation. • How to go about your daily life on crutches, safely and without hurting yourself any further. • What the terms non-weight-bearing, light-touch weight-bearing and partial weight-bearing practically mean to you. • How to help your bones heal faster and become stronger by making healthier dietary and lifestyle choices that will benefit you in the long run. • Why you may want to consider having any metalwork removed from your leg at a later date if your situation allows it.

Sara Bussandri left her job as a Business Analyst in 2016 to pursue a career as a writer. A mum of three boys based in London, she broke her right tibia in September 2016 and had surgery a few days later. Frustrated by the lack of information about the recovery process from a patient perspective, she put her curiosity and her analytical and writing skills to work to help others who may find themselves in the same situation. Sara writes mainly about parenting, self-help, mindfulness and anything that helps parents to overcome stress. She runs the popular blog MindyourMamma.com.