I was in a freak sledding accident on January 13th, 2024, and broke both of my tibias and ankles. My emergency surgery on the 14th involved my left ankle receiving two metal plates and a bar through my tibia - I was lucky to have a clean break. My right ankle was so badly damaged that I received an external fixator.
1 week in the hospital for pain management and OT/PT.
I was NWB on both legs for 6 weeks.
Then I had a second surgery in February to be placed into a Halo external fixator, as my doc was hoping that my bones would heal better. I was in that for 6 weeks.
Then the Halo was removed and I was placed in a cast, in March.
My back and bottom were exhausted from being bedridden for so long, so I researched and found the iWalk3.0 (a peg leg that requires your leg to bend back at the knee, and I was excited to use it, but it was uncomfortable on my right tibia.
So I researched more online and found the Freedom Leg (FL); my insurance covers it!
I've been using the FL for weeks now, and it is my BEST option! My doctor told me that my left leg wouldn't fully heal until I'm able to start PT on my right ankle/leg. When I realized that I'd be able to use my thigh and mimic walking, my Physical Therapist and I agreed it was great. My PT's office had never heard of the FL and everyone loves watching me use it!
My PT says it is the coolest walking aid she has ever seen and I should get paid to sell it, lol!
It has changed my life; I no longer have to butt-scoot up my stairs because I can walk with my FL. I figured out how to use the toilet without completely taking it off and then I can stand and wash my hands without having to lean on my elbow and balance. It also allowed me to get back to work.
I made a video reviewing the FL: https://youtu.be/XJhKOpKBc4A?si=CG3NajsQmJVPqJp0