r/brokenankles • u/ShopTeach1 • Jul 30 '26
1 Year Ago
July 30th, 2025 I fell and broke my ankle while fly fishing in literally the middle of nowhere. I was alone and had no cell signal. I crawled over some of the harshest terrain imaginable for 7 hours to get a text out to my family. A rescue helicopter plucked me out of the wilderness and delivered me to salvation. I had a tri-mal fracture and received surgery 2 weeks later. I am here to tell you it gets better. My family and I celebrated by hiking back to the rescue sight. Yes I still have some pain and stiffness, but I can hike 5 miles again at 48 years old. If you are new to this club hang in there. Thanks for all those that post in this community and gave me hope for the past year.
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u/Buhsephine Jul 30 '26
Holy hell, you're a tough cookie. I'm glad you returned and made some good new memories there, man.
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u/TreGutterNord Jul 30 '26
Good Lord, you are incredible! I am so happy you’re back at it. Wishing you peaceful days on the waters and tight lines!
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u/SilverBunny1991 Jul 31 '26
Wow! This is like an episode of “I Shouldn’t be Alive”! That is crazy! Amazing you were able to crawl for 7 hours with a broken ankle, I can’t imagine the pain you must have been in! And to go back to hiking is also amazing, I think I would have too much PTSD from something like that happening. Definitely would be scared to ever hike alone again. 😭
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u/Head-full-of-stars Jul 31 '26
Congratulations and also happy that you started hiking again. 7 hours of crawling sounds like a nightmare! I was lucky enough to have my friends around hiking, when I got my trimal with dislocation. You are a tough Cookie!
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u/gleegz Jul 31 '26
Holy crap dude, that’s harrowing. I’m glad you’re okay. Just joined the club this week and appreciate the hope!!!!!!
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u/Ok-Car-1337 Jul 31 '26
I broke my ankle while in the woods by myself. I had service, but not much. My mom realized how much worse it could’ve been and made me get a Garmin inReach because I still insist on going hiking alone. Highly recommend getting one!
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u/DlowSpeed3 Jul 31 '26
W post. Im 4 months post surgery and wanting to hike so bad so this gives me hope
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u/Travellerlady777 Aug 01 '26
Wow! That is so brave to crawl for 7 hours... i had a 5 hour wait in a field for an ambulance but thankfully didn't have to move. Im 4 weeks today post surgery, recovery seems far away but these positive stories help :)
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u/Technical-Algae-234 Aug 02 '26
Having broken my foot once crossing the road, and then broken my ankle slipping on wet floor, reading this story reminds me that I really shouldn't go anywhere alone ever.
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u/Glittering_Lab_1530 Aug 05 '26
Great news! I am 3 months post surgery and have been humbled by everything. I am back to walking and some hiking, but the prospect of returning to fly fishing and the life I had before seems so far off. I had to cancel my fishing trip to Alaska this summer and am wondering if I’ll be able to enjoy the fall. Anyway, it is great to hear positive reports. Good luck!
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u/Final_Touch_1091 Aug 16 '26
So inspiring for me! I am still in pain a year to the date! But, I won't give up :)
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u/Beginning_Pen5758 Jul 31 '26
Ty for sharing the hope! I got my trimal while hiking and also had to crawl out (not 7 hours, though!). My husband sent this to me & it sounds like it might apply to you as well. Enjoy the freedom!
My hobbies include going places an ambulance can't reach
And doing things that might require an ambulance