Sounds horribly painful and my thoughts are with your husband.
If you are new to homeopathy, I would suggest that 30C potencies are what I consider to be the most useful.
However, having said that, the energy of the ailment has to be taken into consideration and the age/vital force of the patient.
Prescribing in a classical manner, before an operation, I would suggest an Arnica 30C. Only take another Arnica if there is much pain or bruising after the operation. (again... Less is more in homeopathy...)
If there is an adverse reaction to anaesthesia, I would give a Phos 30C. In Aust, the nurses in the ward give ice to patients recently returned from theatre, rather than water, and I have found that when this hits stomach temperature, in susceptible people, the nausea often begins.

caution again...

If there is nerve pain after surgery, then a 30C Hypericum. 1 dose only.
If the ankle is not enclosed in plaster or fibreglass, then bathing the affected limb in Hypericum tincture will act as an "antiseptic" and nerve healer, but don't do both. Work with what remedies you do have access to.
No vomiting/nausea or nervine pain - then just take an Arnica.
Later you could go to another remedy if indicated.

I have found that basically if doubt about something - don't do it!

Light massage, starting at the top of the leg toward the heart and then working toward the affected area(difficult if in plaster) will keep the lymph flowing and reduce the likelihood of DVT. (An aspirin - extract of willow bark - will also have a blood thinning effect. A full strength aspirin can affect the platelet clotting effects for about 5-6 days)

Hi,
He had surgery last Saturday. The doctor had to put a plate and 2 screws to correct the ankle placement. He has a cast up to his knee. They prescribed percocet which he has been trying to wean off of by taking some tylenol and arnica 30 during the day. By the evening it hurts very badly. Is there anything he can take to relieve the pain and eventually get off the percocet/tylenol?

Thanks,
Sue K

Apologies for the delay in replying, but have been bush with no power or running water- no mod cons at all.

When your husband takes the Arnica does it help at all?

If it does, then he should repeat the dose as needed whilst in pain. If the Arn 30 seems to wear off quickly, then a 200 may be indicated, also taken as needed.

Don't beat yourself up too much about taking pain killers, I believe they serve a valid function if used in moderation when indicated. When extreme pain is felt then the body responds physiologically to that stimulus and if you can remove the pain, then the body can concentrate on healing the wound.

If there is no relief from the Arnica, Comfrey may help with the healing process if indicated.(Looking at an online repertory will help to guide you here, if you don't have any homeopathic reference books.)

Make sure you follow the Orthopaedic surgeon's directions about elevation and non weight bearing as this will really speed up the healing especially where plates and pins are involved.

Hi,
The arnica 30 didn't seem to make a difference. Two days ago, a week after his operation, I gave him ruta 30 and that evening he said that the pain lifted significantly to the point he is off the pain killers. He has since taken the remedy 2 times per day. He went back to the doctors yesterday to have the stitches taken out and the doctor was pleased with the progress and gave him a removable cast. He wants to see him again in 5 weeks. He said he can start putting some pressure on the foot in a couple of weeks. How would you suggest to proceed with the remedies?

Thanks so much,
Sue K

If he got relief from the Ruta, continue!
As he is in a removable cast, and once the wound is fully healed, light topical application of wheatgerm oil (or any Vitamin E oil) will assist in the scar repair.

Hey, great result there. Ruta is listed as the most highly indicated remedy for injuries to bones and periosteum in the older repertories. The routinists today tend to go for Arnica then Bryonia, then when the bone is set, Symphytum. But as you have found out, when the indications are there, the right remedy does the job fantastically. The only thing I would add is after the first couple of days, try and pace your remedy dosages out, see if he can be pain-free a bit longer in between doses, before repeating. The remedy stimulates the natural healing ability, be careful not to overstimulate as this could lead to aggravations. Good work, you must be pleased!