[jatx]

I rolled my ankle badly during IET last fall, breaking my 5th metatarsal and sustaining a partial tear of my ATFL. The ankle turned black and swelled to the size of my knee. I was able to complete the next six weeks of training with the help of splinting and lots of Tramadol.

Unfortunately, I left Ft. Jackson without an LOD (didn't know to ask), which was the first thing that my unit asked for when I returned to them. To make a long story short, I ended up spending $4000 out of my own pocket for an MRI and extensive physical therapy. I was released to full activities this summer, and spent a lot of time gearing up for OCS and the rest of my pipeline. There was still some instability in the joint, but I was able to run without pain and my run times were good.

Two weeks ago, I reinjured the ankle at Ft. Benning and am probably being med dropped from my current course. I am not receiving very good care here, and have not been able to get a referral to a real physician, so I am guessing that I will have to get this taken care of after I am released. I can manage day-to-day activities in boots with only moderate pain, but cannot run on the ankle.

My goal is to do whatever is necessary to get back to 100% and drive on.

Has anyone had experience with reconstruction of the ATFL, followed by a return to duty? I've done a lot of research online, but very little of it seems geared to someone in this line of work.

Also, do any of you have advice on accessing care when not on active duty status? I live seven hours from my unit and expect this to be a struggle. I don't want to get myself into another bad situation by not knowing the right questions to ask.

Thanks very much for your help.