Exercising with a broken ankle

So, there I sat, in bed, big boot on my left leg up to my knee, 190 lbs. What to do? I made some decisions:

I will take as good care of myself as I have of everyone else all my life.

I will use my background as an RN to devise an exercise program for myself.

Exercise plan:

Strengthen every muscle in my body so that I will be able to move around the house with my assistive devices and be strong enough to begin rehab without having to build up the rest of my body. I talked to my niece, Greta who is a Pilates teacher. She gave me some good ideas to keep my core strong.

It may look like Im just sitting there all day. But the reality is that I have to get up at least to go to the bathroom. And that takes muscle strength. But I also want to move around to other parts of the house and do things for myself. I dont want to be totally dependent on my husband for all my needs.He has a lot to do, to run the house without me. We have three cats and two dogs. Usually we both participate in their care.

First goal:

Be strong enough to move from bed to wheelchair, bed to knee scooter. Scooter to toilet, stand on good leg.

How I achieved this goal:

Using all my muscles, including core,

transfer to wheel chair from bed pivoting on the good leg, holding wheel chair arms. (wheel chair must be locked) The main strength must be in the good leg(right leg) Do this motion several times every time I get up, just to build up muscle strength.

Second goal

Do not allow my body to weaken by lack of exercise while the ankle heals.

While lying flat in bed, I used an elastic band called a theraband, looped over my good foot, stretching it out as I extended the leg. (build strength in my quadraceps( large thigh muscle)

Arms must pull their weight too. Use theraband in two hands, pull away from sides of body.

Use hand weights to strengthen arm muscles.

Leg raises, both legs. (I was allowed to remove the boot in bed) Did not use theraband on affected ankle.

Keep spine flexible. Spinal twists: Lie on back bend knees, roll knees from side to side.

Do range of motion to all joints except broken ankle.

With knee on knee scooter, scooter locked, do knee bends on good leg.

Stand at the kitchen counter and do knee bends.