Employed and unbearable pain at work. Bone on bone. My Podiatrist upon first visit said I need Fusion on both ankles

[Almostbutnotquite]

My first step is to apply for disability (short term). I am not sure how long that is, but for both ankles I wonder how long I will be out of work?

My Podiatrist is the one upon the first visit in June told me I needed Fusion surgery. I could try all preventive methods, but surgery will "reduce the pain". Well my pain during work is obvious to my customers. I thought I could cover it, but limping and at the end of my shift literally dragging my foot no one could miss. They work with me, my hours have been cut. Which started a domino effect on my finances. Anyway, I am filing for short term disability in hopes that after surgery on one ankle, I may return to work at least part time. I DON'T KNOW how any of this works, but not being able to bear weight when I get home woke me up fast! Now I am looking for resources... thank you for listening. I don't know where I go from here. I am 45. Thanks for your help in advance

[sylvi]

Oh darling you are in a bad way and so young as well. Do go for disability,but make it long term darling. Hugs from me.xxxxx

[Almostbutnotquite in reply to sylvi]

A.. thank you. I did talk to a long term Lawyer, but I told him I still wanted to work, which is why he said try the short term first, but who knows.

[oldtimer]

I've had a fusion done - only on the worst side, but it transformed my ability to get around which had reduced to a shuffle around the house with a stick. Now I can walk a mile easily - the fatigue and the other joints limit me after that. So go for it!

I used a K9 kneeling scooter after the operation - it was SO much easier than using crutches with my horrible painful hands and wrists. You may be able to get one from the physio dept, but here, they didn't know anything about it and I had to hire one privately. It helped me to get around, do the shopping, etc. Much more independent thank with crutches and the envy of lots of small children who wanted to know where I had got such a cool scooter.

[Almostbutnotquite in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you so much! I wondered what those were called(K9 scooter). Thank you for your response