Ankle replacement

[Inanotherlife]

Hello again,

I wonder if anyone who has had a TAR and is on biologics, would mind sharing their recovery milestones in terms of when they were able to recommence treatment, walk again unaided and drive etc?

I’m in the early stages of recovery, it seems a bit of a long haul and some days are more challenging than others. I’ve read several blogs online of people’s journeys but having RA and the biologics adds another layer to things. Thank you in anticipation 😊

[dippyd09]

hello, I had a TAR in Aug 22. I’m not on biologics though. I’m on high dose methotrexate/sulphasalazine/hydroxy. Mine was a fairly prolonged recovery more so as I have osteoporosis and acquired a fracture during the op. I’m now much better after fairly extensive physiotherapy. Is there anything specific you’d like to ask or is it more about the biologics? I will help if I can.

[Inanotherlife in reply to dippyd09]

Thanks dippy, sounds like you had a rough ride, I hope you’re feeling the benefit of it now. Physio, forgot to mention that, yes when did that start and how often, how long did it go on? Cast of boot? When could you fully weight bear? Any tips you might have, I’d be grateful for.

I should have had my stitches out last week but they weren’t ready, have to give it another week. I’m a bit worried because a part on my foot is quite sore whereas the rest of the incision area is starting to feel itchy so must be healing.

I’ve also developed terrible stomach problems so waiting for some results from the GP on that. Whatever it is, I think sitting for so long is causing me discomfort.

Thanks again 😊

[dippyd09 in reply to Inanotherlife]

Hello again, I was in a boot for the first week but after my X-ray at clinic I was put in a plaster cast and not permitted to weight bear. Sadly this went on for about 8 weeks. The broken bone was part of the side of my ankle. After the plaster cast I was in a moon boot for several months as due to the fracture/osteoporosis combo it took a while to heal.

I wasn’t initially going to get physio but after the time of immobility they were trying to get the ankle moving. It’s taken a while but better now.

How long ago was your op? Have the said for you to start moving it? I wouldn’t want to go against what they’ve told you. It’s all very gentle to start with. As for your stitches, it’s better to wait until your wound is knitted before tsking them out as too soon wouldn’t be good. The soreness I’m sure is just post op bruising as if your stitches are still in situ it’s probably not been too long ago. Any op you have causes bruising around the area sometimes deep inside, it’s really uncomfortable sometimes. Patience is the thing. I can honestly say the area around my incision has never been sore, it’s the rest of my foot that was the problem. It’s all good now though.

I really hope you get to the bottom of your stomach problems. Take care and just take things easy. It’ll take a little while to get fully over your op, it’s a biggy I’m happy as I said if there’s anything else you want to ask, ask away, if I can help I will.

[Inanotherlife]

thank you, that sounds like you had a lot to contend with so it’s good to hear it’s ok now. My op was nearly 3 weeks ago. It’s been more than I’d anticipated. No cast, straight into a boot 23hrs a day so sleeping is difficult. Pain isn’t bad now, I’ll feel better when the stitches come out and the incision is healed because then I can go back on the biologic. I’ve been told to weight bear 25 % of body weight through it but I haven’t been able to gage that really.

[Lolabridge]

This is all very interesting to me as I'm having this operation soon, I hope.

Has anyone tried using a knee scooter to get around indoors or outdoors? What other aids have you all found useful? I live alone so am keen to get organised to make life easier during my recovery! How long before driving again, especially if the op is on the right ankle?

[Inanotherlife in reply to Lolabridge]

I’m using a walking frame and crutches at the moment. Driving I believe is around 8 weeks if it’s the right foot but your consultant will tell you, because I’ve also read 12 weeks.

Aids to consider are a bath stool/chair or board so you can sit and raise your leg. Waterproof cast/boot cover. Lots of pillows/cushions. I have a big backrest/reading pillow which has been a god send. I used a little urinal from Amazon early on during the first few nights because I was unsteady going to the bathroom in the middle of the night whilst taking the pain meds.

I have a hold-all at the side of the bed with some clean clothes, wipes, tissues and some snacks like nuts, crackers, crisps, boiled sweets, along with a couple of 2 litre bottles of water and a glass plus multi vitamins.

Other than that, tv, books, iPad etc. hope that helps.

[Lolabridge in reply to Inanotherlife]

Thank you that’s really helpful.