Anybody had an ankle fused? how is it? Dr wants mine done but im against it. x

[tatlim]

[Philip]

I was asked about it too but it seems to final for me, as in the last resort.

It should be interesting reading the replies.

Philip

[tatlim]

This is my worry too Philip, i burst into tears today when the dr said there wasnt really an alternative except pain relief. I have Osteo Arthritis in my left ankle due to a fall and breaking both bones. I have metal pins in it and the movement is minimal but when its not hurting i dont limp, Im only 52, have just started going out as a pillion on a very big bike again due to the Methotrexate sorting the rest of my body out. (rheumatoid) and there is so much i want to do including a hike up Macchu Picchu which i have to admit will probably never happen...have just come back from holiday and i needed a stick for pretty much the whole time i was there, something seems to move in my foot and stops me putting any weight on it for about 10/15 minutes and its beginning to happen more and more often, up to 5 times a day. its weird because its at the top of my foot!! x

[Sailaway]

My brother in law had this done last summer. He put it off for years and go to the point where he couldn't walk far and was in real trouble (he had ankle OA from an old injury). He didn't want it done at all, was really worried and actually considered having an amputation and prosthesis instead of the fusion, he had to do something.

So, he went through with it, and it's turned his life around! He's so delighted with the results, the pain's gone and his function's returned, he can walk around the local lake with no trouble (before he could just about get from the car to the front door) and he wonders why he didn't get it done years ago.

The rehab period was pretty strict, he was off his foot for about 6 weeks I think (don't take my word for it), and he worried about that before the operation but it was worth it.

[Sailaway in reply to Sailaway]

I don't think I made it clear, he had the ankle fusion done (not the amputation and prosthesis).

[Hidden]

Hi Tatlim,

I had a triple fusion to my ankle and a fusion to the big toe last September. Whilst I have had a bit of a rough ride during the recovery time I have to say that the operation was a breeze.

To be totally honest, the main reason that I have had such a hard time post-op is predominantly because I am overweight, have other weight-bearing joint problems and didn't have a support system in place.

My op was done under general anaesthetic because of my spinal problems but I believe that most are done with epidural and sedatives.

They get you out of bed virtually the day after the op and you are then encouraged to use a zimmer frame to help you hop on your good foot so that you can make your own way to the loo.

The physios come around soon after that to teach you how to use crutches up and down stairs and they satisfy themselves that you can do that before sending you home.

You will be under strict non weight bearing instruction for at least 6 weeks (mine was 12 for some reason - again probably because of my weight)

The non-weight bearing period is a frustrating time but there were other younger, fitter patients who took to using crutches as though it was a new extreme sport and clearly weren't held back at all.

When I had the plaster removed my ankle was very, very stiff but I persevered with my exercises and actually have a lot more movement than I imagined I would. In my case the up and down movement is really not too bad but the side to side is very restricted - this is where I was getting the pain so it's doing its job. My balance has also improved considerably.

I have been using a stick as a walking aid for years now and I truly believe that unconsciously favouring my bad foot has contributed to some of my other problems because of my body being out of alignment. For that alone I would recommend that you have the corrective surgery done.

There is a possibility that I may have a bit of a complication in that I still get pain when the ankle seems to 'catch', this apparently happens from time to time and is corrected by removal of the screws. I've had a CT scan done recently so I'll keep you up to date.

In short then, I wish I had had mine done years ago so wouldn't hesitate to recommend it but be prepared for a very restricted few months and up to a year before the swelling completely dies down. Try to watch your weight (not that you look as though you need to) and maybe do some exercises to strengthen legs and arms berorehand.

NRAS have some useful information about it on their site also. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Judy

[tatlim]

thanks Judy, that was really helpful. I have been so worried about it. i do have an appointment with an orthopedic specialist soon so obviously will discuss everything with him, i already have very little movement in my ankle joint and the swelling has never gone down since i had the pins put in 8 years ago. Your comments have made me think maybe this would be a possibility. I already have to drive an automatic car, cant walk far before the pain becomes too much. the pain i get is on top of my foot and i wondered if it may be the bones moving, it cripples me for about 10 mins then its ok again. this is happening more often so i have to take a stick everywhere with me lately. I will try and research a bit more but agree with the strengthening of muscles, my right leg is weak which i found odd as its my left leg im having trouble with. x