Hi Gemma,
First off let me say I'M SORRY you are dealing with all of this! As I read your post it was like readying my own story but without the tremors. I've been through 5/6 ligaments reconstructions (sorry lost count) on my right ankle. And like you my ligaments just kept giving up or tearing again. I had tons of physical therapy over the years but that didn't always helped and sometimes made it worse. I walked around in a full ankle brace but that wasn't enough anymore. I'd be walking and my foot would just go out from under me. I hear your frustrations with the pain and no quality of life. And the hip and lower back pain just added to the misery. Arthritis set in on the tabia and my ankle just couldn't handle it anymore it was so weak, I couldn't walk, stand, sleep etc. or do much of anything - I just lived in pain 24/7. My doctor did everything he could to help me my last option was an ankle fusion. It took me a year to agree to it, I just couldn't take it anymore. So I know where you are at right now. I was to young for an ankle replacement (35 at the time), so an ankle fusion was it.
As as sit here writing to you I can honestly say it was the best thing I did. It wasn't easy and it's still not perfect, but it's alot better from where I was. I have no ankle movement which includes no heal to toe movement at all. The only thing I can move on my right foot are my toes. It took me a while to learn to walk again but can do it really well with my MBT shoes (they have a rocker bottom that allows the heal to to movement). Without shoes I have a limp and walk funny. My ankle still gets stiff and hurts now and again but I can walk and stand without pain. I'm not sure if an ankle fusion is for you, its a big decision to make. You gain things and you lose some as well and you need to consider all your options. As I mentioned before it took me a year to agree to the surgery. I was scared of the outcome and how it would change my life. But I've adjusted well and take it one day at a time.
Check out my post on my ankle fusion - you also find other women who have shared their stories and can also provide you with some information or suggestions.
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/ankle-fusion-i-know-i%E2%80%99m-not-alone
I'm so glad you found EmpowHER and shared your story with us. Please keep me posted on how you are doing. If you have other questions, please ask. I'm happy to share my story in more detail if it helps you out.
Take care,
Ang
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Hi Gemma,
January 24, 2011 - 9:23pmFirst off let me say I'M SORRY you are dealing with all of this! As I read your post it was like readying my own story but without the tremors. I've been through 5/6 ligaments reconstructions (sorry lost count) on my right ankle. And like you my ligaments just kept giving up or tearing again. I had tons of physical therapy over the years but that didn't always helped and sometimes made it worse. I walked around in a full ankle brace but that wasn't enough anymore. I'd be walking and my foot would just go out from under me. I hear your frustrations with the pain and no quality of life. And the hip and lower back pain just added to the misery. Arthritis set in on the tabia and my ankle just couldn't handle it anymore it was so weak, I couldn't walk, stand, sleep etc. or do much of anything - I just lived in pain 24/7. My doctor did everything he could to help me my last option was an ankle fusion. It took me a year to agree to it, I just couldn't take it anymore. So I know where you are at right now. I was to young for an ankle replacement (35 at the time), so an ankle fusion was it.
As as sit here writing to you I can honestly say it was the best thing I did. It wasn't easy and it's still not perfect, but it's alot better from where I was. I have no ankle movement which includes no heal to toe movement at all. The only thing I can move on my right foot are my toes. It took me a while to learn to walk again but can do it really well with my MBT shoes (they have a rocker bottom that allows the heal to to movement). Without shoes I have a limp and walk funny. My ankle still gets stiff and hurts now and again but I can walk and stand without pain. I'm not sure if an ankle fusion is for you, its a big decision to make. You gain things and you lose some as well and you need to consider all your options. As I mentioned before it took me a year to agree to the surgery. I was scared of the outcome and how it would change my life. But I've adjusted well and take it one day at a time.
Check out my post on my ankle fusion - you also find other women who have shared their stories and can also provide you with some information or suggestions.
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/ankle-fusion-i-know-i%E2%80%99m-not-alone
I'm so glad you found EmpowHER and shared your story with us. Please keep me posted on how you are doing. If you have other questions, please ask. I'm happy to share my story in more detail if it helps you out.
Take care,
Ang
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