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In January of 2009, I fell from a ladder and suffered a catastrophic open-bone fracture of my talus. Not only was the talus shattered, but I immediately developed a serious infection and subsequent deep wound. 9 surgeries, 8 months of IV antibiotics, 9 months on a VAC device, and 15 months of walking in a boot, later . . . I am now looking at life following a complete ankle and subtalar fusion (no part of my ankle moves--except my toes). I am overjoyed that my fusion surgery was successful and am looking forward to learning how to walk again! I was just given the go-ahead from my doctor to begin using MBT shoes and to start physical therapy. I am just wondering if others have walked this road before and have any advice or insight. Thanks so much. Anneh8sldrs (Anne hates ladders)
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Dear Shattered in Louisiana,
February 18, 2015 - 9:08amI'm sorry to hear your story. You are not alone.
Firstly, you must bring your pain under control. Doing this without medication is not advisable and may bring you additional chronic pain issues such as CRPS. Seek out a pain specialist (or even local GP). They will assist with more than simple pain medications.
Secondly, find counseling. Many on this site have attested to the need for professional support for depression. It just comes with long term recovery.
Finally, physical therapy is important at getting you through this stage AND for long term management of strength, gait, etc.
Good luck and take it one day at a time.
Happy Ankles
This Comment
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advise. Since I was self employed at the time of my accident and haven't been able to work since, I was living off my savings which recently ran dry so the bank repo'ed my car 2 weeks ago. Now I have no transportation which makes things even worse. I can't even get to the end of my driveway to check my mail so I have no way to get to counseling even if I could afford it. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to do my grocery shopping without a vehicle. Luckily my freezer was stocked so I have a few more weeks to figure something out. I've tried to find agencies in my area for assistance but have come up empty, there just isn't any help way out here.
Shattered in Louisiana
February 18, 2015 - 10:05amThis Comment
It's going to be okay. Start with a "2 day pain break". Take medications for 2 days to relieve pain and give your nervous system a break. Then don't give up on reaching out to community assistance. Could you call your local GP who perhaps could direct you to other resources?
February 18, 2015 - 10:26amGood luck,
Happy Ankles
This Comment
Happy Ankles, the 2 day pain break sounds like a great plan, never thought of that. And 2 pain free days a week would be awesome! I haven't had a pain free day since my fall! Also, I did ask my PCP about assistance and she gave me a list of agencies. I contacted every one of them and spoke with some wonderful people, but again, they don't come out to where I live. The Counsel on Aging did contact me and offered their services thru meals on wheels even tho I'm considerably younger then most people they help. They offered to bring me a meal a day for $1.50! I kept their contact info just in case! Just venting my frustrations on this site has given me some emotional relief, thank you again for responding. I don't feel so alone now.
Shattered in Louisiana
February 18, 2015 - 11:08amThis Comment
Hey everyone,
February 4, 2015 - 6:41pmIm 21 and so far Ive had 6 surgeries on my left ankle including debridements, an external fixator with stem cell implantation, a total ankle replacement...now I'm 6 weeks post op from a subtalar fusion. I'm worried about the long term effects of the fusion and was hoping to hear how people are doing a few years after this surgery?
This Comment
Hi- I had ankle fusion three years ago and I am very happy with the results
April 13, 2015 - 4:27pmThis Comment
Its been fourteen yrs since my left ankle was fused and I'm in constant pain when I walk and the doctors think I'm faking I want my foot removed that's how bad it is
February 1, 2015 - 1:18pmThis Comment
I totally understand what you are going through and I see people who are an amputee running and doing more than I can and I think the same way you do at times.
There is so much I want to say to you and all of you. I think that all of us who are going through this debilitated life we are living needs to be made aware to our families, friends, and others who can not possibly understand how we feel. I want to get a platform like Dr. OZ or the Doctors where we can go and have a specialist their to explain to the world how this impacts our lives in every aspect.
There is just no awareness out there.
I am going to log in so that I am not anonymously.
April Star Granier- 2/3/15
February 3, 2015 - 6:44pmThis Comment
I had my left ankle fusion in Oct 2014, was in a cast non weight bearing for 12 weeks. Now I am am in a boot for 8 weeks with 50% weight bearing. I am in so much pain, is this right? My left knee is also hurting, at first I thought this was due to my left leg being higher, went to PT and was told to wear a higher shoe on the right , helped a little, then I went and got a lift for right shoe, but I am still is so much pain. I don't take any pain med and was wonder if I should. Any advise? Should I ask my doctor for pain meds? Is my knee ok, I don't know what to do.
January 18, 2015 - 7:35amThis Comment
I had right ankle subtalor fusion and fusion of my big toe joint Nov 13, 2014 and feel much relief the symptoms I am having are normal. I am almost 10 weeks post op and in a boot. I know in the long run both fusions are going to improve my constant pain when walking and as my doctor said expect a year for a full recovery. After reading these comments I now have to believe that and find the patience to deal with the recovery. I also plan to ask my daughter, a PT about the hip issue too. I do not love the numbness, discomfort, swelling and sitting around but it appears I will deal with them for a bit longer.
January 17, 2015 - 9:45pmThis Comment