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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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As I posted before, I eventually opted to have an amputation after 13 saved surgeries and chronic infection. I have now been an amputee for 5 years and am VERY happy and pain free! Feel free to write me if you are considering this as an option and would like more information.
February 4, 2016 - 10:03amThis Comment
Hi,
October 8, 2016 - 12:16amI had my subtalar joint fused 14 years ago, I was 16. It wasn't from arthritis or an accident or anything, I had a foot abnormality that meant the joint was partially fused already but all owing just enough movement to cause pain.
I had the screw removed about a year after the original surgery as I was still having pain. Don't get me wrong, I'd do the surgery over again, I could hardly walk before it.
Eventually (after a million specialists and many years) they decided my ankle joint was overcompensating for the fusion. I have pain if I walk too much or stand too long. Eventually I'll have crippling arthritis in it and the only solution would be a complete fusion of the whole ankle. It's affected my knees, hips and back as well, because of the way I walk and move.
I always thought id rather have a prosthetic foot than an immobile one, at least there would be movement lol. It's always been laughed off as a joke though I'm quite serious. How do you find the difference? Do you at all regret it? It's something I'll have to decide in a few years and I hate the idea of complete fusion.
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Hi There,
February 8, 2016 - 3:34pmI was 27 when my heel was crushed and sustained knee, back, and neck injuries and they are all getting much worse and ready for surgeries. With my foot, I had about 5 decent years with the hardware in comparison to what most people do. I was told that this was because my bachelor's degree was in Exercise Physiology and I was pursuing a Master's in Physical Therapy (utilized pool therapy after being discharged from PT)and I was a fitness model at the time of the accident. Thus, the hardware started to literally tear through my tendons and ligaments. The hardware was removed too late and the doctor I was seeing was injecting cortisone straight into those Peroneal Tendons causing me zero function at this time and in need of a Subtalar fusion per new Ortho. I did get an injection in my Subtalar joint but it did not help at all so now I don't believe a fusion will help with my pain. The pain is debilitating and this injury has affected my financial state, emotional state, social life, relationships and etc. I am now 41 years of age and am researching the outcomes of amputation and the quality of life that it gives back. For example, if Amy Purdy can win the Olympics and lead a great life, then I am pretty sure this may be my answer. Were you amputated below the knee? How long was the recovery? Pain free? I bet your able to do so much more than most of the stories in this blog and that is why I am considering it. I also am very surprised that there has never been a topic that covers these injuries on a national level. These foot injuries are life changing and people just don't understand how it truly affects one behind closed doors. I truly believe this needs to be a topic addressed like on Dr. Oz or the Doctors for all of us that have truly struggled beyond what most people imagine to the point of contemplating an amputation and seeking advice from others like yourself.
Also, please tell me your age when you opted for the amputation and when did you get to the point where you were very satisfied with your life after this surgery?
Thank you in advance :)
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Oh, please consider amputation. To quickly answer your questions . . . I was 39 when I shattered my ankle and 41 when I had my leg amputated below the knee. In those two years, everyone did everything they could to get me walking (13 surgeries, pic line, vac unit, heavy antibiotics for over 9 months) but the infection was relentless. I am an elementary Art teacher with over 350 students and had LOTS of input, help, and support. When the time came for me to finally face a decision between amputation and another radically iffy surgery with no promise of true quality of life, so many people COULD NOT accept my willingness to accept amputation. People have a WEIRD knee-jerk reaction that it is better to have your "real" leg than a prosthetic one--even if it means you will live in constant pain with no mobility. It took one lovely visit with a female amputee for my daughters, husband, and I to envision what an amputee life looked like, and to finally sign up for the amputation surgery. What a blessing. I threw a "farewell to the leg" party to thank my leg for being so faithful and to say goodbye. By the morning of the surgery, I was all too excited to start a new pain-free, mobility-full life! After 2.5 months of recovery, I had my prosthesis fitted and never looked back. It is basically something you incorporate into your lifestyle and manage. By the way, most people would never know I am an amputee. I walk, dance, hike, mountain climb, etc. However, running, going up and down stairs, and ice skating is possible but not the "best look." :)
When I first fell off the ladder, I started a blog to keep people informed (it was too hard for my husband to have to repeat the story over and over!). Little did I know that my journey would end in amputation. However, it has been an unexpected answer to prayer. I blogged a few times a week for almost two years but the day I got my leg, I never blogged again! I was too busy getting back to living!
In it, you can see the journey, emotional highs and lows, and recovery process. Hang in there! It gets better!
February 8, 2016 - 5:15pmThis Comment
I am facing this decision. Trying to contact you.
May 14, 2016 - 6:46pmThis Comment
I just had my ankle fused Nov. 18 2015 . I just came out the cast this Mon. I'm in severe pain when I walk in the boot. I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this also? If this is normal untill i build up mussel .
February 3, 2016 - 7:20amThis Comment
I had fusion right ankle almost two yrs ago a lot of pain until I started walking on my heel like an amputee then it started getting better.now the front part of my foot is hurting a lot so back to the doctor for me.oh yeah my whole left leg is metal from hip to ankle .and it does well . Don't give up and have patience I've been going through A lot of surgeries in the last seven yrs .each one improves my quality of living . They didn't think I would walk but I do .
July 19, 2016 - 1:48pmThis Comment
This is what I am afraid of. I have had pain and swelling in my ankle when I walk distances of more than 5 minutes - need cane. Dr. wants to fuse ankle - but if it is going to hurt more - then whey go through the pain for no gain
July 5, 2016 - 9:04amThis Comment
I had a two surgeries 2014. Then 2015 I had my ankle fused. I had no choice, but at least the pain got better. I went to a different doctor for my fusion and glad I did. The first one messed me up.
July 28, 2016 - 6:41pmThis Comment
I had my ankle fused Dec. 3, 2015. I never had a cast due to history of Chronic infections. I was walking 4 weeks later in boot and then a week later started weight bearing. Just found out my subtalar joint was messed up. Tried cortisone. No help. Options are fusion or replacement. I'm only 32 so orthopaedic says I'm too young. I have horrible pain everyday but not in the fused site...
June 21, 2016 - 7:05pmThis Comment