In the last ten years I’ve had surgery eight times on my right ankle. Most of them were ligament reconstructions and finally a complete ankle fusion. Making the decision to fuse my ankle was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make but with the chronic pain, instability, degenerative arthritis and inflammation I agreed. It’s going to be two years this June and although it’s been a very long recovery and endless hours of physical therapy I can say I’m feeling good about it. One of the biggest challenges is finding shoes that help me walk. With an ankle fusion you have no range of motion so I need orthopedic shoes to help me out. I wear a pair of MBTs but would like to find something different that still provides the support I need, any suggestions? I’d love to hear your story and how you are dealing with the ankle fusion -- was it the right decision for you?
~Gimpy
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I would like to reach out to my friend here who have helped me by "listening" so much over the past year. I had a right ankle fusion in Sept. 09, and slowly but surely I am regaining my mobility, however I still use a cane to walk (I can walk without one, but just find I am sturdier and more balanced using one).... so, my question is this.....really I have 2 questions.....first, when do you get to the point where your fused ankle does not look so swollen and does not "feel" so weird, and secondly, when should it be normal to completely taking the pain killers. I only take the percocet a few times a week, but since I did not really take any medication before the fusion this seems weird to be taking medication at all. Any input would be appreciated... thanks!
July 19, 2010 - 10:08pmThis Comment
Hi Teathyme,
I'm so happy that you are getting better and regaining some of your mobility. I know the frustration you are going through, I'm sure you feel like you should be further along. I felt the same way. I had my ankle fusion back in 2006 and believe it or not, my ankle still looks swollen - not as bad as after the surgery but it still looks "puffy." And the swelling gets worse if I'm on it a lot (standing or walking). Which still requires me to ice and take a pain pill if needed. You do get us to the weird feeling you are describing but can't say it goes away (or at least not for me). I took pain pill for almost a year as needed. I really needed them after surgery and then when I was in physical therapy. I still take ibprofen for the pain and swelling and that helps so I don't have to take the strong pain meds.
I know it's been a long road but sounds like your on the right path. It took me about a year to feel like I was walking better and managing my pain. Not sure what type of shoes you are wearing but those do make a difference as well. I wear MBT shoes but anymore you can find things with a rocker bottom. Seems like all the name brands are coming out with them know - shape up shoes.
I hope this helps some and encourages you to know that things do get better it's just a long recovery process.
Take care,
July 20, 2010 - 6:20pmAng
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Teathyme - Good to hear that you're starting to regain mobility. Are you in physical therapy? Many patients have said that PT was very helpful in learning to walk again and regain mobility.
Have you talked with your doctor about your continuing pain and need for pain medication? Since it's been some ten months since your surgery it would seem like you would be further along by now, so I'd see what he/she has to say to be sure you're not dealing with other issues that need attention.
July 20, 2010 - 5:25pmHopefully some of our members have some experience with this too and can give you more information.
Take care,
Pat
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hi pat,
July 20, 2010 - 10:29pmwhen was your ankle fusion?
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Teathyme - I've never had an ankle fusion, I'm an EmpowHER Moderator and part of the team that's here to help members find information and resources. Pat
July 21, 2010 - 9:40amThis Comment
I had ankle fusion done 10 years ago and have a nonunion. I still have alot of pain in my heel . My heel hurts awful all the time when I am sitting or trying to walk it never stops. Can someone give some suggestions. HELP PLEASE
July 18, 2010 - 9:40pmThis Comment
Anon - Sorry to hear that you have so much pain, it must make going about your daily life challenging. Have you been dealing with this on your own, or have you seen a doctor? Can you tell us more about what you mean by a "nonunion?" The more we understand what you're dealing with, the more we can help.
July 19, 2010 - 5:08pmThanks, Pat
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Hi Pat, thanks for replying. When my ankle fusion was done the bones never completely "fused together" and is called a nonunion of the joint. I tried everything, anything the doctor said even using a bone stimulator. The doctor at that time used bone from my leg not my hip or a bone bank . Over the years my foot kinda curves in and looks really bad. About a month ago my heel started hurting constantly when I'm sitting, standing, sleeping it doesn't matter. Also I had to have brain surgery 2 years ago so it's been a journey.
July 19, 2010 - 8:53pmIt is challenging dealing with this and frustrating. Thanks, kshipley
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I wasn't able to find much information on this, but I did find an article which said another surgery may be needed:
Sometimes the bones do not fuse as planned. This is called a nonunion, or pseudarthrosis. (The term pseudarthrosis means false joint.) This condition requires another operation to add bone graft and perhaps additional fixation. The bones need to be completely immobilized to fuse, so an external fixator may be needed to help hold the bones in position as they heal.
You can find the full article at: http://www.eorthopod.com/content/ankle-fusion
I'm sorry to hear you're also recovering from brain surgery. Either one of these on their own would be a major challenge, and I can't begin to imaging how frustrating this must be for you. Hope this information is helpful and you'll keep in touch and let us know of your progress.
July 20, 2010 - 5:16pmGood luck!
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Thank you for the article Pat. It is so helpful. Another surgery is what I am scared of the first fusion was horrible but I am more afraid of not being able to walk.
July 20, 2010 - 6:26pmThanks again,
KShipley
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