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 am considering a fusion. I like all of you am in great pain. I have been very active all of my life. What can I expect to do after a successful fusion. I love to walk ,(5 miles a day) dance , and do yoga. Can you drive once your ankle is fused? I can't do those things anymore now. Will I be able to do them after the surgery ?
July 7, 2008 - 1:59pmThis Comment
Hi,
I asked all those same questions and yes you can still do them! I was also very active before all my ankle issues began in 1997 and couldn't do much of anything until recently (the best thing is I can do them w/out pain!!). I wasn't able to walk for a long period of time right away, but have been able to increase my time little by little. I had my ankle fused June 2006 and just danced for the first time in May (scared out of my mind that I wouldn't be able to do it -- but I did and had a blast)! I've done yoga but can't point my toes & balance on the bad foot -- other than that I did okay. Like everything else it just takes time and listen to your body. You'll know right away if your foot doesn't like it. The only thing I can't do is hike that's one activity that really requires ankle movement. I also have a hard time running so don't do that either. If anyone has any suggestions for either of those, please let me know I'd love to hike again.
My right ankle if fused so driving was a BIG concern for me. Yes, I can drive!! It's not that bad you're reflex has to be quick since you are using more of your foot to drive now (let me know if you want me to go into further detail). And if I drive for a long period of time my toes tend to cramp and get sore (my toes are the only thing I can move after the fusion).
It took me a year to decide if I wanted to fuse my ankle but my chronic pain and quality of life were so bad that I finally did it. I can honestly say it was the right decision for me. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but now I can walk w/out pain and enjoy my life again. I still have some bad days and stiffness but not anything like what I had to deal with in the past.
I really hope this helps you, please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Does anyone else find they can’t do certain activities because of their fusion? If so, what are they?
~ Ang
July 7, 2008 - 4:33pmThis Comment
Hi Tammy,
Good luck with your surgery on Wednesday! I was able to return to work after 3 months (also had traditional surgery) I just had to stay off it of as much as possible. I know you're a teacher so that may be a little harder to do so but might still be manageable. By the end of the 3 months you should be weight bearing and able to get around easier. I had my right ankle fused so driving was an issue but was able to car pool with a co-worker who lived close by.
Did your doctor give you a possible return date work? If so, did he give you any restrictions?
I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best! When possible let us know how you're doing.
~Ang
July 7, 2008 - 8:47amThis Comment
Tammy,
I just read your post, and although I have no advice on your projected recovery period (I hope someone is able to get back to you in the next few days!), I wanted to wish you well during your surgery.
Take care, and let us know how your surgery goes!
July 6, 2008 - 3:57pmThis Comment
I will be having an ankle fusion on Wednesday in Nashville. Since hardware and bone spurs will need to be removed, the surgeon will be performing the traditional "open" surgery. Since I am a teacher, I am trying to give my principal a projected return date. However, after reading the posts, I am not sure the 3-month leave I told her will be sufficient. Any advice would be most appreciated.
July 6, 2008 - 11:57amTammy
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Had ankle fusion in December- expect 8-12 weeks. You will be put into a walking boot at about 6 weeks- this gives you some mobility though they say you cannot drive - depends which foot is operated on.Once out of the boot, standing for an amount of time does become uncomfortable but you can get by with the use of crutches - first two then one. It will be a long recovery no matter what they say- you can probably expect 6-8 months for complete recovery. PT helps a great deal as do orthodics.
July 7, 2008 - 6:27amBest of luck!
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Dear Tammy,
You probably will get by with three months, I did great in the beginning, make sure you get the game ready it is ice machine with compression. It helps with the pain, everyone told me elevate and ice, elevate and ice. It is great advice. I also got a scooter, you put your knee on it to get around great in the house or at school. I went shopping with my scooter and all kinds of things, I rented mine from my doctor. I believe the more you move the quicker you heal.
Now my problem, My fusion was in Jan. 08 after 4months it started really hurting it turns out I have alot of pain in my talar tendon. apparently it is swollen, I got a second opinion and my new doctor put me on a course of steroids, within 24 hours what a difference. good luck Taffy Harlan
July 7, 2008 - 5:29amThis Comment
I am so happy to find this site too, seemed like I was the only one who had it done! I can't believe how long it seems that all of you had to recover. Mine was so fast, but again, my was done arthoscopically, and I'm guessing done of yours was? I had to travel over 100 miles to find a doctor who did it that way, but it was worth it.
I had 8 years of pain free, now the arthritis has developed below the fusion and is just horrible pain again. I like the thought of an MRI that someone mentioned, never had that done and maybe there is something fractured, etc. that is causing my pain. I am currently using an Arizona brace (a custom orthotic) that goes from mid calf to my toes. It is leather, and hard material, and laces up. It has given some relief for the last six months, but the pain is getting worse even with the brace. I have lots of pins and screws (which they were unable to remove from my original break) still in my ankle. I have also been fortunate in that I do not have to wear orthopedic shoes. I wear New Balance tennis shoes and can walk the best with them. Vanity is no longer a priority for me, pain free and comfort work. I limp badly when barefoot so that doesn't happen very often, even around the house I usually have to wear something to raise my heal just a little. Oh yeah, I will be 62 this month, am about 25 lbs. overweight, have osteoarthritis in my back, neck, all my fingers, both knees (need a knee replacement now) and now my foot. I have trouble doing any kind of exercise due to my arthritis, so losing weight is difficult for me. I recently joined weight watchers and lost 10 lbs. so am hoping the weight lose will help my joints.
Good hearing from all of you. I love reading your stories.
Shirley (souplady)
July 3, 2008 - 1:16pmThis Comment
Are there any alternatives I should be looking at prior to the ankle fusion that my surgeon is scheduling for this fall? I had cortisone shots today... such pain... I'm back on my crutches again and icing and ibuprofen, hopefully the shot takes effect after the 24 hours as my doctor advised. I know I have weight to lose and have joined Weight Watchers too... any change is a good one.
July 3, 2008 - 11:43pmPlease let me know when you knew for sure to have the surgery. I am only 45, I want to enjoy my time with my family and be active... but the pain is near intolerable even with a happy and positive attitude. Please advise. BTW, these shoes... they sound great, where can I buy them in the Vancouver area (Canada), thanks!!
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I put off the fusion for years because I was so afraid of it. Now I wish I had done it years before because it gave me a whole new "active" part of my life. I too, had such severe pain that it limited my activities of daily living. Once the healing was done, I had a pain free life and I just couldn't believe it was possible. Of course, there are some adjustments to be made, but that was nothing compared to being rid of the constant, pain, swelling, and throbbing. Go for it girl, you won't be sorry. One word of advice though, see if you can find a doctor who does it arthoscopically, rather than the traditional way. Recovery is sooooooo much faster and less pain. I was up and walking very fast, compared to 3-6 months with the traditional procedure. I'm guessing my no weight bearing experience to be about 3 weeks only. (I'm having trouble remembering since it was done in 1998)
Keep me posted.
Shirley
July 5, 2008 - 7:04amThis Comment