I had an ankle fusion in June 2004 and found out today that a second one needs to be done.I am very scared because the first one was mentally and physically draining.Even at four years out I feel it was one of the worst things I could have done.Now my back,hips and knee is causing me problems,which is because of my gait pattern. I would like to know if anyone out there has or is having difficulties because of a fusion? If so,how are you dealing with it? Thanks,Vicki :)
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Hi ladies,
I feel so badly as I am reading this. Fusion of joints should be a total LAST resort because they do cause wear and tear (ie, arthritis) on the other joints! You should always see if an implant can be done instead of the fusion. Not all surgeons do the implants so that may be why it isn't being offered by the doctor you saw. At least the implant can be reversed and the fusion done at a later time. A few things to consider. If you had an arthroscopic fusion, there is a chance that you can have the implant and the fusion of the joint below the ankle (subtalar joint) is a standard fusion that the orthopedic surgeons do but again, this can cause more problems with other joints later on. You should see if an implant into that joint is a possibility and certainly see if cortisone shots help in the subtalar joint. Often, you can get months of relief from the cortisone shot.
Dr. Marlene Reid
June 16, 2009 - 1:36pmhttp://www.ankleandfootdoc.com/
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I too am facing another ankle fusion due to severe arthritis below my original fusion. My gait is also horrible since the arthritic bones have now fused themselves at a bad angle and forcing my tibia back and hyperextending my knee. I have to have both knees replaced but can't do it until I resolve my ankle problem. I too have hip and back pain now, plus both knees.
June 5, 2009 - 1:37pmI am 62 and had my original fusion done in 2000, which was a very good experience for me. I had it done arthroscopically so the recovery was short and sweet! I hear lots of horrow stories about having the surgery done traditionally. I'm not looking forward to it for this surgery since it can't be done arthroscopically this time.
I have conferred with one specialist about an ankle replacement and he would like to attempt it. Another doctor disagrees and feels I wouldn't gain much and would prefer just more fusion. I'm in a walker most of the time now so am ready for some relief.
SoupLady
This Comment
Did you have the fusion? How are you doing? How did It go?
I am not looking forward to mine as I went through so much pain in the year of surgeries and therapy and not being able to work.
That was the most horrible thing I ever went through (and I have had a hysterectomy, kidney stones removed, and gall bladder removed.
Well, here we are and I am praying it is not as bad as it was before!!!
Please let me know how you did and you are doing now!
THANKS,
Amy
May 25, 2009 - 11:24pmThis Comment
Amy
June 15, 2009 - 7:16pmNo, I hae not had the fusion...... since I wrote my last entry alot of things have changed. I am now being told that I need a fusion of the joint just below my original fusion, but first I need to have an ankle replacement! The knee is being effected badly due to the bones "self fusing" so I no longer have any movement in my ankle. Only an ankle replacment will give me the slight motion needed, BUT I also need the arthritic joint fused since it's what's causing most of my pain! Confusing, for sure.
I'm having a terrible time finding a specialist to do the surgery....I live in Wisconsin and my insurance won't let me go out of my HMO, except for one 2nd opinion. I started this process in April and am getting nowhere fast. My HMO only has one foot and ankle specialist and he is backed up until September!!!!! I am told I need multiple surgeries; i.e., the achilles tendon will have to be stretched since I haven't used it since my fusion, plus the 2nd fusion will have to be separate and now I have arthritis in several other places in my foot! Too depressing to think about sometimes! Plus I have to have both knees replaced once I can get my ankle taken care of. I had to go on antidepressants recently since all I was doing was crying every time a doctor gave me more bad news. Oh yeah, I found out today I also have two herniated discs so I have to deal with that also!
Guess I need all the moral support I can get these days.
I sure cannot relate to your fusion since my was a "dream", I have heard such horror stories of ankle fusions and I have a hard time relating. I was up and about in no time and it was a good experience for me; I even recommended it to several people. Now I'm scared of having the 2nd one done since it can't be done arthroscopically this time.
When are you scheduled for you fusion? Please keep me informed, I do care and am grateful to talk to someone who is in the same situation.
SoupLady
This Comment
I found out on Friday that my surgery was approved by WC. So, I should hear from my OS some time this week to get it scheduled. He is on vacation so I am sure it will be the 2nd or 3rd week of July (just in time for my kids football/cheer season to start). I am trying to get as prepared as possible as I still remember a lot of the tricks I learned 12 years ago when this big life changing event all started. This time should be somewhat better since I have kids to help me out (I was single and lived alone when I had all the other surgeries) and I even went and got a lap top so I could still stay in touch with the world while I am in bed with my leg proped up!!!
Question: Will I start having knee issues after this is all said and done? My foot is already turned out when I walk and has been for years just so I can walk somewhat without pain. I am hoping that it might actually get my knee back in the right position post op.
I hope my surgery goes as well as yours did!! Good luck with your doctors - I have been trying to get into the OS since March of LAST year...so it has been a very slow process for me as well but I was still in school so i was not in too much of a hurry but now that I have graduated I need to start working again - SOON!!
June 15, 2009 - 8:59pmThis Comment
I had ankle fusion in 1983 at the age of 23. It was wonderful - i played tennis, walked, etc, but recently had to have a knee replacement which seems to have negativly impacted the ankle joint now and it is killing me. thinking of doing it a second time - anyone ever done that?
June 15, 2009 - 6:39pmThis Comment
Anonymous:
June 15, 2009 - 7:25pmI can only guess what your problem may be related to.....I was told that I have to have a different kind of knee replacement due to my ankle fusion (and now possibly an ankle replacement). The knee replacement has to have longer hinges, etc. to accomodate the lack of movement in your ankle/foot and I also have to have some kind of "stopper" on it so that my knee does not hyperextend so far back when I walk. I'm just guessing at this. I have alot of arthritis in my foot now, due to the ankle fusion and it is causing some of the bones to "self fuse" and has changed the angle of my foot dramatically now. Do you have any arhtritis in your foot? I knew they told me that with a fusion, you could expect more wear and tear on your other joints but I never expected the arthritis to be this bad. I have even approached my doctor about amputation. I must admit that I have severe arthritis in most of my joints also so am prone to this disease unfortunately!
I didn't know that an ankle replacement was an option once it was fused, so I was surprised when my doctor talked about it! You may want to check that option out.
Keep in touch.....I'll be anxious to see what the doctors have to say.
SoupLady
This Comment
Anonymous:
June 15, 2009 - 7:25pmI can only guess what your problem may be related to.....I was told that I have to have a different kind of knee replacement due to my ankle fusion (and now possibly an ankle replacement). The knee replacement has to have longer hinges, etc. to accomodate the lack of movement in your ankle/foot and I also have to have some kind of "stopper" on it so that my knee does not hyperextend so far back when I walk. I'm just guessing at this. I have alot of arthritis in my foot now, due to the ankle fusion and it is causing some of the bones to "self fuse" and has changed the angle of my foot dramatically now. Do you have any arhtritis in your foot? I knew they told me that with a fusion, you could expect more wear and tear on your other joints but I never expected the arthritis to be this bad. I have even approached my doctor about amputation. I must admit that I have severe arthritis in most of my joints also so am prone to this disease unfortunately!
I didn't know that an ankle replacement was an option once it was fused, so I was surprised when my doctor talked about it! You may want to check that option out.
Keep in touch.....I'll be anxious to see what the doctors have to say.
SoupLady
This Comment
You may want to investigate an ankle joint replacement instead. Not too many surgeons are doing them, but it might be worth the efforts to explore.
August 5, 2008 - 8:31amThis Comment
Yes,I have looked into the ankle replacement.The problem is all the doctors I have talked to tell me that I am to young at this time.They like to do it when your older.Their reason they gave me is because they will not to go in there multiply times. Anyway thanks for the quick response. Vicki
August 5, 2008 - 10:56amThis Comment