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I am recoping from a failed ankle fusion last year which resulted in a full triple fusion this year. I am as of the 13th(Dec) 60 days post op. I will have no motion in my left ankle. If anyone has had this procedure done( also I have a nail up my tibia too) I would like to hear from you. Anxiously awaiting-your new friend in fusion-pabeach
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I just had my third fusion three months ago. I'm anxiously awaiting the results. I won't really know until I walk on it for several months. After three years of surgeries, CT scans, X-rays, bone stimulators and countless pain meds I'm getting pretty good at this. My best advice for anyone preparing for this surgery is make positive to do your research and get the best ankle specialist you can find. When your on crutches take this time to stay healthy. If you're heavier than you should be take this time to drop weight. It will be far less stressful on your foot once you're able to walk. Stay positive. I'm fairly young and am very active and my first surgery destroyed me mentally. All I could think about is what I couldn't do anymore. My issue is pain control. That's how I stumbled across this site. My pain level has never dropped for some reason. I've been going to a pain mgmt clinic for a year now. They have me on morphine, percocet and ambien to sleep. I guess I won't know if the pain will eventually subside until I've walked on it for several months. If the third fusion is not successful I've already decided to have the foot amputated below the knee. Someone mentioned this earlier and was frowned upon but I refuse to keep getting these surgeries indefinitely. But that's just me.
August 9, 2015 - 10:22amThis Comment
Well here it is the 8th of Jan. and I have been weight bearing for 4 days. Doc said on the 5th to go ahead. The screw is the only discomfort I am feeling which is quite enough. I am hoping as the weeks go forward that the "Pressure & Pain" I am feeling will subside. At night when I lay down and my foot looks like a "Puffy Fish"(LOL) I have feelings of itchiness at the screw spot. I don't know if it is trying to heal or what. I will keep you all informed as the days progress.
January 8, 2010 - 8:09amThis Comment
Thanks pabeach for letting us know. There's a lot of trial and error in the initial weight bearing stage, so I hope you're taking it slow and easy. You have a nice sense of humor which is going to help a lot too! Perhaps your doctor's office could give you some suggestions for stopping the itching, or maybe some of our members have some advice. Does anyone have some suggestions?
January 8, 2010 - 5:27pmThis Comment
Hi pabeach - Wanted to wish you well for tomorrow. Will you let us know how it goes?
January 4, 2010 - 6:33pmThanks, Pat
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Hi Pat...Thanks for touching base again. I am a little hesitatant for this afternoon but I guess I just have to trust in my Dr and the rest the Lord will carry me through. After my ordeal last year walking inverted I'm sure I will be able to "deal" with the screw. I HOPE!!! KIT-Pabeach(Pearl)
January 5, 2010 - 6:42amThis Comment
Oh No... Sounds like you do have what I had done. Dr removed cast the last visit and has me in the walking boot but no weight bearing yet. I will see tomorrow. How did you stand to walk with the screw bugging you? Did you go back to work very soon after? I will be 90 days post-op on the 13th. Do you have any trouble walking now that everything is solid? Please share your views with me as it seems you and I have the same fusion only different feet. KIT-Pabeach
January 6, 2010 - 9:02amThis Comment
Hi padbeach,
January 4, 2010 - 4:47pmI had my right ankle fused back in 2006, it's a complete fusion and doesn't move at all. With the exception of my toes those do move. In order to fuse my ankle they had insert a screw/rod at the bottom of my foot up to the tibia. Your right it does hurt and one of the screws supporting the main rod/screw was sticking out from the back of my heel. I had to keep it in for a year before they took it out to ensure the fusion was supported well and healing properly before it was removed. Are you still in a cast?
I wasn't allowed to apply any pressure on my foot for several months after surgery. Let me know how tomorrow goes.
~Ang
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Hi Ang,
January 6, 2010 - 9:15amThought I'd touch base with you since you seem to be the only one posting the same condition I Have. Dr. Barter told me to start walking a little at a time. My main question was "Will the screw come through my skin"? He sad it shouldn't but keep an eye on it and call if you have any problems. What led to your many surgerys and did you feel like you were getting stronger afterward? When you had to walk with your screw the first time did you feel everybit of it too? You will have to write me and let me know how you are getting along to date with walking. I wanted to tell you that if you havn't already seen them advertised on TV; there is a new shoe out there by skechers called Shape-ups. They look like they have the Rocker bottom on them. Although I am quite a ways from a shoe yet I thought I might give them a try. Did your Dr. send you to a clinic to have your first pair of shoes fitted? KIT-Pearl
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