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After an accident 13 years ago I had an ex-fix for 3 months and then casts for 3 years. I had almost doubbled the predicted time until fusion, but had to succumb when the arthritis went past end stage! Now I'm 12 weeks post op and having unexpected pain and stiffness
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Hi Diane, it's a TTC fusion, the impression I get is that it will be other sergons he will be talking with, a bit worrying when he's one of the best! my track record on bone healing isn't brilliant so probably double the recovery time. The prognosis for my gait and the ramifications for my other joints worry me as well.
May 4, 2010 - 8:46amNess
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Ness,
I think part of the reason he's one of the best is that he doesn't think he knows everything!! I would love to know that my surgeon wants to consult on others with my case, especially if it's tricky. So that's awesome.
Here's a page that talks about the basic difference between traditional ankle fusion and TTC fusion:
http://www.myanklereplacement.com/DePuy/docs/Ankle/Replacement/Before%20Surgery/ttc.html
It emphasizes that pain relief is the goal, but it also notes that TTC "is generally used in advanced cases (called “end-stage ankle disorder”) where more conservative treatments like medication and other surgical treatments have not worked. It is also indicated for some patients who have had prior surgeries with inadequate results." That certainly seems to be what you describe, Ness.
That page says that recovery can extend for three to six months, but the patient can usually begin to put weight on the foot around six weeks after surgery. Is this about what your doctor told you to expect?
Some questions to ask your doctor:
What is the percentage of joints that fail to fuse (or unite) after this procedure?
May 5, 2010 - 8:50amIs there any chance of the screws (or nails) breaking?
Why does he feel this will be successful for you?
What are the possible complications?
And with your history of slow bone healing, is there anything that can be done to help that problem?
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Hi Everyone, just now seen my sergeon, had a CT scan and a MRI with anesethetic injection for diagnosis, seems my sub talar is now feeling the strain, but the screws from the TT fusion will be in the way of a fusion here and the TT fusion hasn't healed all the way across (painless) so if thery're taken out to make room my ankle might fall apart. Because it's (the ankle as a whole) is so naff he will have to discuss me with others but it looks like I'll get the big rod from the heel up and into the shin bone... anyone got the recovery time on that one! got a feeling it won't be good.
April 30, 2010 - 6:19pmNess
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Ness,
What is that operation called? Did you doctor use a specific name for it?
When you say he has to discuss you with others, do you mean he'll discuss your case with other doctors?
Did he give you an estimated recovery time?
I'd be glad to research this for you but need just a little more information.
May 3, 2010 - 10:03amThis Comment
Thanks for all the support everyone, it really does cheer me up. I do use comfry cream to help with the swelling, which I find does help a lot. I am lucky that a friend of mine, who is in a wheelchair, had an old mobility scooter hanging around which I use to take the kids (5+6) to school. The car I'll worry about later, I can't afford another so where there's a will... Also what public transport there is out here, is few and far between, not being stranded is a big incentive to find a way to drive again!
I'm going to see what the swelling is like on Monday morning, if it's still up higher than expected I'll ring up, but even then I wouldn't think I'll get the scan until mid Jan at the earliest.
Another Godsend is my younger son who unfortunatly is unemployed at the moment, but it does mean I can send him off on the bus with a list! He also brings in the logs and coal for me too. The downside being that I've put on 1.5 stone by not doing any work!
Ness
December 11, 2009 - 5:15amThis Comment
Hi Ness:
Hang in there. You have found a great site to post for great information and support.
I hope you feel better.
Kelley
December 10, 2009 - 3:09pmThis Comment
Ness -- I am so sorry to hear you are going through this! Is there anything your doctor advises to help with the swelling? Have you considered alternative therapies for the swelling?
December 10, 2009 - 2:41pmThis Comment
Hi Ness,
December 10, 2009 - 2:23pmSo so sorry to hear about this! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now!!! I know this doesn't help but I have no movement in my ankle and still get around okay. I'm surprised you aren't getting a scan sooner. If it keeps hurting this bad I don't think I'd wait until Feb. to see what's going on. Let's hope the swelling goes down and it starts to heal on it's own!! Sorry about the car...but does give you an excuse to buy a new one. Trying to look on the bright side of things here..
Take it easy and elevate the ankle as much as possible - hope that helps with the swelling. Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing.
Ang
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Hi all, it's not such good news I'm afraid. I am now 13 weeks post op and the TT joint which was to be fused has a small amount of movement in it and is not healing, however, because my foot has been immobilised for so long the heel bone has decided to fuse itself! I had no idea that this joint was as bad as that! so I have also lost over 3/4s of the sideways movement.
December 10, 2009 - 3:58amI now have to pad around the house in my slippers in the hope that the weight and movemnt will kick start some healing, which is extreamly painful. Not only is the pain in the top, but now at back and around the bottom.
I have to go back sometime in Feburary and if it's no better a cat scan to see exactly what is going on in there. I've been told that a redo is on the cards. If it swells a lot whilst padding around I have to ring the surgoens secutary to be seen before Feb. I thought I'd leave it to next week to see if the extra swelling I have goes down, as it could be a reaction to the shock of no support.
I've also been told that driving a manual car in the future will probably be unlikely. Guess what I've got!
Ness
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Hi Ness,
Thinking of you... how did your appointment go? Are you out of the cast completely? If so, how are you doing? It took me a few days to get us to walking with out any type of cast it felt weird at first. I was also afraid to drive right away, because of the atrophy and I just didn't know if I'd have the quick reflex I needed. However; I was happy to have my freedom back and not have to rely on others to drive me around!
December 9, 2009 - 10:18amHope you're doing well,
Ang
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