Ankle fusion problems 6 months on
Posted , 4 users are following.
I had a triple fusion on October 4th 2017. At 3 months although I was in pain X ray appeared to show bones were knitted well and I was told that a lot of internal healing had to take place and not to worry. This week at 6 months the progress is not as good as my Consultant would have expected, I can't get into any pre op shoes, I have a pronounced limp and several pain if I've been on the foot for more than an hour. I had an X ray which was not conclusive so now I need a scan. I am going on my first holiday in over 15 years on 16th May and and am worried sick about what will happen when I get back. Has anyone any experience of problems 6 months on and what was the outcome? My instinct is telling me the metalwork needs to come out, but I could be wrong as I'm not sure yet that the bones have knit. Sorry for the long post but the thought of starting again just fills me with dread. I hated every minute of the non weight bearing stage, being in the air boot and still needing a crutch after 6 months. If it is the metalwork does anyone have any experience of having it removed? Thanks if you got to the end of this feeling sorry for myself post.
0 likes, 3 replies
marian01540 lynne1953
Posted
Hi Lynne,
I feel your pain, I had a fusion in January 2017 the bones fused well, however my progress wasn't as good at the surgeon expected, so I had the screws removed in April 2017 which really helped me. I was a great healer and the bones fused well. I am still finding improvements even now in april 2018. they say it takes 12 months to recover I think perhaps 2 years is more like it. Hope this helps.
lynne1953 marian01540
Posted
I'm really grateful for your reply Marian, I think that the metalwork is the problem, if I am on my feet for any length of time my ankle feels like it's in a vice. The swelling hasn't gone down much I'm still a shoe size bigger. I hope your improvement continues and things get back to normal for you. I knew very little about ankle fusion before the operation, I know I must have been given the usual warnings but I just don't remember. Thank you again for your reassuring reply
kevin2712 lynne1953
Posted
I've only got bad news for U, doubtful it's the metal work and I've had 2 x-rays where they've said oh looks good and complete fusion only to go 4 CT scan and find it's not
I'm 19 months post tripple fusion, all 3 joints in ankle and I've still got same horrible pain and hasn't improved at all, after7 months I had screw removed hoping that more impact would help fusion.. then screw removal site got infected and stil struggling to heal wound 1 year after that.. still hasn't fused 19 months on and I've bent the big nail/rod a little, the fibula which they broke to straighten foot has now fused together stopping the bones fusing fully and before I have any surgery done to re-break that and possibly get another bit of bone removed to allow fusion I must get this wound healed or a skin graft
This is so much worse than situation I was in before surgery, I can't work, am broke and at 40yo am a burden on my parents financially once again
I hope U fair better but be prepared for disappointment and ongoing pain.. they won't even give me painkillers as I've had an addiction before to speed..
I'm so close to losing the plot, I've even asked if can be amputated as it's given me that much hassle