Ankle fusion - recovry with small child at home

Hi Laura, 

I don't have a ton of advise on the ankle fusion, but I just had a First Toe Joint fusion a week ago. Just that is tough. Non weight bearing and so on. I don't have small children. I have a husband who has waited on me hand and foot, literally! 

 First and foremost I hope Your surgeon will let you know what is entailed to go through this. Its a lot. You will need care. I am able to walk to the bathroom and to the chair /bed ... that is for two weeks to start. I am in a splint cast for now... what happens after my post op I don't know . The pain alone is the hardest for me. I have a very high threshold of pain and this is kicking my butt.  

I got myself a wedge for the elevation that is constant and its been a life saver. 20 bucks through Amazon is so worth it. 

I hope more people who have had an ankle fusion chime in with some advice/information for you. I wish I had more. 

I wish you luck,

Rose

Hi Laura,

I can't answer your question I'm afraid but your surgeon should make sure you are fully informed before you embark on any surgery or ask him to let you talk to his physio - surgeons are rarely at the recovery end so a PT may help give your a broader view of what to expect.

Can I ask what the pain was like in your ankle ? I have a problem and don't know what it is but the pain can be quiet excruitiating...this is my second flare up and I can't even move my toes on that foot hen it's at it's peak, feels like a severe cramp if I try to move my toes and I can't weight bare at all until it subsides a bit (thank goodness I have crutches for my knee)....I have been using Voltarol Gel and it helps a little but tbh I wouldn't know what arthritis pain is...unless this is it ! The pain stems from the outside of the ankle along the top of the foot but it is very deep (around the cuboid bone area) but there is very little swelling or redness - just dreadful pain.....I thought I had just strained it the first time as was favouring my other leg due to an anticipated Total Knee Replacement....I've had that surgery now and my recovery is being impeded by the ankle...so any information you can give would be much appreciated. Best wishes, Maggie x

Hi Laura

I had my ankle fusion last January when my children (twins) were 10. I must admit I put it off for many years so that they would be more independent before I had the op.  I struggled on until I was having to live on painkillers and was having throbbing pain at night which kept me awake.  The decision on whether to have the op really depends on how much pain you're in - there are some other options if you decide to delay surgery -  I had a hyaluronic injection which made things a bit better for a while, and I think you can have steroid/local anaesthetic injections. I don't know if you've tried any of those? Just be warned that the recovery after fusion is quite long and hard.  Not only do you have the first 2 weeks when you literally have to lie on the sofa and do nothing, but then there's up to 3 months on crutches/in airboot, non driving, etc. and even during the 3-6 month post op period it's still tough getting back to fitness and learning to walk in a new way.  After 5-6 months it gets better but full recovery can take up to a year.  If you do go ahead with the operation you'll definitely need lots of help and support from family and friends to look after yourself and your daughter.  Sorry if it sounds a bit bleak , but I wish I'd known the full extent of the recovery before I embarked on the fusion.  After 15 months I guess I'd say it's been worth it as I'm now able to walk around more easily and without painkillers, but it's been a long road to get to this point.  Best of luck with your decision. 

i had screws and a plate put into my ankle after i broke it almost 2 months ago. still no weight bearing and i have an 8 month old daughter 😅 i don’t know how much longer it’s going to take until i can walk but it really puts you in a dark place not being able to do anything for yourself, let alone your child. i’m just very lucky & blessed that i have a lot of family that love taking her and helping me out. i seen in your other comment you have terrible balance.. so do i! i don’t use crutches, i use a walking frame. 10x easier! and i also have a wheelchair for when i go out which is rarely. getting to the toilet should be fine. you get use to using 1 leg. hope everything goes good for you x