Ankle Fusion Surgery - Post Op

Just a question about walking. Did you do it own your own or did pt get you to ambulate? The reason I'm asking is I am having trouble weight bearing. They say it's getting osteopenia. I'm 57 year old male. Had surgery 1-22-18.

Hi. Well it's a long story. I shattered my ankle in the UK and had the op . Three months later I returned home to Australia. I then started physio but couldn't weight bear for unbearable pain. At four months I was sent to see a surgeon. I saw some kid, probably just out of uni and very wet behind the ears. He told me go home , take boot off and walk. I did just that and fell straight away. I thought my foot was broken and I crawled crying to my phone. My daughter came and took me to get X-ray. Foot wasn't broken but was swollen and this put me back. I was so angry with that kid. I was 59 and found i osteoporosis and there's this kid dishing out bad orders. I was out of complete action for a week. Don't push yourself or you will go backwards. I was having physio but they can't make you walk any quicker, they only give you exercises. Take one day at a time. 🙂

Warren regarding osteopenia. Start taking calcium, Vit K2 and Vit D. These can be all found in food but it's not always enough, especially the Vit D which is found in sunshine and salmon. These are paramount for your bones health. Don't risk your bones health. Osteopenia is one step away from osteoporosis, which puts you at a greater risk for breaking your bones and they don't just break, they shatter, which can cause complications and greater pain . Please consider this strongly. I'm talking through experience. 🙂👍

Thanks for that info. I like you have pain when putting weight on it,and they want me to walk. I'm 57 year old male,and now they say I've got osteopenia. Your advice about taking time not rushing helped. I feel like I'm getting in dangerous territory.

Hi Warren. Being a male, you won't lose bone mass as much as a post menopausal women. You probably have larger bones anyway. Yes, being inactive can play a large role in bone loss. I would buy a good brand of calcium tablets and the other two vitamin  and take what is recommended. I personally take a larger dose due to having osteoporosis. Don't panick because you don't know you have osteopenia, but I would start with the supplements and even continue when walking. It won't kill you. Please don't worry. Just do what you can with weight bearing but don't push it. You will recover in your time. A younger person heals quicker so don't compare yourself to them and every injury is different. The surgeon doesn't know how you feel, or the physio, they have probably never broken a bone. You and only you know what you are capable as this stage. Your body will let you know what you can do. You will probably have to build up your confidence as well, I know I did. Take it easy. 🙂

Hi warren. The Vit. k2 is very good for the bones and I would try to get hold of it. It's sold in the chemists off the shelf here in Australia. I would continue with the Vit supplements even when you're walking, as bone loss is gradual after 35 years old. Of course some more than others depending on diet, medication, hereditary etc. Make sure you take them every day, Warren. Keep me posted about your walking. I really feel for you because you are concerned about walking and I know that horrible feeling. Keep positive.