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Ankle Fusion - Yes or No?

Posted , 15 users are following.

DavidCantSwim
DavidCantSwim

I have had ankle pain for about twenty years now and it's getting worse.  The pain and weakness is really limiting my mobility and my life. 

I am 66 in December and whilst not an athlete consider myself relatively fit and of a good BMI

I am thinking of going the ankle fusion route as all else has been tried and I'm getting so tired of being in pain.

I read in some places that an ankle fusion is a great option and the expected limp is not as bad as some websites would say.

I'm pretty desperate here rolleyes 

I did read someone say they'd rather have a slight limp with no pain than a limp with pain. 

Ankle fusion was recommended about 10 years ago but I soldiered on.

Any thoughts on this?

Thank you

David 

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • DavidCantSwim
    DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    I did it! June 18th at Peninsula Care UK Centre here in Plymouth. All went well and I loved the anaesthetic which was Fentanyl which sent me into gibberish mode and then nothing.  I am past the first stage and out of the back slab and into a fixed cast.  

    I'm only just beginning to feel pain and nerves tingling but am getting some nausea feelings. 

    My surgeon is really happy with his work and we took some photos. 

    I am so knackered now and just want to sleep. I'm on paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine  or a mix of. 

    I am so grateful that this mini heatwave has gone

    That's it for now

    David

  • DavidCantSwim
    DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    I couldn't help being childish and getting a cast cover smile 

  • kate06315
    kate06315 DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    Hi David, so glad your op went well! I’d love to hear of your progress...I’m on the waiting list for ankle fusion & I’m guessing it will probably be around October/November. Like you, the op is going to be done at Peninsula in Plymouth. I’m a bit nervous of the recovery though...will I need a wheelchair and one of those frames that go on the bed to keep bedding off the ankle? Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery 

    Kate

    • DavidCantSwim
      DavidCantSwim kate06315

      Posted

      Hi Kate,  Mr Brown was my surgeon and he is a really nice man. Lucky you on the Autumn surgery I have just gotten through the heatwave so far! I am going to get a wheelchair today as it will make a massive difference to my life and I'll be able to go out more. Life on crutches is not the best although I have had enough practice in the past. I did use a walking frame at first (Peninsula supply them) along with a raised loo seat. Honestly use the walking frame for the first few weeks then try to move to crutches. I also have a plastic cast cover (two actually) for taking a shower or bath. I have a stool for taking a bath and shower and the plastic cast cover (Amazon have them) is an absolute must. 

      The first month could have been terribly boring but I have a Nintendo Switch and have been playing Super Mario Odyssey which is very challenging and a lot of fun. I try not to watch too much TV and recommend some form of gaming - Nintendo Switch is superb. 

      When I get to the simple weight bearing stage the Argyle Community Trust at Manadon are going to let me use the astro turf for my exercises as it is really flat and soft should I fall get in touch with Lewis Coombes here http://manadonsportshub.co.uk/contact/  Lewis is going to see that I get all the rehab I need and we talked about setting up some form of club for people with mobility issues. 

      For your first week I would prepare to just loaf around and be prepared for that. Although my wife helps a lot I always carry a man bag from room to room with essentials in - trust me on that!

      Kate the recovery is a bit long but worth it to have a pain free foot and ankle. I can feel things moving and settling in down there and it is not painful although it aches at times. Keep taking whatever pills you get prescribed. I'm on codeine and paracetamol along with an emergency supply of co-codamol which is really strong.

      The surgery itself must have been good because I can't remember it! The anaesthetic part was superb and didn't involve counting down or the awful dizzy bit before you're out cold. I know I was given Fentanyl then I was out for the count waking up chattering away.

      The care in the Peninsula is superb

      Let me know if you need any tips. I had my other foot rebuilt   in 2005 plus a few other lower limb surgeries so can probably help

      David Saunders

       

    • kate06315
      kate06315 DavidCantSwim

      Posted

      Hi Dave, thank you so much for your reply, it sounds like you’re very positive and recovering well, which is great!

      The rehab club is a brilliant idea, I would definitely join as I have no clue how to help my muscles fit whilst being very careful with my ankle.  

      I think my op might be done by Karl Trimble, but I’m told they’re all really good! I think I will be getting myself a wheelchair as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis too, and I am useless with crutches! Although I’d probably be ok with a frame thingy!

      Please keep in touch, your message has made me feel much calmer about the fusion op, and I would love to hear how you are getting on smile

      All the best, Kate

  • DavidCantSwim
    DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    Kate, I am also, more than likely, going to get a wobble board for exercising my lower legs - not the round wobble board the flat ones as they are easier to use when sat watching TV. I also have a theraband and small stress ball to strengthen myself for my first walk. 

    Another thing I recommend is a cover for your chair or sofa so as you can get rid of plaster cast flakes easy and not scuff things up.

    D  

  • bobbie66840
    bobbie66840 DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    I'm just turned 60 had subtalar ankle fusion surgery...then another to remove screw I dont recommended surgery at all now I limp my foot swells just walking a bit and the pain...

  • DavidCantSwim
    DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    that is a shame. i am back to normal now and my only reminder of the surgery is a slightly tight feeling in my foot at times.

    david

  • anklefused101
    anklefused101 DavidCantSwim

    Posted

    i had mine fused a year ago and have been really pleased with the outcome. no pain at all anymore, and i can walk on rough ground and run, which i never expected. no limp (and i was definitely limping before surgery.

    i had pain for over ten years - wish i'd done it sooner. i'm 43. did lots of physio during my recovery which i think helped.

  • russell41783
    russell41783 DavidCantSwim

    Edited

    Hi David,

    Way back in 1975 I had a flying accident, it crushed both my feet and ankles (compound communuted fractures) . I spent 6 months in hospital and 2 years of different operations. At the time my right foot was fused along with a couple of toes. The left foot and ankle was left to heal.

    Many years of pain and arthritis later I went to see a specialist in Oxford. He recommended both ankles to be fused. In Jan 2015 the left ankle was fused using rod inserted thru heel into the tibia and the ankle and foot were screwed to this. Later that year the right ankle was fused with screws. I will admit it was a painful year after this but slowly things got better.

    I am now 66, both ankles are painless, I can walk without any discernible limp. I was never a sportsman so do not miss being able to run or jump. I no longer worry about my ankles from day to day. It was the best thing I ever did I only wish I had done it years ago.

    image

    My left ankle

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