Ankle replacement surgery

I suffered the sudden onset of end stage and very painful ankle arthritis due to a protracted and initially undiagnosed bout of topacious gout that I believe was caused by a long, high dose course of antibiotic prescribed for a bacterial gut infection (tropical sprue).

I then had to project manage my own final diagnosis (via private healthcare) and when this was received and the gout had been dealt with, I had to decide on a solution for my ankle arthritis as I simply could not walk. After much private research I opted for total ankle replacement in the face of advice that I should have the ankle fused.

surgery took place in December 2014, and recovery has been in spurts over the last 20 months. Finally however my gait is now near normal and I am totally free of pain, except for a minor ache when I have walked maybe 5 kilometers.

I am delighted with the outcome and am able to once again live a normal life, work in my garden, climb ladders and sail my boat.

it has been a long slog but well worth it.

I recognise we are all different and some are more likely to benefit more from this treatment than others, but I recommend that those with end stage ankle arthritis should seriously consider TAR

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