Failed Ankle Fusions
Posted , 3 users are following.
I'm a 60 year old female that has struggled for several years with severe ankle arthritis. At this point, both of my feet are full of arthritis. I struggle to walk on a daily basis.
In 2017, I had a Subtalar Fusion & an arch reconstruction which did nothing but make my foot worse.
One of the biggest things with my feet is my alignment. The surgeon fused my foot in a crooked position.
I'm very flat footed & have never had arches which has caused my feet to collapse over quite significantly.
In January of this year, I had a triple fusion with an achilles tendon lengthening. Once again, this surgery did nothing to alleviate my pain. I'm worse off than I've ever been.
This was all done on my left foot but my right one is just as bad. I'm afraid at this point to have surgery on my right foot as the left has been such a failure.
I used to walk ten miles plus every day before my feet started deteriorating.
I lay in bed at night & I'm tormented with thoughts on what is going to become of me. I'm only 60 & am otherwise very healthy. What will I be like when I'm 70 & 80? What if I have to go in a wheelchair? How will I cope with life sitting down? Who will take care of me? What if my husband dies? What if I get laid off from my job? Who will hire me? I can't stand any more than five minutes at a time. How can I spend the rest of my life in this debilitating pain? The thoughts of having to live in a wheelchair scares me to death.
These are things that go through my mind all night, every night. It's causing me to have anxiety & fear which normally I can keep at bay.
How do people cope with this? How do you come to grips with the loss of your mobility & freedom? How do you not let this rob you of your joy & peace? What if, what if, what if??
I'd appreciate any advice on what others have done who have lost their mobility or about to lose it?
0 likes, 8 replies
keith38551 barb1953
Edited
So sorry to hear your story. Difficult to know what to say.
I had an ankle fusion 14 months ago that failed and i am in more pain now than before the operation and having trouble getting a revision op as nhs is a bit stretched at the moment!
True to say I was despairing 3 months ago - as you are now. I have now got used to pain killers and very little mobility (other ankle is bad too - but no way will I have that fused after this one). I went through much the same thoughts as you - even thinking of ending it all. But I still have friends and family. I try to take joy from little things - and they are little! Sitting on a bench in the park just looking at the world and nature. I phone friends and chat. Its not easy as no-one knows what you are going through. The nights are the worst as there is only the pain. Difficult to concentrate on a good book - but that helps a little.
We are all feeling anxious due to covid as well and can see no end of it all. But it will all end, and I am hoping that further operation(s) will allow me to walk again. Talk to your consultant with your fears - he/she should be able to explain options and give you hope. (I told mine to chop the leg off and give me a plastic one!) He explained what could be done in the future... Its just not soon enough for me!
I wish you well and don't despair, your consultant should be able to suggest what can be done - there are others that have been in a similar situation!
Best wishes
Keith
anne0606 keith38551
Posted
hi Barbara and Keith
I feel your pain and I know what you are going through. I had an ankle fusion Aug 19 .. it failed. I did everything right after the op, non smoker, not diabetic,.. the 2 main risk factors! I was due a second op in April then Lockdown happened! I was at rock bottom, living with pain not knowing if I would get better and then Covid! I had a revision ankle fusion with a bone graft this August. there is currently no general anaesthetic, due to Covid, so it was an epidural and nerve blocks, which initially freaked me, but the recovery was better than with a general anaesthetic. I'm now 10 weeks on and fingers, toes and anything else it seems to be much better and I'm very optimistic! its hard and despairing but keep pestering
Contact PALS at your local area health authority and they may give you advice on the way forward. I hope you both improve soon x
Anne
keith38551 anne0606
Posted
Thanks Anne.
Good to hear some good news - although no general anaesthetic is a worry!
Seeing Consultant in 2 weeks after my latest CT scan.
Last time I spoke to him it was bone graft and plate probably......
Keeping everything crossed!!
cheers
Keith
anne0606 keith38551
Edited
I was told about no general anaesthetic 2 hours before my operation. I was mega stressed but the anaesthists were wonderful and I was sedated. I heard everything but couldn't see. 1/2 hour later i was drinking tea.
2 tips a knee scooter. non weightbearing is horrendous with crutches or a frame . this was my second op and I found hopping , never being able to put my foot down stressful! so much easier with a scooter so I have been more mobile, and definitely less depressed. Amazon about £130
secondly a waterproof leg cast sleeve so you can have a shower ( with a stool in your shower or a bench across your bath)
are you in GB?
Anne
keith38551 anne0606
Posted
Hi Anne - Yes I'm in St Albans.
Fusion was Sept 19 and initially fusion was going ok but I think it got infected in March. Lots of antibiotics and its now partial at about 50%. Painful to walk even in the boot I've been using for the last year. I'm nervous about the next op with Covid around and no general - I am a total medical wimp!
Where was your op and how bad was the pain before and now?
I rented a knee scooter but sent it back when I didnt think I needed it anymore! Still have the leg sleeve (as I was going to get other ankle done... no chance!_)
Keith
anne0606 keith38551
Edited
I had it done at chorley in Lancashire. my first op failed for no reason. usually its if you are diabetic , a smoker or get an infection. non applied I was just unlucky. I was in a lot of pain before the op. For the first 3 weeks after I was in pain as expected. since then its been minimal. much less than last time, so I'm optimistic.
i really wouldn't worry about no GA . you don't see anything. if id known before I would have asked to take in an ipod. The recovery was far better than with a GA .
Hope your op happens soon and goes well. fingers crossed Covid doesn't get any worse! We are in Tier 3!
Good luck
Anne
keith38551 anne0606
Posted
Hi Anne
Just back from Consultant. 2ops needed. One to take it apart and do biopsy for infection (and pack with antibiotics). The second to put it all back together. Fusion is almost total failure with foot held on by the two screws that were put in - not good.
How is your recovery going?
cheers
Keith
anne0606 keith38551
Edited
Hi Keith
I'm sorry to hear that, it must be really worrying . I hope things get sorted for you and you have your ops soon. Fingers crossed for you.
I'm recovering well. I am now walking without a boot with crutches. I havent any pain in my ankle. My main problem is stiffness and aching of my legs. as I havent used my muscles for 15 months. Trying to build up walking a bit more each day.
Don't give up, I really thought I would recover but I can see a light now!
Take care
Anne