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Finally back to work, 8mths post ankle fusion!

Posted , 11 users are following.

Morrismanc007
Morrismanc007

Hi All. Hope you are doing ok and had a good Christmas/New Year. 

So I finally went back to work today 8mths post ankle fusion, I’m a ward sister/nurse and I work on a busy trauma unit.

I only worked on the ward helping out for 4hrs and then 2.5hrs in the office doing paper work and I’m completely shattered!   

I’ve had lots of ops on my ankle, with the ankle fusion it’s 7 so far. Now I’m waiting to have the metal work taken out because the screws are starting to poke through my skin.

After doing 7.5hrs at work I’m now in so much pain due to the screws and pain in my knees.

I just feeling very deflated...I’ve even had a little cry about the fact I’m still in lots of pain. I’m sick to death of orthopaedic surgery and bones, pain and pain meds! Even going to work I’m surrounded by it too 🙄. 

Sorry for moaning and the random post but I just needed to vent a little.

Because I do not look like I’m in pain people don’t even give it a second thought and I find it so frustrating!

Claire. Xx

0 likes, 38 replies

38 Replies

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  • debbie91234
    debbie91234 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    Am due bk part time after my accident tomorrow only working 3 hours so hopefully I don't get pains in my ankle ,I dislocated and broke it in 2 places had plate in then had second op to remove just screws they r leaving plate in , I damaged a lot of nerves and lost a lot of feeling down side of my foot and ankle don't think it will come bk I've been off work nearly 7 months I've been going to physio and going in gym but some weeks am in so much pain and others am ok so just hoping me going bk part time is the right thing to do x

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 debbie91234

      Posted

      Hopefully your return to work goes nice and smoothly Debbie. Let us know how you get on. Claire. Xx
  • lynne1953
    lynne1953 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    I am worried about the screws in my ankle they are touching the skin now and I'm not fully mobile yet. They just feel too big. The whole process has been a nightmare. I'm only three months post op and from what I've read it could be a long haul. We are going on holiday in May and I won't be able to get insurance unless everything is ok.

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 lynne1953

      Posted

      My surgeon said that it can be more common for women to need the metal work taking out as they usually have less tissue/skin to the inner ankle area. Have a chat with your surgeon, hopefully you get that break in May. Claire. Xx
  • tessa98714
    tessa98714 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    Hi Claire, good news that you’re back at work, it’s bound to be hard at first but I’m sure things will get easier.  I’m now 11 months post op and am having my screws out on Friday. I’m not quite sure what to expect but hopefully it’ll help the discomfort I still get on the outside of the ankle. Like you my knees are suffering from the whole process and my back too. I’m still not sure whether it’s all been worth it - the recovery has been so long that I forget how bad my ankle was before. This time of year just feels so grim as well,  and it’s hard to get out and exercise.  Anyway sorry I’m having a moan too, but we’re allowed to do that from time to time, we’ve all been through a lot! X
    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 tessa98714

      Posted

      I totally get the ‘forgotten how bad your ankle was before’. With the knees though I feel so old before my time 🙂

  • abi14373
    abi14373 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    Just have to input that it does get easier! I never knew how long it can impact a person. As simple as breaking a bone...err...no! I broke my ankle and ORIFed pins and screws, half metal person back in July 2016 It's only in the last couple of months I haven't suffered from swelling. Thought they were joking when they said it would take around 18 months for swelling to go down! Don't particularly like it though, can feel every screw and plate - sickening!! Back to normal. Did suffer when I took up running (complete beginner!) with aches after but even that has subsided now and I can do a couple Ks. I remember doing my first 12 hour shift (care work) and being crippled the next day. It truly does get easier and aside the stiffness in the morning I have no qualms with my ankle! smile just take it easy and don't expect it overnight! 

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 abi14373

      Posted

      That’s good to hear! After 20yrs and my 8th op looming I’m well and truly ready for this to be over. 
  • lynne1953
    lynne1953 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    You have really been through it. I was totally in la la land I think. I'm sure my surgeon would have explained the procedure she has done other surgeries and I've known all the details but I had no idea that an ankle fusion was such a long and painful recovery. When I haven't previous assessment the Sister who knew me from last surgery, advised me to hire a wheelchair and commode. I had a disc removed from my neck three years ago and my balance is poor. I came home joking about it but I am seriously worried now about the pain and feeling the screws etc. I remember the pain before occasionally, but today a big part of me is thinking I should have lived with that and gone for a TAR further down the line. Not that I was given a choice. The irony is it's not my worst foot.

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 lynne1953

      Posted

      Oh Lynne I really feel for you, I really do. I’m just hopping this will all get better and be a distant memory in a few years time...here’s hoping! Xx
    • lynne1953
      lynne1953 Morrismanc007

      Posted

      Here's hoping for both of us. Bit scared now if I'm honest pain completely new and up to three days ago I had very little pain.

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 lynne1953

      Posted

      Lynne just try and be as positive as you can, I know that’s so much easier said than done though. Take the rough with the smooth. 

      I’ve been back in work today and had a pretty good day, only did 5hrs but I managed ok. My knees feel stiff now and I’ve taken my pain killer but hopefully it will get better now! One of the physios at work said Epsom salt are really good for achey knees and ankles. I’ve been and got some and that’s my excuse for a long soak in the bath minus the children! 😂

      Take care and if you need to vent on here then please do! Claire. Xx

  • Mo_12776
    Mo_12776 Morrismanc007

    Posted

    Hi Morrismanc 

    I have been reading your stories, it’s actually scary, but informative, because I have just had an ankle fusion, my left subtalar and talus is fused to the tibia, and am in the 5th week now, and it’s still painful. my Dr told me to put 15kg weight on it, and I am tired of taking ibuprofen, so what pain meds are better and safe for long term use? And how long should I expect to get a pain free working ankle? 

    Good luck to you all 

    Mo 

    • Morrismanc007
      Morrismanc007 Mo_12776

      Posted

      Please don’t let my situation scare you, we are all different and will have different experiences with the op. Just take each day as it comes, take your time and don’t rush anything.

      Have your Drs team refered you to Physio yet? They are the best people to advise you on what you should be doing with weights etc.

      As for pain meds, I’m on a lot of pain relief just because of how bad my ankle has been over the last 20yrs. I was on OxyContin with oxynorm post op, they are a semi synthetic opioid but they didn’t agree with me.

      Went on zomorph for a while which is a true long acting morphine painkiller and a quick acting morphine liquid. Stayed on those for a while but I was on a lot of nerve pain meds too.

      Now I’m on codiene and paracetamol, gabapentin,  amitriptyline and sometimes ibuprofen when I have a little swelling. I would say, again have a chat with your Drs to what would the best pain meds for you as different meds work better for different people.

      Let us know how you get on. Claire. 

    • Mo_12776
      Mo_12776 Morrismanc007

      Posted

      yes, that is true, everyone’s experience is unique. 

      Not yet, but he will refer me to the physio when the cast comes off. 

      Things are going pretty positive, I am putting little weight on my ankle after just a month, so it looks optimistic. 

      And I will just stick to my pain meds until I see my Dr. 

      I will let you know how it ends after 2or3 months 

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