Posted , 83 users are following.
Hiya. I had a mid foot fusion 2 weeks ago now. I am really struggling with non weight bearing. Has anyone else dealt with this please. I am crying with frustration. My husband and I are very keen walkers and it is really hard not being able to get out and about under my own steam.
look forward to hearing your tips.
8 likes, 252 replies
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bernadette87360 michelle65897
Posted
Hi Michelle,
My name is Bernadette and I live in Adelaide Australia.Not sure on the date of your operation,but I had mid foot fusion (left foot) on April 3rd 2017.I have plate & pins.The first 7 weeks I was to stay in bed and no weight bearing at all seen my specialist on the 8 week and he was very pleased with my progress,he said the the healing is of 3 months.I was in a moon boot for 24/7 after that visit I could only walk with the aid of a walker with moon boot on while walking & boot of when sitting.As of weeks ago I am walking without boot & without the aid of the walker.So as far as the foot it's doing great.I haven't had any pain there at all,but the wearing of the boot must have put my back out.So I started physio on my back,the physio told me that because I had the boot on for so long Ineed to be shown how to walk again.Remembering when I walk I must walk heel to toe.On Tuesday the 25th July will be my 3rd visit with the physio and I can feel an improvement in my back already.I hope you will improve as much as I have.The specialist has told me from day 1 it is a slow improvement and can take up to 12 months to get better & that there will always be some stiffness in the foot.Wish you all the very best for your healing time.
Regards
Bernadette
jane_1965 bernadette87360
Posted
Hi thanks for your post, it's slowly improving but it's my right foot that's very painful due to waiting to have it done as well but have to wait for left to fully heal, have a mobility scooter now as returning to work and can't walk a great distance but fingers crossed In about a year when the rights done as well I'll be all singing and 💃 again!!!
tina37106 michelle65897
Posted
I had a fusion around 10 weeks ago. I will tell you, the life-saver for me was a knee scooter for around the house. You can rent these, but with my experience, I heal much longer than usual, I needed them to change the rental money to purchasing it. They are so good for being able to carry things, being able to do some cooking. I am not up for long cooking, but I couldn't with crutches. Also if you have the long crutches that hurt, the Canadian crutches are better. The scooter is also a lot better and safer in the bathroom, with wet floors. They also have breaks. The other thing, I rented a wheelchair for the first 8 weeks for getting out. I have groceries delivered. They charge $11 here for the delivery.
Knee scooters are $250-$330, but so worth it!
rebecca06796 michelle65897
Posted
Hi, I had fusion of the 2nd TMTJ, and the intermediate and medial cuneiforms (3 screws, no plates) 11 weeks ago. I was allowed to partially weight bear in a shoe at 7 weeks but to be honest I only started weight bearing really at 9 weeks when I put an air cast boot back on, and I'm glad because I think the 6 week advice was poor (my surgery and aftercare have been in different countries so a little confusing).
With the shoe I just touched the ground each step: it was too sensitive to walk. Now with the boot I can walk pretty well with crutches: I actually went on a march through town yesterday and my foot was fine but I got sore wrists and hands from the crutches! I think I'm putting less than 50% weight on it each step, but I can stand still in a balanced stance without crutches and without pain. My foot swells a bit at the end of the day but not too much. I nearly always ice it for about 30 minutes before I go to sleep.
I had a CT scan at ten weeks which showed that the fusion had been very successful but the bones concerned were demineralised. I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow to discuss progress and hoping the demineralisation thing is temporary. If you are considering this surgery, bear in mind that the failure rate for smokers is 50%. I'm mentioning that because I haven't seen that anyone else did. You also should not take ibuprofen when you have a bone injury as that can compromise recovery.
I had fusion because of an accident in which I obliterated my Lisfranc ligament, amongst other damage.
michelle65897
Posted
Hello everyone.
well here I am again after 2nd mid foot fusion. Same things as before. Struggling to hop about with the crutches. It's been almost 2 weeks since this operation and so I still have the pop cast on just now. The fibreglass cast goes on on Thursday and so it should be a bit easier hopping about. How's everyone else doing? My previous fusion was a brilliant success but, I can feel it hopping about on it at the moment. This time doesn't feel as bad as the last one because I know what's coming and how I dealt with it and also how good it feels when it's healed.
hope to hear from you all. Good healing.
Michelle
janice43028 michelle65897
Posted
susan92564 janice43028
Posted
Janice,
How are you? I'm a grand mom too. Had my fusion in April but my foot is still very sore! I've had 2 knees replaced but this was the worst!! Because of using a walker so much my shoulder needs a complicated surgery...that has to wait!! I'm seeing a new doctor now, my other one wasn't giving me much information! ! Now I've got new orthotics and need more PT! I can't imagine facing another one!!!
Absolutely it's connected to your back!! I'm a nurse and everything is lined up and when one thing goes..everything goes.
Do you go to physical therapy? ?? Have them check your gait, my foot keeps turning out, so I've got to walk straighter.
Hey, good luck.
Write back!!
Susan
jodi221970 michelle65897
Posted
I just hit 8 weeks and can finally start to Weight bear. I would not have survived without my knee scooter!!! It’s awesome! You can whizz around the house and shops carrying things!!! This is the second op I’ve had and as you already know, you can’t rush rehab! Hang in there. All the best.
Jodi
Tan-70 michelle65897
Posted
Hi, I'm Tan 47 year old and I've had left midfoot fusion of 2nd and 3rd TMT joints and correction of my bunion. I'm an RN and have been suffering severe midfoot pain and worsening to the point if needing cortisone injections in not only my midfoot but also my achillies tendons bilaterally. I am day 5 post op. Operation date 11/12/2017 pain is on and off throbbing/burning. I've been very teary on and off and wondering how people have felt with the frustrations of NWB. And how has the pain been in the recovery period. I'm quite scared for the future and wondering if I'll ever get back to an 8 hr shift of nursing...
kim15562 Tan-70
Posted
welcome my our awesome group where we can share out post op stories. I wish you and everyone success with your midfoot fusion. I am on my second midfoot surgery. Its pretty normal to be teary off and on and frustrated. My left foot was fused in March, 2016. My right foot fusion was 10 November, 2017. The recovery is long. I have 2 or 3 more surgeries on my right foot. I have RA for 25+ years and am 56 yrs old. I was a PSW for that long as well in LTC, homecare, and my own homecare business. I am still non weight bearing, pain is getting better during the day, but night time is still an issue. My incision site I sent still looking nasty but I am sure it will heal in time. My pain is more on the inside foot and toward my very large bunion which will have surgery next next. All my skin from the left side of my incision is so painful like the nerves are screaming. I know that the healing process takes such a long time. I now have a seasonal cottage rental business so I have to time surgeries so I’m ready for business come each May. It was tough last season cleaning cottages and making sure they were perfect for guests. My foot screamed at me. NOw I am making sure my feet are both elevated when I am sitting. Knee scooter has been a blessing but now we are covered in snow, and I am feeling down. I worry every time i have to go out. I hope you have a speedy recovery Tan. Kim
Tan-70 michelle65897
Posted
Hi Kim,
wow you've really had a bad time of it. It's been really good to read some thoughts from others that have been through similar operations. It's be extremely hard in the winter time. I'm in Australia and it's summertime, heats a bit uncomfortable when you can't move around much. I'm lucky I have a very supportive family, I expected to be able to stand with a frame in the kitchen and cook meals and shower easier than it is. Funny how unprepared I have been. Kim how did your first operation go? How was the recovery stage? Were you able to get back to normal range of movement in your foot? Im hoping to gey back to an 8hr nursing shift (no sitting). And if anyone knows what would be a reasonable timeframe to expect to be back on my feet for 8hrs.
kim15562 Tan-70
Posted
i know everyone I sent individual and heals differently. I was concerned about having my right foot done after having my left foot done in 2016. It still causes me some grief but I am having to put my whole weight on it while my right foot heals. My first surgery has healed. I still have tightness and numbness and my 2nd toe seems fold under if walking in bare feet or while trying to put my foot in a shoe.
I think you may need to ease back into work if your workplace will accommodate a slow transition. Of course this is when your surgeon gives you the ok. I strongly suggest getting the right shoes for you as well. Nursing is one of the hardest jobs being on your feet all day. As for standing at the counter preparing meals, etc try placing a chair where you can rest your knee on it with your foot hanging over the side or back. Range of motion exercises are so important. Every time I am sitting or resting, I am moving my foot up and down, stretching as much as possible. Time will only tell how you are truly healing. I hope you heal well and everyone else too. I use to walk 6-8 Km everyday and I miss it. After my first surgery, I started cycling and found that was much easier on my feet. I will do the same this coming Spring to help prepare me for our busy cottage season. Hoping to swim as well in a couple more months...keep smiling
Kim
elizabeth302 kim15562
Posted
Hi Kim
?I had surgery to fuse the my 1st, 2nd and 3rd tarsometatarsal joints together on my right foot on 31st January, so now at 9 1/2 weeks post surgery. I've been walking on the foot for the last fortnight, as that seems to be what my physio wanted. Up to then I was wearing my boot most of the time, although could take it off to sleep, bathe etc.
?I go back to see both my physio and consultant on the 18th, and as far as I'm aware am due back at work on the 23rd. I've told work that I intend to just do half-days the first week, although they haven't replied. Other people are telling me that I need to do a phased return, working just a couple of mornings the first week, then increasing it gradually. I know I need to go through this with my physio and consultant, but as I can only get to see them a few days before I should be going back to work, I was wondering if you, or anyone else on this thread, knows what I should do?
?I work as a secretary, and although it is desk-based my job involves a lot of going up and down stairs and general walking around. Also I would not be able to sit with my leg elevated.
?My foot is still very painful and swollen. It's also obviously still quite bruised as it's a completely different colour to my good foot (as well as a different size - more like looking at a man's foot!) I'm only walking around on it inside the house. If I go outside I put my boot back on.
?Unfortunately this whole procedure has really affected both my knees, which weren't good in the first place but the strain of only using one leg, and then wearing a boot on the right leg, has severely increased pain in both knees, particularly the right. Going up and downstairs is hard work and I need to hold onto a rail, so carrying things up and downstairs would be very hard for me, and I am required to do this from time to time in my job.
?Any advice that you or anyone could give me would be gratefully received, and then I can let work know more accurately what they can expect from me and what they can't.
?Cheers :-)
iamkim34 elizabeth302
Posted
Hi Elizabeth
i had the same foot fusion surgery you had about 16 days ago+ they repaired my ligament in my ankle
i also have knee problems (osteoarthritis) & had gotten shots of a gel like substance injected in my left knee (since it would be the “good” leg i had to stand on- shots were weekly for 4 weeks ( lucky for me the insurance approved it)
this was a big help but even after that; i have had some swelling & pain in both knees (one being on the scooter & one taking all my weight - 160 lbs - 5ft 8)
are you familiar with Essential Oils? I use Doterra oils and they have helped a lot! Aroma Touch oil followed by Marojam & Copaiba oil - will litteraly take the pain away within 5 min of where ever you rub it - knees; sore foot or toes- it is truly amazing!
knee braces may help you also to help support your weakest knee- I use mine when I know I will be more active than normal- right now still healing & trying to stay put as much as possible - but it can get depressing when you are used to be active! Oils also help with depression too + I have experienced amazing results over the past 8 months I have been using them-
good luck and I hope this helps??
Kim
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elizabeth302 iamkim34
Posted
I’ve thought about knee supports. Fortunately now I’m back walking just with one crutch my knees aren’t having to work so hard.
debbra64399 kim15562
Posted
Hi Kim
I read in your comments that you have problems with your 2nd toe folding under after your fusion operation. I have the same problem but was never quite told why this had occurred. I think my surgeon nicked the ligament. A Ortho specialist said that it looks like my toe has no movement in the upper joint anymore. Have you had anymore feedback why your 2nd toe also has been effected by the fusion?
Also like you I suffer with stiffness but not real pain. I have been able to build back to running up to 6 miles and can still do hill walking. But have been told that I shouldn 't backpack and plan any major mountaineering treks as I have early stages of osteoarthritis in the ankles - no way do I want those fused.
kim15562 debbra64399
Posted
Hi Debbra
its been a while since I've been on this site. My toe will still fold under if I'm not paying attention or trying to put my work boot on. I now wear Kodiak work boots when performing any type of outdoor work in my yard to protect my feet and ankles. My last surgery October 2017 for another midfoot surgery on my right foot completely broke down just about to the bone, so what should have been a 3 month non weightbearing time, turned into an almost 6 month time. i still have a lot of numbness in both feet which I just need to learn to live with. i do have another surgery coming up this October to fix this gross bunion and fuse all the toe joints on my right foot. I will stay off all of my RA meds prior and post surgery. I look forward to wearing a normal shoe again and not have my feet look like hobbit feet but more importantly, to walk normally again whatever normal is anymore. Anyways, i must get back to my cottages to check guests out. The icing sounds awful but I will try it. Take care everyone. KIM
debbra64399 kim15562
Posted
Hi Kim
That sounds horrendous. I hope you are able to recover. I iced frequently (bucket of ice water) and still do. My feet have become accustomed to the ice and it is no longer painful. Actually I find the icing helps a lot. Sometimes I do a combination of warm water than ice for 20 minutes. It boosts the blood circulation and the healing.Good luck with your healing process and being able to walk normally again.