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Mid foot fusion.

Posted , 83 users are following.

michelle65897
michelle65897

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

252 Replies

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  • kathleen7428
    kathleen7428 michelle65897

    Posted

    Hi Michelle, I had a mid foot fusion on February 25th for osteoarthritis . I had a nerve block done during surgery so thankfully have had very little pain. Reading your comments I feel much the same . Had a pot on for 6 weeks non weight bearing and have had to use a zimmer frame. As I am overweight hopping was a nightmare and I have aching in my upper arms and shoulders. Getting into the shower was fearful so I confess I had more washdowns than showers. My home looks like an old folks home with all the aids for the toilet , stairlift etc. Really boring but have maaged to get out with a mobility scooter that is portable so my husband can put it together for me. I'm 65 and a recently retired health visitor and have always been active it has been harder than I thought and I don't know yet the outcome but am thinking I may not have the other foot done. How anyone living alone manages I cannot imagine as I totally rely on my husband.
  • Mother_Jo
    Mother_Jo michelle65897

    Posted

    Hi Michelle,

    I had fusion of the midfoot on 12 Feb. I'm 10 weeks post op. I am self employed and with a child aged 5. I had to be mobile ASAP. After 2 weeks, I was using the i-walk 2 hands free crutch - google for information. I got mine from ebay 2nd hand. It made life possible in the kitchen etc. Be careful with your first 6 weeks. You will be much better in 3 months. Follow instructions and deal with things as positively as you can. I went to the gym at 2 weeks to do core and upper body work. Good luck 

    • charlotte82484
      charlotte82484 Mother_Jo

      Posted

      Hi , I had my mid foot fusion on the 31st March with a bone graft off my hip . Tomorrow I'm having my cast off and feeling really nervous on how it will feel to actually put my weight onto the foot . Pain at the moment with my foot is bareable even though at times I have the odd episodes . The worst pain at the moment which I'm struggling more with is my hips and thigh area . There is constant pain and at night trying to get comfortable is a nightmare . If anyone has any suggestions which could help I would really appreciate it . Also how was the pain once weight is put onto the foot after the cast is removed and how long does it take to get back to normality as this is something I really miss sad
    • Mother_Jo
      Mother_Jo charlotte82484

      Posted

      Hi Charlotte, I shared your fears re cast off and remember it well...I am now 3 months post op and weight bearing. When I first had the op I thought I would never stand again in my life but I did at 6 weeks. You can part weight bear using crutches to very gradually introduce weight...you have to go slow. I used a cushion / pillows between my knees at night to get comfortable? You can buy knee cushions...have a look online for reviews? I am still in a lot of pain adjusting to weight bearing and the 3 screws. However, I am managing trainers with crutches. I am giving myself a year to rehabilitate to comfortable walking. Do you have a pic of your x-ray. I attach mine...I would also strongly recommend The Lisfranc Fracture club on Facebook for support as well. 4,500 members with this kind of injury. All the best
    • charlotte82484
      charlotte82484 Mother_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo

      I've had my cast off today and it was such a strange feeling . I've been given a boot for a further 6 wks with light weight bearing using crutches . Everything looks ok apart from the numbness that I've still got on my foot and leg . I have been referred to another hospital for them to investigate . Hopefully in the coming weeks it will become easier . Not sure about wearing the boot around the house as it's so bulky . I was think of buying a bigger size slipper ?

    • Mother_Jo
      Mother_Jo charlotte82484

      Posted

      Hi Charlotte,

      Check with your consultant regarding boot wearing in the house. Follow their exact instructions. I had numbness where the hardware was placed at first...the feeling is returning at 3 months but I have lots of pain. I am told this pain will subside as I begin to use the foot more. Numbness is quite common with this surgery. Have a look on the Lisfranc Fracture Club on Facebook. This is quite a long journey but lots of people do it very successfully. All the best.

    • ginni96956
      ginni96956 Mother_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Mother Jo, how are you doing at this point in time?  I estimate you are between 6 and 7 months out.  I'm almost 8 months out and still have pain starting late in the day if I've been on my feet a lot.  Earlier in the day pain is just mild and stiff.  Still dealing with sensory issues. I had three joints fused and from the x-Ray it looks like there are 7 screws and 2 staples.  When I last saw surgeon, he said that after a period of time I could have the hardware removed if I wanted  This may or may not help.

      i also, am willing to give it more time especially before making such a decision.  I was wondering if you or anyone else was told that hardware could come out or if anyone has actually had hardware removed.

    • jane_1965
      jane_1965 charlotte82484

      Posted

      Ive been in my airboot for 1 week and have 5 to go, was advised to wear at all times (not overnight) and walk with crutches at all times
  • carol78357
    carol78357 michelle65897

    Posted

    Hi, just had mid foot fusion of two joint done a month ago. Cast is to come off in 5 days, hoping for progress but there are concerns one of the fusions may not work. As I have seen in other posts, frustration level is high and also wish I had not gone through with it. I am concerned the length of time to get back to "normal". How are you doing now? I am a professional that needs to be mobile to do my job effectively. Still not back to work full time yet.
    • Mother_Jo
      Mother_Jo carol78357

      Posted

      Hi Carol, I am 18 weeks post op today...with crutches, trainers and walking. 3 months is usual until you can be more mobile...but rehab towards walking can't be rushed. I took vit d, calcium and a herbal bone healing supplement and have stopped alcohol as it interrupts bone healing. I have fused successfully. It takes upto 18 months to be comfortable...I am really sporty and self employed but have had to learn to slow right down. Which bones were fused?
    • carol78357
      carol78357 Mother_Jo

      Posted

      The first two metatarsal joints were fused. The first one should be ok. The doc is concerned about the second as there was considerable bone degeneration. He used grafting material mixed with my bone marrow. i have two plates and 9 screws holding everything in place. Have been very careful but still have concerns.
    • bailyBoo02511
      bailyBoo02511 carol78357

      Posted

      Carol. can you get a knee scooter .That did  help me a lot around the house .
    • carol78357
      carol78357 bailyBoo02511

      Posted

      I do have a knee scooter which is far better than using crutches for sure. As an update, I am 10 weeks post surgery. Xrays look good for the fusion taking on both joints. I am still in the boot and weight bearing with crutches. Still have considerable nerve pain which kicks in around dinnertime daily. Things are progressing, hope to be out of boot by last week of August, 14 week mark. Doc referred to this a "the three month ordeal". Toughest part has been not being able to drive. I am going to give it a try today.

    • carol78357
      carol78357

      Posted

      Update on my mid-foot fusion. Went to doc today. they took xrays, 3 this time. One was a different version than previous ones. This new view showed that the first metatarsal fusion is almost 100% fused. The second metatarsal fusion is showing no new bone growth. Not good at 14 weeks out. Has anyone had this happen? If so, what was done to "fix" it? I have a plate and screws holding the joint in pace at this point but am doubtful that will be all  that is done. Any ideas/recommendations?

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 carol78357

      Posted

      Hi Carol. I would be upset as well. I had 5th metatarsal surgery and am 67. My doctor had a rep bring me a bone stimulator which I have been using for 4 weeks in hopes that will encourage healing. We use them on our horses and swear by them. You might want to ask your doctor about that. Keep us informed. Feet are an issue!!
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