Mid foot fusion.

Hi Ginni

my six month anniversary post op is on 8 August.

I had mild bunion, hammer and mallet toe procedure. I took until June to walk without a limp. Now I can walk normally but find my toes swell and I elevate every evening. They are better when I get up in the morning. On 7 July I was given a guided steroid injection into the arthritic arch of this foot as it pained me to walk. This injection worked! It is a slow procedure, I can walk about 3 miles but I noticed my toes, due to swelling, rubbed against each other. I also find I have to wear good fitted socks to stop rubbing. I bought a pair of New Balace trendy trainers but they have bounce and a flexible heal part AND an extra lace hole so that I can pull in the heel part of the shoe. They are so confortable. I just have to take it easy and see a small amount of benefit each day

i had fusion april 1st plaster cast and then boot etc today 5 months later pain in foot and burning and also new back pain surgeon say surgery successful but am off to g p today as not happy with this 

 mid foot fusion 6 months ago surgeon is pleased but still pain and burning  and now some new back pain  not happy so off to g p to find options too old  at 78 for pain  please keep in touch senior cit

I'm 8 months out now. Slightly better, but not where I want to be. Pain not so bad, but burning feeling and sensory issues bother me most. I also had a total knee replacement 4 months ago which is slowly coming along. I probably should not have had the second surgery so close to the first, but I was so anxious to get it over with and move on. Therapist said being on the same leg it's going to take longer to heal

Foot surgeon wants to wait 3 more months and re-evaluate. Said taking out staples and maybe screws Is an option which may or may not help

I'm willing to wait it out and see what happens. Not anxious for another surgery. By the way, im 67

I can get around pretty well, but would like to be able to walk further distances

I commented earlier.  I too, would like to know more about outcome of midfoot fusion past the 6 month point.  While the pain is betters hand it was, at seven months I still have pain.  I am able to walk, but still have swelling and discomfort after walking a distance.  I am hoping this will get better in a few months time.  I was told by my physical therapist that the foot is very dense with many nerves affected and that it just takes time.  I would like to hear that from another patient who has had the surgery. I have not been able to find too much out there about outcomes.

To Cocobubble, don't rush in to it until you are sure.  There is a lot involved with the immediate recovery.  The time alone, in terms of non- weight bearing is a big investment and there is major inconvenience for many months. I had tried steroid injections for many years.  Sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't.  As you said there is a limit to what you can be given.  My podiatrist limited me to three a year.  When my knee started to be affected by my uneven gait, I decided to do it.

My surgery was performed by a very qualified foot and ankle surgeon. So I remain optimistic that it will get better.

Hope to hear more responses!

Hi

I can't help you with long-term recovery but, this is what I know. I had severe pain for 5 yrs working as an RN , 12 hr/d. I took aleve for 1 day, the amount I required (10/day) was unbearable. Never took opiods. I would highly recommend was to get a RX from doc for a brace specifically for you, it worked great for about 3 yrs. Then I made the decision to "gamble" to have no or very little pain forever or to chance non-union. Now I'm feeling great, my husband is fantastin, we go for small outings as you always have to think ahead, you are not, (Now) like everyone else. I'm using a W/C which I bought but, my insurace paid for it. Try to get them to pay for as much as you .can Try thhe brace and see if it works for yo. Wait until you have made an informed decision and that it's time. Stay Well!

Maryw

Cocobubble

I forgot to tell you my fusion was performed on 6/29/16 and he (orthopedic surgeon wih ankle and foot specialty) is taking x-rays every 2 wks and the plates and screw are right where they should be at this tim in my recovery. Also, I have never had any pain post-op, but I'm not applying weight yet. Just a follow up with stuff I forgot to mention. Quick question. What is a consultant, just curious?

Mary

In Britain hospital Dr's are graded due to skills a qualifications so house officer then registration then staff Grade then consultant who's the boss. When referred we all get to a consultant who will hopefully do your pp but aftercare could be by a staff Grade or registration who will be well qualified. As patients though we do have the right to see the consultant is we wish to. It all works well I know as I have recently retired as a community nurse after 46 yrs . Hope your recovery goes well.

That should read Registrar.

Good Luck in Retirement! Life is Good!

Mary

Hi , I had a mid section foot fushion with a bone graft off my hip the end of March . If I'm honest I do not feel any better in having the operation at this present time if not I'm more restricted and my walking is very fragile . Looking at the overall outcome I know it's only early days and it's a long recovery . I'm hoping in time my walking improves with less pain and swelling eases . It's not a operation to be taken lightly and if there is other options I would consider those before opting for this . Unfortunately this was my only choice 😔

Hi I had mine in February. I still have some pain particularly on a morning getting up. I'm glad I had it done I'm still in recovery but I'm hopeful of a good outcome. My problem is chronic sciatica now. Also do I get my right foot done next or see about my knees. Arthritis is a pig. Hold on and I'm sure you will feel the benefit in the end.

Hi Ginni. I had a mid fitting fusion March 2016 on my left foot due to severely damaged joints from Rhuematoid Arthritis. I have had this disease for 20+ years and I am 56 years young. I am so thrilled to read everyone’s messages. I was a PSW doe over 20 years with the last 6 years opening my own homecare business. Having such chronic pain gave me a true empathy for assisting seniors. I also experienced the same frustrations post op. I am now having my right foot fused on 10 Nov/17 and am not looking forward to it at all. I almost opted out. I had a few falls at home post op. Crutches were not helpful as I had my right wrist fused in 2005 so could not handle the crutches. I used a wheel chair and rented a knee scooter. The knee scooter was amazing and gave me so much freedom. You just need to be careful when hitting even the smallest bump inside and outside your home. I fell a couple of times due to this. Also, having a commode at my bedside for the first few weeks at night was the biggest help. I would just transfer from my bed to the commode without disturbing my husband. I still have numbness in my 2nd toe and surgical site on the inside foot. My 2nd toe will fold on me when trying to put on a shoe or boot so I need to always be aware of this. I’m not sure they set my foot properly as I feel it is always rolling to the outside when I step. I also have pains in both shins, things and hips. I am really hoping that this next surgery goes better. Thank you everyone for all of your posts. Only those who have gone thru this can truly understand

Kim, how did your surgery go?   I had mid foot fusion  that same you did, Nov 10.  Right foot, also.  

Hi Janice

Thank you so much for replying to mum post. I was released from the hospital the same day in the evening. I was quite sick from the anesthetic and thankfully only had a 2 hour drive home. 

This surgeon did the incisions on the top of the mid foot instead of along each side and through the heal. I am not experiencing the same intense post op pain as I did with my left foot so far. I am 12 days post op. I am having spikes of sharp pains but nothing like before. A bit of burning. My surgeon put a plate and screws this time as opposed to just screws and pins as my left foot. Not sure if having a plate helps with supporting more area in the foot. So far that is what I’m thinking. I am not taking pain medication like I did for my previous surgery. I am using my knee scooter around our home which is much more fun than a wheel chair. I will be getting my stitches out on Monday, 27 November and hopefully getting a fibreglass cast. How are you doing Janice?? It will be great comparing our mid foot fusions and the healing process as we had ours done on the same day. I have 3 more surgeries most likely as there isn’t a bone or joint that i

hasnt been damaged from the rheumatoid arthritis. Hopefully have one every year and I also need to have this surgeon look at my left foot to see what he thinks as I mentioned previously, I don’t think it healed properly or was not set properly. I am having more pain in my left foot as all my weight is placed on it and the pain has intensified significantly. 

Cheers,

Kim

Hi Kim, I’m just wrote you an answer. Was ready to hit send and my phone went black. Will try again tomorrow or Fri.   Sorry you’ve been thru it so bad.  Take care!

Hi Kim,

How are you doing at this point?  I’ve had a rough week so didn’t get back with you sooner.  Hope you are doing well since we are both further out from same day surgery.     Did you get the air cast?  I’m still in the original cast.  Doctor removes stitches and replaces cast on Dec 5.   Three weeks after that I go into walking boot.  My husband will be so glad when I can function again.    Household details are far from his best thing.  I’ve had a lot of the “ice pick” pains but that is slowing down.  Still using crutches but got the foamy velour pit pads.  Have a knee cart  but our house is small and it’d be more in the way than helpful.  Have not gone out much, like to lunch, bc it exhausts me for a couple days. Getting a shower is usually my biggest daily victory!  Pay granddaughter to dust for me, and she does okay for a 9 yr old. Hope you are doing well.  

Hi Janice. So good to hear from you. I had my appointment to get the stitches out except it wasn’t stitches, it was 14 staples. Freaked me out a bit. The first few came out easily enough but then one staple was caught on the next one beneath the skin and the person did not know this until it wouldn’t come out. Made me break out in a sweat a bit. But the rest weren’t too bad. Quite a bit of bruising. The surgeon did not want me to have a fibre glass cast as an air cast would be removable when lying down so that the air could get at the incision to help with healing. For the next 2 days, I had quite a bit of pain. If I had the air boot on, the top of the boot would press down on the incision. If I took it off, then there wasn’t enough support. I increased my pain meds for a couple of days and now much better. Back to taking one pain med at bedtime. Today was the first time I was able to get the incision wet. It looks quite a bit better. Yes having a shower is a big ordeal. It shows me how much I took for granted doing little everyday things. 

I hear what you are saying about the housework. We moved the day before my surgery and I am still trying to organize things. That is sweet that your granddaughter can help you out. I am back to cooking and cleaning what I can. I am not able to take my poor dog outside as she will pull me over so she just lies down most of the day waiting for hubby to come home from work.

I miss going out for walks and shopping. Not sure how I will get my Christmas shopping done. My friend might come up and take me out but she lives about an hour away. We will make a day of it and have lunch. The surgeon told me I would have to wait minimum 6 months for the next surgery but I will wait a full year. I am able to move my foot up and down now. I am to do this every time I take the air cast off. It hurt a lot at first but moving quite nicely now. I hope you heal quickly and that you will be happy with the final results. Look forward to hearing from you again

cheers,

Kim

Hi KIM,  I am having trouble sending you a response on this site.    I get it typed and it vanishes.      This is my fifth try.      Staples??   Oh that must have been uncomfortable!!    I got my stitches out last week and got a new cast.  I go back Dec 21 to remove this cast and plan  is to use my air boot.    I’m on crutches full time,  still non weight bearing.    How areyou cooking and cleaning?    You are a Superwoman!   My husband is way over being household staff, he didn’t want to do it in the first place.  I will send this now before it vanishes.  Thinking of you.  Continue to heal well!   Janice

Hi Janice

Its really good to hear back from you. Not sure why you are having trouble on this site. I just received your message. Well, it isn’t easy cleaning, cooking and what have you but it has to get done. My iscision isn’t healing as well as I thought it would. The nerves scream at me from my big toe down but hopefully that will ease up soon. I can’t wait to see the surgeon on the 28th. I am hoping that he will give me the go ahead to start putting weight on my foot. Getting outside is challenging to say the least. We got hit with snow since last weekend and I just find it too dangerous to try and use my knee scooter in it. I am unable to use crutches so it is either the knee scooter or a wheel chair. I will use a walker when I can put some weight on my foot. Hoping that you heal quickly and can get back to life. Take care,

Kim

Hi Kim,

Just reading the thread. I had my midfoot fusion on Oct, 30th. i just went to my 2nd post op appointment. I was expecting to get to start partial weight bearing. Im told not for another 4- 6 weeks. So Im still in airboot full time. Live in Wa. state laws wont allow more pain med from surgeon after 6 weeks. I am already taking 1000 mg Tylenol, with 600 gms iproprohen +

a vimovo rx 2 times a day. Said I had to go to my pcp. Bu hes in a different state . Are you or Janice still in a lot of pain? Needing pain meds. I just take it to get through the nights that are too painful to sleep. Wasnt prepared for this thought i was going to start pt and little weight bearing. I need to know how others are dealing with this. Thanks for any info. @Janice33544 also

Hi Lillibee

This is the 2nd time I am trying to write this. The first one disappeared lol. Night time is the worst for me too. I am concerned that you are taking so much over the counter pain meds. Please be careful. I too take pain meds at bedtime because like you and so many others, it is really difficult to get comfortable. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for 25+ years and night time is bad. My pharmacist suggested a half Gravol at bedtime for years and I would do that when needed. My first surgery I had on my left foot March 2016, I had a nice incision on each side of the foot and one through the heel. I was in a fibreglass cast for 6 weeks after the initial surgical cast came off. It wasn’t pretty so this time I had the air cast put on at my 2 week post surgery appointment. This way I let the air at it all the time. Now I only put the cast on if I am leaving the apartment. First surgery I was non weight bearing for 3 months. This new surgeon said they now tell you to start weight bearing at 6 weeks so hopefully after X-rays I can start. I will let you know. This is such an awesome site to share our successes as well as our woes. Only those who have gone throughout something like this can truly understand the pain and frustration we go through. I will go through the other surgeries to stableize my right foot. The feet are the worst to have surgery my surgeon said. I get it. All of our weight is placed on them. I hope that your pain soon starts to fade in the background for you Lillibee. It will hopefully get better for all of us who have gone through this. Stay in touch, Kim

Hi Lilli,

I had my mid-foot fusion, and mtp bone graft, 7 months ago now. I was in pain for quite a while but was on only Tylenol3 after about 4 weeks. I was told not to take any ibuprofen type meds at all for for a few weeks due to increased bleeding risks. I didn't take any for 5 months.

To reduce the pain I tried to keep it elevated and off of it as much as possible. I know this isn't always possible. I can't stress how important this is especially the first 2 weeks and well into the the 4 week mark. I'm sorry to hear that you're still in pain. It really should be subsiding to manageable levels soon. But yes mine was sore for for a long time. Your doctor should be helping you. I'm not in the US so it's a bit different for me. I really hope it feels better soon. Try to stay off it and maybe see if it helps?

Thank you Krista,

Thank you for your reply.

So how are you doing 5 months later? I was told this was going to be a year process because I would have to learn how to walk again. I can do that to get my quality of life back. Basically haven't done much of anything due to my foot, shoulders, and neck for 3 years plus. Had a neck fusion 7 years ago, left shoulder 1yr ago September. Its a drag aging.

My husband and I are retired so im blessed to have full time care. I sleep with my legs elevated, rest elevated, ride in the backseat of the car foot elevated on the few trips out. knee Scooter too long hurts my back. Ice it as needed. I do everything the doctor has asked. The only thing is when they took out my stitches and removed cast at 2 week's the aircast boot release air button popped off somewhere on my ferry ride and car ride home. I called the dr office when I got home to see if they would send me a new aircast boot the reply was its not necessary. I dont need to pump it up. Im wondering why have a pump and show me how to use it if not necessary. I think not having the ability to pump it up it lets my foot move around too much causing more pain, swelling and of course healing. At my 6 wk appt. yesterday they gave me new aircast boot with working pump. So maybe this is normal but Im just discourage with the additional pain and nonweight bearing. I cant believe with all the screws and extra hardware that someone can decide that 6 weeks is enough for pain meds. Ive spent over 40 nights in hospital over since I was 19 years old now 56 had more surgeries than fingers and have never had a drug problem. I am so upset at the people who abuse pain killers and ruin it for people that need them through my surgeon without fear of him loosing his licence. I will go to my PCP. (which is what they told me to do) But its hard with him in another state. I have not been able to find one yet here at my new home. He was able to get me referrals to dr.s here and this specialty surgeon at UW. I feel confident with my research for him and Seattle is also a trauma center for 5 surounding states. Great doctors. 2 podiatrists in Oregon told me they couldn't do anything for me. So Im excited for the future. Walking without limping and pain will a dream. Limping throws your whole body out of alighnment as you know.

Let me know how yor doing.

Sorry for the life history. You can tell this is my life right now. Have a Merry Christmas!

Thank you for the encouraging words. I am also worried about the Tylenol and Ibroprophen. That is why I want an opiad. Dont want my kidneys failing. Its a state law for surgeons here. I think there are ways around it but I understand they dont want to take the risk of being reveiwed or loosing their license. Too many doctor patient abuse cases in this states past. Sad for me, but this is where we live now.

Im hoping that the malfunction of my aircast boot 4 weeks ago did not make this process slow down or make it more painful. I let the dr. office know as soon as I got home from my 2 hr ride home that the air release button was missing, no longer alowing it to hold air. So for the last 4 weeks my foot has had lots of movement in the boot. I think this extra movement and swelling causes more pain slow healing. But at my request I was given a new aircast boot yesterday. I just cant see how with the screws and extra hardware in your foot. How it can be treated as a normal surgery? Im to expect it to take a year to feel normal except be fused.

Just frustrated and venting.

Im thankful to fi d this site to see how others are doing, what to expect., and what works.

Thanks again! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hi Kim, Third Time on trying this reply.   It’s so weird, can barely get site to work.   I go tmw to get the second cast off and hopefully into the air boot.  Pain has lessened quite a bit and I just use Advil.  We are in for frigid weather starting  Thurs and snow over the weekend.   Be my first experience in snow this round  being  gimped up!  Hope that pain radiating from your toe stops.  I had one bout of muscle spasms in my toes that made bend downward for hours.       Dont know what caused that, but not looking for a repeat.         Take care of yourself.  Have a Merry Christmas, ifyou celebrate it.   

Hi Janice 

Good to year from you. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time on this site. I admit typing right now is quite weird. IT is very delayed and I’m not a fast typer lol. All the best getting your cast off. I’m glad to hear that your pain is lessening for you. That is always good news. Mine is as well. Last night was the first time I didn't take a pain pill at bedtime. YEs, we celebrate   Christmas . Our son is home and our daughter and her family will arrive on the 28th. We too are expecting a lot of snow. LEt us know how you make out at your surgeon. MERRY Christmas to you and your families everyone

.Kim

Hi Kim, went to the surgeon today and got the cast off.  That was a relief, it was SO uncomfortable.    It had worn calluses on my toes!   X-ray revealed absolutely no healing had taken place at all in my foot.  It felt so much better than after surgery, that I thought it surely was healing.  I was really discouraged.     Doctor said if nothing happens after 90 Days, he will look into a bone stimulator.  (I don’t even know what that is.).  Our insurance won’t pay for one until 90 Days past the surgery.   SO am in an air boot, w crutches, minimal weight bearing for four weeks.         THank  you for your reply.  Glad to hear you had your first good night last night!     Enjoy yourCHristmas with your family.   We have a grown son and daughter also.   Daughter Is currently on the road and should be here in about three hours.          HAve a very wry Christmas!!    

Janice

Hi Janice. Sorry to hear about your news. I just looked up what a bone stimulator is and is is ultrasound waves or electronic pulses that is to promote cell reproduction in the tissue of the bone. Did your surgeon say anything positive? I really hope that in time, it will show healing by the time you go back. Don’t lose heart Janice. Enjoy this precious season with your family. Have a good night.

kim

HI Kim, the doctor mentioned possibly having to do another surgery  if nothing else works.  He wouldn’t elaborate.    Said we would talk more about that if it came to it.  He just warned me to stay off the foot and give it the four weeks to maybe heal.     THAnks for looking up bone stimulator.  I am not much of a researcher, esp when I’m discouraged.   Sure hope your post op news is good on the 28th!     Take care, and thanks for your replies!         Janice

Hi Janice. Well, my appointment on the 28th did not go as I had hoped, darn it. The surgery incision not only isn’t healing, but has also deteriorated. The wound at the widest is approximately 1.5”. He thinks that my suppressed immune system from my RA as well as my meds is hindering the healing process. I was told then that I should have contacted him sooner. I knew it wasn’t healing properly but my husband kept asking me to be patient and to give it time. I should have known better. So, I was asked to apply an iodine dressing daily for 2 weeks and see him back on the 8 January. Oh, and still non weight bearing. Sorry if I sound irritated, but I am. So, on day 3 of applying the iodine dressing, I asked my husband to take me to the hospital, which was last night. The on call doctor was so very nice. She debrided the wound, taking off as much dead skin and scabbing as she felt was safe. She did not wish to cause too much bleeding. She had the nurse wash it and dress it with iodine and she has placed me on an antibiotic which I thought the surgeon should have done but didn’t. She also has ordered a home care nurse to come in daily to monitor and dress the wound. The nurse will be coming today for the first time. I see the surgeon again on the 8th and I am hoping by then that the wound will be nearly healed and I can begin to weight bear. I will have 2 or 3 more surgeries to look forward to in as many years. I will certainly be more vigilant with the healing. I’ve had a right wrist fusion in 2005 and a left foot fusion in 2016. Now this fusion. I always healed ok so not sure what happened this time. Thanks for letting me vent. Ahhh, feel better now 🙂. I hope you are doing well and wish you and everyone on this site a fabulous 2018. Cheers, Kim

Hi Kim, oh no!  I’m so sorry to hear about your incision degrading and not healing! What is wrong with us and this not healing stuff?!   So sorry you had to go to the hospital for help.  I’m not feeling very confident in your surgeon.   Youre in the UK, right?  I would be irritated, too!   My incision is healing good but aches.  Quite swollen tonight.  Can walk a few steps on it but still on non weight bearing til Jan. 17.    I have Ehlers Danlos, , which causes keloid scarring  later on.   Yeaaa.   Been letting the tub fill during my shower, and foot enjoys the soak.  One day I put Epsom salts in the tub and foot felt better.   Don’t know if I SHOULD, but it felt nice.  Hope that incision gets better.  Let me know how the 8th goes.     Good luck, take care!    Janice

Hi kim,

Argh. I know what you mean about responding to post. Just wrote out a in-depth update and it disappeared.

Im doing better so much less pain with new air boot cast that actually WORKS. Started 50-75% weight bearing with boot full time. Some bone mot fusing well yet. hope your doing well and the other ladies with fusion dates close to ours Nov 17. I have 2 plates and 3 screws in my mid foot fusion. 😊

also @Janice

janice33544

the above message for you too,

Hey Lillibee

good to hear from you. It is frustrat8ng when you’re message disappears like that. Well I am so glad to hear that you are doing so much better. I am as well. I hardly have any pain whatsoever so I know the surgery worked for me. I see the surgeon again on 5 Feb. my husband and I went on a cruise and just arrived back home last night. I took my knee scooter with me to use instead of a wheelchair and am I ever glad I did that. My surgical wound is still open and I am still doing daily dressing changes. I take a daily dated picture of the wound to keep on file. It looks to be getting better. The base of the wound is still quite deep. I was worried at one point that it was going right down to the bone. The sides are look8ng promising now. I will see what the surgeon says on Monday. I also have the nurse coming in on Monday to see me and look to see how it is doing. It will still be a few months until I can wear a shoe I think. Is anyone else’s surgical site on the top of their foot? My last surgery on my left foot was on each side of the foot and thru the heal. Even the air cast hurts my wound as it presses on the top of my foot where the wound is. I also stopped all my RA meds to help promote my healing. Hope everyone else is healing nicely.

cheers,

Kim

just get a few opinions!! I'm not sure I needed it. my foot will never be the same!!

i'm 2 years out!! I order orthotic sneakers...I like Merinos wool sneakers. but have bought and tried many others!