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Penny Reid

Posted , 6 users are following.

penny04107
penny04107

I had a triple fusion on my right ankle on June 19th and the Xrays taken last week confirmed that all had gone well - metal work in place etc.   I came out of a fibreglass removable plaster which I hadn't removed for the 7 weeks and had obeyed all orders about weight bearing etc.   It actually feels better than the left ankle which is waiting for the operation next year!  However the Consultant wanted me to wear the pneumatic airboot which I did for two days until I realised that the uneven stance was totally rubbishing my lower back.  He had given me no advice about this, nor did I see a physiotherapist.    It seems such a shame that his expert surgery should not have been supported by sensible aftercare.  I am waiting for another removable walking plaster and a physiotherapist to advise simultaneously which at the moment seems beyond the capability of what is in fact a private Nuffield hospital.   I am reluctant to wear anything too high on my unoperated and creaky foot so we will see and am meantime walking cautiously around doing gentle domestic tasks and resting when necessary.

It has been good to read that the triple fusion can be a success!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • barb1953
    barb1953 penny04107

    Posted

    Hi Penny,

    its so so refreshing to read a good report of a successful ankle fusion. I had a double ankle fusion on July 19th so you're one month ahead of me. I'm going in the morning for X-rays & to be placed in a full cast as I've only been in a soft partial cast for the last month. I also had a cacaneal osteotomy done. I'm very concerned as I have this pain around my whole ankle & that is quite intense at times & every time I move, I feel it. Sometimes the pain is as bad as my first week of surgery. I've done nothing but move from a bed to the bathroom or a chair. I've been icing three or four times a day. It almost feels like there's something else going on in there or is this normal? What was your pain like at one month? I can hardly wait for tomorrow to see what's going on. 

    A lot of people have problems with those boots & because of its height, you're off balance which would put strain on your back. Are you going to start Physio Therapy? Are you able to put any pressure at all on your foot? I also need my other one done but he won't do it unless this one is a success. I really hope you get the help you need & this turns out to be everything you hoped it would be. 

    Barb

  • tessa98714
    tessa98714 penny04107

    Posted

    Hi penny, I couldn't agree with you more about lack of aftercare and general advice on recovery etc. I had my fusion done  at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital so I thought I would get more support but I feel like they only tell you about the first 3 months in plaster and then nothing more about recovery after that. Although my fusion has gone well according to X-rays , I've had a lot of pain when walking since I came out of plaster and the pneumatic boot and they just keep saying it takes a long time. No physio has been offered despite requests and I've ended up paying to see an Osteopath to straighten me out after months on crutches and the air boot. I'm walking on the outside of my foot apparently so now I'm getting some insoles,  but they were not offered till 6 months post op and are going to take 2 months to make. Meanwhile I'm getting fed up still walking with pain after 6 months.  I feel something's not right as I can feel some cracking on the side of my ankle, they say perhaps my screws are slightly poking through, but I don't have another appointment till November. Am feeling very frustrated.  Sorry for the moan but It seems lack of post op advice is quite common. Hope your recovery continues well. 

  • Chestnut17
    Chestnut17 penny04107

    Posted

    Get yourself an "even up" shoe device online to balance out your gait! 

  • dawnette1154
    dawnette1154 penny04107

    Posted

    Hi Penny,

    My back was killing me and someone on here also mentioned getting the "Even up " shoe.  I just used it today and what a difference! OMG it helps so much. I ordered mine on ebay for 19.99 with free shipping.  Best thing, I wore it all day today and very little problems.  They should give everyone one of these when given the Cam Boot.

    I go to PT tomorrow for the first time I had to wait 3 1/2 weeks before I could get in.

    It is worth the try!

  • jenni_24876
    jenni_24876 penny04107

    Posted

    Look up Even Up Shoe. It will give you an even gait whilst in boot. Bloody surgeons should advise to wear this over shoe on good foot. 
  • jenni_24876
    jenni_24876 penny04107

    Posted

    Sorry just saw other messages. But you will see how many know the importance of even gait. 
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