Tibiotalar Ankle Fusion rehabilitation
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hi guys, I had my fusion on 26 February and it's now 12 weeks post op. I've been able to walk in my space boot with and without crutches for about 4 weeks but I don't feel any improvement in ability after these 4 weeks. If I push myself and walk 500 metres or so (using my sons stroller for support) then I pay for it by being unable to walk without crutches for days after. Sometimes I am able to walk bare foot slowly around the house but I only have to stop and rest for a short time and it's like I've regressed 6 weeks and when I go to stand again the pain in my rear heel hits me. Sometimes the pain extends up my calf too.After a night's sleep I can forget about being crutch less for at least an hour. It's like the rest doesn't help and makes things worse. Maybe I'm expecting too much too soon, I don't know but it's such a long haul, and so depressing if you begin to think about the things you can't do yet and the things you've missed.
It's actually very isolating - I'm looking after our son in a foreign country while my partner works all day too. He's a toddler and gets totally unreasonable without a huge amount of physical entertainment.
I feel like crying a lot.
0 likes, 2 replies
kpower Gillyjoo
Posted
Hi Gilly,
Please try to keep your situation in perspective-- you had major ankle surgery (presumably in an attempt to resolve an existing chronic ankle disability) and you probably knew beforehand that recovery would not be a cakewalk (or perhaps your surgeon preferred not to talk about what comes next after surgery).
It's acid iron times like this where it helps to grow in attitude adjustment in 3 P's: patience, perseverance, and persistence.
Please do talk to your practitioner if you have any doubts or concerns with your progress. Always keep the communication channels as best you can.
Hoping for you the best.
Gillyjoo kpower
Posted
Thanks Kpower, you're right about the perspective. Some days are better than others. No one discussed the length of time it takes to real the rewards of surgery so I've been left on my own pretty much. 12 months is what is talked about in terms of being glad the surgery was done. 8 months to go...