What is your experience of hardware?

Sorry, Helen, I don't know what these procedures would involve.

Removing the hardware should be a pretty straightforward and short

operation.  Wishing you all the best,

Molly 

Hi Helen- the majority of my HWR surgery was done by artheroscope- it is easier and is less invasive.  He did have to cut a small area to pull the plate out from one end of the incision , but otherwise all of the screws were done arthroscopically (done by a small puncture w/ a scope).  Osteoectomy means- removal of bone.  

When is your surgery?   I had scar tissue removed, but no bone.  My hubby has had a bone spur removed from his knee, also done arthroscopically.  Generally, recovery is easier.

Oooooo just the sound of it makes me shudder. Hope all goes well and speedy recovery. Sx

Thanks Jan for the info.

On the pre-operations info sheet shows that there will be 2 weeks NWB follow by another 2 weeks of 50% WB, after the artheroscope operation.

My surgery is on 22 June, in two weeks time.

I will post the recovery after that.

Keep us posted- I am sure you will do great!!!

 

Well ladies, went for first physio today and total waste of time. Friend changed shift at work the me. Once there they had no notes from consultant about what was needed for me ad still in cast on one LWB, so came away with printed sheet with light exercise. And appt for nxt week. Just to see how it's gone. Then have to wait until I see the consultant in 2werks. Why can't the different departments get together... Grrrrr

Hello Helen

I Just want to cheer you!! for your surgery the 22th. I'm right behind you, for my surgery is the 23th. I have my plate & screws taken out. We are Winners and we are going to get our Life's back asap.

Please keep us posted on your progress!

Wishing You The Best of Luck!!!

Thanks again, Veronica

Thank you Veronica!

Yes, one more night sleep with the screws and the plate. The surgery will be in the afternoon 22/6. I will stay there overnight. Can't wait!

I will post it as soon as I am able to.

Cheers!

Hi Veronica,

Just wondering if you have got you HWR done. Which country are you living?

I live in Australia. The pain got back 24 hours after the surgery. The surgeon told me that the surgery was really necessary. There were a lot scar tissue inside my ankle and the ankle cartilage was damaged as well. 

The first surgeon didn't do a good job. A few screws and the plate were not put properly. I can tell that was true at least, as I could see one of the screw was sticking out. I was able to see it even I was wearing thick socks.

Anyway, I had been given a boot and crutches to walk. I am seen my surgeon in two weeks time. I hope by then I can walk without crutches. I am going to keep in the boot for at least 6 weeks to prevent the possibility of re-fracture. The bone is so thin. Now there are 6 screw holes on it. Without the protection of the boot, I would be too scared to walk for 6 weeks. Though, my surgeon said the re-fracture only happen if I fall. But I told him that my initial fractures on my ankle were without a fall. Yes, I haven't told everybody here yet. That was why I broken my ankle 6 months ago - no jump, no run, no step, even on a runner - just one wrong movement...

Veronica, please please post your progress after you wake up from the surgery.

Speedy recovery!

Helen

Hi Helen

Thank you for your update and concern.

I live in the USA . My surgery went well

But I had to have my back plate & screws removed also. It was not in the plan at first. But my doctor said that the screws had moved around. Causing me alot of pain. I hope this will fix everything. Reference to the booth, I can't wear it

It tears my skin and it is to heavy for me to try to walk in. I had a problem with it before. I go back to my doctor on Wed 6/28/17. Take your meds as directed!

It helps so much with the pain & burning.

I wish you the best in healing!

Thanks again, Veronica

Hi Jan,

I had HWR on Thursday last week. It is Sunday evening in Australia now. 

It turned out not just simple hardware removal. The surgeon used artheroscope to found other problems - a lot of scar tissue inside the ankle and damage to the ankle cartilage etc. The initial surgery surgeon didn't do a good job. The screws and plate were not fitted properly either. I used to be able see a screw head popping out under the skin, even when it was in a thick sock.

I am now in boot with two crutches. But the pain has almost gone. I have taken the bandage out today. There are not much swollen. I am able to strech my foot to almost 180 degrees, as my the other foot. Still has a bit difficulty on bending though, due to the swollen on the cutting area.

I am so glad that I had made the right decision against my husband's  objection - to have the second surgery.

I will see my surgeon in two weeks of time. He will give me further instruction then.

I believe it will get much better after 6 weeks when I take off the boot.

How are you doing these days, Jan?

?Helen

Hi Veronica,

I just wondering if your doctor had told the reason not to remove ALL the hardware in one go.

I feel the boot is great. It gives my husband an myself a lot more confidence to walk around. My husband is more concerning about my good foot now. He thought the even-up part I add to my normal shoe put my good foot in risk.  He always worry about many things which is not concerning to normal people...:-)

Hey Helen!!  I know you are glad to have this surgery behind you.   I am glad you sound like you are doing ok.   My initial fx (bimalleolar) was 7/27/17 and the HWR was on 4/19.   I had a somehwat rocky 10 weeks after HWR- just ended up being a slower recoup than I expected along w/ another injury (unrelated though on the big toe of the same foot) and then a wound infection), tendonitis so bad i could not wear shoes and more swelling than I expected.  But 11 weeks after HWR surgery and 11 mos after ORIF surgery, I can tell you that my ankle is better and stronger than it has been.  Tendonitis has improved, I can wear shoes- still have some swelling at night but I am definately much, much, much better.  I had all hardware removed- and no longer have any pain around the plate or rubbing on my shoes (which is why I had it removed).   My ankle is still stiff in the mornings but I finally feel like i have my life back. Just want to encourage you - I expected the progress after my HWR to be much faster and honestly felt better when I went back for my 3 week check to have stitches out.  It was after that... I had tendonitis and another injury and could barely walk in the yard w/out falling.  But now- I feel like I have my life back- or at least on the way!   I can actually jog a few steps which i have not done since prior the ORIF surgery.  I have not been patient- was getting very frustrated and then last week- it was like a switch went off and things turned around.   Keep us posted.

 

Hi Jan,

That sound really encouraging. My stitch won't come off, as the surgeon put in a bio one. It will dispear by itself. But I will see my surgeon on 4 July. Hopefully, he could allow me not to wear the boot while I am indoor, as we normally do not wear shoes inside the house. It is inconvenient have to put the boot on and off ever time sit or lie down.

It is the 4th day since the HWR, I hardly feel any pain at all when I not walking. That is already much better than before the HWR. I could walk without aid. But I would take easy this time. There no need to push myself too hard. I want the foot to heal probably.

I am glad the worst is over for you now.

Best wishes for your recovery!

Cheers!

Helen

how are you doing Veronica?  OS appt go ok yesterday?