Scared to go for my ankle fusion
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Laura Bester
Mar 7, 2014, 7:25:42 AM3/7/14
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In April 2011 I fell through a trampoline, (the bracket/spring stuff broke in the corner of the trampoline) holding my baby (that was just walking unto a trampoline filed with older kids) and trying to hold up two other kids(if I haven't cached them they would have broken there little necks). My foot hit the bottom of the 40cm hole. I knew right a way something was wrong. My ankle turned blue and swollen in a matter of seconds. At the hospital I found out that my ankle bone was fractured in two places. doctor gave me a moon-boot and send me home. I remember limping into the doctors office for my 3rd and final appointment, I was still in pain. The doctor told me that it is all in my head and that I should start walking straight.
I lost a lot of weight and actually started putting weight on my foot again (a year after the accident) then I fell pregnant with my 2nd pregnancy. I started to pick up weight and my ankle started to get sore again. I had a miscarriage (nothing to do with the ankle) and got pregnant again 3 months there after. By the time I was 7 months pregnant I couldn't stand on my ankle. It was very very painful. I thought the pain couldn't get worse. After the the baby was born the pain did get worse. I finally went to a doctor. My ankle bone started to break into little peaces. and each time I'm sore, there is actually a little peace stuck in the joint... much pain. after mri scan they found out that about 35% of my ankle bone is already "dissolved" into my body. The pain do vary, but it never go's away now and my ankle get swollen and blue from time to time
the only solution is an ankle fusion. I'm going for the operation the 13th of march 2014 (next thursday). Dr. Fief Ferreira is going to use some of my cartridge of my hip to fit into the open gap in my left ankle before fusing it.
They say he is the best doctor in South Africa to do this (and it shows in his doctors fees) The doctor also told me I may not put any weight on this foot for 3 months... that means I'm going to be booked off work for 12 weeks... no pay.
I've got two children (one 4 years old and other now 10months) and a loving husband. I'm scared more for them... but I believe that this will be best for us in the end. I want to be there for my kids when they play rugby one day.
I'm turning 32 this may. The doctor said he'll guarantee his work if I do what he say in recovery because I'm still young.
I want to know:
• Is there any thing I can do for preparation for this operation?
• How did you experience the operation? was it very painful?
• Is there any one else that got the cartridge removed from the hip in planted in the ankle? and how is the hip going along? How big is this wound?
• I'm told that two weeks after the operation I may only lie. (may not even sit) how did any one go to the loo in this phase?
• I see on the quotation I got from the doctor he is also going to put my foot in one of that external fixations and in a cast. How did any one experience this? (Personally i think this is whats freaking me out)
• Any one with the same story as mine... When could you start to put a bit of weight on your foot?
• I'm scared that the pain I have now will never go away. I can't think that it wouldn't pain if you have bolts and plaits in you... compared to the pain before and after is it better or not actually?
• Can you stand on your toes?
• When could you start walking normal again?
I believe that when we are scared it is only because we don't know what is waiting for us...and that is where I am now.
I must go for this operation. I believe that if this wasn't in God's plan for me something should have happened for this operation not to happen. My bed is booked. The money is waiting for that heavy invoice. And my support system is willing, ready and waiting.
I lost a lot of weight and actually started putting weight on my foot again (a year after the accident) then I fell pregnant with my 2nd pregnancy. I started to pick up weight and my ankle started to get sore again. I had a miscarriage (nothing to do with the ankle) and got pregnant again 3 months there after. By the time I was 7 months pregnant I couldn't stand on my ankle. It was very very painful. I thought the pain couldn't get worse. After the the baby was born the pain did get worse. I finally went to a doctor. My ankle bone started to break into little peaces. and each time I'm sore, there is actually a little peace stuck in the joint... much pain. after mri scan they found out that about 35% of my ankle bone is already "dissolved" into my body. The pain do vary, but it never go's away now and my ankle get swollen and blue from time to time
the only solution is an ankle fusion. I'm going for the operation the 13th of march 2014 (next thursday). Dr. Fief Ferreira is going to use some of my cartridge of my hip to fit into the open gap in my left ankle before fusing it.
They say he is the best doctor in South Africa to do this (and it shows in his doctors fees) The doctor also told me I may not put any weight on this foot for 3 months... that means I'm going to be booked off work for 12 weeks... no pay.
I've got two children (one 4 years old and other now 10months) and a loving husband. I'm scared more for them... but I believe that this will be best for us in the end. I want to be there for my kids when they play rugby one day.
I'm turning 32 this may. The doctor said he'll guarantee his work if I do what he say in recovery because I'm still young.
I want to know:
• Is there any thing I can do for preparation for this operation?
• How did you experience the operation? was it very painful?
• Is there any one else that got the cartridge removed from the hip in planted in the ankle? and how is the hip going along? How big is this wound?
• I'm told that two weeks after the operation I may only lie. (may not even sit) how did any one go to the loo in this phase?
• I see on the quotation I got from the doctor he is also going to put my foot in one of that external fixations and in a cast. How did any one experience this? (Personally i think this is whats freaking me out)
• Any one with the same story as mine... When could you start to put a bit of weight on your foot?
• I'm scared that the pain I have now will never go away. I can't think that it wouldn't pain if you have bolts and plaits in you... compared to the pain before and after is it better or not actually?
• Can you stand on your toes?
• When could you start walking normal again?
I believe that when we are scared it is only because we don't know what is waiting for us...and that is where I am now.
I must go for this operation. I believe that if this wasn't in God's plan for me something should have happened for this operation not to happen. My bed is booked. The money is waiting for that heavy invoice. And my support system is willing, ready and waiting.
Jess C
Mar 7, 2014, 1:18:49 PM3/7/14
to ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Hi Laura,
I had my ankle fused a little over 4 months ago. Tiba/Talus fusion done orthoscopically with bone marrow aspirate. It seems like we had extremely similar situations. I had injured my ankle in similar way that you did, and fought pain for a long while, then had to do something.
When he said "take bone from your hip," perhaps that is the aspirate part... What is involved there, is they drill a hole into your hip's crest, and pull out a lot of bone marrow, then spin out the stem cells, and use that as a paste in between where they will make the fusion. They used cadaver bone mixed with my own stem cell paste as the glue in between the bones, and then screwed them together. In theory it should help with healing, and i'm in my mid 30's and the doctor was very impressed with the results - at 2 months, the fusion looked great. I did *not* have an external fixator. That would really suck. Just taking showers 2 times a week if I was lucky was a stretch. I guess i'm kind of a big baby, but I wanted the bones to fuse and didn't do much of anything for 2 months while in the cast. I wonder why he suggests it for someone in your age range - maybe he is worried you will try to do too much in a cast and have a malaligned fusion, or one that simply doesn't take. I wouldn't want a fixator - it was tough enough...
So, to get to your questions...
- Prep for operation... Get a shower seat. You'll need it - you are not allowed to put weight on it until doc says - I would plan for 2 months. Things will start to get easier around 1 month, but that first month is a month of feeling like a baby. You'll need someone to take care of you for 2 weeks. I had someone nice enough to bring me breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A strong support system is really key the first weeks. Also, eating well is so important. You can look up what to eat with a bone fracture and get the results you need from google. Lots of greens, protein, calcium... yogurt.. you get the idea. Healthy foods worked for me. I used a pee container as I didn't get up to go to the bathroom much. I'm a guy so obviously I have a bit of an advantage. I was also on oxy IR painkillers. Took 1 every 3-4 hrs. Never had any pain but I was always in bed with my foot elevated. The downside was bad constipation. The good side is that I didn't have to get up to use the toilet because just putting my foot anywhere besides elevated was *HORRID.* It would turn purple instantly, and not be a good feeling. I'm not saying this to scare you, but to prepare you. You are not going to like the first 2 months after surgery, but the idea is that you can't use one of your legs, and fusion is the only option.
Remember, i'm 4 months post op - this is all fresh in my mind. I'll get to more of where I am now in a bit.
- The operation was very easy - I was knocked out and woke up in a cast. I was on a lot of painkillers. I had lots of help - meals in bed - not moving definitely helped the healing. Along with good foods. No real pain because of the operation, but you're going to face pain later...
Shoes are a challenge... I've gotten one pair that seem to help. I tried some MBT sandals but they didn't work for me - lots of other people have positive things to say.
I had my ankle fused a little over 4 months ago. Tiba/Talus fusion done orthoscopically with bone marrow aspirate. It seems like we had extremely similar situations. I had injured my ankle in similar way that you did, and fought pain for a long while, then had to do something.
When he said "take bone from your hip," perhaps that is the aspirate part... What is involved there, is they drill a hole into your hip's crest, and pull out a lot of bone marrow, then spin out the stem cells, and use that as a paste in between where they will make the fusion. They used cadaver bone mixed with my own stem cell paste as the glue in between the bones, and then screwed them together. In theory it should help with healing, and i'm in my mid 30's and the doctor was very impressed with the results - at 2 months, the fusion looked great. I did *not* have an external fixator. That would really suck. Just taking showers 2 times a week if I was lucky was a stretch. I guess i'm kind of a big baby, but I wanted the bones to fuse and didn't do much of anything for 2 months while in the cast. I wonder why he suggests it for someone in your age range - maybe he is worried you will try to do too much in a cast and have a malaligned fusion, or one that simply doesn't take. I wouldn't want a fixator - it was tough enough...
So, to get to your questions...
- Prep for operation... Get a shower seat. You'll need it - you are not allowed to put weight on it until doc says - I would plan for 2 months. Things will start to get easier around 1 month, but that first month is a month of feeling like a baby. You'll need someone to take care of you for 2 weeks. I had someone nice enough to bring me breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A strong support system is really key the first weeks. Also, eating well is so important. You can look up what to eat with a bone fracture and get the results you need from google. Lots of greens, protein, calcium... yogurt.. you get the idea. Healthy foods worked for me. I used a pee container as I didn't get up to go to the bathroom much. I'm a guy so obviously I have a bit of an advantage. I was also on oxy IR painkillers. Took 1 every 3-4 hrs. Never had any pain but I was always in bed with my foot elevated. The downside was bad constipation. The good side is that I didn't have to get up to use the toilet because just putting my foot anywhere besides elevated was *HORRID.* It would turn purple instantly, and not be a good feeling. I'm not saying this to scare you, but to prepare you. You are not going to like the first 2 months after surgery, but the idea is that you can't use one of your legs, and fusion is the only option.
Remember, i'm 4 months post op - this is all fresh in my mind. I'll get to more of where I am now in a bit.
- The operation was very easy - I was knocked out and woke up in a cast. I was on a lot of painkillers. I had lots of help - meals in bed - not moving definitely helped the healing. Along with good foods. No real pain because of the operation, but you're going to face pain later...
- like I said, I had the bone marrow (thick blood) pulled from my hip... mixed with cadaver bone to make a
paste. Find out about this. It can only be a good thing. I did not have cartilage transplanted becuase there's no point - we're not trying to make a new joint here - we are making two bones into one. I am not sure why, but my hip muscle really hurt for about a month and a half after surgery. But 2 months after, it was fine and hasn't bothered me at all since. Here's a link to a youtube vid. If I had to go back and do the operation again, I would insist on bone marrow stem cells to be used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWp_MEU0GxU
- yup... as I mentioned earlier, the bathroom is a huge pain... I had a knee scooter that helped me get around.... The cast will feel heavy. I'm not a girl so I can't really help you out in this area. I think I only had a bowel movement once every other day because of the pain killers... The rest of the time I peed in a container. Someone was nice enough to empty these for me. I drank lots of bottled water and juice.
- when did I start putting weight on my foot? Well - 2 months in a cast left my foot *EXTREMELY* atrophied. The next month I spent just elevating my foot in a chair at a desk. I would think PT should have been perscribed, but who knows... Anyways, after 3 months, I did start real PT. I've been doing PT for about a month and have come A LONG way from 'the hot dog on a stick" which was what I called my foot for a month after it was out of the cast. It was VERY tender... atrophy sucks, but it is what it is. After about 3 months I started to put some weight on it with the PT and quickly progressed. A little over 4 months, I am finally able to take a shower without using the shower chair. Keep in mind that I have underlying health problems that made this a little tougher on me than you will probably have, but, I also feel I did everything right, so
use my example as a very conservative healing time.
So right now... where I am at... I can walk very short distances. I can take a shower without my foot turning bright purple... Walking takes getting used to - I can see why they say a 6 month to a year "good recovery" because you have to relearn to walk. Everything in your foot will change. No more high heels. Not that I ever wore them... lol...
Shoes are a challenge... I've gotten one pair that seem to help. I tried some MBT sandals but they didn't work for me - lots of other people have positive things to say.
The most important thing to understand is that the ankle is the most complex joint, and when it comes to walking, a huge part of it. I waited 4 years to get mine done. I would say, do not do it
until you are completely ready. I was walking with a cane for 4 years before I finally got up the guts to do it. I am 4 months post op and so far, glad that I did it. I can walk, with a limp. I expect my walking to get better and better with more PT and more breaking in joints for walking that are not meant for walking. You won't be able to run, but I can see why people say "You'll be able to play tennis." You'll be able to make short quick movements. You are NOT going to be a complete cripple. You will be able to get around and people will have no idea that you have an "cankle" after you learn to walk again.
I was just as scared as you were. Its still painful... It takes a lot of time for recovery, but knowing your support system is there for when you need them is going to be critical.
I am more than happy to clarify any info of my experience, since I had SUCH a rough time finding anyone willing to share info with a same condition as I
had.
Oh yea - I only had 3 screws used.... no plates. Let me know if I can help.
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brian gregan
Mar 7, 2014, 2:09:47 PM3/7/14
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I am a recovered 'fusee" - three years ago - i have no pain - no limp nothing -put it off for years
I must say that my procedure was not as complex as yours Laura.
i was not at all troubled by pain just a lot of inconvenience
As far as getting around the house was concerned I just crawled. Much safer.
It you are 'walking" be really careful of tiled floors
Bathrooms can be a hazard so be super careful - might be an idea to install 'grab rails"
You may find that you get really depressed at times - if so medication will help
You say I want to be there for my kids when they play rugby one day. - What about cricket
Us Aussies go you a good cleaning up in the tests just finished
Laura Bester
Mar 10, 2014, 1:45:19 AM3/10/14
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Ha ha, I don't think I'll ever understand cricket. Martin is just over 4 years and weighs 24kg and Albert is 10 months weighs 13kg. There father was a rugby player... so its more a hope that they will follow and then lead in there fathers steps. :-) but if they want to play cricket, soccer, karate, golf, chess ... what ever... I want to be there.
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Laura Bester
Mar 10, 2014, 2:03:26 AM3/10/14
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Hi,
The doctor explained that he is going to take 2 to 3 slices (like biltong cuts) and hammer it into my ankle. He said if he doesn't do this, my one leg will be shorter than the other. Here in South Africa the doctors may not use bone of a cadaver for anything in a living person. It's sad, cause a Talus transplant would have worked 100%.
Ja, I thought this weekend, wouldn't it be easier to have been a man.
I spoke to a friend this weekend...I feel much better. Next year my eldest is going to start with school... My hip and knee of the other leg is so sore from standing on that leg most of the time... but when I carry my children I bite on my tongue and walk as normal as possible... And I think it's this that actually made everything worse. (My eldest is 24kg and my baby is 13kg. I only carry my eldest to bed when he fell asleep someplace else than his bed, but my baby can't walk yet.) And keeping all this in account... it is not going to become better from itself. My other leg is going to start giving problems...and then what. No, this should be done this week
Thanks for your reply.
The doctor explained that he is going to take 2 to 3 slices (like biltong cuts) and hammer it into my ankle. He said if he doesn't do this, my one leg will be shorter than the other. Here in South Africa the doctors may not use bone of a cadaver for anything in a living person. It's sad, cause a Talus transplant would have worked 100%.
Ja, I thought this weekend, wouldn't it be easier to have been a man.
I spoke to a friend this weekend...I feel much better. Next year my eldest is going to start with school... My hip and knee of the other leg is so sore from standing on that leg most of the time... but when I carry my children I bite on my tongue and walk as normal as possible... And I think it's this that actually made everything worse. (My eldest is 24kg and my baby is 13kg. I only carry my eldest to bed when he fell asleep someplace else than his bed, but my baby can't walk yet.) And keeping all this in account... it is not going to become better from itself. My other leg is going to start giving problems...and then what. No, this should be done this week
Thanks for your reply.
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Jess C
Mar 10, 2014, 3:02:27 AM3/10/14
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I should also add it was done orthoscopically... Only have 5 very small, 1/2 inch scars. Less risk of infection I would think.
They stuck a camera in my foot with one rod, and a tool rod through another hole. Then they removed what junk was left in the ankle joint. Then he removed remaining cartilage from the talus and fibia, and then cut three more holes. Each was used to place a screw.
They stuck a camera in my foot with one rod, and a tool rod through another hole. Then they removed what junk was left in the ankle joint. Then he removed remaining cartilage from the talus and fibia, and then cut three more holes. Each was used to place a screw.
- Jesse C.
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Charmaine reynolds
May 22, 2014, 9:37:37 PM5/22/14
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How was your surgery Laura? How is the recovery going? Are you walking in the air boot yet?
I had an ankle fusion on 12 March this year and not walking yet - bone not healing, very frustrating :-S
brian gregan
May 22, 2014, 10:21:13 PM5/22/14
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On 23 May 2014 11:37, Charmaine reynolds <charmain...@gmail.com> wrote:
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Those air boots are good
My surgeon puts everyone into them after just two weeks
You can take them off and "admire " you leg and ankle and wash it
Meg Gwaltney
May 22, 2014, 10:46:38 PM5/22/14
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That was true for me too. Boot at 2 weeks, then I was NWB for 6 weeks, then gradually built up to FWB over the next 4 weeks. My surgery was done in Baltimore. You?
Meg Gwaltney
Meg Gwaltney
Abt Associates Inc.
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brian gregan
May 22, 2014, 10:50:59 PM5/22/14
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Done in Sydney Australia - ankle surgeon
I have no ongoing issues at all = not everybody has a tough time
Of course some peoples ankles have been smashed up a lot mor than mine was
Meg Gwaltney
May 22, 2014, 11:09:32 PM5/22/14
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I also recovered well. Reason for fusion was rheumatoid arthritis. I still have some pain after walking for 1 hour+ but I'm grateful for being able to walk and to do so without limping at all.
cathym...@gmail.com
May 29, 2014, 3:52:08 PM5/29/14
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Meg, what type of fusion? How was the recovery?
cathym...@gmail.com
May 29, 2014, 3:52:09 PM5/29/14
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Lelanie Niemann
Jul 15, 2017, 2:38:21 AM7/15/17
to Ankle Fusion Support
HI Laura Bester
I would like to ask you if you where happy with Dr Fief Ferreira? And how did the surgery go?
My husband needs to get a ankle fusion, and we have been referred to Dr Kobus Wessels at the Moot Hospital. So we have to make a decision about what doctor to use, I was hoping you can give me some advice?
Thanks so much
Lelanie
sofun...@gmail.com
Jul 15, 2017, 1:58:23 PM7/15/17
to Ankle Fusion Support
Hi Laura! I was the exact same way before my surgery. Scared and nervous. I have severe drop foot due to a massive Stroke I've had. I need both feet done, currently only my right has been done and I'm healing up before we do the left. I'm 5 weeks out with minimal pain, every now and then I would call it painfull. I am very different as in the stroke has left me, for the most part, unable to shift and move around. I am learning to walk again which is why I had the surgery.
I posted here about the pain. I wrote those entries while in the full grips of the pain. It is painfull for about three weeks after surgery, or at least it was for me. Keep in mind I'm laid up in bed and can't shift. So I had to white knuckle a lot of the pain.
It sounds to me that you are experiencing pain now so the pain post surgery may not be as bad for you.
I was worried about range of motion after the fusion. YouTube has a ton of videos you can watch on range. It help reassure me.
The only bad thing about this surgery I have experienced. Is the 12 week down time. I'm going bananas. Hope you like T.V or a good book. It's not a bad thing. It sounds like you are FUBAR right now, sorry.
I do have some questions. Why not ankle replacement? If so much of your ankle is gone why fuse? It sounds like your ankle is slowly breaking itself apart. What good is it to fuse a bad ankle? Anyway, good luck.
I posted here about the pain. I wrote those entries while in the full grips of the pain. It is painfull for about three weeks after surgery, or at least it was for me. Keep in mind I'm laid up in bed and can't shift. So I had to white knuckle a lot of the pain.
It sounds to me that you are experiencing pain now so the pain post surgery may not be as bad for you.
I was worried about range of motion after the fusion. YouTube has a ton of videos you can watch on range. It help reassure me.
The only bad thing about this surgery I have experienced. Is the 12 week down time. I'm going bananas. Hope you like T.V or a good book. It's not a bad thing. It sounds like you are FUBAR right now, sorry.
I do have some questions. Why not ankle replacement? If so much of your ankle is gone why fuse? It sounds like your ankle is slowly breaking itself apart. What good is it to fuse a bad ankle? Anyway, good luck.
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