The Bomb!!!

[davis2177]

Went and saw the new specialist today. Really liked him. He spent
some time listening to me and going through my records and such. Then
came the bomb, He said that even though the xrays of my fusion look
good He is about 85% sure I have a non union in the interior of the
joint and that is what is causing my pain. He said it happens quite
often where the joint will fuse in one or two spots but not through
the entire joint, then with walking, running or coaching baseball
those spots on the interior break and then I am bone on bone. He said
that is the only explanation he can come up with. He said where my
pain is located is directly over the sub talor joint and that after a
fusion there "should" be no pain there.

So now I am in a pickle. I can either live with the pain, or have
revision sub talor fusion. We take a trip every other thanksgiving to
the beach, the last time we went I was a month post op. That was my
oldest son's first time playing golf. He played with his Papa, and I
drove the cart. He told me and his Papa the other day that he
couldn't wait until Thanksgiving so that he could play with both of us
and not just his Papa. If I have this done now I will not be able to
play golf with him again, not sure if I can wait until after
thanksgiving to have the surgery. Just don't know what to do.

Jeff

[Kay Sherrard]

Jeff -
I would seek a third opinion.
When I was looking into my ankle fusion, I went to the three best docs in
Louisville. Each confirmed that my ankle was shot, and two out of three
said they would not do an arthroscopic fusion. And only one even suggested
that I might be a candidate for an ankle replacement rather than a fusion.
(I didn't choose that route.)
I had the fusion done exactly two years ago today!! (Happy anniversary to
me!)
The result was very good, and I can walk on the ankle without problem. It
is stiff in the morning, and if I am on it a lot, it swells (as does my
other ankle). But I would consider it successful. And I have played
pain-free golf with it!!!
By going to another doc for a third opinion, you would at least have either
another choice or a better alternative. Does the MRI not show an interior
non-union?
As far as playing golf at Thanksgiving, you are not going to be doing that
no matter what. If you do decide on the surgery, it will eventually lead to
being better. I know this has been forever for you. (I know this because I
have continued to have problems getting around because of a herniated disc,
back surgery, a left fractured pelvis, and now a right fractured pelvis.)
Since your fusion was right after mine, it means that, for 2 years, neither
of us has been pain-free. But I believe that we WILL get better.
Long rambling answer with a short piece of advice: Get another opinion.
- Aunty

-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of davis2177
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 4:10 PM
To: Ankle Fusion Support
Subject: The Bomb!!!

[Melissa Neumann]

Hi Jeff!

That too, sounds VERY familiar!  My surgery next Tuesday will be the Peroneal tendon subluxation repair, Sural nerve release, revision and/or additional fusion (which would include re-fusing the subtalar joint)...along w/ achilles tendon repair, Fibula non-union repair, and whatever else they see that needs to be addressed.  I am flying out to Denver tomorrow morning, will see all of my surgeons on Thursday/Friday, hopefully be able to somewhat enjoy the weekend...then big, long surgery on Tuesday morning, Sept 6th.

I'll keep you posted, and let you know later next week what they find in there...Although it's nice to have someone out there to talk to who can truly relate and understand what I'm going through, I hate that you, too, are experiencing all this pain and frustration.  

Hang in there, Jeff...Thinking of and praying for you often!

~  Melissa

> Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:09:51 -0700
> Subject: The Bomb!!!
> From: davi...@charter.net
> To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com

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>

[Brian Gregan]

Melissa

Hope everything goes really well next week.

With your description of what is happening it sounds like you are an ankle surgeon !!

[Brian Gregan]

Jeff/ Kay 

 

I feel so lucky that I had an absolutely problem free fusion.

 

Jeff

 

This whole business is taking took much pleasure out of your life

Just take notice of Aunty Kay - she is very wise 

 

And happy Anniversary Aunty Kay

 

 

 

Brian Gregan

-----Original Message-----

From: Kay Sherrard

Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 7:12 AM

To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com

Subject: RE: The Bomb!!!

 

[davis2177]

Good Morning everyone.
First off Melissa good luck with your procedure and I pray you get the
results you are looking for.

Happy Belated Anniversary Aunty Kay.

I am pretty nervous even thinking about revision surgery. I have
checked with my insurance on getting a third opinion and they say that
is on me, they will not cover a third opinion, so not sure if I can
afford to have another Doctor look at me. The more I think about it
the more all this makes sense, the pain is almost identical to when I
had my surgery done, but I was going by my surgeon's opinion that the
fusion was great, but looking back he did have some concerns that I
was healing slowly at about 6 months and put me back NWB and in a boot
for 6 weeks so maybe I never healed all the way. Frustrating that I
have been in pain this long and that was never even considered. I
guess it took a fresh set of eyes to see it. My new doc also took the
time to listen and performed several range of motion tests, watched me
walk, and even felt and heard the popping and cracking while he was
doing these test. My old doctor has not really touched my ankle since
the fusion.

I have a lot of questions for him still. I am going to ask him to
address the peroneal tendon stuff that has shown on the MRI's as this
is what a hope to be the last surgery. I am looking at probably doing
this the first week of December so hopefully I can play golf with my
son. Not to mention it is slow at work and my vacation time will
renew as well. I will keep everyone updated.

Jeff

[davis2177]

Officially scheduled my surgery for November 30th which will be
exactly 25 months from my original fusion...

[Kay Sherrard]

Jeff - I was not sure about what they found with your peroneal tendon in the
MRI and if it is, in fact torn. My left one was torn, and it was the thing
that actually sent me to the surgeon, who found the arthritic degeneration
in the right ankle. My operation on the left tendon was in the fall of
2007, two years before my right fusion. It was very successful, and I have
no pain in it since then. (There was no arthritis in that ankle.) If there
is a tear in your tendon, shame on your surgeon for not finding it and
fixing it when you had your fusion. I insisted that my ankle fusion surgeon
check the peroneal tendon for tears in the right ankle, just to be sure.
Continued prayers!
- Aunty

[Kay Sherrard]

Melissa – good luck with all the surgery!  It sounds very extensive.  When I had my back done last year, they did a great deal of work on it, and I was glad they were able to do it all at once.  Nothing like getting a lot of work done in one trip.  Please keep us posted. 

- Aunty Kay

 

---

From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Melissa Neumann
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 10:53 PM
To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: The Bomb!!!

 

Hi Jeff!

 

That too, sounds VERY familiar!  My surgery next Tuesday will be the Peroneal tendon subluxation repair, Sural nerve release, revision and/or additional fusion (which would include re-fusing the subtalar joint)...along w/ achilles tendon repair, Fibula non-union repair, and whatever else they see that needs to be addressed.  I am flying out to Denver tomorrow morning, will see all of my surgeons on Thursday/Friday, hopefully be able to somewhat enjoy the weekend...then big, long surgery on Tuesday morning, Sept 6th.

 

I'll keep you posted, and let you know later next week what they find in there...Although it's nice to have someone out there to talk to who can truly relate and understand what I'm going through, I hate that you, too, are experiencing all this pain and frustration.  

 

Hang in there, Jeff...Thinking of and praying for you often!

 

~  Melissa

 

--

[davis2177]

Thanks Kay, my MRI report states thinning of brevis longus tendon
with a possible psuedo tendon. That has never been addressed and what
I thought the problem was. It may be contributining to it however. I
guess we will find out. The scheduler said it would be a 2-3 day
hospital stay this time and it is a little more extensive this time
because they have to take the old hardware out and brake everything in
order to refuse it. Sounds painful to just type it. I was so ready
last time and this time I am a nervous wreck and very scared. On top
of all that I am now worried if it will take this time too.

Jeff

[Royj...@aol.com]

Okay, you've set the date Jeff......make sure you remind us as the day gets closer. 

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

[davis2177]

Will do...

Couple of questions for anyone...
Did you have the bone graft from your hip? How bad was that?

I don't know if he is going a bone graft, but my first there was some
kinda slurry which was my blood mixed with cadaver parts i think. I
have heard horror stories about bone grafts and it has me a little
worried. It is on my list of questions to ask.

On Aug 31, 10:32 am, Royjea...@aol.com wrote:
> Okay, you've set the date Jeff......make sure you remind us as the day gets
>  closer.  
>
> Hugs,
> ~Royjean~
>
> In a message dated 8/31/2011 9:56:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
>

[Kay Sherrard]

Jeff -
As for the bone graft - I had the end of the tibula bone cut off (the doc
said I don't need it with a fusion) and used for my bone graft. It worked
very well.
As for the worries -
Read Job.
On second hand, better not. It would give you just that much more to worry
about.
So just have faith that you won't be given more than you can handle, and,
with God's help, you can handle a LOT.
As I said, I have been going through one painful thing or another since
2007. I will not give up, nor give in to pessimism. Are you with me?
We might not be able to do crazy dances when we're through all this, but I
know there is good stuff ahead.
-Aunty

Jeff

--

[davis2177]

Kay,
Since this is a sub-talor fusion I don't think they will use the end
of my Tibia at least I hope not.
Job is not the greatest book to read right now....I know the ending is
the best part however.

I have decided to make a list of questions for my new doctor. Lets
see if what ya'll think and if you can think of any others that might
help:

1. Bone Graft? yes or no if yes from where
2.Screws through the heel or through the top where they are now?
a. Can I have the old screws
3.Cast or boot
4.Can you check my Peroneal tendon issues that have shown up on MRI's
a.Peroneus longus tendinopathy
b.pesudo tendon of peroneal brevous & estensor hallucis longus
c.degeneration of the tarsometatarsal joints
5. Bone Stimulator? yes or no
6. Prescription for the IWalk free hands free crutch
7. can i get one of the cold cooler pump thingies (the cooler that
pumps cold water around your ankle continusiously)
8. Can I get a disabled parking placard?

let me know what you all think and if there is something i am
missing. Thanks

Jeff

[Kay Sherrard]

Hi Jeff - I mis-typed. It was the end of my fibula - the little bone in the
leg - that was used for my bone graft. Don't be afraid of a bone graft. It
gives more bone material for the healing, and it is from you, so no problems
with rejection.
I'm sure you can have the old screws. I don't see why not.
I agree that you need a handicap parking pass. Fight for it.
I think the rest of the questions are very good. I have nothing to add to
them.
Roll Tide.

[Royj...@aol.com]

My doctor would not approve a handicap parking pass. He told me you're not going to be laid up that long and you shouldn't be going out unless it's to see me because you are NOT allowed to drive.  So I could not get one.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

[Kay Sherrard]

Parking pass permits vary from state to state, I suspect.  I was able to get a temporary one in Kentucky, good for 3 months.  I struggled after surgery on the left ankle in 2007, and then after the fusion in 2009 I had a temporary permit.  In 2010 after continued problems after surgery on my back and then fractures in my pelvis, the neurosurgeon authorized a permanent one. 

 

---

From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Royj...@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 9:07 AM
To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: The Bomb!!!

 

My doctor would not approve a handicap parking pass. He told me you're not going to be laid up that long and you shouldn't be going out unless it's to see me because you are NOT allowed to drive.  So I could not get one.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

--

[davis2177]

According to the state of Alabama, I should be able to get a temporary
one for 6 months, if you have to use crutches, cane, wheelchair, ect.
So hopefully my doc will sign off on it.

On Sep 3, 8:47 am, "Kay Sherrard" <mistybr...@insightbb.com> wrote:
> Parking pass permits vary from state to state, I suspect.  I was able to get
> a temporary one in Kentucky, good for 3 months.  I struggled after surgery
> on the left ankle in 2007, and then after the fusion in 2009 I had a
> temporary permit.  In 2010 after continued problems after surgery on my back
> and then fractures in my pelvis, the neurosurgeon authorized a permanent
> one.  
>
>   _____  
>

[Royj...@aol.com]

They must vary because in DE you have to be almost permanently disabled.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

[Melissa Neumann]

Hi Jeff...

I have had both done...Bone grafting from the hip is painful, but yet it's typically good, strong, and healthy bone...so helps get a good fusion. I've also had allograft (cadaver bone) mixed w/ my blood, used as "bone cement" and it typically works well, too...unless it's my body, which doesn't like anything b/c of my Ehlers-Danlos connective tissue disease.  Pain-wise, both are pretty equal in my book.  

I have an I-Walk, Hands-Free Crutch....never used the darn thing!  My docs threatened me w/ my life if I ever attempted to use the darn thing!  I even had them watch the video...they didn't like it, said I would be the one to fall and break every bone in my body and be worse-off than I am now!  Where do you live?  I would be happy to send you mine, if you could cover the shipping.  They are expensive, and I hate that it's just sitting here!  My knee walker is the only way I can get around...Just had my Peroneal Tendon surgery last Tuesday, Sept. 6th.  It went ok, just long...My Fibula had finally healed, so they removed the plate used to fix that, as well as a handful of screws....and a couple that were broken.  They literally had to dig a hole in the bone to dig out all the pieces of each screw.  For teh Peroneal tendon, they deepened the groove in the bone for it to sit it, since there wasn't a place for it before...hence the reason for it popping over the bone and hardware.  I had quite a bit of nerve, bone, and tendon work done...leading to quite a bit of pain - especially incredibly painful spasms.

I hope this helps you...I'm glad you have a list of questions for your new doc - I go into every one of my appointments with a list, and it seems to always help get everything answered!

Oh - about the Handicap placard for your car...my docs gave me a permanent one years ago, primarily b/c of my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as it affects every joint in my body...but especially now w/ my ankle fusion and additional surgeries/complications, it just gets renewed every 4/5 years and I'm good to go!  That's Illinois, though....I've never had any questions about it.  They honor it, no questions asked, and mail me a new one whenever it has to be renewed!

Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about the Peroneal tendon and Sural nerve surgery...I'm happy to help in any way I possibly can!  Also, if you would like my I-Walk, Hands-Free crutch, let me know!

Hope you're doing well!  

~  Melissa