recent ankle fusion

[Terra634]

I had a ankle fusion march 1st and just started p.t. this week. Im
just wondering when i can finally wear a shoe, what is a good shoe to
have? Ive heard the sketcher shape ups are good. Any suggestions would
be great! Also i am only 31 years old has anyone my age had this done?
Thanks!

[Royj...@aol.com]

Hi Terry, you are on schedule. I was in a hard cast for 8 weeks, a shoe boot for 4 weeks. About 2 weeks in wearing the shoe boot, I started PT but with no health insurance, I had to continue my exercises at home.  I started wearing shoes, tennis shoes after 12 weeks.  I was 57 when I had mine done.  So maybe that's why it took me longer. 

 

As far as shoes, ask your doctor, they know best.  Best of luck.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

[Meg Gwaltney]

Hi Terry.

 

I had ankle fusion surgery in October 2010.  After about 12 weeks, I was able to wear a regular shoe.  My foot was still quite swollen, though, so I bought Sketchers two sizes larger than my regular shoe size.  I got them at Nordstrom’s.  If you live near one of their stores, they have a great shoe department and will sell you mismatched shoe sizes – for example, size 8 for left foot and size 7 for right foot.  That’s what I got.  Then, when the swelling goes down, you take them back and they’ll give you the correct size for the foot operated on.  When I took my shoes back, they gave me a totally new pair, not just the one shoe, plus they gave me $50 back since the shoes were then on sale.

 

I wear the Sketchers all the time now, even a year and a half after surgery.  I can walk well, with no noticeable limp, because they allow me to roll off my foot when I take a step.  They take some getting used to, but are comfortable and great for walking.  I can almost keep up the same pace as others.

 

Good luck with your recovery.  I’m so glad I had the surgery and think you will be too.  Unless I’m on my feet for a long time, I have no pain!

 

Meg

 

PS. I was 57 when I had the surgery.

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[Courtney]

I am 37 and had my ankle fused Jan 3rd of this year so I am at 14
weeks now. I was in a hard cast for 6 weeks then they put me in a
walking boot. I was not able to walk in that boot without crutches and
remained on crutches until recently and now I am able to walk mainly
without crutches but some days still need to use one crutch. I have
ALOT of pain on the bottom of my foot and at the back of my heel both
locations where I had incisions made to put rods into my leg and foot
and the Dr. says my pain is due to scar tissue which I started
massaging both areas to try and break up the scar tissues and it does
seem to have helped. I was NEVER sent to PT so I wonder what is it you
guys are doing that maybe i can do at home here to help with my own
recovery. My doctor said I am allowed to move into regular shoes at
anytime and he recommended the Sketcher Shape Ups as well. I can not
however put a shoe on as the pressure on my heel is HORRIBLY PAINFUL!!
So I am still stuck in the boot at this point until I can get the pain
in the back of my heel to reside a bit more and handle the pressure
that regular shoes will put on this area. I will be purchasing
Sketcher Shape Ups though once that time comes.

@ Meg WOW I knew norstroms would sell you 2 different sizes of shoes I
heard if you are atleast a full size differance but NEVER knew you
could actually take them back when you are ready to get matched sizes
and they would not charge you for a new pair..... WOW That is amazing
customer service and great info for us all to know!!

Any tip anyone can give for at home PT would be great!!

Courtney

[Royj...@aol.com]

Hi Courtney,

 

I still have pain. My ankle is fine but I have pinging pain and I was told it's probably nerve damage that will probably never be right again. So I live with it. The pain I have in my heel, or the back of it is from a reconstruction of my Achilles tendon. But as far as the fusion itself, it's fine.  And no pain on the bottom of my foot at all.

 

Did you ask your surgeon why so much heel pain? I've never had so much pain that I couldn't put weight on my whole foot. And I'm talking the day I started wearing regular shoes until now.  Now my ankle would swell if I was on it for too long. 

 

Since I had NO health insurance I think the PT I had was the run of the mill physical therapy.  I was given these rubber type bands and was shown exercises I was to do to get some range of motion back in my foot and that was it. I had to do them 3 times a day and I did them for about 5 weeks.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

[Terra Bryant]

Physical therapy has me using a bath towel put it under your toes and pull up as far as you can stand for 30 seconds at a time, 4~5 times about 3 times a day. Also try writing the alphabrt with your foot, this one maks me cringe lol. And try putting towel on floor and try ro pick up with your toes ithout moving you knee. Finally put you heel on floor move your foot inward 20xs and outward 20xs. The thrapist actually grabs my heel and pushes and pullx wich feels good i hd my achillie tndon released also so just putting eight on my toes and stretching is huge. Hope this helps you! Thankd for all the info :)

[Larry]

Hi Courtney

I am 64 years old and had a fusion on November 11, 2009, followed by
four revisions. I am still not healing correctly, as in the bones just
will not fuse. The good news is that I have a brace that lets me walk
with no pain and very little limp.( Not to worry. Most people just
heal, I had to be different) I, and the docs have not given up on some
healing happening at some time. The doc says as long as I can walk with
no pain all I need to do now is wait and see what the future will
bring. All is well and I don't even need to take Zoloft any more :-)

As for physical therapy. After the initial muscle rebuild and
coordination practice stuff,(pushing and pulling against towels and big
rubber bands) I found that balance was my biggest problem. The PT had
me work on that on uneven floor surfaces and stuff like that

On the topic of shoes, I like the MBT shoes better than the sketchers.
Just my own preference.

Good luck, and keep us informed on your progress.

Larry

[Courtney]

Larry,

Oh wow I am so sorry to hear you are having soooo many issues. I
thankfully have been blessed that the Dr. says all looks great and
fusion is going great and all looks healed none of my hardware looks
loose or anything of that sort. I must say the amount of pain I still
experience now is better then before the surgery if I had to live
forever in this walking boot i would do that before going back to pre
fusing pain I was experiencing...

The PT that everyone is explaining sounds very MUCH like what they had
me doing BEFORE fusing and they were trying to get more movement into
my ankle joint. I had a talus shatter which was repaired and still
caused me alot of pain after the repair and they hoped that getting me
more movement into the ankle joint would help alleviate the pain so
the rubber bands, grabbing the towel with my toes, the alphabet with
my foot, and the other exercises was what they had be doing so it
sounds like i can handle that here at home, I think i really need to
do the towel pull thing as my dr says I have a "dropped foot" meaning
the front half of my foot drops lower then the rest. So my ankle is
fused where it should be but due to my dropped front portion it is
hard for me to roll over which the walking boot does have a rocker
sole which helps me a lot but its that break over moment that is
painful and then again if anything rubs or touches the back of my heel
which the boot does not put any pressure there but when I tried to put
regular shoes on it was bad bad pain! I continue to massage the back
of my heel and adding more and more pressure in hopes to make that
pain go away...

I do want to try some of the MBT shoes and that is my next mission is
to go try on several hundred pair... lol not really but I have such a
hard time finding shoes in the first place and since my initial injury
I have had to find Wide shoes or they just hurt my foot. I tried the
sketcher before my fusion surgery and they hurt and seemed to put alot
of pressure on the arch of my foot so hoping the MBT shoes do not give
me that same "feel".

Thank you everyone for all you input!! It is so nice to have people to
talk with that some what understand!

Courtney

[ANDREW GRANT]

Hi, I was 39 when I had mine done.
I am in the UK where treatment seems to very from that of USA or Australia.
My OS did not recommend "commercial" rockers and referred me to have
orthotics in my shoes.
Best place for advice is a group on facebook if you are on there! It is a
fantastic group with a wealth of knowledge.
If you are not on facebook. please reply to me and I will provide more info

Best regards
Sandra

[RaychelZ]

Im about to have my 7th surgery, and had my ankle fused 4 months ago.
I am 21 years old. I feel younger people have more issues almost.. im
still not walking, and another surgery is needed. Its rough, but im
trying tokeep my head up after not walking for a year and a half. Ive
found alot of ways to help pain other than meds... down to sleeping
positions that seem crazy! My ankle was auto fusing a couple years ago
before i had it fused, and sketchers did not work well for me. They
hurt. I put inserts in wider easier to loosen shoes, front or heel.
Just the only thing i could do.
Rachel

[Kay Sherrard]

Please be sure to keep getting second (and third) opinions. Also, there is
an ankle support group on Facebook where you might also find helpful
information. They have mentioned "Fit Flops" shoes as being helpful. I
haven't used them, so I can't add more than that.

-----Original Message-----
From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of RaychelZ
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 1:58 AM
To: Ankle Fusion Support
Subject: Re: recent ankle fusion

[ginnie neill]

Dear Kay,

I  don't have to have the ankle fused, but great toe fused. I also have to have three surgeries on the ankle, tendon transfers and all. I am terrified. I don't know how to use facebook. Is there another web site you know of that can help with my issues.

I so hope you are able to walk again soon. I was close to a wheelchair, so that is why I need this upcoming surgery. Thank you for any information. Again my best wishes to your speedy recovery, ginnie

[Kay Sherrard]

Hi Ginnie – Actually, I had a successful TT fusion over 2 ½ years ago, and the ankle is doing fairly well.  I have back problems, and that is what restricts my activity now, but the ankle is good. 

To go on Facebook, click on this link:   www.facebook.com/  

It will ask you for your email address and a password.  Once on the site, you can Search for Ankle Joint Fusion, and you can ask to join the group.  It’s easy, and the site is very active. 

The Google site is a good one, too, with lots of good folks and info. 

I don’t know anything about fusing toes.  Perhaps there is a group out there for it.  Keep Googling, Yahoo-ing and Facebook-ing for info on it. 

Whatever you do, get LOTS and LOTS of opinions from specialists. 

Good Luck.

 

---

From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of ginnie neill
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 11:31 AM
To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: recent ankle fusion

 

Dear Kay,

I  don't have to have the ankle fused, but great toe fused. I also have to have three surgeries on the ankle, tendon transfers and all. I am terrified. I don't know how to use facebook. Is there another web site you know of that can help with my issues.

I so hope you are able to walk again soon. I was close to a wheelchair, so that is why I need this upcoming surgery. Thank you for any information. Again my best wishes to your speedy recovery, ginnie

--

[ginnie neill]

Thank you Kay. I am just terrified over this whole thing. I know that if I don't do this, I won't be walking much, yet I risk the same thing. There will be three seperate proceedures done on me to correct this. The doctor I am seeing is the student of one of the best orthopedic clinics around up in Ohio. Dr. Berlet. I think I want to trust this Dr. Cottom as his teacher sent me to him. I can't get over this fear. thanks for responding. I will go to the site your recommended. I just am not that good on getting onto sites like this one, and never used facebook before. I am older, and not very good at the PC. Take care Kay, I hope things work out for you. Ginnie

[Kay Sherrard]

I am 65 years old.  You can do Facebook!!! 

Also, Ohio is not far from Louisville, KY.  My surgeon was Dr. George Quill.  He would be available for a second opinion if you needed one.  You would have to bring your MRI. 

 

 

---

From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of ginnie neill
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 11:53 AM
To: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: recent ankle fusion

 

Thank you Kay. I am just terrified over this whole thing. I know that if I don't do this, I won't be walking much, yet I risk the same thing. There will be three seperate proceedures done on me to correct this. The doctor I am seeing is the student of one of the best orthopedic clinics around up in Ohio. Dr. Berlet. I think I want to trust this Dr. Cottom as his teacher sent me to him. I can't get over this fear. thanks for responding. I will go to the site your recommended. I just am not that good on getting onto sites like this one, and never used facebook before. I am older, and not very good at the PC. Take care Kay, I hope things work out for you. Ginnie

--

[ginnie neill]

Hi Kay, I did the origional MRI with the Ohio surgeon, who recommened the student near me. Can't travel, just no money in the budget. On medicare/medicaid. Had 9 surgeries without health insurance and lost all I had, and all that my folks had. Pre-existing conditions cut me from the insurance pool altogether. so I am left with medicare/ medicaid. I would indeed want to go to someplace else, but alas, I am stuck. Thanks for advice. I may ask surgeon for another referral before I go ahead with this. ginnie

[RaychelZ]

Thankyou! I will check the Facebook group out. I'd like that. I'll
also check out the fit flops! I posted my own thread about my
situation, I'm not sure if you have the time to read it, but I'm
needing some advice for sure. Thanks for the info

[Kimla]

I thnk that the rockerrx is a great shoe. I know a couple people that
wear them.
They are actually on ebay right now for $17,99 and free shupping. I
dont have
my fushin until 6/4 but I ordered 3 pairs. Good luck and I hope it
all turns out
good. I am 56yrs old and very nervous

On Apr 13, 8:05 am, Royjea...@aol.com wrote:
> Hi Terry, you are on schedule. I was in a hard cast for 8 weeks, a shoe
> boot for 4 weeks. About 2 weeks in wearing the shoe boot, I started PT but
> with  no health insurance, I had to continue my exercises at home.  I started
> wearing shoes, tennis shoes after 12 weeks.  I was 57 when I had mine  done.
>  So maybe that's why it took me longer.
>
> As far as shoes, ask your doctor, they know best.  Best of luck.
>
> Hugs,
> ~Royjean~
>
> In a message dated 4/13/2012 10:50:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
>

[Kimla]

Please give me the name of that group on facebook. I have surgery
monday and am
really trying to gets lots of info tight now.
Thanks so much
Kimla

On Apr 15, 10:54 am, "ANDREW GRANT"

[ginnie neill]

Dear Kim,

I don't quite know what kind of group you are interested in, but this is one I have been associated with for over two years. They deal with a host if issues, have good moderators, and lots of information medically, and emotionally.

neurotalk.psychcentral.com  I am on the welcome comittee and senior member. I will be with this goup for life. That is how much they helped me through my spinal fusions. Not too much info. on ankle and foot problems, that is why I sought out this group. ginnie

[Kay Sherrard]

Go to Facebook and search for Ankle Joint Fusion.

-----Original Message-----
From: ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ankle-fusi...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Kimla
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 9:41 PM
To: Ankle Fusion Support
Subject: Re: recent ankle fusion

[Kim]

Thanks Ginnie.  Right now my only issue is with my ankle but will certainly hold onto this.

Sent from my iPhone

--

[Kimla]

Ok I am having ankle fushion. In the morning at 10am. But thank you
I really want a ankle fushion group. And good luck with your back.

[Kimla]

Hi just wanted to know if your fushion was a plate and screw? And if

you got any sccrews in the heel? I am 15 days after right ankle fushion.

I have alot of tingling and little spasms going on in their. I dont know if

it's nerve damage or just healing?

Kimla

On Friday, April 13, 2012 8:23:53 AM UTC-7, mkg wrote:

Hi Terry.

 

I had ankle fusion surgery in October 2010.  After about 12 weeks, I was able to wear a regular shoe.  My foot was still quite swollen, though, so I bought Sketchers two sizes larger than my regular shoe size.  I got them at Nordstrom’s.  If you live near one of their stores, they have a great shoe department and will sell you mismatched shoe sizes – for example, size 8 for left foot and size 7 for right foot.  That’s what I got.  Then, when the swelling goes down, you take them back and they’ll give you the correct size for the foot operated on.  When I took my shoes back, they gave me a totally new pair, not just the one shoe, plus they gave me $50 back since the shoes were then on sale.

 

I wear the Sketchers all the time now, even a year and a half after surgery.  I can walk well, with no noticeable limp, because they allow me to roll off my foot when I take a step.  They take some getting used to, but are comfortable and great for walking.  I can almost keep up the same pace as others.

 

Good luck with your recovery.  I’m so glad I had the surgery and think you will be too.  Unless I’m on my feet for a long time, I have no pain!

 

Meg

 

PS. I was 57 when I had the surgery.

 

From: ankle-fusion-support@googlegroups.com [mailto:ankle-fusion-support@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Royj...@aol.com
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 11:06 AM
To: ankle-fusion-support@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: recent ankle fusion

 

Hi Terry, you are on schedule. I was in a hard cast for 8 weeks, a shoe boot for 4 weeks. About 2 weeks in wearing the shoe boot, I started PT but with no health insurance, I had to continue my exercises at home.  I started wearing shoes, tennis shoes after 12 weeks.  I was 57 when I had mine done.  So maybe that's why it took me longer. 

 

As far as shoes, ask your doctor, they know best.  Best of luck.

 

Hugs,

~Royjean~

In a message dated 4/13/2012 10:50:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, terrabr...@gmail.com writes:

I had a ankle fusion march 1st and just started p.t. this week. Im
just wondering when i can finally wear a shoe, what is a good shoe to
have? Ive heard the sketcher shape ups are good. Any suggestions would
be great! Also i am only 31 years old has anyone my age had this done?
Thanks!

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[dober...@gmail.com]

Hi RoyJean, were you in an external fixator when you had your ankle fused?  I had my fusion done, not health insurance either, yet, I am on SSDI and will have Medicare in April 2014, so you were in a

hard cast for 8 weeks as well?  That is good, at least I will be able to get around a bit better.  I have been using a friends wheel chair and my fixator needs the pins cleaned daily and the lower half of my foot I cannot reach so my parents, thank goodness they are both with us, are paying for the home care and my son, since he is out of school for the summer comes over and cleans my pins and makes sure I am okay.

 

Thank you for the information.  I am 56 and am a tough cookie.  This surgery was nothing compared to what I have had in the past on my back and knees.

 

Martha in Idaho.

[Larry]

Martha,  It sounds like you everything under control.  You will do well.  The family support is so important. 

Larry

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[Shawn de Boer]

I had a serious zip line injury in Durban South Africa when the line traversed me into a tree, nearly losing my right foot .

8 surgeries later and 4 orthipedic surgeons , I have finally met and jones the right doctor! Dc Adrian Van Zyl conducted my 9th surgery on this injury and it was an ankle fusion. This was 5 days ago so at the moment still leg up and on my back.

I hope to give some honest feedback through the next few months . I am 40 and active so really hope to get a pain free life back.

I am interested in hearing about shoe options ? I know it's a while away but enjoy looking ahead to the end state.

Take care all!

Shawn