Ankle fusion

lucyjepson
lucyjepson Member Posts: 4
edited 17. Mar 2010, 05:38 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I've just been put on the list for an ankle fusion at the age of 31 and am very apprehensive and scared. Has anyone had one of these? If so can you let me know details and recovery etc! Honesty please I can take it :D

Comments

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lucy,

    My right ankle fused itself many years ago and doesn't move at all fortunately in a good position for walking.

    The advantage of this op is that it will take the pain away and your ankle will be put into the best position for you and your mobility. If it was left it could stop moving, as mine did, in an adverse position.

    The only difficulty I sometimes find is going down steepish paths where I tend to walk on my heel or turn my foot to the side, you tend to feel less safe than when you can flex your ankle and foot to support you.

    Hope this helps.

    Luv Legs :)
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello,
    Welcome to the forum, I hope you will find it helpful.

    I'm sorry that you are going to need surgery, and I can understand you being frightened, as its a big thing, but lots of people on here have had operations, including, I think the one you will be having, so they will be able to offer better advice than I can.

    I'm 54, and have some oa in quite a few joints, including my back and neck. I am at home now, after being retired through ill health last spring.

    I hope that you will get lots of helpful tips and things on here, so keep posting and glad you found us!
    Love Sue
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lucy,

    I have just been told that I will need an ankle fusion too.I am 47 and have Oa in the foot but R.A elsewhere.I am waiting for a C T Scan date and I am completely in the dark about it all. !It will be a triple fusion whatever that may be. :(

    Best wishes
    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • kerrycc
    kerrycc Member Posts: 89
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well I havent had an ankle fusion but I had my right wrist fused 11 years ago (i'm 38 now so I was 27 at the time). Best thing I ever did!! I used to cry with the pain it caused me but in the 11 years since, its the best joint in my body!! Of course there are some things that are restrictive but honestly, I would have it again in a heart beat - the pain is gone. My other wrist is causing me trouble now so i'll keep my eye on it but if it gets worse, I would defo let them fuse that one too. xx
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    kerrycc wrote:
    Well I havent had an ankle fusion but I had my right wrist fused 11 years ago (i'm 38 now so I was 27 at the time). Best thing I ever did!! I used to cry with the pain it caused me but in the 11 years since, its the best joint in my body!! Of course there are some things that are restrictive but honestly, I would have it again in a heart beat - the pain is gone. My other wrist is causing me trouble now so i'll keep my eye on it but if it gets worse, I would defo let them fuse that one too. xx

    Thankyou Kerry. That is encouraging.I dont like the sound of a fixed joint but if the pain is less then that will be a relief.

    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein

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