AIR CAST BOOT AFTER SURGERY - YOUR EXPERIENCES PLEASE !!!

cacyhi

Hi all,

Back looking for the benefit of other people's experiences following Triple Ankle Arthrodesis which I had done 8 weeks ago.

If you have read my previous posting you will know that I appear to have "some kind of plaster cast "phobia and Iv got to the point that when I see the surgeon next week ( after 9 weeks) I am going to insist, whatever I have to sign, that he puts me in an aircast boot as I cant take the cast any longer - yeah I know im a wimp compared to what some of you are going through, but I do know it is a psychological condition.

Being extra prepared with questions etc , is the best advice ive picked up from the forum this week. I would love to hear from anyone who has used an NHS Aircast boot following ankle surgery for tips etc. about fitting, or what questions to ask. Also, I am keen to know, honestly what air cast is like if you have to sleep in it ????

I have RA (& Hypermobility syndrome) which has had intermittent flare ups since I was 22 (now 53) I have been in remission for about 8 years but I am now dealing with the damage the disease has caused, effects of doing too much both before and since,and the effects of all the meds etc.

valval

i think you have been so brave to have kept it on as long as you have i can not help just wanted you to know that i feel you have done great val

frogmorton

Hiya Carol

no personal experience but my BIL has one on as we speak and he is getting on just fine with his. Having said that he does not have the extra issues you ahve hyper-mobility etc.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

Love

Toni xx

cacyhi

Thank you for your support Valval and Frogmorton - I have all but pulled it off - the thing is, the surgeon does not seem to take me seriously but the senior department nurse does and arranged for an appointment for me to see him next week (which was not scheduled - bet he will be p****d off to see me again!!!) Dont know what to do if he says no to the boot??????

RobYorks

Hi Carol,

I've used the aircast boot twice now following a MACI in 2007 and TAR this May. Not sure what make it is but very easy to get on with. There are a couple of air bladders to allow proper fit and support and adjustment with the Velcro straps. Obviously they're bulky so you have to find a decent sleeping position and if you hobble outside a lot, you might want to put a cover on it at bedtime.

Once weight bearing, he design of the boot sole makes for easy progress. Only downside is that they still feel tight every now and then but you can loosen it off when you've got your feet up.

All the best,

Rob.

traluvie

Hi Carol

Unfortunately i am not familar with your situation, but sounds like you have put up with a lot,..
Wish you well, thinking of you..(((((X)))))

cacyhi

thanks for your experience Rob - I think I am just hoping that the air cast will be more conmfortable than the cast ive got now - but I suspect the reality is its just another kind of uncomfortable. Im finding it so hard to keep positive at the moment.
Traluvie - thank you for your good wishes - at the moment I need every one of them x