Decision week - gulp!

GraceB

Well, on Wednesday I see my consultant to discuss what happens next with my left ankle. From the way it's swollen today I know something has to be done.

I was told 2011 by the consultant I saw then, that the next step was "brutal and bone destroying surgery" - when I queried this, I was told it means a fusion. I am sensible enough to take the advice of the consultant but speaking as a person who had a total of 9 ops to their right knee (the 9th was finally the partial replacement); one op so far to the left ankle; one op so far to the left knee (that needs replacing within the next year or so) plus two attempts at spinal injections (no joy there unfortunately - fusion long term needed) I am, naturally, reluctant to "leap" upon the operating table but sadly I don't think I've got a lot of other options open to me.

Anyway, if anyone is free on Wednesday to send me some positive vibes, I'd be eternally grateful.

Thanks.

GraceB

stickywicket

I can understand your reluctance. I come from the opposite end of the spectrum - 3 TKRs, 2 THRs and a mastectomy and all excellent. I know ankle surgery is 'newer' though and there is the potential for a knock on effect on other dodgy joints. However that could be for better, not worse. Personally, I'd go for it, if offered.

Megrose489

I'll be thinking about you on Wednesday, Grace and sending positive vibes your way. I hope it goes well for you.

Meg

Slosh

I'll be thinking of you too. The thought of surgery is always daunting but in the end all we can do is listen to the advice we are given and then trust in our surgeons. I hope the appointment goes well and that if surgery is recommended that you don't have to wait too long.

dreamdaisy

I've always taken the view that surgery is meant to help and, in my experience of a number of operations, it usually does. The only time it hasn't was when I had my two open and one closed synovectomies but as they were pre-diagnosis of auto-immune arthritis that's hardly surprising.

I would go for it but my circumstances are very different to yours. Count me in on Wednesday and I hope you will be able to let us know the outcome of the discussions. Good luck - I hope you will be happy with any choice you make. DD

LignumVitae

I'll be there with you. I understand your reluctance and I hope you have a useful and productive appointment which helps you work out what to do for the best.

barbara12

Hello Grace..having surgery is one of the hardest decisions to make...has you already know..someone once said to me you will know when the time is right, but I still had to be talked into it...I will be in your pocket..and hope that the appointment points you in the right direction..good luck will be thinking of you..

theresak

Hi Grace,

I`ll be thinking of you as you make your decision - only you can decide, of course, but plenty of positive vibes coming your way.

Good luck!

dreamdaisy

I wish you well for tomorrow. DD

felix

take your guardian angel with you grace there`s one for all of us.

GraceB

Thank you for all your kind replies. I'll update you after my appointment.
Take care,
GraceB

OdamL

I can understand this lack of enthusiasm, Grace. It’s totally reasonable. But all we can do is to trust our surgeon and follow them, isn’t it? If you try to look at this situation in positive way you will understand, the ultimate goal of these surgeries is to decrease pain and maintain function. I hope this makes a sense. Even a good surgeon will do whatever is possible to postpone or avoid an ankle fusion.

As far as this surgery is concerned, one of my blood relative had it done in recent time. It can end your agony, offer flexibility and can improve quality of life too. However, the decision to go down the route of surgery should be made very carefully. I guess, you have already accepted the reality, as you mention you have not left with many options. If I would be in your situation, I would go ahead for surgery, as this is the next best thing I can see. I hope appointment helps you to make the best possible decision for you.

Odam.

GraceB

Thank you Odam for your kind words.

Appointment went as well as it could. He needs an MRI as the x-ray I had last September wasn't showing anything on top of the ankle itself. Although I have an appointment for the MRI it's 5 weeks away so I've been put on the cancellation list for this as I am only 25 minutes away from the hospital. I hope this will shorten the wait significantly.

Consultant feels this is likely to be a cartilage problem and/or the sub talar part of the ankle. Once I've had the MRI done I see the consultant in clinic and we plan what's next.

If only my GP had done an MRI before I saw the consultant as I'd asked but GP wanted consultant to order this... I suspect the word "budget" comes into play here!

GraceB