Fusion to my right big toe

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Mducan
Mducan Member Posts: 2
edited 2. May 2017, 04:41 in Chat to our Helpline Team archive
On the 9th Jan 2017 I had an op to fuse my big toe joint due to arthritis I was told that I would after time get back to all activities. I now find that I walk with a limp and have pain within the middle section of my foot and ankle my consultant informs me that due to my dropped arch and the infusion and the arthritis within these joint it isn't likely that I will be able to get back to the activities I have enjoyed so much over the years but my real concern is will it get worst that I will not be able to walk as it is also affecting my knee and hip. I have taken up swimming and go twice a week to help the movement within the joints. I have been told that it will take at least 6 to 12 months for it to heel but in the mean time what other damage is it doing. I would welcome any suggestion at may help even to the point of taking out a loan to pay private to have a replacement joint if that was an option.
Kind regards Margaret

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Dear Margaret,

    Welcome to the forum, I'm not on the helplines team, they will be here on Monday morning.

    You sound like you are in more pain and walking less well after your op than before it. You have been back to your surgeon which is great but the information you were given seems somewhat disappointing. I think I would be thinking the same as you.

    It's been nearly 4 months post op so I'm thinking maybe you will need to wait a little while to see how well it improves.

    If there has been enough time for your surgeon to have written his post appointment letter you might make an appt with you GP to talk over your concerns. They may have suggestions or referrals to other departments that could help or refer you back to your surgeon.

    To help with ideas to manage pain this booklet is really good. Page 14 onwards explores different ways to manage pain

    https://tinyurl.com/mmm6e27

    Personally when I see any specialist I ask them to copy me in when he writes to my GP. Sometimes I forget or become overwhelmed easily and when I try to recount what I heard, and then, well my nouns are very tricksy beasts and seem to muddle themselves up on purpose! I also try to take someone with me for the same reason and also to mention any concerns I'd mentioned before the appointment. Writing a list and sharing it is good too.

    Take care
    Yvonne x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,710
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hello Margaret and welcome from me too though I'm just an ordinary forum member and haven't even had this type of surgery though I have had others.

    It must be very disheartening when the surgery doesn't do all we'd hoped for. Sometimes it's just a matter of time. All hospital departments have slight variations but, in case it helps, here is the leaflet put out by Guys and St Ts. http://tinyurl.com/nynrklc

    I'm not quite sure what 'infusion' you mean but dropped arches can be very painful in themselves. Has anyone ever suggested orthotic insoles for your shoes? They might help things. Your GP can refer you to an orthotist.

    The problem with your knee and hip might not be a big one. When we walk badly because one bit of us is hurting there is often a knock-on effect on joints above. It doesn't necessarily mean that the arthritis has spread. It might simply be that they are being asked to do things they're not used to doing. If you are really anxious to know what's what, an x-ray could show if there is any damage due to arthritis. Personally, I'd be more inclined to try to see a physiotherapist and / or an orthotist. If you can get walking more naturally these knee and hip problems might resolve themselves.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,488
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Margaret,

    I’m sorry it has taken Helplines a few days to come back to you. (We were not working yesterday due to the Bank Holiday). I am glad to see that you’ve received some helpful replies from Yvonne and Stickywicket in the meantime.

    I don’t think I can add much in terms of information: Stickywicket’s suggestions of consulting a physiotherapist and/or an orthotist may well lead to useful advice and reassurance, not only about your foot but also about how to avoid over-using other joints. If you are still concerned then your GP would be the first point of contact and he/she could refer you for any further tests or treatment that were needed.

    Perhaps it is worth holding onto the fact that your recovery is still a work in progress: in 6 – 12 months time your condition is likely to be different. Recovery from all types of joint surgery can take time and it is natural to feel anxious and frustrated while the process if on-going. If it would ever help to talk over how you are feeling, I hope you will call us on the Arthritis Care Helplines.

    Best wishes,
    Rachael
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