donandpattyt
06-23-2008, 12:00 PM
Hello everyone.
I guess I am just feeling blah blah and needed some support from everyone on here that knows what I am going through.
In September 2007 I had my first ankle surgery-an OATS procedure. I did my physical therapy...stayed off my feet....five months.....and was still having a lot of pain.
When I went back to my dr, he did an x-ray, and said I needed surgery again because my previous surgery didn't take. The bones had compacted and sorta dropped.
So in May of 2008 I had a mosaicplasty and used a donor bone from a cadaver. I am now 5 weeks post op....still having swelling and pain. I am off my feet again for five months.
My question is this....has anyone else been through this? My surgeon told me that if this surgery doesn't take, then I have to have my ankle fused togeter. I don't want that either.
and how long till this pain goes away??? I only take pain meds at night to help me get to sleep. I am also wearing my bone stimulator for 8-10 hours per night.
I just feel completely useless here at home.:(
I would appreciate any words of wisdom.
Thanks
I guess I am just feeling blah blah and needed some support from everyone on here that knows what I am going through.
In September 2007 I had my first ankle surgery-an OATS procedure. I did my physical therapy...stayed off my feet....five months.....and was still having a lot of pain.
When I went back to my dr, he did an x-ray, and said I needed surgery again because my previous surgery didn't take. The bones had compacted and sorta dropped.
So in May of 2008 I had a mosaicplasty and used a donor bone from a cadaver. I am now 5 weeks post op....still having swelling and pain. I am off my feet again for five months.
My question is this....has anyone else been through this? My surgeon told me that if this surgery doesn't take, then I have to have my ankle fused togeter. I don't want that either.
and how long till this pain goes away??? I only take pain meds at night to help me get to sleep. I am also wearing my bone stimulator for 8-10 hours per night.
I just feel completely useless here at home.:(
I would appreciate any words of wisdom.
Thanks
Sponsor
akirka
06-23-2008, 03:30 PM
Hi,
I'm 5 months out from my first (and it better be the only) OATS procedure. My foot in the last month has been pretty pain free and I've been feeling encouraged. What do you mean that you were off your foot for 5 months? When did you start weight-bearing? I was NWB for 3 months and it took me another month to really start walking. This last 2 months I've been doing PT - mostly ROM exercises, biking, walking, strengthening. I've been doing a lot of yardwork the last few weeks. I hope I'm not overdoing it but I feel pretty good. I do still take an Advil once in a while when my foot (usually achilles) starts aching.
Did your Dr. say why the OATS surgery didn't take? Are you wearing a bone-stimulator because you have problems getting your bone to heal? I really hope this surgery works for you. No one wants to think of fusion. :dizzy: Are you taking any calcium supplements? I'm not much of a vitamin taker but I had a pretty good gap in my osteotomy, started taking calcium, and 12 days later it was x-rayed and the gap was gone!
Hang in there!
Abby :)
I'm 5 months out from my first (and it better be the only) OATS procedure. My foot in the last month has been pretty pain free and I've been feeling encouraged. What do you mean that you were off your foot for 5 months? When did you start weight-bearing? I was NWB for 3 months and it took me another month to really start walking. This last 2 months I've been doing PT - mostly ROM exercises, biking, walking, strengthening. I've been doing a lot of yardwork the last few weeks. I hope I'm not overdoing it but I feel pretty good. I do still take an Advil once in a while when my foot (usually achilles) starts aching.
Did your Dr. say why the OATS surgery didn't take? Are you wearing a bone-stimulator because you have problems getting your bone to heal? I really hope this surgery works for you. No one wants to think of fusion. :dizzy: Are you taking any calcium supplements? I'm not much of a vitamin taker but I had a pretty good gap in my osteotomy, started taking calcium, and 12 days later it was x-rayed and the gap was gone!
Hang in there!
Abby :)
donandpattyt
06-23-2008, 03:46 PM
Hi Abby,
I was nwb for 3 months, then I had to gradually work my way up to full weight bearing over the next two months. I never got to full weight bearing without a great deal of pain.
My surgeon is not sure why my OATS procedure didn't take. He said what when he went in to do my mosaicplasty that when he touched my bone, it just crumbled...well his expression was (you know what happens to sand when you stick your finger in it, that is what happened to your bone)
My surgery took 4 hours instead of 2 like it was suppose too. So I guess things were pretty complicated in there. The bone stimulator is suppose to help....I hope it does.
I do take calcium chews (3 per day) and a tums every night before I go to bed.
I guess I am just tired of feeling helpless around the house. This has been going on Since Sept of last year. My calf muscle is gone. I am only allowed to sit around with my foot propped up on pillows all day. I am a nurse and I had to quit my job.....I just really hate all this.
:mad:
I was nwb for 3 months, then I had to gradually work my way up to full weight bearing over the next two months. I never got to full weight bearing without a great deal of pain.
My surgeon is not sure why my OATS procedure didn't take. He said what when he went in to do my mosaicplasty that when he touched my bone, it just crumbled...well his expression was (you know what happens to sand when you stick your finger in it, that is what happened to your bone)
My surgery took 4 hours instead of 2 like it was suppose too. So I guess things were pretty complicated in there. The bone stimulator is suppose to help....I hope it does.
I do take calcium chews (3 per day) and a tums every night before I go to bed.
I guess I am just tired of feeling helpless around the house. This has been going on Since Sept of last year. My calf muscle is gone. I am only allowed to sit around with my foot propped up on pillows all day. I am a nurse and I had to quit my job.....I just really hate all this.
:mad:
akirka
06-23-2008, 03:56 PM
I'm sorry you're having so many troubles! The worst part is you don't know why the OATS failed! Your bone sounds like the lesion they remove from my foot. They said it was like crumbling white chalk. It's so nice to walk on I know! I guess your plug never really did incorporate into your talus and just died. Was it cadaver last time or did they take it from your knee? Even after 2 mo. of PT, my calf is still pretty non-existant. I've decided to embrace it as a very sexy petite part of my body! The only advice I have for you is to try and get outside. If I were you, I would have a lawnchair set outside with your foot propped up with lemonade at my side and let the sun try to cheer you!
Write anytime to grumble!
Abby :)
Write anytime to grumble!
Abby :)
mirchanon
06-23-2008, 05:43 PM
Sorry about your OATS procedure... stick with it.. my microfracture surgery didn't go as well as I hoped either so I''m looking at riskier surgeries now - the same situation you're in.
That said, I hate to be "negative" but the truth is necessary..
Akirka, take good care of that ankle because you're only allowed one OATS..(or ACI). The doctors I've talked to say that once you get OATS (or ACI) that is it. This is unlike microfracture surgery, in which you can get OATs or ACI after should MF fail.
donandpatty: one of my dr's recommended the bone stimulator, while the other DR said there was no proof that it works. I guess being optimistic about it is better than nothing. just thought you should know, in case you are spending your own money on it or something.
That said, I hate to be "negative" but the truth is necessary..
Akirka, take good care of that ankle because you're only allowed one OATS..(or ACI). The doctors I've talked to say that once you get OATS (or ACI) that is it. This is unlike microfracture surgery, in which you can get OATs or ACI after should MF fail.
donandpatty: one of my dr's recommended the bone stimulator, while the other DR said there was no proof that it works. I guess being optimistic about it is better than nothing. just thought you should know, in case you are spending your own money on it or something.
donandpattyt
06-24-2008, 08:35 AM
Mirchanon: yes, my insurance has covered the bone stimulator. I hope it works. I am trying everything this time to make sure I don't have to have another surgery on my ankle. Twice was enough!
Akirka: I had my own plugs for the OATS procedure. then for the mosaicplasty, I had a cadaver bone. I named her "wanda"! :)
I really don't like not being able to drive. Since this is my right foot. I have three teenagers, who all have to be somewhere. then I have to find a way to get myself to physical therapy. It's enough to drive a person insane.
Akirka: I had my own plugs for the OATS procedure. then for the mosaicplasty, I had a cadaver bone. I named her "wanda"! :)
I really don't like not being able to drive. Since this is my right foot. I have three teenagers, who all have to be somewhere. then I have to find a way to get myself to physical therapy. It's enough to drive a person insane.
happyfoot17
06-24-2008, 10:36 AM
Hiya,
I had a failed MACI (similar to OATS) and it sucked. I haven't posted on here for a while, but anyway I decided against fusion and went with replacement (I was 26 - now 27). I went to one of the top surgeons in the world coz no one else would give me a replacement due to my age. It was the best thing I ever did, my ankle is great. I'm at one year tomorrow and my life is brilliant. I seriously recommend that if this doesn't work (which obviously I hope it does) that you go down the replacement route and not the fusion.
Good luck with the recovery and fingers crossed it works out for you
Kira
I had a failed MACI (similar to OATS) and it sucked. I haven't posted on here for a while, but anyway I decided against fusion and went with replacement (I was 26 - now 27). I went to one of the top surgeons in the world coz no one else would give me a replacement due to my age. It was the best thing I ever did, my ankle is great. I'm at one year tomorrow and my life is brilliant. I seriously recommend that if this doesn't work (which obviously I hope it does) that you go down the replacement route and not the fusion.
Good luck with the recovery and fingers crossed it works out for you
Kira
donandpattyt
06-24-2008, 11:02 AM
Hi Kira,
I can't believe you were able to get a ankle transplant. That is wonderful. I heard the same thing you did about being too young to have one. I am praying that this procedure worked, but if for some chance it doesn't, I will contact you again to see about which dr you used.
Good luck with your recovery!
I can't believe you were able to get a ankle transplant. That is wonderful. I heard the same thing you did about being too young to have one. I am praying that this procedure worked, but if for some chance it doesn't, I will contact you again to see about which dr you used.
Good luck with your recovery!
happyfoot17
06-24-2008, 12:05 PM
Hiya,
Just to clarify I didn't have a transplant from a cadaver (although that is also an option for you probably, I have heard of someone as young as 16 years old getting one). I have a total ankle replacement (metal and plastic) but it is fantastic. Hopefully you won't need to go down that route and get a great result from your latest op!
Kira
Just to clarify I didn't have a transplant from a cadaver (although that is also an option for you probably, I have heard of someone as young as 16 years old getting one). I have a total ankle replacement (metal and plastic) but it is fantastic. Hopefully you won't need to go down that route and get a great result from your latest op!
Kira
donandpattyt
06-24-2008, 12:37 PM
Kira,
Yeah, I figured you meant a plastic and metal one. I think that is great. Although noone where I live will put one is someone as young as me (36). I would have opted for that instead of all these surgeries.
Were you told that your ankle transplant would only hold up for a certain number of years?? then you would have to get another one??
How long after your surgery were you able to get up and walk around on it without crutches?
Patty
Yeah, I figured you meant a plastic and metal one. I think that is great. Although noone where I live will put one is someone as young as me (36). I would have opted for that instead of all these surgeries.
Were you told that your ankle transplant would only hold up for a certain number of years?? then you would have to get another one??
How long after your surgery were you able to get up and walk around on it without crutches?
Patty
akirka
06-24-2008, 01:23 PM
Patty,
Just so you know, my Dr. does the STAR ankle replacement. His name is Dr. Michael Coughlin and his practice is in Boise, ID. But, I'm sure your surgery will work this time and you won't need him!
I didn't drive for a month because I couldn't stand my foot down (my left foot). Then my car is a standard so I couldn't drive it and switched cars with an older friend who had a Cadillac. I didn't drive my car from Jan - May so it's nice to have it back! Esp. with gas prices now - the Caddy was expensive!
Abby :)
Just so you know, my Dr. does the STAR ankle replacement. His name is Dr. Michael Coughlin and his practice is in Boise, ID. But, I'm sure your surgery will work this time and you won't need him!
I didn't drive for a month because I couldn't stand my foot down (my left foot). Then my car is a standard so I couldn't drive it and switched cars with an older friend who had a Cadillac. I didn't drive my car from Jan - May so it's nice to have it back! Esp. with gas prices now - the Caddy was expensive!
Abby :)
happyfoot17
06-24-2008, 11:01 PM
Hi Patty,
I was told they can't guarentee any amount of time, but the implant I got is a new implant and has great stats for the years it has been around. No doctor will give you a definate time frame, but I have talked to many who have had TARs for 10 years with just 1 replacement of the poly insert (very simple operation). My TAR only removed 6mm of bone, so it leaves me the option to have multiple replacements of the metal parts and indefinate replacements of the poly insert. The implant i had is not FDA approved, but I heard they are starting FDA trials (not sure of that) it is called the Hintegra. My surgeon in switzerland created it. I also saw the surgeon who created the STAR, and for many improved design features after talking to both surgeons went with the Hintegra as it is quite superior. I had a lot of surgeons say no to me due to my age, so went straight to the top dogs and they said they would give it to me as fusion wsa just a salvage procedure.
I began weight bearing on day 4 post op (still in hospital for 8 days) and was told to wproperly weight bear they told me my goal should be to not use my crutches inside after 2 weeks post op, and I didn't need them. before I was out of my walking boot at 6 weeks I was just using a walking stick when I was outside. It was the easiest recovery of al my 6 operations. I cycled (slowly) across cambodia 4.5 months later... awesome, I went skiing for a week and did black runs and even though I can't run, and my dorsi-flexion still has a way to go before being totally normal, no pain, no limp, all is good =)
So now forget all about ankle replacements as you won't need one =)
Kira
I was told they can't guarentee any amount of time, but the implant I got is a new implant and has great stats for the years it has been around. No doctor will give you a definate time frame, but I have talked to many who have had TARs for 10 years with just 1 replacement of the poly insert (very simple operation). My TAR only removed 6mm of bone, so it leaves me the option to have multiple replacements of the metal parts and indefinate replacements of the poly insert. The implant i had is not FDA approved, but I heard they are starting FDA trials (not sure of that) it is called the Hintegra. My surgeon in switzerland created it. I also saw the surgeon who created the STAR, and for many improved design features after talking to both surgeons went with the Hintegra as it is quite superior. I had a lot of surgeons say no to me due to my age, so went straight to the top dogs and they said they would give it to me as fusion wsa just a salvage procedure.
I began weight bearing on day 4 post op (still in hospital for 8 days) and was told to wproperly weight bear they told me my goal should be to not use my crutches inside after 2 weeks post op, and I didn't need them. before I was out of my walking boot at 6 weeks I was just using a walking stick when I was outside. It was the easiest recovery of al my 6 operations. I cycled (slowly) across cambodia 4.5 months later... awesome, I went skiing for a week and did black runs and even though I can't run, and my dorsi-flexion still has a way to go before being totally normal, no pain, no limp, all is good =)
So now forget all about ankle replacements as you won't need one =)
Kira
donandpattyt
06-26-2008, 09:50 AM
Happyfoot,
Well that sounds wonderful and good for you! I hope you have many many pain free years on your new ankle.:D
I am a month and a half post op. I still have the swelling and the pain when my foot hangs down for any amount of time. I have been doing range of motion exercises and trying to get a little movement out of my ankle. Even if it's only a small centimeter, I feel like I have accomplished a lot. I go back to my os in three weeks for another x-ray. I will keep you posted to my recovery. Lord knows I do not want to go through any more ankle surgeries. All I want to do is to be able to walk without pain. I haven't done that since I was a young girl.
Well that sounds wonderful and good for you! I hope you have many many pain free years on your new ankle.:D
I am a month and a half post op. I still have the swelling and the pain when my foot hangs down for any amount of time. I have been doing range of motion exercises and trying to get a little movement out of my ankle. Even if it's only a small centimeter, I feel like I have accomplished a lot. I go back to my os in three weeks for another x-ray. I will keep you posted to my recovery. Lord knows I do not want to go through any more ankle surgeries. All I want to do is to be able to walk without pain. I haven't done that since I was a young girl.