Fusion Friends....... - Foot Problems Message Board

susieblueyes · 04-19-2005, 07:27 AM

How is everyone doing that has recently had toe fusions? A side from being bored.LOL Iam 2 weeks post and having my stitches out and new cast on tonight.
Sue

imhdab · 04-19-2005, 08:29 AM

Hi Sue,

I'm doing OK - just over 7 weeks post-op. I DO have a few little problems though... (Anyone have any suggestions? TIA!)

My ankle is still weak from being NWB for 4 weeks. I had just started walking without crutches but I felt like I was spraining/straining my ankle a lot so... I'm back to using 1 crutch for a while. I was hoping to start going back to the gym yesterday but I'm putting that off 'til next week.

Also, I have a bad case of the dreaded "crutch hip" -- my knees are a tiny bit irritated too. I know this is because I'm walking a little weird right now and I've been trying to do lots of stretches but I can't quite work it out. I called my doc's nurse to check on possible PT but she said he will evaluate me next time I go to see him -- in about 3 more weeks. They said it takes time.

Anyway, that's my latest report. Hope you and all my other 'Fusion Buddies" are doing well!

Take care!

~Heather

dlh · 04-19-2005, 09:45 AM

hi there buddies!!!
I am doing good. Week 15 for me!!!!! My limp is only slight now and I am able to walk up stairs...down is still hard. I can walk barefoot, walk in sneakers but still cant walk in sandles. ????? My knees were stiff to, and I had crutch hip...all worked out now. My ankle though is another story! Still swelling, still stiff, still hurts! BUT still better so I am pressing on. I have good days and bad days...today is a bad day. I am swollen and sore but I am also doing much more and back to work...I defianltly need a desk job!!! I have lost 6 of the 10 pounds I gained from my couch days. I have a hard time sitting still...and I cant watch much TV these days...gee, wonder why!!!!!
All the kinks work themselves out but if you think you want PT be pushy about it...sometimes we have to insist. The boredom is awful, that was the hardest part for me. I used a crutch until I felt my ankle was stronger...keep working at it, stretch and do what you can without putting to much of a strain on it...it gets better, I promise!!!
Dawn

foggy182 · 04-19-2005, 03:01 PM

I am now 4 weeks post-op, and doing so well I worry about it.

Get around fine with the orthopedic boot on (it will hopefully come off in 2 weeks), go up and down 3 flights of stairs at work with no problem, drive with the boot on (R foot) no problem. A few aches in the calf area, probably some adjustments going on. Only concern is that we really won't know for sure that all is well until Doc takes an xray in 2 weeks. Kind of bored, since I can't go for long walks or do strenuous exercise involving the legs like I normally do. I will be demoralized if we find a problem in 2 weeks, but we shouldn't. Hope everyone recovers soon.

imhdab · 04-19-2005, 03:09 PM

Hi all,

Well, I finally had the guts to weigh myself... I gained about 7 pounds since this all began. Being NWB really makes you fat!

I really tried not to gain! Before surgery I had been working out at the gym: weights 2-3 times a week and cardio 5-6. I guess you can't help but gain a few pounds when you're forced to sit around with your feet up. IAll those bon bons really add up, huh?!

I was looking forward to starting back at the gym this week but I realized (ouch!) that I need to wait a little longer. My poor ankle just isn't ready. I'll start doing pilates and some arm weights at home this week. (I stopped doing those while I was on 2 crutches -- that was enough upper body work! WHEW!) I'll also do LOTS more stretches/yoga -- at least the non-standing postures!

Take care all! I was getting really frustrated today but talking with all of my 'Fusion Buddies" has helped -- thanks!!!

~Heather