Shattered Both Heels-3yrs & 6 Surgeries later I am worse than ever-HELP! - Foot Problems Message Board

kbunni · 06-29-2005, 04:12 AM

It's been 3 years, 6 surgeries and I have more pain than ever. Mentally and physically I'm not sure how much more I can take espcially when no one can give me answers or any kind of time line. NOT KNOWING IS KILLING ME- WHAT DO I DO??

A BRIEF HISTORY-

The initial accident was a fall 15', barefoot on concrete. I shattered both of my heels and broke several other bones in my feet. I was in the hospital for 5 days before they would even attempt to operate. The surgery was 5 hours long and the doctor put about 12 screws and and 1 plate in each foot. Apparently it was a very complex surgery and the doctor told my mom that I would be lucky if I were ever to walk normal again.

I had to move back in with my parents because I required 24 hour care and I was in a wheel chair for 6 months. I was in constant pain, but things seemed to heal ok all things considered. I started walking little by little and I finally moved back to my house alone in San Diego. I went back to work (probably too soon) and a year later I was in too much pain to work. I found one of the "best" surgeons in my area, and he operated, removed the hardware, filed down some bone spurs and ultimately didn't do much to help me.

So.... frustrated and miserable another year later, I searched for a different doctor to help me. I got an appointment with a nationally known and highly recomended doctor and I felt good about my chances of recovery with the new doc.

The new doctor told me that the answer to all my problems was ankle fusion. "Remove the sub-taylor joints, eliminate the movement that was hurting me, and within a few months I would be walking without pain." OR SO I WAS TOLD!!

I've had both fusions done; the last one in Feb. 05, and I am worse than I ever was. My doctor is ice cold and incapable of communication. I feel like it's just one big ego competition between surgeons. My doctor can't even regognize the possibility of being wrong, and doesn't give a damn about my life or well being. SO WHY DON'T I GET ANOTHER DOCTOR????

Well, I have seen other doctors for second opinions and I am usually told that my issue is too complex and I should go back to my most recent doctor (that did the fusions.)

Well I did go back, and it looks like the fusions were not sucessful. Now the doctor is talking about bone graphs. WHAT DO I DO?

I JUST WANT TO GET BETTER AND HAVE A DOCTOR THAT I CAN TALK TO.

PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME- I AM WILLING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO LEAD A NORMAL LIFE AGAIN.

Thank you so much- I can't wait to hear from somenone, anyone, that understands what I'm going through.

K

jwitte · 06-29-2005, 10:38 AM

I partially understand what you are going through (I only shattered one heel last year.) It has been a long year and I too had a "nonunion" that's what they call when it doesn't heal properly. So I still have fractures. I am undergoing bone graphs from my hip in a few weeks time--3rd surgery on my foot. I researched the bone graph procedure and it usually has good outcomes if your Bohler angle is 15 degrees and you are a nonsmoker. I'm doing it as what do I have to loose? I already can't walk on it. Hard to imagine it being too much worse, though I know it is possible.

Totally understand on the ortho-surgeon attitude. I am on my third doctor and he is a doll. He broke his neck a few years ago; consequently, he knows what it is like to be the patient! Feet are extremely complex and there aren't too many quality docs out there. Cleveland Clinic has a good reputation if you want to go for one more opinion.

It is extremely difficult and I am now on an anti-depressant. I try to exercise the rest of my body parts as much as I can and it helps a little. There are quite a few of us shattered calcaneous survivors on the boards. Go to Healing Heelies...you will find others that have shattered both heels and fully share your pain.

StephanieVD · 06-29-2005, 10:10 PM

Your doctor sounds like the one I was seeing in FL, who is also one of the "best in the nation", but sounds like he could almost be your doc. Weird. But seriously if you want his name I will give it to you. He's top of the line, even my docs at Hospital for Special Surgery wonder why I don't see him. I kinda can relate, I had different problems but have had 7 ankle surgeries on one side, along with osteomyelitis in my heel. Good luck.