I had an accident when I was 18, and sprained my right ankle badly. It has been progressively getting worse over the years. I am 66 now, and my ankle is swollen all the time and I have a lot of pain. I am scheduled for subtalar fusion on September 7th. I have heard a lot of negative feed back on the surgery. Has anyone my age had a good outcome? Is it worth being on crutches for 3 months? Do the screws they put in always have to be taken out eventually?
i broke my ankle...from tibia fibula right to the ankle bone at age 19...i'm 56...so perhaps similar surgery? i also am wondering about recovery...i know i'm in bed for 8 weeks...surgery on the 29th of august....i'll keep you informed...i have NO swelling now..but have had pain for quite some time..maybe 10 years...the last three awful...they say bone rubbing against bone. pain meds do nothing.
Surgical screws are not always removed, it all depends on many factors... some people have to have them removed because they cause pain (the head of the screw is not always flush with the bone and can 'pinch' or rub surrounding tissue) while others have no problem and keep those screws exactly where they are. If the screws do have to be removed it is a small proceedure and will not effect the outcome of your fusion in the least.
Also, while you see alot of 'horror' stories in the threads about proceedures gone wrong, there are just as many if not more with wonderful outcomes... the difference... those with the bad outcomes (myself included) tend to be much more vocal about it and are online often, where those with a great outcome usually post a time or two after their recovery then move on with their lives.
Being in your 50's does not mean that you will have bad outcomes... chances are very strong that the two of you will be a couple of the ones with wonderful outcomes who will post a few times after it is all over then be out golfing and dancing and enjoying life too much to spend much time posting anymore.
For right now, just relax as best you can, take long bubble baths and pamper yourselves. Stock up the freezer with foods that are easy to prepare for when you are getting better and take the time that you will be 'out of action' to do the things that a busy life never let you do. Paint... sketch... knit... read those books that have been waiting for the time and you will find that the time will pass quickly.
Good luck and please let us know how things go.
__________________
If all that doesn't kill you makes you stronger then just call me SuperMan
that is encouraging. i'm doing it come he!! or high water, just concerned that pain could be worse afterwards. i don't have any swelling now...never have...just bone rubbing against bone.
i broke my ankle...from tibia fibula right to the ankle bone at age 19...i'm 56...so perhaps similar surgery? i also am wondering about recovery...i know i'm in bed for 8 weeks...surgery on the 29th of august....i'll keep you informed...i have NO swelling now..but have had pain for quite some time..maybe 10 years...the last three awful...they say bone rubbing against bone. pain meds do nothing.
It sounds like we do have a similar problem. My surgery is coming up and I'm getting more nervous, as I read the messages on the board. I have arthritis in my thumbs and hope I will be able to get around on crutches all right. I got a lot of things to keep me busy, while off my feet. Thanks for answering.
It's been seven days since my subtalar fusion. The pain is not bad now, but I'm having a hard time hopping around on one foot with a walker. The soft cast is very heavy to hop around keeping it up. I go Monday for a new cast and I hope it weighs less.
oh yes, carol...your cast will be quite a bit lighter than your brace from surgery!
my doc wants me staying in bed, or keeping my ankle above my heart and not trying to get around other than to the bathroom. let me know how you are doing with your new cast.
i could pick colors...so i got a yellow cast. my grandaughter will love it!
Carol,
The casts are made of fiberglass, so definitely are lighter weight. You might want to ask about a cast cover for bathing purposes when you're in. My clinic had one and my insurance ended up paying for it ($15)...was called an Aquashield and worked wonderfully. Also, another thing you might consider is getting a Roll-A-Bout or Turning Leg Caddy knee scooter. It has a pad for your knee and shin and you propel it with your good foot/leg. It makes life a lot easier than hopping on one leg or having to use crutches--less stress on the body. I used one for 3 months and it helped keep me more independent (ie, I could go to Target and carry a basket, haul my work laptop and binder around with a rolling backpack...). One hand is free, sometimes two. So, just a thought. Good luck to you as you move forward!
Krista
Sunny77,
Thanks for the good news. I was feeling a little depressed, thinking about dragging this heavy thing around. My back and stomach are sore already. I am getting a shower cover, after I get the new cast Monday. That scooter thing sounds like something I could use too. Thanks for the info.....
HOOTYHOO,
You can get the new cast in colors? I have 8 grandchildren that would like to sign that. I'm so glad to hear it will be lighter.....Thanks Carol41
yes, carol...i didn't know about it til i had my cast put on last tuesday! i chose yellow, but there is pink, red, purple (very pretty) blue, orange, just to name a few. i think my grandaughter will pick purple next time...haaa.
we have to get our kicks in where we can, don't we! haaa
good luck and let me know what color you choose! p
I have been reading alot of posts about sub-talar fusion. I was told by my podiatrist that I need this surgery. I am almost 53 and can barely walk. My right ankle is so painful. I am getting a second opinion Friday by an ortho surgeon who specializes in foot/ankle surgery. Then I will make a decision.
I agree that many posts are frightening, but tend to agree, that those who post have the most problems. I also feel I have no choice but to do the surgery if I want my life back. I hope to read more positive posts about this surtery.
mine has gotten so big. i stay off it, keep it elevated...(husband makes me do it) and so the swelling goes down considerably. i only had it put on this past tuesday...but i'm calling them on monday because i can move my foot/leg in every direction.
however, by the time i get to the docs,,it will probably reswell!! oh well
Carol,
The casts are made of fiberglass, so definitely are lighter weight. You might want to ask about a cast cover for bathing purposes when you're in. My clinic had one and my insurance ended up paying for it ($15)...was called an Aquashield and worked wonderfully. Also, another thing you might consider is getting a Roll-A-Bout or Turning Leg Caddy knee scooter. It has a pad for your knee and shin and you propel it with your good foot/leg. It makes life a lot easier than hopping on one leg or having to use crutches--less stress on the body. I used one for 3 months and it helped keep me more independent (ie, I could go to Target and carry a basket, haul my work laptop and binder around with a rolling backpack...). One hand is free, sometimes two. So, just a thought. Good luck to you as you move forward!
Krista
subtalar fusion 
