Storm,
Excuse my previous feeble attempt at posting! ARGHHH..
It sounds as if you might be referring to a sub-talar fusion. At least that is what I had done and your situation sounds very similar. I had the fusion done in Feb 98 with poor results and then redone again in Jul 99 with a better outcome. I used a bone-stimulator after the second surgery. They were designed to introduce a low level of electricity into the site of slow or non-healing bone fractures. They are also finding their way into use with joint fusions. I can't say if the stimulator helped to solidify my fusion after the second surgery or not. But something worked.
Having not fused the first time around, my surgeon cut no corners the second time. I was casted for months and wore a "moon boot" up until I had my internal hardware (screws) removed (due to pain) about a year later.
Did the surgery help overall? I'd have to say yes. The reason I hesitate is because I have mixed connective tissue disease and it causes a lot of joint problems and pain. I've had many, many surgeries including several on the foot/ankle in question. It is sometimes hard to tell what problem is causing what pain. I'm on a regular/daily dose of narcotic for chronic pain but can say that my fused ankle is more stable and less painful now than it has been in a long time. Recovery from the fusion was a long, painful road.
Feel free to contact me outside of the health boards if you wish. You can reach me at:
kathy(at)gfamilychurch(dot)org
I hope this information will help you. I'd be glad to help answer any other questions you might have.
Good Luck,
Kathy
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