Triple Arthrodesis - Foot Problems Message Board

kathall · 05-17-2009, 03:10 PM

Hi,
I'm scheduled for a Triple Arthrodesis June 11 and and am scared to death about the whole thing. I've learned a lot from reading and rereading all the posts. My doctor says NWB for 2 months and then a walking boot if all goes well. Does that mean I will be able to walk without crutches,etc. Will I be able to start teaching when school starts up August 24? How exactly will I get around at that point. Any advice and encouragement will be greatly appreciated.

shelleybutn · 05-17-2009, 04:47 PM

when you get the boot....you will still be on crutches until you can put full weight on it. i started at 50lbs and added 25lbs a week until you are at your full weight, then you ditch the crutches. you will be able to go back to teaching, but may still be on crutches.....but at that point should feel pretty good.

i had surgery may 9th last year, went back to work aug 1 on crutches and boot. off crutches sept 3rd out of boot mid october.

shelley

lovelyladi · 05-18-2009, 09:57 AM

Hi kathall

If I may ask...how young and fit are you? I had my triple Jan 15 and have been full weight bearing for probably a month but still must use a walker (and my hands hurt)as the pain and stiffness in my foot does not yet allow me to walk alone. The surgeon and pt have said it is slower if you are older (quicker if very fit and very thin...ie a runner b4 surgery) I used to teach (12 years in H.S.) and honestly could not have gone back at 3 mos. You should be able to collect disability until the doctor clears you to return to work

Hugs, Shelly

kathall · 05-20-2009, 07:53 PM

Thanks for replying. I'm 54 and have arthritis in my hips so that will definitely slow me down. I'm 5' 10 and weigh about 180. Right now I'm trying to talk myself out of going through with the surgery, trying to convince myself that maybe my foot doesn't hurt that much just sometimes and I can get by without the TA. My objective is to be able to walk distances without my foot hurting so that I can exercise more. Your recovery seems to be going well. I'm hoping and praying mine will also.

scribytoo · 05-20-2009, 09:19 PM

Hi Kathall,
I'm a teacher, 56, not in good shape (meaning not at all thin) had TA Sept 2, 08. Didn't go back until Jan. but began walking Dec., slowly building up to full weight. My surgeon told me it would be 12 weeks non-weight, 16 to reasonable movement which was almost exactly my situation. I wasn't able to use crutches which held up the process a bit as did the knee I had replaced 3 mos. before the foot. But now...I'm so glad I did it. I feel like I have regained a mobility that had slowly crept away. In fact, in the spring of '06, I had to take medical leave because I couldn't stand the pain in my foot. It was a long road back for me because I needed the knees replaced before the foot surgery. Now that it's all done, well, I wore sandals to work today. Hadn't done that in over 10 years. It's not easy but I have to say it was worth it. It's very different for everyone and I held out for about 5 years in serious pain, 10 years in occasional pain. Now, I do have swelling (especially on a hot day where I'm on my feet a lot) but not the pain.
Whatever you decide, you'll be doing the right thing for you at the time.