Ankle fusion - just started what I think is going to be a roller coaster ride!

Hello,

I had an ankle fusion 6 weeks ago, went into air boot yesterday, still to be non weight bearing for another 6 weeks. Been advised to sleep in air boot, which seems impossible at the moment! 

I know I have only just started the recovery process but feel it is going to be lots of downs and ups. Started with very sharp stabbing/burning pains around the wound on top of the foot today, very painful. Could I be doing too much moving around, although trying to be sensible about things. Well as much as you can so near Christmas. Any advice/suggestions welcome

Thank you 

Hi Jill, I had my ankle fusion surgery 11 weeks ago and your right it is a bit of a roller coaster ride. Sleeping with the boot on ( not that you call it sleeping, it’s so heavy every time you move you wake up) I still have discomfort in the incision

site. I was lucky enough to be able to take time off work, so I tried to keep my leg elevated as much as I could. The downside of that is you can get depressed, I had all these things planned to do during my recovery but could not get motivated to do It. As women, wives, moms we try to do everything,but you have to take time out to sit down, relax and elevate your leg this will help with the pain and help with healing. It does get better.

Hi Allison, I know what you mean I had lots planned to do whilst off work not knowing I would struggle to do just daily tasks. I am now getting to understand that the best thing I can do is to sit and keep my leg elevate like you said and basically let my husband/family look after me. I get around using a frame as I cannot master the crutches only using one leg, I was to be 6 weeks non weight bearing but this has just been increased to 12. It will take as long as it takes I expect and like you I am fortunate to have support from work. Thank you for confirming pain around the wound is normal.

I hope you go on ok 

Jill

Those sharp burning pains r normal and hang in there 

Thank you Christina