Anyone have an ankle joint replacement?

[old and tired]

My current foot doctor is talking fusion but I know 2 people who got their ankle replaced; both done at Duke. I'm seeing their doctor Oct. 7th The lady I know, had one ankle done with replacement. The other was in our department but now at Tx A&M bug department, he had both of his done. Both are doing well...

I've been bone on bone for 10-15 years. The doctor who I had an MRI (I think) I was injected with something that turned grounded bone, blue on the read out. Halfway through the scan the nurse (or operator?) came in to ask which ankle I was in for since both had lots of blue dye.

Told them the left one but both of them pretty much sucks... The doctor reading the scan, had x-rays done - and afterwards called me back into his room to show them to me. Said to wait as long as I can, but my ankles were finished.

I've lasted a long time and basically can get around but every step I take, I feel it. Just glad I'm not a horse...

Not sure what I want from the doctor; I'll ask about failure rate for ankle replacement (my current doc. thinks it is high). Not sure what else to ask the new doctor about...

 

[gsganzer]

In my quest to find some relief, I bought some new safety toe work shoes today. I've always worn Justin or Tony Llama pull on work boots. But when I got plantar fasciitis in my left foot, the lack of good support was adding to the issue. So, I swapped to ankle high lace up boots. Now I find it really uncomfortable to have anything lacing up over the front of my ankle. I'll see if the lower height shoes solve that problem.

It really stinks having foot issues.

 

[gsganzer]

I had an appointment with my primary this morning and he agrees it's time to get an ankle joint replacement. I've been down the physical therapy route, been taking cortisone shots and use a topical, NSAID like Voltaren and I'm almost on the verge of being crippled. I have to think about every step and I've been miserable. I'm surprised at how bad it's become in such a short period of time. Definitely not a linear equation.

I have a ton or work for the remainder of the year, plus a house move, and I'll need to find a way to gut through to January, but I'll start making arrangements to get it done after the first of the year.

I think that should give me enough time to rehab before an Africa hunt I have booked for next September. If not, I'll just have to postpone the hunt.

 

[gsganzer]

ted a long time and basically can get around but every step I take, I feel it. Just glad I'm not a horse...

Not sure what I want from the doctor; I'll ask about failure rate for ankle replacement (my current doc. thinks it is high). Not sure what else to ask the new doctor about...

Have you had any update from a consult? Mine really pushed for a replacement and said to avoid fusion, but I'm sure it depends on the specifics.

My issue is complicated by my previous injury. I lost my interior calf muscle and had to have muscle and skin grafts, lengthening of tendons to the toes and remaining pins/screws etc. The surgeon said he'd want to do a dye test to understand the muscle graft plumbing.

Wishing that we both have great success!!

 

[old and tired]

So I had mine done in March... not 100% happy but so much better. Problem is I let mine go for too long (maybe you too) I didn't have some muscles and I need them to walk correctly. Best part is most of the major pain is gone...

This is what I got (video is my doctor): Exactech Vantage Total Ankle System

These were my latest xrays...

 

[old and tired]

I did wish I had talked to someone who had Fusion done to hear what they said about it. I had ground down so much of my ankles that I was actually doing pretty good (very little pain and could get around). My first doctor was all about fusion the bones... but decided to talk with Duke doctors who said that they could help me...

 

[old and tired]

One thing, maybe it's too late, is don't wait too long. I waited for 10-15 years and just put up with the pain, mean while some of my muscle just went to nothing since they were not used... good luck, let us know how it turns out.

I did ask the nurse what percent doesn't take and she said 5% - I was fine with that....

 

[gsganzer]

Old and Tired, thanks for your feedback.

Yes, I fear I've also had some muscle loss. It's actually very noticeable to be. In fact, feels like my foot is very precariously attached to my leg and walking on anything uneven is of great concern to me. It's something the surgeon has checked every visit I've had with him.

The weird part is it hasn't been that long for me, but the deterioration has been dramatic in such a short time. It doesn't help that I've walked on concrete and uneven ground for 30+ years as my daily work routine.

 

[old and tired]

For me, I've "sprained" or twisted my ankle every summer since I could remember. For work, I routinely walked many miles a day in cotton fields with a 50 pound backpack sprayer. I just wore mine out...