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Date: 06.01.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Ankle fusion

Hi there, I'm Lucy and have had juvenille idiopathic arthritis since I was 11 months old (am now 32). I have taken most medications and last year finally caved to surgery. I had a right ankle fusion 14/10/10 and am now partial weight bearing and in a plaster cast. Just wondering if anyone has had one as most research and stories are from people who had the surgery because of accident. I know that those of us with arthritis heal differently and ops affect us in other ways. Any advice??
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Date: 06.01.2011
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Lucy my Orthopedic Consultant wouldn't fuse my ankle because of my [ supposed ] ' inflammatory ' arthritis diagnosis !! I have to wear an ankle brace on my left leg because of a large bone spur near the ankle and I can't bend it. He said it would be a waste of time as it will not let me walk any better [ I have to walk with a stick as well]. But I think his decision is more to do with my age - I'm an oldie at 57 and I'm Diabetic.

Hope your ankle improves with the surgery - good luck ;0)
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Date: 06.01.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Hey KayJay, thanks for the response. I've been in ankle splints and with walking stick for a long time. We decided against ankle replacement as they have a short life span and there isnt much you can do to rescue the joint afterwards. Apparently I'm young to have this done and need both doing but will have to go back to work to earn some more money before can afford the time off. Its a long recovery period - I'm told 9-12 months before I can get back to work which sucks! You're not old! But your diabetes may have weighed heavily on the decision.
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Date: 07.01.2011
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Thanks Lucy but I feel very old it's a bit depressing when OAPS's overtake me going round the shops HeHe, But I do hope you will get better mobility with the ops. You are only young and will soon recover - all the best. Thanks for talking to me ;0)
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Date: 08.01.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

LOL sod the OAPs, the dirty looks I get when I park in the disabled make me laugh. I didnt grow old and become disabled! Plus you have to giggle when they rush around holding their sticks in the air! I've been out on shopmobility scooter today which was painfully embarassing knocking things over and people expecting me to be able to get out of their way. Stuff them! You need a good sense of humour when you have arthritis!
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Date: 08.01.2011
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

HeHe Lucy - that's the spirit ;0)
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Date: 16.01.2011
From: Traci

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Hi Lucy, I am on a waiting list to have my right ankle fused and I am really apprehensive. I am 40 years old and I am really worried that I will be restricted to a life wearing trainers, I know that sounds really shallow but can you advise me what sort of movement you have in your fused ankle? My fusion will be because of an accident which lead to osteoarthritis which is still in its early stages. Thanks for any info you can give :)
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Date: 17.01.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Hey Tracey, send me your email address and I'll email you some pics etc. I'm still in a soft cast at the moment and waiting for a CT scan to confirm its fused. You wont be stuck in trainers! Although I cant walk yet, I've tried on my emu and ugg boots and they fit fine. The most annoying thing is not being able to point my foot - so no wellies, or boots like plain straight ugg boots. Orthotics will be putting a rocker bottom on some of my shoes which'll make it easier to walk normally. My ankle actually moves more than I expected, side to side like before and up and down (only a little) but it didnt do much before! I'm glad I had it done even now, the pain is loads better and any pain now is bone pain and not arthritis pain which is different. Email me and I'll send you some stuff through x
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Date: 18.01.2011
From: Traci

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Thanks Lucy :)
my email address is traci (at) traci (dot) co (dot) uk
I am glad you are seeing the benefits of the fusion. I have already had 4 op's on my ankle, the last being in March 2010 for a bone graft and re-screw as the original screws were taken out some 7 years ago. This last op has resulted in more pain and less mobility for me which isn't what I expected at all!
I look forward to your email :)
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Date: 09.04.2011
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Bumping up for Henry
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Date: 15.03.2012
From: Garry Dixon

Subject: Re: Ankle fusion

Lucy
Sorry to but in but im waiting for left ankle fusion within the next 4-6 weeks i hope, as got pre-op friday lunch time. Could you send me some info/pics if possible
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