SuperChick

SO....... Had fusion surgery done 11 November 2014, spend the next six weeks in a plaster cast and wheelchair/crutches, thereafter six weeks in a moonboot and have been walking for the last four weeks. AND...... Surgery and first four weeks was not as painful as I anticipated. Walking around in a moonboot really stuffs up your back, specifically if you already have lower back problems. Initially it felt very weird, like its not my foot yet its attached to me. Walking gets better everyday, and overall movement is also rapidly improving. Rehab is hard, but it pays off. Still have a long way to go as there is a lot of issues due to hobbling around on a stuffed up ankle for so long. Have not yet cycled, but planning to very soon Have swum, felt ok, but not going anywhere fast by just kicking. Overall....... happy I made the decision to go for surgery. Now I just need to get moving........

Thanks to everyone for their input, especially Talus. Best of luck to you Tyga!

Talus, thanks for the advice, its much appreciated. I have also done some more reading up and referred back to the referral letter of my physio to the ortho. The physio recommended a subtalar joint fusion. The internet nicely explained how it is done etc. I have also come to realize that if I want to be able to walk pain free again, this is the route to go. Can you advise whether the stiff- and tenderness I experience now with Achilles tendon & plantar facilitis will be resolved with the fusion or will it be aggravated? The otho also suggested the following due to inflammation in these joints, apologies for the afrikaans "Weil Ostoetomie Metatarsale 2 & 3 eksisie". Will the movement in the joints be affected, it is the same foot as the proposed ankle fusion. The ortho explained that he will shorten the two bones. Is that really neccessary, will the inflammation not subside with medication? Thanks

Could you please get more info from your friend, please?

Definitely not an easy decision.... Thanks for sharing Tyga, shared troubles are lighter... I understood a bit what Talus and Barhugger is on about, but if they could elaborate I would appreciate. I have had trouble with my Tiberus Anterious(?spelling), Achilles tendon and Plantar faciitis since the original injury, will an ankle fusion aggravate or alleviate this? Presently most nights my whole leg is painful from my toes to my bum (periformes)/lower back (sternum) to an extent that I have difficulty sleeping, I am convinced its due to walking with a bad limp, will this improve post surgery? I have to confess that although it has been prescribed I never continually took the anti-inflammatory for more than a week at a time due to tummy issues. Will the continued daily use of anti-inflammatory assist in the long run? I would take the anti-inflams for a week then stop for about five days and then repeat. As I understood from my Ortho, that post-surgery I will have very limited mobility in the ankle up/down and invert. I didn't even think of the upward angle of your foot walking in a cycling shoe, will it even be possible? No high heels for me ever again either. My other passion is swimming, but the challenge I see here is that your foot cant flex thus kicking is a bit futile. I have read that with therapy, shortening stride and walk training one would be able to walk without a limp. But the article was silent on any exercise activity.

Hi, I rode a lot before the original injury, but not riding presently due to my ankle being so painful. Would love to ride again, as the inactivity is driving me nuts.

Have bad arthritis and cartilage damage in the ankle, tore ligaments a few years back which was repaired, but the cartilage damage was not picked up at the time. Presently just normal walking ranges from painful to excruciating. Orthopedic surgeon is recommending fusion of the ankle.

Anyone on the hub had a ankle fusion? How did it affect your cycling, both road and off-road? Would appreciate feedback...

Hammer Endurolite

Oh WOW! One day when I'm big.........

www.swimgear.co.za They are based in Durban. But courier countrywide. Excellent service. Great variety.

JB, I suffer from Morton's Neuroma and have been advised, several times, by the orthopedic surgeon to have it removed. But I am too scared. How long could you not exercise for and was it painful? Any regrets now? I run as well, and really worried that I wont be able to run for some time.

For cramping try Hammer Endurolites. Works like a charm for me. Love Hammer and love the way you don't get super hungry on a ride using Perpetum. For recovery, Hammer Recoverite is amazing!

Mark from MCR Welding on Tel: 011-792 3909, they are in the Honeydew Area, JHB. He did a excellent job, excellent service and fast.

A red & white Centurion Tri2000, beautiful bike. For a very short time was the first one to have STI's and clipless pedals, Shimano 105 and was it a biopace? chainring. Loved that bike! My boyfriend donated it to the gardener a few years ago, while I was overseas! Needless to say he spent a few nights on the couch....