@flachon3, I wanted to check in and see how you were doing now that your hard cast has been removed?

Recovering from an ankle fusion was one of the most difficult things I have endured. I have had my right knee replaced and needed two manipulations done to break the scar tissue loose, but that seemed like a cakewalk compared to getting the ankle fused. The pain was much worse, and the recovery is a tough road. What no one can really prepare you for is the softening of your foot bones. You are off your foot for so long, that beginning to walk on it again feels like walking on broken glass for many weeks.

I did a few different things. What I found most helpful was walking in a pool to start (when you get the OK from your surgeon that being in a pool is OK). It was a great way to get some pressure on my foot while also taking much of the weight off and reducing the pain. At the time of my surgery, I was also really into weightlifting. I would take lighter dumbbells, sit on the bench and place the dumbbell on my leg to apply some "pressure" to the bottom of my feet. I started out really light and slowly worked my way up. I found heel lifts in my shoes helpful for awhile after my surgery as well, but ultimately put them aside once I became more comfortable.

Everything was done at a snails pace and with guidance from my Mayo Clinic care team. I followed the rehab pretty closely. I unfortunately have to do my other ankle some point in the future but I am in no hurry to experience the rehab again just yet. The recovery is long and grueling, but I will say, when you come out the other end it is worth it. I am far more active now that I was with my end-stage arthritis that severely limited my ability to go anywhere or do just about anything.