@teresakirkpatrick101 Hello and welcome to Connect. After 3 years, I would think that your bone should be fused, but that would be a question for your surgeon and if the hardware is causing pain, and could it be removed. I used to have swelling for a few years after the ankle fracture, but now, I don't think it happens unless I stress my ankle a lot. It's been 5 years for me. Sometimes things just take a long time to heal.

Hello @teresakirkpatrick101,

I have had many surgeries on my joints, including a total knee replacement, rotator repair and an ankle fusion. Of all of those, the ankle fusion was the most grueling and time-intensive surgery. It took a long time and the pain was definitely the worst. I am at 10 years with my ankle fusion. I would say it took mine about 18 months to truly get "better" and I did not start feeling my true 'new normal' until around two years.

Have you had follow-ups with your surgeon or care team? I still have the screws in my ankle and I know if I bump the area where you can visibly see the screw head, it is extremely painful for a brief moment. My foot will still swell after a long day of being on it because we don't move our foot in the same way to flush fluids out as well. Surgeries are complex and sometimes the recovery even more so. Have you been able to share your experiences with your care team and what suggestions or possible causes have they offered?