Hello @ankle1969, I saw your post in an older discussion and thought I would tag you in the following discussion so you can connect with @jyen1111, @ktgirl and @jenniferhunter who have experience and might be able to share their thoughts with you.
I have had discussions for years, especially since my mid 40’s. The early ankle replacements were just in their infancy, for my ankle damage. I have continued to follow the progress and now may be my opportunity, with the new replacement that is available. We will see. Age 73, but young!
My ankle from 69 has made a major impact in my life. Pins, bone grafts, but that was about the best available in those years. The ankle has caused many other problems, I do not want to discourage anyone. I have followed replacements for many years with top surgeons. They were just not a good solution for my injury. Maybe now, finally, but only yet to be determined with all the old hardware. We will see. All of the advice I have read is excellent, and everyone listen to it from this understanding group. I highly recommend yoga for balance, and PT as needed. Energy healing is also excellent to learn, as well as meditation.
I have had discussions for years, especially since my mid 40’s. The early ankle replacements were just in their infancy, for my ankle damage. I have continued to follow the progress and now may be my opportunity, with the new replacement that is available. We will see. Age 73, but young!
@ankle1969 That must have been traumatic for you to be in such a serious accident. I can imagine that it must have been hard to cope with the fact that that accident happened, and also for the close call and what it did to you. I was also injured in a car accident caused by someone else, not a serious as yours, but it was a chain reaction from behind collision that involved 6 cars when traffic suddenly stopped from going about 50 mph. I had a whip;ash that caused a spine problem 20 years later, and I needed surgery to fix it. I don't remember the name of the person who caused it, and I had forgiven them and moved on with my life which is a good thing. At the time, I was afraid to see a specialist and had an HMO insurance, so my primary care doctor just wrote down my symptoms over many weeks until I started improving.
I told myself I was going to be OK. I didn't have to face that fear until I needed spine surgery a few years ago, and I found my pathway through it.
Can you describe what the new ankle replacement solution is that you found at Duke?
It sounds like you've learned how to live with this for many years. Do you have a consult scheduled with a surgeon?
Wow…accidents are so bad. I also, after years, forgave the driver and his brother to God. It was the right thing to do. We, after all, are human, it was not their intention, alcohol was the problem, they were very drunk. I do have a consultation on the 18th. He has already expressed a concern with the old hardware. We will see. If it is too complicated at this age, I will pass. As far as the replacement, look up the current ankle replacement Duke University developed. Much less complex than the ankle replacements through the years. Recovery, well while it is not great, it is better than the earlier ankles! The issue is how long they last. At 73, it is favorable for the balance of my time. They just do not know yet. Hang in there. Good days, not good days. My frustration is with the stigma the medical community has regarding pain medications, caused by doctors, that have prescribed to abusers. Sometimes I just wish a doctor could walk on my ankle for a week, and the knee it ruined and has been replaced, not to mention the hip and the back. Sorry, I am usually a nice person. Bad day, and it is the truth. They have no idea, and will never have an idea since most of them have not had to go down this road. I am not alone, all you that live the pain. My heart is always with our veterans. Air Force child. My father served for 31 years 9 months. Was originally in the Army Air Core. Every war in his lifetime! On the positive side, I am still here, and thank God every day!
Thank you. I just keep on going, most of the time! I may get it fused but the doctor wants to discuss replacement. I have a doctor consultation on the 18th. Not sure on the replacement. My husband and 49 year old daughter are going. She is sharp, a corporate officer, so she will do the drill! Ha
Hello @ankle1969, I saw your post in an older discussion and thought I would tag you in the following discussion so you can connect with @jyen1111, @ktgirl and @jenniferhunter who have experience and might be able to share their thoughts with you.
I have discussed ankle replacement or fusion for years and years. The ankle was severely shattered, and replacement surgery has just not been advanced enough for my situation. I actually have an appointment next week for surgery consultation with the newer options, which I do from time to time to stay updated. We will see! I will check out the link. Thanks!
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I have had discussions for years, especially since my mid 40’s. The early ankle replacements were just in their infancy, for my ankle damage. I have continued to follow the progress and now may be my opportunity, with the new replacement that is available. We will see. Age 73, but young!
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1 ReactionYou are very brave, and resilient and strong - and positive! Yeah 1969 was a long time ago, and things have certainly advanced.
But ankles are the trickiest, hardest joint to fix. As you noted, pins and bone grafts, and that's if surgery is even possible.
Are surgeons really doing ankle replacements now, like knees and hips? I have to look that up. I have a friend with chronic ankle problems.
Thanks ankle. All the best! Joe
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1 Reaction@ankle1969 That must have been traumatic for you to be in such a serious accident. I can imagine that it must have been hard to cope with the fact that that accident happened, and also for the close call and what it did to you. I was also injured in a car accident caused by someone else, not a serious as yours, but it was a chain reaction from behind collision that involved 6 cars when traffic suddenly stopped from going about 50 mph. I had a whip;ash that caused a spine problem 20 years later, and I needed surgery to fix it. I don't remember the name of the person who caused it, and I had forgiven them and moved on with my life which is a good thing. At the time, I was afraid to see a specialist and had an HMO insurance, so my primary care doctor just wrote down my symptoms over many weeks until I started improving.
I told myself I was going to be OK. I didn't have to face that fear until I needed spine surgery a few years ago, and I found my pathway through it.
Can you describe what the new ankle replacement solution is that you found at Duke?
It sounds like you've learned how to live with this for many years. Do you have a consult scheduled with a surgeon?
Wow…accidents are so bad. I also, after years, forgave the driver and his brother to God. It was the right thing to do. We, after all, are human, it was not their intention, alcohol was the problem, they were very drunk. I do have a consultation on the 18th. He has already expressed a concern with the old hardware. We will see. If it is too complicated at this age, I will pass. As far as the replacement, look up the current ankle replacement Duke University developed. Much less complex than the ankle replacements through the years. Recovery, well while it is not great, it is better than the earlier ankles! The issue is how long they last. At 73, it is favorable for the balance of my time. They just do not know yet. Hang in there. Good days, not good days. My frustration is with the stigma the medical community has regarding pain medications, caused by doctors, that have prescribed to abusers. Sometimes I just wish a doctor could walk on my ankle for a week, and the knee it ruined and has been replaced, not to mention the hip and the back. Sorry, I am usually a nice person. Bad day, and it is the truth. They have no idea, and will never have an idea since most of them have not had to go down this road. I am not alone, all you that live the pain. My heart is always with our veterans. Air Force child. My father served for 31 years 9 months. Was originally in the Army Air Core. Every war in his lifetime! On the positive side, I am still here, and thank God every day!
Thank you. I just keep on going, most of the time! I may get it fused but the doctor wants to discuss replacement. I have a doctor consultation on the 18th. Not sure on the replacement. My husband and 49 year old daughter are going. She is sharp, a corporate officer, so she will do the drill! Ha
I have discussed ankle replacement or fusion for years and years. The ankle was severely shattered, and replacement surgery has just not been advanced enough for my situation. I actually have an appointment next week for surgery consultation with the newer options, which I do from time to time to stay updated. We will see! I will check out the link. Thanks!
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