Bone Stimulator

Steven (@soarus57) - You made me laugh out loud with your description of the bone growth stimulator~ very accurate! 😀
I had to use one, too, for a long time after a total ankle replacement last year. It does look like that.
Wishing you the very best with your healing- the gadget does work. I'm guessing the non-union doesn't mean the bone ends aren't touching to begin with, right? That for some reason they just haven't begun to knit together even though they're lined up and touching?

In my case, non union means no healing. There are gaps that need to fill in that normally would have occurred by now. I would rather not have surgery but if there is no progress in a month or two, that will be my next step. A much simpler procedure than your ankle replacement. I wasn’t aware that was possible. Are you happy with the outcome?

@soarus57 Major bummer for your leg bone! I hope that bone growth stimulator works well for you (it did for me). Did your doc say why your bones aren't knitting together?
didn't know ankle replacements were a thing, either- until I needed one. I had what they call 'end stage arthritis' - sounds really dramatic, doesn't it? It just means bone-on-bone, no cartilage at all. Yes, I'm very happy with the outcome, I have an excellent doctor and he really knows his stuff The options were fusion (which meant no bending at the ankle when walking), or replacement. We both agreed that replacement was the way to go. It's like the knee replacements where the entire joint is replaced and now I have a titanium ankle and it works well. Long recovery with lots of P.T and worth it.

Doc says my age (68) and not enough non-weight bearing time. My wife was injured and ill the first two months so I’m sure I used my leg more than I should have. Things are back to what passes for normal in my life so my rear end is welded to the couch while I use the stimulator. Lots of supplements and smoothies so hopefully going in the right direction. X-rays after a month of device usage. I understand arthritis. Doc told me I was a candidate for bilateral knee replacements. I asked when, thinking it would be in my future, he responded with "five years ago." My mom told me years back that I would reach an age where if I woke up in the morning with no pain, it would indicate I died during the night. She was right. I’m glad your ankle turned out. Can you see any lumps or bumps on your skin from internal hardware? And, on a different note, are you Scottish? I ask because of your user name here. I looked it up not only for the meaning but for pronunciation. Very interesting!

@soarus57 - Uh-huh, I'd say that's where the problem lies, but you did what you felt needed done and now she's better so you can butt-plant yourself and give the bones a chance to not be stressed and heal. and good for you for the extra supplements to help it along.
My sister had both knees replaced - at the same time. Don't do it that way - she said knowing before she did it what she learned after, she wouldn't have had both at the same time.

Nope, no lumps or bumps, the ankle is great. I did as the doc said (had to, no choice)- non-weight-bearing for 10 days (was 14 by the time I got in to have the staples removed and the boot fitted), 6 or 7 weeks in the boot, got the stitches out a while after the staples. I was in a surgical/physical rehab facility for 20 days (medicare's limit). Lots of physical therapy. After the boot came off, the doc gave me a special brace to wear for a few more weeks. That ankle still swells, but they said it would for about a year. It doesn't swell like it used to, so that's progress.
Your mom's funny - mine alway said that getting older isn't for wimps or crybabies. Now we all know what she meant, haha!
Yes, I am by heritage though my family's been in the US for about 300 or so years. (and funny thing, that's where the name of whiskey came from! 😀 )

I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my foot - 5th metatarsal - in late 2024. I healed & all was well, but with lots of arthritis. In February 2026 I had a repeat stress fracture - same foot & place. The doctor was able to get me a bone stimulator. Has anyone had a similar issue & used a bone stimulator? What was your experience with this? Either way I am glad to have this device to speed healing.