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Total Ankle Replacement

Posted by user_ch3aef5aa @user_ch3aef5aa, Jan 4, 2018

I am six weeks post surgery with a Total Ankle Replacement. I would like to hear about what to expect going forward, your type of prosthesis and how you are managing beginning to walk again.

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badbones11 | @badbones11 | May 26 1:55pm
In reply to @mrmikebr "My surgery has been moved up to June 11. What are some essentials you all needed..." + (show)
@mrmikebr

My surgery has been moved up to June 11. What are some essentials you all needed at home? In the hospital? Any specific products that you found most helpful? How soon until you are able to do things like sit up and read or work?

I am the main cook in the house so we are trying to figure out meals. what are some things that worked for you? I've not had much success cooking large batches and freezing.

Also, did anyone have doubts or feel anxious going into the surgery? What helped you get mentally ready?

Also, how is your recovery going? What is working well? What have been the biggest struggles?

Thanks in advance

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Hi!
I am 63 years old and had my Total Ankle Replacement on April 16. So I am only 6 weeks out of surgery. It has been more of a struggle than I expected. I knew I would be non-weight bearing for up to 8 weeks and it has been hard and painful.
I am using a walker to get around. I had a cast on until stitches removed and now in a boot. Once in boot after stitches removed, they said I could take boot off when elevated and start to try and bend it.
I am also the main cook in our home for my husband and I. I did prep meals and froze. I also have family who have been very helpful with meals. I have to say because of the pain when my foot was not elevated, there is no way I would have been able to cook meals.
I would recommend having loose clothing to be able to get over the cast.
Until you are able to shower, I used whole body wipes and had to shampoo my hair bending over in the sink. I would also recommend a shower chair after you are able to shower.
I go back to follow-up with surgeon next week and hopefully I will start PT. I am very nervous in that I still have a long way to go.
Wishing you all the best with your surgery and recovery!!!

REPLY
badbones11 | @badbones11 | May 26 1:56pm
In reply to @afm "I had a TAR last December. I would recommend getting a pair of sweat pants which..." + (show)
@afm

I had a TAR last December. I would recommend getting a pair of sweat pants which have full zippers down the side. That makes it much easier for the first few weeks with the splint on your foot. I used a knee scooter which worked well on our hard floors. It’s not as good on carpet. Also I used a toilet safety rail which helped getting up since you won’t be able to put any weight on one leg and will have to use your arms more. You might have to put a cushion on your favorite chairs and switch sides of the bed. Think things through ahead of time and practice

Good luck.

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How has your recovery been? How are you doing now?

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1 reply
afm | @afm | May 26 2:53pm
In reply to @badbones11 "How has your recovery been? How are you doing now?" + (show)
@badbones11

How has your recovery been? How are you doing now?

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The recovery has gone well. I was in a splint for 3 weeks, then a walking boot for 3 weeks, and then shoes. I worked up to 7 mile hikes with some climbing by the end of April when I had a total reverse shoulder replacement. I have continued to walk around the neighborhood with my arm in a sling for another 2 weeks.

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1 reply
badbones11 | @badbones11 | May 26 5:19pm
In reply to @afm "The recovery has gone well. I was in a splint for 3 weeks, then a walking..." + (show)
@afm

The recovery has gone well. I was in a splint for 3 weeks, then a walking boot for 3 weeks, and then shoes. I worked up to 7 mile hikes with some climbing by the end of April when I had a total reverse shoulder replacement. I have continued to walk around the neighborhood with my arm in a sling for another 2 weeks.

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Glad to hear your ankle is doing well!!!
So sorry to hear about your shoulder….hope for a speedy recovery!

I am concerned about the pain I am still experiencing at 6 weeks. A lot of it appears to be nerve related. It is mainly around my big toe area. They are usually flashing pains. So I am anxious to talk to the surgeon next week and see how my progress is coming.

Thanks for getting back to me. Take care!

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1 reply
afm | @afm | May 26 6:27pm
In reply to @badbones11 "Glad to hear your ankle is doing well!!! So sorry to hear about your shoulder….hope for..." + (show)
@badbones11

Glad to hear your ankle is doing well!!!
So sorry to hear about your shoulder….hope for a speedy recovery!

I am concerned about the pain I am still experiencing at 6 weeks. A lot of it appears to be nerve related. It is mainly around my big toe area. They are usually flashing pains. So I am anxious to talk to the surgeon next week and see how my progress is coming.

Thanks for getting back to me. Take care!

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Good luck.

REPLY
viko | @viko | May 27 11:46am
In reply to @afm "I had a TAR last December. I would recommend getting a pair of sweat pants which..." + (show)
@afm

I had a TAR last December. I would recommend getting a pair of sweat pants which have full zippers down the side. That makes it much easier for the first few weeks with the splint on your foot. I used a knee scooter which worked well on our hard floors. It’s not as good on carpet. Also I used a toilet safety rail which helped getting up since you won’t be able to put any weight on one leg and will have to use your arms more. You might have to put a cushion on your favorite chairs and switch sides of the bed. Think things through ahead of time and practice

Good luck.

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Which implant did you have ? Hopefully getting one soon.

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1 reply
afm | @afm | May 27 12:50pm
In reply to @viko "Which implant did you have ? Hopefully getting one soon." + (show)
@viko

Which implant did you have ? Hopefully getting one soon.

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I had the Stryker Infinity. When the surgeon cut the slot in my tibia the bone cracked so he had to put in a plate and 3 screws. The 2 hour operation became 4 hours. Very happy with the results so far after 6 months.

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viko | @viko | May 27 6:15pm

That’s great. And thank you for the reply.

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mrmikebr | @mrmikebr | Jun 6 10:04pm

That you all for sharing your stories. June 11 is coming quick. I am nervous.

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mrmikebr | @mrmikebr | Jun 8 8:35am

Did anyone use one of those cold therapy ice bucket things after their surgery? TIA

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