Upcoming Midfoot fusion

Posted by sjcole @sjcole, 3 days ago

Hello. I am a 77 year old woman with severe osteoarthritis in my feet. I also had it in my knees and had those both replaced 15 years ago. Spinal arthritis led me to have a lumbar fusion 20years ago. I have been walking very flat-footed and wobbly for ten years because of the foot pain. I now also have a peroneal tendon tear on my right foot. I’ve been seeing a podiatry surgeon who has recommended tendon repair and triple fusion on my right foot. I have scheduled the surgery for July 24 and am very anxious about it. I have read some positive testimonials about outcomes of the fusion surgery, but also some negatives regarding results. I have prepared my home, gathered various mobility devices, and arranged for post-surgery help. But I’m still not convinced that I should go through with it because I’m concerned about long-term results. If anyone in this site has had experience with either the torn peroneal tendon repair and/or the midfoot fusion surgery, I would so appreciate any sharing of your experience. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

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I’m 70 and have similar issues , though I opted for a spinal cord stimulator implant instead of a spinal fusion. Now I am waiting for my consult appointment with my orthopedic surgeon regarding my ankle/foot tendon and OA pain. Learning about fusion vs ankle replacement following a severe trauma accident years ago, which is coming to haunt me now. I’d love to exercise by walking, but am unable to because of this set back . Praying all goes well with you.

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Thanks so much for your comments, Mariette. I hope you get the info you need from your surgeon so you can make the decision that’s best for you. I so know how it feels not to be able to walk like you want to. I’d love to know what you decide. I have a pre-op appointment with my surgeon on Monday. I have my list of questions ready and I’m hoping the answers help me ease my mind about the surgery.

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I'm 76 and had midfoot fusion surgery in April. There is a midfoot fusion discussion group you can join on FB. I had 2nd and 3rd TMT and medium and medial navicular cuneiform joints done for four-fusion with 4 clamps and cadaver bone. Mine was end-stage arthrodesis. I didn't have a choice. Would end up in wheelchair if not done. I had NWB for 6 weeks when it fused. It is draining on your body and mentally draining. Get on the site I mentioned. Good luck!

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@waterlilly

I'm 76 and had midfoot fusion surgery in April. There is a midfoot fusion discussion group you can join on FB. I had 2nd and 3rd TMT and medium and medial navicular cuneiform joints done for four-fusion with 4 clamps and cadaver bone. Mine was end-stage arthrodesis. I didn't have a choice. Would end up in wheelchair if not done. I had NWB for 6 weeks when it fused. It is draining on your body and mentally draining. Get on the site I mentioned. Good luck!

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Thanks so much for your reply. How did the NWB go for you and what was the post-surgery pain level? I’ll check out the FB group. I wish you the best of luck with your continued recovery. At least you won’t end up in a wheelchair! None of us wants that.

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@sjcole

Thanks so much for your reply. How did the NWB go for you and what was the post-surgery pain level? I’ll check out the FB group. I wish you the best of luck with your continued recovery. At least you won’t end up in a wheelchair! None of us wants that.

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Never got bad pain till day8 and 12. Spasms are bad and still keep me up at night at 9 weeks PO. I dont think I could do it again for my right foot. Im still not walking on my own. Need a walker.

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@waterlilly

Never got bad pain till day8 and 12. Spasms are bad and still keep me up at night at 9 weeks PO. I dont think I could do it again for my right foot. Im still not walking on my own. Need a walker.

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Just keep up with your pain meds and pain will be bearable. Practice with your scooter. I fell off twice. Need to be careful. I would get an all- terrain one with treads wheels- safer.

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Yep, I have borrowed a knee scooter and a walker and have been practicing. I know it will feel a lot different in a cast though. I’m hoping the home health care people will be able to give me some tips that will help. Thanks for the advice on pain management. I didn’t know anything about the possibility of spasms. That sounds difficult. I wish you all the best in getting through the recovery. I sure hope it’s worth it.

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@sjcole

Thanks so much for your comments, Mariette. I hope you get the info you need from your surgeon so you can make the decision that’s best for you. I so know how it feels not to be able to walk like you want to. I’d love to know what you decide. I have a pre-op appointment with my surgeon on Monday. I have my list of questions ready and I’m hoping the answers help me ease my mind about the surgery.

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I have my list made out too! It's good to be prepared ahead of the visit, it's a bit nerve racking and MD face time is so short now, that it's best to be prepared. August 7th is the soonest I could get.
We'll update each other. 😊

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@marietter

I have my list made out too! It's good to be prepared ahead of the visit, it's a bit nerve racking and MD face time is so short now, that it's best to be prepared. August 7th is the soonest I could get.
We'll update each other. 😊

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Yes, updates for/from both of us would be great, 😊

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I’m so sorry , I’m 73 & had serer issues as you. I’m now dealing with my knees, I’m just getting over a bakers cyst on my right knee took 9 weeks and finally feel less pain, but today I felt a pop on my left knee and can not bear weight on it, very painful. I feel like a hypochondriac and I know I should go into the ER course. Everything always happens on the weekend, but I’m laying down icing and kind of think I should go in. I think that it is a tendon or ligament like LCL or ? I don’t know what they do for those. So please let us know how your surgery go’s and how you do. Having a idea of these elements will help us find a treatment or what to do.

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