Ankles : Fusion or Replacement???

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Marge S - 08 May 2006 23:04 GMT

Hi Folks,
I haven't visited the group in a while. Been busy working like crazy and
seeing lots of doctors.

In the last year and one-half my ankles went from bad to worse. I've now
gone to 3 ortho surgeons and 1 podiatrist. The opinions vary ... 2 think
only ankle replacement would be in my best interest and 1 says only fusion
would be the way to go. The replacement that the doctor desires is not yet
approved and I can't get into a clinical trial. This doctor feels I should
just wait.

Have any of you had much experience in this area? I really need to do
something. Both ankles no longer have cartilage and it is hard to walk.
Fortunately as a former skier I know how to fall and so far I've been
unscathed. I don't know how long my luck will hold out. I hadn't used
prednisone in years and I've been on a small amount to help. I don't want to
take pain killers. I think it would make my computer work difficult -- or
maybe I wouldn't care. LOL... I usually receive terrific advice here, so I
told myself to get on the newsgroup and see if anyone has ideas.

Thanks,
Marge Sulla

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Kate - 08 May 2006 23:53 GMT

I have a De Puy (Alvine) ankle. Had it for several years- works great,
no pain. Kate

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Marge S - 09 May 2006 18:58 GMT

Sounds great. Maybe I should look for an orthopedic surgeon who uses that
brand. I am 4' 9" and 90 lbs. Very small bones... the shoulder replacement
and knee replacements were the smallest devices these doctors ever used.
How tall are you? Do you feel you have small bones or other? If you had this
for several years, that's good enough for me. Thanks! Marge

>I have a De Puy (Alvine) ankle. Had it for several years- works great,
> no pain. Kate

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Kate - 19 May 2006 05:51 GMT

I am 5'1" and also have very small bones. kate

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spodosaurus - 09 May 2006 09:51 GMT

> Hi Folks,
> I haven't visited the group in a while. Been busy working like crazy and
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Thanks,
> Marge Sulla

If you decide to wait, please consider options to help you move around
during daily life to minimise pain. Scooters for shopping centres, power
wheelchairs for around the house. You can still choose to walk short
distances, but with these and other such options, you can also choose
not to, depending on how you feel at any given time.

Regards,

Ari
(with a cracked and collapsed ankle)

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Marge S - 09 May 2006 19:01 GMT

> If you decide to wait, please consider options to help you move around
> during daily life to minimise pain. Scooters for shopping centres, power
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Ari
> (with a cracked and collapsed ankle)

Thanks Ari! I ordered a transporter so my parents will have an easier time
helping me to appointments. I looked at a roll-about, which seemed great,
except very poor steering, so I am going to get my Dad to help me build a
better prototype which will allow me to get around without crutches.
Important because I have a tear in the rotator cuff and other shoulder has
to be replaced. Crutches are out of the question.
Marge

> spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> http://www.abmdr.org.au/
> http://www.marrow.org/

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