Ankle Total Ankle Replacement 9-12-19

[Mike1943]

Exactly right about the back slab Larryr. Taking pain tablets three times a day. Manageable. Getting good sleep at night.

 

[Larryr]

I want to share my story and experience for my TAR scheduled for September 12, 2019. I had sprained my right ankle in gymnastics back in 1975 and started suffering the consequences about 20 years ago. I started with steroid injections which would last about 8-12 months for relief. When those failed to help any longer, I started taking different anti-inflammatory medications. I endured the pain and inflammation for years. About 3-5 years ago, I tried three PRP procedures and 1 stem cell replacement. Neither helped the osteoarthritis in my right ankle. I didn't want to consider fusing my ankle since that would eliminate any chance of a replacement. My doctor never pressed me to do the surgery but knew it was my only alternate. I had always researched varies sites and information regarding the success and time needed for rehabilitation and was not ready to take the plunge. I do travel a lot and am fairly active so the pain and stiffness can be unbearable at times. It was infringing on the quality of my life and I finally made the decision, the time had come. I'm at a place in my job that I can work from home during the rehab portion and have complete faith in my surgeon. I am getting a 4th generation Infinity implant. I have spoken with a couple of his patients with this same implant and they've been extremely happy and had very short recovery times. Now I understand that every patient is going to be different, but I'm going into this with the mindset that I'm going to be one of the success stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed this forum site and will continue to update my progress since this forum has certainly provided me with much helpful information.

Hi Robyn,
Good luck tomorrow! I will be thinking about you and praying for a great outcome. I follow the very next day, so it will be interesting as we progress together through our very important journeys!

 

[robyn9690]

Hi Larry, thank you. I'm all set and ready for tomorrow. Good luck for you as well! Can't wait to compare recovery progress.

 

[NewlyHip]

Best wishes for a successful day tomorrow. I'm sure things will go great with the surgery and the recovery.

 

[robyn9690]

Update: had my surgery yesterday at 7;30am. Everything went wonderful and lasted about three hours total. Had a nerve block that lasted until about 1 PM today. So for a day and a half no pain whatsoever. I just got home from the hospital and it’s still a little numb but other than that I’ve only taken Tylenol for pain killers. My next appointment will be on Monday for them to remove the bandages and check the incision site. Right now I have a cryo-bandage on which keeps it cool and I will also keep it elevated. All told, everything went very smoothly and so far very happy with the progress. I’ve attached a couple of pictures from my x-ray of the ankle. Don’t have an actual picture of the incision site yet but will when I go to the doctor on Monday.

 

[NewlyHip]

So happy to hear everything went so well! You should breeze through the recovery and be back to normal in a few months. Just be sure to take things slow at first. I think I proceeded a bit too quickly trying to get back into my normal routine, resulting in some overuse aches and pains.

 

[Mike1943]

Glad to hear you are doing well Robyn.
Two weeks after surgery and just had stitches removed and a boot put on. Told I can stand on leg (weight bearing) but no walking. https://foot.oped.com.au/vacocast/
In a weeks time x-ray and another inspection. Actually I think the wound looks fine - but I am not an expert

 

[robyn9690]

Update: I made it through my first night home. I took 1/2 of a Percocet and two Advil. So far just a little achiness in the ankle but no severe pain at all. Will still be taking it very easy the next few days. I figure a few days out of my life for good results is worth taking it slowly.

Mike, it sounds like your recovery is moving right along. I’m hoping I’ll be able to put on a different boot in a couple of weeks.

 

[Jaycey]

Welcome to the other side @robyn9690 ! Sounds like your procedure went well. Rest, ice and elevate. No heroics needed.

 

[Larryr]

Hi Robyn,
Great to hear your doing well. It certainly is take it easy time. Did they give you a foam support to rest your leg on when sitting down? It’s quite large, but helps me to keep my ankle elevated. My knee scooter helps me get around. Do you have one? Interesting that we have two types of wrap. You have a cryo-bandage where I have a hard cast. I can’t ice mine down like you can.
Sounds like our pain levels are similar since I am alternating between Percocet and Tylenol with pain at about a 2 level.
Continued good luck with your recovery.

 

[Chanie]

Robyn Congratulations! so nice to hear the details of your post op! in such a positive way. you really are an inspiration I am following all your posts and wish you all the best.

 

[Chanie]

And congratulation to you Larryr! Pain level 2?? Thats unbelievable!! Wishing you a speedy recovery- Don't forget to take vitamin P - for PATIENCE

 

[robyn9690]

Update: Just got back from my five day check up. The surgeon is very happy with the incision and the swelling. Pain level is still about a one or two but mostly concentrated in my heel. He did have like a splint with wrapping around it not a hard cast. I go again next Tuesday to possibly have the staples removed but just for a recheck otherwise. I’m still continuing just with Advil. And keeping my leg on a wedge with the cryo-boot on. I am getting around on a scooter and have crutches and a walker for difficult obstacles. Overall, I’m very happy with the progress so far.

 

[robyn9690]

Hi Larry,

It sounds like your recovery is doing well also. Especially if you’re able to keep your pain level down also. Hope you keep posting your updates .

 

[Jimmer]

want to share my story, broke my ankle in 2002 and again in 2016, had pain from 1st time I broke it with arthritis and bone on bone. When I broke it the second time had a immobilizer for 2 weeks the had a plate and screws put in. Lots of pain, had some shots and they worked for the first year or so. Then this summer it got worse and had to do something. Had TAR yesterday 9/24/2019. Got home today and have foot elevated with not much pain but the block is probably not out yet. As I read your stories I hope for the best.

 

[robyn9690]

Thanks for your post. I’ll certainly be interested in your recovery and your progress. Mine has been really good so far and I wish the best for you as well.

 

[Jimmer]

Hoping for the best and hoping you do well, go back in 2 weeks and they will remove staples and put a walking boot on but no weight yet then. They said with the walking boot I can take it off and start to move it around some. Then after that therapy.

 

[Mike1943]

Glad all is good for you Robyn. Interesting that different surgeons have different ideas. I had stitches.
3rd week and x-rays taken. All looks good. Not taking any pain meds, first time in some years, feels good. Been told I can take a few steps at a time but don't overdo it. Tried but pain when put full weight on. Must go real slow I think. Hospital has arranged for physiotherapy, waiting to hear when and where.

 

[robyn9690]

Hi Mike,

Sounds like you are progressing nicely. I’m not sure how the doctor makes the decision to use stitches versus staples, hard cast versus soft splint. But I guess it all works out in the end. I’m hoping in a week or so I’ll be able to take some small steps as well. I would expect there would be pain since everything is finally feeling some pressure. I’m not sure when they’re going to take my first x-rays as different doctors have told me different times. So I’m just taking it day by day. I just passed my first week. So I’m hoping the worst is behind me!

 

[Jimmer]

sounds like you Robyn and mike are doing good, I am in second day and have more pain but it is expected, when I wiggle my toes I get the most pain. Not sure if I have staples or stiches but know in 2 weeks they come out. Like you say Robyn, day by day. Hoping after I see doc. Oct. 9th they might start some rehab and start moving it some.