Recovery
Recovery from Ankle Fusion Surgery
I was in the hospital from Friday when the surgery took place, until Monday. I was on intravenous at first, and then given morphine once when the blocker freezing came out. [Saturday pm]
Other than at that time, I did not experience any severe pain. I was given Percocet in the hospital and some tablets to take home. After the first 4 to 5 days, I stopped the Percocet except at bedtime. I started to take Tylenol extra strength instead, after a week or so.
I was to be off the foot, with instructions "non-weight bearing right foot, but may rest foot on ground with cast shoe on."
I would not be able to return to work for one month, then for just a few hours twice a week (sedentary only).
It would be a gradual process returning to full-time work after 5 months, and no driving during that time.
The foot up to knee was encased in a temporary gauze and bandage cast.
While in hospital I was sent to a Physiotherapist for instructions on using crutches. The Homecare nurse suggested a walker instead of crutches for in home use. This made things much easier - I found the walker made getting around the house was more practical.
It required a lot of concentration to get used to hopping on the left foot, and not using the right one.
Ten days later, in early August, I had an appointment to see the surgeon at the Cast Clinic. They removed the temporary cast and put a fiberglass cast on, from foot to just below the knee. X-rays were also done at this time.
About six weeks later, In September, I returned to the Cast Clinic and again had x-rays done. The doctor was pleased with the results. I was given an air cast this time, with instructions to wait 2 weeks before putting any weight on it.
After the 2 weeks, I was able to put 25% of body weight on the right foot. This is determined by gently placing right foot on a scale, and pressing down to get to the 25% of your body weight. This next goes to 50% of body weight, then to 75% and finally to 100%.
I returned to the Cast Clinic in early November, walking on the right foot. They removed the cast, did x-rays again and the specialist said he would like to see me one more time at his office in January for a final checkup. I was allowed to walk, drive and return to work, but with no heavy lifting.
I was in the hospital from Friday when the surgery took place, until Monday. I was on intravenous at first, and then given morphine once when the blocker freezing came out. [Saturday pm]
Other than at that time, I did not experience any severe pain. I was given Percocet in the hospital and some tablets to take home. After the first 4 to 5 days, I stopped the Percocet except at bedtime. I started to take Tylenol extra strength instead, after a week or so.
I was to be off the foot, with instructions "non-weight bearing right foot, but may rest foot on ground with cast shoe on."
I would not be able to return to work for one month, then for just a few hours twice a week (sedentary only).
It would be a gradual process returning to full-time work after 5 months, and no driving during that time.
The foot up to knee was encased in a temporary gauze and bandage cast.
While in hospital I was sent to a Physiotherapist for instructions on using crutches. The Homecare nurse suggested a walker instead of crutches for in home use. This made things much easier - I found the walker made getting around the house was more practical.
It required a lot of concentration to get used to hopping on the left foot, and not using the right one.
Ten days later, in early August, I had an appointment to see the surgeon at the Cast Clinic. They removed the temporary cast and put a fiberglass cast on, from foot to just below the knee. X-rays were also done at this time.
About six weeks later, In September, I returned to the Cast Clinic and again had x-rays done. The doctor was pleased with the results. I was given an air cast this time, with instructions to wait 2 weeks before putting any weight on it.
After the 2 weeks, I was able to put 25% of body weight on the right foot. This is determined by gently placing right foot on a scale, and pressing down to get to the 25% of your body weight. This next goes to 50% of body weight, then to 75% and finally to 100%.
I returned to the Cast Clinic in early November, walking on the right foot. They removed the cast, did x-rays again and the specialist said he would like to see me one more time at his office in January for a final checkup. I was allowed to walk, drive and return to work, but with no heavy lifting.
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