Ankle Fusion op advice required

sasquatchuk

Hi guys, I've just had a triple ankle fusion operation (27 Nov) and will be in plaster for 3 months, 6 weeks non weight bearing. I have done so well losing approximately 5 stone over the last few years and have become a bit of a gym addict. I want to try and keep fit whilst in plaster dont want to undo some of the good work I've done. Has anyone else had this op done and managed to keep the weight off? I should also have mentioned that I suffer with rheumatoid arthritis again limiting mobility, would like to hear from anyone who has RA, maybe we could advise each other lol. Thanks in advance.

Michael

TavistockToad

sounds like a question for your doctor or physio

sasquatchuk

Hi Tavistock, I'm due to see the phys in a couple of weeks just thought I'd ask on here see if anyone went through the same, see what worked for them.

cs2thecox

Well, I've been through 3 sets of ankle surgery over the years, including a partial fusion in 2002.

While you're non-weight bearing, there's really not a lot you can do, although crutches can be a SERIOUSLY good workout over significant distances. As is wheeling yourself in a wheelchair.
Through this time, you really just have to watch your diet. Make sure your nutrient profile is decent to support healing... protein, calcium etc etc.

I always used to cycle once I was weightbearing, as it was easier/quicker/less painful than walking on my cast! Exercise bike as well as real bike. Yes, it's probably fairly risky, but I don't do well at the sitting still thing. Exercise bike is obviously less risky than a real one...
I also remember spending a lot of time on a cross trainer in plaster after that surgery.

For me, the worst part is coming OUT of plaster. After weeks/months of stomping around quite happily and not in pain, suddenly having my foot reunited with the real world is horrible and painful and I find I can do a lot less than I could when I was in plaster. So I always try and do as much as I can before the cast comes off in the hope it makes the first few weeks out of plaster more bearable!

Note: I've always had a fibreglass cast after my surgeries, after the initial proper white plaster of paris one. I've never had a "moon boot" thing that seem to be used a lot more these days. I don't know if it's to do with the kind of operations I had, or the reasons I was having them, but that could change the experience a LOT.

Massive recommendation: If they exist where you are, buy one of these for the bath https://limboproducts.co.uk/
They also do an outdoors cover which I've used with great success after winter surgery: https://limboproducts.co.uk/product/outcast-adult-outdoor-foot-weather-protector