Recovery from Ankle Fusion Surgery
I was in the hospital from Friday, the day the surgery took place, until Monday. I was on intravenous at first, and then given morphine once,when the blocker freezing came out on Saturday night.
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 or 5 days, I stopped taking the Percocet except at bedtime. I started to take Tylenol Extra Strength instead, for 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, and 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 those months.
The foot, up to the 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 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 again, 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 longer, before putting any weight on it.
After the 2 weeks, I was told to put 25% of body weight on the right foot. This is determined by gently placing the right foot on a bathroom scale,
and pressing down to get to the 25% of body weight. The feeling should then be noted, so that one may use that much pressure on the foot
when walking.
Then, 2 weeks after, the weight bearing increased to 50%, then to 75% and finally to 100%.
I returned to the Cast Clinic in early November, walking on the right foot. The staff removed the cast, took x-rays again and then the specialist
said he would lioke to see me one more time at his office in January for a final checkup. I was allowed to walk, drive and return to full-time work
but with no heavy lifting.