pain after foot fusion

by Bonnie
(Indiana)

I fell 12-25-07 and broke over 20 bones in my rt foot. I had one fusion

done. This did not take. I then went in on June 17 08 to have a revision
done. This did take however I then had to have another surgery done
because the screws were backing out. How long should I have pain and
swelling from this? I can't even do my adls without severe pain. I would
appreciate any help. I have tried rest ice elevation to no avail. Please help me.
Bonnie in Indiana

Hi Bonnie,
I would think that six months down the road you should be feeling better. If you are not quite where you want to be but are noticing slow improvement then you are probably alright. Have you had physical therapy? If not speak to you doctor about that.
If, however, you are still in as much pain as you were say two weeks following surgery then there may be an issue. I would make an appointment with your doctor and discuss your concerns, if he or she seems uninterested, then I would seek another opinion.
Marc Mitnick DPM

PAIN AFTER FOOT FUSION

by BONNIE
(INDIANAPOLIS)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AFTER A FUSION FOR THE PAIN TO GO AWAY I HAVE HAD ENOUGH DADGUM PAIN TO LAST ME A LIFETIME. I HAD THE ONE FUSION DONE IT DID NOT TAKE,SO I
HAD A REVISION DONE AND 2 OF 3 TOOK,THEN THE HARDWARE BACKED OUT AND SO I HAD 2 SCREWS TAKEN OUT , NOW THE MIDDLE FUSION STILL HAS NOT TOOK AND I HAVE TO USE A BONE STIMULATOR , AND STILLHAVE TO TAKE PAIN MEDICINE TO KEEP THE PAIN BACKED OFF!!
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THE BONE STIMULATOR TO WORK IF IT IS GOING TO AND WHAT THE HECK TO DO ABOUT STIFFNESS AND NERVE DAMAGE??? I WALK WITH A LIMP NOW AND GET
THROWED OFF BALANCE SO EASY THAT I AM SCARED TO DEATH ABOUT FALLING!! I HAVE HAD
PT AND COULD NOT DO MUCH BECAUSE OF A NON-UNION AND THE DR SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO SCRATCH HIS HEAD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO TO TRY TO FIX MY RT FOOT!! IF I HAVE TO GO BACK TO SURGERY WILL THEY HAVE TO UNDO THE 2 FUSIONS THAT TOOK AND WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT A BONE GRAFT?? I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO GET RID OF THE PAIN AND OFF
NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICINE. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ARTHRITIS IN IT AND WHAT KIND IT IS
AND HOW DO I DEAL WITH THAT??BONNIE IN INDIANAPOLIS

Hi Bonnie,
Without examining you I have no idea what you can expect, all I know is your foot problems have been filled with complications and each subsequent surgery is only going to set you back in terms of healing.
If your surgeon is scratching his head, I think it is time to get another opinion.
Marc Mitnick DPM

pain after foot fusion

by Bonnie
(Indianapolis)

My problem is I still am having foot pain after a fusion and a revision
and having some hardware took out. My Dr said that I still have a non-union and we are trying a bone stimulator. I have used the stimulator for about 2 months and the
x-rays still show the non-union.How long will it take to work if it is going to?
Do these stimulators always work? I have had this for over 15 months now. I just want to be done with this. The pain is very severe at times and none on some days.
Please help me !! Bonnie in Indianapolis

Hi Bonnie,
Bone stimulators do work, but not on everyone. I would give it at least four months to see if it will close the non-union, because your other option is probably less enticing, which would be a bone graft requiring further surgery.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you are compliant in the use of the stimulator, do not get lazy about it, otherwise I can almost guarantee you the fracture will not heal.
Marc Mitnick DPM