Home Community Member Stories Kate's Ankle Replacement

Kate's Ankle Replacement 

KRopos@aol.com

My name is Kate and I had an ankle replaced in November of 99 because of Rheumatoid arthritis. I've had RA for the past 14 years and now have both hips and both knees replaced as well. I had such pain walking, standing, even sitting at the end of a long day in my ankle I couldn't take it anymore. The first orthopedic surgeon (who specializes in feet and ankles) told me I didn't have enough good bone to have my ankle replaced and suggested a fusion. I've had bad luck with a wrist fusion in the past and refused to accept that choice. I'm fortunate that where I live (SD) is also where Dr. Frank Alvine lives. Dr. Alvine is a surgeon who developed what is now called the DePuy Agility ankle replacement. So I went to see him and he did the replacement. I had it done under spinal anesthesia, the surgery was exactly 90 minutes just as he had told me. I had no pain post-op since my spinal was still working. I felt great- had company right away and didn't need to push my pain medicine button til several hours later. On day 2 they got me up- no weight bearing on crutches and the next morning I went home. Had to keep the foot up and in a bootlike splint that I had to remove twice a day for gentle range of motion exercise. Never really did have much pain with it except for my poor shoulders getting sore from the crutches. The recovery period was very very long for me- 8 weeks of crutches and finally partial weight bearing but easily within two more weeks I was full weight bearing- no more crutches (yay!!) and I have been on the go ever since. All of my replacements have been a blessing to me but I think actually this did the most toward improvement in my quality of life. Maybe because for the first time in a very long time I have no pain in at least one of my legs and not too much in my other leg with it's original ankle. They tell me this ankle will last from 10-15 years and then what? I'm not sure but I'm really going to enjoy my walking, and climbing stairs normally and yes, even dancing with my new ankle as long as I can.