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Next set of ankle o...
 

Next set of ankle operations in September. What should I do to prepare?

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[#13536216]

Woo hoo! I'm having some more ankle operations in September.

  • Chop the heel off and realign and rebolt that back on.
  • Chop the ankle off and realign and re-bolt that trying not to disturb the existing bolts too much.
  • Chop all my metatarsals and realign the front of my foot.
  •  

This looks like three to six months on crutches and general recovery. I was trying to think what to do to prepare for the operations before then. I've got about eight weeks. No smoking, no drinking, a bit of weight loss and improving my general fitness is the basic plan.

 
Any other suggestions?

 


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 10:15 am
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Book a prehab appointment with whatever physical therapist is going to guide the rehab. If you don't know find out who your main surgeon likes to work with. Build as much strength you can keeping in mind you maybe on crutches for a long time!

Research if there are things you can do to reduce the risk of post op infection for example skin preparation, dental check, maximise dental hygeine, check with a podiatrist/ chiropodist on the skin health of your feet?

Speak to a dietician to optimise your diet for optimal tissue repair. 

Good luck!!!


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 10:59 am
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Posted by: anorak

podiatrist/ chiropodist on the skin health of your feet

- lots of thick dead skin caused by incorrect foot movement and loading. I will get that removed

Posted by: anorak

maximise dental hygeine

I clean and gargle regularly

Posted by: anorak

Build as much strength you can keeping in mind you maybe on crutches for a long time!

Last time it was one and oiff for about 5 years. At the end I could bench press a rhino

 


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 11:16 am
 kilo
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Put away all power tools and ladders.


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 11:20 am
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Posted by: kilo

Put away all power tools and ladders.

Fair point.

I would look ahead at rehab- perhaps make sure friends are aware, book in some visits from folk, think about early outdoor time like walks round block with family or friends. Perhaps book a few 'treats' of  day out or place to visit that are accessible while recovering.

 


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 11:29 am
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Posted by: matt_outandabout

think about early outdoor time like walks round block with family or friends.

After the first round of procedures/operations there is a 6 week Zero-Load Bearing period before the next round of procedures/operations so perhaps after that.

For the moment it is about more fitness / less fatness I think although I will try to strengthen the upper boady ready for the crutches as well as keeping on top of all hygiene aspects.

 


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 11:34 am
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My knee replacement is due in September so they said, so I'm doing as much cycling and weight train as i can.


 
Posted : 08/07/2026 12:13 pm