surgery

[Guest guest]

To all CMTers (and special inquiry to Gretchen):

I was reading an article recently in the CMT Update called " The Surgical

Correction of CMT Deformity " . According to Dr. Glenn Pfeffer it is no " big

deal " to correct clawed toes, high arches, unstable ankles and heals that are

inverted. This can all be corrected with surgery and " tendon transfers/ligament

reconstruction " and often prevent further deformities. He goes on to say that

all these corrective operations can be performed as outpatient under regional

anesthesia. Three weeks postoperatively patients start their return to

pain-free walking and normal shoe wear. No fusing normally required with this

procedure. WOW !!! Where do I sign up? This sounds to good to be true.

However, before I go under the knife (again) I definitely want to do my due

diligence and get numerous opinions and hear many testimonials from those who

have been there/done that.

I am 55 and have had 2 surgeries during adolescence when misdiagnosed with " club

feet " .

My right foot is now becoming a problem and I wear a Helio AFO to assist with

walking. The past few years I have been experiencing more neuropathy in both my

hands and feet. I often feel as though I've been injected with novicane from

the ankles down.

I would love to hear from anyone (esp. my age) who has actually had this type of

surgery done and the results. My questions would be:

> How successful was it?

> Were you in a non-removable cast. How high up. Did you atrophy much?

> Recovery time?

> Did you get increased neuopathy?

> Costs/Insurance?

> Is the foot holding or slowly returning to the orig. deformity?

> Can you wear off the shelf shoes now and walk w/o an AFO?

Thank you in advance for your reply. I am anxious to hear from some of you.

If you would like to talk direct my cell # is 541-490-6452 in Oregon. I'm

always up til 11 PM.

Take Care,