Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

[Guest guest]

yikes, that sounds like a painful way to walk. I notice my toes go slightly

" clawed " when I am doing exercises in physio, the wierdest thing. They are fine

when I walk but I will keep an eye on them. Wish you the best -- just ask them

for something to sedate you if they don't offer, but I'm sure they will.

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: kmoulton@...

Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:43:45 -0500

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hey Dee,

They're all clawed - started after the first untethering in 1997. I always

thought it was due to spasticity, but ortho surgeon said it's due to muscle

weakness and imbalance in muscle strength. It's gotten so bad that on two

toes on each foot, my nail bed hits the ground when I walk instead of the

underpad. (Yeah, I know - gross.)

Although so not looking forward to hearing snipping and drilling during the

surgery if they don't at least give me something to make me loopy beside the

ankle block or the no weight-bearing, but really looking forward to at least

having one foot that only hits the ground correctly, will hopefully not

cause a lot of pain any longer, but will also look decent in open toed

shoes.

Surgery is Wednesday.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi All -

>

> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>

> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>

> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>

> Thanks -

>

> Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, that's how my toe problems started. They were ok in the

morning but by the end of work day or walking around the mall/shopping, they

would claw. Eventually they started staying that way.

When you lay flat, look at your toes - do they curl?

If you start seeing signs, take care of it now and ask your PT for a

referral to an orthopedic place. There are interventions (non-surgical)

that can sometimes keep permanent clawing at bay. I had tried everything,

but mine just kept getting worse.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>> Hi All -

>>

>> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

>> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

>> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

>> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

>> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

>> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

>> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

>> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>>

>> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

>> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

>> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

>> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>>

>> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>>

>> Thanks -

>>

>> Kathy

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

I only notice it during certain exercises, not from walking around, not by the

end of the day, not lying flat. But thanks for the tip, will keep my eye on

them toes and if they get worse will get assessed.

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: kmoulton@...

Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:58:06 -0500

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Unfortunately, that's how my toe problems started. They were ok in the

morning but by the end of work day or walking around the mall/shopping, they

would claw. Eventually they started staying that way.

When you lay flat, look at your toes - do they curl?

If you start seeing signs, take care of it now and ask your PT for a

referral to an orthopedic place. There are interventions (non-surgical)

that can sometimes keep permanent clawing at bay. I had tried everything,

but mine just kept getting worse.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>> Hi All -

>>

>> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

>> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

>> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

>> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

>> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

>> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

>> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

>> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>>

>> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

>> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

>> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

>> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>>

>> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>>

>> Thanks -

>>

>> Kathy

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Kathy:

    I have not had that surgery, but I can speak to the non-weight-bearing

issue.  When I was non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks at age 62 because I burned

my

foot (no feeling), I used a wheelchair.  I did not do any exercise and lost a

lot of strength/balance.  That was when I began to use trekking poles. 

Advice? 

Keep as active as you can.  Do seated leg exercises.  If you can manage

crutches

(I can't), perhaps they would be better than a wheelchair or walker since you

would be using some leg strength.  Second choice would be a walker.

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 5:49:11 AM

Subject: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

 

Hi All -

I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but one

at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going to

do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries and

have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk more

comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit

nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing

allowed.

I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and special

shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that he

would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two - probably

that two are worse than the others on this foot).

Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

Thanks -

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Thanks - I would like to avoid using a wheelchair if at all possible, for

many reasons. The biggest is the one you mention - loss of muscle which I can't

risk. I'm already supposed to be using a quad cane because of balance problems.

Plus, my house is older and the doorways will not accommodate a wheelchair

(unless they gave me a skinny-width one). But, I'd really prefer a walker so

that I can get around.

I've been looking at walkers online trying to determine how these can be used

for non-weight bearing moving. Anybody have any ideas?

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hi All -

I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but

one

at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going to

do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries

and

have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk

more

comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit

nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing

allowed.

I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and special

shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that he

would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two - probably

that two are worse than the others on this foot).

Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

Thanks -

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Kathy:

    Try Drive Medical's web site, www.drivemedical.com.  They show specialty

walkers including a knee walker that looks like a contraption on which you put

the knee of your injured leg while walking along with the " good " leg.  I

stumbled (bad choice of words) on this site while looking for someone to

complain to about something annoying with my FFWW (f***ing front wheel walker).

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 1:38:16 PM

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

 

Thanks - I would like to avoid using a wheelchair if at all possible, for

many reasons. The biggest is the one you mention - loss of muscle which I can't

risk. I'm already supposed to be using a quad cane because of balance problems.

Plus, my house is older and the doorways will not accommodate a wheelchair

(unless they gave me a skinny-width one). But, I'd really prefer a walker so

that I can get around.

I've been looking at walkers online trying to determine how these can be used

for non-weight bearing moving. Anybody have any ideas?

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hi All -

I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but one

at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going to

do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries and

have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk more

comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit

nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing

allowed.

I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and special

shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that he

would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two - probably

that two are worse than the others on this foot).

Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

Thanks -

Kathy

[Guest guest]

I used a 4 wheeled walker for several years. I loved mine, lightweight, folded

and stowed easily, had a seat so I could rest whenever I needed to (I had an

extra cushion on it) and when my legs gave out I sat on it and rolled around

backwards!! LOL 

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 6:21 PM

 

Kathy:

    Try Drive Medical's web site, www.drivemedical.com.  They show specialty

walkers including a knee walker that looks like a contraption on which you put

the knee of your injured leg while walking along with the " good " leg.  I

stumbled (bad choice of words) on this site while looking for someone to

complain to about something annoying with my FFWW (f***ing front wheel walker).

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 1:38:16 PM

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

 

Thanks - I would like to avoid using a wheelchair if at all possible, for

many reasons. The biggest is the one you mention - loss of muscle which I can't

risk. I'm already supposed to be using a quad cane because of balance problems.

Plus, my house is older and the doorways will not accommodate a wheelchair

(unless they gave me a skinny-width one). But, I'd really prefer a walker so

that I can get around.

I've been looking at walkers online trying to determine how these can be used

for non-weight bearing moving. Anybody have any ideas?

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hi All -

I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but one

at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going to

do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries and

have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk more

comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit

nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing

allowed.

I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and special

shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that he

would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two - probably

that two are worse than the others on this foot).

Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

Thanks -

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Sure hope it goes well! See if they will let you wear some headphones with some

music That sounds very uncomfortable the way it is!

 Many Blessings,

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 11:43 AM

 

Hey Dee,

They're all clawed - started after the first untethering in 1997. I always

thought it was due to spasticity, but ortho surgeon said it's due to muscle

weakness and imbalance in muscle strength. It's gotten so bad that on two

toes on each foot, my nail bed hits the ground when I walk instead of the

underpad. (Yeah, I know - gross.)

Although so not looking forward to hearing snipping and drilling during the

surgery if they don't at least give me something to make me loopy beside the

ankle block or the no weight-bearing, but really looking forward to at least

having one foot that only hits the ground correctly, will hopefully not

cause a lot of pain any longer, but will also look decent in open toed

shoes.

Surgery is Wednesday.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi All -

>

> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>

> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>

> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>

> Thanks -

>

> Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can roll backwards on yours like I did Need the four wheeled one with a

seat to sit on then you just push with your feet. 

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 3:38 PM

 

Thanks - I would like to avoid using a wheelchair if at all

possible, for many reasons. The biggest is the one you mention - loss of muscle

which I can't risk. I'm already supposed to be using a quad cane because of

balance problems. Plus, my house is older and the doorways will not accommodate

a wheelchair (unless they gave me a skinny-width one). But, I'd really prefer a

walker so that I can get around.

I've been looking at walkers online trying to determine how these can be used

for non-weight bearing moving. Anybody have any ideas?

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hi All -

I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but one

at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going to

do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries

and

have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk

more

comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit

nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing

allowed.

I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and special

shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that he

would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two - probably

that two are worse than the others on this foot).

Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

Thanks -

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I have several toes that are like this. Please keep us informed as to how your

surgery turns out. I think this is something I will need in the future. I wonder

what would happen if I just had the nails removed.

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 12:43:45 PM

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hey Dee,

They're all clawed - started after the first untethering in 1997. I always

thought it was due to spasticity, but ortho surgeon said it's due to muscle

weakness and imbalance in muscle strength. It's gotten so bad that on two

toes on each foot, my nail bed hits the ground when I walk instead of the

underpad. (Yeah, I know - gross.)

Although so not looking forward to hearing snipping and drilling during the

surgery if they don't at least give me something to make me loopy beside the

ankle block or the no weight-bearing, but really looking forward to at least

having one foot that only hits the ground correctly, will hopefully not

cause a lot of pain any longer, but will also look decent in open toed

shoes.

Surgery is Wednesday.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi All -

>

> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>

> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>

> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>

> Thanks -

>

> Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy

Sorry to hear your feet are causing so many problems.

I have given up on anything that might make mine better. The deformity was set

in bone (excuse the pun) by the time I was 2 and so I have grown up with very

bad feet, and don't think anything of them, and my ankles, knees and hips

hurting each and every time my feet touch the ground. Of course, as I am

getting

into my dotage (aged 45 this year) I know that my walking and stance is getting

worse but the status quo is manageable at present and I am refusing to lose what

I have and value, rather than risk losing my own unique way of walking and

coping with the little darlings (NOT!)

I do hope you surgery goes OK on Wednesday - please let us know how you get on

Best wishes

Nina, Bristol, UK

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Mon, 28 February, 2011 3:53:55

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

 

Hi Kathy,

I have several toes that are like this. Please keep us informed as to how your

surgery turns out. I think this is something I will need in the future. I wonder

what would happen if I just had the nails removed.

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 12:43:45 PM

Subject: Re: toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

Hey Dee,

They're all clawed - started after the first untethering in 1997. I always

thought it was due to spasticity, but ortho surgeon said it's due to muscle

weakness and imbalance in muscle strength. It's gotten so bad that on two

toes on each foot, my nail bed hits the ground when I walk instead of the

underpad. (Yeah, I know - gross.)

Although so not looking forward to hearing snipping and drilling during the

surgery if they don't at least give me something to make me loopy beside the

ankle block or the no weight-bearing, but really looking forward to at least

having one foot that only hits the ground correctly, will hopefully not

cause a lot of pain any longer, but will also look decent in open toed

shoes.

Surgery is Wednesday.

Kathy

toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi All -

>

> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done

> but one at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and

> they're going to do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my

> research on the surgeries and have been dealing with this for about 12

> years and ready to be able to walk more comfortably. I will be non-weight

> bearing for a few weeks which has me a bit nervous given my balance ...

> not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the surgeon and he mentioned

> either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight bearing allowed.

>

> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

> special shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was

> expecting that he would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I

> thought two - probably that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>

> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>

> Thanks -

>

> Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Are they doing both feet at once? If so, then I can't think of any way to

bear 0 weight and not use a wheelchair. With a traditional walker or even

rollator, you are still going to have to bear weight on at least one foot.

If they are going to do them one at a time, I can only think of couple

options (I just picked the first picture I could find. The pictures don't

represent a particular version that I think is better than others):

1. Traditional crutches

2. Walking knee crutch (

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAMM-TLC-Walking-Knee-Leg-Crutch-OnlyOne-Only-One-/190475861\

645?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0 & hash=item2c593efe8d

)

3. Knee scooter - think of a tricycle and you put your knee on the seat.

There are several different kinds. Some you can steer (think of the handle

bars on a tricycle) and others you cannot. Some look more like a tricycle,

others not so much. Some have baskets on the front. The cheapest one I saw

was probably the nicest. It would be good for short term use. It folded up

like a stroller. (http://www.alegup.biz/)

4. iWalk Hands Free crutch. If you have the balance for this, I think this

is the coolest option. It would allow you to walk around like nothing was

wrong. (

http://cgi.ebay.com/Walk-Free-Hands-Free-Crutch-iwalkfree-walker-leg-knee-/27036\

5036407?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0 & hash=item3ef3030f77

)

If they are only doing one foot, you definitely have some options. If they

are doing both feet, you are probably out of options. If they are doing both

feet and you have to use a wheelchair, you can still do a lot of exercises

and not lose the muscle mass. The difference is that you have to

consciously spend time exercising each day and do it religiously, rather

than relying on walking and not having to spend dedicated time doing

exercises to maintain what you would normally do throughout the course of

your normal day. You can do crunches in bed or on the floor. You can do leg

lifts while sitting - extend, then raise your leg. With your leg extended

and raised, flex and extend your foot and focus on contracting your calf and

quad muscles when doing the exercise. While sitting, contract and release

your glutes. Use arm weights while sitting. When you do your arm weights,

scoot your booty to the edge of the chair. This will force you to use more

of your core muscles for balance when lifting arm weights. Do what my

therapists called the " terrible three's " when I was in IP rehab. They will

strengthen your arms and core muscles. 1) lying flat on the bed (or floor)

on your back, extend arms out to your sides. With weights in hand, raise

arms to perpendicular to the bed. 2) Still lying on bed on your back, scoot

your head to the edge of the bed. Hold hand weight(s) in both hands

together. Extend arms above head. Lower weights behind your head over the

edge of the bed bending at the elbow (this one is hard to describe. I hope

this makes sense). 3. Roll over onto stomach. Extend arms out to your

sides, palms facing down towards bed. Grasp hand weights and lift arms up

keeping arms straight). Do 3 sets of 10 of each exercise They will not only

strengthen your arms, but your core muscles as well. Every new patient at

Shepherd curses these 3 exercises.

If they are only doing surgery on one foot, I think you'll do fine. There

are a lot of options to prevent weight bearing, but still let you get around

without too much difficulty. If you have surgery on both feet and have to

use a wheelchair, there are plenty of exercises you can do to keep your

tone. You just have to make a conscious decision and do them - schedule them

into your day and follow thought (my weak point when it comes to exercise).

Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery,

Jenn

>

>

> Thanks - I would like to avoid using a wheelchair if at all possible,

> for many reasons. The biggest is the one you mention - loss of muscle which

> I can't risk. I'm already supposed to be using a quad cane because of

> balance problems. Plus, my house is older and the doorways will not

> accommodate a wheelchair (unless they gave me a skinny-width one). But, I'd

> really prefer a walker so that I can get around.

>

> I've been looking at walkers online trying to determine how these can be

> used for non-weight bearing moving. Anybody have any ideas?

>

> Kathy

>

>

> toe surgery/tendon transfer/fusion

>

> Hi All -

>

> I'm having surgery to correct all toes on one foot (need both feet done but

> one

> at a time) - big toe will be fused, others will be pinned and they're going

> to

> do a tendon transfer on the big toe. I've done my research on the surgeries

> and

> have been dealing with this for about 12 years and ready to be able to walk

> more

> comfortably. I will be non-weight bearing for a few weeks which has me a

> bit

> nervous given my balance ... not sure how we'll solve that. I did tell the

> surgeon and he mentioned either a wheelchair or walker while no-weight

> bearing

> allowed.

>

> I'm definitely going to have this surgery. I've tried AFOs, bands, and

> special

> shoes and nothing helps and they keep getting worse. I was expecting that

> he

> would operate on two toes, not all five (not sure why I thought two -

> probably

> that two are worse than the others on this foot).

>

> Anyone else have this surgery and if you have, any tips?

>

> Thanks -

>

> Kathy

>

>