Has anyone had toe fusion surgery?

[Americanodrinker]

I have osteoarthritis in one of my big toes and basically have bone on bone with no cartilage left between the joint. I’ve had several steroid injections and have been asked by the consultant to think about having fusion surgery.
I’ve done some research for the pros and cons and if possible, I would prefer to avoid any surgery. I know surgery would basically eradicate the pain but, and this is maybe a bit shallow, I have read that wearing heels over one inch high would be virtually impossible. I’m short and like to wear heels occasionally, usually no higher than 2.5 inches but surgery would put a complete stop to this. However, I walk upwards of 3 miles a day and having surgery would mean I could continue to do this comfortably.
I will be having an appointment with the consultant later this year to discuss but I would really appreciate hearing from other people who have had this surgery and the impact and results from it.

I didn’t know toe fusion was a thing.
I had ankle fusion after living in extreme pain from an overgrowth of arthritis completely around the ankle joint (after an improper set to a double sided break 40 years previously). Yes, it restricts certain things, and I can’t wear heels, but being free of the constant nagging pain was worth it.

I haven't had fusion, but have arthritis in the same place and have had massive and long lasting relief from a hydrogel injection into the joint which makes space in the joint. I won't lie, it was really painful, and the bruising was spectacular down my foot (I do bruise badly), but after 9 months it is just starting to need to be done again. Theres no limit on how many times you can have it done either. Might be worth a discussion?

I’ve had 4 steroid injections, numbers 2 & 3 didn’t work and the 4th has just been done so I need to see if that will work but yes, I will definitely have the discussion as I know there isn’t necessarily a limit on how many injections can be done.