Has anyone had a subtalar fusion?

[MrsAvocet]

I know it's not a terribly common operation and I don't know anyone in real life who has had it, so just asking on the off chance that anyone can tell me a bit about their experiences.
I've got severe post traumatic subtalar arthritis and have been offered this operation. I've seen 2 foot surgeons, one who painted a fairly negative picture of the surgery and another who talked about it like it was the best thing since sliced bread, though when pressed did say that the recovery period was at least a year. So I am very much in two minds.
Obviously nobidy can tell me what I should do but it would help me to hear about real people's experiences as well as reading loads of statistics!
So if you've had it, could you tell me how you found it please ? Specifically how long were you non weight bearing, how long before you could walk unaided, when could you drive again and do you think the benefits made it worthwhile?
Thanks in advance for any information.

Hi @MrsAvocet. My Mum has had this operation & I showed her your post. This is her reply:

I had the op in November 2013 after months of pain and difficulty walking due to osteoarthritis. Was in a below knee plaster for 3 months, changed a few times. Non weight-bearing - hopping around! And being pushed in a (hired) wheelchair. Very quickly got going after the last plaster, taking weight quickly and getting rid of the crutches.(I'm a retired physio so I knew what to do!) And NO PAIN! Was discharged a month later. Was told that if I were younger (70 now, 63 then) or doing lots of sports ( I'm more into crafts!) that might put strain on adjacent joints, but I've had absolutely no problems. Happy to answer any more questions x

Thanks @AdventuresAwait. It sounds like it's worked really well for your Mum. Please thank her for her reply.
I'm very much in 2 minds. My arthritis is caused by previous fractures.I suffered multiple injuries in a car crash a few years ago and it took me a very long time to walk again. Now I'm being told I can have this operation which may significantly help my pain, though it can'tbe guaranteed( I have damaged nerves also) but will involve kind of going back to the beginning mobility wise and I'm not sure I can face it. But on the other hand, I would love to have less pain!
Would you mind asking your Mum how long she was in hospital, and was there a lot of pain immediately after the surgery?
Thanks again - it's very helpful to hear from someone who's actually experienced it.

I have asked her your questions and will get back to you!

Also, she says in further response to your first post...

I can't remember exactly when I drove again but it wasn't long - short distances at first. And 100% worthwhile, because the pain had been awful and now completely gone.

@MrsAvocet, here is Mum's reply to your 2nd post:

I was only in hospital for 1 night and was given pain relief, but actually only needed it for a couple of days. That first night I was on a drip and it was rather painful but by morning it was much better. I remember the surgeon coming in during the morning and saying 'that's what I like to see - my patient sitting up and reading the paper!' I went home that evening and had some paracetamol and codeine over the next 12 hours but then stopped and didn't need more.

Mum's Xrays showed that her pain was coming from joint surfaces rubbing, so the fusion sorted that. She was in a lot of pain and it has completely gone. I guess it depends what the scans/x rays show what is causing the pain?
Hope this has helped a little.
Let us know if you have any more questions .

Thanks Adventures. That's good to hear as I'd be likely to have this done in a hospital quite a long way from where I live and I didn't want to be stuck there for ages. I've been in hospital such a lot in the last few years and my children get quite anxious about it.
Huge thanks for replying. Most people, naturally enough I suppose, don't ever think about the subtalar joint unless they've got something wrong with it or they specifically work with feet. Almost everyone in my real world life has just looked at me blankly when I've mentioned this operation - even friends who are doctors and nurses!

Wishing you all the best @MrsAvocet. Do let us know if you have any other questions or updates xx