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I am a 31 year old male scheduled for left knee fusion.  Since my leg will be permanently stiff, i'm wondering how getting into and driving a car will work and also how do you put on your sock and shoe on the affected stiff leg.

This post a year ago, so I guess you know how bad it. So sorry for 31 year old to suffer this,
It's pure hell. I can't do anything I did before. I can't change a ceiling light bulb, have to sit on the edge of a chair,
can't really travel anymore. I walk like a freak. Developed horrible infections and almost died and I would have been okay with that. Can't do much of any work, take like ten meds a day. Doctor screwed up the surgery and caused an caused a horrible infections. Lawyer tells me I have no case. IT SUCKS!
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Hi all,
I had my right knee fusion undertaken in 1980. I spent the first few years trying to prove I could do anything.
But in reality I cannot. I have chronic back pain and my ankle swells all of the time. I’ve had my leg stamped on while attending a theatre as the person thought I was being rude. I can’t fit into the back of cars, struggle get in and out of low cars. I fall often as my foot seems to find anything that it can hook into. I loose my balance if the terrain has a dip. I cannot get in or out of baths. I get my shoe altered to make my back and hips align but then loose my swing through.
Actually I’m sick of struggling. I’m looking to find someone in the same boat. Would be great if they were in NZ.

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I have a fused right knee since my TKN failed due to infections and age as I am over 80. My right leg is now 1" shorter than the left but I found a 1" strap-on sole that is sold to even out gait for brace wearers. I find that sitting on a regular chair that it is necessary to have a stool or support for my stiff leg. Luckily I have a workshop and foam chunks to cut up.
Sitting as a passenger in the front seat of a car was a problem until I had extended seat rails fitted so the seat would go back further. A foam wedge is necessary on the seat to allow my leg to remain straight. I have no problems climbing stairs or ladders as long as I lead with my left leg, slowly. I am working on getting an endorsement on my driving license to allow a hand throttle. I am flexible enough that putting on shoes and socks are no problem.
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I am in the same boat you are. 1980 fused left knee chondrosarcoma grade 3. Have fought many of the same battles you are facing and not finding much relief. Would like to communicate by email further details. 

_removed_

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I’m in the same boat, 33 yo female and you just get used to it. I just stretch to get shoes and socks on and driving isn’t really an issue, again, you just adapt.
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