Hey all! It's been a while since I posted, so here's an update on life after Lisfranc. Was injured last July 15th, had surgery last July24th - one screw, which was taken out about 10 weeks later. Since then, I worked with a trainer to rehab the foot and leg, which lost considerable muscle mass while I was on crutches. My foot is now pretty much back to normal. There is no tingling, though sometimes, i.e. when running on uneven ground, I'll feel a slight twinge. I resumed my sport, which is waterskiing, with no pain on the surgery sight, as of last February. I had some collateral ankle damage (torn peroneus brevis) which still bothers me, but otherwise, I notice little change from before. My foot still pronates considerably, but that has been the case all my life. My doctor suggested arch inserts, but as they're hard to fit in street shoes, I don't really wear them. In short, there's life after Lisfranc, though the healing process is lengthy and trying. Just thought I'd share this with anyone looking for a light at the end of the tunnel!
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I have to agree that there is light at the end of the tunnel, although it may sometimes seem like a very long tunnel!
I had my surgery Jan.12, so I've been on my feet, literally, for a couple of months now. Physical therapy helped tremendously, as did having a fantastic surgeon. I still have three pins in my foot, which I will have removed someday. My doctor has encouraged me to not rush that, which is OK by me.
The only remaining issue I have now is a dislocated cuboid bone, which is on the opposite side of my foot than the injury site. Apparently this is sort of common with a Lis franc's injury but that's the only spot that causes me pain now. My therapist is working with me to get it back in "place" - has anyone else here experienced this?
I had my surgery Jan.12, so I've been on my feet, literally, for a couple of months now. Physical therapy helped tremendously, as did having a fantastic surgeon. I still have three pins in my foot, which I will have removed someday. My doctor has encouraged me to not rush that, which is OK by me.
The only remaining issue I have now is a dislocated cuboid bone, which is on the opposite side of my foot than the injury site. Apparently this is sort of common with a Lis franc's injury but that's the only spot that causes me pain now. My therapist is working with me to get it back in "place" - has anyone else here experienced this?
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Hi, all.
I've had this lump on the top of my foot since January, have been through the mill with it. All different kinds of tests, extreme amounts of pain, etc. Finally saw a specialist today and he is worried it might have been an undiagonsed Lisfranc injury from a year ago.
He sent a request for a CT within the next week and wants to see me again within two. He's move me up to urgent.
Can this be fixed? If it is a Lisfranc injury? Thanks
I've had this lump on the top of my foot since January, have been through the mill with it. All different kinds of tests, extreme amounts of pain, etc. Finally saw a specialist today and he is worried it might have been an undiagonsed Lisfranc injury from a year ago.
He sent a request for a CT within the next week and wants to see me again within two. He's move me up to urgent.
Can this be fixed? If it is a Lisfranc injury? Thanks
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Hey,
I just wanted to say my Dr put in a hard cast with crutches a week and half ago, for 4 weeks to see if I can get some relief from the pain.. If in 4 weeks I am still in pain he is wanting a MRI, and possibly looking at surgery,, so just wanted to update....
~Krystal
I just wanted to say my Dr put in a hard cast with crutches a week and half ago, for 4 weeks to see if I can get some relief from the pain.. If in 4 weeks I am still in pain he is wanting a MRI, and possibly looking at surgery,, so just wanted to update....
~Krystal
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Hi all -- in the spirit of Wtrskid's update (which was quite good to read, by the way -- glad things are working out well), here's my update. My original injury was a bit over a year ago; a nasty "crush" injury (foot run over by a truck) including a large-gap lisfranc fracture/dislocation, some skin wounds that had to be grafted, and a cartilidge tear in my knee.
On a scale from poor to excellent, I'd characterize my lisfranc recovery as between "good" and "very good." My sense is that lisfranc injury outcomes fall about evenly all along that spectrum, so I'm quite grateful for the result (but for occasional moments of self-pity over some activities I still can't do). My knee healed up 100%.
The key negatives: (a) I can't run -- the "toe-off" movement when I run is still quite painful, although I can jog short distances (I had been running a lot before the injury, so this is a real bummer); (b) I get some mild pain and minor swelling particularly when I walk longer distances; (c) I have a bunion I didn't have before; (d) the injured foot never feels "normal" -- it's generally not noticably painful, but just feels strange, and (e) the scarring is bad, although the lisfranc surgery scars are not.
BUT: I can function in my day-to-day life essentially normally, including lots of business travel (i.e., long walks through airports, etc.). I can wear normal shoes, including sandals and flip flops, and walk around my house barefoot. I can jog on my foot enough to chase my kids around, or play frisbee with them, that sort of thing. I can walk the dog, mow the lawn. I can swim, including kicking with fins and pushing off hard on turns, and ride a road bike.
I'm hopeful that my improvement curve is still heading up, but if this is as good as it gets, I can accept that. Certainly life deals many people *much* more difficult cards than this.
For those of you just starting the recovery process, my heart goes out to you, as it is a long slog. It does get better, though!
--Brad
On a scale from poor to excellent, I'd characterize my lisfranc recovery as between "good" and "very good." My sense is that lisfranc injury outcomes fall about evenly all along that spectrum, so I'm quite grateful for the result (but for occasional moments of self-pity over some activities I still can't do). My knee healed up 100%.
The key negatives: (a) I can't run -- the "toe-off" movement when I run is still quite painful, although I can jog short distances (I had been running a lot before the injury, so this is a real bummer); (b) I get some mild pain and minor swelling particularly when I walk longer distances; (c) I have a bunion I didn't have before; (d) the injured foot never feels "normal" -- it's generally not noticably painful, but just feels strange, and (e) the scarring is bad, although the lisfranc surgery scars are not.
BUT: I can function in my day-to-day life essentially normally, including lots of business travel (i.e., long walks through airports, etc.). I can wear normal shoes, including sandals and flip flops, and walk around my house barefoot. I can jog on my foot enough to chase my kids around, or play frisbee with them, that sort of thing. I can walk the dog, mow the lawn. I can swim, including kicking with fins and pushing off hard on turns, and ride a road bike.
I'm hopeful that my improvement curve is still heading up, but if this is as good as it gets, I can accept that. Certainly life deals many people *much* more difficult cards than this.
For those of you just starting the recovery process, my heart goes out to you, as it is a long slog. It does get better, though!
--Brad
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My injury happened in the beginning of April I had surgery about 3 weeks later and was in a non-weightbearing cast for 3 weeks after the 3 weeks concluded I was put in a weightbearing cast for another 3 weeks.
What is the usual recovery time for this injury before I can get the cast competley off? The Dr. said I can resume full activities Basketball and Football in October, which would be 7 months post injury.
Also does the severity of the lisfranc fracture determine the recovery time or are they all the same. Because my friend had a lisfranc fracture and he was in a non-weightbearing case for 3 months. Opposed to my 3 weeks in a non-weightbearing cast.
What is the usual recovery time for this injury before I can get the cast competley off? The Dr. said I can resume full activities Basketball and Football in October, which would be 7 months post injury.
Also does the severity of the lisfranc fracture determine the recovery time or are they all the same. Because my friend had a lisfranc fracture and he was in a non-weightbearing case for 3 months. Opposed to my 3 weeks in a non-weightbearing cast.
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Hi fellow lisfrancers,
I was reading Gail from Orlandos post. Keep your head up sister !! Miss Gail, I went to high school in Clearwater, Florida...I lived in Pensacola after coming back from 3 years in Japan.
Ok, here we go, I hope nobody yawns here. I was walking on the sidewalk on March 25 2007 getting ready to take my son to the nearest Walmart, needed some goodies. My right ankle twisted slightly, no pain, but I lost control of my stepping, and my left and went completely in the opposite direction, snapping, and stiffening as I feel directly into the street, onto my side. I went into shock not realizing how serious the injury was and my mother (Who was visiting at the time, THANK GOD) prior nurse, said "Oh my dear, please sit down, sweetie, even though you are irish, your a bit more pale than I am used to honey". I went to the hospital, and they gave me a percocet and proceeded to x-ray my foot. Well, due to the swelling, they really could not get a good indication of the injury, as I am sure most of you are probably already aware. So about 5 days later, I went in for a CAT scan of my foot. Thank God for the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. I work in the pharmacy at NMCSD, so you can imagine how "goofy" I felt trying to explain to them that this was just a fall from the curb. Well, about a week later,after being place in a Seattle splint, The doctor came in (2 specialists) and they informed me of my injury, and proceeded to tell me what was entailed in fixing this problem. The doctor asked me if I had any help and I said "No, my husband has been in Iraq for 7.5 months now, I need him to come home and help me with getting around and with my son". The surgeon said "Yes, I TOTALLY agree with you, this is going to be some SERIOUS surgery, your injuries are extensive, we need to put screws in, a plate for fusion, and we need to do a bone graft, and fix your tendon to prevent this from happening again". OK, OF COURSE I WAS "PAINFULLY" excited !!!!! Painfully being in my foot, excited to see my hubby. So he sent a Red Cross message and had my husband flown home on emergency leave. He waited until my hubby was here at the hospital with me to show me the CAT scan and "freak" me out. So to speak. So he brought us into his office with the other leg specialist, and brought out a full scale model of the foot, EXPLAINED EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of the injury in "common folk terms"......GREAT FANTASTICE SURGEONS, and proceeded to tell us the timeframe for the surgery, what he needed us to do, and to encourage us. So on May 9th, I had a 6 hour surgery where they started with a full on nerve block for my left leg, then they gave me anesthesia. THey proceeded with 3 incisions...one on the left top of my foot, one on the right top, and one on the side of my leg for the tendon "fixing". They thought they would have to do an incision to take bone out of my knee for the bone graft, but they didnt. The doc said that I had an unusually LARGE AMOUNT of bone shards in my foot that they used for graft material. They placed....ready for this.....11 screws in my foot, with the plate on the other side with the bone graft, trimmed shaped and rebuilt the bone and stretched my tendon out. They closed up the areas with sutures, and admitted to the hospital for about 2.5 days. He left the nerve block in for about 1.5 days and weened my off the block slowly. This was GREAT because I hated pain meds and didnt really want to have to take any. When I woke up, high as a kite, he said WITH A HUGE SMILE "We finished, it took 6 hours, but I am REALLY encouraged and excited with our work and your foot is doing GREAT. A few more screws than anticipated and ALOT more bone fragments and shards than expected, but we used those for your graft, so you have one less sutured area. I am EXTREMELY pleased with your foot, I have the x-rays here and this is what we did." He showed the xrays and I honestly dont remember very much. So last week, I had the sutures removed from the right side of my foot, and where the tendon was stretched, but he left the sutures in where the plate is, they will probably be removed tomorrow. I am still in a cast, which I will be in for about 4 more weeks, then we go from there. I will continue to post as each time goes by. Gail in Orlando, dont be ashamed about the oxycodone, it happens more often than known. I work in the pharmacy, just have your doctor help you to ween off the dose, ok? But do it soon, because you will be amazed at your strength young lady. Miss Gail, please dont hesitate to post at any time. The fusion thing really isnt too bad. It feels pretty stiff and a little sore, but nothing major yet. I hope that is a good thing. I will continue the posts though as I go through the splints, the cam boots, the physical therapy, the orthotics, etc . I hope this helps. Anyone with questions, I would be glad to answer as I know, or if you would like me to ask my orthopedic specialist surgeon...HE IS AMAZING. He is SOOO down to earth. I count my blessings that all my limbs are working, and I will just "suck it up". Blessings to all !!!
I was reading Gail from Orlandos post. Keep your head up sister !! Miss Gail, I went to high school in Clearwater, Florida...I lived in Pensacola after coming back from 3 years in Japan.
Ok, here we go, I hope nobody yawns here. I was walking on the sidewalk on March 25 2007 getting ready to take my son to the nearest Walmart, needed some goodies. My right ankle twisted slightly, no pain, but I lost control of my stepping, and my left and went completely in the opposite direction, snapping, and stiffening as I feel directly into the street, onto my side. I went into shock not realizing how serious the injury was and my mother (Who was visiting at the time, THANK GOD) prior nurse, said "Oh my dear, please sit down, sweetie, even though you are irish, your a bit more pale than I am used to honey". I went to the hospital, and they gave me a percocet and proceeded to x-ray my foot. Well, due to the swelling, they really could not get a good indication of the injury, as I am sure most of you are probably already aware. So about 5 days later, I went in for a CAT scan of my foot. Thank God for the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. I work in the pharmacy at NMCSD, so you can imagine how "goofy" I felt trying to explain to them that this was just a fall from the curb. Well, about a week later,after being place in a Seattle splint, The doctor came in (2 specialists) and they informed me of my injury, and proceeded to tell me what was entailed in fixing this problem. The doctor asked me if I had any help and I said "No, my husband has been in Iraq for 7.5 months now, I need him to come home and help me with getting around and with my son". The surgeon said "Yes, I TOTALLY agree with you, this is going to be some SERIOUS surgery, your injuries are extensive, we need to put screws in, a plate for fusion, and we need to do a bone graft, and fix your tendon to prevent this from happening again". OK, OF COURSE I WAS "PAINFULLY" excited !!!!! Painfully being in my foot, excited to see my hubby. So he sent a Red Cross message and had my husband flown home on emergency leave. He waited until my hubby was here at the hospital with me to show me the CAT scan and "freak" me out. So to speak. So he brought us into his office with the other leg specialist, and brought out a full scale model of the foot, EXPLAINED EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of the injury in "common folk terms"......GREAT FANTASTICE SURGEONS, and proceeded to tell us the timeframe for the surgery, what he needed us to do, and to encourage us. So on May 9th, I had a 6 hour surgery where they started with a full on nerve block for my left leg, then they gave me anesthesia. THey proceeded with 3 incisions...one on the left top of my foot, one on the right top, and one on the side of my leg for the tendon "fixing". They thought they would have to do an incision to take bone out of my knee for the bone graft, but they didnt. The doc said that I had an unusually LARGE AMOUNT of bone shards in my foot that they used for graft material. They placed....ready for this.....11 screws in my foot, with the plate on the other side with the bone graft, trimmed shaped and rebuilt the bone and stretched my tendon out. They closed up the areas with sutures, and admitted to the hospital for about 2.5 days. He left the nerve block in for about 1.5 days and weened my off the block slowly. This was GREAT because I hated pain meds and didnt really want to have to take any. When I woke up, high as a kite, he said WITH A HUGE SMILE "We finished, it took 6 hours, but I am REALLY encouraged and excited with our work and your foot is doing GREAT. A few more screws than anticipated and ALOT more bone fragments and shards than expected, but we used those for your graft, so you have one less sutured area. I am EXTREMELY pleased with your foot, I have the x-rays here and this is what we did." He showed the xrays and I honestly dont remember very much. So last week, I had the sutures removed from the right side of my foot, and where the tendon was stretched, but he left the sutures in where the plate is, they will probably be removed tomorrow. I am still in a cast, which I will be in for about 4 more weeks, then we go from there. I will continue to post as each time goes by. Gail in Orlando, dont be ashamed about the oxycodone, it happens more often than known. I work in the pharmacy, just have your doctor help you to ween off the dose, ok? But do it soon, because you will be amazed at your strength young lady. Miss Gail, please dont hesitate to post at any time. The fusion thing really isnt too bad. It feels pretty stiff and a little sore, but nothing major yet. I hope that is a good thing. I will continue the posts though as I go through the splints, the cam boots, the physical therapy, the orthotics, etc . I hope this helps. Anyone with questions, I would be glad to answer as I know, or if you would like me to ask my orthopedic specialist surgeon...HE IS AMAZING. He is SOOO down to earth. I count my blessings that all my limbs are working, and I will just "suck it up". Blessings to all !!!
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Hello Hizgrace4all,
Wow, you have been through alot with that foot. It's hard to imagine how something that severe can happen just by falling. My fall happened about 14 months ago - I only had 3 screws. I fractured my foot along with the lisfranc injury. Had the screws removed 6 months ago. So , it sounds like you had the bones fused? Is that right? I'm trying to deceide if this is what I need. My Dr. thinks I am too young & that I should wait. With the bones fused, is it harder to walk, does it just feel different? I'm wondering if the pain I feel now will lessen with the bones fused. Is it worth it? I cannot walk for long distances without pain.
Good luck to you, sounds like you are on a good recovery road.
Thanks for any advice you may give.
SKH
Wow, you have been through alot with that foot. It's hard to imagine how something that severe can happen just by falling. My fall happened about 14 months ago - I only had 3 screws. I fractured my foot along with the lisfranc injury. Had the screws removed 6 months ago. So , it sounds like you had the bones fused? Is that right? I'm trying to deceide if this is what I need. My Dr. thinks I am too young & that I should wait. With the bones fused, is it harder to walk, does it just feel different? I'm wondering if the pain I feel now will lessen with the bones fused. Is it worth it? I cannot walk for long distances without pain.
Good luck to you, sounds like you are on a good recovery road.
Thanks for any advice you may give.
SKH
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Hi there, I am new too. Dont let people pressure you. You need to heal, and it is in God's hands. I have 11 screws, a plate, a bone graft and a tendon "stretch". Funny enough, I work in the pharmacy at the Naval Medical Center. I understand the frustration and depression involved. My husband was in Iraq when I fell. He was already gone 8 months. IT practically took an act of congress to get hime home. My doc sent him a Red Cross message AND his command, saying that he MUST be home for the surgery. It was about 45 days out from my injury that I had the surgery.
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Hi SKH,
boy that was a quick reply. Thanks for the encouragement. I am not weight bearing yet. but the fusion just feels like the "back area closer to the ankle is a "little" tight. The toes just feel close. It really is not uncomfortable right now. you are pretty young? Were you pretty physically active? I just figure, I am 35, and I will possbily have the arthritis anyway, but my doctor suggested to me that the fusion would have a lesser pain than the full arthritis involved. Dont forget God has your foot in His hands, He will get you through EVERYTHING. Promise. I was a dingy the other day and decided to to see what it felt like to put a "little weight". DONT DO IT !! I am fine, but it was just stiff and a little tender.
As far as you having the surgery, how damaged is your foot?
Hizgrace
boy that was a quick reply. Thanks for the encouragement. I am not weight bearing yet. but the fusion just feels like the "back area closer to the ankle is a "little" tight. The toes just feel close. It really is not uncomfortable right now. you are pretty young? Were you pretty physically active? I just figure, I am 35, and I will possbily have the arthritis anyway, but my doctor suggested to me that the fusion would have a lesser pain than the full arthritis involved. Dont forget God has your foot in His hands, He will get you through EVERYTHING. Promise. I was a dingy the other day and decided to to see what it felt like to put a "little weight". DONT DO IT !! I am fine, but it was just stiff and a little tender.
As far as you having the surgery, how damaged is your foot?
Hizgrace
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Hi Lissa, yes this can be fixed, but there is a bit of recovery, but you will be fine. They have alot of ambulatory aids for you to get around. Just ask your doctor, but be sure to listen to what he tells you. If needed get a second opinion. Are you having lots of pain, and does it get worse? Keep your head up. No worries.
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I believe I've read all of your posts. Thank you for the positive attitude you are expressing on this site. I can tell that "His Grace has no limits" with you. My son-in-law was also stationed in Pensacola several years ago.
I sustained my injury while trying to water the lawn. Who would think that grass could trip someone up? That happened last Aug. and I am finally eligible for my surgery in a week or two. I'm quite a bit older than you but am trusting in God's grace and a positive attitude to get me back on my feet and into my classroom in the fall. A short time goal is getting back to church choir in a wheelchair.
It brought tears to my eyes when I read that your husband was sent home for you. What a "God"-send in the truest sense of the word. Perhaps there was divine intervention in your fall!
I sustained my injury while trying to water the lawn. Who would think that grass could trip someone up? That happened last Aug. and I am finally eligible for my surgery in a week or two. I'm quite a bit older than you but am trusting in God's grace and a positive attitude to get me back on my feet and into my classroom in the fall. A short time goal is getting back to church choir in a wheelchair.
It brought tears to my eyes when I read that your husband was sent home for you. What a "God"-send in the truest sense of the word. Perhaps there was divine intervention in your fall!
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Thanks for the update My Left Foot. I fractured my left first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal when I fell about 20 feet and landed in a ravine. I had surgery by a foot and ankle surgeon November 23rd, 06. I had to have my 2nd and third metatarsal fused, due to crush injury. Six months later, I feel the same way you do...the foot has not felt the same. Not pain really, maybe a little numb on the top of my foot. Also, the movement of heel to ball of foot, to toe push off is still greatly weak as compared to the right foot. I finally started to run again and can run about 2-2.5 miles. But, I am very, very slow and the foot is still very weak. Also, I have occasional lateral foot pain around the fourth-fifth metatarsal. Not debilitating, but I know the pain is there. My ortho seems to think this is my foot's response to extra stress placed on the fourth and fifth metatarsal secondary to the other bones being fused. Also, at times I seem to walk with a limp, I just can't stop it, it seems to be related to my weakened foot..These issues aside, I am working again, playing with the kids, doing housework, mowing the lawn. So, about 80% recovery. I am hoping over the next year to pick up the other 20% and just live with any residual discomfort.
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Hi, its been awhile since I lasted posted...but reading all of your stories helps me to fell not as bad! I am 11 months post surgery. I fractured 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th...5 pins and what seemed like the longest summer ever, I am still in severe pain. I have a 21/2 year old who is actually very sympathetic to my foot. I try my best to never complain and just suck it up...but it is getting harder everyday! I have done all of the PT and really pampered my foot but the pain and sweeling seems worse than before. I am having a hard time keeping my head up..sometimes I feel like people think I am over exgarreating the pain. I know that so many people are in worse situations than I am, but I feel like so much of who I am has been taken away. On the positive side I have taken up swimming (used to be an avid runner) and gone back to work full time.
things are looking up in many other ways.
Is any one from Ohio, ant suggestions on specialist. I have a great Dr., but I think it is time for a 2nd opinion. Any suggestions on bone fusion? I feel like a year is enough time to decide if I need to do something else!
Thank you all for this site and for sharing all of your stories it truly helps to know that others understand. Keep Smiling!!
things are looking up in many other ways.
Is any one from Ohio, ant suggestions on specialist. I have a great Dr., but I think it is time for a 2nd opinion. Any suggestions on bone fusion? I feel like a year is enough time to decide if I need to do something else!
Thank you all for this site and for sharing all of your stories it truly helps to know that others understand. Keep Smiling!!
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Corbins mom,
Sure does seem like you & I are in the same situation right now. I also have a toddler, he will be 3 in July. My husband & I went to the Zoo this past weekend ( as my son had never been) It was hard for me to keep up. I couldn't stay as long as I wanted. My foot was hurting so bad by the time we left.
I've got an appt. with my ortho surgeon this week. I'm going back to talk about my continued problems. I don't know if fusion is the answer? Are you still seeing your Dr? If so, what does he tell you?
Hizgrace- I am about your age- I'm 36. When do you begin walking? I'd love to hear how it feels with the bones fused when you do. Keep updating if you can!
Peace,
SKH
Sure does seem like you & I are in the same situation right now. I also have a toddler, he will be 3 in July. My husband & I went to the Zoo this past weekend ( as my son had never been) It was hard for me to keep up. I couldn't stay as long as I wanted. My foot was hurting so bad by the time we left.
I've got an appt. with my ortho surgeon this week. I'm going back to talk about my continued problems. I don't know if fusion is the answer? Are you still seeing your Dr? If so, what does he tell you?
Hizgrace- I am about your age- I'm 36. When do you begin walking? I'd love to hear how it feels with the bones fused when you do. Keep updating if you can!
Peace,
SKH
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