Ten months ago I went into the operating theatre for the first time. With almost a year’s hindsight, it is a lot easier to put an ankle replacement into a proper perspective. Now that it is done and dusted I can, without the emotions of the moment, give a reasonably balanced view, and hopefully a little advice for anyone thinking of following in my (ha!) footsteps.

Without doubt the whole procedure has stretched my patience. Given all the research and reading beforehand, it still took a lot longer and hurt a little more than I expected. With this as a background, if you are in anyway unsure of having the operation it would be wise to delay your decision. It took me several years and a number of consultations before I finally came to the point of conclusion. As my life became smaller and more uncomfortable I had to face the truth. It became necessary.

Your second consideration is what you hope to gain from a replacement. In the early consultations I told the surgeon I wanted to run marathons again. Oftentimes I was dismissed with an indulgent and patient smile. My expectations were getting way ahead of themselves. It was only much later, when all I wanted was pain relief that we nodded in agreement, and I knew I was ready. I took aim at the new ankle’s horizon and calculated I would be about 80 when the warranty ran out. At least I could look forward to 15 years of reasonably vigorous activity while I was still relatively young. However minor, your age therefore does play a role in the decision, I think.

Not every candidate has to undergo two operations, a replacement and an osteotomy. I was one of the unfortunate ones. The recuperation time is long and drawn out. Over the last 10 months, at least four were spent in a plaster cast with no weight bearing activity. Another four months were spent on crutches and in-between operations I spent a month in a moonboot. The implications of this reach far into your work life and your family circumstances. My wife and I had to find lashings of patience and goodwill to get through the ordeal in one piece. If I may offer a personal word of advice here: just let the people who love you help you, and don’t try to be too independent. Don’t be an asshole.

I have been taking short walks without a moonboot for about a week and I want to get back to the gym. I have put on weight and have become really unfit. But that is, I believe, only temporary. I plan to see my family doctor next week and will take it from there. I still want to do so much. Not least walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I also miss road races and as soon as I can, I will walk a five kilometre fun run.

This then will be my last posting on my ankle replacement for a while. I am glad that I have been able to help a few who are still agonising over a similar decision. Anytime you need some further insight, you know how to contact me. My heart is full of hope and my mind clear, and although I have steered away from naming him – I would be remiss if I did not thank Professor Nick Saragas for his knowledge, skill and in my case – his patience. You were brilliant.