I've had surgery on both feet twice and a total knee replacement. Believe it or not, the foot surgery was almost as painful as the knee but the recovery was much quicker on the feet. I don't have rods yet but I'm told my next surgery will be with them. I'm not looking forward to it. This is not something I want to do because I love taking walks but when the pain gets too bad surgery is the only answer. If your feet are hurting as much as what I've experienced you will probably want to have it done.

I had the surgery January 25th of this year, I am still recovering but wearing a normal shoe now- still deal with some swelling if on it to much but all the joint pain is gone- I had 3 toes fused- it is a 9 week recovery period to get out of the boot than about another month or so to walk without a limp. But it has been worth it just to get relief from the pain- In Mach of this year they also fused 2 fingers- the RA is aggressively attacking the joints on the right side of my body. Good Luck!

Thank you for this it is so helpful, my ankles and feet are so painful it hurts to walk and both my knees keep giving out and nobody talks to me about this...when I ask questions I have been told it is nothing to do with my RA. It feels like they (rheumatoid specialists ) do not want to impart to much information.

I hope it goes well, keep us posted please

Oh my goodness, I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon next week to discuss the triple fusion of my left hindfoot. Need to be off the foot for 3 months .. very nervous about this. It's either surgery or wheelchair for me.