I had my fusion 6/22/16. I had no choice sin e there was my big toe was way out of alignment, causing it to overlap the toe. This caused rubbing with any shoe I wore. there was also significant arthritis. It has been only a little over three weeks. It seems much longer. I am doing well. Hate the boot, which I will wear another three weeks. I am using Arnica gel, which works great for bruising and swelling. I also use prescription Voltaren gel for pain in my toe and sole of my foot. The boot also threw my back out, causing back spasms. I raised the other "wedge" shoe with an insert. That helped lot. Can't wait to get rid of the boot. I also use a walker for balance as I try to kill myself using crutches.
Next step for me will be therapy and water walking, and deep water exercise. I am hopeful.