Mark. Try having a look to see if any of the disability aids people do rentals of them, the guys here in Ireland do but to be honest it actually didn't work out any cheaper. I'm sure there's a couple on ebay at moment. The couple that I observed selling a few weeks ago seemed to max out at about £90. I kept an eye on them just to check whether there would be any resale value in mine when the time comes. I know what you mean about the cost at this time, being self employed and contract mobile sawmilling being my only income, plus a whole nightmare of unexpected costs dropping in just before the operation. My fusion came from a broken ankle that I didn't know I'd done many years ago. Being self employed ground maintenance at that time I just strapped it up and pretty much worked with ibuprofen assistance, whilst through misalignment the cartilage was being consumed.- one of my big life mistakes! Consultant 3yrs ago said "one day I'd come to him begging to have the op done" but due to its permanancy the time would be my choice. That day came last November after 2 weeks of continuous milling. They reckon you can hardly spot someone who's had the fusion done, though I may have to change walking style on slopes and hills. Could make my life as hill farmer tricky. Thank goodness for quad bike. It does transfer loading to other joints both in the foot and to knees and hips. Good and correct footwear will have a big bearing on comfort in the future. I reckon on another 3 months before I can think of restarting work. The guidance for fusion is return to work after 3 months but that's for normal less loading occupations. 4 months post op will hopefully see the joint able to take the pressure again for me . One real benefit of the iwalk is it gets both legs ,hips etc working and exercising as almost normal so muscle attrophy, and therefore physio requirements are very much reduced, which will get you back to working condition so much sooner. I would really strongly say if you can find the funds, buy or rent one. The independence it gives is a real boost to the self esteem. Only downside for me being a real skinny git is it can be tough on the shinbone where the cast finishes and presses in. Good luck and keep in touch Shaun