Returning to riding after Ankle fusion surgery

[Amaranth99]

3 weeks ago I had my right ankle fused necesitated by Arthritis brought on by too many horse/motorbike accidents in my youth! The weekend before Surgery I rode my ID/WB Mare in our first Dressage test and despite being a bit spooky and leaping about more than the test required, we both enjoyed it and I want to do more. I am currently in a Split Plaster cast and Non weight bearing for 4 weeks, partial weight bearing for 4 weeks, then total weight bearing in a cast for a final 4 weeks.
Whilst I am off, so is my horse as she's not everybody's ride and as she doesnt load she couldnt go to my instuctors yard for the three months I am incapacitated. I am planning on taking this opportunity to change a few things including switching my lovely comfy K&M GP/Jumping to a Dressage saddle which I hope will help keep my balance whilst I am adapting to a non moving ankle, changing her bridle to a Micklem and having a tall mounting block made as I will not be able to stirrup mount.
I have Sprenger bow balance stirrups which I found much more comfortable for the last year but is there anything else I can do to help make riding my horse do able before and after I am completely out of plaster.
Is dressage even possible with minimal ankle movement?
Anyone had any experience?
Thank you

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Brother has both ankles partially fused. He has flexi sturrips with added on cages as his ankles don't bend so they give him the peice of mind his feet won't go through the sturrips.

 

[Amaranth99]

Oh a cage is an idea - thank you. I did worry about not being able to find the stirrup if my foot came out.