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2 weeks post bunion surgery

Posted , 6 users are following.

beth97413
beth97413

Hi guys,

I am now 2 weeks post bunion surgery.

I saw my surgeon today who took all my dressings off and told me not to wear the heel walking shoes, not to use crutches and to start trying to walk.

I was shocked because I didn't realise it would be that soon! He also told me I can get it wet but i'm scared to even touch it!

Is this normal?? Also if anyone else had the same how long did it take to get back to normal?

Thank you smile

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

  • sandra11356
    sandra11356 beth97413

    Posted

    Hi Beth, same here but it's fine I promise! It still feels a little tender, especially at the scar and to try to move the toe is a little uncomfortable but you need to do that to start the joint working again.Massaging the foot with a soothing peppermint foot cream, avoiding the scar feels wonderful, even better if you have someone else to do it. You may have clumps of dead skin falling off your foot which is odd, resist trying to pull it off though, 

    I had my op 12th December (1 foot only - next one in Sept) and within two weeks I had packed up the house, driven up and down the country (3hr trips) 4 times and flew to Spain on the 27th December with surgical boot and had the furniture delivered on the 29th.......I do not recommend any of that because I have struggled since but by 2 week of January I was in loosish shoes/boots and walking, my foot is still swollen a little because to be honest, I have done too much but don't be afraid, it's exciting to see the improvement on a daily basis even if it's only a slight improvement, also, when walking upstairs, remember,

    Up with the good, Down with the bad and hold the bannister. 

    Think......new shoes, new shoes!Good luck and trust your Consultant, 

    • beth97413
      beth97413 sandra11356

      Posted

      Hi Sandra,

      Wow thank you! My surgeon reckons i'll still need 3 more weeks off work because I have a manual car and have had my left foot done and I drive approx 80 mile round trip every day! How is your foot now? I need to pluck up the courage to touch it was just so shocked how quick it was then meant to be walking! Guess it will take a bit of time to start walking properly again!

  • fiona41154
    fiona41154 beth97413

    Posted

    Wow, I thought you had to wear the heel bearing boot for 6 weeks for all bunion surgery! What did you have done?  Can't say anything else except to maybe get back in touch with surgeon to clarify situation. I'm no expert, just going by what everyone else on here & other people I know having ops for bunions have experienced & 6 weeks seems the norm, maybe other people have had a different experience. As for getting foot wet, I was told at 2 weeks that was ok, I don't have any pins & I think it's different if you do. Good luck with your recovery. 
    • beth97413
      beth97413 fiona41154

      Posted

      Hi Fiona,

      So did I that was why I was shocked! Maybe they have different recovery procedures but i had a scarf osteotomy and akin osteotomy... Have 4 pins in my foot!

  • sandra11356
    sandra11356 beth97413

    Posted

    Hi Beth, I have three pins and the big toe was at a 45degree angle so about to cross the second toe. I have an automatic and it was my right foot but driving hasn't been an issue. Walking was a slow process and I have had what I think is sciatica for about three weeks now but when I went to see my Surgeon (Podiatric Consultant) on 13th Feb he said people often suffer with a bad back post this type of surgery as we walk differently, he gave me orthotics to lift my arches but they are quite uncomfortable so he's recommended softer ones. 80 miles round trip on a daily basis might be a little ambitious for a couple of weeks but you should have a little more confidence then, it takes time, you've had major trauma to your body and the feet take such a huge amount of stress on a daily basis, we all underestimate the pounding they take, they deserve this rest! 
    • beth97413
      beth97413 sandra11356

      Posted

      Hi Sandra,

      I think it may be the full 6 weeks until i'll be driving again! I just feel frustrated today because my foot felt secure with the shoe on and now it feels odd very heavy and more painful!

    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ sandra11356

      Posted

      Hi Sandra,

      I am post op day 7, and just had the dressings changed for the first time yesterday. I did not look at it. I too have pins in that will need to be removed around week 3 or week 4. Was it horrible when they took them out? I plan on taking a few pain pills on that morning. Also, I have that siatica too. I have numbness all along my left outer thigh to my knee on the leg they did the foot surgery on. I was told that they did a block, but an ankle block. Don't know why it would affect my thigh. Although, they did say that I "woke" up during the surgery (i was given IV sedation) and that I was complaining that the turniquete was on too tight. Is that why I can't feel my outer thigh? I have not spoken to my surgeon as he went out of town right after my surgery and won't be back for 2 weeks. The resident doctor did that drsg change and did not have an answer about my numbness. Just thought it was interesting since you mentioned something of the same thing. I hope your recovery continues. Thank you for your posting.

    • sandra11356
      sandra11356 MollyDJ

      Posted

      Hi Molly, my three pins are staying in so don't have that to deal with but I too had an ankle block, however, no sedative and I was awake the whole time, next one in September I will have the sedative but not a general. The tourniquette was also tight but they need to stop the blood flow and it is timed, mine was 55 minutes which was more than enough.My surgeon said that a lot of people suffer with back pain following this type of surgery due to walking differently but the sciatica I have only experienced since the surgery so I am sure that's all part of holding your body differently during the first weeks or so and it will pass. Perhaps some physio/massage might help, I plan that if there isn't some improvement soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ sandra11356

      Posted

      Hi Sandra, thank you for your answer back to me. It is so nice to talk to people on this blog about this surgery. I think with the recovery period being so long; patience is something that I am learning. I'm am post op day 8. When did you start weaning off of the narcotic pain medicine? I have gone from taking 1 norco Q 4 hours to 1 Norco every 6 hrs. I take 2 Advil in between if needed. The norco has begun giving me nightmares tonight. Don't like those dreams again.🌺
  • MollyDJ
    MollyDJ beth97413

    Posted

    Hi Beth,

    Did your doctor suggest any physical therapy? I know that one of the surgeons I saw offered that option to his patients to get their mobility and confidence back. Might be something to call the office and ask if that might be an option.

    Hope you are on the mend to cute shoes this summer smile

    • beth97413
      beth97413 MollyDJ

      Posted

      Hi Molly,

      What do you mean about that? I asked about physiotherapy but he told me some exercises to do?

    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ beth97413

      Posted

      The first surgeon I saw has his patients go to physical therapy after bunion& hammer toe surgery. The physical therapist helps to move the toes and foot once again. The doctor said that they've found that patients do better with a short PT following surgery. Sometimes patients don't want to start moving their toes/ feet d/t pain, stiffness, or fear that they might do something wrong. With PT, the therapist moves the joints gently, massages the foot to help with bend, and therefore helps you get your gait back quicker
    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ beth97413

      Posted

      However the surgeon I ended up choosing does not refer his patients to physical therapy. So I'm on my own too when I'm released
    • beth97413
      beth97413 MollyDJ

      Posted

      Ahh ok! My surgeon is very no nonsense wants me to start walking on it which I'm struggling with but have managed to wash it gently and look at it without passing out!!
    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ beth97413

      Posted

      When they changed my bandage for the first time on Wednesday, the resident doctor asked me if I thought I might be able to withstand a foot scrub. I said,"huh???" He said they wanted to clean it up a bit if I could stand the pain. I still have 3 pins in my toes. I told him if it were necessary then do it. If it was not necessary, leave it alone smile He left it alone. I did not look at it when they took the initial drsg off; but my hubby took pictures with his phone. I'd rather not have a visual at this point. Beth, you might inquire about PT if you think it might help. I'm with you not wanting to do too much with it.
    • beth97413
      beth97413 MollyDJ

      Posted

      A foot scrub?! No way I can only just like wave the shower over it! Yeah I may ask but he's encouraging me to do as much as I can myself. Although I don't seem to be able to walk with my foot flat on the floor, I'm walking on the outside of it which I know isn't good but but I can't seem to help it!
    • MollyDJ
      MollyDJ beth97413

      Posted

      Just keep thinking of all the cute shoes you'll be able to wear this summer Beth. Go slow; I do believe our bodies tell us how much they can do. My hubby showed my foot picture to our son (who wants to be a doctor, and his 3 friends.) I haven't seen my foot yet, but the looks on their faces was priceless. Got expressions of shock, grimace, and oh I'm going to vomitsmile I think I'll refrain from looking at it for a bit still.
    • beth97413
      beth97413 MollyDJ

      Posted

      I will but you know what my other foot is starting to develop a bunion too! I couldn't look at first but I'm getting used to it a bit more it looks better now i've rinsed it but can see all the bruising.

      I keep having a weird sensation in it though like a heavy feeling! Like heavy pressure! And if I try and put like a blanket on it the weight alone of the blanket feels uncomfortable and hurts! Did anyone else find this???

    • irina52822
      irina52822 MollyDJ

      Posted

      Hi, Molly! I am going to PT twice a week and I love it! I was sceptical at first, I found exersices on line and was thinking it's OK  for me.  But every time they give me new exersices and massage my feet and big toe. Love it! I am almost 4 weeks now and wearing normal sandals.
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