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6 months post op

Posted , 9 users are following.

susan88868
susan88868

6 months now since halux valgus with tendon release and big toe is no more mobile now than then! Still very painful, surgeon does not know why, so fitted with a full carbon fibre insole to stabilise the joint. Am walking better with it in and manually trying to mobilise the joint every day without weight bearing. Appt with surgeon next week to review the situation with a view to a further op to fuse the joint. I am getting very anxious and emotional about this as I can see myself back in the walking boot for 6 weeks and learning to walk a different way-again. Not sure what the implications are for footwear and mobility with a fused joint. Am only 56 and do occasionally like to wear a moderate heel but can't with my foot as it is so should I get it fused? Decisions......Lost my job in retail as I couldn't be on my feet and feeling very down now after 6 months. Sorry to be so depressive when you all seem so upbeat and improving.

1 like, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • caroline38772
    caroline38772 susan88868

    Posted

    Hi susan

    i'm bilateral lapidus, Atkins with hammer toes release 27/11/14 and I still hurt, right foot more than the left.

    as you say, thank god for Velcro sandals, I can only get into caterpillar boots sketchers trainers, and walking sandals for a longish time, otherwise wearing any thing else my feet swell over the tops (if I can get them in) within minutes, and walking is impossible.

    my husband was shocked this morning when I told him I still hurt. He knew I 'seized up' if I sat down for any time, but didn't know the half of it.

    its depressing, especially when you see before pictures that are better than the after that I've got. I'm just hoping that I'm not one of the 15% that this op doesn't work for, but, I've been dismissed by the surgeon, his secretary doesn't respond to any emails - so the next thing for me is to wait for the year anniversary to see the GP to be refered back. Fingers crossed I won't need too.

    Is there anything you can do about losing your job? Where they allowed to do so as you've been through major surgery? Seems totally unfair, I know my work were furious that I had an extra 10 days off and returned just after the 7 weeks and didn't stop reminding me of it.

    keep in there Susan, not all of us have an easy ride.

    Caroline

    • susan88868
      susan88868 caroline38772

      Posted

      Hi Caroline, nothing to be done about my job. Couldn't cope with the hours, wasn't getting co sick pay and don't qualify for SSP. Just want all this over and get back to normal.

      How can the surgeon dismiss you if you have ongoing issues? It would seem an easy ride is rare!

  • danuta45472
    danuta45472 susan88868

    Posted

    I have stiff toe 7 months post op. Going to be manipulated under anaesthetic this week - trying this out in hopes will work. If not then they will do the fusion thing. Google - big toe manipulation - loads of helpful info there - american. Also trying private physio who is manipulating it - does have positive effect. Had exercises from physio but they didn't have much effect - manipulation more Effective 

    good luck

    • susan88868
      susan88868 danuta45472

      Posted

      Hi, surgeon said that stiffness "can happen". Seems we are unlucky! Steroid inj then fusion, no mention of manipulation. Looked it up and had a go, couldn't stretch the joint, no movement atall length ways and little up and down. Good luck with yours. Thank you.
  • anita51180
    anita51180 susan88868

    Posted

    It's seven months since I had  scarf op on my foot. I can tell you that this has left me with a large joint that is not very mobile,  it's numb on the top side of the toe. But  I have arthritis in the joint  so I think this is as good as it will get. Shoes hurt me  on the joint  and heels have to be low. There seems to be swelling around the joint still, I wonder if that will ever go. Do look at my backwards updates on  here, you will see it was along recovery for me. 
    • susan88868
      susan88868 anita51180

      Posted

      Hi Anita, snap! Another x-ray today revealed arthritis problems that were not there 12 wks ago. Pain, stiffness and swelling make footwear so limiting.

      Will look back at your story, thank you.

  • anne53733
    anne53733 susan88868

    Posted

    Hi again , 

    I'm just bk from 5 days in New York, booked way bk never thinking I'd still be in pain & struggling at this stage !! Was such a pleasure to wear my trainers under everything & no one looked twice, it's so normal there & am constantly explaining my Velcro sandals/trainers look to everyone at home 😊 Overall a lovely time but struggled with amount of walking involved with a limp & now ankle, calf & hip all complaining !!  Have appt with surgeon August 12th to discuss manipulation & to be honest am willing to do anything that might improve pain/quality of life tho am also less optimistic that it will sort my problems ! 

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