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Bilateral Bunionectomy

Posted , 9 users are following.

simbacatz01
simbacatz01

Hello,

I just had bilateral bunionectomy this past Thursday, July 17th. I am suppose to return to work this coming Thursday, July 23rd. So far i can barely put any weight on my feet. I would like to hear from others who had bunionectomy. Do you think i will be able to drive or atleast walk by Thursday? Also, will i have to leave these surgical boots on for a while?

1 like, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • phyl98196
    phyl98196 simbacatz01

    Posted

    Reading many people accounts of their bunion surgery I have been struck by how varied the approach to treatment following surgery is. Gillian I note you say ' must have' crutches but these were never offer when I left after the op and when I requested after my 7 day post op visit for dressing change was told they weren't  necessary!! There just doesn't seem to be any apparent ' best practice ' for this surgery which I find rather strange given that it appears to be a fairly regular procedure. I have to say I have picked up more useful tips on post op care and physion from watching the 'crunchy coach'  on YouTube and this forum. 
    • lindleyk
      lindleyk phyl98196

      Posted

      I agree phyl98196.  I'm blown away by the lack of post-operative care (and consideration) some people report. It would be interesting to know where some of the wilder variations are.  Are you in the UK?  I'm in the US (CA) and my surgeon has already talked about testing out the crutches pre-op, and renting a wheelchair... and I'm just having the right side done (Lapidus). Maybe it's because of the variations in procedures, but I simply cannot imagine anyone not needing crutches after any kind of bunion surgery.
  • krinny
    krinny simbacatz01

    Posted

    Oh gosh....that's too soon to go too work. I am on my 12 the day after the op on both feet. I am in casts. Because my job involves been on my feet all day. I won't be going back for up too 12 wks. It could be sooner but I won't be rushing it. Not worth undoing all that work the surgeon has done. I know people that have been in casts can go to work in two weeks but you still have to have your feet up and they work in an office job. Take it easy and if it's a struggle to walk....put your feet up. The first week....the only walking I did was going to the toilet. Good luck 
  • tracey2703
    tracey2703 simbacatz01

    Posted

    Hiya

    I had a Bilateral Bunionectomy and hammertoe surgery and I am amazed that you are expecting to return to work so soon :O

    I wonder what your surgeon told you re recovery? I was told to have my feet elevated at all times and no weight bearing for 2wks, then I had my stitches and casts removed and new casts put on for a further 4 wks. There is no way I would have been ready for work as the pain was so bad.

    I had the weird shoes for weeks so I would heel walk. I found that my feet would swell and throb if I had been walking even for short periods.

    Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who have had little pain, but I would definately check with your surgeon as you do not want to damage any of the work he has done by doing stuff too quickly.

    Good Luck

    Tracey

  • simbacatz01
    simbacatz01

    Posted

    Update... so today was my 1 week post op visit. I have to day that compared to a few days ago I feel a lot better.I can walk on my on without any support. My doctor took off my bandages and put on these compression gel bands on both feet. As promised I went to work right after my appointment and was given the okay to drive as well. He also told me that I will have to wear gym shoes for three weeks. As soon as I got home I put my gym shoes on and can walk even better. So happy smile.
    • lindleyk
      lindleyk simbacatz01

      Posted

      It strikes me that we may not be talking about the same procedure here.  Can you describe what they did for you in the surgery?
    • krinny
      krinny simbacatz01

      Posted

      Oh wow.....just seems unusual you can go to work so quick...especially with no casts. I have no pain and if I had an office job...yep I could be working but def not driving. My brother had one foot done and I know that he did too much and his toe is not sitting right....do be careful. Bit like Lindleyk I am curious about the procedure you had done.
  • simbacatz01
    simbacatz01

    Posted

    I believe my procedure is called scarf bunionectomy. They cut the bunions and put two screws in each foot to align the big toes. If interested you can read about it on Weil foot and ankle website. Thats the clinic that did my surgery.
    • krinny
      krinny simbacatz01

      Posted

      So similar to me except I have only one screw in each foot. I can walk with no pain...i have no swelling. But no work for up to 6wks due to my job and been on my feet all day. All the best and still amazed you can do what you are allowed to do. Keep us posted smile
    • lindleyk
      lindleyk simbacatz01

      Posted

      I'm with krinny.  Really amazed at your progress.  I did read the web site.  It almost sounds too good to be true.  Kind of like magic.  I'm tempted to cancel my surgery and check them out. 
  • simbacatz01
    simbacatz01

    Posted

    Thank you. I will keep you guys posted. 
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