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Bunion and arthritis surgery, private or NHS

Posted , 3 users are following.

Eleanor1961
Eleanor1961

I have had bunions for the last 30+ years but now have arthritis too on my left foot. The arthritis is much more painful than the bunion and so am considering the surgery. At my last appointment at the fracture clinic I was told that they prefer to try pain relief before offering surgery (probably to save NHS £s), so I was given a steroid injection (so painful), which relieved the arthritic pain only for a few weeks. I have been told that recovery from surgery is long and uncomfortable and I would like to ask for personal experiences both on NHS and also private. Also if its allowed on this forum, can someone recommend a surgeon? Thanks so much.

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • kim43039
    kim43039 Eleanor1961

    Posted

    Hi Eleanor

    I've had my bunion done, the instep fused because of arthritis and two toes realigned. I had the operation done on March 3rd at Huddersfield.

    Today I drove to see my mum and drove back. The pain had stopped me doing that in the autumn. I was pain free.

    The recovery is long, this is the forth month, and I'm still not back teaching full time. There are times when there doesn't seem to be enough painkillers in the world. It is dull and boring sitting with your foot up for hours on end. Crawling upstairs and coming down on your bum for six weeks is hard work. My husband brought me breakfast in bed for 13 weeks. Thank goodness we had a downstairs loo.

    My other foot needs doing and I'd have it done as soon as I can, the first foot has to heal first though.

    I'd tell you the name of my consultant but then everyone would know.

    I'm 61 by the way and I've had bunions all my life, but not until they stopped me getting about did I look for a solution. I had one round of steroids and I'll probably have one in my waiting foot to put me on.

    I hope that helps.

    All treatment on the NHS.

  • Roberta265
    Roberta265 Eleanor1961

    Posted

    Hi Eleanor.  I had arthritis and a bunion on my right foot. The doctor informed there was no cartilage in the joint, so most of the pain I was experiencing caused by bone on bone.  I had a joint implant and my toe straightened.  I'm not sure what the procedure is called. I had my surgery on May 17th.  I was in a surgical boot and was instructed to do only necessary walking to bathroom, etc.  I invested in a knee scooter because I need to have my other foot done at some point.  I had my stitches out at two weeks, but part of the wound wasn't closing, so the bandage wasn't removed until 5 weeks.  Thursday will be 7 weeks since my surgery.  I can wear my regular sneakers, but they were very large before my surgery to accommodate the pain and bunions.  I hope last night I didn't have a setback.  I was resting my feet on the lower rung of a stool at our kitchen counter.  When I went to scoot back, my foot slipped and I rammed the kitchen counter with my toes.  The pain was awful - I think I saw stars.  It seems more swollen and redder today, so I'm hoping I didn't damage anything.  I am 68 and will be 69 in September.  

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