Bunion Operation

HI Clarissabelle - great to hear from you again. I am now 5.5 weeks post op. It's been a bit of a slow week in progress terms but I have been out and about more. The movies and to lunch (carefully chosen venues with no steps / too much walking!). I'm also walking fine without having to hold onto anything - I call it freestyle, just the occasional wobble.

I had a bit of a drama yesterday, I think as I am more mobile I have got a bit careless and I dropped a knife on my foot and cut it (just above my nicely healing incision) and then fell over trying to pick the knife up. What a commotion. I feel like I've put myself back a few days as the muscles are all sore again - I feel a bit silly really. I must watch what I am doing?!!

Great to hear of your trouble free travels. I am off to Hong Kong in 9 weeks time, which will be 14.5 weeks post op. It will be hot and humid but I have picked somewhere with a pool so I intend to go easy on the walking (I will "listen to what my feet are telling me" as my surgeon says lol) and then perhaps a refreshing swim and relax if it gets too much for my feet. Fingers (or toes?) crossed all will be ok. I think I will take my refillable ice-packs with me overseas just in case.

My feet are quite swollen still. I didn't realise that they were so much but I can't fit in any shoes except crocs which are hot, but I bought some slippers which I can just slide on and they are like heaven. Flufffy clouds!

I've also ordered online from the Body Shop their cooling peppermint foot lotion and their refreshing foot soak - they sound devine!

Keep in touch :-)

Hi elaine140

I got big and little toe bunions on both feet done at the same time on 22/5/13. My surgeon said it's tougher but totally do-able, and it means only one recovery period. He does a lot of single feet and a lot of people with both feet.

It sounds like your doubts / worries are perfectly normal. My feet were getting so sore pre-operation (I too was doing the old woman hobble!) and in all my research I had not heard of a single person regretting their surgery that I was adament (but nervous) that I was doing the right thing for me.

If you have particularly small or large feet I would pre-warn your surgeon to make sure that he has the correct size orthotic shoes / boots (depends on which country / surgeon you have). My hospital ran out of my size shoes and I had a week of two different sized shoes which was quite annoying and hard to walk.

Do not even dream of what nice trendy (although sensible) shoes you will be wearing after your operation yet, you will have plenty of time to research that when you are recovering - I am 5.5. weeks post op and although fine to walk around, the swellling means that I can only fit in Crocs (one size too big) and slippers (also a size larger than normal). But don't worry - just get something like the crocs / something larger than normal and that you can slide on. My surgeon suggested Fitflops - which I might get when it warms up however no point for the middle of Australian winter. They are quite expensive I thought, so want to chose the size for wearing normally, not operation recovery if that makes sense?

Now - in terms of being on your own. My hospital would not let me go home without someone because of the anaesthetic I think. So are you staying in overnight / or perhaps someone could stay with you for a couple of nights?

On my blog I did a post the other week called "Things I Can’t Live Without and Things I Wish I Had . . ."which I think you may find useful reading. Even if you live in a very small house or apartment I recomend that you research hiring (or buying a cheap one) a wheelie walking frame. Trust me you will not regret it, although I could walk I was really unsteady and could not walk without holding onto things (just in case) and could not carry anything. One of these would have been a lifesaver.

Let me know if you have ANY questions - always happy to chat / help :-)

Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the direct links to the blog as it is linked earlier in this thread and we don't allow multiple posting to other sites like this. If anyone does want any further links please use the message service.

Hi judy4 - Glad to hear how well you are doing. 7 months on and pain free? Well for me that marker will be Christmas - what a good Christmas present that would be!

I thought it was madness to get both feet done at the same time but after talking to my surgeon and thinking about recovery times I went for it and I'm glad I did. Everyone (or every toe?!) is different and mine were quite uncomplicated to do so that is probably why the surgeon was happy to do it.

It's interesting what different techniques people seem to have experience - casts, boots, shoes, splints, tubuler bandages, crutches, no crutches - thankfully not so much the wires out the end of your toes nowadays.

I defintely agree with your statement about calling in favours. Some of the nicest things are when people have just come to visit for a hour or so to chat - but people have also brought lunch / bed the bed / cleaned / brought dinner to cook and eat with me - you really don't realise the true value of your friends and family.

Great to hear about your experience - when do you think you are going back in for round 2?

Hi fabulous feet. Absolutely agree everyone is different andgood to hear that you too have great friends. Also really pleased you are progressing well.

I'm convinced it is worth it everyone, been on my feet most of today and, guess which foot hurts, that's right, it's the one that hasn't been fixed. Hoping to get it done autumn/spring time after a long holiday in Australia might try not to mess Christmas up this year.

Good luck everyone.

Hi, I had my bunion op on both feet last year May 2012. It was great to have pain free straight feet. How ever, I notice that the 2 screws at the base of my big toe, on both feet, were protruding slightly, enough to hurt if I wore my winter boots or any shoes that covered that area. I went back to my surgeon, who said this was a common problem and that he'd remove the offending screws. I had the operation last Wednesday with a local anaesthetic and he assured me the bunions will not come back. I was sent home with a plaster on each foot and 1 week later alls well.

Hi. Just had my operation on both feet on Tuesday 16th July. Pain hasn't been too bad and its controllable with the Tramadol the hospital sent me home with. Unfortunately my husband had no time off work so I am nnot able to rest as much as meant to as I need to get up to make my meals etc. Tried yesterday to keep a bottle juice beside me but in this weather it got too warm to enjoy it. I have dressings on and the velcro shoes and have crutches. Walking isnt easy on heals and coping with the stairs requires a massive effort.

My only problem is that my dressing on one foot is sliding off. I am suppose to go to get it changed next Tuesday but I think I may need to see nurse tomorrow to get it secured. I have pulled a sock on meanwhile to try to stop it coming off.

Anyone got any ideas on how to keep the bandage on?

Only real problem is my husband seems to think as it was a minor operation I should be able to get around without a problem.

Hi. I had mine done in March and my foot was in plaster so didn t have your problem. However I ve had multiple surgeries over the last five years on the other foot and leg due to an accident, I was given actifast tubular dressing to cover the leg and protect the bandages. It comes in different leg widths - mine was the blue line. Are you in the UK? Should be able to get it easily if you are. I used to do the stairs on my knees but you won t find it easy to get on your feet at the top with both feet done I m sure.

Hi. Yes I am in uk - in Scotland. That sounds like a good idea. Will try see nurse tomorrow and also get some of that to hold it on.

Tried going up stairs backwards on my bum but that is hard and as you say can't get up once at the top.

On plenty antibiotics too as I have had cellulitis 7 times in one leg and been seriously ill so doctor taking precautions.

Guess its only been 2 days and I am feeling sorry for myself. Painkillers are needed. Trying to follow all the advice on here.

Hi Judy4 and Fabulousfeet. Thank very much both of you for responding. Your comments are very inspiring. I've been away on holiday or would have replied sooner. I'll definitely try and and call in a few favours. Not long 'til my op on 6 August (yikes!!). Still a bit apprehensive but also motivated by all the comments on here and looking forward to having great feet as I've had enough of the pain and discomfort I've been experiencing to.

Fabulousfeet, I had a look at your blog a few weeks ago and your feet are indeed fabulous. I am staying overnight in hospital which is great. Brilliant idea about the wheely walker, I'll get onto it right away. You are right also about the shoe thing. I'll hang fire, then spend, spend, spend. I reckon I'll deserve it!. Well, that's my excuse anyway ;-). If I have any other questions it would be great if I could send you them. If I don't, I'll certainly add a note on this forum as to how I get on. Thanks again. Elaine.

Hi everyone, I am 59 and have just had surgery to correct a bunion on my right foot. I had a scarf osteotomy done by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot surgery. I am 11 days post op and doing well, pain not too bad as I was given plenty of pain meds. Pretty mobile now, foot bandaged and in one of those oversized Velcro canvas sandals which I have to wear day and night for 4-6 wks. I hope to get left foot done later in the year, my surgeon would only do both together if could garuantee I would have someone to look after me for 2 wks and that just wasn't possible.

I was a little concerned for you Elaine when you said you would be having both done and live on your own, but not here to make you anxious just make a few suggestions. I agree with other comments already offered and would also suggest you get well organized with meals for a couple of weeks, something easy you can just heat up as standing in one spot to do anything is what hurts the most. Also plenty of healthy snacks to keep on hand and a container of water, important to keep hydrated. Have you thought how you will manage showering? You will need to keep feet dry. I have been sitting on a plastic garden chair with foot sticking out shower door on a stool. You could have a practice run before you go in!! Also stock up on things to pass the time, books, magazines, d.v.d's etc as you do go a bit nuts being house bound. You sound quite young so I'm sure you'll be fine, good luck and let us know how you go :-)

Its a week tomorrow since I had operation on both feet and pain is not as bad as I expected and hospital gave me plenty painkillers. My husband has been at work every day which has been a problem. As long as I sit still with feet up I am ok. Its the trying to get myself food and drink that problems arise. As you say Wendy standing still is very painful even if just for a few minutes. And having ctutches means I cant carry anything. There was one day I just gave up and waited till hubby came home to get some food and drink.

Tomorrow I have to get my dressings changed by the nurse at my local surgery. Thankfully hubby will be home to take me. I am going to be interested to see feet before they are redressed and see what has been done.

The weeks of inactivity is going to get to me but I am glad I got both feet done at once as it reduces amount of time I need of work with having to get a further operation.

Oh Karen you poor thing, not being able to get some food and drink, especially as that is the one thing that gives a bit of comfort and helps to pass the day! Also you need to eat to help your recovery. I hope hubby felt a little bit guilty. Mine runs his own buisness and can rarely take time off which is why there was no way I could tell doc I would have someone with me. He also went off to work the day after my surgery but as I only had the one foot done I could get around without crutches so was ok. I understand that for everyone who works getting both feet done at once means less time off sick. I have the luxury of no longer being in the work force so could take the time to get mine done separately.

I hope getting your dressing done will be another leap forward in you feeling better. I get my dressing off(I think off!) on Friday and can't wait. I've had the same dressing on since surgery which is a bit yucky but it's because it acts as a splint and they don't want to disturb the wound for 2wks. As someone said before they all seem to do things differently. I was also told 2 wks to being able to drive so that will also be Friday so freedom again, yippie

Well lieder us all up to date on your progress and I hope you will soon be enjoying those new feet

Should have said "keep" typo !!

I Wendy. Hope you are getting on fine with your operation. Having one foot done might have been better as you say you can manage to get around a bit easier but you will still have pain and will still need to be careful.

Dressing changed today but that has only been one week and a very light weight dressing put on compared to what I had. Don't feel there is any support in what I have on now. Just a sticky dressing pad with some guaze over it. Has anyone else had dressings changed so early and into such light weight ones?

Scars were not as bad as I thought. Right foot looking good and big toe straight. Left foot not so good. Scar had been leaking and dressing was stuck. Also more swollen and toe not as straight. Touch of infection the nurse thinks but I am already taking loads of antibiotics as I have had cellulitis in my left leg 7 times all requiring being in hospital. Have to go back on Friday again. Meanwhile I have to stay completely off my feet apart from toilet visits and preferably in bed with feet raised as high as possible. Unfortunately not possible all the time as when hubby at work dogs still need to be let out into garden.

During the night I must have banged right foot off end of bed or other foot as the horrendous pain woke me up. Apart from that pain has eased a lot and I haven't had any painkillers since the middle of the night.

Hi Wendy 4, great to hear your recovery is progressing well after only 11 days . Thanks for your concern. I'm also a bit concerned about being on my own with both feet in plaster but I'm really getting organised thanks to all the tips from those such as yourself on this forum. I'm now the proud owner of a 4 wheel zimmer! It has a tray, seat, basket and brakes and should get me about the house when I need food or to get to the bathroom, as luckily they are downstairs in my house. I've had a practice and should also be able to sit on it and push myself about if I can't stand up for long. I've also ordered a box of food to last me a month which contains breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (Diet Chef). The lunches and dinners are zapped in the microwave so no hanging about for too long. I might even lose a bit of weight! I really need to use your suggestion of having plenty of drinks to hand to last me throughout the day and hadn't throught through the shower thing. I now have a shower/bath seat on order and will practice using it with my feet out the bath - should be fun . I've got a hand held shower I can use so it should be fine. This op is costing me a fortune but the items I've bought will be worth their weight in gold and I can sell them on eBay when I'm up and running again. I'm also going to stock up on magazines, books, dvds etc.

Karen351, banging your foot sounds so painful. It's early days for you after your op and hopefully your visit to the hospital will sort you out. Good luck.