Bunion operation

Hi The K wire was to support my hammer toe (2nd) where the joint ws removed. it sticks out about 1.5cm (shudder!) I know I will feel beter when this is out and no risk of it getting entangled eww! Dr said to wakheel-only for next 2-3 days then flat foot on ground. Can imagine going up stairs will be on my bottom still, dont fancy weight bearing at a height! Then after 4 more weeks (6-post op) I can walk in trainers. I think driving only when I feel safe,when wire out. As far as walking goes Dr said from chair to kitchen and back! This will be a long hall I think!

 

Your not kidding feel for you sounds like you could be a while getting mobile x x

Yes, it's a slow process for  most people from what I've read.  But at least you're well  on the mend and back on your feet! 

sorry forgot to say no I didn't have an xray, I expected one , it seems every podiatrist has their own post op plan of care its interesting to see how people are recovering. Godsend this site eases the boredom!! xx

 

I must say I'm quite surprised that neither you nor Angela had your foot x-rayed at your check-up. I'm really worried that my bones are healing as they ought to, and would find it reassuring to know that they are.  I think I will insist on an xray at my check-up on Monday if it's not offered. (Here we pay for xrays and then get partially reimbursed, so it's probably easier to ask for these things than with the NHS).  Perhaps I'm being irrational, but I would hate to go through all of this to then find it hasn't worked properly!  

I was anticipating an xray after wire removal, not that I have been advised of this I assumed would essential for correct bone position. It seems its luck of the draw on where we get this procedure done. I hadn't even asked yesterday but I will when I go back! 

When will your next appointment be?  In six months, like Angela, or sooner? As you say, there seem to be enormous differences in post-op care.  Does make you wonder (but then I'm a bit of a worrier).

Morning Amanda, I worry too! I got a letter yesterday for my wire removal and check up on...Friday 13th May.. (unlucky?!) I am worried about the wire coming out, I dont even like looking at it. When visitors have called around Iv'e heared "OH MY GOD" from them!!! so many times! So 2 and 5 weeks post procedure my check ups. I am due back at work on monday 16th May which I know is a while off but I will have to adjust my walking without the wire which is restricting-with a normal trainer on ( if it fts). I doubt I will be ready to run around at work, looking after my patients but will have to see. I think if I'd been sent home with no follow up iminent I would be concerned and no dressing eww. I've been told to get my practice nurse to dress my foot weekly until wire out! How are you today Amanda? x

 

Yes, five weeks does sounds more reassuring than six months. I guess that by the time of your next check-up your toe should be completely mended (doesn't it take six weeks for bones to heal?) so that would be the right point to have the wires removed.  Can you actually wear a trainer with the wires still in place? Must be very difficult - or do you have cut the top of the trainer off??  Are you still expecting to have GA on the 13th?  If so,  you won't have much time to recover to get back to work on the 16th. A few more days' off sounds like a good idea to me, especially as your work is not exactly sedentary!

Hi Amanda,

no, I  mean't once the wire is removed  I have been told to wear trainers to go home in after. No GA I had joked about needing it-apparently it isn't painful (if Ikeep telling myself this I may end up believing it!). Dreading it.

Its taken me a couple of days to get used to placing my foot flat on the ground using crutches still. I am so scared of bending my toes and wire .

Today I have had a near miss which was hallarious ; My sister n law came to see me. I limped off to the loo on sitting down I caught the hand basin which fell off the wall and ws hanging by the flexi tubes attaching taps to the wall and the u tube! I screamed as i LURCHED FORWARD ( WHILE STILL WEEING) TO GRAB TO SINK TO PREVENT IT FALLING ON MY RECOVERING FOOT WHILE HOLDING MY FOOT OFF THE GROUND AS WATER LEAKED EVERYWHERE TO KEEP MY FOOT DRY! Thank god my S-I-Law was there to help find somthing to prop it up! My husband was called from work to come home and help it's funny now oh my word! Sorry if too much info but had to share!!

Your near miss sounds too close for comfort and definitely not good for the blood pressure!  Obviously there's nothing wrong with your reflexes though! I'm most impressed by your quick thinking but squirm when I think what might have happened to your long-suffering foot. As to having the wires removed, I would certainly need a GA, you have all my sympathy.  But glad to hear you're making progress with your walking. 

Hi Aileen, indeed you are SO lucky not to have had any pain - I'm still taking tradamol at night, although I can get through the day on just ibuprofen and/or paracetamol. I must say, though, I am much relieved not to have had anyof these K wires, they really do sound alarming, particularly the removal of them!  None of us seem to have had much guidance as to what we should or should not be doing post-op, this forum really does help to fill the gap. I just wish I had discovered it before my operation as it would have helped to be much better informed.  Good luck for the 14th, keep us posted.

Well ladies, I will be removing my stitches tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed, all will go well. I have been moving around in my Darco shoe although I have been limping but it sure is no fun and tiring.

Will keep you all posted of my situation.

Good luck Alice

 

Hello Aileen

I had the same surgery as you on 21 st March. Just though I'd let you know that I have seen people on YOU TUBE having their K wires out,with no discomfort (unless they are good actors!). Just wanted to wish you well for your pin removal, would be interested to hear how you get on. Its been great this forum

Good luck with stitches. Darco shoe is awkward, but I understand why it is needed & saves any walking on the ball of your foot. Seen the utube clip on how to walk in it? Hilatious. i just wish I had been told to get a wedge type shoe to raise the other foot up so I didn't hobble.

Hope all went well with the stitches.  I had mine removed this morning, three weeks from the operation.  Three xrays were taken, and I'm much relieved to say that from them it was clear that all is mending fine and where it should be.  My foot certainly feels much better without the stitches, and although it still looks a bit of a mess, there is very little swelling. I now just have a light dressing, and have been told I can remove it in a couple of days time, after which I can take a shower - bliss!. However, I have to go on wearing the special shoe for another three weeks (to make sure all the bones stay where they should be), when I will have another check up. I was also cheered up no end by the news that the surgeon thinks I can try driving in a week's time so long as I can find a shoe with a rigid sole and the foot action doesn't hurt.  Can't wait!!  As long as I can drive I don't mind if the walking takes a little longer to sort itself out. 

Wow Amanda thats progress! You must be delighted. How are you walking?Are you using crutches ?  Its 3 weeks for me today too, you may recall I had my dressing changed last week had a couple of the disposable sutures snipped as-too long. I have been  walking (only indoors) getting use to taking full weight on my foot however as I have the wire inplace for my 2nd toe hammer toe repair, its hard to walk and not to use toes atall. I have a sensation that my  big toe is moving upwards occ.asionally and that my pinned 2nd toeis going down. I occasionaly get a little pain when standing toward the bunion site. I feel that I wil be using crutches forever! i so miss getting out !

 

Yes,  I'm really pleased and even more relieved!  No more Clexane either, thank goodness. I can limp around without a crutch now, but am trying not to overdo it as I know I will regret it this evening otherwise and have to resort to the painkillers. I do find the differences in treatments quite mystifying as I was told today not to put full weight on my foot - hence the need to keep the special shoe as it more or less makes you keep off your toes - and to keep on heel walking only. With a wire in your second toe I quite understand that walking on it  must be really difficult  - is it painful too? Out of interest, I asked my doctor why I didn't have a K wire and he explained that I had been lucky that, despite having a hammer toe, its basic alignment was OK , and here in Belgium they only use K wires where the direction of the bones needs rectifying (hope that makes sense).  So it sounds as though the work done on your second toe was more serious than mine, which perhaps explains why you are getting these odd sensations.  Have you asked about driving? If they are telling you to walk normally, surely you could drive too?  At least then you could get out and about  a bit and a change of scenery would lift the spirits!

Hi Amanda, I don't think my toe was any worse than other patients I think it comes down to the Podiatrists' preference formethod/ treatment. It sounds like you are doing really well! I think for me,having this wire sticking psychologically makes me really protective and over cautious of my foot. I 've heared of people bending the wire and when it come out ( eww makes me feel sick!! I asked about driving, once the wire is removed and I can weight bear without aids and feel safe doing an emmergency stop comfortably then I can. 

I am not liking the cramp feelings in my toes . I know when the wires comes out ( 13th May-Friday!!) I will feel more able to progress. I do have a wheelchair now, had an outing to thw supermarket and pharmacy ( stressed out at the thought of my foot that sits proud of the foot plate- being knocked by other trolleys!!! 

I am now puttig weight on my foot only for a few seconds for each step on journeys to the lavatory and I have a frame around the lavatorywhich allows me to get up without bending my toes as leveridge. Im bum shufling to the loo up and down stairs but at least its a work out! I have also been exercising with a body blade ( for upper arm back strength) just to burn extra calories as sitting all the time! Its great to compare our recoverys as same day surgeries. Have you photographed your foot? I did at the last dressing change

 

Hi Nellie, just wondering if you wouldn't find it helpful to have one of these special shoes as a transitional measure - I think it's what Alice calls a Darco boot/shoe. You can get one on Amazon.  It does make walking less painful, for sure.  I managed with half-crutches and the shoe from day 1, and could manage the stairs with it - very slowly - from day 4.  Of course it won't solve the wire problem  but May 13th is still a long time off and a couple of weeks with the shoe might help with the sensations in your toes too.  Just an idea!  It didn't occur to me to take  photo today, think I was too stressed out by the removal of the stitches, what a baby....

I will have a look Amanda thanks. When I had my dressing changed I was so nervous! Anticipating the dressing to have stuck where it had bled through! I had my eyes shut and pinched my ear lobes ( a pain reliever!) I was such a baby made mor humiliating as I am a nurse!!

I had a Darco boot on from day 1 - apparently to stop me walking on the front of my foot & was told to wear it all th time, even after stitches were out on week 2. Week 6 & I hope to get the pin out the hammer toe & then can thow the Darco boot away. But I was told I couldn't drive for 12 weeks! Good to hear what others are being told. Glad to hear the stitch removal was ok.

Hello I've been having problems connecting hoes everybody been getting on can't believe what happened to Nellie that must of been a caught on camera moment !!!!you couldn't make it up could ya well for me I'm hoping to return to work next Monday still cannot get a shoe on but went to a specialist catering unit and brought some safety crocks seem to do the job got a bit excited that I could get my foot in a shoe think I'm asking too much too soon but they did fit in the shop not sure after a shift I'd be so excited

Hi Angela, how is your foot feeling? For how long can you stand on it without it hurting?  Going back to a 10 hour shift on Monday seems like a very big ask!  

Morning Amanda how you coping I'm doing ok and yes it is a long shift but I've spoken to my bosses and they are happy for me to do what I can be it all day or half a day ect which is good of them think they would be ok if I just managed the book work I'm the manager of the unit I work in so the cover manager as to travel a fair way I am able to stand for a fair time but my foot does swell afterwards but think this will be happening for a while yet

Sounds like your employer is being remarkably sensible.  Also that you must be feeling pretty good to be contemplating an early return, which is great!  I'm self-employed and my work can almost all be done on-line, but my head is only just beginning to function properly again.  Not sure if I'm a bit odd, or if this is quite normal.  No-one else seems to have mentioned this, but  the first three weeks I found concentrating very difficult! 

Lol your not odd at all I'd planned to do all sorts like reading jigsaws play games ect. Haven't done any of them wanted to but it was like I couldn't be bothered went to the docs for a fit note he's written limited duties for 4 weeks

Good luck today, Angela.  Hope all goes well on your first day back at work - you are brave!

Hi Aileen and Nellie,

Now 4 weeks post op, and drove for the first time this morning.  No problem, much easier than walking in fact!  It's true that pressing down on the spot where the bunion was is still hurts a bit, but I found that by using more the the other side of my foot there was no discomfort at all. My doctor advised using a shoe with a rigid sole, and he was absolutely right, it really helps.  Mind you, finding a shoe was quite a challenge - eventually bought a pair of cheap Adidas two sizes larger that my normal size.  But I guess I should be grateful as allthough my foot is still quite swollen on top, it isn't any wider than usual.  I think I have got off relatively lightly, judging by some of these postings.  Anyway, very happy to be behind the wheel again, even though I don't think I can drive very far, simply because my foot starts aching if it isn't elevated most of the time. Sitting is not the solution.  Patience, patience......

Oh wow freedom!!!! Im so pleased for you-anyone looking at this comment who is not a 'bunion buddy' would not understand!

I have a 40 minute drive to work and aftr a day standing and I guess SWELLING I think I will get some new footwear once K-wire out and try then, I may have to resort to using a shoe box and cellotape! Thanks for the update Amanda and hope! Can't wait!

 

Wow! No one else would believe the delight in being able to drive! I was told not to drive for 12 weeks after my op, but am hoping if it eases off I can do it earlier for getting back to work. Were you given exercises to do? I have looked online, but main goal is to walk on my full foot.

Hi Aileen  I mentioned to my husband about your not driving for 3 months and he thinks, seeing how I am now, its probably a good idea. My sick note runs out and I am due to return 16 May ( the k wire will be removed 13 th May!) I don't think I will need to get used to walking without th wire OMG what a long haul!!!

I am walking flat footed and trying not to use crutches as much only during the nightand out side ( which does not men I have been night clubbing!!) I am trying to keep my foot on the floor when sitting for longer periods to get used to not being elevated. Exhausting! Nice to her how you are getting on x

 

Typing error!! senior moment! I meant I will have to get use to walking without the wire and being in a closed shoe!!! x

 

Re the driving, I've noticed varoius comments elsewhere saying that driving is easier than walking, and there is a certain logic to it.  After all, when you're walking, all your weight goes on to your feet, whereas when you're driving, most of it is on your bottom and the rest is really on your heels (at least how I drive!).  You don't use your toes much, if at all, and with a rigid-soled shoe you're just using the flat of your foot so it doesn't matter if the foot is stiff and won't bend. My experience was that I didn't have to put the car in motion to be pretty certain it would be alright. You just have to put yourself behind the wheel and try pressing the pedals!  You may be pleasantly surprised and it is very empowering (to use a cliche).  Your Kwire is an unknown factor to be sure.  Bet you can't wait to be rid of it!!

OH YES can't wait to drive! Ive had one hospital visit, 1 trip to Tesco, 1 to pharmacy and 1 trip to my practice nurse since 21 March! I decided enough was enough and ordered a shower stool yesterday which is great according to my daughter! I am waiting to get a water proof cast/ dressing  protector on prescription and then I can shower rtather than break by back wasging hai n the bathroom sink and full strip wash every day!!!Lost all my dignity!!! I have 4 more weeks before the wire is out so it will be worth it!!!

Hi everybody seems to have gone a bit quiet how's it going for me I went back to work 4 weeks post op and I'm doing good can only wear one pair of wide fitting boots so heaven help if the weather changes gonna look a darling in my summer clothes and work boots I do find wearing a elastic ed tubular bandage a god send though under a sock don't think my foot would last without it l I did buy a pair of crocks that felt great in the shop but a few days later not a cat in hells chance could I wear them maybe in time I will keep trying only 5 weeks post op today think I'm expecting miracles

Hi Angela, you're doing brilliantly to be back at work already, but how much of your time are you managing to stand on your feet? Are you walking on your heel or normally?  I'm doing fine - can now drive for 30 mins without any discomfort - but still have to wear the special shoe, which is driving me crazy as all I can do is limp/hobble.  This is not doing my right knee any good!  Can't wait to be rid of it, so fingers crossed for Monday when I have my 6 week check-up.  In fact I'm generally puzzled as to exactly how much I should be walking at this stage - all views welcomed! I feel I could walk more than I'm doing but am so worried about damaging the work on my toes.

Hi Angela, when did you get off your special Darco shoe? I am in my 5th week and hope to be off my Darco shoe soon. Hope to be able to be back to work soon, too. It's really boring at home.

Hi Alice I can't say I have really my only saving grace is that I had got some wide fitting boots because of the bunion I have quite a lot of footwear and nothing but nothing else fits I went back to work 4 weeks to the day now I'm not saying I did the right thing because my foot is really tight in the boot I have to wear a tubular bandage under my sock quite a tight bandage think it's a B size my husband is obsessed with measuring my foot and it ranges from 26 inch to 27 but tonight it was 28 but before he measured it I knew I'd done too much at work today

Hi Angela sounds like you are getting on really well! Are you back at work full time? The tubi grip sounds like a good idea, cushioning where the incscissions  are particularly. I was not surprised by the measurements of your foot. From mid afternoon onwards it seems that the  underneath of my foot doubles and swells. You may recall I had Left bunion and hammer toe+ kwire surgery I think the same time as you 21/3 I am no 5 weeks post op. I am having weekly dressing changes ( mostly to protect the wire which comes out 13th may). I had progrssed to walking flat footed only using one and occasionally no crutches, I always need crutches outdoors , however I am having pain in my Left  knee!  So I am back to using crutches just gently to steady my steps. I still wear the  promedics shoe ( cheap flat velcro sandal). Plenty of day time TV ahead for me

Hi Angela, it's amazing on your 4th week back to work you do not need to wear heel bearing shoe (which is the Darco shoe)? How did you manage this?

I must say I had not factored in the wear and tear that heel walking would take on the other joints of my body but I know what you mean about knee pain!  I just don't know how much I should be walking, thank goodness I will be seeing the doctor on Monday, hopefully all will become clear then.  Do you think you will be ready to go back at work on the 16th?  Getting rid of those k-wires will be a great excuse for a party!  And then you can have another one once the shoe is consigned to the bin! 

Oh yes can't wait to bn the shoe! My knee is giving me concern. I think once the wire comes out them I will not have to wear a full bandage like I am now just because of the wire. Once wire out I will find a shoe ( or box and string!) that fits and I wll attempt to walk outside. To still be using my crutches is normal apparently but it seems ages since I've walked independently. I hopefully will be back on the 16th but if I can;t walk properly and purposely or drive, I may have to give it another week or so. It appears aveage is 12 weeks before able to go back to work. My job invoves me  standing all day and I'm required to climb over equiptment and duck beneath cables in a restricted darkened procedure room- then if I can do that and drive 50 minutes each way to work Ill be back!!

Hi Alice I don't know how I managed it and if wasn't for the tubular bandage and the only one pair of boots that I can manage to wear then I'd still be in my special shoe without the bandage my foot wouldn't go in to the boot I work in catering so I couldn't of gone back without proper shoes

Hi Angela

Does your foot swell ? Any stiffness in your big toe? My foot swells whenever I put my foot down too long and I have to try to wriggle my big toe as advised by my Physiotherapist as my toe is very stiff !

God yes and my big toe is massive compared to my other big toe and it's as stiff as a stick most of the time I do try to wriggle it but I wasn't given any aftercare at all was just told that they would see me in 6 months

Forgot to add my foot can swell up to 2icm a day but the bandage I wear is truly a god send they come in different sizes I managed to get a size B

Hi Angela, I was in cast for 2 weeks with no weight bearing.  Have to move around in crutches.  Yesterday, my cast was removed and i am back in my Darco shoe (heel bearing) for another 2 weeks.  Doc said if everything ok, i should be able to get back to work on Mon 16 May (can't wait!!).  I will not be able to wear covered shoes for awhile unless they are wide, probably sandals.  The swelling on my foot is really unbearable.  Once it swells up - my big toe will be stiffened.

I'm glad to report that my 6 week check-up today went well and as of now I no longer need to wear the dreaded special sandal! Nonetheless my foot is still far from normal - very stiff big toe and almost total lack of sensation in the second toe. Nonetheless the doctor says this is to be expected at this stage and that it will sort itself out in due course.  He does not recommend any physiotherapy  and thinks the simple exercises he has given me will help to get mobility back in my toes.  Anyway, he is pleased with my progress, so I guess I should be. After all, I have very little swelling, and can now start (trying) to walk normally.  If only walking was as easy as driving!  It's  going to be a while yet before I get back to  anything like normality on my feet. As ever, patience is a virtue. My next check up is scheduled for six weeks' time, so can only hope all is much improved by then.  

Glad to hear you had a good report. I go intomorrow week 9 to get the 2 pins out on top of my foot. Hope it makes wearing even my bigger shoes easier. I need to ask about physio although I can feel movement in the big toe. Also need to ask when I can drive.. would make life easier. Yup Patience is the biggest learning. Enjoy being without the boot and small steps!

You are absolutely right, we need to be grateful for all positive progress and not wearing the boot is a real plus! I had hoped to have a ceremonial burning of it in the garden, but the doctor says I will re-use it if/when I have the other foot done.  The prospect really does not bear thinking about right now. Anyway, I've been really lucky to be able to drive since week 4 (probably because I have no k wires to get in the way) and it has certainly made a big difference to be able to get out under my own steam. Can't do much more than 30 mins behind the wheel comfortably yet, but that's much better than I can manage on my feet! Very good luck with the pin removal, that really will be a big step forward.

Hi Amanda I had written a reply but for some reason it has gone! Anyway, really pleased that you are making progress! Nice to hear some positive news ( shame about the boot not being burned!) . I have 2 weeks until the wire is removed then hopefully I will start to progress. I have found it a real strain on my whole body, only walking flat footed had made me really tense.  think I may need physio or at least a hammer to knock me back into shape!! Can't wait to drive too ...!

Hi Amanda

Glad to hear your good news. I will be due for my 6 weeks next week and will be seeing my doctor on Wed 11 May. He did tell me there's a high chance I will not need to wear the dreadful foot and will be able to go back to work on Mon 16 May. I plan to get a pair of FITFLOP sandals as it has good support - depends on what the doctor said. I really need to start walking without the Darco boot next week, hopefully I can balance well.

Wish me luck !!

Sorry, I meant the dreadful BOOT not foot - typo error !

Week9. Got the kpins out off the top of my foot yesterday - local anaesthetic, but done in the theatre, so a weird experience. More stitches. foot bound up and a flat medical shoe on for a few days, but do feel it is a big step forward(!) Surgeon said I can drive if a wear shoes with a good sole.  Yeh! Great that first moment when you realise you can walk on the sole of your foot, even if it doesn't bend quite as much. No physio, he seemed surprised at me asking, just advised to walk as much as I can.This has been such a helpful discussion, thanks.

Week 9. Being without the Darco boot in week 6 took a bit of getting used to - courage to walk on the sole of the foot took a couple of days, But then you find you are doing it. I found wide eee shoes on the JD Williams site. Not too dear & good support. Still feel a bit off balanced, but as you walk you feel yourself straightening up, just slower, small steps, but getting there.

Hi Aileen, do you or Angela need a toe separator or toe spacer between the big toe and 2nd toe? I have been told by my doctor to place it to align the soft bone ligament till it's healed well.

No toe separator. My podiatrist had given me one a couple of years ago, but it had no effect on the actual bunion.

At the 9week appointment, the surgeon seemed happy with the toe alignment and once the padding is off my foot in a few days & I get a shoe back on, I have to try to walk 'as normal' . I now just go to my own doctor to get the last stitches out. I suppose you just do as asked!

How weird just got home from work and I've just said to my husband that my 2nd toe was giving me grief it's really embedded in my big toe and he said there must be something I could do to separate them it's starting to bend in quite bad so I would love them

Hi Aileen,  that's  great news, I'm so pleased you've got those pins out, must mean you're really on the mend. It's strange how the advice we're given differs:  I've been told to walk 'normally' but to be very careful not to overdo it.  Not quite sure what that means as all walking using my toes feels decidedly weird from the first step onwards!  However, managed to drive comfortably for over an hour yesterday, so feel much encouraged. Interesting to read about the JD Williams site, will check it out.

Hi Nellie, I agree this process has an impact on your whole body way beyond the foot which I certainly hadn't anticipated at all. I'm still using a wheelchair for any major trip out, which I really hadn't expected to still be doing a good six weeks after the op.  How are you getting around now?

Morning Amanda!

I use crutches in the night first thing in the morning after being in bed, and out doors from door-car. I use the wheel chair when I've ventured into supermarkets. Being out of control and others pushing me  stresses me out. Somthing I have reflected on ( especially when I push patients in the future). Last week I entrusted my 13 year old daughter to push me, when  stood to get back into the car, she hadn't put the break on OMG fortunately I had the strength and was balanced before it rolled off!!! I am able to stand now to execise albeit my feet stay in the same position I am just working on my upper body/core ( I am not a fitness freak- my daughter keeps baking-say no more!) but that feels good geting my back stretched. I am trying to bend my knees to help my rigid left ankle. I can't move my knee over the length of my foot but I will keep trying. When I get the dreaded pin out next week, I am prayng that they dont take my crutches away! I can feel twinges around the exit point of the wire so maybe this is good! I also noticed after a shower last nght that I had been gripping my toes in the Left foot ( which I rest on the edge of the shower tray) as I sit on a shower stool. I had been wondering why my toes hurt after ewww! Onwards and upwards ! The desire to walk and put a normal shoe on  is getting stronger than the fear of having the wire  pulled out!

Did you have both feet done? Easy for me to say now, but I found the thought of the pin removal worse than when it was removed. Think the foot was expelling it anyway & it was a relief to get it out, just a small tug. Putting Normal shoes on helps you 'rebalance'. I sympathise with your wheelchair story! My niece drove me round Sainsb & it was an experience. Good on you doing exercises.

Morning Aileen Oh no I only had one foot done,although you wouldn't thnk so with all my moaning! So How was the pin removal?  've seen it on you tube ( but my husband thinks the videos are over dubbed covering their screams!! The hassel of having a pin must be nothing to having one tug and its out ( hopefully!) Sorry Aileen but did you have both fet done? I 've messaged so many people I forget who has had what done!

apoogies for spelling- not wearing my glasses!!

 

Seriously - no anaesthetic & it was a couple of tugs and out. Had to wear my plastic boot again so I could shower, but getting into shoes was magical (& my son was glad, the pin freaked him out!). I only had 1 foot done. When do you go in to get the pin out?

I have it out on Friday 13TH !!!!! All my visitors have been sppoked too, thinking  would need  GA to get it out!!! I f  had a £ for each time I have said ' watch my foot' I would be rich!!

I am hoping my trainer wll fit or my croc sandal, but am anticipating buying a larger fitting shoe/trainer. I have seen the JD Williams on line too, I am a size 9 shoe so shoes have always been a problem for me. Still nervous, even at drssing change I flinch- such a baby.

 

Hi Angela, perhaps you would need a toe separator / toe spacer temporarily like me for a few months.  My doctor told me my toe bone is healed, it's just that our soft bones/ligaments are not fully healed yet and there's tendency to bend a little.  To straighten it, just place a toe separator between the big toe and 2nd toe temporarily. 

Hi Nellie,  You will certainly be in my thoughts this Friday! I am sure you are right that once the wire has been removed you will forge ahead mobility wise. My doctor has been very insistent about the need to have footwear which has a solid, non-bendable, sole but I guess croc sandals will fit the bill.  Trainers often are too flexible, or so I have found.

I can now drive long distances with no problem (did Dover to Oxford, including M25 traffic jams, without discomfort) which is great, but am still finding walking any distance a challenge.  Sadly we have decided to postpone a holiday we were due to leave for this Sunday as I just don't feel I can cope with moving around cities like Rome and Naples in my present state of recovery. I think when doctors say that you will be fine in 6-8 weeks, they need to make it clearer that that does not mean you will be back to normal by then - it just means they probably don't need to see you anymore!  Or perhaps I was just being over-optimistic as in reality I think it will be another 3-4 weeks before anything like normality is restored.

I too wish you well on Friday. You will be so glad to get the pin out, maybe take a day or 2 to get your balance again . Week 10 & having the k pins out on the top of my foot has given me greater mobility, though I still feel I hobble a bit. Being able to drive has made a big difference. You'll get there.

Hi Amanda, its so good that you can drive comfortably thats my concern really being able to drive 45 minutes each way to work.  I have ben dreading informing our unit Sister that I wouldn't be back at work on the 16th however she informed me that she didn't expect my return for at least 12 weks post op. So relieved! So my plan once wire pulled (ouch) is to use my exercise bike and try walking each day. I must admit my left thgh, knee and ankle are so rigid. I am normally a fast walker but no more! I was concerned that we have a booking to go to Dorset on 30th July and knowing how slow this progrss is I have envisged me hiring a disabled scooter!!! 

So sorry that you have had to cancel your trip, you will want to be more mobile Im sure for sight seeing  Hopefully you can re book and go as soon as you are recovered enoughx

I agree that an 8 week sick note made me feel like I would be cart-wheeling around at 6 weeks! Thank heavens for this site. Anyway I wil let you know how it goes tomorrow ( hopefully no power tools wil be used eww!)  :-

Hi Aileen

Despite the anxiety I am certainly ready to get this wire out after almost 8 weeks of paranoia about knocking,bending it or geting it caught on my carpet yikes! My foot is still bandaged lightly each week despite wounds beig well healled. The inscision on my hammer toe is particuarly sensitive so not looking forward to having it touched let alone grasped while brute force used to get wire out!!!!  I am a little embaressed that the skin on my foot is dry and discusting. Had you had bandages in place Aileen  and for how long? Skin if flaky and itchy but I have litres of Cetraban to apply. I will let you know how it goe tomorrow

Thank you for your kind thoughts and well wishes!

Hi Nellie, it's really good news that you don't have to worry about  getting back to work too early, must take a real load off your mind.  I think 12 weeks is a much more realistic schedule, especially given the nature of your work. My medical student daughter tells me that I was expecting too much too soon, and that walking again is inevitably a slow process because all the ligaments and muscles take much longer to recover than the bones.  Which is all very well in theory, but SO frustrating in practice.  Fortunately we booked flexible air tickets, so the trip is now postponed until September (surely we will all be power-walking by then?!)

Again, best of luck for tomorrow. Stay strong!!

Thanks Amanda! I am not a good patient on account I made a complete idiot out of myself ; closing  eyes shut and grimacing only to have first dressing changed!!! Hope I get a different nurse tomorrow otherwse they may opt to use an elephant dart!!! Good news about your holiday

Hi Amanda wellI had the wire out! It was not as bad as I had anticipated, during the night ( first time in 8weeks!) I managed to get my k wire caught on my duvet and pushed the weight of the bed clothes off causing my toe to hurt. So my K wire was nicely BENT! I had to close my eyes when the consultant picked his pliers up but it was fine. I am stil hobbling on crutches and he wants to see me in 3 months! I asked about exercises/physio and he said' just walk'. My trainer wouldn't fit so I wore my crocs home now to attack the dead skin!! Phewww so glad its out!

Sorry AileenI meant to type your name in too x

 

Hi ladies, I will be back to work on Mon 16 May. I was told not to wear covered shoes for 3 months. Got myself a pair of Fit Flop Sandals which has very good support for the feet.

Saw a Physio this week and was taught some foot exercises to loosen the tightness on my big toe and balancing in my walking.

At home, I tried wearing my Crocs but felt it's a little too hard for my foot. Doc advised not to walk barefoot on hard surface yet so for myself a pair of soft comfy bedroom slippers to walk around the house.

Keeping my fingers crossed I will do well next week at work with my foot.

Bravo Nellie, the worst must be over! Did the consultant give you any indication what the likely time-line for your recovery will be now? Surely you won't need those crutches for long!  (Took the wheelchair back today - feel I've reached a milestone.....)

Hi Amanda absolutely! So relieved. The consultant said I'll see him in 3 months. I asked about exercses and  physio and he said- just walk as normal ( oh yeah!) and if I need physio in 3 months he will arange it. He told me to ditch the crutches but  as I hobbled out of the clinic the nurse gave me the crutches as I was struggling. The car park was a fair way but I am not usng them at home. I hope to go to our town centre later, if I take the crutches it will just make people aware that I am incapacitated and to give me space.

Last night when my  foot was swollen ( as normal) I went to a sports shop to try trainers I am normally a size 8-9, however even trying 10, 10.5 were too uncomfortable so I purchased a pair of  Slazenger velcro strap hiking sandals size 10... Just as well I'm not  shoe freak anyway! I also got a larger pair of black crocs so I can wear them to work until I can get my Clarkes nursey shoes on!. I must admit, my foot resembles a flap jack so Cetraban cream is my best friend. 

Exercise-wise I have walked out to the garden and pegged washing out today Yay without crutches of course. The biggest restriction seems to be my ankle.and I ave a slight discomfort beneath my straightened toe. I have a scalf that I have been using to pull the top of my foot towards me when sitting and I've been trying to walki up the stairs taking full weight on my foot. My husband said I wa trying too hard but it feels great!