Bunion operation in Ireland

Can't really help you here as I had my surgery done in Tayside in Scotland and I didn't have keyhole surgery either! However I did get both feet done at once and that was, for me, a good move! I had bunion surgery on both feet and a hammertoe correction on my left foot. This was at the end of February this year and I'm just coming up for 6 weeks post op. I've been lucky and only really suffered pain for the first week, after that it's just been discomfort. My feet are healing nicely- or so it looks to me! I think the bit you have to be prepared for mentally is the six weeks of complete idleness..................sitting on a sofa with your feet up and getting up as little as possible. For me the six weeks hasn't been long enough- I guess I may be a slob at heart!!

Would I do it again- yes....my feet are going to look (and feel I hope) better than they have for ages.

This forum has been a great help- especially in the early days.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

E

I had bunion correction (Hallux Valgus) and 2nd Hammertoe Correction surgery 27 November 2013. You may like to scroll way back on this discussion site as I've made lots of comment on my surgery and the outcome). However, for now, I can report good things. My surgery went very well. My bunion was considered ' a substantial bunion' - anything with a bend of 30% angle is considered 'substantial' apparently - and mine was 37%. Was kept in hospital overnight following surgery due to me being quite sick after the anaesthetic. But I actually didn't mind this as it allowed me time to adjust and get used to have a very heavily bandaged foot. I had a session with the physiotherapist day following my surgery who showed me how to manage my crutches and also manage stairs using the dummy staircase in the hospital. Not a full flight of stairs!

I was given lots of pain relief and had a pain block in my foot. This didn't fully wear off until a few hours after I arrived home. I was very wary about the pain I was told to expect following this surgery. But, happily this was really minimal and very manageable. I had Ibuprofen and Paracetamol and also Tramadol. The Tramadol and me didn't get on with one another and it made me very dizzy and vomit. I decided after 2 days to leave it off completely. This was a very wise move and it was then that I realised that in actual fact I perhaps didn't need it at all. I stayed in bed for 2 days in order to allow my foot plenty of rest and also to avoid putting any undue pressure or stress on it. I invested in a bed cradle which has proved invaluable in keeping the weight of the bedclothes off my foot. The first few days negotiating the stairs - as our only bathroom and lavatory is upstairs - took a little getting used to but with allowing myself plenty of time ( as soon as you feel the need to visit the lavatory start to make your way there ) I soon got the hang of it. I had a long handle soft fabric bag in which I carried my mobile phone and the house hands free landline phone and any other little bits and bobs I needed to take up stairs ( or bring down). As I have already mentioned I have included all these points in my earlier contributions to the discussion site which I began following in mid January) . Anyhow, now at almost 19 weeks post op I'm just about back to pre-op walking. My dressings were changed at 2 weeks ( 12 December) and 6 weeks ( 9 January) and the K-Wire was removed also at this appointment. A further lighter bandage was applied on 9 January which I was instructed to remove at home myself and then use the flat soled post-op shoe. Up to this point I was in a rather inelegant heel-wedge shoe. I thought it was wonderful if rather an ugly looking thing to be wearing. It certainly did its job and I soon got used to wearing it and even became rather attached and reliant on it.

I have had aches and pains along the way especially once the walking became more frequent after the bandage came off. But you will know when to stop and get that foot elevated in order to gain relief from the throbbing.

The throbbing is quite severe in the early days but I only had it if my foot was down for too long. Once elevated again the relief is amazing.

I can only say that in my experience I have no hesitation about going ahead later in the year and having my other foot done.

The key to a good recovery is to do as you've been advised; resign yourself to the fact that you'll be just about out of circulation for 6 weeks in the first instance with further weeks of having to take great care. The swelling is another matter which you must understand you will have and this will take a long time to go completely. I only now have a minute amount which seems to present itself only if I've been on my feet too long. My life is just about back to normal. I'm able to drive again ( as from 9 February) and if you drive an automatic vehicle you are required to inform your insurer that you have had bunion surgery. It does not impact on your insurance premium. It is a precautionary requirement in case of an accident.

If you require any further help I'll be happy to hear from you. I am not going to be around for a few days but please leave your messages and I'll reply on my return.

I have only posted twice on this forum but visit it every day and have found it a fantastic help.

I had my bunion surgery and hammertoe correction two weeks ago here in Ireland and if you

like to private message me I will answer any questions I can about the surgery in Ireland.

Kate