Bunion surgery - both feet! 4days post op. Age 32. What else to expect?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Friday 20th of Sept I had bunions corrected on both feet. It was fairly traumatic. I went in at 12 noon and was on my way home at 5.30pm.
I was awake throughout and had pain blockers from my ankles down. I wasn't prepared for how painful they would be! They said bring a book or listen to music during surgery, i was too anxious to be able to concentrate on reading!! The drillings sounds and the sensation of pushing, pulling and tugging will stay with me for a long time. I only cried just before surgery started, I was certainly fearing the worst! By the time the surgeon got to my second foot I was much calmer. First foot took 24 mins second took 35 mins.
I was surprised how great I felt after, getting dressed and walking to the waiting room chairs were a challenge.
Pain block lasted until about 10pm with full effects totally gone by 1am. I was taking codeine, naproxen & paracetamol. My husband got me a wheelchair after my first toilet visit, it was so painful trying to walk with crutches. He actually put me on a blanket and dragged me back to the sofa so I didnt have to go through it again! The wheelchair has been a game changer! I can get myself to the toilet, fairly easily! These past few days ive made myself drinks and got ice packs from the freezer myself.
I am sat / laid with my feet up almost all the time with ice packs on and off every 20 mins. I have 6 ice packs on rotation, another game changer.
Friday I slept downstairs, I needed the toilet at 2am. I had been managing well on the wheelchair so didnt feel the need to shout my husband. As soon as I sat on the toilet I didnt feel right, my feet throbbed so bad, I felt hot, sick and dizzy. I thought i was going to pass out. Husband came rushing down to get me back to the sofa and settled. The feeling passed.
I called out of hours drs and got some stronger pain meds. The next few days were rough, with pain and sickness. Im also on blood thinners that i inject into my stomach daily, as if it isnt traumatic enough already!
Day 4. I do feel like i have turned a corner today and on the up.
but im left feeling like i have no idea what to expect from the coming weeks, and how on earth i will ever stand or walk again!!
0 likes, 4 replies
helen85916 samantha13637
Posted
Hi Samantha
You've had a trauma to your body and of I'm not surprised that you are feeling as you are at the moment. I can only say that it will get better. I had both feet operated on at the beginning of April, so I'm now almost 6 months post surgery, and I'm feeling great. By early July I was walking 10,000 steps a day. My feet still have a little bit of swelling but even with that, they are looking much better than they did with bunions. I can do Pilates and can just about stand on tiptoes. Keep resting and icing your feet and allow yourself to be looked after for a while, to allow yourself the very best outcome possible. Helen
Guest samantha13637
Posted
Im so sorry you had to go through it like that!! No way i would be able to be awake. i dont even think we should HAVE to be. hope you heal quickly and your pain subsides even quicker!
shay91921 samantha13637
Posted
Hi Samantha!
I just had my surgery yesterday (October 1) and I'm in quite a bit of pain moving in any capacity . Heel walking has proven to be way more difficult than I imagined and practiced pre-surgery... I too am very lethargic and short of breath upon returning to me bed. Should I be contacting my dr for stronger pain meds? I have also experienced some spasms, and let me just say that if you haven't felt these yet, consider yourself so lucky! I was nearly on the ceiling the first time it happened! I have been given percocet 10mg. But with the amount of discomfort I'm in, I fear this just is not doing the trick. I also got a pain block, but mine seemed to have worn off quick because I am very aware of every movement, spasm, or even having the little space shoes on.
Also wondering if you have any tips for the days to come since you're so close ahead of me.
samantha13637 shay91921
Posted
aww my heart breaks for you! however it does get better.
my husband got me a wheelchair and it been worth its weight in gold!! first week i stood to sit in the wheelchair and stood to go to toilet and nothing else. Legs up and ice on and off consistently. really feel like this helped the healing process and pain.
i am actually still using the wheelchair to potter around the house and a few short trips out.
the day after surgery i called the dr for stronger meds. i would certainly call your dr to ask for something more, no need to suffer. the first 3-5 days were just awful, so take whatever you can to make it bearable. i would also mention the shortness of breathe, this wasnt something i struggled with.
ive havent had spasms, lucky me by the sound of it! poor you. these last few days ive had shooting pains, like hot needles through my feet but what i have read this is the nerves knitting back together and not to worry. The pain took me by surprise!! quite breath taking!
sending you lots of love and hope you have a smooth recovery!
x