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Bunion Surgery Fear!!

Posted , 7 users are following.

clare001
clare001

After several years suffering with bunions on both feet, and getting steadily worse, to the point where I now can't bear the pain whenever I put my court shoes on for work, I have now come to the realisation that if I don't do something now I will be in this pain for many years.  I am 41yrs old, I went to my doctor who tells me to go to a podiatrist, I went to a podiatrist who kindly took my payment, massaged my feet & told me to book in for another massage!  I have read lots about surgery, but cannot afford to go private - can anyone suggest an alternative route - please!!!! 

1 like, 17 replies

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  • lou6294
    lou6294 clare001

    Posted

    Hi Clare, 

    not sure if you are in the UK , if you are all you need to do is see your gp dedcribe the pain this creates and get a referral to Orthopaedic surgeon preferably a lower limb specialist. I went to Gp in Jan and am now day 20 post op had scarf osteotomy and Atkins wire inserted to hammer toe. Although initally painful for a couple of days I am now well on my way to recovery. The main problem is not being able to drive and needing time off work. I am 40 and my surgeon basically said no need to suffer the pain just get on and have it done.

    All the best,

    Lou

  • Scarlet_red
    Scarlet_red clare001

    Posted

    Hi, you need to be referred to a podiatrist surgeon or joint surgeon you need to ask yourGP to refer you.

    I had a fusion and bunion removal and I feel it was successful. 

    Angela

  • joannyV
    joannyV clare001

    Posted

    Go back to your GP, make it clear that it is because of the pain, not because you want to wear nice shoes.  You ask for a referral, your bunions are never going to get better, I put up with mine for years, mine are huge. I had to tell dr I wanted a referral, she was offering to try me with bunion pads and insoles.  Good luck.  Waiting time for referral can be 12 weeks 
    • carol19702
      carol19702 joannyV

      Posted

      Hi Joan, just read your post, in the UK you must have a shorter waiting list to Australia? I know they are still behind with patients waiting since 2010 here. I've waited 2 yrs and go this Friday to see the surgeon.  I'm 75yrs old! I'm dreading it, but after reading all the posts here I'm going to see if I can get both feet done and stay in hospital for 2 weeks. I don't have help at home. I'm glad you are better now as mine are huge too!....let me know your feelings of what happened after your operation please, I'd love to hear as mine are not mild bunions they are large and this morning, the first time ever, they were burning and like a nerve was playing up in bed, I had to get up for it to stop, that has never happened before!
    • joannyV
      joannyV carol19702

      Posted

      Hi Carol, that sure is a long waiting list.  I did go private but only because my work gives employees basic medical insurance cover for free.  I am 57, and this has been a roller coaster of a journey, not heard of anyone ever staying in hospital more than 1 night, even those who are on thier own and have 2 feet done.  On another thread on this forum called "Hello There" - you will see a group of people me included that have been posting daily posts on the journey.  There are people from Canada, New Jersey, South Africa, all over the place.   I think a lot depends on the surgery you have.  Search for Hello there and have a read.

       

    • carol19702
      carol19702 joannyV

      Posted

      Hi Joan, where do I type in "Hello There"??? 

      I'm 75 and down here if you have no one to look after you at home they keep you in hospital.

  • lou6294
    lou6294 clare001

    Posted

    Hi Again, 

    I would definitely recommend not going private it will cost a fortune and will be the same surgeon you would see in the NHS .Gp will tend to refer to Podiatry first as much cheaper option, I was initially referred to them but I appealed the decision and requested a foot surgeon at my local hospital that I had been recommended. 

    Lou

    • Footsies
      Footsies lou6294

      Posted

      Hi Lou,

      With respect, if you pay to go privately you may see the same surgeon as under the NHS but it is only by going privately that you can be assured which surgeon (i.e. rather than a trainee surgeon) will perform your operation.

      All the best.

    • Footsies
      Footsies lou6294

      Posted

      Incidentally, I had the same experience as you re podiatry. I got the impression our surgery was trying to avoid referring me to the hospital.
    • lou6294
      lou6294 Footsies

      Posted

      There are some fabulous SpR trainee orthopods also it would be under supervision of the named consultant, or simply ask if it will be the consultant him/herself or a junior. Regisrars have to get there cutting hours somewhere they are very carefully monitored. 
    • Footsies
      Footsies lou6294

      Posted

      I agree that there are some good trainee surgeons and they have to practice but practice makes perfect. I was told by the consultant, when I asked, that they would be performing my op but I doubt from the result if they did. It is quite apparent from this website that foot surgery isn't always successful, or as good as it should be. One medical study I read put this down to inexperienced surgeons.
  • carol19702
    carol19702 clare001

    Posted

    Hi Clare, do you know of anyone in my age bracket (75) who has had both bunions removed?
  • Footsies
    Footsies clare001

    Posted

    Hi Clare,

    I had the same experience with a podiatrist. I am sorry to say that I got the distinct impression that her main intention was to keep me as a (paying) patient.

    I have to say that I now think, having given it a lot of thought and read a lot of information on the internet, including various medical papers (quite technical but I can just about get the drift) that bunion surgery is a lottery. It is complex surgery and the skill of the surgeon is paramount to success.

    Having said this, studies prove that most bunion surgery is successful. Could you somehow find out the name of the most highly regarded foot surgeon in your area, however with the NSH there is, of course, no guarantee that they will perform the op.

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