Bunion surgery - much more painful than I ever imagined

I think it is just the swelling that is keeping my big toe off the floor, so hopefully it'll go down within a few weeks.

I also saw a video where someone who has had the op. stresses the need for pushing on the toe joint quite forcefully (up and down) even when it hurts alot, to stop it getting too stiff. This is the excercise my consultant told me to do too, though he didn't say how far to do it. I'm still putting it off because of the pain. Does anyone have any advice on this?

KIm....just saw the surgeon yesterday on Day 12 for stitch removal. I have pins in the toes that stick out and he said until the 6 week mark when pins come out I am not to do any toe exercises....interesting how different surgeons and/or different methods of surgery make for different instructions ! I've got more discomfort in the foot since the light dressing put on yesterday. I put on an ace bandage (not too tight) to give some support and some bulk.....seems to be helping.

Rena- I had 2 screws in my first metatarsal which will remain in place (no pins - which seem a bit scary to me!). The toe bending exercise I was given is just to move the base joint backwards and forwards. I was told not to bend the middle joint so I won't be doing the towel picking -up exercise that several people have mentioned on this discussion.

Today I'm at 3 weeks post op and tried to put on a trainer, but my foot feels swollen and painful (although it doesn't look very swollen) l so I've put on a sandal instead. I'm trying to walk with bending my foot a little.

I do feel that I'm getting around much better, which means I'm also doing much more around the house, though I'm not doing anything that involves standing too long such as ironing. My son is home from university for a couple of weeks and has taken over the cooking duties from my husband, so I'm still enjoying a rest from that!

Six week check up today and all well so no need to return to see the consultant unless there are any problems ( I have an ''open'' appointment so can arrange directly with the hospital if I need to see him). Basically I can return to normal at the speed my body tells me to i.e. nothing (apart from running and jumping) is banned but I am to be sensible....................if it hurts don't do it! Seems OK to me. May wait to try driving but keen to do a bit more walking than I have been doing.

It's been a very strange day with no heel walker shoes but my toes seem to be quite liking it. Ice packs at the ready though for later!

Had a quick look round the local Clarks shoe shop on the way home from the hospital and was very attracted to the softest and flattest shoes- the strappy sandals looked very pretty and all in such cheerful colours. I'm promising myself a pair in a couple of months time when my feet are a bit more settled.

E

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Eileen, thats great to hear that you are getting on so good, light at the end of the tunnel, 2 weeks and I will be where you are too.

Kim, I am a week ahead of you, and I have been out today, it is much better this week, I can hobble about better and have walked a small distance outside, and been on a taxi and a bus, the bus was a bit scary, but I managed it and feel fine, foot still gets a bit nippy at night in bed, and I usually give in and take some painkillers but I was trying to stop taking them.

Lovely sunny evening here in Glasgow, would be lovely to get out a walk, but perhaps next week.

Eileen,- it must be strange at 6 weeks when you're told ''that's it'' no need to been seen again. Now it's back to normal life. I must admit, I've got quite used to being at home and am not really looking forward to returning to work.

Joan, glad your trip out went well. Are you using crutches outside?

I've just noticed what looks like a stitch sticking out of my scar. I don't know if it's a disposable one, but I'll have to go down and see a nurse tomorrow in case it needs taking out. I'll probably feel faint again, asI feel a bit queasy at the thought of it already!

I'm feeling the same Kim - really don't want to go back to work. Plus, I don't feel like I'll be ready at six weeks whatsoever. It was my four week mark yesterday and foot aches quite a lot. I've over done it over the weekend and foot ballooned. Keeping off it as much as possible now!

Will the consultant/GP expect us to be back to work straight after our 6 week appointment? I am a teacher so spend a lot of time on my feet rushing around. It's less than two weeks until my sick note runs out - I'm certain it will need to be extended judging by the lack of time I can stand being on my feet.

If there is anyone on the forum who has returned to work, at how many weeks did you return?

Many thanks

Beth

Kim, I had 1 crutch with me, quite glad really for the bit of extra support, don't need them around the house, just good for leaning on while doing a Flamingo impersonation.

Beth, I would have thought at least 8 weeks before going back to work, unless my work want to send me a taxi every day, I won't go back until I can drive, as I have at least a half hour walk from the train station. I am hoping 10 weeks, sometimes I think "could go to work today" when I get up, but that feeling has probably gone by lunch time. With you standing all day, I would think that your doc would take that into consideration.

Beth- I work in an office where I can sit down a lot.

At the first consultation , the consultant insisted I should take 8 weeks off even from an office job, as he said ''you wouldn't want anyone knocking into your foot''. I will probably go back at 6 weeks though as I think my fellow workers won't be too happy if I have 8 weeks off for a foot operation.

Kim, can you get to work easy then. I dread going back.

Hi all

I haven't been on line for a couple of days , just had all my dressing removed today at the 4 week point and I just can't work out what to put on my feet as they feel rather sore and vulnerable, any suggestions would be wonderful, as for work my surgeon suggested I wait 8-9 weeks before I considered commuting again although I'm working from home for about 6 hours each day but balancing a lap top with your legs up is a little tricky .

I guess everyone is different with their recovery time, so hang on in there 6 weeks sound too soon

S

All

Despite being told by the consultant that he doesn't need to see me again I have another couple of weeks before I'm due back at work and I think that I'll need every day of those weeks. It was indeed very odd to be 'let go' today but I have to believe that the consultant knows what he's doing!! After half a day of trying to walk around normally my left foot (which needed major works) is complaining- my right foot is OK. I haven't even tried to drive yet- my journey to work takes 45 minutes of driving plus a fifteen minute walk so my feet need to be in good shape before I even attempt it.

I think that 8 weeks is about right for the sign off- can't see how anyone would be ready to go back earlier unless their surgery was very straightforward.

By the way I too am dreading the return- I've enjoyed the rest!!

E

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Joan, Suzzy .Eileen work for me is only about 12 minutes walk away (normal walking ) so it's just a short drive for my husband or fellow worker to give me a lift. I'm not looking forward to going back as I think it is going to be uncomfortable sitting at a desk with my leg elevated.

Someone at work had 8 weeks off recently for a hip replacement, and I feel people will probably think the same time off for a foot op. is too much. I have got a sick certificate to cover 8 weeks so I'm going to see how I get on over the next week or so to decide what to do. I'm currently at day 22.

Another strange foot symptom at the moment is when I try and wiggle my toe it feels like a pin is pricking the tip of it. I assume this is a symptom of nerve damage. Hopefully it won't last.

I had 10 weeks off work and then went back on a phased return. Just 4 hours in the morning for the first week and then alternate half day full day for the second week. I am now back full time and really feel pain about 6 hours into the day. The pain is oddly on the left hand side of my foot and not at the site of the bunion op. This may be to do with the fact that I am still limping. I am back at the hospital on 15th April and will be interested in what my surgeon has to say.