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Bunion surgery - much more painful than I ever imagined

Posted , 157 users are following.

MaryGladys
MaryGladys

Had Scarf osteotomy to remove bunion on right foot on Friday 2 March. Foot numb for almost 24 hours so not much pain until Saturday morning - then sheer agony! Ibuprofen & codeine alternated with paracetamol & codeine the most effective painkillers but you can only take so many in a day. Have stayed in bed as walking (on heel) has been almost impossible and stairs too terrifying; bathroom visits have been a source of dread as when I stand there is a surge of blood to the foot and it feels as though it might explode. Then for the next 10 minutes or so after returning to bed the pain and throbbing are intense. However, this is now easing a bit so hoping to be gradually more mobile. Any advice anybody?

2 likes, 580 replies

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  • yvette_45745
    yvette_45745 MaryGladys

    Posted

    I am now 12 weeks post op, I am back at work and I was doing really well, until last week. I injured my foot, I now have a stress fracture and I am back in my boot for two to three weeks.  I'm so upset that I didn't stop what I was doing when I felt the sharp pain in my foot. I'm very lucky that I didn't ruin my surgery

    Three tips for all: 1. take it easy, 2. do not over do it,  3. listen to your feet.  

    Happy and safe healing to all 

    . 

    • michelle37913
      michelle37913 yvette_45745

      Posted

      Hi yvette45745, sorry to hear abut your foot, can I ask is it very painful putting shoes back on, can I aso ask what type of job you do
    • yvette_45745
      yvette_45745 michelle37913

      Posted

      Hi Michelle,

      I manage a bistro. I was totally cleared by my doctor, with the understanding that I needed to take breaks and not to over do it. True to form I got busy and took a step and I knew at that moment I was hurt, but I shook it it off and kept going. It wasn't until three days later that I could not put my shoe on that I went crying to my doctor. He was very kind and supportive and reassured me that the surgery was in tact. Then came the scolding, "take it easy, pay attention to the way I walk, no running no strenuous  activity"

      As to your question about putting a shoe on, yes it is painful and my foot doesn't really fit because it is still swollen.  

      Honestly this has been the worst part of the whole surgery and healing process. 

      For those of you wondering about what kind of shoes to wear, My doctor reccomended that I wear an athletic shoe; Asics or New Balance. I went with a Reebok, for me it was wide enough in the toe box and the shock absorption and support were better than the rest. Also, buy your shoes with enough room to put arch and heel supports. Heel supports really do help because as you all know we tend to place our weight on our heels. 

    • michelle37913
      michelle37913 yvette_45745

      Posted

      Hi yvette, 

      Thanks for getting back to me, i have not had much swelling only a little quite suprised actually i have been thinking about putting my reeboks on, i have tried some on but only stood up in them and it felt very strange hope u make a speedy recovery 

    • norma47283
      norma47283 yvette_45745

      Posted

      They say it will take about a yar to be able to feel normal and be able to bend/stand on your tippey toes, it actually takes about 3 years. Trick is to not try to force your foot into a shoes that doesn't feel good. I will ake a long time (usually). The only shoes that I can wear and be comfortable are the either black/or white Sketchers, its a slip on (has a little bit of silver on top of the shoe. It is not easy to ge back to normal life after surgery. You don't want to damage your foot further by forcing it. I had my feet done 3 months apart. My sister had both of hers done at the same time, I would never rocommend that. If you damage your foo while it is healing/repair isn't fun from what I have been told. Wish you luck, sorry you have to be on your feet so much.

    • yvette_45745
      yvette_45745 norma47283

      Posted

      Hi Norma,

      Thank you for advice.  I'm happy to say that  I am out of my boot and wearing tennis shoes. I still have a bit of swelling at the end of the day, but with some elevation and ice it does go down. 

      This is a long process, I've heard that it can take up to a year to feel normal and back to a healthy, active life. I'm trying to be patient. I have 8 months to go! 

       

  • kathryn02630
    kathryn02630 MaryGladys

    Posted

    I had both my bunions corrected, under general anaesthetic, on 10th September. My procedure was quite straight forward and the surgeon was pleased with the results. My recovery so far has gone very well and I have not experienced much swelling and the pain is moderate and easily managed with painkillers. The trick is to keep one step (pardon the pun) ahead of the pain and to take the painkillers regularly. I have lessened the dosage now that the pain has decreased. I have kept my feet elevated as advised and have only pottered about the house for short amounts of time. Whenever I do get up on my feet, in the delightful footwear I was given that resemble something Lady Gaga would wear, the blood rushing to my toes makes my nerve endings tingle - I find gentle massage helps to relieve this. Anyone who is offered to have both bunions done simultaneously should seriously consider it, especially if the procedure is straightforward. If other toes are needing correcting I cannot comment on this as I didn't require this. Walking about in two of the special shoes is less cumbersome than in just one as you are level footed. Also, I won't have to think about going through it all again next year. Good luck to anyone facing this operation. I am looking forward to getting my dancing shoes on again ;-)
    • lilian_97787
      lilian_97787 kathryn02630

      Posted

      Hi there,

      Good advise all round!  Wish i did the same, it would have been one recovery instead of a bit of a maraton .

      Good luck with your recovery.

  • don91630
    don91630 MaryGladys

    Posted

    I had severe pain for two days.  Had my surgery October. 1st it is now the 31st and my incision is not healing all that well. It is still seepage around the incision. Anyone having the same problem
    • sheila_27698
      sheila_27698 don91630

      Posted

      Hi don

      A little seepage can occur post op but if it is not healing you may have an infection. There are many reasons fir delayed wound healing. Your general health medical conditions smoking and not resting enough. However would not be surprising to get a skin infection after this type of op if dressing remains wet with seepage. Please see yr doctor you may need antibiotics and a more regular dressing change and observation while it heals.

  • elizabeth_83569
    elizabeth_83569 MaryGladys

    Posted

    I had my bunion removed 2 wks ago and a pin in my toes which has to be removed did anyone else have pins removed was it painful 
    • Clarissabelle
      Clarissabelle elizabeth_83569

      Posted

      I had pins in two of my toes.  No pain at all when second one was taken out.  The first one I caught on the duvet and pulled out myself.  Didn t hurt when I did it either. !
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