Bunion surgery - much more painful than I ever imagined

Hi,  I just found out that I need surgery...she said they have to put 2 screws in my big toe and my other 3 toes need pins and I something to do with a nerve.  I've been in a lot of pain...but after reading these post...I'm having second thoughts....is this a lot to do at once?   Any advice would help.

thanks

I had surgery on both feet, 3 months apart in 2004, from what I have heard it is harder on you to have them both done at the same time, my sister had both done because she wanted to get back to work but I don't advise it. If you have one foot done at a time, one foot has a little chance to heal you can walk on the other one a little bit. They also had to put screws in each of my big toes. Mine were not visable and had to be surgically removed, this is called Metatarsil Falagial Reversal, meaning they have to remove the screws in about 3 months which gave my toes time to heal and hold the tissue together.. Your toes will feel much better after they are taken out.  The best advise I can give you to to be ready to relax after the surgery, you will be numb for most of the first day, you will need to have things ready for you to use by your bed so you don't have to get up too much. You really shouldn't be in much pain at all if you will elevate your feet and put ice or frozen peas on the top of your foot/ankle. If you try to get up and put too much weight on your feet, they will throb and not heal as they should. I personally used a borrowed Walker rather than crutches. I also got some Lavender oil (google it) and put on the foot for healing, it is amazing. I also put Eucalyptus and layered peppermint oil (its not greasy or messy). I also put a little bit of Lavender and Peppermint on my temples and along side my jawline and on inside of both wrists, really help with sleeping. Make sure to elevate though and apply the ice. When you do get shoes, try to get some comfortable but not too flexible slip on sandals, you need something for support, nothing flimsy because you don't want your feet to hurt. Just baby yourself...Keep snacks and drinks/water and things to do that you need to catch up on next to where you will be laying. Keep an extra pair of comfortable PJ's or night gown nearby. I used a borrowed walker to go to and from the bathroom. I gave my self a sponge bath and shampooed my hair every morning and felt fresh for the day.  Good luck to you. Just be prepared and thigns will go great. Take your time, can't hurry up the healing though.

Hey, I recently had both feet done.  Right on July 23rd, left oct 8th. Right foot was very easy and was told by the nurse that one would be more difficult than the other, looking back I wish I had both done at the same time. I had my bunion shaved off main bone in the foot leading to the big toe broken in four places. Right foot has 6 screws and a metal plate, just saw today on my x ray my left foot has 5 screws and a plate. My left like I said was more difficult all around, also completely different feelings and recovery and healing directions. Still have numbness in big toe and my nerves are either damAge or firing off because my whole leg will jolt with Pain. Got the shoe off today and tied to slip into my tenis shoes and there was still stiffness and alot of pain to bend. I ended up putting the surgery shoe Back on. Im glad I had this surgery done,  everyone is different. Ill be glad when I can begin to play with my kids out side again. No running around for this mom for a while.

Anyone have advice on getting back to normal. I have no energy or drive to get things done. I feel guilty sometimes bc I use the excuse my feet hurt amd end up being a couch potato all day but I could suck it up but im just in a funk... any suggestions? 

Had bunion surgery over 9 weeks ago,,,Two pins were placed in my big toe and one in my second toe,,,,I went to see five different surgeons before getting the surgery because I have significant varicose veins in my lower leg and was concerned about swelling and circulation.  Each surgeon said my varicose veins were "no big deal."  They were WRONG.  I still have significant swelling and pain in and around my toes.  When I walk I feel like there is a marble right under the ball of my foot.  I'm still limping badly and would never have gotten the surgery if I knew how bad it was.  I'm an ex-jock and had major knee surgery 6 months before and shoulder surgery (rotator cuff) two years before that and both surgeries were only mildly annonying.  I was playing tennis four months later with each of these surgeries.  My current surgeon told me last week that I can resume my normal actiivities within a two week time frame.  Methinks he's been smoking too much medical marijuana!  I'd be happy to walk normally again.

Next week, I'm going to have an MRI on my foot and see if the surgeon screwed up the surgery.  I have a bad feeling he did...then I have the very difficult decision to have surgery again...very bad thought.

My advice is, DO NOT get this surgery unless you absolutely need it and if you have circulation issues, DO NOT get this surgery.  

Good luck to all.

I just had bunion surgery 16 days ago and I have to say it was much easier than I thought after listening to so many people.  I was dreading it and put it off for a long time, now I'm so happy I did it. I can't wait to be able to run and spin without pain and the bonus is that my once ugly foot now looks amazing.  Don't get me wrong the first 3 days were very painful and rough but after that I kept getting better every day and I was able to put weight on my heel 5 days post op.  I know everyone heals differently and there are so many variations on this surgery that everyone's experience is different.  The most important thing is not to overdo it after surgery and rest alot, you will heal faster.  Everyone I know who has had the surgery ultimately said in the long run that it was worth it to be pain-free. I definitely agree.  

Hi I'm on day day five post opp I was scared to use the shoe to walk with and have tried today I get pains in my big toe like a plaster being ripped off not sure if this has happened to anyone else any advice would be grateful thanks x

Extensive bunion surgery January 30. The pain is suprisingly tollerable. I was given Oxycontin and Tylenol with codeine but found it unnecessary to take either. I have to stay off my foot for 6 weeks. I will spend 10-12 days in a splint up to my knee and then 6 weeks in a hard cast with no weight bearing for that entire time. My insurance company paid for a knee scooter and we purchased an additional one for $165 (on ebay) which was well worth it because we live in a tri-level. The knee scooter makes mobility easy. I've found that elevation and cold packs to be the best medicine. Evenings are more uncomfortable and ibuprofen comes in handy, The less activity, the better. This is a highly inconvenient situation and the lack of mobility is making me stir-crazy.

Hello! Just had bunionectomy and metatarsal realignment surgery on February 4, 2015. Had a nerve block with some general anesthesia. Unable to fall asleep for over 30 hours. Once nerve block wore off, pain became very intense. Have been icing and elevating. Pain much more than expected too. Any other suggestions? How long before there is some relief from the discomfort?

Hello,  I am going to have a double bunion op in 10days.

Do you have any advice pre and post op?

Thanks!