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Bunion surgery - much more painful than I ever imagined

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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

580 Replies

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  • goanna57
    goanna57 MaryGladys

    Posted

    Your doctor should have given you Endone and Oxycontin for pain which would have helped you for at least a week before taking any other pain killers. They can cause constipation so best not being on them for too long plus they can be addictive. I wore a 'Weight-Bearing boot' for six (6) weeks with it only coming off to shower which was great because it took pressure off my foot plus I used crutches during that time. One problem though! I left the spacer between my toes longer than what I should have and now I have a wide gap between both toes. Can't wear rubber thongs (flip-flops) because there's no grip and that's my fault. My operation went well with me being pleased. I wish you luck!!!!
  • tanya59984
    tanya59984 MaryGladys

    Posted

    Hi I just had bunion surgery last week n went had had my dressing changed wed ..in my sleep wed I must goten a charlie cramp in foot cuz my calf is sore Thurs I woke up n cldnt stand cuz my foot was so sore n I was getting weezy to my stomach so I tried to stay off from it thurs...n now its Fri nite still painful I have a burning feeling n its super sore to the lites touch n I have numbness n tingling feeling n if I stand which hurts but once I get walking the pain is gone but as soon as I stand still or stop its rite back ..I didn't have ne pain like my dic said I wld have some last Fri day after my surgery n I also have pins in my toes n 2 of my toe bones had to get shaved ...has ne1went threw this or no ne thing bout the pain is it normal to have this pain after a week
    • sue84239
      sue84239 tanya59984

      Posted

      It is normal to have pain after a week and your bones and nerves will be mending for some time to come. Are you still taking any pain relief?  I was in pain for the first two weeks if I tried to do too much and you should still be non weight bearing and elevated for most of the time at this early stage.  The pins and needles and burning is related to nerve reactions I think.  Try and stay off it and keep elevated and hopefully the pain will subside.  If it doesn't contact your hospital and tell them what you feel.  I ended up having my dressing loosened after a week as it was causing additional pain and set too tight.

      good luck.

       

    • tanya59984
      tanya59984 sue84239

      Posted

      My doc said day after surergy it will hurt n the next day but will get better.but I had no pain at all n then a week after is when I just started to feel the pain...I haven't even taken ne pain meds til last nite n this morning it only hurt just lil n truthfully I haven been off that foot like I shld b but that's cuz I really don't have help with my 2yr old I did but her father backed out so I rest my foot as much as I can I was just worried cuz after week I started to have very sore n painful ..I shld of figure that I wld have some pain no matter what but all in all its not bad surgery guess people feel different pain and different time after surgery .... Thank u
    • sue84239
      sue84239 tanya59984

      Posted

      It takes a few days for the anaesthetic to wear off and I am not sure if you had a ankle block but this stops the pain so it only really kicked in with me after 4 days or so. Takes some meds and try and stay ahead of it so you can get rest etc.
    • tanya59984
      tanya59984 sue84239

      Posted

      Thank u sue I woke up this morning n lil pain for bout 10/15 mins n then it was gone but I did rest all day with it up on 3 pillows ...n no pain at all even got up to make something to eat n nothing
    • sue84239
      sue84239 tanya59984

      Posted

      That sounds good Tanya.  You need to take it easy in the first couple of week and up to six weeks really!  It is a major procedure and if you don't follow the rules I believe there are cases where the surgeons work can be damaged.  This gets less likely after two weeks but you need to be careful and don't be fooled that pain free means do more!  Keep it raised and enjoy the rest if you can!
  • The_sweetHeart1
    The_sweetHeart1 MaryGladys

    Posted

    Im in my fifth week post surgery now im going to physical theraphy toes move but big toe stiff I can walk good but can bare to much weight for to long. Pain is managable hope you feeling better how is your pain

    • The_sweetHeart1
      The_sweetHeart1

      Posted

      *cant bare to much weigh or stay to long on my feet bc the next day the swelling and pain is unbarable does that happen to you
  • gilleegreen
    gilleegreen MaryGladys

    Posted

    Hi there I have had two bunions removed on monday afternoon and pinned hammer toe am I expecting too much to ask should I still be in so much pain the burning and soreness is terrible making me feel sick is anyone else experienced this x thank you

  • marceline87790
    marceline87790 MaryGladys

    Posted

    Hello everyone. After many years of going through the pros and cons in my head of the scary bunion surgery I finally have decided I need to be brave and do this. Especially as I've been in a lot of pain and am tired of constantly hiding my feet eveywhere I go too.

    Could you post-surgery ladies recommend a great and reliable surgeon who did a great job on your feet and preferably I'm looking for a surgery that's least invasive,though I understand everyone's feet are different!

    I'm thinking about going through a medical insurance and also wondered if anyone has done this through AXA and if so, what was your experience.

    Would really appreciate comments and your help.

    M.

    • Starla486
      Starla486 marceline87790

      Posted

      Dr Brandon Bishop Kettering oh. Did my surgery and it's been almost painless.
  • Starla486
    Starla486 MaryGladys

    Posted

    I just had bunion surgery on Friday. I was scared to death because of everything I had read. I expected the worst and for the best! I had no pain and I am amazed how well I've done. I kept reading where everyone felt like their foot was going to blow off. That did not happen at all with me. The only pain I experienced was the first evening I came home I had bad pain and was going to ER. We called the Dr. He said to unwrap the ace bandage. We did and it was immediate relief! I've followed Drs orders and kept my foot up and ice it all day long. I definitely will have my other foot done. This surgery was nothing like everyone said! Get a good Dr!!!
  • hclub1
    hclub1 MaryGladys

    Posted

    Hi im in Australia im 25 i had surgery on my bunion on my right toe at the age of 16 it started growing when i was 10 but the doctor had to wait for my growth playes to close before i could have surgery the degree of my joint was 18° before surgery and 10° after. I could not play sport or dance for 12months i had 2 screws put in once bunion was removed and the pressure released from the tendon as it was pulled so tight due to bunion i cannot remember the exact amount of time i was on crutches for but i know i was in alot of pain and afterwards i had a walking stick for a week as it hurt so much to put weight on it once i was able to walk again walking in a heated pool helped alot but i had no therapy so had to teach myself to walk again so now it doesnt bend very far at all its sensitive to touch ( when u touch the skin feels like how ur skin feels when u have pins and needles) and all my weight sits on my second toe so dancing etc isnt as comfortable or easy but i manage hehe now i am getting pain in my left big toe joint feels raised the bone i mean hope i dont have to go through it again coz i will probably never dance again if thats the case. All the best everyone
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