Bunion surgery - much more painful than I ever imagined

Good to know. I heard worst pain was Day after surgery and then it gets better after that. Not true. I had left foot done 11 days ago. Horrible pain for first three days, Then no pain until yesterday a few hours after I had stitches snipped and lighter bandage applied. Maybe all the walking on crutches yesterday caused pain. Was in pain till 4 am today. Then took 800 mg ibuprofen and felt no pain till 2 pm when it came roaring back. Feels like top of my left foot is on fire and burning sensation on side of foot and immense pressure in toes. Took 400 mg of Ibuprofen and feels a little better. I am afraid my foot will never be better.

So I had my right bunion (Hallux Valgus sounds less icky!) operated on yesterday, 10th May 2017, and I am aged 32. It’s a cut on my big toe bone with a screw. The technical term is: periarticular rotational osteotomy 1st metatarsal wedge osteotomy. I was booked for an overnight stay but I decided to come home a few hours later. The worst bit for me was being woken up from GA after the op...I felt exhausted and disorientated but forced myself to some alertness so they could ferry me back to my room. I did feel some as soon as I awoke so I asked for painkillers which were supplied as soon as I got to my room. I’m not one to normally take painkillers unless I’m in a lot of pain... but from all the advice I had been given I decided to set alarms and take codeine and paracetamol every 4-6 hours. I asked for crutches but haven’t practiced using them yet and didn’t get much of a demo but I’ll just google how. Did manage to walk up stairs when I got home last night but I had to take it easy in my new sexy sandle that doesn’t quite fit on the step, and concentrating on walking on the heel. Pain wise, I haven’t felt that much really, just some burning sensation when I’ve been to the toilet and it does get a bit sore keeping it elevated so long. I’ve been told I will be wearing this sandle for 6 weeks but if that’s needed for healing I don’t mind.

My work have been flexible...I get full sick pay and they said to focus on my recovery but my senior manager kept asking when will I be back. I wasn’t sure till yesterday and everyone who I have spoken to who has had this op’ or their friend/family has, have said to try and take 6-8 weeks as they regret going back sooner. I have been given a sick note for 6 weeks and before or after that I am hoping to do a phased return working from home so I don’t have the stress of getting in to work and possibly getting it knocked if it’s not fully heeled. I have poor co-ordination on my days, I blame my crappy eyesight so I am generally accident prone.

I have a follow up app’ in 10 days to see how it is healing and dressing change. Will ask about wearing heels in month 4 as I have a wedding to attend in September. I’m guessing I won’t be able to wear my narrow boots with 6 cm heel for at least a year if there is swelling as they advice. I generally wear Vans slip on and trainers anyway but will see how these fit. The way my foot is bandaged currently the main toe is separated off from the other toes, leaving a space. I’m hoping they’ll position themselves together again later but will ask consultant when I go for my follow up.

I’ve read other patients mention pain at the bottom of their toe, is this a short-term concern? And nerve damage, what are the symptoms? Is it numbing?

Some have mention a second op because of deformity and continued pain. Has the bunion toe protruded out again or is it toe spacing? When should toes align together again and is the toe post they recommend you to wear unnecessary? How long should do people take painkillers? I realise that's for me to judge but just want to get an idea. I know each person is different so trying not to panic. I didn’t have many option with choice of surgeon as I was referred to a private clinic from the NHS. The service has been very efficient from my appointments and hospital care but I don’t feel I have had a detailed care plan or discussions. Hence why this forum has been so useful.

Hi Patricia, That doesn't sound right. I had surgery 3 months ago on my right and 5 weeks ago on the left. I don't have burning pain on either now but still swelling on my left toes. I am in only one pair of regular shoes now that are kind of wide. Is that what you mean about swelling, the toes? i feel i turned the page on pain the week after my pins came out.

Holly

The toes. Yes. Also I have a tight feeling in forefoot and arch just on the sole of foot.  I can really feel it when I bend my foot. I told my dr but he didn't seem to think it was abnormal. I had it a little before surgery. Not as much as now. Thanks for replying. 

I had surgery 5 weeks ago. I'm having severe pain called the doctor a few days ago and he prescribed more pain medication. During that same night I couldn't even bare minimal weight on it. I felt as if I was back at week 1 post op. I went to work and as I'm attending to my foot it's beginning to swell and turning a bright red. Very warm to touch. The more it swelled the less I could walk. I called my doctor and he requested for me to come in. I Before leaving I checked my temperature it was normal. I thought no fever now infection but I left my job immediately. Found out it was an infection in my ankle.

Thanks

I recently had a surgery that was similar to bunion surgery my doctor went in and took some calcium deposits off the top of one of the joints in my big toe due to osteoarthritis after reading some of the stories of some of these people and doctors making mistakes I realize that I have a wonderful dr. When I woke up in recovery they gave me my discharge instructions they gave me my Dr cell phone number and home phone number and told me not to hesitate to call but I didn't realize how painful this was going to be it's been 6 days and everytime I go to stand up my foot feels like it's going to explode but the painkillers help I'm wondering if anybody could tell me how long they were on painkillers before they didn't need him anymore because he took a chunk of bone off the top of the second joint in my big toe about 3/16 of an inch tall buy an inch and a half long which she told me was similar to a bunion surgery I didn't realize how much this is going to hurt otherwise I would have thought twice before doing it but I'm just glad I have a wonderful dr.

Thanks

Hi how are you now?