Double bunion and hammertoe procedure

I had both bunion osteotomy's and a hammer toe correction last week.  I just thought that I would share my thoughts on what can be quite a difficult post op experience to assure anyone that this double process can be managed fairly stress free.  Follow a few simple rules

and avoid some of the pitfalls to ensure a better managed recovery.

Do's

Allow yourself 2 weeks following doctors orders of elevating feet 90% of the time. THIS IS A MUST.

Keep the feet cool, this will prevent additional swelling and itching.  Ice pack over the bandages without wetting them if you can. 

I felt very sure that this was overkill, but it has proved a strong start for the heaing process. 

Wear the "manolo's",  straps included, to protect you when you are hobbling around.  

Do take the pain killers as per instructions.  The body is healing and needs the relief.  You will heal better if the body is not dealing with additional pain because you dont like taking so many pills.  Allow yourself at least 7 days of pain relief and longer if necessary.  Phone your GP for a repeat prescription which can be done over the phone.  My GP sugggested some senna or other laxative help as the codeine can cause constipation.

Pre surgery, arrange for bathroom aids.  Get yourself a chair for the shower so you can retain some independence, be safe and get a rubber mat to ensure you wont slip and buy waterproof post surgery boots.  They cost new approxt £8 a piece but you can easily resell once healed.

Think about getting a zimmer frame for easier mobility whilst you are coping with the practicalities of getting to the bathroom.  Ask at your hospital - there are distributions all around the country and I've found this a godsend -as opposed to crutches- especially when using the toilet to help you lower and rise and by using the cistern behind as support. Use both zimmer and crutches as you heal.

Buy or borrow a V pillow for support in bed or on the sofa - they really help your back when mobility is limited.

Use extra pillows for your feet in bed and on the sofa.  I sleep on my side and have found this impossible without an extra pillow between my knees to ease the pressure.

Eat lightly,  porridge, soup, toast, for the first week.  A packet of arrowroot biscuits (to take the ibuprofen) has been perfect for me.  Its as much as you need but try to drink as much as you can, being realistic about what goes in must come out but the fluid will remove toxins from the body to help recovery,

Plan your feet up time. Keep baby wipes, tissues,  a book, mints or gum, some baby lotion all close by in a bag with your medication to hand. 

Use one of those bean bag trays for easy balancing so you can eat, rest  your book or IPAD or even to help chop the veg for tea!!

Wiggle your toes and move the feet around gently.  If you do this then when you are up on them they are less painful and you feel more in control of the activity.

Expect small pockets of pain. The feet are incredibly sensitive,  rich in nerve endings and blood supply - realistically compare the pain to pre op discomfort.  I used to cry with pain but post surgery although it hurts I  

cant deny,  I dont feel like crying.

Days are up and down - keep in mind the end result which for me is less/no pain, increased activity and getting back to doing some of the things that have been impossible, better shoe shopping and straighter feet

It is  a long process but promise to be kind to yourself everyday.

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