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Feedback following double bunion op

Posted , 5 users are following.

lynette25032
lynette25032

Hi, just wanted to feedback on my experince following a double bunion op and surgery 2nd toes - now with pins.

I was really dreading this surgery.  I had read and been given so much negative feedback in relation to the pain etc that I put it off for quite a while.

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago now.   The worst part was the sickness following the GA - lasted 24 hours.

I have had very little pain or discomfort and have manged with low doses of paracetamol and anti inflamatory meds.

I have the 'special shoes' that have enabled me to move around a bit.

I have been very good and kept my feet elevated (with the help of a pillow i brought) and kept my feet cool with ice packs.

I have managed to shower sitting on a stool in the bath with my legs resting on a chair outside the bath- not elegant but who cares.

I have been really pleased with the outcome especially at my first dressing change last week.

I really feel for all those who have suffered so badly.

Only two things I have had to watch - my heels.  You need to keep an eye on the skin.  The shoes can rub and sitting with you heels down can cause some pressure.

Sitting with your fee televated can cause pressure on the base of your spine - keep an eye on pressure points.

Tips:

Buy a good post bunion surgery pillow - it will keep your feet and the right level and reduce the swelling

Get ice packs for your feet

Get a bed cage - great for keeping the covers off your feet (or a box does the same job)

Be prepared to sit for the first two weeks.

I live alone but have manged okay with pleanty of planning and a good best mate.

Wishing you all the best with planned or post op.

Lynette

 

3 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • margaret11268
    margaret11268 lynette25032

    Posted

    Hi lynette. Thank you for this positive post as  Iam meant to have buinion surgery at some stage including straightening the 2nd and 3rd toes which have been pushed out of place by the bunion. The 3rd toe is crossing over the 4th. I'll have to have permanent pins inserted afterwards. This is the bit I'm dreading as I've heard they can always be felt. Can you tell me if the pins you have are permanent or do you have to get them removed? Is it as bad as some reports I've heard? I wish you well in your ongoing recovery and thank you for all the helpful tips.  
    • lynette25032
      lynette25032 margaret11268

      Posted

      Hi Margaret.  I have pins in my second toes but they are coming out in 3 weeks. My consultant is positive I won't feel anything just a slight tugging.  I had to have second toes done as they were pushed over by my big ones. 

      I had a second opinion as there are so many different procedures.   I was expecting the worse but in all honesty it has been fine and I had both done. Skill of surgeon and doing as your advised - that's my thoughts.  

      I went with with an orthopaedic foot consultant who only specialised in feet. He is great and really positive.  Filled me with confidence. 

      I stayed in bed for the first two days.  No showers just got up to go to the toilet. Used my computer chair to move round on. No hobbling or walking.  Feet up at all times at heart level  and ice packs.   Stops the swelling etc.   Took pain meds on the dot for first three days only over the counter mild ones.

      three weeks on still no pain. Walking well on shoes and feeling really good.   

      I have another three weeks but am now going to town in a wheelchair.  Feet get a bit sore and swollen when you have them down but nothing to worry about.     

      Before my op I had never read or heard anything positive so wanted to give a different view. So pleased I had them done 

      ask anything you like.   Good luck.   Lynette

  • alice2015
    alice2015 lynette25032

    Posted

    Hi Lynette. Good to know you are doing well. Your positive feedback encourages me as I will be going for my bunion operation in March on my right foot. Like you, I had been putting off the operation because of the negative feedbacks that I heard about.

    Thanks for the tips, too.

    Alice

  • alice2015
    alice2015 lynette25032

    Posted

    Hi Lynette

    Another thing, you mentioned you were "walking well on shoes" what kind of shoes may I ask?

    Cheers again

    Alice

    • lynette25032
      lynette25032 alice2015

      Posted

      Hi Alice.  I'm afraid they are the 'very unattractive' ones that make you walk on your heels.  

      On on the upside. It is a great workout for legs and abs.   Tummy / bottom in and walk tall.   Good as a gym work out 😄

      Another thing ink I forgot to mention.  I went on YouTube and got upper body workout for wheelchair users.    There is even an aerobic workout.  Helps with the inactivity 

      best set wishes for your op.  Lynette

       

    • alice2015
      alice2015 lynette25032

      Posted

      Hi Lynette, would you when I can wear my high heels again after the operation? Or will I ever wear high heels again? I have a few pairs of high heel shoes for work & wonder will I ever wear them again?

      Alice

    • lynette25032
      lynette25032 alice2015

      Posted

      HI Alice,   

      My conslutant says this:

      No weight baring under any circumstances for 6 weeks

      No driving for 7

      Shoes is a big one for me.   The Prof says 6 months in flat trainer shoes - no heels.

      He is very clear.  If  I follow his guidence I will be back in my shoes / at the gym / running without any problems.

      If I don't I will cause myself problems.

      I must admit I have been very vigilant and done exactly as he has said - hense me sitting here - feet up with my lap top :-)

      Take heart.   I have really been fine and I had both done and toes pinned.

      Are you having bunions done on one foot only?

      Any work on your toes?

      :-)  Lynette (Happy Feet)

  • Biff74
    Biff74 lynette25032

    Posted

    Hi Lynette

    Thanks for such a positive post. I'm scheduled for a double bunion op in 3 weeks.

    I'm being positive about the outcome - it will mean I won't have pain when I walk. Yes, initially it will be uncomfortable and a bit difficult to do 'normal' stuff - showering, etc, - for a few weeks but I'm sure I'll cope.

    Good luck with the rest of your recovery and keep us posted on how you are doing.

    Elizabeth

    • lynette25032
      lynette25032 Biff74

      Posted

      Hi Elizabeth / all other bunionees.    Well had my 4 week dressing change.  Didn't recognise my feet. They looked great. Really straight toes and no lumps.  I am so pleased I took the plunge and had the op.   

      I am am pottering around all day on my plastic shoes and not having to have my feet up so much.   No pain Meds now just an occasional one if I am going out.    

      Having my my pins out in two weeks. Not sure about that. I asked the Prof if it hurt and he said it had never hurt him in 20 years of removing pins!   He thought he was really funny 

      Cant  wait to to drive and get my independence back.  

      Best wishes if you having your op.   

      Lynette xxx

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