Hallux Valgus (Bunion) & 2nd (Hammer)Toe Surgery

I had hallux valgus and 2nd toe correction surgery 27 Nov 2013. All went very well. The severe pain I was warned to expect following the op was not severe. I can best describe it as discomfort and there was throbbing when the foot was down. My advice to anyone considering this surgery is to go ahead. I had a severe bunion and hammer 2nd toe and was in no doubt that without surgery things wouldn't improve. I did all I was instructed to do. Kept the foot elevated above groin level with only minimal mobility when I needed to go to the loo, make a cup of tea etc. I managed the stairs well once I got into a routine managing my crutches. The heel wedge shoe given for me to wear whilst unglamourous was an absolute must and gave excellent support. I also invested in a bed cradle to lift the weight of the duvet off my feet and this has been an invaluable purchase. I expected my feet to be cold during the night but as I draped a folded cellular wool blanket over the duvet and tucked it into the bed foot I was very cosy and had no cold feet or draught. It's now 10 weeks today since my op and I removed all my bandage on 20 Jan. The K-wire was removed on 6 Jan and my bandages were replaced twice - at 2 weeks on 12 Dec and on 6 Jan. My toes are stiff but each day I feel an improvement. I have 3 pairs of flat Gabor G fitting shoes which I can wear comfortably but only wear them if I'm going outdoors. I have tried a few other pairs of my shoes and I can also get on some of the ballet flats I own so at least I have something else a little smarter if I want to have a change/get dressed up. I do not own or wear heeled shoes! I don't think it's wise to overdo the shoes thus allowing my foot to have freedom as much as possible. I tend to wear the new flat soled shoe given to me by my consultant which has now replaced the heel wedge around the house or just wear a thick woollen hiking sock. I have to wear a gel toe separator between the big and 2nd toe until 17 Feb. The golden rule as far as I'm concerned following this surgery is to take notice of the advice you're given and adhere to it. I enjoy hillwalking and am looking forward to being able to resume this activity. However, I know that this can only be achieved if I don't expect too much too soon. I did manage to get my Brasher boots on yesterday and with my husband had a level circular walk of about a mile and a half. This was more than enough and I was glad to get back to the car. Today I realise that I perhaps overstretched myself and should have returned to the car earlier. The hips and tops of my legs ache even though I always use a stick when on walks. That said, I got the boots on and they were comfortable once I got my foot eased in. The bending of the foot has to be done with care due to the stiffness in the toes and I am determined to not force this. I am so far very pleased I had the surgery. I managed to alleviate the discomfort after the surgery using only paracetamol and codeine. But only took these for about 10 days as I really didn't need any pain relief. Also, I have an intolerance to the Tramadol I was prescribed by the hospital. It made me very sick. I soon stopped taking that! My GP was adamant that it is not a good drug because of the side effects and he supported my decision to dispose of the remaining (23 out of the 30) tablets prescribed. I hope my experience will help anyone contemplating surgery. But, it is a slow recovery period and whilst even I get a bit fed up I know that without it my condition would only have worsened and in time I will hopefully resume the normal things I enjoy. Namely hillwalking.

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