hallux valgus fusion of mtp joint

I had hallux fusion on right big toe on 9th October. I am almost pain free now, just a twinge now and again. Still in flat shoes but hope to get small heels back on soon. I am due to have same procedure on left foot in February and can't wait. 

Hi Fiona, there's some interesting accounts of everyone's different recovery times etc on this forum. As we all seem to respond to varying suggestions of excercise and pain killers, it's worth having the surgery if your present pain and discomfort is worsening, or if the big toe is moving underneath the second toe for instance. Some people can put off surgery when they are young with no other health worries, providing the foot is not preventing usual activities etc. But this is only my opinion, but I chose to have the surgery because I could not stand the pain under the ball of my foot, the constant rubbing of shoes(even wide and flat ones) on the bone/bunion, the constant blisters on the top of my second toe owing to it being a hammer toe shape, and the big toe moving underneath the second toe giving me great pain walking and wearing and shoes other that very soft slippers. And I have to add that because I'm over 60 and I have other disabilities and health problems with, kidneys, blood pressure, thyroid, arthritis and osteoporosis etc, I was worried that if I put it off any longer, the anesthetic and surgery might be more risky the olderand less healthy I became.

I think we have to make, informed judgements and I would suggest you try and read ALL of the posts on here and also talk with your GP about your concerns.

You may bounce back quickly, providing you pace yourself the first few weeks especially and make sure that you get the right pain relief for YOU.. and get advice about the right physio for YOU, too. If you have any Family or Friend support, also make sure that they understand how major this surgery is and maybe you could show them a you tube video of the surgery and point them in the direction of this forum.

I over-did things the first 2 weeks but I understood very quickly to not be so daft and take it easy. So now, although I still have some pain if I walk for too long, I know that things are improving slowely but surely.

Hi Fiona,

I had surgery on the left foot sept 17 and on the right foot jan 16. I had 2 times a very good recovery. Must say that I have a very good surgeon. For my left foot he did scarf/akin for the big toe, pin in second toe and tendonreplacement for the 3th. Last friday the right foot was chevron/akin for the big toe, weill osteotomy and fusion 2th toe, tendonreplacement 3th,4th and 5th toe.so that's a lot. I could walk from the day after the surgery with crutches and a special shoe. The first time I needed ibuprofen and paracetamol for 4 days and now it will be the same, tomorrow I try to do it without medication.

After the first surgery I could wear shoes from week 7(. From week 6 walkingboots, but they are one size bigger than my regular size). Dec 14 we went skiing to Val Thorens and I could ski all day.

So my story is a very good one, I hope it will be the same for you. I must say I try to move my toes a lot(the surgeon's advice) after week 7  fitness 3 times a week and also swimming. I think it's very important to move. I wish you goodluck.

Sorry, forgot one thing. Very important the 2 weeks after the surgery keep your feet high and use your crutches and boot only for 5 min each hour max.. Till week 6 it is important to keep your feet high when it's possible.

Just want to say thanks to everyone who replied, I really appreciate the time you've all taken, I'll let you know how I get on!