Hammer toe fusion surgery

Hiya Tina

I had 2 and 3 fused 5 weeks ago, K wires come out 6th July, my scars are good, second op on sames toes in 2 years, I can't really give you any advise but am interested to know how you go, no pain now, so that's all good but the toes are very low, my other 3 now appear to be in the air and if I was to try and put my foot flat only my heal and the 2 toes would touch the floor, are yours very straight? consultant came to see them when they removed the stitches and put his hands on his hips and said 'oh dear' I'm worried how it will be when wires come out, he's written to me and said they are a little to low but hopes they will adjust once wires are out, I would like to follow your story if you don't mind to see how we both go, I have a rare disease called Freibergs, first op was fine for about 9 months then they hammered, now they have removed the knuckles and fused them but I'm on the fence as to whether it's been a success....... I live in a bungalow fortunately, but I did stay at my daughters for a few days post op, I managed the stairs sideways, just take your time, and make sure you follow the advice, there is no quick heal it really does take a long time. Regards Karen

I had tendon release surgery (tenotomy) to relieve hammertoes on two toes of my left foot 4 weeks ago. There are pins in the toes. This was actually a secondary surgery I had while getting surgery on the same foot—having bones in my midfoot fused together. I’ve had pain in the foot for quite some time and it affected my ability to walk and to stand for any length of time. The bone fusion requires me to stay off that foot completely for 8 weeks.  I live in a 2 story house and as well, there are stairs to get out at both entrances. I can’t manage crutches very well (understatement), but I have a knee walker that is absolutely wonderful. For the first two weeks, I couldn’t figure out how to get upstairs. I could scoot up or crawl up, but once I got to the top, I couldn’t get up using one leg without a tremendous amount of help (and a lot of anxiety). I found a video online of a guy showing how to use a plastic stepstool at the top of the stairs (and on each landing) to get up. It was a huge relief to me to finally figure out how to get up off the floor at the top, safely, and without help! 

The toes have been the biggest “pain”, much worse than the other surgery. The swelling was intense. I wouldn’t call it pain, I guess, but a huge amount of pressure, tightness, tingling and fairly intense discomfort. And it feels like I have a huge rock under my toes while wearing the aircast boot, because of the swelling.

I’ve had the stitches out, but one incision wasn’t healed so steristrips were put over it. I get the wires out next week. Nurse told me there are no pain receptors in bone, so that part won’t hurt, but it will hurt as they come out through the skin at the tips. But not a lot, she said. HA! I am sure it will. People who had pins removed from toes—did it hurt? A lot? 

Also, I’m depressed, tired and I feel trapped. I’m 61 and I feel like this is a dress rehearsal for my 80s! I hate the lack of independence and being housebound and incredibly lonely! And it’s summer—and I’m missing out! And I’m in Canada, so summer is a big deal!! 

I figure being tired is because I’m depressed. I’m also very anxious and afraid I’m going to fall, and falling could lead to injury of the repaired foot and maybe keep me off it even longer. Do most people feel this way? And I also did not realize how hard this would be! My lack of independence, and mobility is  Killer!