Hammertoe Surgery - my experience and some helpful tips

Good luck with your recovery Emma 😀

I had my pins out 3 weeks ago, so recovering now

My leg kept going cold too. Up to the knee it was cold and dead. I got quite scared at one point! But well worth it now

Take care

Suzi x

Oh and I cut the end of a soft beanie wool hat to keep my foot warm 😊

H Emma

So 7 weeks after my op im back to normal working job, a rep with the freedom of driving woo hoo 😬(Although my office kindly gave me a desk job when I returned after only two weeks) . I knocked the top of one of my pins out after three weeks but didn't bother going back to get it fixed and didn't have any long lasting effects. I had my pins taken out Monday 27 March and my toes were totally stiff for first week but now half way into second week they are starting to improve and can wiggle a bit. I honestly think it will be a full 3 months before I can walk/run normally but I'm happy to be patient. My foot looked horrible before the op so 3 months out of my life seems a fair price to pay 😊

Good morning from rainy Pittsburgh but sun shining because four weeks post op I'm doing well. Pins to come out Tuesday and then a real shower 😊 Right foot so no driving till able to wear shoes and not boot. Six weeks for pins- you must've had extensive work done. Bless you. Here's my take on it. First two weeks very rough. I moved around the house and kept foot elevated but was uncomfortable. Third week actually went to a local restaurant when it wasn't crowded. It's the small things. This week able to walk around easily and do house stuff plus work from home. However do what folks have said Keep it elevated when sitting. Swells easily when we overdo it. Good luck and blessings to all going through this and many many thanks to Marie for starting this two years ago. I tell everyone that this blog has been my lifesaver ?

Hi Barb, glad to see that you're doing well and you're due to have your pins removed, let us know how you get on with that. I knocked 1 of my pins the other day it didn't hurt at the time but it felt sore after. I had the 4th and 5th toes on both feet broken and pinned. I was told 6 weeks before I had the operation I will ask when I'm due to have my bandages changed I think I'm due to have my stitches removed in 2 weeks time, I'm just waiting for a letter to come through the post. Did they rebandage your feet after you had your stitches removed? I wish I could bend my toes as they feel so stuff and it's a weird feeling not being able to move them lol. I can sometimes walk about without my crutches just using the special shoes provided but most times I have to use them for balance because of my hip, also I find my legs and feet get tired because I can't lift my feet as high as what I used to when I walk. And I find that if I stand still too long my feet hurt. I've been resting at all times unless I need the toilet or when I go up the stairs to get to bed. Take care and good luck with pin removal. Xx

Both feet bless you. I had every toe cept big one cut. 26 bones cut pins in all toes. Stitches removal wasn't bad at all. Yes they re bandaged. Last stitches out last Friday so could was foot but not get pins wet. Hubby has gently washed it and oh it felt so good after 😊 I've also discovered that standing a long time makes foot ache and swell. From all I've read here I don't think the pins removal is too bad. Hope I'm right.

Big thing I've noticed this week as I move around more is that with boot on one foot and haven't worn shoe on other my gait is very bad and I'm struggling to walk correctly. So wearing a shoe on good foot in house which don't usually do. Good luck with pain management. It gets better every day ?

Hi Barb,

Are you having pins removed on 11th April?

I'm having mine out on Monday 10th - I'll let you know how I get on 👍

Have a great weekend and keep being 'good'. ( I've decided I'm definitely NOT a patient patient!!).

Love from Lightwater, Surrey, UK

Sally x

Yep the 11th!! Can't wait. I'm with you - not a patient patient. Pins were supposed to come out today so you should've seen my face last week when he said the 11th -wanted to ask him when he'd last been in one of these boots But I love my dr so was very nice. Will be anxious to hear how it goes for you and how long before they think you can drive. That's been my biggest frustration since it's my right foot. Stuck in the house all day and dependent on dear hubby to get things for me. Wednesday we went to a local not crowded store and I was like a kid at Christmas.  good luck - love from a now snowing Pittsburgh!

Barb

Hi Barb, just to let you know I had my pins taken out today and it was breeze! The surgeon himself pulled them out using surgical pliers. I just felt a quick twinge, on scale of 1 - 10 pain was about a 2. He's keeping me on his books for the next 6 months in case of any problems, which he doesn't anticipate will happen. I was able to put on a pair of wide fitting sandals to come home in. Surgeon suggested I took painkillers today and tonight whilst toes settle down, said I could have bath/shower as soon as I wanted to, warned toe wounds might 'ooze' a bit but just to pat them dry and put on a plaster. Can drive as soon as I can confidently do an emergency stop, so probably a few days yet, but the end is in sight! Hope that your pin removal is as straight forward as mine. Thank you for travelling this road with me. Weather here is lovely and sunny, yesterday was hottest day of the year so far! Let me know how you get on tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you

Oh my dear friend how you've just brightened an already lovely day here. Now I won't fear tomorrow nor the days to follow. Am so so happy for you!!! And to be able to drive again as Easter approaches and daughter is flying in from NYC means I'll be able to get some treats for her. I'm calling hubby now to tell him as he loves hearing bout this wonderful blog. Bless you. I'll report in tomorrow. Smiling here😊😊😊😊????

Hi Barb, hope everything is ok with you. I had a letter come through to have my bandages changed on 19th April so I think they will remove my stitches then aswel. I've had to come off my Co-Codamal as they made me really bad to the point where I had to call an ambulance. They made me feel dizzy, light headed and sick Wednesday night but no chest pains and I took them at 10am on Thursday and everything was fine and I toon some at 5pm and within 40 minutes I was feeling sick, dizzy, light headed and my heart was pounding out my chest, I honestly thought it was the end and I wasn't going to see my birthday the next day lol. They said it was the Co-Codamal & according to the paramedic he said because I'd never taken Co-Codamal previously until I started taking them on 31st March the hospital should of gave me the lower dose first then built it up but instead they gave me the 30mg/500mg which is the highest dose they can give you, no wonder I was so bad with them. The paramedic told me to stop taking Co-Codamal and stick to taking Ibuprofen and Paracetamol when I need to take them. The pain has eased more now but I still have to take paracetamol and ibuprofen when I feel in pain. I can't wait to have my bandages changed as the one has fell a bit and it pushing on my pin and is quite aggravating when I'm walking on it with my special shoes on.

Hi Emma,

I know what you mean about not being able to bend your toes, they feel as though they are in a straight jacket! I had my operation last month - 10 th March and had the pins removed today. When I went to have my feet checked at my GP's 2 weeks after surgery the nurse removed my dressings and that immediately made my toes feel a lot better - though, be warned, your poor toes will probably still be very bruised. I thought the nurse would re-dress the feet but she said the toes were healing well and were better left open to the air; I did stick Elastoplast strip over the ends of my toes to stop the wires damaging my legs when I rolled over in my sleep. I found once dressings were removed I could wiggle toes a bit and that felt good. I am not a patient patient, but I made myself be sensible and followed all of Marie's advice. Do hope that things start looking up soon - let me know how you get on, think best way forward is to think positive; I kept telling myself that every day my toes were going to be a little better than the day before and they were. Best wishes, Sally

Hate to say ladies but I had pins taken out two and a half weeks ago and toes still fairly stiff ?? I'm sure I read that it takes about 3 months start to finish before I can walk normally again. Can't wait !

Think I am quite lucky, just had 2nd toe on both feet done. I agree with you that it'll be a while before I'm fully fit. Surgeon said today that he'll leave me 'on his books' for the next 6 months. Have to say though that having pins out today was brilliant and I can wiggle toes, guess if all toes have been done it may take longer to recover. Hope your recovery goes well - literally, keep us posted!

I only had a bunion and two hammer toes so not too much. Wish we could post pics, be interested to see how everyone's toes look at different stages

Hi Sally,

Thanks for letting me know how you have got on, I'm due to go to the hospital on 19th April to have bandages changed and I think they will be removing my stitches that day to. I've still got 5 weeks left before my pins get removed. How did you find having the pins removed? The bandage on my left foot has come lose at the top so the padding keeps sliding down and I'm having to try and move it back up as it's aggravating me when I walk as I can feel it pushing on the pins slightly so I can't wait till the 19th arrives to have them changed. Xx

Oh my heart. So glad you are okay. Stupid drs when the paramedics know better than them. My stitches were all out 10 days ago and it was heaven to wash foot cept for pins. Actually hubby washed it and said bottom was caked with blood. Took him couple days to get it off.

Pins out tomorrow and I can't wait. Hoping one of my Birkenstock sandals will work for now even if I have to wear a sock 😊 I'll look like the aging hippie. Although is warm and sunny here

Take care and keep me informed

?Barb

How did you find it when they removed the stitches, did it hurt when they took them out? It's been warm here in the UK. But it's been colder today. I've been laying a pillow case over my feet to keep my toes warm lol. Xx

Hi Emma,

Have been reading through all the other posts here. Hope I can encourage you re: the 2 week check up. When I had mine done - by nurse at the GP's surgery, I thought she would re bandage my foot, so there I am sitting on the couch, she takes off all the dressings, checks my stitches, which were dissolvable, and says they are healing well. I stay sitting on the couch and she looks at me as if I'm mad

( we'll probably not wrong there!) and says, 'You can get down now.' I ask her 'Aren't you going to put new dressings on?' She says, 'No, best to leave them open to the air.' I did keep wearing the highly attractive black Velcro med-shoes and honestly was absolutely fine. I did put Elastoplast over my wires to stop myself ripping them on my legs when I turned over in my sleep. Also, when it was cold I would put big fluffy bed socks on.

Had the pins removed today - 31 days after op - and honestly there was nothing to it, one sharp tweak, on scale of 1 - 10 about a 2, and the wire pin was out! I only had my 2 second toes done. Walking around now without shoes on to try and re-educate the toes to 'roll' as I walk, it's a bit weird but not too bad. Will let you know how it goes on.

Where your padding is loose I would suggest you get a roll of zinc oxide plaster and tape around the dressing to hold it in place.

Keep smiling, every day you will get a bit better 👍

Take care,

love

Sally x

Hi Sally,

Thanks for all the info it's helped me to know what to expect. They should at least warn us first to let us know what's going to happen. I've got to go to the hospital for mine on the 19th April. I don't think my stitches are dissolvable as the discharge from said removal of stitches and the nurse at the hospital said they will change the bandages (she must be talking out her arse then about the bandages being changed lol.) I will take 2 socks with me one for each foot just incase it does hurt when I start walking then atleast I have those for support. My pins should be due to be taken out in just under 5 weeks time now.

I will let you know how I get on with the stitches being removed. Thanks for all your help.

Love Emma

Xx

I agree photos would be really helpful. Hope you continue to make good progress. 

Hi Barb - thinking of you today. Hope the pins came out easily. Have had to pad my feet up with bandages as a bit sore under the toes today ( haven't taken any pain killers today ). However I'm able to move around, carefully, as my toes have to readjust to a normal gait. Let me know how you're doing.

Love

Sally

Only 7:30 am here so have to wait till this afternoon. So ready for this. Is it difficult to walk on bare feet. What shoes are you wearing

Hugs

Hi Barb - hope pins came out O.K.

I can walk around barefoot but it is a bit painful behind the toes.

Have managed to get into a pair of wide fitting open toed sandals, but as I've just been out for lunch with my cousins I currently have crepe bandages wrapped round my toes for padding, fluffy socks and the boring med shoes. However, walking is getting easier as feet adjust. If I didn't have a thing about pain killers - I only take them if I really have to - then I think taking some for a few days after pin removal might help.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love

Sally x

Well hello friends. Sitting here this evening after a lovely soaking of my toes. Pins out ok. Two easy two pinched a bit but truly nothing. He's quite pleased.  Deemed my Birkenstock's perfect- glad weather warmed up here. Able to drive as soon as I feel comfortable braking. Going to do a quick spin around the neighborhood tomorrow. Same advice as everyone here kept saying:  elevate it when needed and ice when needed. I'm so blessed to have found this group for support. I think it was meant to be as the past year I've been doing a genealogy course and Ancestry and my have discovered so many of my Mom's family from your area😊  Will let you know if this good mood and euphoria is temporary tomorrow. 

Sally - do your toes bend yet. Mine are fat little unbending tonight. ??

Hi Barb, so pleased the pin removal went well. My toes are a bit swollen and consequently quite stiff. I would say they are better today than yesterday. My husband rightly pointed out that in some ways the toes had been through a second operation as pins were removed and so it makes sense that they are a bit traumatised! Having said that I was able to take our dog out for a walk yesterday which was lovely. Guess we'll need to be patient patients for a little while longer 😀  One thing I'm trying to do is to stretch the tendons on my toes regularly. Let me know how you get on driving, I don't feel I'm quite up to that yet, but have a manual car not an automatic, so more pedal pushing involved. xx

Good Morning Sally - I'm aving a perfectly lovely sunshine day here in Pittsburgh. So nice to take a shower with no shower seat - to put on any pair of slacks that easily fit over foot - to walk around the house and outside without 'clumping' along. You are so right - toes flexing better today. Most likely won't try driving till tomorrow so will let you know on that. I'm just so happy to be able to do things easily and not worry bout knocking the pins out. Hubby agreed with your hubby's comment re second operation. Fortunately I've had no pain, slept so well - hope this continues.

Enjoy your day

Love

Barb

Hi Barb,

Things here continue to go well. We were on our feet from 6.00am - 8.30am giving away Hot Cross buns to local train commuters - a bit of outreach by our church. Feet stood up well and managed the last pre-Easter trip to the supermarket. Everyday the feet seem to be a little better. Trying not to push myself too much, but can't wait to get my walking boots on again and take our dog for a long walk in the countryside. Will update you on progress after Easter. Have a lovely Easter, I know you said your daughter was coming, enjoy 😀

Love

Sally x

Hi Sally 

checking in to see how you're progressing. Easter was wonderful and managed dinner out with daughter and hubby. 😊  Am driving now with no difficulty and returned to work Monday. Was supposed to be half days with Friday off however you know how it goes. Once there difficult to leave so stayed too long each day and worked the full week. However did just take it easy once home. Toes still stiff but getting better each day. Still only able to wear my Birkenstock's. Are you wearing any regular shoes yet?  Haven't had my boot on since pins out. Hope all is going well and you're out and about daily. I'm loving just being independent again 😊

Love

Barb. 

Hi Barb,

Things still progressing well here 👍

I drove my car for the first time last Thursday, so am an independent woman again, boy, I'll never take that for granted again!

I bought a cheap pair of closed in shoes for driving, I bought a size bigger than usual. The shoes are made of a weaved elastic and are very soft over the toes, so ideal. I wore them last night when hubby drove us up to London to see Frankie Valle and The Four Seasons athe O2 arena. We had to walk quite a way and go up and down a lot of stairs - feet held up well. As I am recently retired I am fortunate that I can pace myself, when feet feel good do the household jobs or gardening, if feet are protesting, sit down feet up and a nice cuppa tea. Hopefully back looking after the grandkids in a fortnights time.

My toes are still looking rather sausage like and are sometimes quite itchy, I hope that means they are healing. I'm walking round the house barefoot as I think that helps. The incisions have healed well.

Glad to hear that you are back at work - what a journey we've been through together. I'm so pleased I found Marie's blog.

Let me know how your toes progress.

Love from the UK

Sally