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Last minute fears - 6 days away from surgery

Posted , 10 users are following.

susan13617
susan13617

I am now getting emails from concerned friends that bunionectomies are too dangerous, often fail, and are worse than living with the bunion...I have a surgeon that I trust implicity; my bunion is causing hammertoes - 1 so far on next toe; next toes will become them, also.  I have arthritis in my big toe - the longer I wait, the less stable will any pinning be done...in fact, my left foot, which is the one, now requires a more complicated wedge (US term) to cut bone at the bottom of my toe because the easier (Austin) with quicker recovery cannot be pinned into the arthritic top part of the big toe bone (whatever it is called) - I have been with my doctor for 10 years - I got orthotics, babied my feet with clunky expensive orthotic shoes from New Zealand and Germany...my achilles will be cut also because I have a bone spur and my heel does not come down as far as the front of my toe...my surgeon was trained at John Hopkins...my latest friend wrote: "Susan, have your bunions hurt terribly for a long time? I have unattractive bunions due to heredity and wearing shoes that were apparently too small in earlier years, but my doctor told me that it would be better to not have surgery on them and stay in good shoes that don't hurt them rather than having the surgery, as long as they don't hurt, which they do not. I hate to tell you this, but I've heard that the surgery oftentimes doesn't work and you still have a problem afterwords. I was just concerned for you."  Reassurance anyone?  Thanks, Susan

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  • sue84239
    sue84239 susan13617

    Posted

    Oh dear it is so confusing isn't it?!

    i think your initial comments sound sensible and you sound like you knew this was coming and was part of the plan.  There are loads of positive stories of recovery and improved pain.

    surely long term the prognosis is better with surgery than without.

    i wish you well.

    • susan13617
      susan13617 sue84239

      Posted

      Thank you, Sue...(lots of Susan and Sue's with bad feet...LOL) - this well-meaning friend has questioned some other decisions I have made and I think I need to chalk it up to her situation is NOT my situation)  My aunt Dolores ended up with all toes practically hammertoes - have you seen that - it was ghastly and VERY hard on her to get them fixed, but she did...I know where I will end up if I do not do it NOW - I'm 64 - originally my foot doctor said "oh, do it by age 70" when I was age 54...Now I can see I am even going to have the right down eventually because there is a simpler procedure where I can be in some time of a shoe in 1 week...I think I have to just ignore any negativity right now...
    • susan13617
      susan13617

      Posted

      sorry - I should "proof" better before I send - I'm going to have the right done before it is as bad as my left and , where I can be in some type of shoe in 1 week...this is genetic in my case, as maybe others of you?
    • sue84239
      sue84239 susan13617

      Posted

      Yes my dad suffered with bunions and foot problems. I think the earlier you have surgery is surely better for recovery.

      sending you lots of positive thoughts 😄😄😄😄

    • susan13617
      susan13617 sue84239

      Posted

      thank you for that info and the positive thoughts and confirming that NOW is the time for my surgery.
  • star1456
    star1456 susan13617

    Posted

    Hi Susan

    I had my bunion and hammer toe on both feet done about 6.5 weeks ago. I am healing well and very happy with the way my feet are looking now . I can drive ,Cycle

    Go shopping and take walks. I still have slight swelling which I will probably have got a few more months and my feet ache if I overdo it. Despite all that I am very happy I had it done. Two of my friends and my cousin had the same op done few years ago , none of them have failed and all three are free of pain and have cute straight feet and toes and it was their encouragement that made me go ahead with my surgery.

    I sorry your friends are not supportive ? They should be as living with bunions is no fun . As we get older the bunions get worse and the surgery and recovery more difficult.

    Good luck

    • susan13617
      susan13617 star1456

      Posted

      Star, thank you.  I am actually helped MUCH by this forum - you are like a lifeline to me right now - yes I am seeing some negative results even on this forum BUT I have thought this through and feel I have NO choice...I'll just thank friends that are negative for their thoughts and then just try to forget about what they said...anyway, I was NOT asking advice just from anyone - my doctor and surgeon and this forum - yes...I believe what many have said here - you are NOT hearing all the positive results on a forum like this maybe, BUT I need the expertise of you who have gone before me to educate me and give me perspective...
    • star1456
      star1456 susan13617

      Posted

      Hi Susan

      As long as you trust your surgeon and have done your research and preparation , you will be fine.

      The first 3 weeks is hard as your mobility is restricted and it's quite boring stuck at home , but in the end it's all worth it. Should be easier for you as you are doing one foot at a time .

      I will you well and all the best. Let us know how you get on after your surgery .

    • star1456
      star1456

      Posted

      I meant I wish you well.
    • susan13617
      susan13617 star1456

      Posted

      I'm having computer problems - that is why I am slow to respond to you...Knowing it will be worth it helps a lot, Star.  I will definitely keep you updated; in fact, I hope I do not become a nuisance...LOL
    • star1456
      star1456 susan13617

      Posted

      Not at all . Love to hear how it goes for you. Best of luck .
  • susan13617
    susan13617

    Posted

    next big fear - no general Anesthesia - just local pain block and then what they call here "twilight" , which I needed to look up as "Twilight anesthesia is an anesthetic technique that uses mild doses of drugs to block pain, reduce anxiety, and provide a temporary memory loss, thus enabling patients to feel comfortable during and after surgical procedures. With twilight anesthesia a patient is sedated but remains conscious in what’s commonly referred to as a “twilight state”. The patient is sleepy but still responsive and able to follow direction or communicate with their surgeon. Typically, a local anesthetic that’s applied to the surgical site is used in conjunction with twilight anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience for the patient."

    BACK to me:  I do not want to be aware of him SAWING my toe bone - that is probably my biggest fear - this is outpatient... 

    • star1456
      star1456 susan13617

      Posted

      I had the same , local anaesthetic and sedation ( twilight ). I didn't feel anything , didn't hear anything and can't remember anything. So don't worry .
    • susan13617
      susan13617 star1456

      Posted

      star, thank you.  I think I MUST keep my mind busy the next 6 days and I'll be okay - I can start obsessing on my fears which is NO GOOD...
  • irina52822
    irina52822 susan13617

    Posted

    Hi, Susan! 

    You already make you decision, so now be positive, have your vitamins, practice balance, eat well and think we'll. We all were going through this. But unlike your friends, all mine were positive about operation.

    i also have local pain block, believe me it's better. I didn't hear or feel anything. In fact I was busy shopping on line in my dream.

    ok, I hope you prepare everything around your bed: fun stuff, cleaning stuff, some socks, underwear, some nice food treat, cherry juice for healing the bones, prunes, not to have problems with your stomach. If not, start doing it and stop worrying!

    After operation do everything : elevate and ice, I did it for 2 weeks all the time and even after. Do upper body exersices .

    good luck and remember- your support group is here for you!

    • Guest
      Guest irina52822

      Posted

      What a delightful reply to Susan, Irina.  I couldn't say anything better except Ditto! 😊
    • sue84239
      sue84239 irina52822

      Posted

      I agree...a lovely reply...just like a big cuddle on the forum!
    • irina52822
      irina52822 Guest

      Posted

      Thank you, ladies! 

      I was blessed with wonderful experience, organise and plan everything, all little details. So, I really wish you all fast and painful recovery!

       

    • susan13617
      susan13617 irina52822

      Posted

      Irina, I was in the process of replying to you an hour ago, and my computer crashed, so I lost my reply to you.  I am going to copy everything you say here and actually all the other replies from all of you because 1) I need to calm down  2) it will be reassuring for me to review at my times of doubt and fear.  Your list of things to have around me, well they are going on my "To Do list" right now; I've got to focus on positives right now...I ordered a wedge for bed - an Ortho type; getting my ice packs lined up (I'll have a cooler near me) I'm thinking more setting up around my recliner - is it going to just be bed for a day or more after this?  Then that means I will set up there - I'm picturing sitting up in a recliner; I'll ask the surgeon tomorrow when I have my pre-op appointment with him...my husband can always cart everything around for me...LOL...I was already planning to lift light dumbbells for my upper body..Irina, okay, I'll try to shop online when I'm in my surgery "dream state"...thank you.
    • irina52822
      irina52822 star1456

      Posted

      Sorry star, I am doing to many things at once- trying to do herb container, but the weather have its own plans- it's rain now!
    • irina52822
      irina52822 susan13617

      Posted

      You are doing terrific- wedge is very good, I use it. About bed, is different, for me it was 2-3 days and I felt stupid to be in bed. So, I was changing it for sofa with my feet on the wedge on the coffe table. I created my bedroom on the first floor, open the door from one room to another, creating a big space with the bed and sofas around, it was something. You see, I love new experiences, even they can be not very pleasant. So, for me it was like a play, at first to stage a scene, than play the best

      for food: chicken, beans, salmon, almonds, brown rice . For inflammation : Ginger , cherries, pineapples are wonderful!

      Don't forget yougurt, it's good to have it before your pills. At first better to stay away from salt.

    • irina52822
      irina52822 susan13617

      Posted

      Sorry, Susan, I also have problems, could not finish my post. About exercise, I found on You tube some upper body exercises. It's not body weight. You just put good music and....fly- do moves with your hands like a wings. When do a little bit of boxing. You can conduct the orchestra, I don't remember all of them. And do the moves with your arms like you are jumping the rope. I start doing dumbels  later.
    • susan13617
      susan13617 irina52822

      Posted

      Irina, see I would not have thought of this idea without your help, but our house is an open concept house and I have a huge amount of room around the recliner, but not in the bedroom - with the wedge, I could have my legs up high and be reclining and even sleep there if needed.  During the day I will try for this within a day or two...staying in a small bedroom will depress me...I must stay on a Low Carb diet for health reasons - the chicken, salmon, almonds, would all work for me - diet ginger ale - you are giving me some ideas.  Greek yogurt - perfect - yes I am concerned about stomach upset...thanks so much.  I am making "crock pot" chili and chicken soup this week to freeze ahead, although my husband usually cooks, he will have enough to handle; so thought I would try to help for the next 5 days when I have 2 working feet...
    • irina52822
      irina52822 susan13617

      Posted

      Susan, you are so right! You don't need to be isolated in the bedroom , be the centre of Univetse in your house, big space is everything. It's a pity I could not send you a picture of my reorganization. I also use children's pockets you used for little things- I put masks, creams, all other little things and hang it on the wall near me.Put a calendar . I prepare a lot of stuff, I never used because of quick recovery, like crutches . Main advice: listen to your body and to your feet, because everyone is different and need different stuff.
    • susan13617
      susan13617 irina52822

      Posted

      your help is invaluable...a new unconceived, useful idea is to me like gold...
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