Nervous about upcoming Lapidus Fusion Bunionectomy
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi All,
I am scheduled for a Lapidus Fusion on my right foot on 8/27 and having second thoughts. My bunions are pretty severe, but I am still able to work out six days a week (run, spin, pilates, etc), although I would end up with sore feet at the end of the day. The problem is that my big toe is not bearing any weight and I'm starting to get a neuroma between my smaller toes. My surgeon said if I didn't fix it now, I would have major problems in my knees and hips later.
I hope I am not making a mistake going through with this surgery, and am concerned whether I can be as active afterwards. If you have had the lapidus procedure, please share your stories with me so I can know what to expect. I was told it's 2 weeks non-weight bearing with dressings, then 4 weeks in a cast/boot. How soon before I can walk and start physical therapy?
Also, the surgeon wants to do my other foot 8 weeks later, so I only re-learn to walk once. The soonest I've read of anyone doing the other foot on this forum is 5 months, aside from doing them both at once. What do you all think of this? Any information on post surgery, healing tips, recovery timeframe, equipment I'll need, etc. will be very welcome! Thank you!
0 likes, 25 replies
Susan20639 msruby
Posted
Hi msruby -- although I haven't schedule surgery yet I have the same concerns and questions as you and I was about to ask similar questions! Two of the three surgeons I've talked to about my severe bunion suggests lapidus fusion. I think I now understand this is fusion of the first tarsometatarsal (first TMT) joint - the one towards the middle of your foot. To confirm...is this your understanding as well?. I am also very active and workout daily and in particular I'm concerned about being able to slalom ski afterwards.
So my question is similar -- if anyone has had this procedure, is the lack of movement at this joint inhibiting? I do think fusion of the first MTP joint (basically the ability to bend your first toe) would be problematic for me but perhaps fusion of the first TMT joint would be okay?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
msruby Susan20639
Posted
Hi Susan20639,
My lapidus surgeon involves the TMT joint as well. My ortho surgeon told me that I would be able to bend the big toe and eventually do my pilates, run, and even wear heels (although not for a while!). I hope this is the case, as the whole reason I'm doing this is to continue working out and staying active for the long term! I plan on doing lots of therapy afterwards to keep mobility in the big toe.
Susan20639 msruby
Posted
Thanks! My fiancé will be thrilled to hear about the heels but personally I am more concerned about doing sports.
Thanks for the help!
msruby Susan20639
Posted
You're welcome! I run a lot with my husband and we specifically asked my doctor about that. My surgeon said I should be able to run farther and faster than before. Yoga? May have to do some physical therapy to get joint mobility, but no problem, according to him. He said it may take longer to do high impact, as the swelling may last up to a year, but this surgery should enable you to continue and possibly improve your active life. Hopefully, that will be the case! I saw almost six foot specialists before deciding on this one. And he refused to do the surgery twice because the pain wasn't bad enough. Finally, he told me I was ready to do it this year, so I know he's not doing it unless it's absolutely necessary.
courtney43468 msruby
Posted
I Doing my second surgery six weeks after my first surgery and I am going to do physical therapy at the end of both my surgeries I can walk fine it’s just my big toe is pretty stiff but I can walk fine I am truly happy and feeling blessed. How do you suggest getting crutches for the first two weeks and a knee scooter for after that it really helped me get to work fast LOL
msruby courtney43468
Posted
Thank you for your response! It is helping me feel better about the surgery. So are you having the surgeries six weeks apart? Or 12 weeks apart? My surgeon wants to do mine 8 weeks apart and I am concerned it may be a bit too soon...
courtney43468 msruby
Posted