Oh No! My big toe is drifting back !

Posted , 5 users are following.

I'm 6.5 post op and the day after the pins were taken out of my toes 2 weeks ago I noticed the big toe was not as straight as when the pin was in it. The surgeon had told me to wear a toe spacer for the 8 weeks until I see him again at the 12.5 week mark. Well, in the last 2 weeks, despite wearing the toe spacer all day, the toe has continue to drift back until it is now touching my 2nd toe. I don't mind this as long as it will not drift any further and start overlapping the 2nd toe like it had originally (which is the reason that I went for the operation). I am now very apprehensive about it's continuing to drift further....so much so that I am wondering whether I should go for a second opinion to a private podiatric surgeon. Or am I jumping the gun and should wait until the 12 week mark before panicking. sad

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    Here are some progress pics.

    The pics are pre-op, day 12 (bandage removal), day 16, 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 6.5 weeks.

     

  • Posted

    Just to put things into perspective I should show you both feet. Eventhough the left is still worse than the right and I thought it would end up better, if it would not deteriorate any further I would be satisfied.

     

  • Posted

    Hi Rena, thank you for the photos, your feet look like mine! I don't think the doctor has put a Pin or Screw in your big toe! I'd go back before everything starts to grow and settle again. I'd want to have my big toe straight too, as mine is like yours!

    Good luck!

    • Posted

      Hi Carole.  If you look at pics 2,3, and 4 in the first set  you will see the big toe pin sticking out a bit between the big and 2nd toe. Do you have a hammeytoe as well?

       

    • Posted

      Yes, just starting! The podarist said it had a lot of flexibility but to ask the doctor about it when I go!.....Yes, did see the pin Rena but thought that was in the second toe!
  • Posted

    Hi Rena, the photos are very interesting, thank you, and I think your foot looks good but you are obviously very worried.  I'd say get a second opinion.  I'm no expert but I would think that this is the crucial period when the bones are setting for good and it isn't going to do you any good to be worrying over the six weeks till your next appointment. I've done a bit of research on the net and at the end of the day, of course, it's down to how the bone has been cut and set by the suregon - which an x-ray would reveal.
    • Posted

      I agree Sally. I will pick up copies of the xrays from the hospital and make an appointment for a second opinion. I am also wondering if the hammer toe result is normal for this stage of healing.
    • Posted

      Hi Rena, I hope you receive re-assurance.  All the best.
  • Posted

    Hi Rena tho I hate to make them public, here are before photo one a few weeks in and one I just took today. 

    The  middle one is the latest. Vj

    • Posted

      Thank you for posting these VJ! They aren't really public as we don't know your name! If you want to see public check out all the pics on the FB page "I Survived a Bunionectomy!"  Although its a closed group the pics are in our real names. I think you have a very good and natural 

      looking correction which suits the shape of your feet. 😃

    • Posted

      Hi Rena your foot looks good to me.

      I cant see a slope/slant into the 2nd toe. But you know your body best.

      Just do what you think is best for you. It will make you feel better and put things in perspective. 

      A 2nd opinion is always a good thing.

  • Posted

    Panic is over folks.  So grateful for this site and your patience with a little venting now and then .  Actually, not normally being a losing my cool type I am a little embarrassed about my public baring of the soul !  To put things into perspective I took a comparitive picture today in the same sandal I wore a year ago at an event which was the pic that pushed me to taking action about the foot sooner rather than later.  Although swollen, I could get the sandal on for the pic. The reality is that the new alignment of the toe, although sloping in, is off the 2nd toe and that was the purpose of the surgery. As long as it stays off I will consider my mission accomplished.  I will share these last pics with you and then bore you no further....promise ! razz

    • Posted

      Thank you, Rena, your foot looks lovely.  All the best.

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