Pre op nerves

Hi I won't lie I think you'll struggle on your own I just had one done and had help from husband and kids the first 2 days were the worst but I made the mistake of not taking my pain killers straight away it would be better for you if someone could come and stay with you for a few days you don't realise how hard it is I didn't .

Hi Zoe - I agree with Mitchy.  The first couple of days it would be better if someone could be there for you. A lot also depends on what kind of procedure you are going to have. I had both my feet done using the minimally invasive procedure. I did have a general which would be another reason for you to have someone with you as it takes a couple of days to recover from the an anaesthetic  alone. The MIS procedure seems to be much easier as far as recovery is concerned I believe. I was provided with Darco sandals (which I wear at all times) & crutches when I left the hospital. I had to keep my feet elevated for 50 minutes in every hour for 2 weeks (that would give you chance to use the bathroom, get tea/coffee etc.) I never did use the crutches. Now I am nearly 3 weeks post op. I had my bandages removed at my 2-week appointment and have to elevate 30 mins in every hour from now until my 6 week appt. Everyone is different though and I know some people have casts not sandals. I can't stress enough how important it is to follow your surgeons instructions. Take your pain meds even if you don't think you need to. It is important to stay well ahead of the pain. Having said that, I had very little pain and any I did have was easily manageable. You will be fine and it will be so worth it. Would probably be a good idea to talk to your surgeon beforehand so you can plan. Good luck!! 

Am 65 and live on my own

possible to manage with friends coming in but so much easier if friend can stay first few days - good prep - making sure u have enough of everything within easy reach! Eg toilet paper, easy rep meals - important but u don't realise how restrictive feet up is

but I was on my own first week although friend stayed first night and managed - second week sister stayed and sorted lots of stuff not done first week

can be done - u manage when u have to!

Zoe

I had bilateral bunion surgery as well as four other toes corrected 4 weeks ago.  If you have minimally invasive surgery I think you'll be fine on your own - I was.  I had someone stay with me for a few days but I didn't need them.  You just need to accept you'll be lying down a lot!

Good luck :-)

Hello! I just had my right foot done 17 days ago. The operation went fine, under a light anesthesia and woke feeling better then every after a procedure. I had my hubby & kids to help and I'm so fortunate I did. I left with only a boot, nothing else to help me get around.My first check up visit I rented the wheeled knee cart. A life saver! Gets you around quickly & easily (unless your on multy levels) and theres no pressure on other unconditioned body parts like crutches & walkers can enflict. I hopped on my left foot to get to the toilet and other places so it does seem concerning how you'll get around. The boredom & back pain from laying comes with the teriitory but DO stay laying & keeping you foot up & iced for as long as possible (1.5 weeks if you can) for it helps the healing process & minimizes the pain. I was allergic to the oxycodone so just took 800 mg of Ibuprofen and was just fine. Its not like it doesn't hurt at all but you have to expect something. If its at all possible I might suggest you having them done at separate times unless you have really good knees?? Good luck! Think positive, more active days are ahead!

Hi Zoe,

I'm almost 12 weeks post-op bunion surgery...three pins...If you're surgery goes as bad as mine has, you're going to need help...LOTS of swelling, LOTS of pain...No weight bearing for 7 weeks...If you're able to walk with a boot right away, maybe you can do it but I would recommend someone coming there to help just in case.

GOOD LUCK!

Zoe,

I think the vast difference in you are seeing on this thread is due to the type of procedure.  Most of those on the various hallux valgus fora have had open and some minimally invasive surgery (MIS).  It seems to me that those who have had open surgery have a much more difficult and painful recovery.  Of those who have had miinimally invasive surgery some have had pins inserted that are removed some weeks post surgery and others, like me, had a different technique that does not require removing any hardware.

It is key to look at the responses with a view to what type of surgery the patients had.   Cetainly for bilateral surgery, the open approach seems to mean a wheelchair and significant disability.  MIS will mean you can walk in surgical shoes immediately after surgery (albeit you still need to spend a lot of time with your feet up).  I have not heard of anyone who has MIS needing knee scooters etc.

I am now almost 6 weeks post surgery and hopefully will be out of the surgical shoes next week and restarting normal life.  Whilst my feet have absolutely been painful, they have never been excrutiating and I have had no difficulty coping with everyday activities. 

Good luck with your research and decision making.

To respond to the person questioning needing a wheeled  cart...I had two pins inserted with my toe broken in two areas. My point was the foot could not be walked on thus the use of the cart, which was my decision not the doctors, was very beneficial. As I was out & about I actually saw a few others with the same thing. Its a better way to get around! If crutches or boots work for others thats great.