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pre operation advice

Posted , 6 users are following.

geraldine72003
geraldine72003

hi i am due to have both my bunions done on June 5th, I do not get sick pay except SSP so this is why have opted for having them both done. I know I shall be off wok for around 6 weeks and expect some pain, swelling, etc. I would welcome any tips, advice and things to expect. How long before I can actually fully weight bear and how long before I can drive?

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • smab97
    smab97 geraldine72003

    Posted

    Good luck Geraldine. I would say it depends very much what your job is, if you mostly sit you will be ok to work probably 8 weeks on. I drove at 6 weeks for short distances but I don't know if you are having both feet done as I only had one foot operated on.

     

    • geraldine72003
      geraldine72003 smab97

      Posted

      Hi smab, i am now 2nd day post op, hard work trying to walk on my heels, keeping feet elevated all the time, no driving for 6 weeks. Have to keep bangages on until i return on 22nd june for re xray and sutures out. so very smelly feet!! the surgeon discovered i have osteoparosis and arthritis in my bones which will make healing harder and maybe longer, pain not as bad as i expected, only worse when i have mobilised a bit then they throb. am not going to project as to when i return to work but i am a nurse in a nursing home so on my feet moving all day long....so maybe time for a change??  Hope youre doing ok, thanks for avice.
    • smab97
      smab97 geraldine72003

      Posted

      Hi Geraldine don't push yourself I was advised to do no more than visit the toilet then go back to bed for the first 3 days. Elevate and ice your ankle as you don't want to get the dressing wet, as this could cause infection. I bought a limbo on line which meant I could shower without getting my dressing wet. It took a bit of manoveuring but I sat in our shower tray without weight bearing and then used my arms and good legs to get out of the shower, I then sat on the floor to get dry. I felt so much better for being able to shower,
    • rebecca28244
      rebecca28244 smab97

      Posted

      Hi I to am 1 day post op heel walking to the washroom has proven very difficult and painful the ankle blocker off in less than 24 hours now taking Tylenol #3 anyway it's keeping my foot elevated as much as possible and Iceing it 20 mins on 20 mons off I don't know if you ever heard of this but my doctor suggested putting the ice behind my knee so the chills with blood it helps with swelling
  • barbara00055
    barbara00055 geraldine72003

    Posted

    Hi Geraldine.   I'm 6 weeks and I am still finding it difficult to weightbear and, as I only had one foot done, I am mainly using the other foot to take the weight.  I use a walking stick for support but over half hour and my foot hurts and swells up.  A lot of people who have to return to work find it difficult so look on here for their experiences.  You still need to keep your foot/feet raised most of the time during the day to stop the swelling, so if you have a desk job then you would be ok, I guess.  Hope your employers are kind and thoughtful.  This is a major operation and takes a really long and slow time to recover; as I am finding out for myself.
    • geraldine72003
      geraldine72003 barbara00055

      Posted

      Hi Barbara, thanks for your reply, its a bit worying as I have opted to have them both done!!  also work as nurse in a home so on my feet all day!  May have to reconsider having them both done, my consultant said 6 weeks off, oh dear!
    • barbara00055
      barbara00055 geraldine72003

      Posted

      Well this is my experience and I have read others have the same.  There is also a problem finding a shoe to fit, because of swelling.  I've noted that some people wear oversized trainers.  As I don't like my toes covered at moment I've bought some Velcro strapped sandals.

      Maybe check on the type of operation, there are a lot of info sites online.  I had scarf and akin osteoctomy with a hammer toe straightened with a k wire.  This has made my foot a little sorer, where the pin stuck onto the middle toes metatasol bone.  What is your op?

  • smab97
    smab97 geraldine72003

    Posted

    I work in school as an HLTA which means I am on my feet a lot of the time. I have just started doing 13 hours a week on a phased return which I am finding more than enough after 13 weeks. As I said before I only had surgery to 1 foot, so don't expect to much too soon.
  • julie.c
    julie.c geraldine72003

    Posted

    Hi Geraldine

    i think it would be really tough to do a full shift at 6 weeks. I am 6 weeks post op, have just got into trainers 2 sizes up and feel that I have had enough after an hour or two. In terms of driving I believe you have to be able to do an emergency stop (at least your consultant considers you can), but the reality would be what your journey is like - even if 'fit' to drive, if your journey was in heavy traffic with lots of starts, stops and gear changes, that would be much tougher than a longer journey in easy driving conditions. It's difficult if you will only get SSP - would your employer consider shorter shifts, or easier duties while you recover? I started back in my desk job after 2 weeks, but working from home - it's worth a chat about how your employer could support you as it's relatively temporary. Good luck!

  • smab97
    smab97 geraldine72003

    Posted

    I had to go to see Occupational Health before my return to work, they were very good at talking through a phased return, if at any time I feel I am doing too much and this is effecting my recovery then the plan is to revert to the percentage of work I was doing the week before. I started at 25% of my hours, which working in school was 7 hours over the week. It certainly is a requirement of most employers as they have a duty to protect you from damaging your health or you having an accident.
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