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RA and Foot Surgery Advice Needed

Posted , 4 users are following.

kellyl227
kellyl227

It was just recommended to me to have 2 pan metatarsal resections on each foot and toes 2-5 fused due to hammertoes on each foot. The pain from the dislocations has gotten worse recently and so I am considering it. I am also understanding of the fact that the disease and medications taken for it will delay healing and risk of the fuse not taking or infection. I have not been able to find anyone who has gone through with the surgeries for their RA deformities and I'm really in need of some advice before I make the final decision. Even if you have not but made the decision not to would also be helpful. I would appreciate any advice!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • tony35673
    tony35673 kellyl227

    Posted

    Doesn't look like anyone has undergone what you're contemplating, I haven't - yet.   However, I think you have to weigh up your life now as it is and how your life could benefit if the procedure is succesful.   More importantly, you should also consider will your life be any worse than it is now if the procedure is unsuccesful?

    My wife had a procedure on her right big toe a few years ago for OA, she does daily exercises with the toe and is obviously in pain.   When I asked her if she wished she hadn't had the procedure the answer was a resounding NO,   Whilst it is painful and interupts her life as she would like to live it, she is happy she had it and is considering getting her other toe done.

    Before undergoing the procedure the surgeon advised her if it is succesful she will still have to undergo fusion some time in the future; or she could choose to have the fusion now.   She is happy she underwent the procedure.

     

    • kellyl227
      kellyl227 tony35673

      Posted

      Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. From what I am hear from from others, their answer has been the same. That it was a really rough procedure, painful, long recovery etc. but they would do it again if they had a choice. Some say they do have continued pain but it outweighs the benefits. Over the last few days I have been doing that exact thinking. How would my life be without surgery and how would it be if I did, or if I did and it failed. I've made tentative plans for late June so I can have time to gather more information and opinions from others. Again, I really appreciate you sharing!

  • Gloria814
    Gloria814 kellyl227

    Posted

      Hi Kelly

          Too bad no one on this site has undergone the particular surgery you are talking about.   I have uncomfortable hammertoes on ea foot but not to the point of surgery as yet.    I did a 'google' search on hammertoe surgery and toe fusion surgery and many interesting sites came up.   YOu might try that but chances are you already did.   I saw some newer technique mentioned and many people wrote about therir surgery experiences.   You could also ask the surgeon if he is willing to give a few pts names that had the surgery if they are willing to talk to you about a positive outcome     Good luck with your decison --it is never easy to decide 

    Gloria

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