Shocked at swelling!
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi I'm 4 weeks post op (right foot & the lesser op of of no fusion) and had cast & bandaging removed yesterday. Was looking forward to getting it all off as at 1 week post op my surgeon took it all off to check & it looked amazing. No swelling or bruising to see and totally straight big toe but with a large gap between big & next toe! He said not to worry that as I started to use it the gap would reduce. Cast was put back on & fresh bandaging. Now it's huge, very swollen & looks bigger bunion than ever (was not a bad one in the first place). Also my big toe is bending completely over to the next toe! Can Now drive (although haven't yet) as was only yesterday evening got it removed. I did ask him about the swelling & he said can take a couple of months! Anyone else had the same experience?
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lisa74563 Guest
Posted
Don't be alarmed. Same thing happened to me. 5 days after surgery I saw my Dr & he removed wrap & bandages. I was so happy to see my slim straight foot. Stitches looked yucky but were healing nicely.
He redressed my stitches,wrapped it & I was told activity as tolerated while wearing cam walker.
If I was on my feet too much my foot would swell but elevation & ice helped.
I had stitches removed at 10 days. But my foot was more swollen than at 5 days.
But it's so normal. Fluid naturally gravitates to lowest extremity. Continue to elevate foot above heart level whenever possible. Ask Dr about toe separator to keep big toe in alignment.
I am 8 wks post surgery & still experiencing alot of swelling. Can only fit into stretchy lace-up shoes.
Expect swelling for a few months. Healing is a long process so don't rush it.
Good luck!
Guest lisa74563
Posted
Hi i didn't have any stitches removed. They are dissolvable. Have you had a fusion? There seems to be so many different medical terms for different procedures! Surgeon didn't mention exercise or toe separators or anything & I think I was so in shock at how it looked I didn't think to ask him!!! He left the room saying I will see you in 2 months and left me with the nurse! The skin peeling is horrible but I can put up with that its the toe bending inwards which seems the problem. I understand healing takes time but I don't see how it can move back straight! I think because my Bunion wasn't very bad in the first place it actually looks much worse now (I'm hoping that's the swelling but it feels like bone!) I think I will need to make an appointment to see him a lot earlier than 2 months. Strangely I've not come across anyone on here who has had the simple op like me (no fusion and/or no pins) so it's hard to compare. I am 3 weeks behind you as at 5 weeks today. Out of cast & bandaging 5 days! Am I expecting too much maybe. But am only going by what the surgeon said. He was so optimistic saying I would be driving & back in my usual shoes! Good job I took 3 pairs with me. I could just about get one pair on after the cast & bandages removal. Was so nice to get rid of the ugly darco shoe tho! 😂
lisa74563 Guest
Posted
I know what you mean about so many medical terms. My procedure was called a head ostemy where part of the bony bump was shaved off & pin inserted to align toe.
I would definitely call the doctor & not wait two months. I can't understand why your toe would be turning inward.
There are many good YouTube videos on what to expect after bunionectomy. They've been helpful to me.
I hope you get some answers.
Good luck.
lisa74563 Guest
Posted
You really need to check out post op toe exercises on YouTube. You have to work on flexing your toes down & up. Especially the big toe. My surgeon said it helps to prevent scar tissue from forming which can cause your toe joint to freeze up. Don't neglect this. My toe joint was extremely sore at first from exercising but now it's much better. My surgeon said he's very pleased with range of motion
lisa74563 Guest
Posted
Correction on that procedure : it's called a head osteotomy
Guest lisa74563
Posted
Hi glad to hear your recovery is going well now. I actually have very good movement in my toe. Not much different to pre surgery except a little stiffer but as I said surgeon didn't mention exercises. Maybe as my toe wasn't broken & no pins it's less invasive. I have called hospital this morning & am awaiting a call!
lisa74563 Guest
Posted