Walking after 6 weeks bunionectomy

im sure some of the women on here have had that problem

ann

so glad to hear you had a problem free surgery and good luck on yiur second you must be brave

Gm Mimi..Im due to have my left foot bunion surgery (chevron osteotomy done on May 11..) and reading your post kind of called my nerves. I am worrying myself to death about how painful it will be after surgery..I do not like the feeling narcotics give you..Ive heard some bad stories but I ll put it in God's hands..thank you

marie you are brave let us know how it goes

So was I when he first suggested it! I have come round to the idea now.....just one lot of recovery and I'm not sure I'd go back to have the other one done if I did them separately!

Thank you :-)

Are you able to weight bear at all? Will you be alone during the day? Honestly, I just don’t see how this can be done if you can’t weight bear and are by yourself at all. I know different surgeons, different recoveries.

im just really interested in the logistics.

you would have it done again. I might have to at some point. I do know in the beginning I swore I never would again, sort of like having that first baby. You forget the pain and discomfort, and know what to do and what to expect the 2nd time.

Apprantly I'll be walking straight away with clutches and boots! I will have someone here most of the time, my partner works nights so my stepdaughter is moving into help. By the sounds of it my op is quite straight forward compared to most of yours.

xx

I will do! Thank you 😊

One week in and doing really well thank you 😊 First few days were abit rough. Getting about isn't too bad and I'm hardly taking any pain killers now!

I have some really sexy boots 😂 and crutches. I can't wait to put some trainers on! I'm missing my slippers the most though lol Hoping to get a peek at my feet tomorrow as my bandages have moved and gone baggy so going to get them sorted.

Thats great you are actually able to get around independently. 

I have internal pins and screws which are permanent. I think it would be completely different if I had external ones! I'm very lucky so far with how it is all going.

How long was it before you could wear any sort of shoe?

Unfortunately, I overdid walking in the treadmill, daily ROM exercises for my foot and classes. I gave myself tendinitis. So. Is, I’m back to the aircast boot for 5 days, taking it easy, etc. it’s not too bad as the weather is still really ugly outside. I’m just frustrated to take 2 steps back. I’m going on vacation in 5 weeks, so I really want to heal.

OOPs! sorry wrong picture, that was a picture of my hush puppy. LOL!

the black dot is intriguing! I hope it’s nothing!! 

what do you use? It says it is from France not administered by the FDA, but that may be for all Arnica.

Hmm mine hasn't stung at all... I've used it since day 2. Mine does have alcohol in it too, I didn't think it did. I also have the tabs I take by mouth.

I'm responding from my phone this time, and I see it doesn't give me option to post a pic! I took one of my arnica.

Good morning, all! I had my 6-week post-op visit yesterday, and am able to start walking in my surgical shoe. Doc said for me to use my crutches, and do what I could, as pain allowed. I have been walking slowly using the crutches and gingerly putting my foot down with each step. Last time, he had told me I could go ahead and start walking in the shoe, so I am not sure why he told me to use the crutches this time. My next appointment is not for 4 weeks.

We stopped at the grocery store on the way home, and I walked in the store instead of using the electric cart or having hubby push me in a cart. I do not have the severe pain on the bottom of my foot, like I did last time after 6 weeks NWB. I have pain there; it is just mild pain. I am, however, having a lot of ankle pain. Last time, my ankle had been very swollen and sore the entire time for several weeks after the surgery. I'd had an ankle sprain a few weeks before that surgery, which was not entirely healed, so I had attributed the swelling to that. I guess I am surprised by the ankle pain I am experiencing this time. And, I have been doing ankle rotations and exercises for over 6 weeks, too (I started before the surgery). 

I would love to hear about any initial walking experiences every else had after NWB. I need to go back and read my blog to see if this experience is different. They also gave me a disc of my X-rays after I asked; however, it is in a Windows program, and we have Macs, so I cannot open it. 

Glad to hear Iris about the foot pain! Sorry about the ankle pain. It does seem odd especially if you did exercises. I do remember Ria saying to make sure to start walking a certain way.. heal to middle to toe I believe?? Her doctor is wayyyy more informative than ours. I sure miss her comments! She was so helpful! Up at at em early for work this a.m. and I think in getting a cold. Super duper.... At least it's now and not in the beginning, I'd have been a true hot mess. I'll be keeping my scooter even after cleared for walking initially when that happens. Hoping next week! Are you in any other groups? Facebook has one but the people are a tad cattty.. but it may be worth checking to see if others had anke issues. There is an Lapidus bunionectomy site I have just noticed but I don't think it's very active as I haven't even been approved to join yet and I requested it several days ago. If you have Facebook you can get in the I survived a bunionectomy group and then just search for what you were looking for I tend to do that most of the time when I do bother to look in there. But this group has been by far the most resourceful for me.

Lulu I'll have to get on iPad to post pics of my cream. It's not gel like yours. I also took pictures of the back of it. My main bruise right now is the one on the bottom of my foot which has gotten better finally but it's still there. I didn't really bruised too much where the stitches were it was more on the sides and top of my foot and around my ankle. I definitely think the arnica helped because those bruises seem to disappear quite quickly with me sometimes forgetting to apply it on the bottom. It's still very odd to me why I got such bruising on the bottom of my foot! I do hope you are feeling better. Anything with alcohol in it I imagine it would sting. But it never did with me and I used it like I said since day two. have a good day everyone.

Oh wow sounds great 

I can not wait to be able to drive 

We all have manual vehicles  

Since having my dressing taken off yesterday for the first time 

My foot is now so painful 

I think the pressure of the bandage was secure the incisions . I feel I might buy some pressure socks cause omg it throbs .

I’m taking sleeping tablets nightly terrible. 

I’ll get on my computer & see if I can upload pic of my foot as I’m on my phone & there’s no option . I’m not sure I’ll get my other foot done the inconvenience for me sucks .

I am bored sh#tless and feeling sorry for myself because I can’t do anything or go anywhere . 5 minute walk n the pressure hurts I have to lay down & elevate .

Can’t do that in K Mart 😱

My Foot 2 half weeks after op..Internal stitches. 2 permanent screws.

Dr said looks great..My son didn't think so as he passed out...

Wow, that is huge gap between your toes, Jac. I wonder if I should be wearing toe separators. A couple of photos I have seen from others do show more space between the toes than I have. We have manual vehicles, too. OMGosh, I remember the first time I pushed the clutch in after my first surgery! (about 2 - 3 months post-op)

and pics from today of my foot. I wrapped it with gauze this a.m. to protect it from my sock for work, and it left wrinkles in my skin, lol! it’s dried up good now. My bruises were on bottom of foot (still there, but less) around my ankle, and the top of my toe . The ones from ankle and other toes are gone for most part now, just the top of foot and bottom still. 

Iris, I asked them if they used a clamp (after reading others say they had one) and she said no. The nurse I see was in the surgery room with the surgeon. I know she’s his right hand person according to the technicians, so I believe she assisted with it. 

Holy snowing here!!!! 

Yes, I am walking in the surgical shoe with crutches. The only thing Doc told me is to do what pain permits, so hopefully, I am not hurting anything. I was quite sore last night and today, too. I am starting to get pain in the arch of my foot like I got last time, and my ankle is sore and swollen. My ankle did not swell on this foot until I started walking. I am fortunate and glad I have not had to go to work. I want to drive to something next Thursday, but right now, my husband is not too keen on that.

We got about 4" of snow here this morning! I was surprised to see your painted toenails in this weather. :-) 

Wish we had more instructions! I did have the Lapidus surgery, which when looking is one of the most in depth. I know when I go to the appointment I will feel rushed like I did last time, and I had notes! Lol. 

I painted my toes last week on a day off, when I showered, felt good, and was sick of looking at gross toes and long toe nails. I think I even shaved that day! That was a good day ;-)

i have taken so many pics of my foot, lol! Both on my phone and iPad. Wish I could combine them and do a time lapse thing to see progress. I had planned on taking same pics daily, but that all fell short of course. Sometimes it just doesn’t work that way. Oh well.  

I am not doing and new exercises; just the ones I was doing before: toe and ankle bends and stretches, along with the leg lifts. I bit of mild yoga/stretches, but not much. I am hoping to be walking without crutches or a cane in 2 weeks!

I really hope he will help. When this right foot is all done of course! 

Took me a bit to figure out what it meant the first time I saw it too, Janet! 😊

it took me a while to know what that meant to well i still have my monster foot on hols it does not matter what shoe i wear it still swells i totally dislike my foot at yhe minute also jac my toes are still apart and its nearly 13 weeks girls who have had this done before when does our foot be completely better i sick of now

Hi Ann, I hope it isn't spoiling your holiday, and that the weather there is lovely.  We have had the first day of spring today, I spent 4 hours in the garden trying to conquer the weeds, but boy did it feel nice to have sun on my face. The weather seems to be taking a turn for the worst again, but any reprieve is good. Make the most of it, and try to bring some sunshine home in your suitcase. My friend at work had hers done in October 2016 and she says it took 12 months and she still has days when she struggles with 'normal shoes'  . I will be going back to work 0n the 17th April, barefoot or in slippers I think, half days at first then 3/4 then full time. Are you going back around then? Enjoy the rest of your holiday. 

14 weeks I was wearing mostly my tennis shoes and loose fitting sandals. My foot still swelled up sometimes until about 16 weeks, or so. Hang in there and enjoy your holiday! 

yes the weather here is beautiful 23degrees i do hope i bring back sunshine .A YEAR to get normal again omg im back at work after easter hols 16th like you 2 hours then 3 for a couple of weeks then back to normal it will be strange after being off for 3 months i am provided with special work shoes for my job so hope they are ok have a good day everyone

Hi Janet, I'm in England. I'm 10 days in and haven't really seen or needed to see anyone yet. I did have great care before I left hospital but was only a day case so wasn't there long. I feel very lucky at the minute as I'm not really taking any pain killers and had my bandages removed on Wednesday which is bliss haha

Oh no..... one thing I have learnt is not to over do it! Trouble is when your feeling ok it's easily done! I never imagined that less than 2 weeks after the op id be feeling so good 😊

What kind of shoes are you provided with?

I just have padded dressings on now 😊 I was meant to have the big bulky ones on for two weeks too but the nurse decided I didn't really need them when I asked them to redo them!

Yes, I have a screw and clip in both feet! Don't get me wrong I'm still spending most of my time with me feet up and have only left the house once to go and see the nurse. When I can get on a computer I'll post a pic!

i have ave a similar bump on mine in same area. I really only notice it when I over do it and don’t have my foot up enough. I’ll try to post a pic of it as well. 

What we we had is called the Lapidus. It’s one of the biggest procedures for bunions. Lucky us! 

Here are some pics from today. I have Raynauds so that is why my foot is purple at times. I had an all day funeral yesterday and didn’t keep it up as much as I usually do. 

Holy dry foot! I haven’t been putting anything on anywhere except the bottom and top of toe for bruising. I use arnica for that. Still some bruising on bottom of foot but it’s much better. Still very tender though. Makes me nervous if they do want me to start to walk next week. 

This is what mine looked like at 6 weeks without the huge swollen red area. And, I did not mean that it is good you are experiencing the same discomfort; just glad you shared your experience, so I know what I am experiencing is not anything to worry about.

I’ve never had any screws removed, only a plate and more added with the first one. I really had no idea they could even be removed. I was never given that option. I’m fine with it all there so long as it doesn’t bother me. Of course knowing it’s there may play mind tricks on why I have pain. 

Nice looking feet!!

Has your pain on top of foot been any better? I still feel that odd feeling at times but I don’t think it’s as often. 

Still looking for shoes... not sure if I’ll keep the Saucony ones or not. I did order a pair from Hotter that I’m excited to get. And sandal like wedge from Bzees today. I hope I find relief in shoes at last! In my right foot at least  

I elevate my foot whenever I am seated, as it seems to swell when I don't, although not when I go to bed for the night. Yes, I still have the scratchy, pulsing pain through the top of my foot and around my big toe. It seems a bit worse, or maybe just different, since I started walking. At night, I have been sleeping with my foot under the covers for the first time since the end of Feb! :-) 

I did not expect walking to be more difficult than last time. I was walking with just a cane last time after a few days, and this time, I still have to use my crutches again before the end of the day. The one thing that is less this time, is that pins and needles feeling on the bottom of my foot. Seems that pain was easier to overcome than the ankle pain and swelling I am experiencing this time.

we had a great time apart from the swelling which made my foot ache a bit get some shoes your foot can swell into on your holiday if you are walking alot also rest it when you can cant believe how long this healing process is taking

Hi Ann, I will try, although I sent a picture of my puppy with a wine bottle instead of the shoes. Below are the Hotter shops north east plus phone numbers..... that's the easy bit now for the picture.

North East Hotter Stores

Beverley 46 Toll Gavel, Beverley HU17 9AR 01482 870426 View details...

Castleford Unit 20b Junction 32 Outlet Village, Castleford WF10 4FR 01977 518867 View details...

Darlington 48-50 Northgate, Darlington DL1 1PR 01325 481261 View details...

Doncaster Unit 20a Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5PJ 01302 322337 View details...

Durham 35 Silver Street, Durham DH1 3RD 0191 386 3086 View details...

Harrogate 19-21 Cambridge Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1RW 01423 521791 View details...

Lasswade Dobbies Melville, Melville Nursery, Lasswade EH18 1AZ 0131 663 8216 View details...

Leeds 14 Commercial Street, West Yorkshire LS1 6AL 0113 247 0989 View details...

Meadowhall 5a The Arcade (Unit 23), Meadowhall, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1EH 0114 256 9247 View details...

Newcastle 1a Chevy Chase, Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7XP 0191 232 4216 View details...

York 3 Feasegate, York YO1 8SH 01904 656554

If you try it on in the shop to make sure it fits, then Debonhams have them online (not sure if they have them in store) £41 instead of £55. Hotter do wide fitting and extra wide fitting. Let me know how you get on.

i went to a The Walking Company today to just look at shoes... ended up with two pair! on clearance. One was a brand where you step onto one of those mats to see where you land, etc. so I did it with one foot at a time. It took several tries with my right foot, I was pretty nervous to put any pressure on it. I’m sure on Thursday I’ll be told to start walking so I knew I wouldn’t do any damage. I barely got it to register but it finally did. 

I noticed when I got home that that similar bump Iris and I seem to have was a little bigger! Several pairs I tried on I did have to squeeze my foot into. Nothing awful, but it must have not liked that! 

I sure would like to know what that bump is! 

Lulu, how is the bruising going? 

I agree, Lulu ~ I am so tired of thinking about my foot, too! 

Dona, my ankle is still very swollen and sore (pictures from today below). I have been exercising and walking with crutches; however, I am quite discouraged with my progress compared to last time. Last year, I was walking in the shoe without a cane after 2 weeks. I am working toward that, although I do not think I will make it this time.

Ill be towing my two new left shoes with me to work tomorrow to make sure they still feel decent after several hours. I’m hope so! I’m so sick of buying shoes over the years when I had bunions and they felt fine at first, but then after awhile I couldn’t wear them. I have a lot of those kinds of shoes  

the bump  on my top of foot is settling down. My hubby thinks it’s because of the screws and more swelling and scar tissue maybe. I’m not sure about that. I do know I’ll be asking about it Thursday! 

Also insisting on PT darnit! I’m really going to. I noticed my left foot is lopsided inside my shoe. I think I have always been compensating for my bunion and prior surgeries. Hopefully haven’t done permanent damage, and some PT can help me correct it! 

Lulu, I am usually reluctant to spend so much on shoes!! The one pair is Abeo, and the other is Footworks. Those were on clearance for $50! A deal! They are slip ons with a more open back, more similar to what I’m used to wearing, but with much more bottom support. I’m still wondering how important the surrounding foot support is? I tried to get my foot into slip ons with more of a top on them, but they bothered that bump right away. 

I do do hope the bump disappears. I’m at the point in this foot journey where I think to myself.... remember when I could walk on two feet???? Ya, me either.

But we are all so close! We will get There! 

Dona, my TV gig is Thursday, the same day as your appointment. I was the winner in a local recipe contest, and will be showing my recipe. Maybe walking will be easier for you. It was for me last time, and you have had a few more days of healing than I did before starting to walk. I think the bump on top of my foot is the screws. Does the entire top of your foot sometimes feel swollen, red, and itchy? Mostly, I just have the bump and/or goose egg around the screw area, but sometimes the entire top feels irritated (like right now). I am hoping my body can adjust, so I do not need to go back in to have them removed. 

Let us know how it goes at the doc tomorrow. 

Hey, Well done Iris, hope you enjoy your day. What is the recipe? I love cooking and although I have about 100+ cookery books am always on the lookout for inspiration. I can go back to work and say 'my friend in America gave me this recipe; how's that for kudos?  How about you too Ann? I bet you must have some good recipes up your sleeve (well not literally?) As Lulu said, it gets boring concentrating on our feet, and NEVER in my life have so many people (especially new friends) known so much about my feet! 

Yes, Janet: NEVER in my life have so many people (especially new friends) known so much about my feet! 

My recipe was from last fall, Spicy Sweet Potato Bake. I will copy it below (t =teaspoon, T=tablespoon). I need to make it in the morning before I go, and then bring the ingredients to show. So, it better turn out as beautiful and tasty as usual! My supportive husband and parents are all encouraging me, and telling me all will be fine. I am excited, although a bit apprehensive about the "spotlight" portion. I prefer behind the scenes.

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 

1 apple, peeled and cut into cubes

2 T. olive oil

1 T. brown sugar blend

1 t. chili powder

½ t. kosher salt

¼ t. cayenne pepper

Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl. Add potatoes and apples. Cover bowl and shake gently to coat. 

Spray oblong baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer potatoes and apples to baking dish. Bake uncovered, in preheated 425°F oven until potatoes are tender—30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Thank you, Janet! I am a bit nervous. I prepared the recipe this morning (I need to show the ingredients, and one cooked), and wish I had waited until just before leaving. Kosher salt is just coarser salt, like sea salt. Any salt will do; I just prefer coarser salt of seasoning dishes like this.

No my entire top of foot doesn’t seem to get like that. Sometimes it’s red in sections, but that is on and off. It has been itchy lately, the past few days in between two incisions. 

However, when I got up today I noticed a bump!! on the top of my big toe! Doesn’t itch. Looks like a mosquito bite or something. Very odd! 

So  the doctor didn’t say much, per usual! That’s the first time I’ve seen him since the surgery! They took X-rays, and he wasn’t even going to show me them! I asked at the end of appt, and the nurse took me back and hubby took pics of the two they took. 

He said my foot is looking normal for this stage. Minimal swelling that will decrease in time. Duh. He started to tell me to do the ROM exercises on the big toe... which I’ve been doing since week 2! Thanks to Ria telling us what to do! He said I could begin to walk in my Velcro shoe (then at end said any shoe ) stepping on heal first then bring foot down to complete.  When I asked for how long do I walk, he just said to listen to myself and when it starts to hurt, to stop. Ok.... so I’ve taken some baby steps, he didn’t even want to see me try! I’m pretty scared! It’s not too awful, but I don’t think I’ve taken full steps yet. He said to keep scooter and use it when my foot is too tired or sore to walk. No time frame, like I should have no scooter next visit? That’s in 6 weeks. I don’t know! He grabbed on my big toe but nothing really hurt bad. I was expecting him to pop my big toe. 

He he said to get some lotion or vitamin e oil and start rubbing it in my scars, taking care to massage them , like I have been doing. No more toe spacer. My big toe feels odd rubbing against the second toe. Like it wants t cross over, but he said it’s alll normal.

And the bump of ours, Iris, he said that’s where most of the surgery was, and it took most of the stress. He said it’s just from the over swelling from that, all normal and will go away in time. I’m not sure I buy that.... it sure seems to swell up and then go down on its own frequently! 

He did also say to start doing the ankle rolls clock wise and counter, and the point my toes to the ceiling as well. Didn’t say how many or how often. When I would go to ask a question he would never really answer it enough for me, I thrive on detail! and then he was done! 

I did stand my ground on the PT and I won that round! He asked me why I wanted it so soon. Soon?? I wanted it at 2 weeks like some people do! I said because of my failures with the left foot, I’m terrified that will happen with this foot, and I’ll have two bumb feet and 3 surgeries. So he sort of rolled his eyes and said ok. He isn’t a jerk as much as I make him sound, he is just too darn quick and doesn’t tell me anything unless I ask. 

He gave me a RX for 4 weeks, 3 times a week. So I go Tuesday at 6:30 for my first one. 

Ill try to post pics of X-rays. 

Hey Dona, good to hear from you about your doc visit. Sounds like your guy is bit more informative (not much!) than mine. I did not see my x-rays until I asked for them either. I am afraid the top of my foot/red, itchy factor has to do with my metal allergy. :-( darn! 

So, he said you could start walking in "any" shoe? My doc said surgical shoe or boot until I go back at 10 weeks post-op. How is it going? Have you tried to walk a few steps yet? I got rid of my scooter and used crutched and cane. My toe, surprisingly, is a non-issue for pain. Just the ankle and foot pain. Hopefully, you will not have pain from the underside of your foot bruising. 

Let us know how it goes!

We are one “step” closer! Now I think for me I need to get my mind set to do it.  The doctor said maybe it would be better if my husband the exercises for me and when I say to stop to push a little bit further LOL. So he did that last night. Then I made up a mixture of Aquaphor, share, Rosehip oil, and  two capsules of vitamin D that I pierced and added. He massaged it and exercised it a bit for a good half hour. It was nice! 

How was the tv appearance? I hope you had fun and enjoyed yourself.  Whenever I watch the news and they have people demonstrating recipes online I always feel a little nervous for them because there is only so much time before they have to move on and sometimes the reporter ends up brushing them. I’m sure you did great :-) and that recipe sounds absolutely delicious. I got an instant pot for my birthday awhile back, and  was doing quite a few things in that. I do wish I enjoyed cooking more. 

 I thought for sure when he saw the bruising he would say to take it easy. But nope he didn’t! I will continue using my arnica on it. Of course yesterday before I went to the appointment it wasn’t nearly as tender as it had been.  And now it is. Arghhh!! 

This too, shall pass!  I did ask him if he could look at my left foot in hopes that something could be done for it and he said absolutely. So I am hoping in six weeks when I go back he will do it then. Although I suspect he will make me make a new appointment. I just want clarification  that someday it won’t be so painful. I would truly be bummed if after two surgeries this is how it’s going to feel forever. I do think he’ll be able to do something and I’m keeping my hopes up until they get squashed LOL :-) 

i do hope it’s not an allergy issue for you! Did he say anything about it? try not to convince yourself it is. I know I do that too much. Especially looking online at the information that everyone gives. I know the majority of it isn’t true, but I still find myself searching, and it just makes me more perplexed. I tend to obsess over things if you haven’t noticed. Ha! 

I need to transfer photos from my phone to iPad so I can post them. 

TV went okay. I am kind of a perfectionist and very hard on myself, so I saw many things I wish I had done differently. All of my friends and family that saw it said it was great. I guess I will listen to them, and let my feelings go! 

Iris, 

i Thought I had posted my original x-rays from my two week postop but I can’t find them anywhere. I must’ve just saw them at the doctors office and not snapped a picture. How funny are x-rays look the same. Our feet must be doppelgängers ;-)  I am finding that I absolutely cannot put the full weight on my foot. The pins and needles isn’t as bad as I expected it to be and I still attribute that to me touching it constantly. I am so thankful that this foot is going to turn out fine I just know it. I sure hope my left one  can someday feel the same. I was sort of irritated when they weren’t even going to show me the x-rays. I guess I like to see every little thing. When I asked if they could email them to me they said they don’t do that. But I stood there well I sat on my scooter LOL, and didn’t move and finally the nurse rolled her eyes and said she would show them to me and I could snap a picture. Man!! 

 i’m looking forward to starting PT Tuesday evening. I have been doing the exercises he gave me. It’s a little difficult to control my foot to do the circles by rolling my ankle clockwise and counter. I would like a cane. Never in my life did I think those words would come out of my mouth!!!  But since I only have a scooter I’m finding myself using that almost as a walker and then I have to control steering that I can’t concentrate I’m placing my foot correctly. Your doctor said it was fine to use a cane or crutch right? I am thinking I may look for a cane. 

Glad the tv gig went good! I’m sure you did super.  I am a perfectionist as well and I tend to obsess over every little detail. Try to just enjoy it :-) hopefully each day will get better and better for the both of us. I’m extremely thankful To have found you and to have been able to talk with someone that pretty much knows exactly what I’m going through. I appreciate you all. Hopefully I can start driving again soon. That is the worst part asking for rides to work.

Dona, my doc did not say anything about using a cane. I got one on my own after my last experience. After my first foot, he had told me to just go ahead and walk on it in the shoe. When I found I could not put my full weight on it last year, we had bought a cane then. This time, he said to start walking on it with crutches, so I have been using crutches and the cane. Do you have crutches? I had crutches and a scooter when I was NWB. We returned the scooter after my 6-week post-op visit (crutches were processed as a purchase, and scooter as a rental). I am now able to walk a few steps here and there without the cane or crutches. Maybe I will be done with extra support after the next 3 days!

I have not been driving either. Today is the first day I walked outside between our house and pole barn (early this morning before the ice and sleet started). Before that, I had just been walking in the garage to get in and out of the car. Good luck with everything. Keep us posted/updated!

I am excited that I am now able to walk without crutches or a cane!  I still have the surgical shoe or boot for at least 2 more weeks, but at least I am able to walk around on my own. 

​I will keep up with your progress.  Kindes regards. Janet

I agree, the support here has been invaluable. Others are not as interested in our feet or need to walk as we all are. 

My first day back say day a couple of hours but it was good to be there like janet said pleased for all the support and info and will pop in when i can so hope you all have a speedy recovery how many weeks are you all now and lulu hope you have a great holiday keep in touch

Ann

I still have my scooter. It was a rental too. So it will go back as soon as I’m sure I no longer need it. I can’t use crutches, we had some but I nearly fell every time I tried to use them. I’ve been doing surprisingly good! It feels odd to walk! I do need to try a shoe that is as tall as the Velcro shoe though, I find myself lopsided and I sure don’t want other problems because of that! I’m taking my Saucony shoes back. They hurt the ball of my foot on my left foot. I have been wearing shoes from Footworks that I’ve had no issue with with the left. Very sturdy, and they slip on so I don’t have to bend my foot in the way it’s still not wanting to bend. We will someday be able to bend our feet like we are wearing heels... right?! Obviously I’m not trying that now, but I’d like to know it’s possible. I wasn’t told I could never bend my big toe again like some people can’t. I will never wear heels, never have, so why start now. But I love the wedge shoes, so I can feel taller! I’m going to try the Mary Janes I got from Abeo today, they were extremely expensive. So I need to make sure I love them with NO issues. I’ve never spent that much on a pair of shoes! My boss asked me what brand they were (he’s into brands, I am not for the most part) and of course he had never heard of it. It’s just a good shoe, not fashionable or popular. It’s not like his new Tesla or Porsche. Lol. But they better make me feel amazing walking or back they go! 

I need to try my Hotter shoes too. But I do need to bend my foot a tad to get them on, and that still hurts. But someday... right?!? they are really cute, and more of my usual style. 

I start PT this evening! Sort of excited, sort of scared! I do need to make sure insurance covers it before I start though! I’m hoping to learn what they teach and if it’s expensive I’ll just do them myself. Boy I’d love a professional foot massage! Never had one! I hope they do that! Lol! 

We have snow on the ground here today. Crazy. Lots of people without power from the storms Saturday. 

So glad to hear everyone is doing well. I still have one scab on my top scar, that won’t go away. The rest are turning into a red line. The in between toe one is still thick so I work it hard with my mixture of arnica, vitamin e, Mederma, aquafor (thanks for that suggestion Iris!) and some rosehip oil and helichrysum oil, which is an amazing oil for this! 

Ill post a pic soon. I’m shocked my ankle isn’t hurting much yet. And I still have a daggone bruise on the bottom of my foot! So that’s tender. I’m only walking for a bit, but finding myself doing it probably more than I should. My hubby said the surgeon said to use the Velcro shoe for two weeks, then if I can fit into a good shoe, to do that. I can’t remember what he said. But I can’t drive with that shoe. And I have to drive tomorrow to work. I’m sooo sick of asking for rides! I never ask anyone for anything, I don’t like to, so that has been a struggle. Luckily my FIL has offered and we’ve become closer because of it. He knows the routine, and picks me up and tosses (not really, but it’s quite comical) into his truck. And doesn’t moan and groan from my full body weight, lol ;-) but I sent him a video of the little boy doing the Macarena for his mom from YouTube, where he keeps saying to her, this is the LAST time. Look it up, it’s funny :-) we all need to laugh at this point! 

I dont go back for 10 weeks now. I’ll have to message the nurse and verify the shoe info, because I’m not wearing the Velcro that long if I don’t have to! 

Its hard to remind myself to walk heel, middle, toes. But my foot reminds me when I do it wrong! 

Thank you Donna, the morning went ok, but I couldn't have done a full day, just tomorrow morning then a break till Monday. You seemed to go back to work quite soon? was it about 8 weeks? My op was 12 weeks ago last Thursday.  How was your second day Ann? How are your work shoes? 

I went back a week and a half later. Not much choice. Luckily I was and am still able to do most of my work from home. I still can't do much more than 6 hours. But it's getting better every week. I'm not sure how I did it at first . I cried a lot! Lol. The biggest thing I tell people is to time out the pain about an hour ahead of time. Leaves time to wrap up, get home, and then finally rest the foot. And my brain! It would be so friend from trying to do all of my work quickly! By the time I'd leave work and drive home it would almost be too late, I was beyond pain and a blubbering mess. I had to teach myself to slow down. That's not easy!

Gosh Donna, I couldn't have gone back to college after a week and a half, you are very resilient, and brave, I did start working at home though cos I could sit down and rest whenever I wanted to. I remember reading an earlier post when you got back from work and were in a lot of pain, it must have been so hard for you. I think you are right,  we need to stop work about an hour before we think we can get to, to allow for getting home before the swelling really kicks in. Everyone on here has such good advice and understanding. 

I hope PT went well today!

On the PT, we showed up to be met with a sign that said, Healthquest, coming soon??? I nearly died. My husband called the number, and was told I was scheduled at the Mt. Clemons location, a half hour away. And this location would be open soon. I was soooo angry and of course I started to cry. Lol. I’m glad he called because I would have screamed at them, and then cried. Oy... nevery easy street for me. They apologized, with no doubt in my mind I asked if I’d be able to find the location in my city I went to ok, and she assured me yes. Turns out all calls are routed to that location. St. Clair Shores doesn’t sound like Mt. Clemons so I know I asked. And I had driven for the first time since my last try. A whole minute and a half there, lol. And it hurt :-( so no way can I start to drive to work today. So I cried about that. 

They are going to have the pt call me today (while I’m at work of course) and schedule somhting at the new location. It better not be weeks away or I’ll have to go somewhere else. Of course that was the only one close to home. Double bubble! 

I talked about my shoes in the last post. Darnit, it was good! 

Now to get ready to get a ride into work. Again. I couldn’t bare to ask my FIL again, even though he’s assured me he likes it. So I asked a good friend of my hubbys. My hubby is always helping others out with things, he is very good at fixing things, etc. almost to a fault he helps so many people. And he helps this friend constantly , so it’s the least he can do. But I absolutely hate asking people for favors. I considered Uber but that would be silly. 

bottom of foot is STILL bruised and the top hurt driving when I pressed on the gas and brake. Even for that short amount of time. So I’d never make it to work, actually work, and then drive home. I’d cry again for sure! 

Ill try again on Monday. 

Ill  try and remember what I said earlier, and answer back after work or tomorrow a.m. 

have a great day all! No crying! lol

I found that wearing a shoe with just a bit higher heel than the surgical shoe actually feels better, as I am not putting so much weight on my surgical foot that way. Sorry PT did not work out for you yesterday. I have not driven yet, either. I do not think I can with the bulky shoe I am wearing on my right foot. My first plan to drive is to my next doc appointment in a couple weeks, May 2nd (10 weeks post-op). I will be wearing the shoe until that day when I think he will tell me I can try regular shoes. Not sure yet, if I will see how the shoe fits the pedal that day, or slip on a shoe for the driving part before my appointment. Your next doc appointment is 10 weeks away, or in a couple of weeks at 10 weeks post-op? 

I am using a cane just a little bit still--usually in the morning and sometimes later in the day. My ankle is still swollen, although not as bad. I am getting a lot of rippling pain in the top of my toe and through the top of my foot this last week. I am not sure if that is from walking, or stretching exercises, or what. I do not recall that pain last time.

Thanks for the update! :-) 

But I sure got tired super fast. Having to use a scooter took a lot out of me, having to get on it every time I needed to get up. I don’t have much upper strength! I have more now I’m sure! 

Even if if you can set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to take breaks. Once I got to work, I just tried to power through it, often times ending up in tears and pain from overdoing it. 

Each day is better, now that I can walk on it, I’m doing it too much and my foot reminds me. But it’s so much easier to just walk than to get on the scooter. Though I sure did get fast on it ;-) 

the working at home helped a lot. My hubby would remind me when I had sat at the table too long. And it sure helped me feel like I was accomplishing something on those few really dark days. 

 I did get some sore and swollen ankle yesterday. And a lot of swelling after work. And I do have that odd sensation on the top of my foot still sometimes. 

they called and left a message regarding PT, so I will call back to schedule today. Yesterday at times my foot was sore like it was at just a few weeks. That dull and annoying pain. So I elevated it good, iced it, and slept with it elevated. Still swollen this a.m. I’ll try and take it easy today. I do have to go help my mom take a shower today. I do notice that while walking where people are, I’m scared someone will step on it! So I keep my distance! If I had bubble wrap I would seriously do that while at my moms! 

Ill post a foot pic later :-) 

We don't have those scooters in England, well I hadn't heard of them till I came on this discussion, I kept wondering how big your houses were to have a scooter in the house.  I looked them up on line but they look hard work? I was given crutches and a velco boot, I used the crutches for 2 weeks then only when I went outside. The boot came off (thank god!) after 6 weeks and that was when my pain and problems started, first the infection and then a black dot. The Occupational health person thinks its an undissolved suture.  6 hours this week has left me shattered, but as you say each day should get better. Its good that you have your husband watching out for you so you don't do too much. Its a lovely sunny day here so I am just talking myself into karchering the patio so I can put the garden furniture out. Good idea about setting an alarm on my phone, will do. Speedy recovery to all.

Hi Dona ~ Yes, I am wearing the surgical shoe until my next appointment at 10 weeks (not wearing it to bed). My doc did not tell me I could try a regular shoe yet. Insurance would not cover an accident while wearing the shoe... That does not sound correct to me. Insurance covers stupidity/bad decisions--like pulling out in front of someone, and driving under the influence or with medical conditions. Drivers may get a ticket; however, insurance still covers. Things may be different elsewhere. In Michigan, we pay those ridiculously high rates for required no-fault and medical coverage.

The heeled shoes I am wearing are just my basic regular shoes that I had before surgery. A slip on shoe or boot (since it will not quit snowing this spring!) with a small wedge heel of about 1" or less. Sometimes, I wear my tennies/athletic shoes, which are about the same height as the surgical shoe.

The scooters are kind of a lot of work. It was helpful to have at home to work in the kitchen for dinner and things like that (very difficult with crutches). Our house is not real big, about 1,300 sq. ft. We have an open floor plan, so having enough room was not a problem. 

Enjoy your nice weather! 

Yes car insurance is crazy here! 

My house is super small. I can’t even turn it around in the only bathroom we have. It’s a tad tricky at first, but by far it’s my top choice of getting around.

i do find myself walking more than I should though for sure. It’s really swollen and pins and needles today. 

The sun is out here, but I’m sure it’s really cold. And if I blink it may start to snow again. I’m so over that!  

PT on Monday evening at the correct place. I still don’t think I’ll be able to drive by then. Not going to rush it. I’ve been icing and elevating a ton but man that sore feeling is the pits! I also feel the rubber band feeling like it’s pulling on my toes toward my knee. Back to the scooter I go. It’s hard to do since I know I am allowed to walk with the shoe to just not do it to save time and convienience! 

i feel like I took a step back. Have a great weekend all! 

What kind of constant pain do you mean? The pain I am having is not constant. It happens mostly after and during exercise. I have the rough, pressing, scratching pain on top of my foot and toe. It sometimes feels like something is smashing down on my toe. Your incisions look pretty good now! Mine are thicker and bigger. Must be all that oil rubbing you have been doing is working.

my pain is is like a dull, all over aching the entire foot, especially the bottom and where the bunion bone stood out.  Do you still have that bump like we both had? Mine is still there but it’s not as big as it was before. Yesterday I kept getting the feeling like I wanted to crack my toes but I couldn’t. My ankle cracks all of the time now! It always feels better after. My ankle was a little tender to the touch yesterday but not so much today. I’m confused if this pain is from walking and I need to power through it, or I’m walking on it too much. Hopefully the PT will help me figure it out. 

I started to think about the PT, and of course overthink as I do! I wonder if they look up how to treat us for the exact procedure we had? Will they know we aren’t supposed to do certain things or do we have to tell them? and what would I tell them?! I’m still nervous about the place where the fusion was. 

Yes, I still have the bump on top where the screw is. Sometimes red and irritated, and sometimes it looks similar to a goose egg. Let us know how the PT goes ~ 

My doctor said basically whatever to me. He said what I can tolerate. Well are we tolerating it or doing damage? Frustrating! 

 he told me to walk about an hour or so throughout the day, in the shoe for a few days. Then to do as much as I could tolerate after that. He said I didn’t have to use anything to help me walk. The first few days I thought I’d need to get a cane for sure, the scooter was too bulky to try and stand by and walk. But after several more days I felt like I didn’t need anything to keep me sturdy. he said FWB and walk heal, middle, toe. That was that, and he was out the door.

i do limp a tad especially in the a.m. when I get up. But for the most part I walk very slow and try to take the weight off it quickly.