surgery bunion recovery problems

Guest · Guest

Hi Everyone,
I was reading a lot of your posts, and I just wanted to add my 10 cents in. I've had bunions ever since I was a kid. Never thought about surgery until this year because my big toes were starting to cross over my 2nd toes. I had a right bunionectomy August 31 and the left Dec. 28, 2007.

To do or not to do it: My understanding from talking to a lot of people who've had it and from talking with 3 Drs, is that there are many different types of bunionectomies. Of course, there are also different levels of pain that people experience, etc. In general though, about 4 out of 5 people that I've talked with have said that it was well worth it. The 5th one had both done at the same time, and from what she described, I think she didn't rest it enough and fractured another bone in her foot as a result.

Cast/Cam Boot: I saw that one of you had worn a cast. I didn't. I was given a scarfiotomy (sp??) and have 2 screws which are going to be removed when the bone grows stronger. Basically, what I had done was the large bone where the big toe joint is, was cut smaller, and the bone between that joint and the middle of the arch was cut lengthwise, twisted, and screwed back in. My understanding is that out of 4 stages, I was at a stage 3, and should have done this over 10 years ago (all 3 Drs who I received opinions from said this).

Meds: With my right foot, I ended up using crutches even though I was supposed to be able to hobble around only with a cam-boot-walker. I controlled it with 400 mg of ibuprofin and ice packs. Never touched the other pain meds. Now, with the left foot, I decided against the crutches and I'm controlling the pain with keeping it elevated, ibuprofin and ice packs.

Pain: I'm sorry to the person who is in a lot of pain. For me, anytime I had more pain, I would elevate my foot to keep it from swelling up against the bandages. Oh yeah, my foot swelled a lot in August (it was 100 degs here) but there seems to be minimal swelling now since my foot's up higher than my heart and because it's cooler now.

I have a little more pain than when I did the right one, but before it was a 1 or 2, and now it's a 3, or else at it's very worst, when I didn't elevate it for a while at this early stage, it went up to a 5. Most of the time, with the ibuprofen, it's back down sometimes to even a 0.

Post op stuff: What I did last month, was order a set of orthotics. For some reason the joint under my right pinky had been hurting upon contact with hard surfaces, but now with the orthotics, it helped relieve the pressure on that bone. I spoke with one lady who was really happy with her Dr. (turned out he was my Dr. too), and she highly recommended the orthotics. She works behind the counter at the Post Office, so I think she will know whether it's worth getting.

Sorry to be so long-winded here, but I couldn't find any good info prior to getting my surgeries, and hope that this info will help others.

Hope this helps!
Dee[/u]

fisherfantom · Newbie Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Hi Everyone,
I was reading a lot of your posts, and I just wanted to add my 10 cents in. I've had bunions ever since I was a kid. Never thought about surgery until this year because my big toes were starting to cross over my 2nd toes. I had a right bunionectomy August 31 and the left Dec. 28, 2007.

To do or not to do it: My understanding from talking to a lot of people who've had it and from talking with 3 Drs, is that there are many different types of bunionectomies. Of course, there are also different levels of pain that people experience, etc. In general though, about 4 out of 5 people that I've talked with have said that it was well worth it. The 5th one had both done at the same time, and from what she described, I think she didn't rest it enough and fractured another bone in her foot as a result.

Cast/Cam Boot: I saw that one of you had worn a cast. I didn't. I was given a scarfiotomy (sp??) and have 2 screws which are going to be removed when the bone grows stronger. Basically, what I had done was the large bone where the big toe joint is, was cut smaller, and the bone between that joint and the middle of the arch was cut lengthwise, twisted, and screwed back in. My understanding is that out of 4 stages, I was at a stage 3, and should have done this over 10 years ago (all 3 Drs who I received opinions from said this).

Meds: With my right foot, I ended up using crutches even though I was supposed to be able to hobble around only with a cam-boot-walker. I controlled it with 400 mg of ibuprofin and ice packs. Never touched the other pain meds. Now, with the left foot, I decided against the crutches and I'm controlling the pain with keeping it elevated, ibuprofin and ice packs.

Pain: I'm sorry to the person who is in a lot of pain. For me, anytime I had more pain, I would elevate my foot to keep it from swelling up against the bandages. Oh yeah, my foot swelled a lot in August (it was 100 degs here) but there seems to be minimal swelling now since my foot's up higher than my heart and because it's cooler now.

I have a little more pain than when I did the right one, but before it was a 1 or 2, and now it's a 3, or else at it's very worst, when I didn't elevate it for a while at this early stage, it went up to a 5. Most of the time, with the ibuprofen, it's back down sometimes to even a 0.

Post op stuff: What I did last month, was order a set of orthotics. For some reason the joint under my right pinky had been hurting upon contact with hard surfaces, but now with the orthotics, it helped relieve the pressure on that bone. I spoke with one lady who was really happy with her Dr. (turned out he was my Dr. too), and she highly recommended the orthotics. She works behind the counter at the Post Office, so I think she will know whether it's worth getting.

Sorry to be so long-winded here, but I couldn't find any good info prior to getting my surgeries, and hope that this info will help others.

Dee

Guest · Guest

I had a bunionectomy and my 2nd metatarsal shortened on 11/2/07 - almost 9 weeks ago - on my left foot. I'm in regular tennis shoes now -- but I had to get 2 sizes larger than I normally wear because of the swelling. It's still painful to walk and it takes me forever to get anywhere. If the swelling is going down, it sooooo gradual, that I can't tell. Has anyone else had this exact same procedure? I'm wondering if my foot will ever be normal again!! I think the problem is worse because of the metatarsal versus the bunion.

New Feet Please! · Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

You may have seen my post already. On 11.27.07 I had a bunionectomy, the 2nd metatarsal shortened (apart of hammertoe correction - also with a silicone joint spacer), and 4th and 5th hammertoes corrected. My toes swell but not very badly. My surgeon told me that I would need to keep them wrapped (individually!!!) for several weeks. Keeping them wrapped, massaging each section of the foot (downward strokes starting at the base of the toes) and elevating (as much as I can) has helped. I do have some pain when I walk and it also feels like it takes me forever and a day to get anything done. I asked about the pain and the physical therapist told me it was due to the swelling. Alternating between heat and ice can help with that as well. (PT warms my foot to work on it and ices it once we're done. I always feel fine afterward.) My surgeon also said that it will be necessary to get back into shoes as soon as possible because that also helps to force the swelling out of the toes. My 2nd toe doesn't bother me at all (while the 4th and 5th have made me rather uncomfortable at times). But I think the more you have done (bunion + toe shortening + hammertoe....), the more trying the recovery will be.

Did you have PT at all? Just curious if your 2nd toe sticks up a little. I've had to trick mine into laying flat by wrapping in a sling of sorts. I don't know if this has helped. I don't regret the procedure but I do feel the same and wonder exactly when it will all be normal. Until then, I hope that things get better and easier for you.

Guest · Guest

I did not find the post helpful - you need to be quite specific about what kind of bunion procedure you have. I just had bunion surgery - I heard 3-4 weeks - piece of cake.

I had lots of pain, a pin in the foot, to be removed at 6 weeks and then reteaching my foot to walk.

I have read many posts on the internet and it reads about swelling, aching, some info says 6 weeks to good as new, some say 1 year....

It's quite individual and if you don't overdue it and there are no complications - I assume that you get to pain free or certainly 90% reduction...

P

fisherfantom · Newbie Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Although I only had a bunionectomy, just for that in itself, I have one that still swells up at night a bit now..It's been a 4 months 1 week now. After about 5 weeks, I started wearing my original tennis shoes, of course tied loosely. Are you still putting your feet up on and off during the day to keep your feet from swelling? I still did that (which alleviates pain and discomfort) at least 3 months after my surgery. Since you've had more bone work done than me, I would think it's more important for you to do so.

Good luck healing!

New Feet Please! · Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

Sorry it wasn't helpful. Sad

I had an osteotomy with 2 permanent screws in the big toe. Recovery is very individual, I would agree. I wish you the best and hope you're doing better.

SJT · Newbie Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

I was very appreciative to read your experience. I will at age 54.5 will be getting both feet done in Feb. I have been told that my big toes having been unable to bend beyond 55 degrees has contributed to my acutely inflammed left sacro iliac joint and strained muscles in left hip and t band and left side calf. My worry is after the operation if my back and hips are still inflammed, and my two feet are recovering, how will I get up out of bed and move. Any suggestions? How did you bathe? Thanks for input about pain levels and ice packs, elevation and not pushing it so as to refracture any bone.
SJT

DQ2inCT · Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

Hi all,

I recently had surgery for a bunion on my left foot and am now scheduled for the same surgery on my right foot later next month. Before my surgery, I had read many posts from people seeking advice and some who had bad experiences. Since I have had great success with my surgery, I wanted to share my story.
I have had a bunion on my right foot for about 30 years, since I was a teenager. Years ago it was very painful and I went to numerous foot doctors who discouraged me from surgery for various reasons. Over the past ten years it has not bothered me at all but of course it is unsightly and embarrassing. Last year my right foot started to bother me and within months a bunion formed on that foot as well. About that time I noticed that the big toe on my right foot was starting to move over on top of the next toe. At that point I decided to see a doctor to discuss my options. It did take a few months and three different doctors to find what I was looking for. I needed to be able to walk without crutches and drive. Two of the doctors told me that wouldn’t happen for weeks. I also wanted to have the surgery in the doctor’s office with local anaesthetic. This was also an issue for two of the doctors. The last one I found met all my criteria. On November 20, 2007, he performed a Mitchell procedure on my left foot and sent me home in a Darco Orthowedge shoe. It took a few minutes to get used to this shoe but it takes all your weight off your toes and it sure beats crutches. The doctor instructed me to stay off my foot for as much as possible for two days so I stayed on the couch most of the time. I had hardly any pain. Just a little sore and a few twinges now and again but nothing like I expected. Two weeks after the surgery I had the stitches out and was able to wash my foot. I also started using Mederma gel to minimize the scarring. At three weeks the doctor gave me a flat booty to wear but he didn’t know that I had already been walking in loose regular shoes at only 18 days after surgery with no problems or pain. My x-rays were perfect and by four weeks after surgery I was walking normal again. I am now back in regular shoes and have experienced no problems what so ever. My foot looks great without the big bump and the scar is already disappearing.
I am scheduled for the same Mitchell procedure on my right foot on February 29. This bunion is larger than the other but the doctor expects the same outcome. Since I have lived with that bunion for so many years I am anxious to have it removed.
For anyone considering this type of surgery, I suggest that you get a few opinions and keep searching until you find a doctor that you feel comfortable with. I am still amazed at the differing treatments and recovery options that I was offered. As for making that final decision, you’ll probably know when it’s time as I did. I realized that they were only going to get worse and someday I would need the surgery. By doing it now I get to enjoy my new feet sooner than later. Good luck to all! Very Happy

Guest · Guest

I had bunion surgery just over 2 weeks ago on both feet. I went back to work this week but it is painful and I have a great deal of swelling. Furthermore, I find it almost pointless to use crutches since both feet are affected. I also had 1 incision site start bleeding today (probably from the swelling) and the fact I tried wearing tennis shoes that I slit the sides on. Back to the surgical shoes for a while. Think long and hard before having this surgery unless you can stay home with your feet up for a prolonged period of time.

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