I am week five after surgery and doing very well,no cast thank goodness just a surgical dressing which my daughter has redressed several times for me. I was quite surprised how painful it was during the first ten days,I have a very high pain tolerance level bit none the less  this was real sore. The down side has been the wire in the hammertoe this is attached to a small bead which sits on the end of my toe,sticks out like a sore thumb.This will be removed in five days time(counting down). Bunion area is still sore and inflamed but swelling has gone down very well,was under the illusion I would be able to star wearing flat shoe pretty quickly but having read previous comments,and seen the inflammed area am now doubtful,worst part of ths surgery is the recovery period,six weeks very little exercise and the immobility has been frustrating ,long term I am duress it would have been worth it....good luck all.