EMG
02-12-2004, 03:28 PM
I would never have thought about getting both feet done at the same time, but comments on this board have made me start thinking about it. I can get a wheel chair & maybe 2 (one for work & one for home) My neighbor has said she can drive me. BUT I live alone, how much of a problem is it to get from the bed to the frig for more ICE ! ! I dont want any surprises, I feel as though I can get thru anything as long as I have the worse case senario covered.
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HappyMama
02-12-2004, 04:17 PM
Hi there. I got both done at the same time. Since doing that, I have discovered this board and found out many more things about bunion surgery than I knew before I had my surgery. One thing that I have learned after doing a lot of research is that if you get both feet done at the same time you are more likely to have the reoccurence of the bunion.
To be honest, this recovery time has been so slow in my humble opinion, and if I didn't get them both done at the same time I'm not quite sure if I would have gone back to get the second one done. So in a way I'm glad that I just went ahead and got it over with.
It will be VERY tough if you live alone. I can't imagine getting this done without my husband's support. He has cooked for me, cleaned, brought me my change of clothes, etc. Still to this day when I have to go to the bathroom at night I just scoot myself down off the bed and crawl there b/c I'm too lazy to put on my shoes in the middle of the night.
I don't know, if I were you and I was the only one at home I would probably do just one foot. That way, too, you can see how your feet react and you can decide if you want to get the other done.
To be honest, this recovery time has been so slow in my humble opinion, and if I didn't get them both done at the same time I'm not quite sure if I would have gone back to get the second one done. So in a way I'm glad that I just went ahead and got it over with.
It will be VERY tough if you live alone. I can't imagine getting this done without my husband's support. He has cooked for me, cleaned, brought me my change of clothes, etc. Still to this day when I have to go to the bathroom at night I just scoot myself down off the bed and crawl there b/c I'm too lazy to put on my shoes in the middle of the night.
I don't know, if I were you and I was the only one at home I would probably do just one foot. That way, too, you can see how your feet react and you can decide if you want to get the other done.
carolcrone
02-12-2004, 05:04 PM
I found 1 bunionectomy to be very incapacitating; I would never have considered having both done at the same time. The first week, there is a lot of pain, even using 1 good foot, and you need a lot of help. How would you reach the freezer to get the ice from a wheelchair (maybe your freezer is on the bottom). Also the ice needs to go on 20 min on, 20 min off, so you or your caretaker will constantly have to go back & forth to the kitchen. I'd think you'd have to hire someone or get someone to live in for the first week. If you're in your wheelchair getting stuff like ice & food, you're not elevating your feet above your heart and that's likely to cause lots of swelling & pain. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.
sweetficus
02-12-2004, 07:11 PM
The 1st week, especially the 1st few days, are beyond belief in terms of pain, discomfort, and inability to move. I was practically helpless and I only had one side done (and I am pretty strong and have good balance, even then I almost fell on crutches a couple of times just trying to go to the bathroom only a few yards away), even w/ my mom doing everything for me.
I would definitely not recommend having both done at once, unless you have a couple of really strong people at your beck and call around
I would definitely not recommend having both done at once, unless you have a couple of really strong people at your beck and call around
PMCW58
02-12-2004, 07:21 PM
I think I might have to say "NO WAY" on this question. I had my bunionectomies done 8 months apart, although I probably could have done them about 6 months apart but the timing wasn't right..I think that the only way to make it through this surgery for someone who lives alone would be to do them one at a time, but either have someone stay with you for a week or so or go stay with someone for a week or so...I cannot grasp a person with a bilateral bunionectomy being able to take care of themselves for quite a while.. Just my humble opinion..
PMCW (Paula)
right foot bunionectomy 1/6/04
left foot 5/03
PMCW (Paula)
right foot bunionectomy 1/6/04
left foot 5/03
rileyroe
02-12-2004, 08:48 PM
I had a double bunionectomy 5 weeks ago, and I would have not have been able to do without my husband. He carried me to the bathroom for the first 2 days because I absolutely could NOT put any pressure on my feet. I also couldn't stand having them down so the blood rushed to them! I wasn't even able to put pressure on them to stand to get into a wheelchair for the first few days. If you are not in a situation to have someone do everything for you (for a lengthy amount of time) do not do both at once. You won't be able to get to the bathroom, let alone get a glass of ice! Let me know if you have any questions!! Mandy
mediamom
02-13-2004, 10:36 AM
I had both feet done 4 weeks ago. I knew that I would have difficulty taking off from work two times and I really wanted to get it all over and done with. I lined up my in-laws to come and help, which made the world of difference for me. You will need help. Docs all tell you different things in terms of weight bearing, so ask yours specific questions. I was told I could put some weight on the heels of my foot so I didn't need to get carried anywhere. I did stay in bed almost entirely the first 2 weeks. Had meals served to me in bed but walked the few feet from my bed to the bathroom. Kept an office wheelie chair upstairs for brushing teeth etc (so I didn't have to stand).
I went with an orthopedic surgeon with board certification in foot and ankle surgery. As I said, there is great difference in post-op instructions depending on your doc. Find out what he/she would recommend and that will help you enormously with the decision. Also find out if pins will be used and how soon driving would be allowed (they should have an idea based on the severity of your bunions). As for the wheelchairs, you can get them with elevated leg rests so you can keep your feet up (this is a huge help).
Frankly, for me, pain wasn't as bad as I had anticipate (and I'm a pain wimp). I think I had a great surgeon and was probably lucky. I'm still dealing with swelling of course and my pins are still in. Mobility is still tough (no driving until about 6 weeks when pins are out).
Most important thing in my mind is finding a really good doc and having a frank discussion about his/her post-op instructions. Good luck with your decision.
I went with an orthopedic surgeon with board certification in foot and ankle surgery. As I said, there is great difference in post-op instructions depending on your doc. Find out what he/she would recommend and that will help you enormously with the decision. Also find out if pins will be used and how soon driving would be allowed (they should have an idea based on the severity of your bunions). As for the wheelchairs, you can get them with elevated leg rests so you can keep your feet up (this is a huge help).
Frankly, for me, pain wasn't as bad as I had anticipate (and I'm a pain wimp). I think I had a great surgeon and was probably lucky. I'm still dealing with swelling of course and my pins are still in. Mobility is still tough (no driving until about 6 weeks when pins are out).
Most important thing in my mind is finding a really good doc and having a frank discussion about his/her post-op instructions. Good luck with your decision.
EMG
02-13-2004, 11:49 AM
What pain meds. were you given? I cant stay in bed 2 wks...I was planning on coming back to work after 5 days...in a wheel chair...is that unreasonable? I had both feet done 4 weeks ago. I knew that I would have difficulty taking off from work two times and I really wanted to get it all over and done with. I lined up my in-laws to come and help, which made the world of difference for me. You will need help. Docs all tell you different things in terms of weight bearing, so ask yours specific questions. I was told I could put some weight on the heels of my foot so I didn't need to get carried anywhere. I did stay in bed almost entirely the first 2 weeks. Had meals served to me in bed but walked the few feet from my bed to the bathroom. Kept an office wheelie chair upstairs for brushing teeth etc (so I didn't have to stand).
I went with an orthopedic surgeon with board certification in foot and ankle surgery. As I said, there is great difference in post-op instructions depending on your doc. Find out what he/she would recommend and that will help you enormously with the decision. Also find out if pins will be used and how soon driving would be allowed (they should have an idea based on the severity of your bunions). As for the wheelchairs, you can get them with elevated leg rests so you can keep your feet up (this is a huge help).
Frankly, for me, pain wasn't as bad as I had anticipate (and I'm a pain wimp). I think I had a great surgeon and was probably lucky. I'm still dealing with swelling of course and my pins are still in. Mobility is still tough (no driving until about 6 weeks when pins are out).
Most important thing in my mind is finding a really good doc and having a frank discussion about his/her post-op instructions. Good luck with your decision.
I went with an orthopedic surgeon with board certification in foot and ankle surgery. As I said, there is great difference in post-op instructions depending on your doc. Find out what he/she would recommend and that will help you enormously with the decision. Also find out if pins will be used and how soon driving would be allowed (they should have an idea based on the severity of your bunions). As for the wheelchairs, you can get them with elevated leg rests so you can keep your feet up (this is a huge help).
Frankly, for me, pain wasn't as bad as I had anticipate (and I'm a pain wimp). I think I had a great surgeon and was probably lucky. I'm still dealing with swelling of course and my pins are still in. Mobility is still tough (no driving until about 6 weeks when pins are out).
Most important thing in my mind is finding a really good doc and having a frank discussion about his/her post-op instructions. Good luck with your decision.
HappyMama
02-13-2004, 11:58 AM
I would not have wanted to come back to work in 5 days, even in the wheelchair. I don't think my mind would have been there. When you are down and out and not able to really move, your whole body and mind tends to become very tired. I think I would have been a zombie at work if I went back that soon. At 5 days post op, just going to the bathroom was a huge task. I would plan on 2 weeks off from work at least. I know a lot of people take a short term disability to do this.
sweetficus
02-13-2004, 03:21 PM
EMG - reality check please; unless you have minimal bunion surgery (like just bumpectomies) then 5 days off is just not a realistic expectation
I took 2 1/2 weeks off and really needed 3 1/2 weeks off (even so going back to work, and I only had one done, was EXHAUSTING and extremely uncomfortable - foot throbbing all day long) I am young and very healthy and strong and I was very unpleasantly surprised by the extended time of recovery, the helplessness and pain and extreme tiredness
I'm a little worried that you are seriously underestimating the post-op period (I did a little myself)
I took 2 1/2 weeks off and really needed 3 1/2 weeks off (even so going back to work, and I only had one done, was EXHAUSTING and extremely uncomfortable - foot throbbing all day long) I am young and very healthy and strong and I was very unpleasantly surprised by the extended time of recovery, the helplessness and pain and extreme tiredness
I'm a little worried that you are seriously underestimating the post-op period (I did a little myself)
EMG
02-13-2004, 06:10 PM
Won't be a simple procedure...I have a 35 degree angle..bone in top of foot will have to be cut twice & 2 screws used...prob same for both feet. My apt. w/Dr is the 17th. I'll know more then.
rileyroe
02-13-2004, 07:08 PM
That is the same type of surgery that I had done, and there is NO WAY I could have gone back to work in 5 days. I was still taking my pain medicine pretty regularly 5 days post op. You need to be off a minimum of 2 weeks if you intend to have both feet done. You won't be able to drive for at least 2 weeks.....it will be closer to 3 weeks. If you do not have someone to help you 24 hours a day for the first few days, you can't possibly have both feet done at the same time! Please, really talk this over with your doctor. This is without a doubt the most painful experience of my life, and I have had 2 children!!
monpa04
02-15-2004, 09:34 PM
I had a double bunionectomy on 1/28 and I wish I hadn't. Even though I have family around all the time to help me, the pain is terrible and I can't do anything but lie down with my feet up. I am completely dependant on others to do everything for me.
I highly recommend just one at a time, at least you can walk on one foot with crutches and put no weight on the bad foot. Also, its easier to sit with one foot up than both. I was totally unprepared for this. I'm supposed to go back to work next week and it will be tough to drive. Luckily, my job allows me to work at home.
On the plus side, I won't have to have the surgery again! I'm sure after I feel back to normal I will be happy that I did it!
I highly recommend just one at a time, at least you can walk on one foot with crutches and put no weight on the bad foot. Also, its easier to sit with one foot up than both. I was totally unprepared for this. I'm supposed to go back to work next week and it will be tough to drive. Luckily, my job allows me to work at home.
On the plus side, I won't have to have the surgery again! I'm sure after I feel back to normal I will be happy that I did it!