Hi all. Long time since I posted but wanted to just update everyone. I'm at week 6 since my double bunionectomy and yesterday I had my x-rays and things looked fine so doc removed the pins. I had two in my left foot and one in the right (less severe bunion in that foot). I expected it would be really painful, as the pins themselves were starting to really irritate me. I started getting sticking pain from them around week 4 - 5 so i was very happy they could come out. Doc really wanted them to stay in until 6 weeks though because he said that's about how long it takes for the bones to heal completely so I'm glad we waited.

Didn't have much trouble with the removal because doc said that the body sort of encapsulates the pin during recovery which means that the pins are sort of in a protective pocket and not hitting so much nerve and tissue. Of course this is my really rudimentary explanation but it's quite true. You can feel the tugging but not real pain. It felt great to have the pins out and to have all the bandages removed. So now I can finally soak my feet and wash them and lotion them. They look horrid so can't wait to do this. Also can finally be without bandages. Doc said that chances are I won't fit in shoes for the next week or so because of swelling. He said to try but not to get discouraged if my feet are too swollen and just to stick with my velcro shoes if need be. We'll see on that one. I go back to the doc in 8 weeks so basically I've been dismissed from post-op recovery and now I'm on my own and hope to make slow progress and see how much walking I can manage. Probably very little to start with but I feel good that I'm heading in the right direction.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Lesley

Hi all. Long time since I posted but wanted to just update everyone. I'm at week 6 since my double bunionectomy and yesterday I had my x-rays and things looked fine so doc removed the pins. I had two in my left foot and one in the right (less severe bunion in that foot). I expected it would be really painful, as the pins themselves were starting to really irritate me. I started getting sticking pain from them around week 4 - 5 so i was very happy they could come out. Doc really wanted them to stay in until 6 weeks though because he said that's about how long it takes for the bones to heal completely so I'm glad we waited.

Didn't have much trouble with the removal because doc said that the body sort of encapsulates the pin during recovery which means that the pins are sort of in a protective pocket and not hitting so much nerve and tissue. Of course this is my really rudimentary explanation but it's quite true. You can feel the tugging but not real pain. It felt great to have the pins out and to have all the bandages removed. So now I can finally soak my feet and wash them and lotion them. They look horrid so can't wait to do this. Also can finally be without bandages. Doc said that chances are I won't fit in shoes for the next week or so because of swelling. He said to try but not to get discouraged if my feet are too swollen and just to stick with my velcro shoes if need be. We'll see on that one. I go back to the doc in 8 weeks so basically I've been dismissed from post-op recovery and now I'm on my own and hope to make slow progress and see how much walking I can manage. Probably very little to start with but I feel good that I'm heading in the right direction.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Lesley
Hey, Marketingmom, welcome back! I thought you were off to the world of Marketing and we'd lost you for good. Glad to hear you got your pins out and have been dismissed from post-op recovery by your doctor. That's a major milestone. I know what you mean; though I didn't have pins (mine is a permanent screw instead) I felt it was a glorious day when my bandages were removed and I could wash my foot properly for the first time after surgery. If your course of recovery is anything like mine, progress from here will be slow but steady, and we will get there. I hope yours continues to go smoothly.

twobadfeet

twobadfeet

Lesley.
So happy for you. I know when I got my pin out it was such a relief.
It didn't hurt me much either. Just the tugging bothered me.
My doctor said I could bear weight and now I have a splint on my toe. I go back Thursday and not sure what he will do. Maybe I won't have to go back for a month or so.
So glad for you. Polly

Thanks all. This splint thing is new to me. Never had one, never will. Amazing how differently the docs treat bunions.

Tonight my big plan is to take a long bath with me feet in the water!!!

I know you're glad to be able to give that foot a good cleaning. It seems like at least 2 layers of skin come off with the first wash & towel dry. Need some huge men's shoes? I've finally gotten where I don't need my size 8 EEEE's anymore! Hope you continue to make a good recovery.