Sue, I had a sesamoid removed 2 and a half years ago and it was a loooooong time for healing but I think I heal slowly anyway. Prior to surgery I spent 9 months doing conservative treatments, cortizone, anti-inflammatories, wearing a boot and it only healed up about 50%. My doctor wanted to try the boot again but I was so fed up I opted for surgery. I regretted it for a long time but now I think I am glad I had it. It's hard to say because I have a neuroma in my other foot now and I have not been able to make further progress with my tendon because I can't go further in my physical activities due the neuroma soreness. I spent 2 months in a boot and went into tennis shoes for a couple of months. I spent 4 long months in physical therapy. My doctor tied off the tendon in the capsule of the big toe. My tendon was pretty tight but this was good. I never developed a bunion which was a possibility nor did my toes go crooked, another possibility. Had an xray on that foot recently because of a possible neuroma and he said the results from my surgery still look great. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Terri