Gainup
07-07-2005, 07:06 PM
Hi,
I've posted before about my bunions and have gotten some great advice. My Dr. said it's not a matter of "IF" I need the surgery, it's "WHEN". Both my feet are pretty severe so he says, pain isn't too bad.
The thought of being bedridden for any amount of time just freaks me out. I am very active and have worked really hard to get my body where it is now. Bottom line, I'm afraid I'd just turn into a big blob lying around. Also, I have one friend who still, after 5 years has hardly any mobility in her big toe. I know there are different stories, some great some not so great. I'm just a big chicken!!!! I just hate my feet and I feel they are getting worse faster now that I'm getting a bit older. I just don't want to wait until I'm old and then the surgery is even worse. Oh, I sound like such a baby!! :D
Did any of you experienced bunionectomy patients feel this before your surgery?
I've posted before about my bunions and have gotten some great advice. My Dr. said it's not a matter of "IF" I need the surgery, it's "WHEN". Both my feet are pretty severe so he says, pain isn't too bad.
The thought of being bedridden for any amount of time just freaks me out. I am very active and have worked really hard to get my body where it is now. Bottom line, I'm afraid I'd just turn into a big blob lying around. Also, I have one friend who still, after 5 years has hardly any mobility in her big toe. I know there are different stories, some great some not so great. I'm just a big chicken!!!! I just hate my feet and I feel they are getting worse faster now that I'm getting a bit older. I just don't want to wait until I'm old and then the surgery is even worse. Oh, I sound like such a baby!! :D
Did any of you experienced bunionectomy patients feel this before your surgery?
Sponsor
wakkochic17
07-08-2005, 11:11 AM
yeah, you never know what to expect. For me it was bad because my mom had the same exact surgery that I just had 4 weeks ago.. but one year ago. She had to go through a lot.. PT and all.. and then still had to get a second surgery this past Spring. Finally over a year later she is back to normal. For me so far I don't have the problems she had.. but I'm not far enough along to say I won't have any complications. It is a scary thing. For me though, I knew there was no choice. I either go through the pain and the inconvenience now, or go through it later when my foot gets too bad to walk on. My pain wasn't horrible before I got surgery.. but I knew it would get worse and worse so I chose to get the surgery before it got to the point where it was really bad. Unlike with my tailor bunions (both left and right) which I was in a lot of pain before I had the surgery.. I figured by electing it early I also got to pick when I had it done during the year so it wouldn't conflict with too much (for me that would be College Football since I have season tickets to my team!).
joll43
07-08-2005, 12:35 PM
There's never a good time to have this done. For me, all I have to do is look at my mom's feet and I feel better about it. Her big toes are almost horizontal at this point, and the toes next to them are raised up. Awful. It was a matter of "when" for me too. PT is so important when you have this done - I'm always surprised to read that people's doctors don't insist on it. Did your friend go through PT? When your foot heals you have to work that toe every single day to get it back - you really have an important role in your recovery - and you don't have to turn into a blob. You can eat right - and I found a great exercise tape by Margaret Richard: it's called Getting Better. She does the "Body Electric" series of workout tapes - kind of dated, but she looks fab and has a SURGICAL SHOE on her foot! She designed the workout for strength-training while she recovers from foot surgery, so all the exercises are sitting or lying down.
I'm still in my black boot on my second foot, starting PT next week. While these two foot surgeries have taken me out of a lot and sometimes made me crazy being at home, I am so glad I did this now and have no more bunions!
Good luck!
I'm still in my black boot on my second foot, starting PT next week. While these two foot surgeries have taken me out of a lot and sometimes made me crazy being at home, I am so glad I did this now and have no more bunions!
Good luck!
rollargirl
07-08-2005, 01:37 PM
Joll43 is right--there's never a good time. There is one thing for certain--the longer you wait (if your foot is getting progressively worse), the longer your recovery will be. I waited too long and have been at this for almost 6 months with both feet. Yes, you probably will gain a few pounds but once you are back to normal, they will come off again. Good luck to you.
angdang
07-08-2005, 02:37 PM
I get your fear and totally sympathize with you! Being so sedentary can take it's toll on our bodies so quickly, after all not even going out to check the mailbox. What also surprised me is how tired I am, being inactive is exhausting! But it's 4 weeks (today) and I can start moving about and at least till the other foot is done (next month) I've started doing some arms and leg exercise and I have to tell you, looking down at the straight toe makes me think next summer when the scars are all healed this will all be a distant memory and I will be thrilled! A pretty, normal looking and hopefully pain free foot! We are so lucky and blessed to know that we will recover
and be rewarded.
Hang in there!
and be rewarded.
Hang in there!
Sandra49
07-08-2005, 03:26 PM
I wish I had read these posts before I talked my doctor out of removing my bunions. To Gainup go on with it, I'm sure you will be fine. I am recovering from the bone spur in my baby toe, caused by the bunion pushing on the baby toe!!!! Yet like you I got cold feet, and opted to just remove bone spur only. If I had done it all, like someone said earlier, I would have been as good as new next year!!!
Gainup
07-08-2005, 09:33 PM
You guys are the best. Thanks for the support, this is something I am seriously considering soon. I will probably pick winter because I'm indoors a lot anyways. My Pod said I could do one foot and then the other in a few years. Sounds to me like doing them close to eachother is the best way. He says one foot is worse, but they both look bad to me.
I went to a massage therapist a few months back and she said surgery is too evasive and would ruin me. That made me nervous, but she's kind of strange anyways, so I'll take that with a grain of salt.
Joll, I wish I could see a pic of your Mom's feet, that would give me incentive. I have looked up pics online and have seen some pretty bad feet. How have husbands and wives handled the waiting on you hand and FOOT? :)
Thanks again for your helpful thoughs. I will keep reading the board until I get enough nerve to do this. Oh, should I get a second opinion? :confused:
I went to a massage therapist a few months back and she said surgery is too evasive and would ruin me. That made me nervous, but she's kind of strange anyways, so I'll take that with a grain of salt.
Joll, I wish I could see a pic of your Mom's feet, that would give me incentive. I have looked up pics online and have seen some pretty bad feet. How have husbands and wives handled the waiting on you hand and FOOT? :)
Thanks again for your helpful thoughs. I will keep reading the board until I get enough nerve to do this. Oh, should I get a second opinion? :confused:
Sandra49
07-08-2005, 09:43 PM
By thw way Gainup, just like you I am very active. I do not want to gain a 1lb! But I like to eat, being able to exercise, kept my weight in check. I purchased an elliptical, it will be delivered on the 29th. I paid dearly for a Precor, because it is the only elliptical that is guranteed not to bother your feet. I also followed someone's advice on here and order the Margaret Richard tape. Although I am at the end of this recovery, I figure I will be ready for the next one. So far I have not gained any weight, and it has been 3 weeks. I am eating a lot of fruit and veggies, and drinking a lot of water.
Gainup
07-09-2005, 01:17 AM
Hi Sandra,
It's good to hear you were able to keep your weight in check. I hate sounding so vein, but when you're active, you can't imagine not being active. I guess I could always do lots of situps and some pilates at home.
My Husbands biggest fear is that I'll have the surgery and then my feet are worse. I guess that worries me too. What kind of outcome to Dr.s tell you all about your bunion surgery? Do they say you'll be 100% after?
It's good to hear you were able to keep your weight in check. I hate sounding so vein, but when you're active, you can't imagine not being active. I guess I could always do lots of situps and some pilates at home.
My Husbands biggest fear is that I'll have the surgery and then my feet are worse. I guess that worries me too. What kind of outcome to Dr.s tell you all about your bunion surgery? Do they say you'll be 100% after?
feetfirst
07-09-2005, 09:56 AM
Gainup, I just turned 44, and like Joll said, there is never a good time, but for me the time was right. I was able to take a leave from work, and I had health insurance to cover it - something I have not had in years. I figured why wait till I am in my 50's or 60's - so I bit the bullet, and had my first foot done 14 weeks ago, and my second on 7 weeks ago.
My Husbands biggest fear is that I'll have the surgery and then my feet are worse. I guess that worries me too. What kind of outcome to Dr.s tell you all about your bunion surgery? Do they say you'll be 100% after?
I'd say this is my biggest fear as well, and I still am nervous as my feet are still sore... but I was told it takes a full 6 months to 1 year for the results to show, so I am in a wait & see mode.
Sandra49, did you have the bone spur from the outside of your foot - the boney part from a taylor bunion? If so, I had this removed along with my last bunion surgery - and this is far more painful the the big toe. It is still the sorest part in my shoe and walking.
My Husbands biggest fear is that I'll have the surgery and then my feet are worse. I guess that worries me too. What kind of outcome to Dr.s tell you all about your bunion surgery? Do they say you'll be 100% after?
I'd say this is my biggest fear as well, and I still am nervous as my feet are still sore... but I was told it takes a full 6 months to 1 year for the results to show, so I am in a wait & see mode.
Sandra49, did you have the bone spur from the outside of your foot - the boney part from a taylor bunion? If so, I had this removed along with my last bunion surgery - and this is far more painful the the big toe. It is still the sorest part in my shoe and walking.
joll43
07-09-2005, 11:49 AM
I used to spend an insane amount of time looking at other people's feet - on the subway, out on the street, you name it, and at the shoes they were able (or unable) to wear. My fiance can now spot someone who's uncomfortable in her shoes when previously he wouldn't have looked twice. I've been obsessed with this as long as my feet have bothered me. (I'm 38)
I was always ashamed of my ugly feet, but more importantly, in pain a lot of the time. I bit the bullet too - I did it while I had insurance - oh yes, proud to be an American, where at least I know I can't go to a doctor unless I'm rich.....(you mean that's not how the song goes?)
Anyway, I was terrified of having this done too. I'd never had any kind of surgery before and really didn't know what to expect. I LOVE my left foot now & look at it all the time. I'm amazed by what my doctor was able to do. My right foot's coming right along as well. What I can't get over is that I used to have callouses where my bunion was (ball of foot, on the instep side) and the outside of my big toe. I used to see people with "normal" feet who didn't have these. I thought they must not walk very much! Nonononono.....duh, my bunion pushed my foot further into my shoe, causing constant rubbing, redness & pain. I now have no callouses at all, even after a day of walking around - and since I can't put total weight on my right foot yet, the left foot does even more work, and still looks great after a day.
Mike (my fiance) sometimes looks at me and says - "those are your feet!" We can't get over it.
SO glad I took "before" pics of my feet, because when people ask why I did it, I show them.
Do lots of research and think it through - and most importantly, go to a PODIATRIST who specializes in this sort of thing.
I was always ashamed of my ugly feet, but more importantly, in pain a lot of the time. I bit the bullet too - I did it while I had insurance - oh yes, proud to be an American, where at least I know I can't go to a doctor unless I'm rich.....(you mean that's not how the song goes?)
Anyway, I was terrified of having this done too. I'd never had any kind of surgery before and really didn't know what to expect. I LOVE my left foot now & look at it all the time. I'm amazed by what my doctor was able to do. My right foot's coming right along as well. What I can't get over is that I used to have callouses where my bunion was (ball of foot, on the instep side) and the outside of my big toe. I used to see people with "normal" feet who didn't have these. I thought they must not walk very much! Nonononono.....duh, my bunion pushed my foot further into my shoe, causing constant rubbing, redness & pain. I now have no callouses at all, even after a day of walking around - and since I can't put total weight on my right foot yet, the left foot does even more work, and still looks great after a day.
Mike (my fiance) sometimes looks at me and says - "those are your feet!" We can't get over it.
SO glad I took "before" pics of my feet, because when people ask why I did it, I show them.
Do lots of research and think it through - and most importantly, go to a PODIATRIST who specializes in this sort of thing.
Gainup
07-09-2005, 12:30 PM
Joll43,
I'm exactly like you and the same age!! I am always looking a people's feet. In yoga I'm the only one whose toes point north/east and north/west. There was a girl in class one who had the same feet, I was so excited I couldn't stop staring at her feet. Not excited for her but just that I wasn't the only one. I too have terrible callouses on my feet, very ugly. They even have layers of skin I have to cut off. Is your POD addressing why you had bunions now that their fixed? Does he/she think they might come back? I don't have too much pain as it is now, so I don't know if it would be good to do it soon or wait. I had an orthopedic surgeon tell me to wait until I can't stand it anymore.
I just love hearing all your stories. Thanks so much!! :wave:
I'm exactly like you and the same age!! I am always looking a people's feet. In yoga I'm the only one whose toes point north/east and north/west. There was a girl in class one who had the same feet, I was so excited I couldn't stop staring at her feet. Not excited for her but just that I wasn't the only one. I too have terrible callouses on my feet, very ugly. They even have layers of skin I have to cut off. Is your POD addressing why you had bunions now that their fixed? Does he/she think they might come back? I don't have too much pain as it is now, so I don't know if it would be good to do it soon or wait. I had an orthopedic surgeon tell me to wait until I can't stand it anymore.
I just love hearing all your stories. Thanks so much!! :wave:
joll43
07-09-2005, 07:50 PM
My pod didn't need to address why I had bunions - I have flat feet & it's totally hereditary....
This no-callous thing is awesome.
This no-callous thing is awesome.
Cyclist
07-09-2005, 08:13 PM
Hi Gainup. . .
You said, "The thought of being bedridden for any amount of time just freaks me out. I am very active and have worked really hard to get my body where it is now. Bottom line, I'm afraid I'd just turn into a big blob lying around."
If you've been active before foot surgery, it's more than likely you can continue to be active during your recovery -- just in a different way.
I had closing base wedge osteotomy with McBride bunionectomy on 2/25/05 (my bones were cut in two places and I have 3 screws) and was non-weight bearing for over 8 weeks and wore a cast. I viewed my recovery period as a "forced exercise program."
I was fortunate to not need pain medicine so it made moving around much easier. I used:
1) a rolling walker with seat (to rest knee on)
2) a four-pronged cane for when I hopped
3) the IWALKFREE, a hands-free crutch for standing or walking for an extended time, e.g., grocery store, mall, cooking, etc. The device would remind you of a peg-leg. (I used the cane with it at first until I became proficient.)
During my recovery, I walked outside every morning with my neighbor and her dog by strapping on the IWALKFREE device. (If I had not had the IWALKFREE, I would have used my rolling walker.) Our cul-de-sac is hilly, so I couldn't walk as fast or as far, but I definitely got a workout.
I forced myself to move (and didn't have much choice since I didn't have anyone to look after me). I live in a two-story house, and my laundry room is downstairs so going up and down the stairs also kept me fit. Sometimes I just hopped up and down the stairs while holding on with both hands. The only thing I couldn't do was drive my car and ride my bike.
The workouts toned my abdominal muscles, built up my one "good" leg, and I lost 4-5 lbs. I know that my experience has been different than many of those who post to this board, but I wanted to let you know it is possible to continue to be active.
My foot is probably 90% back to normal, and I only have some stiffness in my big toe that I notice when I walk fast. I plan to have my other foot done later this year.
Good luck if/when you have the surgery ... keep moving if you can!
You said, "The thought of being bedridden for any amount of time just freaks me out. I am very active and have worked really hard to get my body where it is now. Bottom line, I'm afraid I'd just turn into a big blob lying around."
If you've been active before foot surgery, it's more than likely you can continue to be active during your recovery -- just in a different way.
I had closing base wedge osteotomy with McBride bunionectomy on 2/25/05 (my bones were cut in two places and I have 3 screws) and was non-weight bearing for over 8 weeks and wore a cast. I viewed my recovery period as a "forced exercise program."
I was fortunate to not need pain medicine so it made moving around much easier. I used:
1) a rolling walker with seat (to rest knee on)
2) a four-pronged cane for when I hopped
3) the IWALKFREE, a hands-free crutch for standing or walking for an extended time, e.g., grocery store, mall, cooking, etc. The device would remind you of a peg-leg. (I used the cane with it at first until I became proficient.)
During my recovery, I walked outside every morning with my neighbor and her dog by strapping on the IWALKFREE device. (If I had not had the IWALKFREE, I would have used my rolling walker.) Our cul-de-sac is hilly, so I couldn't walk as fast or as far, but I definitely got a workout.
I forced myself to move (and didn't have much choice since I didn't have anyone to look after me). I live in a two-story house, and my laundry room is downstairs so going up and down the stairs also kept me fit. Sometimes I just hopped up and down the stairs while holding on with both hands. The only thing I couldn't do was drive my car and ride my bike.
The workouts toned my abdominal muscles, built up my one "good" leg, and I lost 4-5 lbs. I know that my experience has been different than many of those who post to this board, but I wanted to let you know it is possible to continue to be active.
My foot is probably 90% back to normal, and I only have some stiffness in my big toe that I notice when I walk fast. I plan to have my other foot done later this year.
Good luck if/when you have the surgery ... keep moving if you can!
feetfirst
07-09-2005, 08:19 PM
This no-callous thing is awesome.
You know, my feet are SOOOOO Soft now, and I didn't realize that the callous's (sp?) were actually due to the bunions. Now this is indeed something to look forward to! I also find myself looking at EVERYONE"S feet - seeing it they have bunions. You know, most feet I look at look good, and bunion free.
I did gain a few pounds, but out myself back on Weight Watchers and have lost 6 pounds. I think you can find ways to exercise your body and stay in shape - I admit, I am/was too lazy - hate exercise! :eek: I am forcing myself now to swim, and get back into shape!
You know, my feet are SOOOOO Soft now, and I didn't realize that the callous's (sp?) were actually due to the bunions. Now this is indeed something to look forward to! I also find myself looking at EVERYONE"S feet - seeing it they have bunions. You know, most feet I look at look good, and bunion free.
I did gain a few pounds, but out myself back on Weight Watchers and have lost 6 pounds. I think you can find ways to exercise your body and stay in shape - I admit, I am/was too lazy - hate exercise! :eek: I am forcing myself now to swim, and get back into shape!
Gainup
07-10-2005, 12:19 AM
Feetfirst
After reading all these posts I'm more aware of my feet and others than ever. In yoga today we had a new student, and she had one really bad foot, the other looked normal. If my feet were as bad as her's I'd be running to the POD, especially since she only had one bad foot. What do you think about the theory of getting it done only as a last resort? Did you look at any non-surgical methods? Toe spreaders and such. How bad were your feet? I would be most excited about the soft feet. The only bummer would be I couldn't use my calouses to scrach the other foot and leg. :rolleyes:
Cyclist, sounds like you had a good plan. I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again. For some reason I see this as being a perminant disability, which I know it isn't.
After reading all these posts I'm more aware of my feet and others than ever. In yoga today we had a new student, and she had one really bad foot, the other looked normal. If my feet were as bad as her's I'd be running to the POD, especially since she only had one bad foot. What do you think about the theory of getting it done only as a last resort? Did you look at any non-surgical methods? Toe spreaders and such. How bad were your feet? I would be most excited about the soft feet. The only bummer would be I couldn't use my calouses to scrach the other foot and leg. :rolleyes:
Cyclist, sounds like you had a good plan. I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again. For some reason I see this as being a perminant disability, which I know it isn't.
joll43
07-10-2005, 01:30 PM
I would be most excited about the soft feet. The only bummer would be I couldn't use my calouses to scrach the other foot and leg. :rolleyes:
Cyclist, sounds like you had a good plan. I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again. For some reason I see this as being a perminant disability, which I know it isn't.
:D Hysterical. I never realized how much I used my callouses to scratch. How disgusting is that? Now I have NONE, since I'm in my black boot on my second foot - it's actually weird to not have another foot to do!
I had it in my head that this would be a perm. disability as well, for some reason - in actuality, I'll be able to go longer on my feet, which is the whole reason for doing this!
Cyclist, sounds like you had a good plan. I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again. For some reason I see this as being a perminant disability, which I know it isn't.
:D Hysterical. I never realized how much I used my callouses to scratch. How disgusting is that? Now I have NONE, since I'm in my black boot on my second foot - it's actually weird to not have another foot to do!
I had it in my head that this would be a perm. disability as well, for some reason - in actuality, I'll be able to go longer on my feet, which is the whole reason for doing this!
Cyclist
07-10-2005, 04:44 PM
Gainup,
You said, "I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again."
I was able to get back on my (road) bike just as soon as my podiatrist gave me permission to put weight on my foot. Since my ankle was weak at first, riding the bike felt MUCH better than walking. In fact, riding up hills while standing up on the pedals stretched my foot/ankle in just the right way. It was wonderful physical therapy that I could do on my own.
I believe being able to apply pressure and stretch my foot without my full weight accelerated my physcial recovery. And I don't have to tell you (as a fellow bike rider) what riding does for one's spirits.
You said, "I was wondering how long it would take before I would be able to mountain bike again."
I was able to get back on my (road) bike just as soon as my podiatrist gave me permission to put weight on my foot. Since my ankle was weak at first, riding the bike felt MUCH better than walking. In fact, riding up hills while standing up on the pedals stretched my foot/ankle in just the right way. It was wonderful physical therapy that I could do on my own.
I believe being able to apply pressure and stretch my foot without my full weight accelerated my physcial recovery. And I don't have to tell you (as a fellow bike rider) what riding does for one's spirits.
Gainup
07-10-2005, 07:18 PM
I just got back from a big hike and boy do my bunions hurt. I have a blister on the right one, ouch!! This is when my bunions really hurt and I want to do surgery. It was bad enough that I got my butt kicked by a 22 year old, but that's a whole other issue. Do you guys think you need to be in serious pain to get the surgery or do it now while still young. Sorry about all the questions!!
Sandra49
07-10-2005, 08:14 PM
Hi FeetFirst.
In answer to your question, my bone spur was between my baby toe and the one next to it. I had the surgery June 17th, and today I went shopping in a tennis shoe, in which my doctor cut a slit in. My husband said I should have stayed in the blue shoe, because a tennis shoe with a slit in it looks tacky! I won't go in to my response to him.
But it is feeling much better today, so I should be able to exercise full throttle in two weeks. One thing I have learned is not to have my next foot surgery during the summer. I think my next one will be the 1st week in September 2006.
In answer to your question, my bone spur was between my baby toe and the one next to it. I had the surgery June 17th, and today I went shopping in a tennis shoe, in which my doctor cut a slit in. My husband said I should have stayed in the blue shoe, because a tennis shoe with a slit in it looks tacky! I won't go in to my response to him.
But it is feeling much better today, so I should be able to exercise full throttle in two weeks. One thing I have learned is not to have my next foot surgery during the summer. I think my next one will be the 1st week in September 2006.
joll43
07-11-2005, 11:07 AM
Do you guys think you need to be in serious pain to get the surgery or do it now while still young. Sorry about all the questions!!
I wasn't in pain all the time, but there were so many reasons to get it done:
-I work in NYC, and you have to walk all the time here. Before the day was half over, my feet would be done and I'd be only half-done with what I needed to do.
-I love to travel. I went to Europe last year and am used to walking all over and hiking, and the night in Paris when I had to just sit in my hotel with my feet up really cinched it for me. I was screaming at my feet.
-if I had to dress up, it was sheer torture even to wear flats that didn't look like sneakers.
-it was only going to get worse if I didn't do something about it, and with my flat feet & heredity, it was out of my control.
So no, it didn't hurt all the time, just when I actually wanted to use my feet!
It'll still be a little while before I can do yoga, since I can't roll through my toes yet, but I didn't do that before (when your toes point like mine DID, you're really only balanced on that one toe, when everyone else in class is on all five!)
At PT, I they have me ride the bike for 15 minutes as a warm-up, (it's connected to a gym) but I usually go early to ride longer each time - it's really perfect.
Good luck, and we all know how you feel!
I wasn't in pain all the time, but there were so many reasons to get it done:
-I work in NYC, and you have to walk all the time here. Before the day was half over, my feet would be done and I'd be only half-done with what I needed to do.
-I love to travel. I went to Europe last year and am used to walking all over and hiking, and the night in Paris when I had to just sit in my hotel with my feet up really cinched it for me. I was screaming at my feet.
-if I had to dress up, it was sheer torture even to wear flats that didn't look like sneakers.
-it was only going to get worse if I didn't do something about it, and with my flat feet & heredity, it was out of my control.
So no, it didn't hurt all the time, just when I actually wanted to use my feet!
It'll still be a little while before I can do yoga, since I can't roll through my toes yet, but I didn't do that before (when your toes point like mine DID, you're really only balanced on that one toe, when everyone else in class is on all five!)
At PT, I they have me ride the bike for 15 minutes as a warm-up, (it's connected to a gym) but I usually go early to ride longer each time - it's really perfect.
Good luck, and we all know how you feel!
maddiesmom
07-11-2005, 12:59 PM
Absolutely. I think it's safe to say we've all felt how you do. But the surgery will IMPROVE your life, just keep thinking of it that way. Sure, there are stories of complications, etc. but 'the norm' is that you're inconvenienced temporarily by crutches and/or a cast and then you find you get stronger and stronger and are able to bear weight again and, slowly, you're back to being you again... only with NO bunions and NO pain!
The bunionectomy itself was a piece of cake... no problems at all. Afterwards there's some pain, some throbbing pain sometimes too but as long as you keep your foot iced and elevated and keep taking the pain pills you'll be fine. I was non weight bearing (crutches only) for a week or so and then the doctor put me in a walking cast and said I could carefully 'heel-walk' if I was able but I was nervous and continued to use my crutches for another week or so. Then my stitches came out and I was able to take a real shower again and now I'm still in my walking cast but it's no problem at all. I'm walking all over the place (trying to keep weight just on my heel but have found myself almost walking normal again and it doesn't hurt anymore... but I'm still being careful not to do it that often) chasing after my 2 little girls and doing everything but driving (which I have to wait a week and a half for... that's when my cast comes off).
Seriously, it is really not a big deal. My foot looks GREAT! My husband couldn't believe it. He said, "Your foot is actually really small without those bunions!!!"
I am SO glad to have done it and as soon as I get the 'green light' to go ahead with my other foot I am doing it. Do yourself a favor and get the surgery. You can do it! :)
Good luck,
The bunionectomy itself was a piece of cake... no problems at all. Afterwards there's some pain, some throbbing pain sometimes too but as long as you keep your foot iced and elevated and keep taking the pain pills you'll be fine. I was non weight bearing (crutches only) for a week or so and then the doctor put me in a walking cast and said I could carefully 'heel-walk' if I was able but I was nervous and continued to use my crutches for another week or so. Then my stitches came out and I was able to take a real shower again and now I'm still in my walking cast but it's no problem at all. I'm walking all over the place (trying to keep weight just on my heel but have found myself almost walking normal again and it doesn't hurt anymore... but I'm still being careful not to do it that often) chasing after my 2 little girls and doing everything but driving (which I have to wait a week and a half for... that's when my cast comes off).
Seriously, it is really not a big deal. My foot looks GREAT! My husband couldn't believe it. He said, "Your foot is actually really small without those bunions!!!"
I am SO glad to have done it and as soon as I get the 'green light' to go ahead with my other foot I am doing it. Do yourself a favor and get the surgery. You can do it! :)
Good luck,
Gainup
07-11-2005, 03:18 PM
It's so great to hear all your stories, I wish I could do a group hug. :)
I had a really bad night lastnight after my big hike yesterday. My bunions hurt so bad and had to hang me feet over the mattress so nothing was touching them. Today they are very sore, so like you Joll43 I hated my feet all night!! You all have been such a great help to me. I'm still struggling with the whole thing but will continue to do my research and chat with you all.
Thanks again!!
Elise
I had a really bad night lastnight after my big hike yesterday. My bunions hurt so bad and had to hang me feet over the mattress so nothing was touching them. Today they are very sore, so like you Joll43 I hated my feet all night!! You all have been such a great help to me. I'm still struggling with the whole thing but will continue to do my research and chat with you all.
Thanks again!!
Elise
Codikatt56
10-23-2005, 10:11 PM
I Am Happy To Say That I Had My Bunionectomy On Sep 16th 2005 And Had No Pain Or Swelling At All. I Graduated To A Flat Surgical Shoe Two Weeks Ago (last Week I Spent Walking In Maine!)
I See That The Incision Has Healed And I Am Now Walking In A Regular Shoe. I Am So Glad I Had This Done When I Was Younger Than Waiting Until I Was In My 70's. Its No Picnic Because You
Have To Be Sedentary For Two Months But Its Worth It In The Long Run And I Always Put It Off Because Of All The Horror Stories I Heard From My Aunt But Today They Use A Wedge Shoe Instead Of A Cast So Thats Great!!!!! Codi
I See That The Incision Has Healed And I Am Now Walking In A Regular Shoe. I Am So Glad I Had This Done When I Was Younger Than Waiting Until I Was In My 70's. Its No Picnic Because You
Have To Be Sedentary For Two Months But Its Worth It In The Long Run And I Always Put It Off Because Of All The Horror Stories I Heard From My Aunt But Today They Use A Wedge Shoe Instead Of A Cast So Thats Great!!!!! Codi