Today is the 8th day since my bunion surgery with 2 screws. I'm doing remarkably well with very little pain or swelling (Although, I haven't left the house so I haven't done much walking). I'm in a removable plastic boot that resembles a ski boot. I find that I don't have a need for the crutches and forget to use them most of the time. Should I continue to use them or were they more for balance?

Hi Jennifer,
When I went for my pre-op on Tuesday, the doctor gave me a velcro shoe to bring to surgery and showed me how I will be walking/limping (on the side and rear of the foot). He said he'd only give me crutches if I felt I needed them. Otherwise He said the main point was not to bend the toe area by means of regular walking. Hope that helps.

6 days until my toe gets re-assembled! It's really helping me to hear your progress. I emailed my doctor about alternatives to Vicodin since I've heard it can make people sick.

Jeepgriz,
I'm surprised that your doctor said only bring crutches if you wanted to. I was completely non weight bearing for 4 days even though I also had the velcro shoe. I also used a walker to go to the bathroom at night. I'd be happy to send you a picture of my boot if anyone knows how to do it. It is plastic on the bottom and a spongy material up the leg about 7 or 8 inches above my ankle with 3 large velcro straps....looks like a ski boot.

Ladies, I was completely non weight bearing for 8 WEEKS. Then I went to 1 crutch, then none.

It depends on what you had done. Bones take 6-8 weeks to heal no matter what, and just because it doesn't feel like you may need crutches, the bones in your foot may need to you be on crutches. Sometimes if you're trying just to walk on your heel, you can easily get startled or take a bad step and you are out of luck.

I know it's a pain, but healing takes time - so many posters on the board don't seem to want to take the time to heal then have setbacks. Use your crutches, and know that foot surgery is major surgery -- the doctor will tell you when you can stop.
All of our feet are different, and none of us can answer a question like how long another person will be on crutches.

I SO AGREE with joll43!! If your doctor wants you to use crutches...PLEASE USE THEM!! Don't try to beat the system....foot surgery is a major issue...your feet carry you all day!! I was 6 weeks nwb then told to ease off crutches gradually. I came home and put the crutches in the garage and tried to walk through the pain for 2 weeks. Now I am in a NWB cast AGAIN for who knows how long waiting for authorization for a bone stimulator!! Don't rush it and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!! Good luck! Sophie :angel:

No, I guess I didn't make myself clear. I was only non weight bearing for the first 4 days until I got my "ski boot". I didn't grill my doctor enough and he's off for a few days. I'm not sure if the crutches are now for balance or actual support of my body weight. He didn't seem too concerned about whether I use 1 or 2 crutches. He acted like they were more to keep other people from stepping on my toe when I'm out, which I agree. The question is when I'm in the house alone.

I think we were just trying to let you know that you need to follow what your doctor says and if you are not sure, then you need to wait and ask the office to clarify. Please don't take chances...you wouldn't want to do damage that can take weeks to repair for the sake of a couple days. What is done outside is usually what is done inside...I would think??? Good luck and I am so happy that you are feeling good enough to even ask!! Sophie :angel:

In my own opinion (not a Dr.!) If you're just going to the fridge or potty and it doesn't hurt to hobble on your heel, I don't see any harm in trying to go without the crutches. Just as long as you're not thinking of doing it for an extended amount of time. Were you thinking of trying to clean or something?

My Mom made the mistake of trying to hard. When she had her bunion done, and the cast removed, she went straight to an AEROBICS class! Can you believe it? She broke the toe, of course, and had to get put back into the cast for another 6 weeks. :rolleyes:

BTW, a little off-topic.... One more question about the pain (obviously what I am so worried about) How long did you wait when you came home from the hospital to take your first pain pill? Did you take it right away, or did you wait until you actually felt some pain? Sorry If I am annoying you with this stuff. :angel:

Jeepgriz,
My block wore off really fast. The doctor said it could last up to 12 hours, but mine wore off in about an hour when I was getting ready to leave the hospital. I told the doctor and he gave me Percocet immediatley. Don't worry about the pain. I've really had very little and what I did have was controlled by pain killers. Good luck. I forget...when is your surgery?
Jennifer

3 more days! Eeeek!