Hello All, I've been reading the posts for a while to get advice/info on my surgery, but this is my first post. I am one week out from an Austin Bunionectomy on my right foot and I think I'm doing pretty good. I don't have a cast, just a dressing (was changed today) and a velco sandal/shoe (am on crutches also). I learned today in my post-op appt that I have a screw in my foot and he said that "they shouldn't ever have to take it out". Is this normal? Most of what I've read seems to be that people usually have them removed a few months out. My bunions (will have the left one done at the end of Nov.) are pretty bad, so I was surprised to not be in a cast. I saw 2 Podiatrists before deciding, the previous suggested a McBride with open base wedge osteotomy, which would have had me on crutches for 8 wks per foot.... so.. I went with the second opinion. : ) Just curious on your thoughts. Thanks!

I'm in similar circumstances to you! Had an Austin bunionectomy (plus other procedures = excruciating pain!), wearing a dressing (wish I had a cast, though - it's hard to keep my foot in a neutral position), and using a wedge shoe and crutches. My podiatrist said that the screw would stay in unless complications occured in the future.

It's nice to know that someone is going through a similar experience! :)

I learned today in my post-op appt that I have a screw in my foot and he said that "they shouldn't ever have to take it out". Is this normal?

I have two screws in my right foot! Three months post op can't feel them and my foot is doing great. My dr. never said anything about removing them.

I have two screws also, which are supposed to stay in. (Hey, if anyone tells you that you have a loose screw, you can say at least it's in your foot, not in your head!)

I also have two screws in my other foot, but not in the same place. That one was a lapidus procedure. They stay in too unless they cause problems, and then they can be removed.

Yup, my screws are in to stay too. Maybe you were confusing screws with pins? Just a thought. I'm one of the lucky (not) ones to be in a cast for six weeks with a boot for two weeks. Hope time flies.
Becky

Thanks for the replies. Feels good to know that others are experiencing the same thing. Yes, the Dr. said it is a screw, he had at first told me it would be a pin and so I was a bit confused. I still have a dressing on my foot and a black bruise on my big toe.... is that weird? I've started the toe exercises to increase movement, which is almost nothing. It really hurts and I can barely move it at all on my own. I guess this is to be expected.

Hi! I am 8 days post op from Austin and Akins bunionectomy. I have two screws placed in my foot. I was told we will do a second surgery for the screw removal about 8-10 weeks out. The first week I was totally NWB, had a surgical dressing with Coban tape, osteo boot and crutches. I just had my 7 day check up. They removed my surgical dressing and then put my foot in a soft cast from my toes to over my ankle. (It looks like an ankle boot.) I was instructed to only walk with my osteo boot on and "to pain tolerance." I still can't bear to have weight on that foot. I'm still using crutches to get around. Anyone else out there have similar experience? I did have a pretty complicated surgery so I think that is why I'm having so much pain. The side of my bone was also shaved and my sesamoid bones and tendon had to be moved over. Anyway, can anyone tell me when the turning point was for them to start feeling better or at least to start wearing the boot alone without crutches? Thank you!