Hey guys/girls :) this is my first post on these boards, so forgive me if i've done something wrong; i did look around and thought this would be the best place to post.

Basically, i had an ingrown toenail for 5 months- i know the length because i developed it (through no fault of my own for once i may add) a week before going out with my (then soon to be) girlfriend for the first time. But anyway, i thought as usual (i get them quite often- i discovered he reason for this, i shall get to that in a minute) it would go away, maybe with some gentle "hinting" from me and various impliments. after a while it started to get really bad, and eventually i went to see a podiatrist, who said that the shape of my toe means i'll keep getting them, and surgery was needed. Through some miracle, i got it done on the NHS less than a week later, and they cut both side of my nail (bi-lateral, i think they said?) basically down to the root.

So the issue is that she bandaged it up. me, being the kinda guy i am, and to quote many people, "my fathers son", wanted to take off the bandage straight away to see what was down there. but i managed to not do it, finally getting a replacement bandage the morning of the 22nd december (the morning of iron maiden gig). Now, a few weeks later, it turns out they screwed up my appointment and so i have to wait til monday to have it seen. but the thing is this- I HATE having the bandage on. the whole thing about "not getting it wet" means bathing is a hassle, and i know i was told not to remove it, but i have done several times to replace it, and i don't see much improvement- Now to my uneducated (ish) mind, id say that it would be better to take off the bandage for a while to let some air get to it- keeping it wrapped up while i walk everywhere surely would just keep it moist?

I want to get this sorted asap. I dont want to go to stay with my girlfriend in a few weeks with some hideous toe/bandage, i want to be able to go barefoot without looking nasty in other places, so would i be right in thinking allowing it to get some fresh air would do it good? i know its only a few days away til my rearranged checkup, but to be honest, i just want it to heal asap.

Anyone know the average full healing time of a surgery sucgh as this? should i keep the bandage on, or would being barefoot assist it in a little way?

Thanks- and sorry about the rambling, i thought if i answer all possible questions now i can get more accurate/informed answers :)

Alex

Alex,
I haven't had it done, but hubby did. because of the area being unprotected, doc told him to keep the bandage on till he got back to see him. I'm sure doc doesn't want to risk a chance of infection by having it exposed to things. best bet is to follow whatever you doc tells you. I know it seems like a long time, but it's not going to heal any faster than it can. Hubby's toe look raw and tender for a while. He said it didn't hurt too much after the bandage came off. give it time and hang in there.
Mary
:angel:

Interesting that I should run into this question as I had one nail done a week ago and then the other one started hurting so much I went in just yesterday and had that one done also. The first one wasn't bad, but this one is giving me a lot of pain today. So much that I am doing a "no-no" and having some wine along with the pain meds. I was told to take the big bandage off the following day and use only Hydrogen Peroxide and put a bandaid on. Do this twice a day. Also let it be exposed to the air when you can walk around bare foot. Nurse said it would be tender for a few weeks. I am on my way out of town in three weeks and didn't want to be hobbling around. The first one is better after a week - just tender, so I'm guessing this second one should be better in a few days. Oh and you can shower after you remove the big bandage they put on. I couldn't stand not knowing I couldn't shower that first day without putting my foot in a baggie and that doesn't work well so I showered just before I left for the second surgery. Now I can bathe tonight and get it wet. We seem to have doctors with very different opinions.