Hi, I am 22 years old and will be having a lapidus bunion fusion on Wednesday. The podiatrist is also lengthening my calf tendon at the same time. I am scared because this is my first major surgery. I am going in for my pre-surgery appointment this afternoon so I'm sure the doctor will give me more details about the surgery. If anyone else has had bunion surgery, what should I expect during the procedure? Will I be in a lot of pain? How long will the healing process take? How soon will I be able to exercise (as in swimming, stationary bike, elliptical, etc.) I am in excellent shape now and am a runner so I want to get back into an exercise routine as soon as possible. I am getting one foot operated on at a time. I will have the second foot operated on three months from now. The doctor told me I will be in a cast for five days and a walking boot with crutches for seven weeks. Does this seem like an accurate prediction of the healing process, or was the doctor being overly optimistic? I just graduated from college and would like to find a job, so would it be possible to find a job between my surgeries or will the foot be too swollen to work? I am so nervous. If you have had bunion surgery, please let me know how it was! Thanks!:eek:

All these questions need to be asked of your doctor during your pre-op exam. He is the best one to answer since he knows his own protocol.

Since you're having general anesthesia I can tell you for certain that you will experience nothing during surgery. You will be out cold. For you it will be as if you went to sleep and awoke a moment later. That's the beauty of general anesthesia.

Bunion surgery is painful so don't expect to be up and running for several weeks.

I'm 23 and also having my bunion surgery on Wednesday, and like you, I am scared out of my mind. I can't tell you what to expect since I haven't had it either, but I thought I'd extend an offer to be bunionectomy buddies :p Good luck with it! I hope we're both too knocked out from pain meds to notice if there's any pain.

Hi! I know what you are feeling right now because I was in the same boat 2 weeks ago. I had bunion surgery 5/29 on one foot and had also had bone fusion. You will be fine! The pain medicines will keep you in good shape. The main thing to remember is to take them before you need them. And elevate your foot as much as possible. Ice helps too.

I am nonweight bearing for at least 6 weeks so it's crutches all the time. I know that the healing process is long so make sure to ask about your activities. All surgeries are different. Just ask!

If you have any more questions, I am here. You'll do great!:jester:

I had my exam today and it turns out I am getting a block anesthesia in my lower leg as well as twilight anesthesia. This means I will drift in and out of consciousness but I won't feel anything, hopefully.

I'm 23 and also having my bunion surgery on Wednesday, and like you, I am scared out of my mind. I can't tell you what to expect since I haven't had it either, but I thought I'd extend an offer to be bunionectomy buddies :p Good luck with it! I hope we're both too knocked out from pain meds to notice if there's any pain.

Hi! Yes we should be bunionectomy buddies, I'll let you know how it goes. I'm glad that someone else is getting this done around the same time. I hate that I can't do anything for so long, I hope I don't go crazy with boredom. They said most of the pain is in the first four days and then its not too bad, just swollen like its been run over by a car.:( Good luck with your surgery!

I had my surgery on April 4 so on Wednesday I will be 10 post-op. Everyone's body is different and, as such, everyone's surgery will be different. So while, we can tell you our experiences, yours may or may not be similar.

I'm 33 and have had bad bunions since at least 1984. I remember tracing my foot at 10 years old and quite the bump being there. I am a Kindergarten teacher, am very active and workout regularly. I would typically run 2-4 miles on the treadmill 4-5 times a week. I am very reliant on physical activity and exercise, too, as I want to keep off the 65 pounds I've lost. I was terrified of not being active enough and re-gaining.

So, I had surgery. I was in the walking/cam boot immediately after. I was supposed to use crutches for long jaunts but around the house I was fine to use only the boot. I think after about 3-4 weeks she said I could just use the boot, no crutches. I hobbled in the boot until 6 weeks, when she said I could start transitioning into the surgical shoe. Once I was comfortable in that, I could slowly start transitioning into a gym shoe. When I went last week for my 9 week appt, she was impressed that I was getting around so well in the gym shoe. After checking my xrays, she said my big toe bone is healed (had to break it to straighten it) but the lower part of the metatarsal still has a small crack from the osteotomy. Still, she said I could do a regular shoe now, without the velcro bunoin splint (which I'd been wearing since week 2, I think) as long as I was comfortable. With the bunion spint, the only pair of shoes I could get my foot in was a pair of Ryka gym shoes a half size bigger than my original size. Ryka makes women's shoes only and their shoes always have a wider toe box. I bought them before the surgery hoping they'd work and they did perfectly.

Well, as I said, I'm 10 weeks out and I JUST got permission to WALK on the treadmill. No incline, no fast. I can only start with 5-10 minutes at a time and slowly increase it. Something is better than nothing, I suppose. My doctor also said that I can go back to the gym and do the recumbant bike and weight machines but no elliptical or cardio type classes. Absolutely nothing high impact on my foot at all.

Also, I was only off work for two weeks before going back to teach. That is very fast in the scheme of things but I seemed to have some good luck with the whole thing and had no complications (knock on wood) and no bad pain. Not everyone is so fortunate. I had to rely on my family, friends, and kids in my class A LOT (which can be very difficult for me to do) but it's part of the drill. I only started driving again last weekend but, after 2+ months of relying on others, it is very freeing to be able to do again. Plus, my foot is healing beautifully (knock on wood again!). I'll have to deal with two different sized feet until next spring when the other foot is done. Thanks to the osteotomy the right is about a half size shorter than the still-bunioned foot but I can handle that.

I've rambled a lot here. It may or may not be helpful to you guys going in to it. But, you need to keep in mind- EveryBODY is different. Every DOCTOR is different. Every EXPERIENCE is different. Your process will not be like anyone else's. You will just need to hope for the best and follow the doctor's orders EXACTLY. While that does not guarantee a good experience but is the best thing you can do to help yourself and your foot. Please keep up posted and best of luck to you both!

I had my exam today and it turns out I am getting a block anesthesia in my lower leg as well as twilight anesthesia. This means I will drift in and out of consciousness but I won't feel anything, hopefully.
That's what I had and it was fine-- One benefit is that most people don't tend to feel as groggy and/or nauseated afterward as you might with general anesthesia. I was aware off and on and at one point I could hear the electric saw whining. I told the doctor that it sounded weird (It's surreal to know that they are sawing your bones, although I didn't feel a thing and I didn't really care) and he said, "I think I'll put you under a little deeper." :) I was mostly aware at the beginning and the end of the surgery. The drugs do help you relax so that even if you are awake, you probably won't feel anxious. (And they put you out before they do the block so you don't feel any needles except for the one they have to give you for your IV.) Best wishes!

I had bunionectomy/hammertoe repair on 5/3/07 (6 weeks ago). I also had the twilight anesthesia and did fine with it. I was off of work for two weeks, returned the 3rd/4th week only 1/2 days. Last week was my first full week back to work (was much harder than I thought it would be). I have to admit, this has been a difficult surgery for me (much worse than my hysterectomy several years ago). I was in the surgical boot for the first 4 weeks and am now in a very supportive sandal (approved by my doc).....I haven't been able to get into an athletic shoe but have not tried the Ryka or maybe going up a half size. I may try that. I am still having a considerable amount of swelling in my ankle and foot, but am able to walk with a lovely limp! Like others that have posted on this site, I am thankful I can at least walk and am hopeful I will be normal again soon.

twilight will be fine. just make sure you follow the drs orders after surgery and good luck!

I had my surgery yesterday and I am doing fine, not too much pain just swelling. He said that because I waited so long to correct the bunion there was some cartilage damage and my big toe might be stiff, so I'll have to work on it more. I am taking oxycontin as needed and ibuprofen to control the pain and swelling. On Monday I get my non-weight bearing cast removed and I will get a walking boot. I am getting good at using my crutches. I can't wait to see how my foot looks on Monday! Rainabow how did your surgery go?

luv2runn, glad you are doing so well.....keep it elevated and lots of ice. Also pain meds are great. Your foot will definitely look considerably different and the big toe will be stiff, but you will eventually be able to work on it to loosen it up. Good luck!

Glad to hear you are doing well. I am 3 weeks post-op Austin bunionectomy, and my big toe is still pretty stiff. I started some toe exercises my podiatrist showed me about a week ago, and the flexibility is slowly coming back. Best wishes!

I can't wait to see how my foot looks on Monday!

Don't get too excited. Your foot is going to look horrible that soon after surgery. Probably all bruised and swollen. I had ankle surgery a little over two weeks ago and my foot still looks nasty. All my toes are still blue. But it is getting better and the scar is healing up nicely.

I had my surgery yesterday and I am doing fine, not too much pain just swelling. He said that because I waited so long to correct the bunion there was some cartilage damage and my big toe might be stiff, so I'll have to work on it more. I am taking oxycontin as needed and ibuprofen to control the pain and swelling. On Monday I get my non-weight bearing cast removed and I will get a walking boot. I am getting good at using my crutches. I can't wait to see how my foot looks on Monday! Rainabow how did your surgery go?

Wow yours sounds like it's going much better than mine. My foot itself isn't that bad, but I am having serious problems with nausea/vomiting and nothing seems to be helping. Yesterday was especially bad because I kept throwing up my painkillers so my foot hurt on top of everything else. I threw up once again today, but overall things are a bit better.

Getting around is also pretty hard. I was supposed to be able to walk on my heel, but it's too painful, so I have to be a bit more creative about how I walk.

I really wish I could take a shower. I think I might be able to by tomorrow. What I really want is for this stupid nausea to go away.

I had to cut my last post short because I had to throw up again :(

I won't lie--the past few days have been pretty bad, and I find myself questioning if I did the right thing. The pain in my foot was so bad at one point that I actually started crying, and the nausea is just awful. My stomach muscles ache from all the puking I have been doing. It seems like every time I finally have it under control, I throw up again. I really hope things continue to get better cause this is really depressing me.

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. Have you called your doctor? Maybe he can give you a different pain medicine that won't have the same side effects. Good luck! I am thinking about you.

Rainabow - I feel so sorry for you. It's not fair that you are having so much nausea and pain. What Pain Rx did the Dr. give you?

Please call him and get an Rx for Compazine or Phenergan to stop the vomiting and then maybe a different Pain Rx as well. If you are on a drug with codeine in it that could very well be what's affecting you right now...

Hang in there. You've so brave and positive so far. This will get better.

Rainabow - I feel so sorry for you. It's not fair that you are having so much nausea and pain. What Pain Rx did the Dr. give you?

Please call him and get an Rx for Compazine or Phenergan to stop the vomiting and then maybe a different Pain Rx as well. If you are on a drug with codeine in it that could very well be what's affecting you right now...

Hang in there. You've so brave and positive so far. This will get better.

Me? Brave? Haha, I have been sitting in my bed and crying like a baby throughout this whole ordeal.

My Dr gave me vicodin initially. When I told him about the nausea, he changed it to darvocet. I was still throwing up, so he prescribed another rx for nausea, but so far it isn't working. I'm ready to give up.

Me? Brave? Haha, I have been sitting in my bed and crying like a baby throughout this whole ordeal.

My Dr gave me vicodin initially. When I told him about the nausea, he changed it to darvocet. I was still throwing up, so he prescribed another rx for nausea, but so far it isn't working. I'm ready to give up.

Don't give up, Sweetpea! The sun will shine tomorrow and you'll be on the UP side of this..... Do you think you are ready to stop the pain Rx and just take something like Advil, Aleve or Tylenol? Oh, also, is there any chance you picked up a gastrointestional virus?

I mentioned your bravery because you made a decision to have the surgery and stuck with it. Also knw that you've done your research. I, on the other hand, canceled my surgery last week! Ms. Chicken Little! Sorry for it now, as I realize my foot isn't going to get better and most likely IS going to get worse....:rolleyes:

I am counting on you feeling better real soon, sweetie....Know that we're all rooting for you....

PS - Ginger tea always soothes my tummy when I don't feel well.....Maybe your Mom or Dad can get you some.....:wave:

Don't give up, Sweetpea! The sun will shine tomorrow and you'll be on the UP side of this..... Do you think you are ready to stop the pain Rx and just take something like Advil, Aleve or Tylenol? Oh, also, is there any chance you picked up a gastrointestional virus?

I mentioned your bravery because you made a decision to have the surgery and stuck with it. Also knw that you've done your research. I, on the other hand, canceled my surgery last week! Ms. Chicken Little! Sorry for it now, as I realize my foot isn't going to get better and most likely IS going to get worse....:rolleyes:

I am counting on you feeling better real soon, sweetie....Know that we're all rooting for you....

PS - Ginger tea always soothes my tummy when I don't feel well.....Maybe your Mom or Dad can get you some.....:wave:

Ahh don't worry about it. I was actually supposed to get my surgery done last year, but I kept putting it off because I'm a huge wimp (as you can see). It might not get worse for you if they aren't that bad right now. Get some orthotics, stretch out your shoes, and steer clear of crowded/tight/high shoes as much as possible, and there's a good chance that they'll stabilize. Unfortunately I live in New York so I do a LOT of walking, so even though my bunions aren't that severe, they still hurt a lot and one day I just got fed up and decided to stick to my guns.

Well I called the Dr on call and he told me to just stop taking the antibiotic, and if I can tolerate the pain, to also stop taking the Darvocet and just take some Advil. He said at this point, it's extremely unlikely that I will get an infection, but I'm still concerned cause that would be a disaster, however unlikely. He pointed out that it wouldn't make much difference anyway since I can't hold it down, so I guess I'll just hope for the best.

So now I'm trying to survive just on Advil. It's uncomfortable but not unbearable. I feel all bonejangley where the hardware is, which can be unnerving, but it's far from being the worst pain in the world. Hopefully it will take care of things. I just had some rice and mushroom broth and so far my tummy hasn't rejected it yet. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be stable enough to take a bath. I feel so dirty right now =\

Thanks for reminding me about ginger tea! I completely forgot about that. My mummy used to make it for me when I was small and it always helped. I'll definitely request that tonight :) Thanks a lot for your support. It definitely helps.

sounds lile the meds did not agree with you. the pain will ease up and just take it easy. debbie g

That - a - girl....you are sounding much better already.....

It's going to be a nice weekend so maybe you get get outside and feel the sun. That's always a mood booster for me....

Where are you in NJ? I used to live in the Rumson, Red Bank area on the shore. I actually was down there a few weeks ago and had a second opinion from a POD who was highly recommended by my sister who still lives there. Turned out this Dr. grew up around the corner from me and went to high school with my brother. Knew him well... I was so impressed with his professionalism I was ready to schedule my surgery with him and plan to stay with my sister for a few months but that just isn't possible. This is my right foot and driving is out for about 6 weeks. Too much to ask my sister or husband to drive me back and forth to NE PA. It's a 4 hr trip....I have found a Dr. I am equally impressed with up here. I am thinking I will try for the middle of July so I can hope to get back to Fla in Oct....

Hope you have a good rest this evening and wake up feeling so much better.

I'll check in on you tomorrow...:wave:
Sweet dreams!

Rainabow, I'm sorry about your bad experience with the pain medication. My stomach is usually pretty sensitive too but for some reason the oxycodone is working okay for me. I am taking 3 tablets of Advil and 5mg of the oxycodone as needed every few hours, so my pain never gets too bad. I am completely non weight bearing right now and using crutches. I have been lying down all day with my foot elevated and an ice pack on it most of the time. I guess I am lucky because I have a naturally high pain tolerance so the pain does not bother me too much. The biggest problem is when I get up to walk around on my crutches the blood flows quickly to my toes and they actually turn bright red and look scary. I think my foot is turning black and blue underneath the cast, too. Did you get both of your feet done at the same time? Try using ice packs if your feet start to burn, it has really been helping me. Drinking tea, gatorade, and soup might help your stomach. If you need a stronger pain medication, you should try the oxycodone. Ask your doctor for it. Good luck, and hope you feel better!

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. Luv2runn, I'm glad to hear everything is going smoothly so far for you. Sounds like you really lucked out with the medications. I'm also completely NWB and got only one foot done. I was supposed to be able to walk on my heel with crutches for support, but it hurts too much where all the hardware is. My foot doesn't hurt much when I'm just lying on the bed, but it hurt a LOT when I had to go to the bathroom or whatever. Like you said, it just swells up and looks gross! Now it's a lot better and I was actually able to take a much needed bubble bath.

I think the nausea turned out to be from the antibiotic. Last night I just about had it, so I called the Dr on call and he told me to just stop taking it. At first I was concerned about infection, but he told me I wasn't absorbing the medication anyway, and at this point an infection is highly unlikely. I have taken only two Advil today at 7:00 and I feel fine. In fact, I'm actually pretty hungry now. I hope by the time I need to get my other foot done, they can arrange a different set of medications for me.

What procedure did you have done? How long will your recovery take?

sounds lile the meds did not agree with you. the pain will ease up and just take it easy. debbie g

Unfortunately, no meds seem to agree with me. I'm allergic to penicillin and a whole host of other drugs, and even the ones that are safe apparently make me sick. I wish my body would toughen up a bit.

Well, everything seems to be better today now that I have given up all the medications, so at least the worst is over.

glad you are better. your body doesnt have to toughen up for meds. just know you cant take them and possibly as you get older you will be able to take med as needed. i hope you dont need them!!!!

HOORAY for you, Rainabow. I am so happy youare feeling better today.:)

Nothing but blue skies from now on.

When do you go back to the Dr. for a follow-up? Also, what antibiotic did they give you that was so yukky?

Have a great evening....

I'm glad you're feeling better Rainabow. They gave me an antibiotic prior to the surgery, but I didn't have to take one after the surgery like you. I first developed a bunion at about age seven, which was made worse by my activities and tight shoes which stressed the toe joint. I had a lapidus fusion procedure, which my podiatrist said is the most drastic bunion surgery and helps stabilize the foot joint at its base. He straightened the foot joint, got rid of the bunion, and put in three pins which will later be removed. He also lengthened my calf muscle because it was inflexible and contributing to the bunion, but this was a minor procedure. He said he cannot operate on my other foot for three whole months, until the first one has healed enough. I don't expect the foot to be back to normal for six months, and pain free for about a year according to the podiatrist. The reason it takes so long is because both the big toe and the calf need to be worked on to regain flexibility and strength. I hope it will heal faster than expected though. What operation did you have exactly and how long until you will be healed?

I'm glad you're feeling better Rainabow. They gave me an antibiotic prior to the surgery, but I didn't have to take one after the surgery like you. I first developed a bunion at about age seven, which was made worse by my activities and tight shoes which stressed the toe joint. I had a lapidus fusion procedure, which my podiatrist said is the most drastic bunion surgery and helps stabilize the foot joint at its base. He straightened the foot joint, got rid of the bunion, and put in three pins which will later be removed. He also lengthened my calf muscle because it was inflexible and contributing to the bunion, but this was a minor procedure. He said he cannot operate on my other foot for three whole months, until the first one has healed enough. I don't expect the foot to be back to normal for six months, and pain free for about a year according to the podiatrist. The reason it takes so long is because both the big toe and the calf need to be worked on to regain flexibility and strength. I hope it will heal faster than expected though. What operation did you have exactly and how long until you will be healed?

Wow, yours was definitely more intense than mine. I had a distal chevron osteotomy for both my bunions (I have one on each side). I think it's one of the most common types of WB surgery done, but since I have very thin/fragile bones, I really can't put any weight on it otherwise I risk breaking the osteotomy. I should be in a sneaker by 8 weeks and my normal footwear (flats) in 4-6 months, but yeah, things probably won't be 100% normal until a year. Luckily the 6 month mark is in December, right before Christmas, so I can ask for shoes from everyone :) I won't be able to get the other foot done until next summer because I'm starting grad school in the fall, so I'm hoping it won't be too awkward walking around on one normal foot and one bunioned foot for a whole year...

My podiatrist says it really is beneficial to be young because your bones are a lot stronger than they will be in the future, so it might take significantly less time than someone who is already experiencing bone loss. We can hope!

HOORAY for you, Rainabow. I am so happy youare feeling better today.:)

Nothing but blue skies from now on.

When do you go back to the Dr. for a follow-up? Also, what antibiotic did they give you that was so yukky?

Have a great evening....

Wow sorry for the delay. I'm having trouble keeping track of this thread.

I'm going for my first follow-up on Wednesday. The antibiotic was clindamycin. They gave it to me intravenously before the surgery without any problems, but I guess my tummy just didn't approve.

Today I went in for my check up and the podiatrist said my foot was more swollen than most of his patients and I bled more than most. I guess it turns out I was not supposed to be taking so much ibuprofen because it causes bleeding and prevents proper bone healing, only one a day is allowed to prevent blood clots. He pulled off my splint and put me into a walking boot, although I am still non weight bearing for another week. Without the ibuprofen and due to the doctor and nurse messing around with my foot, I developed excruciating pain and a 101 degree fever! :eek: I have been sick all night and am just starting to feel better. But I guess I won't be able to take the ibuprofen anymore, just the oxycodon which doesn't help reduce the swelling. He also said since my cartilage is partly worn out around the big toe, I will need physical therapy to regain movement in the toe. At least my foot looks straight and nearly perfect after the surgery. How did your check up go, Rainabow?

If you have a temp of 101 call your doctor. It may be lower now but we all are aware of how it elevates in the evening.
Anyhow, I had two bunions done very severe.
I ended up with too many complications to speak of here.
I am just fine now and the feet are free of pain and look pretty good.
MY MAIN MESSAGE IS THAT I FOUND THAT TYLENOL WORKED MUCH BETTER ON THE BONE PAIN THAN THE ADVIL TYPE PRODUCTS.
ALSO, DARVOCET OR DARVOCETN WORKED MUCH BETTER ON MODERATE CREEPING UP TO SEVERE PAIN THAN PERCOCET OR VICODIN.
PERCOCET AND VICODIN MADE ME THROW UP AND QUITE HONESTLY I FELT THAT ALONG WITH THE PAIN MADE ME JUST ABOUT WANT TO DO MYSELF IN!!

your doctor should know about your fever. physical therapy will be great for the foot.

Today I went in for my check up and the podiatrist said my foot was more swollen than most of his patients and I bled more than most. I guess it turns out I was not supposed to be taking so much ibuprofen because it causes bleeding and prevents proper bone healing, only one a day is allowed to prevent blood clots. He pulled off my splint and put me into a walking boot, although I am still non weight bearing for another week. Without the ibuprofen and due to the doctor and nurse messing around with my foot, I developed excruciating pain and a 101 degree fever! :eek: I have been sick all night and am just starting to feel better. But I guess I won't be able to take the ibuprofen anymore, just the oxycodon which doesn't help reduce the swelling. He also said since my cartilage is partly worn out around the big toe, I will need physical therapy to regain movement in the toe. At least my foot looks straight and nearly perfect after the surgery. How did your check up go, Rainabow?

Oh no you poor thing! Uh oh, does that mean I should stop taking Advil? That's what I have been using since I went off the Darvocet. I can't see any bleeding, but of course my foot has about ten feet worth of bandages wrapped around it so who knows what horrors lurk beneath!

I haven't had mine yet but I'm going in tomorrow. I'm so anxious to see my new foot, even though I know it's going to be so ugly and bruised. Right now the pin or screw or whatever is really irritating my foot so I'm hoping they can do something about that...

Thanks for the suggestions. I switched to Tylenol instead of Ibuprofen for the bone pain and it works great. It also took down my fever - the pharmacist recommended it too. Even though I am still in more pain than when I was taking ibuprofen, the Tylenol definately helps and I have not had a fever since Monday night.

Glad things are improving. I switched to Aleve after reading your message because Tylenol probably wouldn't be enough after all the abuse my poor foot has taken today.

I had my post-op appt. today and the dr says everything looks good. The swelling, bruising, and bleeding were all minimal, but I admit I'm a little bit disappointed about how it looks. My toe is still about as crooked as it was before, but the doc says it wasn't that crooked to begin with--in fact, if he tried to straighten it, it would stick out the opposite way once I put weight on it, cause no one has a pin-straight toe when their foot isn't bearing weight. What did change is the space between my first and second MT and also of course the bump was removed. I won't get my pins out for another 3 weeks, which kind of stinks since they're really irritating, but I'm glad everything is going well and I think it will be worth it.

hi there i also have very severe bunions you say you had both done at the same time how are you manageing to get around carole

hi there i also have very severe bunions you say you had both done at the same time how are you manageing to get around carole

Hi! I had my bunion surgeries in June and mid-August, and I am doing great now! The biggest problem in recovering from this type of surgery is that the big toe joint gets stiff after surgery and it takes work to restore its normal motion. As it heals it gets easier to move the toe joint. Prior to the surgery, I was a runner and was very active. Although I have been able to work out on the elliptical machine, I have to wait a couple more weeks before I can run again. I was able to start walking on my feet in normal shoes at around eight weeks post operation. The foot still felt swollen at first but the swelling has gradually gone down and is now nearly all of the way gone. My feet look great now too, except for the scars but they will fade I hope. Good luck to you!

Hello luv2run and any other who would like to respond,
I am 26 and had my bunion surgery done Aug. 29th. I am approx. 12 weeks out from surgery. I had a mid-foot fusion done and removal of the bunion, I have two staples in my joint at the base. I was non-weight bearing for 8 weeks, and then in a walking boot for 2 weeks. I am now able to start wearing a normal shoes. My doc. recommended crocs because I am having a good bit of swelling yet. this might sound like an odd question but when I turn my foot sideways and look at it, it look much fatter or thicker than the other one does. my foot was fairly thin this way before but now it is not. I tried to put on my dress shoes just to see if I could fit into them, and my foot was so much thicker I could not even get my foot into them. So then I wanted to try on my boots and loafer type shoes, and my foot is so thick it won't fit into them. Does anyone else have this problem? Is it normal to have this happen, I thought my foot would be the same as before but without the bump, but my foot is completely different. My toe is still crooked and slanted towards the other toes and my foot is just as wide as before. Also when I walk on my foot I fell like I am standing right on my bone at the ball of my foot. I feel so much pressure there. Is that normal. Also the swelling I am having, I thought that would be gone by now. I have not had any physical therapy and I am wondering if I should ask my doctor if I can start it. My foot is really stiff especially in the mornings. Does all of this sound normal or did my foot get messed up along the way. thanks for your response in advance.