I'm starting to get concerned reading these posts regarding recovery time after surgery. I start grad school in the fall and my orientation is on August 27. I'm getting the procedure (distal chevron osteotomy/Austin buninonectomy) done tomorrow. The catch is that I will be commuting to class in NYC from New Jersey, which will involve taking the train, subway, and doing some walking. Will I be ready for this? Any tips on a quick recovery? I plan to follow my Dr's orders to a T, but is there anything else that might help?

you will be fine by then. gym shoes may work the best for a while, but you will defintely be walking.

As Debbie said, for the most part, and barring any complications, you should be mainly fine by then. Just keep in mind that there are no "quick recoveries" here. You foot will not be COMPLETELY healed and back to normal for several months. You will likely be able to get around and function normally day to day on your own but know that there will be residual swelling for quite sometime. Particulary after long days and with a lot or walking. I would plan on very comfy, well fitting gym shoes for quite sometime when commuting and walking a lot for classes.

Also, I found a "forefoot compression sleeve" online that might be able to help you out a bit with the swelling in the fall. It's not as ugly and obvious as a typical compression sock. It goes from the toes to the bottom of my arch. Mine came today. It's very thin material. I tried it on with my sketcher slip-on flip flops (no thong) and it slid right in so it will be do-able with most shoes. It's very affordable ($10-15 depending on where you order it but I only found 2 sites who carried it) so if it doesn't not work well for you, it's not a major loss. I plan on using it, though, for long days and days with a lot of walking. Perhaps look into it...

How far do you have to walk? I was able to comfortably go about 4 blocks eight weeks after a double bunionectomy. (No crutches needed) It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to continue to put your feet up whenever you get a chance and even carry an ice pack or two around in a small thermal bag just in case...

Also, I found a "forefoot compression sleeve" online that might be able to help you out a bit with the swelling in the fall. It's not as ugly and obvious as a typical compression sock. It goes from the toes to the bottom of my arch. Mine came today. It's very thin material. I tried it on with my sketcher slip-on flip flops (no thong) and it slid right in so it will be do-able with most shoes. It's very affordable ($10-15 depending on where you order it but I only found 2 sites who carried it) so if it doesn't not work well for you, it's not a major loss. I plan on using it, though, for long days and days with a lot of walking. Perhaps look into it...[/QUOTE]

MsTammy-after reading your post, I decided to purchase this forefoot compression sleeve as well, this swelling from bunion surgery is a real pain! I've tried a compression sock but as it goes all the way up to the knee it wasn't very comfortable, especially in the warmer weather. I think it'll be a little while before mine shows up. I'm in Canada, so this typically slows shipping down a bit. I am wondering if you have tried yours out yet and does it help? Thanks!