I was so excited to find this board today. I hope you all can help me decide. (and I'll try to make it as brief as possible).

I am almost31 years old and have bunions on both feet (on each side of my foot). I never wear heels (maybe 2 times a year for weddings), and basically don't care about how my feet look, I know I am not doing this for beauty. I have ugly feet in general, besides the bunions, my toes look like fingers (added bonus for me). So, polishing or caring for my toes makes them look more like fingers. In general, I ignore my feet whenever possible and don't wear sandals, except when on the beach. My feet are U_G_L_Y and always will be, so surgery would not be to help them look any better.

About 4 years ago, I began working out regulary to loose weight (I was successfull!!!), and running 4-5 times a week on the treadmill. It was about then that I noticed a very noticable pain at times on my feet. Also, I noticed in hurt more when I wore certain shoes. Long story short, I finally figured out that it may be bunions, so went to a podiatrist about 3 years ago for an opinion.

The experience was not that great. He basically said that the only reason to have the surgery was if I could not take the pain, and not for cosmetic reasons. He also told me that I was already past the first stage surgery and would need at least the "moderate" surgery. He told me to think about it and come back for surgery when I couldn't take the pain anymore. I asked him if the bunion would come back after surgery and he said, "yes it might". I asked him if I could run after the sugery, he said "probably". Basically, he didn't leave me feeling too confident about anything and didn't seem to give me a straight answer.

So, I let it go then and decided, "Not yet". Now, I'm still running 4 times a week, buy "wide" shoes which my heels flip out of because the rest of my foot isn't "wide", and basicially avoid wearing shoes around the house or when sitting at my desk. I think my bunions are getting worse (my feet feel more "deformed" by the week), so I decided to make an appointment with an orthopedic(sp?) surgeon that is scheduled for the 19th for a consult.

I know my bunions are bad enough to warrant surgery. I know I'm not doing this for cosmetic reasons and even though I am only 5 1", I know that I'll never regularly wear heels, so it's not to wear fancy shoes. My main concern is that if I don't get the surgery, my feet will just get more deformed, until I am unable to walk, or work out any longer. I have noticed lately that when I'm not wearing shoes, I'm almost loosing my balance because of the way my big toes are pushing. It feels as if my tendons are constantly stretched....

I'm just scared that surgery will make it worse. And, after reading some of the stories on this board...I'm even more scared.

I guess I am wondering why most of you got the surgeries... was it to wear "nice" shoes again? Was it to "work out"? Or, was it because your feet were so deformed you were having trouble with them?

Also, any suggestions on what to ask the doctor when I see him? Apparently, he is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the city. And, I know someone who recently had the procedure done by him and was fine.

Finally, I know this is silly, but I would prefer getting both feet done at once. I live in a high rise appartment with an elevator (and a partner to help wtih showers). And, I am sitting most of the day at work. Am I crazy even to think this would be possible?

Thanks so much to ANYONE who reads this entire thing and EXTRA THANKS to anyone who can offer advice or suggestions!

Its a good idea to have the surgery, once the recovery is over yur gonna be glad you did it.Im getting bunion sugery on both feet on april 4th.don't worry your not alone.

To <girlwonder>: I had surgery (Austin bunionectomy with 2 screws and cyst removed) on 2/20. I had read some of the horror stories on this board and was in a quadry for a while (you can check out my posts under "need bunionectomy advice", "bunionectomy 2/20 update", and "calling all those. . . ."). First of all, GET A SECOND OPINION definitely! I did. I ended up having my surgery by a podiatrist (but thoroughly checked him out and even got recommendations from surgery personnel). I am one of those who have had positive results so far. I did NOT have it done for cosmetic reasons either (I too have very ugly feet and don't wear sandles very often and never wear heels--only flat dress shoes). I had a mild bunion but had a very painful cyst on the side that made wearing shoes impossible (only had 2 pair that I could even tolerate, and they both had the lining worn out where the bunion/cyst had "pushed out" the leather). I would have the surgery all over if faced with the same situation, although I have had a much more positive result that some others. I am postop day 18, drove myself to work, and basically working as usual in a postop shoe, although I am limiting my trips out of my office or on my feet as much as I can. If you have a good surgeon in whom you can put your trust and feel comfortable about, I think that is a major hurdle. If you have access to your local hospital staff or someone who does, you might try asking the OR staff who they would recommend. Otherwise, check the physician out with the medical or podiatric boards. Best of luck! Let us know how things go!

Thanks for your advice. This appointment on the 19th will be my second opinion...so hopefully that will help me decide. IT is a very tough decision...one I am not taking lightly at all.

I guess my main concerns are being off of my feet for so long...I am addicted to working out at least 4 times a week..and being able to work out once I have the surgery (with recovery time of course)

The main reason I would opt for the surgery would be so that I can continue to work out/walk correctly and live a "normal" life.

I'm actually wearing high boots today (I have many pairs of dress pants that even though are "petite", are still too long for my short self!). And have for the most part, gone barefoot around my office here at work. I haven't worn high shoes in so long...I forgot how much it hurts. I guess it's time to take all of my clothes to get hemmed so this doesn't happen again!

OUCH!

I'll post again after the appointment on the 19th. Take care all.

hi girlwonder!!

well, congrats on finding this chat board before your surgery....i found it after my surgery which was 02/27/03. webmom76 has much positive stories and great advice. she is one of the few with a positive bunionectomy so far.

well, i am 26 years old and have had bunions my whole life. i always hated my feet as a kid - embarrased more by the many corns and calluses than the actual bunion itself. finally, i got rid of my corns and minimized my calluses by the time i was in college (thanks to the $$$ i spent on dr. scholl's products). so from then on i was comfortable wearing open toed shoes (flip flops). i wear heals occasionally - they have to be wide in front, like a round or square toe box, and the heel can be 1 1/2 inches, maybe 2 inches high. but over the last few years, my feet have been hurting constantly - even when i would wear flip flops or my new balances or adidas (those brands tend to be more wide in the front for me). i noticed that they were getting extremely worse in the last two years, so finally decided to have the surgery. my feet were hurt 10 minutes into a hike, and after a few minutes during tennis. anyhow, i went to a podiatrist who was recommended by my friend's mom (a nurse). i guess i really trusted her judgement, because i didn't even go for a second opinion. my first visit in, i told him i wanted the surgery a.s.a.p.

i am doing extremely well. got my left foot done first. it's now post-op day 12 (1 week behind webmom76) i did go back to work post-op day 4. saw my doctor again on post-op day 7 and he said that i was doing well - he was surprised, but happy, that there was no swelling since i returned to work early. (i'm in cancer research, so i'm often walking between my lab bench and my office). more about my bunionectomy - the bump was cut/shaved off, my metatarsal bone had a "v" cut at the head. now there is a pin in my foot - i can't take a full shower until it is out (somewhere between week 4 to 6). stitches will come out this friday. should be 8 weeks for full recovery. (oh yeah, i ditched my crutches post-op day 10. ) i'll have my right foot done as soon as i can fully bear weight on my left foot.

about getting both feet done at the same time - my sister's neighbor had both done at the same time - she says to invest in really good knee pads, because unless you have someone there 24/7, you'll be crawling to the bathroom, kitchen, etc. she did hire someone to help with the grocery shopping and cooking. for me, i rather have one foot done at a time so that i am somewhat independent. it's between having the ability to hobble around on one foot or sitting around waiting for someone to help me move about( if i were to have had both done at one time.) yes, my recovery time is now doubled since i am having one foot done at a time.......but i am able to "walk" with my left foot flat - a little awkward, but i'm walking and back to most normal activity. i did freeze my gym membership for 3 months - figured it would be too difficult to work out. but i do have yoga tapes/dvds and a balance ball at home for some activity.

hope this helps with your decision. good luck on your surgery.

Good for you for finding this informative group before deciding to have your surgery. My addition may not be what you want to hear, but things don't always go as you would like them to.

I sure do wish I had found this thread before my bunion saga began. I had the first surgery the Monday after Thanksgiving. I had to have surgery on the same foot 7 weeks later because the screw did not hold and the two bones in my toe slid under the joint.

After the second surgery I was in a non-walking cast for 5 weeks. Went back a week ago Friday to have the cast removed because my toes were turning purple whenever the were not elevated. I am due to go back on Friday. Got a call today and my dr. has ordered an electronic bone growth stimulator which I will get tomorrow. From what I understand, I will have to wear a coil on my toe for 10 hours daily. This is usually done at night but I have a horrible time sleeping and am really worried.

Has anyone else had or heard of this experience? I am going on my 14th week in either special shoes or a cast.

Judy

Well, I got the consult today with the orthopedic surgeon(my 2nd opinon..)..and he didn't tell me anything new. Basically, it is up to me to decide when to get surgery. He said I had enough deformity to warrant a surgery...but it was up to me...and I could schedule surgery if, and when I want to. He seemed to indicate that if it hurt/bothered me enough...I would know when to get the surgery. Does it hurt?...well, that depends...if I wear regular shoes, it hurts enough. If I try to wear heels, it hurts TOO much. IF someone like him today touches and prods it...yes, it hurts too much. Of course, I try to be extra careful with my feet and with the exeption of my work outs...I attempt to not touch or rub against them (bunions) to limit the amount of pain I experience. I buy extra wide shoes for my narrow feet to accomodate the bunion. And, I tend to tilt my foot a little when walking to make it less/not painful.

I thought that when I told him I turn my foot in a little to avoid pain he would have said, "oh, then get the surgery". But he didn't. I asked him if I waited would it be worse in the end. And he said, "oh, you are a long way from it being not correctable". He said that it wasn't like an appendectomy(sp?) in which one day I would wake up and require emergency foot surgery. He said it's progressive, but it's a slow process. He basically reinforced that it was a big decision because it involved at least 2 month recovery for each foot...and that is a lot of time to be "out of commision".

Great...all his years of being a surgeon...and I have to make the stupid decision. Hmph.

I suppose I want someone to TELL me to get it done..because I don't want to have to make the decision myself. At what point do I say, "oh yeah..please go ahead and cut my foot open, break some bones...and try to piece it all back together. Gee, can't wait until that happens".

I guess I'll know the point when I hit it...but I'm not there yet. I may wait until next fall and see how I feel then.

It's a big decision, and I'm not going to take it lightly. I guess I'll wait until I absolutely can't find shoes that are comfortable, or until each step is an agony....(looking forward to fun times...)

My concern is that I am spoiled now. Although I work out 5 times a week...at work I sit most of the time and have the luxury of being able to take my shoes off (the benefit of a corner cubicle)...all day. If I were to ever be required to stand more ofen...I'm sure I'd want the surgery then. Of course, then it may require more "off time" as I would be able to recover much better at this job then at another one.

Oh well...with all that is going on in the world...my feet seem "small potatos" at this point.

In any case, thanks so much for all of your assistance with this. For now, I'm going to hold off...but I will continue to read these boards.

Take Care!

hi girlwonder,

it's seems that you're making a comfortable decision for yourself. good for you. surgery is something you don't want to rush into.

while you hold off on the surgery, might i suggest you talk to more people near you - i mean, at age 24, i knew of maybe one person who had the surgery done (my brother-in-law's sister.......although i probably considered my own surgery 10 years before having met her, i was probably around 13-15 years old) anyhow, then i noticed my foot getting worse in the last 2 years. then my sister's neighbor had both feet done at the same time - her's were definitely worse than mine. she did not recommend her doctor at all - just was not happy with the pain management and care he provided (post-op care improved once she pretty much yelled at him, then he became nicer and more attentive as her doctor) i decided that i definitely wanted to get this done before i go back to school (to get a degree in pharmacy - hey, pharmacists stand a lot, so i'll need good feet) and before i leave my job and the nice health insurance i have here.

anyhow, now that i have my left foot operated on, i'm finding so many more people with similar problems who also had bunionectomies - i guess bunions isn't a topic most people like to bring up. so no one actually shared their story with me until after my surgery and they all saw my lovely post-op shoes and crutches. two co-workers had the surgery, a co-worker's mother had the surgery, some girl i met at happy hour also just had the surgery (sporting the lovely post-op shoe, too), my boss's friend had it done in january. also, a lot of other women told me that they or some of their girlfriends also had bunions and will be needing foot corrections. i notice it on a lot of people to, especially women. one friend actually isn't aware that she has them - even after i've openly talked about mine....i guess she doessn't feel the pain, so she doesn't realize that she has bunions. her boyfriend told me that her mother also have severe bunions and isn't conscious of it)

so my point is: you may find that you can hear other people's story firsthand - physically see their feet post-surgery, and if you are lucky, maybe they took pictures of their feet before surgery so you can see the physical severity of their bunions. ( i took a before shot, and one right before my stitches came out. i kinda wanted something physical to compare the difference surgery would make and to show others who were curious about what the surgery entailed) i mean, my co-worker told me how she passed out after trying to stand up from the hospital bed (had both feet operated on, and the blood rush made her unconscious) another co-worker had one foot done in high school (and she was an athelete) etc. etc. etc. i wished i had heard these stories before my surgery, but that's just how life went for me.

and who knows, maybe you'll find someone who can recommend an excellent doctor (my friend's mom, a nurse, recommended a great doctor for me.) tat you would fee safe and comfortable with. as you've already read, a lot of people have had horror stories. i think with a good doctor, you could minimize the risks (athough there is always risk in surgery).

good luck with any further research you plan on doing while you hold off.

Princess-

Thanks so much for your response! I do plan on asking around a bit more. Apparently, the doctor I went to yesterday is well known and considered excellent. SO, I would feel comfortable allowing him to do the surgery when I decide to have it done.

Again, I think this fall may work for me, as I've been cooped up all winter and have just been waiting to "get out there" and enjoy myself a bit.

Once you get all healed up, I would LOVE to see your before/after pictures

That's the thing...I'm not sure how "bad" mine are in comparission to others. To me, they seem bad. But, what do I know??? I did look at a picture of my feet when I was 20 (about 10 years ago). They look much worse now, than then. Of course, back then I just thought I had ugly feet. I didn't realize there was a name for it.

In fact, it wasn't until they started hurting when I began to run did I even REALIZE I had bunions. (we are sometimes the last to know...)

Again, thank you for your sweet reply. And, try to post those pictures if you can!!!

Hi girlwonder,

I'm brand new to this board. From your description, it seems my bunions are very similar to yours. I'm also a runner who has done a couple of marathons.

So far I've just put up with the bunions. I actually have them on both feet, but my left foot is much worse. I always have to buy running shoes with a wide toe box, and I've just recently ordered a pair in an extra wide size (the pain finally drove me to it). I'm curious to know which types of running shoes that you've had the most success with.

Anyway, I've been considering surgery for the last couple of years as well. I'm 32 now, and each year I watch them get progressively worse. Last year, I talked with my physical therapist cousin who described them as mild to moderate. I have the feeling that my left foot would be characterized as a moderate bunion, while my right foot may still be in the mild category.

He also said that there is a risk that a "bad" surgery could stop me from running. Typically, it seems that most running publications (Runner's World, etc.) advise runners not to get the surgery. However, I'm wondering if there is also a risk in not getting the surgery. I'm basically afraid of waiting to a point where the surgery would have to be so extensive that the actual risks of the surgery would be even greater (I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I will need the surgery sometime in my life). Did the doctors who you've talked to said anything about that?

I would be lying if I said that the cosmetic aspects of surgery don't appeal to me. However, I do not want to get it done just for looks. I can still get around fairly easy (but I have to wear wide shoes of course). In terms of running, I find that running on the track hurts the most and I find the most relief running on trails. Lately, I've also found that long runs (10+ miles or so) will make my bunions throb for a good day after the run.

Good luck in the fall! I would be interested in finding out how it goes and how well you are able to return to your exercise regime. I'm also interested in finding out how far people (especially athletes) let their bunions go before getting the surgery. Thanks to all those that have posted with their "bunion" stories and experiences.

Take Care...

Runner-TG,

i'm not a marathon runner...but i do go hiking and play tennis. or i use to..... my bunions don't look as bad as some (do internet search on bunions. if you type in "bunions before after" you can find some sites with before after surgery pictures.) where the big toe crosses over or under the other toes. but they did hurt enough to make me stop A LOT on hiking trails and take LOTS of breaks during tennis. the last straw was superbowl weekend - i was walking around downtown san diego in my new balance sneakers (i like those and adidas - i tend to find that they are made a bit wider in the toe box compared to other brands) and my feet hurt so much i ended up walking on the outsides of my feet until that, too, hurt so i walked on my heels.

you can look at it this way. yes, surgery has HUGE risks. but you also risk not being able to run if your toes start to cross over/under. i've talked to a couple people who had the surgery and i intended to get the surgery....but didn't set up any appointments until the last straw was broken. so right after the superbowl weekend, i called the podiatrist (i had been holding onto his name for a few months...a recommendation from a nurse,) and i had the surgery set up two weeks later.

also, many people, once we get started talking about bunions, can notice my "bump" through my new balance sneakers. my toes do not cross over, but even when i am not on my feet, i feel the throbbing pain come and go.

i know GirlWonder is interested in seeing my pictures of my feet before surgery and after. i do have one with the stitches on (i'm only in post-op day 21). i'm willing to share the pics, but i know i'm not allowed to post websites. so i have no idea how i can "post" these forGirlWonder to see. in the meantime, do the internet such like i suggested earlier in this post. good luck! (btw, Runner-TG, read some of the other bunion posts......i know there are at least 2 avid runners who posted their stories...possiblly under "calling all those had bunion surgery") -i checked, it is under that post. you can find the discussions from runners on page 1 of this long post/thread. look for usernames "sunnyd," "dazzle05," and "JanetLee." one person started running post-op week7!!! although another was advised not to run until post-op week 14-16. good luck!

[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 03-20-2003).]

Hi Runner (and hey again Princess)-

I think my bunions are considered, "moderate" on each foot. When relaxed (not when standing up), my big toes do tend to go under my second toes a little bit. They didn't used to do that...but it is part of the progresssion.

Good for you for running marathons!!!! I am quite a wimp. I usually only run 3 miles 5 days a week. I was "uping" it a bit..and made it to about 7 miles....but then I injured myself by overdoing it, so I went back down to running for fitness only. I didn't want to risk not being able to run at all...so I'm satisfied with my measly 3 miles a day. I also do a cross trainer too after my runs, for a little extra cardio. Finally, I recently bought a mountain bike and hopefully will alternate my running days with biking days to give my feet a break.

Anyhow...I did talk talk to the doctor yesterday specifically about the risks of not getting the surgery and waiting. He didn't really seem to indicate that there were any risks, and stressed that I was a long way from them being unable to correct it. I think he could tell that I wasn't pleased with having to not do anything for weeks at a time. Most doctors will not recommend this surgery. It is up to you to decide.

My biggest "issue" with the surgery is being "out of commision" for all of that time. I am sort of addicted to working out/running. I really enjoy it and feel it's the best part of my day. I would have to give that up for at least 8 weeks for each foot. Also, I would not be able to drive (I drive a standard care) for that entire time. Finally, my fear is that for some reason, I would be in the small percentage of something going dramatically wrong...and not be able to work out/run after the surgery. I would REALLY be upset if I thought that there was a chance I could have avoided/waited for the surgery...but instead opted to do it...and something went wrong. I would feel awful.

Also, I asked him if I ran after the surgery, would the bunions come back?? He seemed to think that the only reason they would come back is if I wore "pointed" toe box shoes. But, I guess you can't guaruntee anything...

I think for me, that something will have to happen (I won't be able to stand the pain anymore), and then surgery will be "necessary" for me. Right now, I'm not there yet.

I find that the "wide" new balance running shoes work best for me(I think the ones I get are "D" width). Also, I have to ensure that there isn't a hard piece of material next to my bunion (if that makes sens). The only problem with buying wide shoes for me is that I have to make sure the laces are right. I keep them loose in the front (where the bunion is), and then tighten them towards the back of my foot (again, hope that makes sense). One thing I read suggested that you have two short pairs of laces in each shoe and lace the front loosley, and the back set tightly so your heel doesn't slide out.

One more thing...all of the running mags/websites I read also suggested to hold off on the surgery as long as possible....

So...for now...that's what I am doing...

Too bad we all can't post our pictures of our feet. Of course, I don't have access to a digital camera right now...

I didn't know you couldn't post websites here. Can you post email addresses??? If so, I would post mine just to see before/after pics!

Sorry so long...but one more thing. Princess, the doctor yesterday discribed the surgery I would need to be exactly the one that you had. I would need the bump shaved..the "v" cut in my meta(sp?) bone with a screw in place to realign the bone...and also need to cut the muscle a little in between my 4th and big toe. Sounds like real fun. ugh!

Take care all...

[This message has been edited by GirlWonder (edited 03-20-2003).]

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[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 04-03-2003).]

Dear Princess and Girlwonder,

Thanks for the posts. I will check out the other threads that you mentioned. My toes are definitely not crossing yet. While my bunions do throb occassionally, the pain is still tolerable. I've also never had to stop midway through a run due to the pain. On some runs I barely feel them, and other times they are quite noticable.

Girlwonder, great job with the running. It took me years to be able to do runs of 20 miles or more (I've been running on and off since jr. high school), so definitely don't push it. The amount of distance you're doing is perfect and quite enjoyable; it should keep you very fit.

As far as shoes go, I've found that the New Balance 1022's have a wide toe box, as do Asics Gel Cumulus. The New Balance's do have a slightly wider toe box than the Asics, but my feet like the Asics a little better (due to other bio-mechanical issues such as high arches). Generally, New Balance shoes have more cushion than Asics do as well. I've also recently discovered Thorlos socks which are a godsend for people with bunions. I also wear orthodics to help control the pronation (which is supposed to help slow down the progress of bunions).

I don't think that I'm at the point of surgery yet, but will probably need it within 2-5 years. I think it's true that the best plan of action is to wait until the pain is just too much; or until the toes actually begin to cross. I don't have a fear of being out of commission for too long--my main concern is take things slow (after I get the surgery) so they heal properly.

I've also looked on the internet for pics and some of the worst cases (before pictures) were SCARY. That's really what prompted me to get more information on bunions and bunion surgery, as I didn't want mine to get to that point and perhaps impair my ability to be active and pursue athletic activities.

Good luck to both of you!

I had the bunion surgery on my left foot on 3-14-03. I consulted several people before having the surgery, and the bottom line is that the bunions will only get worse. I have had the bunion my whole life, and at 32, I finally had enough pain so that I could no longer run, which was a major concern for me. The surgery went well, and post Op has been fairly uneventful. I guess what I'm trying to say is, do not let your bunions get to the point where you need major surgery. Mine was a moderate bunion, and my podiatrist said I was lucky I felt the pain when I did, so as to avoid major surgery. I would have a podiatrist rather than an orthepedic surgeon perform the operation. Get a good referal to a podiatrist and find out how many operations they have performed.

I am debating whether to have this surgery also. I have wanted it since I was 16, I am now 32. I never had it before because it was so expensive but my current insurance covers 100%.

I have a hard time finding shoes to wear that look decent and even if they fit for the bunion, my heel is flopping all over. I love to walk and stand but the bunion usually throbs after minutes. I always take my shoes off at work when at my desk.

I am scared because of all the horror stories on this forum. It does seem that it really makes a difference if you have a good doctor. I went to a doctor in my small town, he answered all my questions and spent a great deal of time with me. I was impressed. But now I am thinking maybe I should go to a larger town to have it done, like Cleveland.

I have asked around but cannot find a doctor someone would recommend. How do I get the best doctor and do I really want to do this?



[This message has been edited by Tammie32 (edited 04-12-2003).]

Sorry, didn't realize the picture would be so huge.

Also, I really want to have both feet done at once. I do have 3 kids (12, 7 and 3) but I could have people help me at home. Has anyone done this?

hi Tammie32!!

okay, first, how did you insert the picture of your foot? i know that GirlWonder would like to see the pics of my foot pre-surgery and post surgery. and if you tell me how, i can post it here.

since you live in a small town, do you know other people who have had to have the surgery (possibly with the same doctor you went to, or another doctor...that way you can get stories from first hand experiences) i was lucky - my friend's mom is a nurse, so she recommend a great podiatrist. still, even with a good/great dr., you do have risks associated with surgery.

surprisingly, many people around me have had the bunionectomies, or a family member of theirs had it. of course, i didn't find this out til after my own surgery (left foot...i'm post-op day 33)....so, it's kinda nice to know that some of my coworkers have had this surgery (although their surgeries were over 10 and 15 years ago)

my sister's neighbor had bunionectomies to both of her feet at the same time last year - she recommended really good knee pads to anyone getting both done at the same time.

did the dr tell you what type of surgical procedure your bunions require? for my left bunion, the bump was shaved off, the first metatarsal bone had a "v"cut (osteotomy) and realigned with a pin sticking partly out of my foot (had it removed on friday - it was 1 and a half inches long! didn't hurt at all for me) and some tendon/ligments were cut to release the lateral "pull" on my big toe. dr said i had a complex bunionectomy - because of all the tendon/ligment growth (i've had bunions pretty much all my life; it runs in my family) so i have less that 4 weeks for an anticipated full recovery. i must say, i've had a great recovery so far. i do have a high tolerance for pain, but i don't think i've had much pain at all. my dr is also great. everytime i see him, he always remind me that i can page him if i need anything. so he makes himself very accessible. he even called me acoulpe hours after my surgery just to check up on me!!! i don't know many doctors who do that personally.

anyhow, enough about me. i'm guessing that your surgery would not be as complex as mine. in fact, your big toe looks fairly straight except that your bunion sticks more upward. does surgery only require you to have the bump shaved off? also, remember that you have follow up visits with the doctor post-surgery ( i have to go weekly for 8 weeks then another 8 weeks when i get my right foot done) so you need to ask yourself if you are willing to drive into cleveland every week for an office visit (usually to get the dressing changed, and then to have the stitches removed and take x-rays to make sure that the bone is healing correctly)

sorry i've written so much here. good luck tammie!!

Hello Everyone

I had bunionectomy surgery and straightening of the big toe with wire placement to hold the correction in place. I had minor bunions so I didn't require screw placement. I had one foot done at a time Right foot done on 1/06/03 and Left foot done on 2/28/03. I am happy to report that I'm doing great and have no regrets. I am very happy with the results. The recovery time is long and takes great patience but in the end you'll be happy you did it. I had been putting this off for years in fear that the pain would be unbearable from the stories I heard. I'm 29 years old and decided that if I was going to do it I should do it now. I used the podiatrist a friend of mine used since she had severe bunions and her feet look great and had very minor pain after surgery. My friend also informed me to follow doctors instructions to avoid pain and have a great recovery. I didn't have much discomfort with my bunions to begin with but I was worried that they would get worse and more painful as I got older. Another reason I had the surgery done was for cosmetic reasons. I was tired of buying shoes that either covered the bunions or shoes that didn't agitate them. I wanted to be able to walk into a shoe store and buy whatever I wanted. I'm not much of a heals wearer since I'm 5'8 and I don't need anymore height. I just wanted to be able to wear more open sandals. I sure hope that if you decide to have the surgery done it is as good an experience as I had.
GOOD LUCK

Hello Tammie

I agree with Princess you would be surprised to how many people around you have had the surgery done already. Ask around to see if anyone around you had had the surgery done and ask them who they went to. I remember after my first surgery friends and neighbors told me they had it done a few years ago.

Also your bunions aren't as bad as mine were and my doctor called mine minor and didn't require screw placement.

GOOD LUCK

I am thinking maybe the picture didn't do them justice (ha, like it's a good thing). The DR did say I would require screws and/or pins in both feet. He said the bone had to be moved completely over.

I meant to call today but I was too busy at work. I have mentioned my surgery to so many people but no one has offered any stories.

For those of you who have had bunion surgery, has anyone had extended swelling? I had a bunion removed on February 21. Now, six weeks later, I am still using an ACE bandage and wearing Birkenstocks. My podiatrist says the foot is healing, and there's no good explanation why it's still swollen. I did all of the right things -- took a week off work, kept it iced and elevated. Actually, I'm still keeping it elevated. Any advice would be appreciated!

hi calpurnia,

well, i had surgery 02/27/03 and by post-op day 8, i had no swelling. i'd attribute that to the elevation, icing and crtutches. but by day 11, i stopped using the crutches and when i went to the doctor's on day 16, i noticed that there was some swelling. i think it was from all the walking w/out crutches.

anyhow, the pin was removed about 6 days ago, and i do notice swelling again. the dr said that for some unknown reason, the area swells up after the pin is removed. but i'm wondering how long it will be before all the swelling is gone, too. people have told me that it is a broken bone, so swelling is reasonable. and they also said that there is a lot of scar tissue buiding up...so maybe that's part of the cause of the swelling? i don't know for sure, but i plan on asking my dr tomorrow.

Dear Little Princess,
I last saw my podiatrist a week ago, and he doesn't feel the need to see me for another 2 months. He said that everyone heals differently. But I am seeing my regular MD today and will ask her if there are any meds to take for the swelling aside from Motrin or Vioxx. I bought the most darling clogs and can't wait to wear them--or walk two blocks without pain for that matter.

What kind of pin do you have? Mine is a titanium pin and is permanent.

hi calpurnia!

the pin that was in my foot was a removable one (i'm pretty sure it was titanium....my sister's neighbor has permanent titanium screws in her feet, so i think titanium pins and screws are commonly used) it was an inch and a half long - didn't hurt when the doctor removed it.

anyhow, i was an idiot and accidently kicked my toe into a desk on tuesday. then on wednesday, my boyfriend accidently hit the bottom of my foot. both time i experienced a little pain initially - nothing much, just the kind of pain you get when you have a normal foot and accidently stub it into a desk/wall. bu as each day passed, i've been feelind a dull pain. nothing excruciating until this morning at the doctor's office - he gave me a new splint, and when he went to velcro my post-op shoe, i felt a sharp pain in my former bunion area. i didn't feel anything else soon after that. but now, about 2 hours later, i am feeling some pain (not as painful as felt at the office today, but much more that the dulling pain i was feeling this week)

the doctor says i do still have some swelling - just not as much as i saw during week 2. i think i will try sleeping with my foot elevated again ( i did that every night for 2 weeks - week 1 i had no swelling, but during week 2 i had some swelling - possibly b/c i stopped using my crutches and had more weight on my foot) have you tried elevating your foot (or feet) while you sleep? my foot is elevated about 4 to 5 pillows high......i figured that getting 6-8hours sleep also gives me the most time to elevate my foot. i hope that might help you with reducing the swelling.

good luck, and keep me posted on how you are doing.

hi GirlWonder,

okay, so i found out from a healthboards' moderator that we're not suppose to post pictures here either......so hopefully you are familiar with photos thru yahoo. (i hope that it's okay that i direct you to where you can see pictures of my feet since i'm not really posting the link outright.) if you can connect to that page, add the "/thelittleprincess0303" after the dotcom and you should get my album w/ pics of my feet. (remember, there's a backslash before thelittleprincess0303)

there are five pictures posted:
1) before surgery, both feet while standing
2) post-op day 15, left foot only, foot in air, stitches & pin in place
3) post-op day 36, left foot only, standing, stitches & pin removed (pic is a little blurry)
4) post-op day 36, same as #3 but foor in air
5) post-op day 36, both feet side by side

the reason i put both standing and not standing pics is b/c you can see a difference in my foot.....when the foot is extended out into the air, i have a space between my big toe and the second toe. when i'm standing, my 2nd and 3rd toes kinda shifts over to the medial side so it "closes" the gap b/w the 1st and 2nd toe. i'm hoping that w/ time, my 2nd and 3rd toe will realign towards the medial side. (b/c of the bunion, it points laterally)

hope that helps you. i've also slipped on shoes (just to look at them...i didn't do any walking in shoes), and what a difference! there is no bunion sticking out of my left shoes (particularly noticable in sandals) and i don't get that ugly indentation on the top and side of my shoe since the bunion is gone.

Princess--

Thank you SO SO much. I got to see your pics today. I have to say...your feet (toes) look like mine for the most part in terms of severity. (Wasn't it neat that when you put your feet together, your two big toes make a "V"...aren't we lucky???) The only difference is that both of my big toes really "push" up against the next toe. In fact, when not standing...both of my big toes are beginning to sort of drift UNDER the second toe a little (this is worse on my left foot). But so far, this is only when I am not putting weight on the feet.

When I decide to get the surgery, I think I'm going to do my left foot first too. I really would like to stay in contact with you as you heal....because I really want to know if in a few months...you feel "normal". Right now, my feet don't feel so "normal". They are always sore and always feels like I need to stretch out my toes or something. I just want to know that after the surgery (well not right after....), my feet will be better off than before. Does that make sense?

By the way...it looks like the left foot is still a little swollen. Did your doc say when that would go down for good???

Your doc sounds excellent! Too bad you are across the country, I'd ask for a referral http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Your fixed foot does look good!

How soon till the next operation???

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to post your pictures...I really do appreciate it. I'm going to let my friend (who I complain to constantly) see them too, if that is ok....???


I would love to take a picture of my feet...but I don't have a digital camera right now...if I get my hands on one....I'll try it.

Take care and happy healing.

Have a great weekend...once again, thank you. That was very sweet of you.

GirlWonder,

you are very welcome. i'm glad that i could be of some help/comfort. isn't nice to be able to "chat" w/ someone and have a better idea visually of what that person is going thru?

the podiatrist will take another x-ray next friday...so we will see from there when i can schedule to get the right foot fixed. i did ask him when i could start "bending" my toe and try getting more flexibility into it - he hasn't said much about any type of physical therapy up until i asked this morning - i think he's been interested in making sure that the bone was healing. but he said that i can start to bend my toe up and down with the support of my hands. he'll start me on other physical therapies next week.

my chiroprator said that she'll do some physical therapy with me once my podiatrist says that i'm fully healed.....i know she suggested doing ultrsound to help break done the scar tissue that is building up. my boyfriend had that done when he ruptured a tendon in his finger and required surgery - said that it helped a lot and he was able to get some flexibility back.

oh, and yes, you may share the yahoo album with your friend. i actually made that account so that i could email you (when you first asked to see the pictures) but then i couldn't get it to appear under my healthboardsdotcom profile. that's when i wised up and realized i could use the photos on yahoo to share it with you. i didn't want to post my personal email acct here or anything. but about sharing the photos w/ your friend, thanks for asking. and i will continue to keep you posted about my recovery.

Believe me, no one could have bunions and deformed feet as bad as mine were. My big toes were just about at right angles with the rest, going under my second and third toes. It has been 4 weeks since my bunionectomies done on 6th March(cut off bunions and break big toes and have them screwed straight, both feet. Painful for first few days, then each day gets better. First 14 days spent feet up on sofa, walking on heels with crutches to bathroom etc., only when necessary. (no showers) Seen doctor after that and had dressings removed, and replaced with soft crepe bandages to keep big toes separated, and continue to walk on my heels unaided. Take the bandages off twice a day to shower and moisturise the skin. 10 minutes in the sun too. The scars are healing nicely, the feet look pretty straight and I am thrilled, no pain and look forward to seeing the doctor again in 2 weeks, when he told me to bring a pair of shoes with me. After waddling around like a duck for six weeks all up, it will be nice to start walking normally again, the only trouble is I haven't got a decent pair of shoes to take to the doctor with me, they all have a big bump on the side of them where the bunions used to poke out. But so far I am thrilled with my progress and the way things are going

hi goodolmum:

congrats on your progress. sounds like you are doing really well now.

i was lucky, my big toes have not crossed over/under the other toes. but since i've had bunions nearly my whole life, i had a complex bunionectomy due to the extensive tendon and ligament growth pulling my big toe laterally.

my surgery is almost similar to yours - bump was cut/shaved off, metatarsal bone broken into a "v" cut and realigned with a pin that was removed after week4. (then i was finally able to take a shower! ) i'm post-op day 39 now. doctor says i might be able to wear regular shoes this weekend...and possibly schedule the bunionectomy for my right foot.

anyhow, again, congrats to your excellent recovery!

Hi LittlePrincess

I hope you don't mind but I took a look at your post op pictures and I must say your foot looks awesome. Your doctor did a great job. The reason I took a look at them was I wanted to compare my foot with someone else who recently had surgery. I have two friends who had it done a couple of years ago but they are completely healed up.
Good Luck on your right foot.

Emily

Hi Little Princess
It's great that we are both doing so well, I just hope that I will be able to walk normally again in a few weeks, and especially miss being able to drive the car too. I think people are starting to wonder why I'm waddling about like a duck still. It's only been 33 days or so and I still get a bit of swelling when the bandages are off to moisturise the old feet, but it goes down after a while. The stitches have dissolved and I don't have to have any pins or screws eyc., taken out, so I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. There sure are some horror stories being told.

EmilyL - sure, i'm okay with you checking out my pre- and post-suregury foot pictures. i'm glad to be able to help somehow.

update on my recovery:
post-op day 43
saw my podiatrist today - x-rays show that my foot is healing nicely - still not fully healed though. it also showed that i still have swelling and inflammation (well, i could still tell w/out the x-rays) which has decreased with time. the dr says that i can try out my sneakers - only for an hour today. and if i have no problems, i can increase the amount of time daily. i'm allowed to "roll" my foot as i walk now instead of keeping it flat and "waddling like a duck." haven't scheduled the surgery for my right foot yet. will have another update after my dr's appt in two weeks.

YAY!!!! I went to the doctors today for my 3 month post op on my right foot and 6 weeks post op on my left foot. I had x-rays taken and everything looks great. As of today I no longer have to wear the surgical shoe on my left foot. I am so happy that I don't have to wear that uncomfortable shoe anymore. I put regular shoes on today and I must say my left foot is still a little sore when the toe bends. I remember from my first surgery that even though it's completely healed a little swelling and soreness will still be there for a couple more weeks. I'm so glad this is over I have no regrets but the recovery is long and takes great patience.

I hope everyone else is feeling just as good

Little Princess,

Happy to hear that your still doing well. Is there any particular reason you haven't scheduled your second surgery?.
Have you or anyone else here been told by there doctors that they will have post op's for up to a year?. My doctor told me there is several post op appoinments 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks with x-rays, 3 months with x-rays, 6 months with x-rays, 1 year with x-rays.

Webmom where are you?. Wondering how you are doing.

Emily

I went to a different doctor this week and got better information/options. He said my toes is 14 degrees (?) away and I could do the Chevron Surgery. With this surgery, even doing both feet at once, I can be walking within a few days.

Has anyone done this specific surgery and how did it go? Am I totally stupid doing both feet at once?

I am scheduled for May 14th!

Tammie,

I had this procedure done 4 weeks ago, left foot only, and walked out of the surgery center. I couldn't imagine doing both feet at the same time, because although you can walk, it is not very comfortable walking in the post op shoe. I'm not sure about anyone else, but my calf muscle was very sore trying to walk in that shoe. The upside to doing both at once, is that you only have one recovery period. If you have plenty of help, and can limit the amount of time on your feet for the first couple of weeks, I think you'll be in good shape. I was wearing my own shoe and doing the range of motion excercises after 3 weeks. I have not had any problems from this procedure. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by shooter1971 (edited 04-12-2003).]

I just read all of your posts - they are making me feel better about my current situation. (I just started a new discussion, but I like the vibe / tone from this group - so i am reposting here.)

I had bunion surgery 6 weeks ago - they cut the bone in 1/2, shift it over like an earthquake and put in 2 screws. I also had 2 of my toes straightened and shortened.

I have had a horrible recovery (or maybe I am just not dealing well). I was on crutches for 2 weeks and then was walking with a cane for 2 weeks. I am STILL in the lovely blue shoe (i actually just got a black one for nicer occasions). I am 1 week into physical therapy and I have 3 more weeks to go.

The 1st 2 weeks after surgery were HELL. I was a mess. But it has gotten better from there.

Today, 6+ weeks later, my foot is still swollen - but getting better everyday. My big toe is really stiff and pointing in... so i need to keep it splinted everyday. The physical therapy is working, but i still have a little bump where the bunion was. They say it is just scare tissue and swelling, but i am getting to the point (6 weeks later) that I don't think it will go away.

I want my big toe straight and a minimal bump - all with no pain. I think, after the hell of the surgery, I am not asking for much...

ANY ADVICE?

randigale,

Give it time, it's a slow process. I'm just about 5 weeks post op and feeling better everyday. I still have a bump where my bunion was, but it is not anywhere near as bad as it was before. I guess I'm not expecting it to be as straight as my right foot, but I am expecting to be pain free. Keep doing the physical therapy and I'm sure it will only improve. Good luck.

randigale,

i'm also 6+ weeks post-op (surgery on left foot on 02/27/03). as for the scar tissue building up - my podiatrist says that i should begin my "flexing" exercises (i am seated in a chair and then i just lift my heel with the front of the foot planted on the ground) i also asked about ultrasound b/c my chiroprators suggested that i start that after my foot fully heals to break down scar tissue build-up and he said that was ok to start (although one of the chiroprators wants me to wait until the inflammation is completely gone; i'm still a little swollen and inflamed, but not as much as before) so ultrasound is a possibility. my boyfriend ruptured a tendon in his finger end of last year and he required surgery; the physical therapists did ultrasound on his finger several weeks after surgery and he said it helped a lot w/ breaking down the scar tissue and he was able to get some flexibiliy out of it.

good luck.

thanks so much for your reply. i just looked at my pre-op picuture and WOW, what a difference. i will ask the physical therapist about ultra sound - i never thought of that.

i am hoping to get out of my post-op shoe next week (week 7.5) and put on a sneaker.

princess - i just saw your pictures, hope you didn't mind - they look great. wow, my pins / screws are inside - never saw one sticking out.

i will take a picture of my foot today and post it (along w/ my pre-op) on my website as well. i will repost a message when it is live.

again, thanks for your support. i think my husband (and my friends and family) are SICK of me complaining. we were planning on having the left foot done over the summer, but i am not sure i can do this again so soon. maybe... :-)

I am very glad i found this site, I am thinking about getting the surgery done, but first on my right foot. I had my first app. yesterday, and i like the doctor. But I am very concerned with the recovery time, when is it possible to drive the car? What about getting the foot wet?
I'd realy appreciate some replies
Thanks

Also, to GirlWonder, i was trying to find ur site with the pictures, but it seems like it isnt working, maybe i'm doing something wrong, but i followed ur directions as to where to go. Is the scar very visible?

NEVERMIND GirlWonder, sorry, i'm talking about thelittleprincess web site?

hi again... i just posted my before and after surgery pictures at: photos.yahoo.com/randigale

note - my right foot is still swollen but you can see the difference. the screws are still in and the toes are healing slowly.

re: your questions - you should scroll up (or go back a page) to see my overview... posted yesterday. but i was on crutches for 2 weeks and was walking with a cane for 2 weeks. it was my right foot, so i didn't drive until week 3.5. i was able to get it wet after the stitches came out - day 10 i think. but i was not able to stand in the shower.

note - everyone is different. every surgery is different.

what exactly are you having done?

i think you need to type: photos.yahoo.com/thelittleprincess0303

i just posted mine at randigale - just replace thelittlepricess0303 with randigale

Originally posted by Sammi22:
Also, to GirlWonder, i was trying to find ur site with the pictures, but it seems like it isnt working, maybe i'm doing something wrong, but i followed ur directions as to where to go. Is the scar very visible?

randigale, i don't mind that you looked at my post-op pics. i know how you feel about complaing to friends and family - i know everyone thinks i'm obsessed with my feet now...and i admit i am.

sammi22, well, i only had my left foot done back on 02/27/03....wil need to have the right foot done in a few weeks. haven't quite figured out how i will get around (by car) anyhow, as for wetting the foot, i think it depends on your surgery. because i had a pin sticking out of my foot for 4 weeks, i had to keep that foot dry - no showers until the pin was removed. so i bathed with my foot sticking out of th etub (also wrapped in a trash bag just in case....) for 4 stinking weeks - i hated it. i did ask the dr to clean my foot w/ alcohol each week when i came in to get my dressing changed.

as for the photos - i don't think GirlWonder has posted pics yet ( as i remember, no access to a digital camera yet) but i did originally post my pics for GirlWonder.....so instead of putting GirlWonder in the yahoo photos link, put "thelittleprincess0303" that's zero three zero three. sorry, can't put a direct link b/c moderators says it's against rules. hope that helps you.

GirlWonder - haven't heard from you in a while. how are you doing?

fyi to those who have screws in their foot: my physical therapist said ULTRA SOUND is not an option as it will heat up the screws and cause major internal damage. i just came back from therapy and i asked him.

Originally posted by randigale:
fyi to those who have screws in their foot: my physical therapist said ULTRA SOUND is not an option as it will heat up the screws and cause major internal damage. i just came back from therapy and i asked him.

randigale - did the doctor offer you other methods to break down the scar tissue?

[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 04-16-2003).]

re: the scar tissue.

the therapist showed me some massage type motions to help with the tissue. he said that it should go away over time and esp. with more movement.

also - they put stimilation pad stickers (not exactly sure what it is called) hooked up to a machine on the top and bottom of my foot. it makes my foot have a twitching sensation. that helps loosen the muscle and break down the tissue.

(fyi... my mom was so excited that i posted the before and after pics on yahoo photos - she could not believe the difference. thanks for that idea.)

randigale - i took a look at your pictures - hope you don't mind. it looks great! do you need to have surgery on your other foot? as you could already tell from my photos, i will be getting the surgery done on my right foot soon.

again, your foot looks great.

another question to randigale -

how were you able to drive? i noticed that you had surgery on your right foot. since i'll have surgery on my right foot in a few weeks, i've been really nervous about how i'll be able to get around - not only do i work full time, i'm taking a class (doesn't end til june 1st) for the graduate program i am trying to get into. so it's not easy for me to ask someone to chauffer me around since i have multiple places to be - school 4 days a week, work five days a week and podiatrist post-op appts once a week - i think i would drive everyone crazy, even if i asked o be driven around for 2 weeks. thanks a lot!

hi there little princess.

i will need surgery on my left foot. my bunion is not 1/2 as bad as the one on my right foot was, but i have to have 3 of my toes fixed and potentially the outside bunionette too - but i am not thinking about all of that yet :-). i am waiting until august / september the earliest.

in re: to driving - it was tough. i had my mom come and stay with us for 2 weeks - not only to help (b/c we have stairs) but also to drive me around. i didn't start driving until my 3rd week. i am sure i could have pushed it, but i didn't...

BUT they say everyone is different. i would assume no driving for at least a week, but you never know. the beauty of the blue post-op shoe is that it is flat - so, driving would be easier and pose less problems for injury.

i just got back from the dr. i feel like i go every week. they need to reopen 2 of my scars b/c some of the stiches didn't disolve and the are cuasing minor problems. i didn't realize this but the dr. said it needs to be done. they will need to reopen the healed scars and pick out the bits / pieces. i will need to keep them dry again - so annoying...

anyone else have that happen to them?

Hi everybody. I'm new to this board but boy am I glad I found it. I had bunion surgery (left foot) 3 weeks ago. My bunion was considered minor, so I had a McBride Bunionectomy. After a lot of pain the first night, everything seemed to be going well and I was back to work within a week. I had my stitches out at post-op 2 weeks and that's when I got some bad news. My podiatrist was not happy with the results and wants to do a second surgery that involves putting a pin or screw in my bone. Has anyone ever had to have two surgerys on the same foot?

hi Butler14,

so far so good - only had to do one surgery on my left foot. it's now post -op day 50. i've read from other topic folders that some peole were so unhappy with their first surgery that they rather go through the current pain than undergo another surgery - but then again you have several success stories, although there seem to be so few posted on this site.

anyhow, in my opinion, considering that you seem to be doing well in terms of pain, that i think it's great that the doctor caught this early on on your recovery period and would like to correct it - but yes, it would've been better if the doctor had done it in the first place so as to avoid a 2nd surgery. good luck if you decide to go thru with te 2nd surgery.

update - like i mentioned, it's post-op day 50. normally i'd have my weekly appointment with the podiatrist today, but he said i didn't have to come back til next friday. i've been wearing regular shoes (sneakers) for the last week. i'm pushing it though - was told to start off for 1 hour day one and increase with an hour as each day passed (if not painful). but i didn't really feel like lugging my post-op shoe to work just to switch off in the middle of the day. i wear this foam-like wedge between my big and 2nd toes when i wear my sneakers. but when i'm not in sneakers, i have to wear my splint. i do notice that my toe still tends to point to the lateral side after i take off my shoes and the toe seperator wedge. but if i wear my splint, then remove it, my toe still points laterally, but not as bad (i guess, you can say that the splint is trying to help it align medially/straight) anyone have that same problem?

i've been trying to do my foot exercises - boy are my toes stiff. i wonder how long it will take before i regain normal flexibility.

hope everyone is doing well. and for those who celebrate, have a happy easter weekend - and for those who don't, have a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for the words of encouragement little princess. I also had a wedge to put between my big toe and second toe. It was almost like silly putty. But now with a second surgery in the works, it seems kinda pointless to keep wearing it. I think I am going to go through with the second surgery because I am 24 and really don't want to live the rest of my life with pain. On a side note, it's great to read all of your stories; really makes me feel better to know you all know what I'm talking about. Hope everyone has a weekend as well.

To: TheLittlePrincess and Randigale, Thank u guys so much for the pics and the replies.
I have an appointment with my podiatrist on may 5th, and before that i have to go and make some more
x-rays, By that time i want to decide to have or not to have the surgery, but I really want to get rid of this ugly thing! Mine isnt that bad, but when i walk, thats when it gets worse, it sticks out, and hurts. I'm sick of my shoes being ruined. It sounds like I want to do it for cosmetic purposes, but its part of the reason. For a guy its not as bad as for a woman. Its embarassing, and it hurts.
Anyways, I'll be updating u with my progress. I have mixed feelings about this, only from reading some previous posts, and i think the earlier i get rid of it, the better for me!!!

Sammi22,

only get the surgery if it is the only possible solution to alleviating the pain (it was for me...but yes, i also can't wait to wear pretty shoes - opened toes and closed toes - it's amazing what shoes look like on my left foot now) and only if you completely trust and have faith in your doctor. yes, there are risks in any surgery, but i think there are less risks if you have a wonderful doctor. i'm still rather young (26) but i feel like i waited too long to get this done - i originally saw a podiatrist when i was in late elementary or early middle school, but i didn't have good insurance so the stupid jerk never called me or my mom back to schedule the surgery. but i guess that's a good thing because i'm really appreciative of the podiatrist i have now.

good luck on you decision next week.

btw, my mom still has bunions. my sister also has them. mine are the worst though. my other half-sister has hammertoes. her husband has bunions (it also runs in his family - his sister had the surgery 10+ years ago...therr mom's bunions are pretty awful), my sister-in-law wants to get the surgery now that she's seen mine (waiting to be on PPO next year) hmmmm.....it's amazing how many more people i find out need this surgery. i knew my brother-in-law's mother has bunions and that his sister had the surgery - but i never thought that he had them himself - kinda makes since why he's always wearing birkenstocks, even to work (stands all day in a pharmacy)

[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 04-18-2003).]

I am 16, and have a bunion on both feet but the one on the left is a slight bunion. I am considering having surgery next summer because I understand that the recovery is sort of a long process and I will be cheerleading this summer and I will be a senior next year. So therefore, I can't afford to miss a lot of days. I just want to know is recovery really painful because I heard some horror stories about surgery on the bunion

To nothnnice:

I have been reading this message board, thank you everyone for your postings, and I have some advice. I had my first bunion surgery at age 15 and was in your same situation, cheerleading, soon to be a senior etc. It was painful and my recouperation was longer than expected and cheering was painful to do after. Up until now, I have been too scared to have my other foot done (left). I am now scheduled for the Tri-Correction Bunionectomy for May 1st. From all of my research, this is the procedure I wish I had done 16 years ago. Without going into all of the dynamics of the operation, the bottom line is that there is minimal pain and you are back in shoes between 10-12 DAYS!

TO EVERYONE IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA, I highly recommend doing a search for this procedure on the internet, (since we are not supposed to advertise) and make an appointment for a free consultation. (When you search, one "pioneering" doctor in particular will come up). Once you read about the procedure, you will see why I urge you to consider the Tri-Correctional Bunionectomy. For those of you who used to watch "The Operation" on TLC, this was the bunion surgery that they showed.

I look forward to sharing my experience with everyone and my comparisons with my previous surgery.

[This message has been edited by BrandyGab (edited 04-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by BrandyGab (edited 04-21-2003).]

hi everyone...

first of all, i want to say that i have become semi-obsessed with this site and the boards. i feel like all of my friends and family are SICK of me talking about my foot / surgery. thanks for helping provide support!

to the little princess: can you tell me more about the splint and wedge for the big toe? my big toe is still really tight and it is leaning to the right and crossing under the 2nd toe. and, since i had the 2nd (and 3rd) toe fixed, the dr. doesn't want me putting a foam wedge in yet. i wrap my big toe everyday to try and splint it to make it straight. but i don't have an actual splint. do you? also, i really don't think it is getting straighter. even w/ the PT. i wonder if this is the way it will stay.

ok - another question to the group...
i feel/see a bump where my bunion was. it is at the point where the big toe starts turning in to the right. the dr. said that it should go down, but i really don't think it will. when i touch it, it feels like bone - not scar tissue.

thoughts / suggestions?

i mean, if this is it and it won't get any better - i wonder if i will be ok w/ it? but i did this for pain relief, not looks. (just frustrated i guess. i put on sneakers today for a few hours and the bump was rubbing... didn't feel good.)

Hey there Princess and everyone-

Well, to be honest, I am in the same place I've been for the past three years...debating on whether to get the surgery or not. Well, I take that back, I'm debating on WHEN to get the surgery. I'm rethinking my last visit to the orthopedic surgeon. After replaying my visit with him in my head, I don't think I liked the fact that he sort of implied that the ONLY reason the bunion would come back is if I wore pointy shoes. I tried to tell him that I was never one to wear pointy shoes to begin with...and he looked at me as if he didn't believe me. I really think that heredity has a lot to do with it in my case. And, I fear that running after the surgery (after recovery time of course) will speed up the "recurrence" of the bunion. I said that to him as well, and he just fed me the same line about "the pointy shoes". The podiatrist I went to a few years ago at least admitted that it may just be my foot structure that causes the bunion...so running may speed up the process again. As for the OS....I also think that the bunion surgery is not really "big enough" for him to care about...because he does so many different types of surgery.

So, I may one day get a THIRD opinion. I really just want this right. I don't care if my feet are ugly, I just want to be able to use them for the rest of my life.

Princess et all...I had my friend look at the pictures you guys posted. Basically, she told me what I already knew...my bunions are worse than both of yours were. I know that I warrant the surgery. I just don't want to not be able to be on my feet for so long...only to figure out that I can't work out like I used to.

I guess I am obsessed with working out. About 4 years ago, I lost about 35 lbs when I started working out regularly. Now I enjoy it so much...sigh...

again..I guess I'll start thinking about it again in the fall....

I am a big chicken and I know it. It's not really the pain or the recovery time...it's just fear that my feet will be worse off than they are right now.

I'll stop whining for now...take care all! Let's see more pictures soon pricess!!

Girlwonder-
I have to say that your OS sounds like a real... well JERK! From what I understand, and I've been trying to absorb any information I can about bunions, they are formed by a combination of genetics and foot mechanics. My podiatrist explained to me that we get a combination of bone characteristics from all of parents, grandparents, etc. So we may have bunions, but our parents may or may not. And also, if you have something faulty in your foot mechanics, it can exasterbate (sp?) the problem. For example, I have a problem with my arches that was revealed in my x-rays. So even after I have my surgery I will have to get orthotics to prevent my right foot from getting to the point where I need surgery and to keep my left foot in line. That OS just sounds like he didn't want to take the time to deal with you, you know?

In regards to my first post, I think I am going to go ahead with the second surgery on my left foot. My first surgery recovery went and is going pretty well (I'm post-op day 25), so I think I can handle another one. And I think I'll stay with the same surgeon, because he seems sincerely dedicated to correcting my problem. I guess I've babbled enough now... take care all!

hi GirlWonder -

yeah, I agree with Butler - your OS is a jerk. even my podiatrist told me that the bunions may return over time just because of foot mechanics. i will definitly be wearing orthotics in my shoes (except with open toed shoes http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ) to prevent/ or slow down the possibility of the recurrance.

like i mentioned before, i started wearing real shoes a little over a week ago - some soreness and tenderness but overall, doing well.

yesterday, i talked to my sister's neighbor who had both feet done at the same time last summer ( but had screws in her feet whereas i had a removable pin) she advised me to continue being careful - that i'm still healing even though it's almost post-op 8 weeks. and told me not to exercise yet - that it's too soon to start. i've been watching whati eat lately since i can't exercise but that can only do so much - i really need to exercise again. anyhow, she said that if i continued to "baby' my foot, that it will eventually straighten up (my toes are still pointing a little to the lateral side even thought the bump has been removed). her feet looks great - i had seen her before pics and knew that her feet were much worse than mine.

btw, i will try to post current pictures and will let you all know when i do. my appointment for this friday has been rescheduled for next friday - so i left a message for the doctor since we have not discussed scheduling the bunionectomy for my right foot. hopefully i can get it done soon - i want this all over and done with. i want to be back to excercising, wearing normal shoes and not have to worry about my feet. sorry - just had to vent there fr a moment.

hope everyone is doing well, or better, during your recovery. and good luck to those continuing to contemplate about the surgery (or their podiatrists/OS/etc.)

Hey guys, GirlWonder, I am in the same situation as u r, well almost. I am now willing to have the surgery, but i only have an appt. to do all my x-rays on 5/5, and then I want to plan the date for the surgery. Thats when my school is over. I want to do the surgery mid may, my BF that I live with, doesnt know anything about that, when i decide, thats when i will tell him, that he'll have to drive me around for a while, b/c i want to get my right foot done. Thats my main concern, not being able to drive. From work i can take a week or two off, but i sit here mostly anyways.
My toes are actually perfect, they r not ruined yet, there's just a bunion sticking out!!! and i dont want it.
Well I will keep u guys posted about my plans, but i do also have an app. with a different podiatrist on 4/30, even though I liked my podiatrist, but that was the first time in my life that i went to one, so i'll see what other one will say, as long as i have insurance through my school, i will use it!!

Dear Randigale,

Your experience resonates with mine, although I am nine weeks since surgery and very frustrated that my foot is still swollen and sore (my toes were purple for five weeks or so). My doctor keeps telling me just "to be patient."

I was finally able to fit into a pair of Columbia hiking sneakers a few weeks ago and ventured out for a gentle four-mile walk. That went well, so the next day, I tried a more challending four-mile hike, which also went well. I took a short hike the next morning before work. And on the fourth day, I couldn't fit into shoes again. Basically, I'm now in worse shape than I was at week seven.

I saw the pododoc today, and he said there are no stress fractures or structural problems. But he did prescribe the anti-inflammatory drug Clinoral.

Of all the pallative measures I've taken so far, the thing that has helped the best is soaking the foot in Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap. This was my husband's idea, and each time he's done my feet, the swelling has decreased for a short while.

I would also recommend that you take additional vitamin B, C, and E, which help the body's healing process. I put vitamin E directly on my foot at least once a day (it's great for helping with the scars), and I have heard that using vitamin C externally is also helpful, but I haven't tried that.

I don't know what your age is (I'm 42), but the older body certainly does take longer to heal.

One of the main reasons I had the surgery was to get back into hiking and playing racquetball -- neither of which seems like a viable prospect for at least another month or two.

I can only commiserate with your situation and wish you the best of luck. I ordered Showtime. That helped.

hi there - day 60 post-op. for pictures - feel free to visit: photos.yahoo.com/randigale

all is going well. i am on my 4th week of physical therapy. swelling is going down. i had to buy new sneakers (new balance 1 size bigger and extra wide) - they are super comfy. i can't wear them for a long time so i keep my blue shoe handy. the scars are healing nicely.

there are 2 outstanding issues:

1) my big toe is leaning more and more to the right. it is crossing over (under) the 2nd toe (which also had surgery). there is no pain, but it rubs. the mornings are the worst - it looks and feels really bad / uncomfortable. i need to keep it wraped (splinted) when i am not doing the range of motion exercises.

i saw the dr. today and he said it should be much better already, but i might have too much scar tissue in the joint. i can't use ultra sound b/c i have screws in the bone. we decided to wait it out for another month w/ physical therapy and then talk about other options. (the worst case scenario: when he does my left foot, he is going to remove the screws from my right foot. and when he removes the screws, he will remove the scar tissue and reset the joint to straighten out my big toe.) (AAHHHH can't even think about that - hoping it gets better.)

2) the doctor said my body is not disolving the stitches and they need to reopen the scars to remove them. i am really frustrated about this b/c the scars look good (they just have tiny lumps under the skin). i have that set up for next week.

ok, sorry for the long update - anyone have any experience w/ the 2 above issues?

Hello All

I too like Randigale have become semi-obsessed with this site and consider all of you my support team. My family and friends all ask how I'm doing but I don't think they fully understand the recovery process. I've been out of the loop for awhile. I took a trip back home to New York to visit my brother and sister and her new baby (I'm an auntie for the fifth time YAY!). I saw my doctor 2 days before my trip and was very excited to hear I can now wear shoes. Everything was great up until my 3rd day there. I was hanging out with family and I suddenly had this very painful sharp pain in the side of my foot between the surgery site and the arch of my foot. It was so painful we had to take a taxi home right away. When I got to my brothers house I felt a hard pebble like bump and when I put pressure on the bump it felt like a piece of glass was in there. I FREAKED out thinking maybe something was going on. I called the doctor right away and explained what I was experiencing and he said he was 90% sure it was a suture still trying to disolve. I just got back today and will be seeing him tomorrow to make sure it is a suture. What puzzles me is that it's on my right foot done 1/6/03. Can disolvable sutures take 15 weeks to disolve?. Has anyone else experience this as well?. As far as my left foot goes (done 2/28/03)it is healing nicely.
Thank You all in advance for hearing me out.

Emily

Hello Little Princess

I read what your wrote about the driving after having surgery on the right foot. For about a month before surgery I practiced driving in an empty parking lot using my left foot for the brake and my right foot for the gas. I practiced for a month because I wanted to be 110% comfortable using both feet to drive. I in no way wanted to hurt my self or someone else in an accident. I do not suggest doing this unless you metion it to your doctor first and are completely comfortable and safely doing this. I began driving 8 days after surgery on streets only not freeways with my doctors permission and instructions. I didn't began using the freeway until 6 weeks post op. I'm happy to hear you are still doing well and Good Luck on your next surgery.

Emily

[This message has been edited by EmilyL (edited 04-29-2003).]

Hi randigale

While I was posting my message about the suture you must have posted your experience with the suture. I am afraid the doctor will tell me he will have to surgically remove it. I sure hope this is not the case I will keep my fingers crossed. I don't want to have to go through another surgery. I sure hope yours disolve will not have to have them surgically removed.
I also took a look at your post op pics your foot looks great hope you don't mind me peaking at the pics.

Emily

Randigale and Emily,
I also have been having some difficulty w/"dissolvable" stitches. I had a morton's neuroma removed January 10th. Have had one stitch "spit" and cause a little local infection. Also have what I thought was scar tissue on the part of the incision right over the joint below my toes- My podiatrist commented that I heal quickly and some people just have problems w/those types of stitches. He said that when the total healing process has calmed down (six months) the can clean up that scar tissue area with an in office procedure. The area really hurts at times and because everything is so tied in together it is hard to know what is adhesions, what is the original pain etc. Am curious as to whether anyone else has had this problem w/stitches and scar tissue. Any successful end results?

Thanks - EmilyL. I was thinking of practicing w/ my right foot in the post-op shoe I still have from the surgery for my left foot. But I'm still taking a morning class at the community college - a one hour lecture class twice a week and a 3 hour lab class twice a week all on different days (so four days a week) - and I go to work right afterwards. I figured that even if I could get someone to chauffer me arond for 1 to 2 weeks, I'd be a huge inconvenience to shuttle around. so I may wait till june to get my right foot done, that way I only need someone to take me to and from work for one week and then i'll try driving on my own.

it's funny - i had an absolutely great start to recovery but recently i've been feeling pain in my foot, too - right around where the bunion area. i figured it was because I had started to flex my foot (at first using my hands like the doc said) then trying to walk around in my new balance sneakers (which the hdoc said was also a great shoe) i tried walking in my pumas sneakers, but they weren't as comfy. it's getting better though - still pointing lateral though - i think it may be like that forever. has decreased from 16 degrees to 8 degrees though. still, being a perfectionist, i really would have liked to see it straight. oh, but it doesn't hurt like my right foot does - went shopping this weekend with my sister - about 8 hours - and no pain in my left foot....was a little sore the next day, but other than that, i'm really really happy about the surgery.

thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement and advice - as soon as i get my digital camera back, i'll post updated pics on my album.

Readabook does your problem with the dissolvable stitch hurt like mine?. If so what are you doing to ease the pain?.

Little Princess I forgot to metion when using my right foot to drive after surgery with the post op shoe I could only put enough pressure on it to drive the max speed of 35 miles an hour with a little soreness. I didn't want to leave you with the impression that you would be able to drive almost normally.

I want to say even though I'm having this problem with the stitch I have no regrets at all about having the surgery. I'm happy with the results and know the problem with the stitch will eventually pass or can be corrected with a minor procedure.

Emily

Hello Emily,
The area on my incision sometime hurts when I touch it and sometimes I can feel it all by itself. A kind of burning, burr-like feeling, for lack of a better description. I am assuming it is the scar tissue. Not quite sure how it heals if that is removed. What does your doctor say?

Hi Everyone

I got bad news today when I went to see my doctor. What we thought was a dissolvable stitch is in fact my body rejecting and pushing out the pin that was inserted during surgery and I will need surgery soon to remove it(right foot done 1/6/03). I was so shocked to hear him say this I began to cry. I really thought my surgeries were over. He did explain to me before I had surgery that there is a small possibility of this happening. His office will call me tomorrow and let me know when he can perform the surgery. It can be done anytime between tomorrow and next friday. I'm so not looking forward to another surgery but this pain is really uncomfortable. I'll keep you all posted on when I have surgery and how it all goes.

Emily

[This message has been edited by EmilyL (edited 04-29-2003).]

Emily, I haven't been in on this thread yet, but was reading it and following everyone's stories, and was so sorry to see that you found out you'll have to have another surgery. That must be so frustrating.

My bunion and hammertoe surgery was back in August - since then have had quite a few problems, which I've talked about quite a bit here on other threads. Now I'm probably facing a surgery to remove my sesamoid bone, if my current walking cast and electromagnetic therapy don't work, and the thought of another surgery makes me cringe, and makes me so frustrated since I thought I'd be completely healed and well over my foot problems by now.

Anyway, I just wanted to say good luck, and I sympathize. Hope it's a simple surgery with a quick recovery.

Lynnlin

Lynnlin thank you for the well wishes I really need them right now. I'm such a cry baby when it comes to surgery, the thought of someone cutting me open and digging around just freaks me out. Even though I didn't have any pain after my last 2 surgeries I'm still afraid of this next surgery. I know that ride to the operating room is going to seem like forever. I'm sure this will be alot easier than the bunionectomy surgery. The doctor says it will be a 2 week recovery.
I sure hope you don't have to have another surgery and feel better soon.

Emily

[This message has been edited by EmilyL (edited 04-29-2003).]

Hello Everyone

My doctors office called today to schedule surgery to remove the pin . The surgery will be performed next Friday May 9. I wish they could have done it sooner considering it's uncomfortable but that's the soonest they can do it. I'll keep you all posted.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Emily

[This message has been edited by EmilyL (edited 04-30-2003).]

EmilyL - just read about your upcoming surgery - good luck, i wish you well.

still haven't gotten my digital camera back yet.....new pics soon, i promise.

ok all....i took new pics this morning (i believe it's post-op day 64) i think my left foot looks much better in the pictures than in real life - but maybe that's because i have to stare at my foot from one angle. anyhow, the scar is more noticable in real life - they look pretty faded in the pics. i'm still using MERDERMA (20g tube cost $15) on my scars....but i'm down to applying it once (maybe twice) a day instead of the 3-4 times like i started out at. but over all, i have to admit, i really think the merderma is helping speed up the reduction of the scarring. my right foot has been hurting and for some reason, i swear, it looks worse than 2 months ago. i guess it's from all the weight i had to put on it during post-op. oh, btw, my left foot had a degree of 16 whereas my right foot was 14......now my left foot has a degree of 8. okay, bye for now.

just scheduled the next surgery for my right foot for june 5th. so i have one month to practice driving with a post-op shoe on that foot.

every now and then, my left foot feels a little sore in the operated region. overall, still doing well. can't wait for august - when i should be completely healed in the right foot - i'm looking forward to getting back into the gym and back into cute sandals and flip flops for the summer!!

Hi Everyone

Well I went back in for surgery yesterday to have the pin removed from my right foot. To my surprise it doesn't hurt at all. I thought I was going to get a small bandage on the incision since it was just removing a pin that was already loose. Instead I have that big bulky bandage they put on your foot after the bunionectomy. I'll have to bear with the bulky bandage for 2 weeks and then I can wear regular shoes again.
Hope everyone is doing great

Emily

hi everyone. i have some new updates re: my right and left foot.

so, my right foot:
1) the doctor didn't need to remove the sticthes - it looks like they did infact disolve. but, one of my scars is healing with keliods (not exactly sure what that is) so he told me to use 'scar treatment pads' - silicon pads. after a few days - the redness has gone down TONS. i recommend this procuct - scar treatment pads. not the curad or bandaid ones.

2) my big toe is totally crossed under my 2nd toe. it is getting worse. physical therapy is helping the movement but not the positioning. after talking with the doctor, he suggested that when they go in to remove the pins, he will do a slight adjustment to the big toe - to straighten it and pull it forward. it is so hard to walk - i need to put a toe spacer in. but that isn't even moving the big toe, just the 2nd toe. really annoying, but whatever... it will be fixed.

my left foot:
looks like we need to do the same surgery (cut bone in 1/2 - put in 2 screws - shave bone), and 3 of my toes. AH! and, they will be fixing my right foot at the same time.

timing: we decided that i need to enjoy part of the summer. the doctor said we could do it as early as june 1, but i need to relax and enjoy the outdoors. we are also planning a BIG trip (2.5 weeks) to south africa to visit friends who are working there for a few months. so, the plan is to do the surgery after the trip - mid-end of august.

i just need to figure out a way to deal w/ walking since my big toe is crossing under...

oh, i am still in sneakers - can't wear 'real' shoes. i have a meeting today and i have to wear my surgical shoe - YUCK!!

i will post more pictures soon...
best,
randi

I had my right foot done I am 26 years old. I thought they looked bad and they hurt one a week. I play lots of basketball and they never hurt me when I play. I have the right done on 4/6/03 and now its 5/13/03.I do not remember anything only that I went after I sat in bed for a day or so pain would come and go I keep ice on my feet since I was use to it playing basketball and all. My feet look good now but if I had the chance again I would not do it all the basketball I am missing. Dont get me wrong if I play better I will do the left one.

Hey guys, I have been to my doctor, and got a second opinion, and i have decided to get the surgery. It is set up for May 30, I am actually very excited about it, hoping that it will turn out good. My bunion isnt that bad, but I've decided to remove it, but my dad seems to be not happy about my decision, he afraid of consequences... Thats when i get nervous.... I'll keep u guys poseted, and littleprincess, ur foot looks great, and good luck on ur surgery, since its a weeks after mine...

Hello

I went to the see my doctor today because I started having the same bump like thing on my left foot now. The freakin pin is now loose on my left foot and will need another surgery to remove that one. I'm sooo fustrated with my doctor right now. I asked him 2 days before surgery on May 9th if he could check and make sure the pin in the left foot was okay. He told me not to worry that the chances of the left pin coming out were extremely slim. I told him I was worried and that maybe I should voluntarily have the pin removed when he removed the right one. Once again he said not to worry. I really wish I had told to just remove both pins at the same time. I could have saved myself a trip to the operating room this Monday May 19th and a $100.00 co-payment. Being on disability for 4 months is really hard on my checkings account and I'm running out of things to do at home.
Am I over reacting here?.

Emily

[This message has been edited by EmilyL (edited 05-15-2003).]

I had this operation about 15 yrs. ago.
the pain that you go through even w/ class 2 drugs is inexplicable.

My bunions grew back after about 5 yrs.

Had I know this I might have hesitated to begin with.

hi everyone.... I just want to make a point.. as I am six weeks post scarf osteotomy and concerned about full recovery.... im soon to have my other foot done and i have to say that my operated foot is less painful thatn the one that has not had surgery!! At the moment that is!!

Lets not forget.. the inconvienience of these deformaties.... the Pain.. waking up in the night.... being unable to wear a pretty shoe to dance.... unsightly feet!! and most of all.. posture and balance.... i find i am so clumsy,concentrating on keeping my balance has caused back ache.. knee joint pains and prevented me from doing my job.... surgery wasnt an option but a necessity, an oportunity to continue my life style.... IF YOURE IN PAIN.... take the chance.. OH and yes Im scared I may not be able to walk miles in the sunshine again... thats what this is about for me .Love Kat xxx

hey guys.. i just found this message board, and been reading. wanted to give my opinion on these surgery's. i'm only 21. and had this done at 13! now, i dont remeber exactly what they called it, but i had the bunion removal. and he did put a screw in a metatarsal. but i was young, and didnt care to know... just to get it fixed! it was so painful, and the dr said for being so young, it was very very mature, so i decided to get it done. but now its right back to where it was. pain, and lump. i've been ignoring the pain for a couple years. but i cant anymore. i feel like i walk w/ a limp again cuz of it, and i know that isnt good in the long run for my posture. but if anyone else is thinking of getting it done, i'd go for it cuz i had no post op complications, i just wasn't allowed to walk on it what so ever for 2 mos, which was awful. even though i know of someone that walked on hers a week later but like i said now, 8 years later... there it is again. and it sucks, cuz what am i gonna get it again in 8 more years? so i'm thinking of getting it done once again, on the same foot. but i got a question... were any of you allowed to walk on your foot? and i guess driving was out to huh?, since its my right foot? has any one on here gotten it redone before?

best of luck, and i hope you guys are recovering ok, and you get the same good immediate results that i did

Hey guys! I had my surgery on fri 5/30/03... Its the right foot, so i'm home, and GOD its boring....I'm doing ok now, i do have 2 outside pins, and i saw them when i went on monday to change the wraping around my foot. I'm very nervous about everything, bc when i saw my foot it was swallen and blue, doc said it looks good, but I got scared......
I'll update u on my progress..

hi sammi22!

glad to hear that you are doing alright. don't worry that your foot looked blue - it's normal for brusing to occur. it's just makes sense b/c you were cut into, your bone was broken, and now you have foreign objects (the pins) sticking out of your foot. i'm going on for my right foot tomorrow! it's been about 13 weeks since i had surgery on the left foot. btw, my left foot is still a bit swollen due to scar tissue - may take up to a year for it to go away. i know what you mean about being bored - i was miserable the first few days casue i couldn't really go anywhere. but i'm planning on getting a lot of knitting done while i'm sitting around with my foot propped up this time (only because i don't think i can really drive anywhere. i just got rear ended a few days ago.....so i don't want to take any risks with trying to drive...just in case somebody drives like a maniac and i can't stop in time...or in case i'm the maniac driver http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif )

anyhow, good luck with your recovery. lokk forward to hearing about your progress.

Randigale, LittlePrincess, just say to say thank you.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wow.gif GOOD FOR YOU http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wow.gif

You have great attitudes and are so steady and so nice to share. It has really helped me to read your posts.
And your perserverance is an inspiration.

[This message has been edited by footsie (edited 06-05-2003).]

Hi Little Princess

I know you had your surgery yesterday and I wanted to stop by and wish you well. I hope this surgery went as well as the first one.

Emily

Just found this board today and hope all your experience can answer a couple of questions. I have decided I want bunion surgery but am putting it off until the first of next year because of a trip to Thailand.

I am having a debate with my doctor about absorbable pins. I don't want permanent pins since I am active and afraid they'll pop loose (also have titanium pins from jaw surgery and just don't like them!) She says my body can reject them but my research says that's very rare. You can also reject titanium pins. Anyone have experience with the absorbable kind?

Also, what about scars? Has anyone had a plastic surgeon close the wound? How much does it cost, and do you think it makes a difference?

.

[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 06-10-2003).]

thank you for your kind words, footsie! you are so sweet. i try to be upbeat about this - in fact, i do think i am one of the lucky ones in terms of pain, healing, etc. i do feel for those who have had bad luck, bad doctors, or bad whatevers - i was extremely worried before i decided to have my first surgery. i heard of my friend's mom's friends (yeah, tongue twister) who couldn't walk properly after her surgery - and i was only in high school at the time of considering this surgery!! so i was scared about all the "what if's." but that was the chance i was willing to take - only after hearing from my sister's neighbor after her double bunionectomy - it was extremely reassuring but i still was aware that not everyone is happy or better after the surgeries.

emily, hope you are doing well. i'm pretty sure i replied to you and sammi on another topic list. thank you for your support since the time i signed up on this board. i'm still a bit scared to try driving. don't know if i can work the courage to do it while wearing the post-op shoe. i really don't want to cause an accident.

CA patient - i 've heard of the possibility of having a plastic surgeon closing the wound - but i hear that there's no guarentee that NO scarring would occur - so even after spending lots of money, you might still scar. i've talked to other people, and one lady had the cuts done on the sides, almost close to undersides, of the feet rather than the tops - but that was over 10 years ago. i saw her feet and see no scarring. my dermatologist still tells me that mine is a "baby scar" and that it would be several months before she would consider cortisone (?) injections to flatten out the scar. but that was one possibility of a few that she mentioned. so i'm not too worried. i much rather live with the scars than the pain of not being able to go hiking or play tennis.

so my advice - talk to your foot surgeonn/dr about the possibilities of where the incisions will be - had i actually been that concerned ( and believe me, i admit i can be vain at times) i would have asked about incisions areas. also, have a good dermatogist ....just in case you do or don't go with a plastic surgeon - it would be nice in case you do end up scarring. hope that helps!!

btw, my sister just mentioned to me that in our culture, the tale is that eating seafood causes the scarring/keloid effect - so she's telling me to avoid seafood during my healing process. i figured why not - so i'm going to try it and see if the scarring is minimized compared to my left foot. (but i'll still use my merderma come week 4)

[This message has been edited by thelittleprincess (edited 06-10-2003).]

Dear CA Patient,

If you travel a lot, you need to factor in the probability that you will probably not be 100 percent for 2-6 months depending on how your body heals. The rate of healing depends on your age, general health, and genetic predisposition. Even though I'm 42, my skin was supple enough that my doctor used internal rather than external scars. But I have been disappointed with my own rate of healing. (Or perhaps I'm just very impatient.) As it is now three and a half months since the surgery, and I still have an angry scar and swelling. I am, however, wearing "normal" shoes and recently came back from Eastern Europe, where we walked 5-10 miles a day, and I was able to keep up with the group.

As for the keloid scarring and the consumption of seafood, I have never heard of that (and I am a science writer). To find out more about keloid scars, go to http://www.xtramsn.co.nz/health/0,,8065-1669935,00.html.

I don't think having a plastic surgeon is worth the money. You have to remember that the surgery requires cutting through skin, muscle, and nerve. The incision is done on top of the foot, and the flap of skin is pulled back so that the bone can be cut. In my case, the doctor, realigned the tendons over my toes overcompensating for the tendency of the bunion to pull in the opposite direction. This is heavy-duty work! I still have numbness in the scar area, and my doctor says that nerve tissue takes the longest to heal and feeling may not come back for at least a year (if at all).

What are other people's scars like? Mine has healed to three inches, but I was shocked when the doctor first took the bandage off. I had no idea it would be so long and ugly!

I know we're not supposed to list brand-name products here, so I won't. But I did hear about a product to help scarring, which I just ordered over the internet.

It is disheartenin