Help-I am going for my 4th consult next week. The first two were affiliated surgeons from the same practice (one referred me to the other, I'm sure just to concur), but I felt extremely uncomfortable with them both since they were rushing me to schedule a date for surgery. After explaining there was no possibility of 'going under the knife' within the timeframe they suggested, I was informed that it was due to contract renegotiations with my insurance company-I was so disgusted! I then went to another surgeon, but the prognosis she gave was completely different, and now I'm very unsure if I should even go through with it. I am in so much pain, I'm experiencing problems walking and even keeping any type of shoes on longer than an hour at a time. The first Dr. said no big deal-I'd be up and moving around right away and could even continue with my martial arts about six weeks after the surgery. The last Dr. I saw said I'd be in a non-weight bearing cast for 8 weeks, not be able to walk, drive, or return to work within that time. Then it would be about a year before returning back to my physical activities. Whoa! What differing opinions! So now I'm going for the 4th consult and have no idea what to expect-except more X-rays (that can't be good either)

Hmm. What a stressful perdicament. For starters, no one should pressure you into having any procedure performed. All too often, health care providers look at desperate patients and see dollar signs. I realize that you are in pain and would like this resolved as soon as possible but it definitely pays off to do your research, learn about your condition, and find the best podiatrist/orthopedic surgeon available. Perhaps you can ask friends for referrals. A local medical university might be able to advise you as well. Take your time, find out what really is wrong and your options for correcting it. Realize too, however, that it isn't unusual for doctors to differ in their treatment opinions. When you visit that 4th practitioner tell them what the previous persons recommended and flat out ask if their analysis was a good one or completely wrong. Good luck.

Wow, that's frustrating to have not one of three agree.
Hopefully this next one will pull all the opinions together and have a good one that makes sense and be someone you like as well.
I didn't even get a 2nd opinion, guess I just trusted the first one. Plus I didn't want to put it off like my mother did and never get it done at all. Her feet were a mess and I know mine are headed that way. I figured it'd be easier to fix now, while I'm relatively young (56) and before I develope the hammer toes and other problems.
Good luck with #4.

pohtr & modelem-
Thanks for your reassurance and good advice-I'll definitely share my experiences and ask this Dr. what his thoughts are on the previous course of actions suggested. (Fingers crossed)

Call over to the athletic department at Wake and find out who they use for foot/bunion problems. Go see them.

Call over to the athletic department at Wake and find out who they use for foot/bunion problems. Go see them.

i totally agree, but you should not be in this much pain.