Hi,
I am having an Austin bunionectomy on my right foot on Friday, March 14. I took off work from that Friday retuning Monday, March 23. My question is does everyone think nine days off is time enough to heal? I am a cubicle dwelling office worker. The only time I am on my feet is to pick up stuff from the printer, go to the restroom or go downstairs to smoke. I cant really elevate it once I go back to work. The highest up I could get my foot is on the computer tower under my desk.

Also, did anyone ever try driving with thier left foot? It sounds super dangerous but I tested it out (I'm flexible, I was able to bend my right leg around the center console). It was a little tricky to get the brake/gas pressure correct when pressing on the pedal, but overall, not so bad. Do you guys think I am nuts?

Thanks so much!!!

Rachael

I don't know if you are nuts, but you are taking some risks.

I think you are asking for trouble trying to drive with your left foot. If you were in any kind of accident you would be liable. Plus you were experimenting with a good foot, not one that most likely will be in a surgical sandal of some kind, it is much more cumbersome than a regular shoe and hanging it around the console is going to be harder than you think.

You are also pushing it going back to work as soon as you are, you will still have some pain up to 14 days for most people. Plus elevation is huge both for reducing pain and swelling and for better recovery.

On a side note, smoking delays the healing rate - you would do yourself a favor if you could cut back as much as possible.

I had an austin/chevron procedure on January 9th, which was a Wednesday and returned Monday, the 21st - about eleven days off. I have a desk job and at times could elevate my foot on top of my desk but that does make it a little difficult to work. After about a week or so back to work I actually hit the top of my foot (where the screw is located) on the under side of my desk (trying to get my foot on top of my desk) and knocked the screw out of place as well as chipped the bone.
About six and a half weeks after my first surgery, the doctor had to go back into my foot and remove and replace the screw as well as graft the bone to repair the chip. This time I had surgery on Monday, February 25th and planned to just take that week off. When I went back to the doctor on the Thursday after surgery for a check up, she strongly suggested that if possible I take off the next week as well.
Fortunately I can work from home even though I really hated to take another week off. I did go into the office for about a half day today to catch up and straighten some things up from last week. Unless something comes up, I will be working from home for the remainder of this week.
The key to not returning to work so early is that elevating your foot as much as possible is so important. If you can take any extra time off, I would suggest it. At least see if you could work half days or every other day. You will be amazed at how draining it is to go back to work and then come home to your normal responsibilities.
I'm not sure if you are WB or not, but I have been NWB since January 9th. If you are on crutches, that drains a lot of your energy as well.