Hi everyone,

I've been reading these boards for a few months now, and I thought I was armed with enough information; but now that the time is here, I'm freaking out :eek: I suppose that happens to everyone as their surgery date draws closer. Just looking for a little reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.

I'll be having a distal osteotomy done on both feet at the same time. My doctor said I would immediately be able to bear weight, so based on my readings here, I asked him if I was having the chevron procedure. He said that mine is similar to the chevron... Can anyone tell me the difference between these two?

I have some crutches from previous knee surgeries. Even though you can bear weight, do you feel more stable with some type of device? Would a walker be better? I bought some great gel packs for icing as I plan to do it often. How many days should this be done on a regular basis? Are there any other words of advice to follow the first few weeks that will speed up my healing?

Finally, I love working out. I'm currently into step aerobics with a lot of lunging so I doubt I'll be doing that anytime soon :nono: My doc says that I can ride the stationary bike around 3 weeks out as long as I don't put pressure on the front of the foot. This makes me nervous, but it seems like the only cardio I'm gonna get for awhile. In terms of strength training, I picked up a few Pilates tapes (floor work.) Would anyone recommend this? If you have any other ideas for staying in shape, please share. Swimming perhaps?

Thanks so much for listening... I'm sure I'll be posting a lot after Thursday asking more questions. Hope y'all don't get sick of me :wave:

Hey, welcome to the board. Best of luck with your surgery.

As far as exercise, for the first few days, as long as the swelling and pain are bad, you don't want to do any exercise harder than moving yourself around the house, because raising your heart rate will worsen the swelling.

Swimming will be out until your incision closes. Ask your doc how long.

Once you are feeling generally ok, that pilates tape would probably be great.

I became a weight-training addict during the long, tedious months of gimping around before I had my ankle surgery. If you move directly from one exercise to the next, rather than resting between sets, it's aerobic. And, my arms and shoulders look pretty nice now. Not huge. Just nice and firm.

good luck on your surgeries. i started out with the bike and sat and worked my upper body.

Good luck with your surgery! I had a friend who did both feet at the same time and it was 5 weeks before she was in shoes and walking....so, I think it may be some time before you are doing aerobics. I only had one foot done and it was 7 weeks before I could actually get a shoe on my foot (the scar was what was hurting the most.) I did icing 24/7 for about the first week...feet elevated, only got up to go potty. I didn't use crutches - I live in a townhome with three flights of stairs. I scooted on my bottom when I wanted to get around. This was the best arm/core/upper body workout I've ever done!! :D;) See how it goes....everyone heals differently. I would like you to know that my friend told me 5 weeks to feel better, my doctor said I would be great by 6 weeks...I'm 3 months and still having issues with slight swelling, odd/random pain in the toe, stiffness in the toe, pain in the scar. So, I would try to pace myself if I were you and go by what feels comfortable for *you*.

As for what to do during the "waiting" phase....movies, books...I crocheted LOTS of baby blankets during this phase....about 8....and rest, lots of rest.

The traditional Chevron osteotomy was a v shaped cut in the bone with equal wings on top and bottom, moved over and no fixation. Scrubbed in with an orthopod in residency who did one of these and cringed after he told me he wasn't going to pin it or anything and let them walk on it. Was thinking that I hoped he had a good lawyer and to not mention in the op report that I was anywhere near that room. You are probably having an Austin bunionectomy which can have a longer top wing so either a screw or pin can be used to fixate it.

Welcome to the boards. My prayers are with you for your surgery on Thursday and a speedy recovery.:angel: Hope you will stay in touch.

Take care, Nadine:)

Thanks to everyone for your advice and well wishes. It's 1 am, and I have been going going all day... trying to get personal/work stuff in order. I'll be in touch as soon as I'm able :) Wish me luck!

I hope your surgery goes well today, it will be over before you know it. There is nothing to worry about apart from the prick of the neddle- and that's minor!

Make sure you rest and keep you foot elvated as much as possible.

:)

good luck w/your surgery

mine's in 3wks, only 1 foot and im getting nervous!

Good Luck with your surgery! You will be just fine!

Hi everyone,

Well, the easiest part is over! I say that because I just woke up from my first nap, and whoa nelly! :eek: It's not unbearable pain, but there's a major throbbing; moreso, in the right foot, for some reason.

I went in at 12:30 pm, and each foot took about an hour. He did a modified Scarf Bunionectomy on both. By modified, I mean he made the cut further up the metatarsal (toward my big toe) and put 3 non-removable screws in there. It was a really cool experience because I didn't realize that the anesthesia was going to be lighter than my 3 knee surgeries. They gave me a light drug before rolling me into the OR and then IV sedation. I don't remember any oxygen masks or having to count down, so I assume I wasn't intubated. I woke up 30 minutes into the procedure and realized they were operating... music on... doc and nurses rocking out. Very funny. I was talking to them here and there throughout. If I could have watched, I probably would have. Then again, maybe not :dizzy:

Each foot took about an hour, so I was back in the recovery room by 2:30 pm. I was home by 4:30 pm and popped 2 hydrocodones and proceeded to pass out :yawn: Woke up around 9:30 pm with some mild throbbing, but when I went to the bathroom, I could immediately feel pain rushing in. Amazing what 5 minutes can do. I'm back on the couch now with feet propped up. On that note, I bought a nice contour wedge from Relax the Back... so much better than pillows and more stable for elevation. I highly recommend it. I think it'll be useful for everyday chillin' as well ;)

My only questions/concerns at this point: I suppose it's normal to feel slight numbness down there. I can wiggle my toes, but it feels like my big toes are missing. Should I try to remain still or should I be wiggling as much as possible... toes, ankle twirls, etc.

Also, and this is going to sound strange... I'm not sure if I'm heel walking correctly? It seems like I'm all hunched over (using crutches just for stabilization) on my heels, pulling my toes up so I don't touch with the balls of my feet. Is that the proper way to do it or should I not be pulling up? In addition, when you're heel walking, I imagine you have to walk with a straight knee? I've had surgeries on both knees so I really don't want to lose ROM there. Does my gait sound correct?

I have huge bandages and surgical shoes on. I'm not supposed to take anything off for one week (including sleep.) On this board, I read over and over again about the importance of icing. My doc said that it wouldn't do any good because I won't feel it... too much stuff. He just said "Elevation, elevation, elevation." Did anyone have this same experience? I figure what the heck. I'm going to try it anyway. I'm concerned that icing won't be part of my protocol for 7 days.

Finally, regarding meds. I was given hydrocodone and oxycontin. What do most people do at night for pain? I've taken 4 hydrocodone so far since surgery. Is it okay to take one oxycontin for sleep because it lasts 12 hours? Or should I still set an alarm to get up and take some hydrocodone as well?

I think that's about it for me for now... thank you again for all your well wishes... my painkillers are finally kicking in again so.... :wave:

Hope that you are dong well. First week is the worst. I didn't ice at all for the first two weeks. Really didn't know anything about icing. I did keep my foot up all the time and didn't walk at all on my foot the first week. I was put in a boot and walked only on my heel for about 8 wks. I guess all doctors do it different. Took the pain meds first week, but I didn't have pain, just took them to help me to sleep at night. It is hard trying to sleep. My foot didn't swell at all until I had the pins taken out of my toes. So just keep it up and ice when you can. I did ice all the time after I started reading this board. I learned a lot from the post. Good Luck.

Hey there just read your post.. I had my one foot done about 6 1/2 weeks ago. First off.. I agree with jean.. ice ice ice. and elevate. I really stayed off my feet totally for 4 days except to go to the bathroom. My pain day 3 and 4 was the worst..and then it got much easier. I don't do well with major pain killers so took tylelol and between that and this cold water machine my doc ordered for me which kept cold water running through a pad wrapped around my foot 24 hrs I was able to keep the pain to a minimum. Icing should do just as well -- I still ice every night as my foot--including my ankle still swells when I am on it all day
I take a large ziploc baggie and fill it with ice and prop my foot up on a pillow (leg bent so the foot is flat on the pillow) and then I drape the pack on the foot and it covers it entirely. I have the pillow on my coffee table while I watch tv..
If you are in bed you can still do the same thing.
The kinder you are to your foot the quicker you will heal. Keep asking your questions..;)

Hi Misheli!

It sounds like you all had a good time in theatre! I always kinda thought playing music was a myth!! Surpised they didn't let you bring your own music!

As for walking, I am not too sure because I had one done at a time, so I was able to bend my knee as soon as I lifted my operated foot off the ground to allow motion. I think you should walk in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you without putting any weight on the front of your foot and operated area. Usually straightening your leg, well for me, helped me heel walk easier.

You will feel very uncomfrtable when your feet aren't elevated, so don't worry if you feel weird when they aren't just makes sure you keep them elevated as much as possible. As for the numbness you describe, that is normal :)

Each day gets better
:)

Hi y'all... Day 2! Thanks for the reassurances! Based on your responses, I guess the protocols differ greatly from doctor to doctor. I tried icing last night and this morning, but he was right: I could barely feel the cold through my bandages and shoe. I see him in one week so hopefully, I can start icing after that point.

Sleeping was a piece of cake. The hydrocodone really makes me sleepy. I decided to stay away from the Oxycontin last night and just set my alarm to take the hydro.

As everyone suggested, I'm going to try and stay off of it as much as possible. Even now though, I still have some pretty strong throbbing in my right foot (been elevating for hours now.) I guess this is normal... have to take it one day at a time :)

p.s. Itsanewme - good luck on your upcoming surgery :angel:

. I tried icing last night and this morning, but he was right: I could barely feel the cold through my bandages and shoe. I see him in one week so hopefully, I can start icing after that point.

Even now though, I still have some pretty strong throbbing in my right foot (been elevating for hours now.) I guess this is normal... have to take it one day at a time :)



Misheli--your foot is still somewhat numb and with all the bandages you won't feel the cold but it does help with the swelling and the pain so do it anyway.. it will not hurt and can only help particularly when it is throbbing. MY doc had me on cold therapy from day one for 10 days.. there is quite a bit of research on cold therapy and its most useful right after the trauma...

Hi Teddie,

I agree... I've been trying, and it does make it feel better. I also just decided to take some Oxycontin because the pain is pretty bad even with feet elevated :( 30 minutes in, and the feet are feeling better now. I am starting to feel some "zingers" as well. Overall, is it "normal" to have pain while elevating?

Heel walking: I seem to do this by hunching over and using crutches. Trying to make a concerted effort to stand upright and walk. I guess this is just an area of paranoia I have to get over. I'm worried about messing this up. Again, if anyone has any tips for walking with two bunionectomies, please let me know (thanks Dark_Light!)

Sorry if I'm being repetitive or not making sense... I think i'm entering La La Land now...

Walking with the crutches will come with a little use. I had both feet operated on except three weeks apart and I found that after just a couple of days of "walking" with them that I adapted pretty well. Just give yourself a chance to practice with them on flat, cleared areas and you will eventually be able to go almost anywhere with them, even up and down stairs.
One thing to avoid is looking down at your feet while you are crutching, look ahead just like you would when walking... that is once you get accustomed to it. That should help with the hunching over.

RunnerMac, I've had 3 knee surgeries so I became a pro at using them. That was when I could just tuck one knee up and fly like the wind. Walking with crutches is a whole different ball of wax for me apparently. On my recent trip to the bathroom, I did do much better thanks to your advice. However, I still experience pain with every step... I suppose this is normal on Day 2? My boyfriend said I should just pendulum swing and rock on my heels. I'm afraid that I'll lose my balance, but has anyone tried that? Is that recommended or should I just walk ever so slowly?

Right now, my pain is at a level 7 or 8 in the right foot, especially along the arch. :eek: Same place in the left, but more of a 6 or 7. I took Oxycontin at 3 pm and felt better for a few hours. Took 1 oxycodone at 5 pm and now 2 Ibuprofen at 8 pm (just woke up from another nap - I'm determined to sleep through this if I can :)) I'm trying to wait until 9 pm to take 2 oxycodone instead of 1 and get back on this schedule (then Oxycontin at 3 am - it can't come fast enough :)) I don't want to scare anyone on the board, but this is super *painful*. I'm guessing this might have something to do with walking on both operated feet. I know this will pass eventually; it's hard to keep a positive attitude while you're going through it though.

I spoke with the Doc's PA, and she said my pain is normal unfortunately, even at rest. :blob_fire She said that the worst would be over by Monday. I'm scared because I've read a lot of posts on this board where people were getting by on simple Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I feel like I need some major mojo to feel comfortable.

Thanks for listening...

Take the meds and don't worry. If you're several more days out, and still needing a lot of narcotic, then worry. Taking them now, when you aren't going to be doing anything anyway, will actually reduce the amount of pain you have later, when you are able to start easing back into activity. It keeps the nerves from getting sensitized (getting in the habit of feeling pain).

I had a much lesser foot surgery, and for the first two days, I was popping the narcotics as often as I was allowed. Then it started getting better, and I took them only at night, and by 5 days out, the bottle was shoved aside.

Ice is your friend. Try one ice pack on the foot and one behind the knee.

How are you doing today?

It does take time and can be frustrating. I had a setback with my foot after about 5 weeks.. my ankle started to hurt like crazy and I could not put my foot down at all --I needed to get around the house --kitchen ect. I had a chair in the house with wheels and started rolling myself around..it was a bit wide and would not go anywhere but if your living quarters could accomodate a small desk chair or computer chair (they have them in office supply stores) cheap and very small but with wheels -- that could at least help you get around the place a bit more easily.
I only had one foot done and could not even heel walk to the bathroom the first few days.. although the doc said it was ok the pain was too much so I hopped --then after about 3-4 days I started to go to the bathroom with pain but it was just a few steps and I was using a cane. I would say in a week you won't be feeling as much pain as you are and you should be doing much better on that score.

Hi Misheli - I'm just catching up on my reading and came across your post. You sure are brave to have both feet done at once. I aksed my pod about that and in my situation he told me I couldn't because I wouldn't be able to walk at all. He had to do a bone fusion so I was totally NWB for 8 weeks.

I just wanted to say that as far as the icing, even if you can put the ice pack around your ankle it works. I was in a "half cast" from under my foot up the back of my leg with tons of bandage and I basically iced the ankle area and that helped with the swelling. Also the higher you can keep your feet elevated the better (I think standing on your head helps - LOL).

Hope you feel better soon.

Mary in NY

I still experience pain with every step... I suppose this is normal on Day 2?
Right now, my pain is at a level 7 or 8 in the right foot, especially along the arch.


Day 2 and 3 were the worst for me. On day 1 and into day 2 I still had drugs from surgery in my body so when those wore off it was pretty uncomfortable, but by day 4 I had a big drop off in the pain.
Make sure and stay ahead of the pain curve, take your drugs so that they will be in the system when the last set is due to wear off. By doing that I was able to move onto extra strength Tylenol on the 4th day (2 every 4 hours). This was a relief because of the side effects of Vicodin.

When you question your sanity about having both done at the same time, remember that they will be healing at the same time and you only have to put your body through this once so it is worth the extra struggle right now.

You are just about over the hump of the worst part so hang tough, it gets better soon!

i hope you are really doing better day by day. I to had bunionectomy and fusion and also hammertoe correction on march 21. Found out 2 weeks later it was not fusing....had it re-done (the fusion) April 23 and from my first week check up , we are still not sure if things are working. That being said......when I first read your post I thought what a brave young lady you must be to have surgery on both feet at the same time. Now, saying this I will also let you know I have had multiple surgeries on my feet. My mother was very kind in her genetics in passing on the feet problems to me. I almost posted you and said, Girl, you must be out of your mind to do both feet at one time because I just couldn't imagine it. I have experienced so much pain just doing single feet at the time. Then, I rethought the situation and decided, well, I must be a real wussy b/c I have read on the threads where people have had both done the same time and seemed to do well. So, I opened the computer up this morning to read some of the boards and read where you had posted the day of surgery after your first nap and said you were not in horrible pain and at that point I decided I was so glad I had not scared you and my other though was, Now, that is one tough girl. Then as I read on to your next couple days I saw that you were having pain then and I felt so bad for you. I still am glad you went ahead and had it all done at one time but I will always believe that doing surgery on two feet is twice the amount of pain. I think that the recovery period is easier on one and while I do agree that I would rather recover from both at one time and get it over it, I will just have to be the wussy. I am proud of you b/c you must be a really strong girl. Congratulations.

Hello all! Day 3... although I slept half of it away :) After taking a very lengthy nap yesterday, I finally went to bed around 2 am this morning and slept straight through to 3:30 pm! These drugs are really making me tired, but I suppose that's good for now.

Day 2's pain was constant and extremely unpleasant, even while elevated. Day 3: very little pain while elevated & lesser pain while walking to the bathroom (than yesterday.) I am getting sharp pain zingers every once in a while elevated, but much easier to tolerate. Amazing what a difference a day can make.

I hope this trend continues, and like you guys said, I just need to get over the hump. I will definitely continue icing... behind the knee too (thanks for the tip!) Also, I didn't realize the tidbit about nerves getting sensitized to pain - I'll pop meds like candy now ;) I would like to taper off soon simply because (how to put this nicely), I'm a tad backed up. Taking some meds for that too, but it's not working :mad:.

Yesterday, I was definitely questioning my sanity over getting both done. RunnerMac, you must have been reading my mind :) Today, there's no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision. I can get through this! Thanks for all your support. :D:)

Hi everyone,

One week post-op update! I saw my feet for the first time this morning during my checkup. Wow! Aside from their being a slightly yellowish purple color with a bit of puffiness on the top... and stitches... they look so purty :) I can't even remember a time when I didn't see bunions so it was really strange. Almost like they weren't my feet.

They took Xrays and said that everything looks great. The Physician's Assistant was especially pleased to see how little swelling I had. She remarked that most people who come in have feet much bigger than mine. I guess I'm doing a great job at being lazy and elevating. So... bandages were changed, and I made an appt for next Thursday to remove the stitches.

It's really funny. After I got the positive report, the crutches I came in with didn't seem as necessary. At this point, I'm definitely able to walk around with little pain. However, I have noticed that if I stop paying attention and accidentally walk more on the insides of my foot, the broken bones definitely give me a wake-up call. How long is it before you can start to ambulate normally? I'm getting used to walking on the outside/heels of my feet, but it's also really aggravating my knees.

That's about it for now... just wanted to share some good news and let everyone know that it's been uneventful so far... for those contemplating the plunge. Finally, I forgot to ask them, but with two feet on the mend, how long before I can drive? Any other words of advice during this period? Take care.

Hi,
I had bunion surgery on my right foot last year and you know when you will be able to drive when you can completely press down on the brake to stop the car. You should practice first in an empty parking lot. Then I drove for short periods of time and gradually drove for longer periods of time. Good luck!

dont get used to walking on the sides of your foot. thats not good. try walking heel to toe and just keep doing it until it becomes natural because that is the natural way to walk.

Glad to hear your doing well! I admire anyone having 2 feet done at once, I just had surgery on Monday on 1 toe and cant imagine having anything done on both!

Hi guys,

Yeah, the no-driving clause is the only thing I don't like about this deal. I honesty feel like I might be able to try soon... what is the timeline like MB? You said you'll know when you can push down firmly on the brake? Is this around 3 weeks, 4 weeks etc? 2 weeks? ;) I'm past the point of having everyone wait on me hand and feet (couldn't help it), so driving is the last hurdle.

DebbieG, I was told that I could only walk on the heels/sides of my feet so are you saying that I should still try to walk heel to toe (albeit outside of toes?) I don't think I'm supposed to put any weight completely on the ball of my foot yet? My knees are cracking up a storm at the moment. I have a tight lateral ligament on my right knee so all the 'outside foot walking' is not agreeing with it.

Summergirl, you're just a few days behind me. How you doing? Are you weight bearing? I'm still getting stuff done (somehow), but I've also given myself permission to be lazy. Like I said, I think that's keeping the swelling in check.

Hi Misheli,
I'm don't know exactly how long it will take before you can drive, I had the more complicated surgery where my midfoot bone was broken in addition to straightening out the big toe and correcting the bunion. I was in a cast for 6 weeks, then was allowed to bear weight after the cast came off. After the cast came off, it was about 4 or 5 weeks before I attempted to drive and my foot was still stiff and sore, but I did short trips. Hang in there, you can do it.

Misheli - Yes I am weight bearing as tolerated however I have been using crutches for if I have to walk more than a few steps. Today is the first day I haven't used them. Bandage is making it hard to walk as its pulling on the incisions and its bunched up and just generally uncomfortable. I am just taking Ibuprophen now. I go to the Dr today for my first post op visit. I did not have a bunionectomy. I had tumor on my bone that grew out of my big toe on the top and the side. It was actually through the skin and extremely painful. She said after the surgery it was pretty big. Its not cancer but has a chance of growing back. So she removed some of my good bone from where the tumor was attached. I think that is where most of my post op pain came from, the bone just ached so much. I also have 3 incisions, one down the side of my toe, one across the top and one in my nail bed. Before surgery she wasnt optimistic my nail would grow back at all but after the surgery she said that it might but even if the nail never grows back I will be happy if "IT" doesnt grow back. I dont want to go through this again. I thought being Lazy would be easy...ha ha... Im bored out of my mind.

if you are totally weight bearing without any aid, then yes you should walk heel to toe. if you still need an aid to walk then walk on your heels. never walk on the outside because it is a hard habit to break. this way when recovery is over, you will be walking correctly.

Hi Debbie,

I see what you mean. After my knee surgeries, it took a looooong time to get rid of the limp.

At this point, I can definitely walk without any aids (crutches, walker etc.) My question was more about what I'm "allowed" to do at this point. That last time I saw them, they said I should still be walking like Frankenstein. For me though, I feel more and more normal while walking with each day that goes by.

Overall, I guess my real concern is that I'm doing harm even though it feels good. If that makes sense...

ask your dr before you do anything. i hope they are telling you to walk heel to toe.

Hi all,

Thought I would throw out a quick post since I saw my doc last Thursday (2 week post-op appt.) They took the stitches out and gave me the following instructions:

*Normal showers once again! They just asked me to be really careful around the incisions (light soap/water.) I'm not allowed to put any creams on the incisions until the scabs fall off (estimating another 2 weeks maybe.) I plan to try that Silastic stuff or maybe just Mederma.

*I can ditch the sandals at night while sleeping (thank god because this was starting to become very uncomfortable, and I wasn't sleeping well at all.) I can also wear a normal shoe provided the sole mimics the surgical sandal (very very stiff.) I went shopping immediately after but couldn't find anything at Target. May try again this week. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know? The nurse recommended some type of clog, but it would be nice to find something with a heel strap to it. I'd also really like to ditch my socks, but I'm afraid the lack of protection will make the scabs fall off too soon resulting in more scarring.

*Gave me the go ahead for driving. I drove myself to another appointment the next day, and everything went smoothly. I pushed more with the outside of the foot, but this week, I've found myself being able to tolerate more and more.

*I asked about PT exercises, but he said that I shouldn't do any more than mild wiggling until my 5 week mark (next checkup.) This seems to be the one area where he is more conservative? When did everyone start *actively* bending the toe etc?

*Now that I'm bandage free, I noticed that my big toes are really numb. I knew this was a risk going in. Does the numbness tend to fade over time? Does it affect your ability to walk (proprioception etc?)

*Exercise - I forgot to ask him about this, but previously, he told me that I could ride the stationary bike at the 3 week mark. I'm going to double-check on this before trying. In the meantime, for the past 2 weeks, I've been doing ab work, lifting weights for arms/chest/back, and floor work for lower body. I'm going to try a Pilates tape today - all mat work so I won't be putting any pressure on the feet.

*Heel/Outside Foot walking - he said that I should try to roll through the foot while walking, but still put most of the pressure on the outside of the foot.

That's about it for now! Happy Healing :)

congratulations to you. keep trying for shoes as your feet will not be as swollen. try the walking co. shoe store. a speedy recovery to you.

RE: *I asked about PT exercises, but he said that I shouldn't do any more than mild wiggling until my 5 week mark (next checkup.) This seems to be the one area where he is more conservative? When did everyone start *actively* bending the toe etc?

My doctor had me bending the toes pretty aggressively after two weeks.

RE: *Now that I'm bandage free, I noticed that my big toes are really numb. I knew this was a risk going in. Does the numbness tend to fade over time? Does it affect your ability to walk (proprioception etc?)

Yes, the numbness does fade over time-- At least it did for me. It was a VERY gradual process. Most of it was gone within a couple of months, but I continued to have slight amount which lessened and lessened as time went on. I am now two years post-surgery and I would say that my toes feel about 98% normal now. The numbness never affected my ability to walk, nor did it bother me in any other way.

Hope you have a quick and full recovery!

Thanks Debbie & KathJack. I have a few questions for you and anyone else out there:


I'm 4 weeks post-op. Stitches out after 2 weeks. Can I go swimming?
Can I ride an upright stationary bike? Should I put my pressure on the mid-foot or as close to heel as possible?
How long does it take for the scabs to fall off? I've been trying to be good about not touching them, but they look pretty bad, and it's been a month now. Doc said I couldn't put anything on them (mederma, etc) until they're clear.
Does anyone walk around the house barefoot? This has been very comfortable for me, but I'm wondering if I should keep the sandals on at all times.


Thanks! :wave:

Misheli - Thanks for your feedback on my post. Sounds like you are having a really positive experience! I started PT 3 weeks ago and I have been going 3 times a week (so about 10 visits so far). After I had my stitches out (week 2) I started therapy. I did aquatic therapy (swimming pool) so to answer your question about swimming - yes! It definitely helped to get back to the walking motion without putting too much pressure on your foot. I do walking (regular, on ball/toes, heel), jogging in place, side steps, marching, lunges, etc. When I am on land for PT, I do toe raises, try to pick up marbles with my big toe, calf stretches and calf raises (when wearing my surgical shoe), use a thera-band for my ankle. I also started using the stationary bike. It also helps a lot to massage it and give your scars cross-friction to break up the scar tissue. My PT has me doing these exercise 3 times a day and I also try to stretch it out myself!. I also ice at least 2 times a day. My sisters is a physical therapy so she is on top of my stuff! Ha.

About the scabs – I tried not to touch but of course I did. It will eventually fall off. My surgeon recommends “Bag Balm” and Vitamin E for the scar. Again rubbing the opposite way to loosen up the scar tissue.

I to also walk around the house barefoot. I think I probably should be wearing my shoe for protection. I am trying to be more aware of going through the actual motion of walking on my foot to the ball/toe area. I am getting sick of the surgical shoe but I have a feeling I will not have much luck finding a shoe due to the swelling. At night my doc has me using a bunion splint which I have been wearing since week 2. It is used to keep my toe straight.

Again – everyone is different but I like to share my experiences. Its nice to know that people are going through the same thing and have the same questions!

Hi there...wondering how you are doing? It's now mid-July and hoping your life is returning back to normal. I, myself, am facing a double bunionectomy August 15. I just found this site today and read through many pages and now have MANY questions for my ortho surgeon when i see him on the 4th. Is there anything you wished you had asked BEFORE your surgery? I must be perfectly honest...i am waffling back and forth about this. I will need extensive surgery plus have neruomas in both feet. I fell last Aug. and broke both bones in my right ankle so i know what it is like to be NWB but at least i had one good foot. Had a second surgery in Feb. to remove 7 screws and a plate and now this - so needless to say i am needing to get myself mentally geared up.

I had a double bunionectomy and hammertoe surgery and was very glad I did it that way. Getting all of the tests/hospital procedures/dealing with side effects from painkillers/need for help from family members & friends/etc. over with at once was great. Also, elevating (and icing) my feet was an important part of recovery and I figured I couldn't be much more active (ANY more active?) with one foot up than with two. A lot depends on how long you will be prohibited from being weight bearing. For me it was a relatively short time (1-2 weeks) before I was able to start shuffling around-- If you have to go 6-8 weeks NWB, I'd think twice (but might still do it :)). Another thing about having both feet done at once is that you would probably be less likely to push yourself too much than if you can hobble around on a "good" foot. I was surprised at how much rest I needed and I've heard the same thing from other people. Surgery and healing really take a toll on your body, and while you do want to get on your feet and regain flexibility ASAP, it's good to let your body, not your job or household responsibilities, dictate your rate of recovery. When both feet are involved, people's expectations are often more reasonable-- And in the long run, I think the total amount of time that you're incapacitated and/or off work is often less than if you have two separate surgeries. Best wishes in making a good decision for your situation!