wmkcolors
06-22-2008, 07:44 PM
I am almost 6 months postop, after an akin/austin bunionectomy. On hindsight, I would have never gotten this operation. I was worried about it beforehand....came to this board....read about the postop difficulties....few successes.....and now I'm sorry I followed through with the bunionectomy. I now wish someone would have stressed that you might get yourself into a chronic pain situation, postop, and create even more problems with your feet. Seek out 2-3 opinions. I feel like I have to be honest and forthright, so, noone else suffers. If you are in alot of pain, preop, then, it might be worth it, but if the pain is infrequent....DON'T get the operation!!!!! It's not worth the risk or the long drawn out recovery. No one tells it blantantly like it really is....... Recovery is long. It's painful. And you aren't really painfree afterwards for a very long time, if at all.
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RunnerMac
06-22-2008, 11:13 PM
With respect to those who have had difficulties, I have to offer hope to others who are concerned. I am 5 months post op this week and having very few problems. On occasion I have had a bit of stiffness in the joint that is quickly taken care of with just a bit of massage. 3 weeks after the first bunionectomy I had my opposite foot done and have had no problems with that one at all. I have full range of motion in both great toes and have been running long distance for 4 weeks with no setbacks.
I would agree that this is not anything to take lightly and I would wait until the pain or structure of your foot is such that you are looking at bigger problems. I had no choice in the matter, my great toe was pushed over to the point that I dislocated my 2 and 3 toes and I could no longer run.
So look at the options, get a least two opinions - perhaps a podiatrist and a orthopedic surgeon - and make an informed decision.
WMK I'm sorry to hear that you have had difficulties after it seemed like you were making good progress.
I would agree that this is not anything to take lightly and I would wait until the pain or structure of your foot is such that you are looking at bigger problems. I had no choice in the matter, my great toe was pushed over to the point that I dislocated my 2 and 3 toes and I could no longer run.
So look at the options, get a least two opinions - perhaps a podiatrist and a orthopedic surgeon - and make an informed decision.
WMK I'm sorry to hear that you have had difficulties after it seemed like you were making good progress.
chic43
06-22-2008, 11:21 PM
Thanks for posting your thoughts wmcolors. I've come to feel that when I've posted an honest/negative response to another's posting to try to bring some reality to the situation, that there is always someone posting how bad it wasn't for them and I felt that I was being made to feel as I was scaring people off. So, thank you. I agree that if you aren't having continual bad pain you should really really think about doing this surgery. Unfortunately, I had gotten to a point where the pain was bad and continual to the point that even the weight of my bedsheets and blankets would cause my foot to throb. I had had one cortisone shot, the last one prior to surgery, that only lasted two weeks. So, I figured that I only had one more option...surgery.
I really wish that doctors would just give you the facts....even if they are scary...to let you know what you are in for. Seems they only give you the facts of the good outcomes...never the bad. But giving the bad outcomes helps you in your own decision process. Not knowing the bad then gives you an outcome seen through rose colored glasses. And it turns into one frustration after another when you aren't keeping up with everyone else or if your surgery is unsuccessful, or you end up having more.
As for getting opinons...I got three...two orthopedics, one podiatrist....all said surgery was my best option...all said by the 5 to 6 week mark I would be up and running so to speak. It wasn't that way at all.
I'm right there with you wmcolors........I completely understand.
I really wish that doctors would just give you the facts....even if they are scary...to let you know what you are in for. Seems they only give you the facts of the good outcomes...never the bad. But giving the bad outcomes helps you in your own decision process. Not knowing the bad then gives you an outcome seen through rose colored glasses. And it turns into one frustration after another when you aren't keeping up with everyone else or if your surgery is unsuccessful, or you end up having more.
As for getting opinons...I got three...two orthopedics, one podiatrist....all said surgery was my best option...all said by the 5 to 6 week mark I would be up and running so to speak. It wasn't that way at all.
I'm right there with you wmcolors........I completely understand.
emmie54
06-23-2008, 12:00 AM
I haven't had your surgery, but have had three others :={ I think it is important for people trying to make an informed decision to hear good AND bad outcomes. Otherwise the decision is not truly an informed one. If you've had a less than successful outcome you are doing people a service by saying so. IMHO!
jean2003
06-23-2008, 10:15 AM
I agree, Unless the pain is very bad, unable to bear it any longer than find a good doctor and do something. If the pain goes away sometime and not so bad leave it alone. I have to say I had never read any board and talked to anyone about the surgery, but my pod, he assured me that my foot would be better in a couple of months. The doctor told me if I had the hammertoe surgery done with bunion surgery that they would be nice and straight. Wrong. One is messed up and my toes do not look good enough to wear open toe shoes. If I had known more and had only the bunion done, I would have been fine. I think that anytime you mess with your feet that you are taking a risk, because I had one of the best doctors in my area. I am 5 1/2 months. Still can't wear all of my shoes, just the one that are very comfortable.
monster bunion
06-23-2008, 01:38 PM
Hi Wmkcolors,
I know where you are coming from. Your doctor, friends and family think that you should have recovered by now and it's really frustrating. Don't write off the surgery just yet. It might take until a year after surgery for your foot to feel normal again. I am a year after a lapidus bunionectomy in June 2007. The first six months, I was thinking that this type of surgery is absolutely horrible and I would never do it again. Now, I am getting ready to have the surgery on the other foot, same type of surgery. Your foot will get better. It takes a long, long time. Like chic43, I could not even sleep before the surgery because the bunions were bothering me so much. Just having blankets over them hurt. Now I can sleep, and I had no choice but to have the surgery.
My foot is still stiff, but it gets better every day. Hang in there. You may want to look into taking an antidepressant. I did, and it helped me. If you have to, you have to. Anyone who has had foot surgery knows how your world can unravel before your eyes. Be your own best friend and take care of yourself.
I know where you are coming from. Your doctor, friends and family think that you should have recovered by now and it's really frustrating. Don't write off the surgery just yet. It might take until a year after surgery for your foot to feel normal again. I am a year after a lapidus bunionectomy in June 2007. The first six months, I was thinking that this type of surgery is absolutely horrible and I would never do it again. Now, I am getting ready to have the surgery on the other foot, same type of surgery. Your foot will get better. It takes a long, long time. Like chic43, I could not even sleep before the surgery because the bunions were bothering me so much. Just having blankets over them hurt. Now I can sleep, and I had no choice but to have the surgery.
My foot is still stiff, but it gets better every day. Hang in there. You may want to look into taking an antidepressant. I did, and it helped me. If you have to, you have to. Anyone who has had foot surgery knows how your world can unravel before your eyes. Be your own best friend and take care of yourself.
donna 77
06-23-2008, 03:55 PM
Monsterbunion, I have seen many of your posts on this board and they are all very good. Why did you decide to go thru the surgery again? It must have helped alot or I couldn't imagine you , after all you've been thru reupping! I too have to have the surgery on my other foot. Do you think your stiffness will ever go away? Do you have any clue why my toes turn red if they are not elevated 5 weeks post lapidus. Does this ever go away?
debbie g
06-23-2008, 04:51 PM
first, wm- i thought you were doing do much better. i was quite shocked to see this post. is there anything you can do now to help get rid of the pain? its so hard to say when surgery is need or not. our feet are part of our bodies. if there was pain or a broken bone anywhere else on our body, i wonder if we would hesitate so much if surgery was required. we do what we think is right at the time. some of us have to pay heavy consequences. what i have learned from all my experiences is to never have foot surgery unless one is in dire pain, cant walk and the pain alters your lifestyle. for myself, i wish i had waited longer to see if the pain of the bunion would have subsided. i think i rushed into surgery. we cant look back, but we can look at the present. i am going to post my own thread now, but wm keep looking for that special dr that titchoe(spelling) says- think in your mind you are a pro-athlete and you need to get back to normal as close as you can so you can get back to your game-which is living your life pain free most of the time.
skyhighifly
06-23-2008, 06:21 PM
At my H&P appointment I was asked to read and sign a paper explaining about complications that had a good analogy in it. This was above and beyond the "Informed Consent" document. Here is what is said:
"Medicine is an inexact science. Although we plan and carry out our surgery as carefully as we can, the results can vary. To use a baseball analogy, we try to hit a homerun every time we go to bat, and often we do. However, sometimes we hit triples, doubles, and singles and on occasion, we can strike out. It is only natural for a patient undergoing foot surgery to want to be re-assured that everything will turn out all right. Most of the time it will, but most of the time isn't all of the time, so it is necessary to talk about what can go wrong."
It goes on to talk about complications related to surgery in general and complications related to foot surgery specifically. Then at the end:
"We cannot promise you good results because it is impossible to deliver that every time, but we can promise you our best effort because we can deliver that every time we operate. It is very important that you think about all this. Ask questions and be sure you feel you are doing the right thing, at the right time, with the right doctor. If you are not sure, then you should wait."
Both with ankle surgery and this most recent one I have refused to let my expectations rise to a level where I would only be happy with perfection. I don't expect perfection because a doctor can not predict the response my body will have to the procedure, no matter how many times they have done it.
"Medicine is an inexact science. Although we plan and carry out our surgery as carefully as we can, the results can vary. To use a baseball analogy, we try to hit a homerun every time we go to bat, and often we do. However, sometimes we hit triples, doubles, and singles and on occasion, we can strike out. It is only natural for a patient undergoing foot surgery to want to be re-assured that everything will turn out all right. Most of the time it will, but most of the time isn't all of the time, so it is necessary to talk about what can go wrong."
It goes on to talk about complications related to surgery in general and complications related to foot surgery specifically. Then at the end:
"We cannot promise you good results because it is impossible to deliver that every time, but we can promise you our best effort because we can deliver that every time we operate. It is very important that you think about all this. Ask questions and be sure you feel you are doing the right thing, at the right time, with the right doctor. If you are not sure, then you should wait."
Both with ankle surgery and this most recent one I have refused to let my expectations rise to a level where I would only be happy with perfection. I don't expect perfection because a doctor can not predict the response my body will have to the procedure, no matter how many times they have done it.
janewhite1
06-23-2008, 07:01 PM
Yeah, some doctors (especially surgeons) do encourage unrealistic expectations. Yours sounds good, skyhighfly.
monster bunion
06-23-2008, 09:19 PM
Hi Donna 77,
The redness in your toes will go away eventually. At 5 weeks, you are still very early in your recovery period. Don't worry. There are too many things to worry about. Your foot has been through a lot of trauma and it's trying to get its normal circulation back but has to deal with all the swelling. I'm going to do the surgery again on my other foot because I know it is headed in the same direction as the previous one. I waited too long until the bunion was very severe and I don't want to go through that part again. I had to be wheeled into the pre-op area because it was too painful to walk. This time, I'm going to walk there. I want this painful part of my life to be over so I can get back to taking care of my family and so I can work again. My non-surgical foot will only get worse if I don't have surgery. I think my stiffness will improve. If it doesn't, I will still have benefited because I could not walk without pain before surgery.
The redness in your toes will go away eventually. At 5 weeks, you are still very early in your recovery period. Don't worry. There are too many things to worry about. Your foot has been through a lot of trauma and it's trying to get its normal circulation back but has to deal with all the swelling. I'm going to do the surgery again on my other foot because I know it is headed in the same direction as the previous one. I waited too long until the bunion was very severe and I don't want to go through that part again. I had to be wheeled into the pre-op area because it was too painful to walk. This time, I'm going to walk there. I want this painful part of my life to be over so I can get back to taking care of my family and so I can work again. My non-surgical foot will only get worse if I don't have surgery. I think my stiffness will improve. If it doesn't, I will still have benefited because I could not walk without pain before surgery.
wmkcolors
06-23-2008, 11:57 PM
I wasn't in daily pain, prior to surgery, just when I ran or wore tight shoes. I thought I'd heal more quickly, by getting on top of it while I'm young. Well, that's a joke. That said, the doctor never told me I'd risk being in daily chronic pain. I would have said no . This risk should be stressed to you vocally, at least twice, preferably with a loved one present. I'm now so depressed, because I'm exhausted and I think I'll cancel my trip I tried to plan a month ago. I thought I'd be better by now. I don't want to be a downer about this surgery, but I also don't want anyone else to suffer like this. Don't just read the fine print. There a few success stories here, but most people are struggling. That says something about this surgery. Still, I'm so happy there are some, who in chronic pain, have some relief as a result of their bunionectomy. It's a hard call to make. Get at least 2 opinions, from an orthopedist and a podiatrist and then carefully consider the risks.
chic43
06-24-2008, 04:11 PM
Hey wmkcolors...I don't remember what type of surgery you had to begin with...and I think, you and I have been posting almost simultaneously as we had our surgeries almost two weeks apart...you first, then me.
I don't know...did you ask about a cortisone shot in the area of most of your pain? Is the pain coming from the bunion or other area?? I know that you just got cortisone in a different toe, so you don't want too many at a time.
The ball of foot pain I was having seemed to be helped by wearing the elastic sleeves I keep mentioning. On the package, they state they are for fallen arches and plantar faciitis (spell?), neither of which I have. But what I found when I was really looking at the mechanics/movement of my foot, I noticed that when I grabbed my foot right behind the ball of the big toe and restricted the motion of the toe instantly my foot felt better. And I got to thinking....wish I could find a clip or something similar that I could place there to hold my toe immobile temporarily to relieve the pain. Well, wouldn't you know that there was something out there! And very inexpensive too. I tried it and it has really helped. I slip them on before I get out of bed in the morning. And I wear them when I am walking. And now most of that pain has gone...the doctor had said I had tendonitis in my foot. Pedifix is the brand, I think. I tried inserts and arch supports, but those all seemed to increase my pain issues. I think they were all to hard and stiff.
Just a thought...maybe it will help.
I don't know...did you ask about a cortisone shot in the area of most of your pain? Is the pain coming from the bunion or other area?? I know that you just got cortisone in a different toe, so you don't want too many at a time.
The ball of foot pain I was having seemed to be helped by wearing the elastic sleeves I keep mentioning. On the package, they state they are for fallen arches and plantar faciitis (spell?), neither of which I have. But what I found when I was really looking at the mechanics/movement of my foot, I noticed that when I grabbed my foot right behind the ball of the big toe and restricted the motion of the toe instantly my foot felt better. And I got to thinking....wish I could find a clip or something similar that I could place there to hold my toe immobile temporarily to relieve the pain. Well, wouldn't you know that there was something out there! And very inexpensive too. I tried it and it has really helped. I slip them on before I get out of bed in the morning. And I wear them when I am walking. And now most of that pain has gone...the doctor had said I had tendonitis in my foot. Pedifix is the brand, I think. I tried inserts and arch supports, but those all seemed to increase my pain issues. I think they were all to hard and stiff.
Just a thought...maybe it will help.
wmkcolors
06-24-2008, 05:16 PM
Where did you get the Pedifix?? and the elastic sleeve? I looked at Walgreens and couldn't find any sleeve. I do wrap my foot at night and support my arch and cushion the ball of my foot, in a variety of ways. I just try different things. The menthol gels helps some, hot water therapy can help, ice can help.... I got a little cortisone put in, above the big toe joint..to early to know if that helps. I get alot of pain in the ball of my foot and the arch can flair up too. From month 3 to recently, I had agonizing scar pain. Massage has helped. I have good ROM, but there is pain with early morning and late day stiffness.......My foot just doesn't feel normal. Now, my little bunionette, after I had the bunion fixed (austin/akin procedure..2 cuts, with internal pins and wire in big toe) is pushing out, by my little toe....growing like a mushroom. It was barely noticeable, prior to my bunionectomy. It's grown within 3 months. I'll probably have to get that fixed but I won't even attempt to deal with that little bunionette, until I know I'm 90% healed from this first bunionectomy, by my big left toe. Now, I just hope everyone is fully aware of how hard it can be to recover from this surgery and that there might by chronic pain issues afterwards, in other parts of your foot. I don't know. Maybe then I wouldn't have even attempted the surgery, but I do know people need to understand it can take a toll on your physical, emotional and spiritual health, since the recovery can be exhausting and wrought with frustration, not to mention finding your doctor, postop, will start to minimize your concerns, 8 weeks postop, when you aren't on the ideal healing schedule. If you are preop, find the best empathetic experienced doctor, in your area and still get 2-3 opinions, to be fully informed, especially since there are so many techniques.
emmie54
06-24-2008, 06:43 PM
What you said about the empathetic doctor is so important. My regular ortho referred me to the foot and ankle specialist and I was prepared to not like him or trust him. My regular ortho had been my doctor for 20 years following a car accident and I was not excited about starting a new "relationship". On my very first visit the first thing I noticed was he had the kindest eyes I had ever seen. The first thing he said to me was "I know you have been dealing with this for quite a while. I am so sorry." He then went on to explain the condition (PTTD), the options, the surgery, the risks, and the possible consequences. He was very blunt about the recovery being very very hard. He told me he would proceed at my pace and we could wait as long as I was comfortable. I tried boot, then cast, then NWB and nothing helped. He never pressured me. From someone who as a rule does not trust doctors, and given the fact that he is young and therefore worthy of "untrustworthiness" :=) I immediately had complete faith and confidence in him and it hasn't changed since. Of course skill is very important but to me, with foot issues that take soooo long to recover from, personality and compassion plays a HUGE role.
chic43
06-25-2008, 11:12 AM
They are called Pedifix Arch Bandage . I found them at WALMART, or you can go online. They are just a three inch wide elastic band that you slide over your foot and place around the midfoot...so it supports the arch, but it also lessens the movement of the big toe at the base of the ball of the toe. I also put in some foam pads....these were sold as callus protectors, but they look more like metatarsal pads. They are thin and have one side sticky so it adheres. I put these in because my podiatrist had fashioned something similar for me in her office. But I don't want to have to continue going back just for that. So, I take the elastic sleeve, stick the callus protector inside, and slide the thing over my foot leaving it around the midfoot area with the callus protector on the underside. The callus protector just gives a bit of cushion right at the ball of the foot area....it was the only thing similar to the pad my podiatrist put in.
The scar pain....well, you *know* how I handled that...remember the rolling pin.? Well now I just take a marker end and just rub it over the scar with a little pressure, then I massage it and do ROM movements. The last thing I do is put the Scar Light and Scar Guard on with a bandage to cover. The ScarGuard has a tiny amount of cortisone in it so it has helped to reduce exterior pain. I think the interior pain is just going to take a long time. My hysterectomy scarring internally took 3 YEARS to become flexible and diminish. I still have a slight ridge there. But, the ScarGuard really really helped. I just bought my second bottle of the stuff. So, the first one lasted almost two months...I put it on daily, twice a day. The Scar Light has made the scar almost invisible. You really have to look closely to see that I have it there. What is left is the bump of the scar from internal scarring...so, it looks a bit mishapen on the outside but not so terribly bad...just not pretty like my other foot.;)
I am so sorry that you are frustrated and in pain...I really am. I wish at the very least I could come hug you and sit with you. I know the spot you are in...some days I'm there myself. Every morning those first few steps are almost excrutiating..but I know that once I get walking around it subsides...so I head for the coffee! As much as I have been through physically in the last 4 years...well, none of it is really going away, I just have learned to live with it. My back hurts and my feet hurt. Both are stiff from injury. Both are painful. But, I have things to do...so I just go. If I sit, it gets worse. But when you get going you learn to live with it and recognize is it bad? worse? or can I deal with it? And you adjust your day accordingly. Not my choice, especially my back injury, but it just is.
I completely understand how it can just exhaust all your capabilities to deal with life. BELIEVE ME. I do understand. With my car accident and the residual back injury that left me almost crippled, I came close to just ending it. I had two nervous breakdowns. I wondered where God was in all of this. I wondered why me? Over time, I sorted through things, came to new understandings, and went on. So, please know, that I completely and totally understand and appreciate how you are feeling.
I too have to at some point deal with my other foot. Although at the moment there is no pain. I don't know if it is because I am so focused on the bad foot right now, or if it was only painful because I was compensating for when the bad foot hurt. But, the bunion is large and ugly and occasionally throbs and aches. But, until it consistently hurts, it will just have to wait.
The scar pain....well, you *know* how I handled that...remember the rolling pin.? Well now I just take a marker end and just rub it over the scar with a little pressure, then I massage it and do ROM movements. The last thing I do is put the Scar Light and Scar Guard on with a bandage to cover. The ScarGuard has a tiny amount of cortisone in it so it has helped to reduce exterior pain. I think the interior pain is just going to take a long time. My hysterectomy scarring internally took 3 YEARS to become flexible and diminish. I still have a slight ridge there. But, the ScarGuard really really helped. I just bought my second bottle of the stuff. So, the first one lasted almost two months...I put it on daily, twice a day. The Scar Light has made the scar almost invisible. You really have to look closely to see that I have it there. What is left is the bump of the scar from internal scarring...so, it looks a bit mishapen on the outside but not so terribly bad...just not pretty like my other foot.;)
I am so sorry that you are frustrated and in pain...I really am. I wish at the very least I could come hug you and sit with you. I know the spot you are in...some days I'm there myself. Every morning those first few steps are almost excrutiating..but I know that once I get walking around it subsides...so I head for the coffee! As much as I have been through physically in the last 4 years...well, none of it is really going away, I just have learned to live with it. My back hurts and my feet hurt. Both are stiff from injury. Both are painful. But, I have things to do...so I just go. If I sit, it gets worse. But when you get going you learn to live with it and recognize is it bad? worse? or can I deal with it? And you adjust your day accordingly. Not my choice, especially my back injury, but it just is.
I completely understand how it can just exhaust all your capabilities to deal with life. BELIEVE ME. I do understand. With my car accident and the residual back injury that left me almost crippled, I came close to just ending it. I had two nervous breakdowns. I wondered where God was in all of this. I wondered why me? Over time, I sorted through things, came to new understandings, and went on. So, please know, that I completely and totally understand and appreciate how you are feeling.
I too have to at some point deal with my other foot. Although at the moment there is no pain. I don't know if it is because I am so focused on the bad foot right now, or if it was only painful because I was compensating for when the bad foot hurt. But, the bunion is large and ugly and occasionally throbs and aches. But, until it consistently hurts, it will just have to wait.
wmkcolors
06-25-2008, 06:02 PM
Thanks Chic43, your empathy means everything. I've been on my foot all day, and I'm tired, but at least I'm getting things done. I had some cortisone injected into the bunionette that I might later deal with and it hurts more than before the injection. Is it because of the large needle is irritating the skin? It was a huge needle. I'm due to leave town in 4 days. Fortunately, I'll be by the cold Pacific Ocean and a cold river and plan to soak my foot in that. I'm hoping the sand might massage my arch; etc. My scar has loosened but my scar neuritis was dreadful. It's subsided, but it burned for weeks. I found another elastic sleeve. I have such a paraphanelia of foot gear and wraps by my bed that it is sort of comical. I'll be away for a few weeks, but I always check back to see how everyone is doing. I know what you mean by waiting until your address the other foot. If you aren't in terrible pain, I'd wait quite awhile, to recover from this surgery. I don't think I'll address by bunionette, and that is iffy, until next Janurary. That way I'll be giving this bunionectomy a full year to heal. I need to gain confidence in my ability to heal, in general. I'm so sorry to hear about your back pain. I had a bad whiplash 10 years ago and I had neck pain for 2+ years. I keep telling myself I've healed from other things.....just give this foot more time.....
chic43
06-25-2008, 06:45 PM
Absolutely stick that foot in the ocean! The ocean has incredible healing properties...the salt, the sand, the current....all helpful. Plus walking in the water, feet in sand, will help give your foot muscles more strength and it should really really help with the scar...loosen it, diminish it. If I were you (I'm going to the beach in a couple of weeks), do some flex/bend while in the water...step on tiptoes like a ballerina. Standing on the good foot, roll your bad foot back and forth bending the toes then curling them under. If nothing else, it is a great pedicure!!;):cool:
As for the cortisone....I know, for me, the last shot I got in the bunion was done by my podiatrist who really doesn't like to give them. Not because she thinks they're bad, but because she is nervous getting the needle into the joint correctly. Yes, she really had a time of it in my foot...it was terribly painful what she did. The cortisone itself might be burning, I dunno. I do know, that after my shot the area around the sight was not only bruised but also discolored for a very long time. Maybe your doctor didnt get the needle in the exact spot and so you are having residual pain. It may just be a matter of working it out...kind of like if you get a shot in your arm, moving the arm loosens up the muscle to reduce pain.
I'd like to make a suggestion (without offending anyone)....get some Burdock tea...it is herbal. Burdock is great for nerve type pain and I take it all the time with my back. You should be able to get it at any health food store....Alvita is the brand. Drink as much as you like, it has zero caffeine. It has a kind of nutty flavor, but add honey if you like. Also, I can't say enough about the epsom salt baths I take every night...I massage the entire foot, I do push offs on the side of the tub with the bad foot, I do flex/bend....the epsom salts help with swelling and reduce pain.
Enjoy your time at the beach/ocean. I find that the ocean is my salvation...cure for anything mental, physical, and spiritual. I love it!
As for the cortisone....I know, for me, the last shot I got in the bunion was done by my podiatrist who really doesn't like to give them. Not because she thinks they're bad, but because she is nervous getting the needle into the joint correctly. Yes, she really had a time of it in my foot...it was terribly painful what she did. The cortisone itself might be burning, I dunno. I do know, that after my shot the area around the sight was not only bruised but also discolored for a very long time. Maybe your doctor didnt get the needle in the exact spot and so you are having residual pain. It may just be a matter of working it out...kind of like if you get a shot in your arm, moving the arm loosens up the muscle to reduce pain.
I'd like to make a suggestion (without offending anyone)....get some Burdock tea...it is herbal. Burdock is great for nerve type pain and I take it all the time with my back. You should be able to get it at any health food store....Alvita is the brand. Drink as much as you like, it has zero caffeine. It has a kind of nutty flavor, but add honey if you like. Also, I can't say enough about the epsom salt baths I take every night...I massage the entire foot, I do push offs on the side of the tub with the bad foot, I do flex/bend....the epsom salts help with swelling and reduce pain.
Enjoy your time at the beach/ocean. I find that the ocean is my salvation...cure for anything mental, physical, and spiritual. I love it!
chic43
06-27-2008, 12:48 PM
If it helps you feel better at all wmkcolors....I *still* am having pain in the big toe itself between the top joint and the bunion joint. I also have cramping under the four toes when I go to curl my toes down when doing ROM movements...it is so annoying and uncomfortable that I have stopped bending my toes down. The movement down creates an immediate cramp in the foot.
I called the doctor this morning who didn't give me any explanations other than she "honestly believes it is due to scar tissue"....I dunno...the area seems pretty flexible at this point.
I made an appointment for Wednesday morning for xrays.
Does anyone know when does a doctor decide "Hmm...pain still? Let's take a look and see if it might be something else." Or do they just chalk it up to the wind and forget about it?? And that's what your left with??
July 1st will be 6 months post op for me and I thought at this point I'd be just about home free.....
I called the doctor this morning who didn't give me any explanations other than she "honestly believes it is due to scar tissue"....I dunno...the area seems pretty flexible at this point.
I made an appointment for Wednesday morning for xrays.
Does anyone know when does a doctor decide "Hmm...pain still? Let's take a look and see if it might be something else." Or do they just chalk it up to the wind and forget about it?? And that's what your left with??
July 1st will be 6 months post op for me and I thought at this point I'd be just about home free.....
cosmic1
06-27-2008, 06:28 PM
I have never had a cortisone injection. However, I have discussed it with my POD and he is very reluctant to do them. He said tht when injected into the joint it will expand the joint. If done too frequently, it will cause the joint to be permanently enlarged therefore causing a larger problem.
Trust me with two severe bunions post surgical 2 yrs and 3 yrs, I have been through some stuff. As far as the small toe bunionette problem... With my first surgery which took three months in a boot, that area (small toe) was sooo painful. It was worse than any of the post surgical pain. It was certainly aggrevated by the boot pressure because beforhand I had NO problem in that area at all. It all passed over time and I do not have any problem with it now.
So, it may all just pass...............
My first foot took a long time to settle in. I still adjust shoes and sandals for various reasons. However, I am so much better than pre surgical. The surgery happened in September. It was with an external fixation device which was removed in November. It wasn't until May of the following year that I was feeling really fine again and able to walk forever.
Another important thing is that, shoes and sandals can be so important for comfort. I cannot wear ballet flats or any flat sandal or shoe. For me, wedged or a shoe with a heel is so much more comfortable. A rigid bottom helps a lot too.
My physical therapy guy told me about a friend of his who had bunion surgery and she was just miserable post op. He referred her to my POD who did a new surgery on her. He told me that she was so much better after the second surgery for the first one had been done incorrectly. Just a thought
Trust me with two severe bunions post surgical 2 yrs and 3 yrs, I have been through some stuff. As far as the small toe bunionette problem... With my first surgery which took three months in a boot, that area (small toe) was sooo painful. It was worse than any of the post surgical pain. It was certainly aggrevated by the boot pressure because beforhand I had NO problem in that area at all. It all passed over time and I do not have any problem with it now.
So, it may all just pass...............
My first foot took a long time to settle in. I still adjust shoes and sandals for various reasons. However, I am so much better than pre surgical. The surgery happened in September. It was with an external fixation device which was removed in November. It wasn't until May of the following year that I was feeling really fine again and able to walk forever.
Another important thing is that, shoes and sandals can be so important for comfort. I cannot wear ballet flats or any flat sandal or shoe. For me, wedged or a shoe with a heel is so much more comfortable. A rigid bottom helps a lot too.
My physical therapy guy told me about a friend of his who had bunion surgery and she was just miserable post op. He referred her to my POD who did a new surgery on her. He told me that she was so much better after the second surgery for the first one had been done incorrectly. Just a thought
wmkcolors
06-28-2008, 07:46 PM
Chic43, I have been having someone massage my foot and scar tissue for me. It's worth the extra cost. I try to aggressively massage my own scar and foot....arch, toes, heel; etc., but, somehow, the healing aspect of hands on healing, with the massage......soothing music.....helps the recovery process. I'll try that tea. I love herbal teas with honey.
rockclimber08
07-16-2008, 10:00 PM
I like to rock climb on the weekends. I was having pain so saw a podiatrist.He diagnosed mild bunion. He said only way to cure pain was surgery. He said initially 4 weeks until I was able to climb. At the post op visit, he said 4-6 weeks. He is a liar. My guess is more like 2-3 months. I wish he would have been honest with me. He made surgery sound like no big deal so he could sell it to me.
My husbands ex-girlfriend had a bunionectomy x2 with pins. It took her a long time to recover, as in over a year.
Beware of doctors who tell you the recovery time will be quick.
My husbands ex-girlfriend had a bunionectomy x2 with pins. It took her a long time to recover, as in over a year.
Beware of doctors who tell you the recovery time will be quick.
janewhite1
07-16-2008, 10:32 PM
I'm sorry the podiatrist wasn't honest with you, Rockclimber08. How are you feeling now? When was the surgery, and what kind of bunionectomy was done?
debbie g
07-17-2008, 02:26 PM
the foot takes such a long time to heal. normally its a 12 week recovery.
Chubstercat
07-17-2008, 03:16 PM
I will be 15 weeks out tomorrow and still limping and hurting. I can't help but wonder if something is wrong. I see the doctor next week for x-rays. I am going to express my dissatisfaction with him. I don't know whether to see another doctor for another opinion of the surgery. I called my doctor's office and they charge $10 for the first x-ray and $8 for any additional. I don't think I have to pay for the x-ray reports. Does anyone have any advice for me?
dncergrl53
07-17-2008, 03:51 PM
Healing time is dependent on many individual factors that have nothing to do with the skill of the surgeon. Are you a smoker, diabetic, have high blood pressure or thyroid problems? Do you have osteoporosis? Do you not get enough calcium and Vitamin D in a well balanced diet? Do you eat a lot of sugar and drink a lot of caffeine? Are you anemic? Are you older? Have you been taking anti-inflammatories? All these are factors that can inhibit the internal processes that slows healing.
Chubstercat
07-17-2008, 04:03 PM
I am NONE of those things. I am 47 years old. In good health, worked out 4-6 days a week, did step aerobics weight training. I walked everywhere instead of driving my car for errands. I used to walk to the grocery store and back about 1 mile away. I have a good diet, I am not overweight. I am so frightened I will never be pain free and my life is ruined.
Chubstercat
07-17-2008, 04:03 PM
I am NONE of those things. I am 47 years old. In good health, worked out 4-6 days a week, did step aerobics weight training. I walked everywhere instead of driving my car for errands. I used to walk to the grocery store and back about 1 mile away. I have a good diet, I am not overweight. I am so frightened I will never be pain free and my life is ruined.
wakkochic17
07-17-2008, 04:32 PM
don't get down about it just yet.. I had a lot of problems for the first 3-4 months afterwards.. it got exponentially better after that. It still took about 9 months total to really feel healed. It just depends on how are body reacts. I had two bunionette surgeries years before and bounced back from both within 8 weeks, but the bunion surgery didn't go so well.
Chubstercat
07-17-2008, 04:56 PM
Are you alright now? I am just wondering whether I should seek another opinion or give it more time.
debbie g
07-17-2008, 09:31 PM
I will be 15 weeks out tomorrow and still limping and hurting. I can't help but wonder if something is wrong. I see the doctor next week for x-rays. I am going to express my dissatisfaction with him. I don't know whether to see another doctor for another opinion of the surgery. I called my doctor's office and they charge $10 for the first x-ray and $8 for any additional. I don't think I have to pay for the x-ray reports. Does anyone have any advice for me? wait until you see your dr and then go forward with what is best for you.
PBenn
07-18-2008, 10:23 AM
I had bunion surgery on my right foot 5 years ago and am pain free. I am 10 weeks post-op from bunion surgery on my left foot. I can wear certain kinds of sneakers, flip flops and velcro sandals. I still have some pain but ice it every night. I can tell when I've been on my feet too much. It usually calms down though over night. I am a line dancer and also swing dance, cha cha and waltz. I am able to dance for a couple hours at a time but the have to back off. I'm not as happy with this surgery as I was with the other foot. I've been told it will take 6 months to a year to be normal again whatever normal is. Because I was in an air cast for 4 weeks, I have to sometimes remind myself that "yes" I can walk now. It's funny how your brain acts when you've been injured. It tries to protect. I over compensate and end up sore in other places.
Patience is what it takes I guess.
Patience is what it takes I guess.
chic43
07-18-2008, 11:02 AM
Chubstercat, I felt the same way as you. To begin with, every person I talked to about the surgery they had, before I had mine, said they were done and better between 5 and 6 weeks. The doctor even told me that by 6 weeks I would be up and walking and in normal shoes....blah blah blah.
Reality. It took 7 weeks before I could get a shoe on my foot. I spent 4 days in a row going to almost every store around me, trying on almost every shoe in each store, before I found a pair. The shoes were a size and a half bigger than what I normally wore. And even when I finally did get shoes on, it was an absolute chore just to walk from the car to the front door of the store. I wondered if it was worth the effort.
I had terrible pain, especially in the scar area, for what seemed an eternity. Three months passed. Four months passed. Still dealt with pain, although the pain was going away in increments.
I am now at 6 and a half months post op. I can say with all honesty that I finally have zero pain from the surgery. I still have some residual stiffness. I lost some of the flexibility of the foot. But, I think that maybe because I was hyperflexible in the foot to begin with that that caused the bunion issue to begin with. So, less flexibility might actually be a positive.
The reality of foot surgery is....don't start thinking you aren't progressing until at least 6 months. Swelling can last up to a year. I questioned my choice of surgery up until I hit the 6 month anniversary. One day I realized "Hey. My foot doesn't hurt anymore."
The reality is that it takes a long time....much longer than what the doctors will tell you....to heal.
I am like you....I'm 43, great health, walk every day (6 miles), don't smoke or drink, eat very healthy, lots of water, only one other surgery in my life, never broke anything except for when I had my car accident, don't have osteoporosis or any other health issues.
Even so, it took a really really long time to heal. Patience is not my strong point.....but that is what this surgery and healing takes....LOTS OF PATIENCE. You may have to back off on the intensity of the things you do...get off your feet, let someone else take on some things for you, and start back slowly until you feel better.
I did seek a second opinion around the 4 month anniversary cause I didn't think I was progressing. Turns out that my doc did a fine job and everything was fine. It doesn't hurt to get another opinion if it helps you feel better. If you think you need a second opinion go get one. Then you'll know for sure where you are in the scheme of things.
Reality. It took 7 weeks before I could get a shoe on my foot. I spent 4 days in a row going to almost every store around me, trying on almost every shoe in each store, before I found a pair. The shoes were a size and a half bigger than what I normally wore. And even when I finally did get shoes on, it was an absolute chore just to walk from the car to the front door of the store. I wondered if it was worth the effort.
I had terrible pain, especially in the scar area, for what seemed an eternity. Three months passed. Four months passed. Still dealt with pain, although the pain was going away in increments.
I am now at 6 and a half months post op. I can say with all honesty that I finally have zero pain from the surgery. I still have some residual stiffness. I lost some of the flexibility of the foot. But, I think that maybe because I was hyperflexible in the foot to begin with that that caused the bunion issue to begin with. So, less flexibility might actually be a positive.
The reality of foot surgery is....don't start thinking you aren't progressing until at least 6 months. Swelling can last up to a year. I questioned my choice of surgery up until I hit the 6 month anniversary. One day I realized "Hey. My foot doesn't hurt anymore."
The reality is that it takes a long time....much longer than what the doctors will tell you....to heal.
I am like you....I'm 43, great health, walk every day (6 miles), don't smoke or drink, eat very healthy, lots of water, only one other surgery in my life, never broke anything except for when I had my car accident, don't have osteoporosis or any other health issues.
Even so, it took a really really long time to heal. Patience is not my strong point.....but that is what this surgery and healing takes....LOTS OF PATIENCE. You may have to back off on the intensity of the things you do...get off your feet, let someone else take on some things for you, and start back slowly until you feel better.
I did seek a second opinion around the 4 month anniversary cause I didn't think I was progressing. Turns out that my doc did a fine job and everything was fine. It doesn't hurt to get another opinion if it helps you feel better. If you think you need a second opinion go get one. Then you'll know for sure where you are in the scheme of things.
Chubstercat
07-22-2008, 10:31 AM
Well tonight I see the podiatrist for x-rays. It will be 4 months this Friday. I am going to express my concerns to him. He said everyone heals at there own rate. I am worried that maybe the metal in me is causing pain. I am just hoping that things will get better like you said, but I am getting impatient......and worried. Thanks for the input.
badfeet51
07-22-2008, 04:31 PM
I know exactly how you feel. They will tell you in 4-6 weeks they will take the pins or screws or etc. out and you can begin walking and doing your regular activities. They don't tell you how it will feel. I had my surgery (bunionectomy and fusion) March 21 so it would be healed and by summer I would be ready to do all summer activities. Well, not only did it not fuse, but i have had an additional surgery that didn't help and will go back for surgery at the end of August. So, everyone has different results. My feet seem to be problematic. I think one thing leads to another with your feet. But, anyone that goes into foot surgery needs to know 1... they are opening a can of worms 2....the recovery is long.....it may take multiple surgeries...and lastly 4......it does usually feel much better but only after 6 mo. to a year can you expect total comfort.
Chubstercat
07-23-2008, 10:19 AM
Saw the doctor last night. He took x-rays again and everything looked good. Everything was in place and the bone was healed. He ordered an MRI to check for any soft tissue problems and I am scheduled for that this Friday. Will keep you all posted. Maybe I am just a SLOW healer. If I am happy with the end result then all of this will be worth it.
debbie g
07-23-2008, 02:34 PM
well it sounds good so far. hope fridays results come out clean.
Chubstercat
07-23-2008, 03:40 PM
Thanks, I will post as soon as I get the results probably next week. I asked the doctor if maybe the screws or the staple I have in my foot were causing me pain and he said that since I could not pinpoint one spot where the pain was coming from and he was pressing around on the areas were I had metal in and there was no pain when he did so, that that probably wasn't the cause. I still have some swelling and he said that maybe causing the pain. It hurts me just to walk down to the corner store 2 blocks away. I will be 4 months Friday and just don't think that is right.
debbie g
07-24-2008, 03:25 PM
can you pinpoint where the pain is? usually if it is the hardware, it would show up in an xray. also how much swelling do you have? i think the dr has to find a reason why you are in so much pain.
Chubstercat
07-24-2008, 04:00 PM
Pain seems to be on ball of foot when weight bearing. Maybe getting used to new position of bones. MRI is tomorrow afternoon. The swelling is almost gone, but not completely. My second metatarsal was shortened as well. I have some swelling near that incision, not the bunion site (first metatarsal).
Chubstercat
07-29-2008, 12:23 PM
Hi All, I am seeing the podiatrist tonight for a follow-up and a discussion of my MRI report. I am very anxious to find out what is going on. The surgery was 4 months ago and I am still having pain issues. Any body have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
debbie g
07-29-2008, 01:46 PM
good luck with your appt. tonite. i also had pain on the ball of my foot. it can be scar tissue and maybe the fat pads are worn down. see what the dr says and post.
Chubstercat
07-29-2008, 02:11 PM
Thanks, I sure will post and let you know the outcome. I had a reasonably good day on Sunday. I am getting tired of the pain and wondering if there is something wrong. I wrote down the possible causes that you gave me and will ask the doctor tonight. Thank you so much for your input.
Chubstercat
07-30-2008, 09:38 AM
Saw doctor last night. MRI results fine - showed swelling. Doctor gave me a cortisone shot which I was reluctant to get. It seems better today, but I don't like the idea of these shots.
debbie g
07-30-2008, 03:17 PM
cortisone will take away the inflamation. dont get another one because it can cause scar tissue. glad the report came out ok. you sound so much better.
Chubstercat
07-30-2008, 03:39 PM
Thanks for telling me that. He want to give me another next week in another area. I really am hesistant. Should I just deal with the edema (swelling) in another way? I don't know what to do. Report said "mild subcutaneous edema about the foot and ankle is of uncertain significance."
debbie g
07-31-2008, 01:37 PM
thats a tough one. if this injection helps, then it may help in the the other area. i wonder if you can ask your dr or get another opinion.
Chubstercat
07-31-2008, 02:49 PM
I really hate the idea of these cortisone shots. Is there any other way to reduce the swelling besides ice and elevation. He had me on Celebrex, but I it was only for a few weeks. I am still discouraged. Does it really take at least 6 months to feel "normal."?
debbie g
08-02-2008, 02:31 PM
it can actually take up to a year. are you taking any medication for the swelling?
BUNIONPAIN
08-03-2008, 06:48 PM
Chubstercat-you really sound like me, I am also getting very discouraged. I had my first bunion surgery almost a year ago, but my POD did the surgery wrong. Therefore, I had an orthopedic surgeon do my second surgery, and she had to lengthen the first metatarsal, shorten the second, did a heel slide, removed one sesamoid bone, and fixed my tailors bunion. this surgery was over four months ago, and I am still in pain. I am having pain at the ball of my foot, where the sesamoid bone is. I feel like I am walking on the bone, like the bone is the first thing hitting the floor, it is extremly painful. I had this same problem after my first surgery and now after the second it is still there. Also my toes to do not touch the floor, the 3rd-5th are starting to touch, by the second and first have a long way to go. I feel like the first metatarsal is "up higher" than the rest of my foot and that is forcing me to walk on the outside of my foot. I am still limping a lot, and I can not wear any shoes except sneakers, and they are not comfortable. And when I do walk normal it feels very weird, like I am twisting my ankle or something. I don't know what to think, I really just want the pain to go away. Do your toes touch the floor at all. thank you for your response.
Chubstercat
08-04-2008, 09:55 AM
To answer DebbieG; no I am not taking any medication. To answer BUNIONPAIN - my big toe did not want to move very much at first, but is now able to touch the floor - the doctor said on the last visit that I havy my range of motion back. I don't know whether to give the surgery more time or seek another opinion. I believe my doctor is trying to help me. How do you know if the correct surgery was performed? I did have the second metatarsal shortened in addition to the bunion corrected.
debbie g
08-04-2008, 01:45 PM
at least you have rom back. thats a great sign. how is the other toe? i dont know how to tell about a surgery. i think the amount of pain you are in will tell you if you should see another dr and how long the pain is lasting.
Chubstercat
08-04-2008, 02:35 PM
The other toe seems alright. It touches the floor. I am really disappointed that I still am in pain after what will be 18 weeks this Friday. I don't know if it is "normal" to have this kind of pain. At least it goes away when I am sleeping. I see the doc again tomorrow afternoon. I am writing down more questions. I went to PT for 2 months. I stopped, the co-pays were getting expensive.
akirka
08-04-2008, 04:07 PM
Hey Chubstercat,
I had a totally different surgery than yours - a bone graft from my knee to foot - but I understand your pain. I was NWB for 12 weeks and didn't get off crutches until 14 weeks. The next 4 - 6 weeks were very painful, just trying to get my ROM, strength etc back. I couldn't have made it through the day at that time without lots of Ibuprofen (Advil). It really works (even though studies say it can increase healing time). But after 12 weeks, it's fine to start taking it for inflammation and swelling - most of the big healing is done. I'm not the type to take pills, but it's not worth suffering when a few Advil can make life much more pleasant! And it's way safer than cortisone shots ....
Hang in there - after 5 mo. my foot suddenly stopped aching and swelling. It's not 100%, but it's way better than it was at 4 months!
Abby :)
I had a totally different surgery than yours - a bone graft from my knee to foot - but I understand your pain. I was NWB for 12 weeks and didn't get off crutches until 14 weeks. The next 4 - 6 weeks were very painful, just trying to get my ROM, strength etc back. I couldn't have made it through the day at that time without lots of Ibuprofen (Advil). It really works (even though studies say it can increase healing time). But after 12 weeks, it's fine to start taking it for inflammation and swelling - most of the big healing is done. I'm not the type to take pills, but it's not worth suffering when a few Advil can make life much more pleasant! And it's way safer than cortisone shots ....
Hang in there - after 5 mo. my foot suddenly stopped aching and swelling. It's not 100%, but it's way better than it was at 4 months!
Abby :)
Chubstercat
08-04-2008, 04:36 PM
Thanks for the reply, I see the doctor tomorrow--I know he wants to give me another cortisone shot in another area, but I am reluctant. I wouldn't mind putting up with the pain (and my limping) if I knew everything was going to be okay. Reading these boards makes me wonder if the surgery was done correctly. The x-rays seem to be fine and the MRI shows edema in some sort of adductor and abductor muscle. I want the doc to point out where these muscles are in my foot tomorrow.
BUNIONPAIN
08-04-2008, 08:09 PM
Thanks chubstercat for your response, my range of motion is not back, I can not bend my toe down at all, it goes down a little and then just stops. I am getting so discouraged, I feel like I am walking on a bone under my foot, right in the sesamoid bone. Did anyone else have this type of feeling. thanks for your response.
Chubstercat
08-05-2008, 09:45 AM
Believe it or not, your range of motion will come back - it just takes time. Mine is back. I could not move it at all. I believe this surgery takes time and patience to get better. I see my doc this afternoon and am going to ask him more questions and REFUSE another cortisone shot!
debbie g
08-05-2008, 01:54 PM
hi chub, did the 1st cortisone shot work? i dont think you mentioned that
Chubstercat
08-06-2008, 10:18 AM
Well, it didn't seem so at first, but yesterday I felt pretty good (the day I went to see the doctor). He said the swelling is just about gone. He did not give me another shot and wants to make me orthonics - my other foot has a bunion, but he said if it doesn't bother me, don't have surgery on it. I am worried about the progression on that foot and he said orthonics should help. He is going to cast me for them in a few weeks. The range of motion in my operated foot is just about completely back. I still do the exercises I learned in PT for my foot. Hopefully, things will continue to improve.
debbie g
08-06-2008, 06:31 PM
glad you didnt get the cortisone shot. you sound great!
BUNIONPAIN
08-06-2008, 09:29 PM
Chubstercat-how long did it take for your range of motion to fully return? Also what type of exercises does your PT having you do? thanks for your response.
Chubstercat
08-07-2008, 10:09 AM
I went to PT for 2 months. He had me circling my ankle in both directions, doing the alphabet leading with my big toe. Also trying to scrunch a towel with my toes. Also, did the recumbent bike. He had me walking across these "pods" - something like walking on stones in a stream. I did theses stretches for my foot using a wide band. The doctor had me bending my big toe up and down. I think it takes time with the foot and the doctors don't always tell you this for some reason.
Chubstercat
08-07-2008, 04:39 PM
RunnerMac - Can I ask who did your surgery - a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon? Also, I believe you said in one of your posts that you had your second metatarsal shortened in addition to the bunion. I had this as well. I was having pain the ball of my foot that is why the podiatrist did this as well. I am still have pain, will be 18 weeks after the surgery.
Chubstercat
08-12-2008, 10:02 AM
BUNIONPAIN - Did you see my response? Chubstercat
BUNIONPAIN
08-13-2008, 07:51 PM
Hello, chubstercat-I did see your response. I think I am doing most of those exercises, except the pods one. Nothing seems to be helping, I am getting very frustrated. Why aren't my toes touching the floor, why am I in so much pain? Why don't the doctors care? It just drives me crazy, I am losing hope. thanks for your responses.
Chubstercat
08-15-2008, 10:02 AM
BUNIONPAIN - How long ago was this 2nd surgery? All I can tell you is to keep doing the exercises. I will be 5 months next Friday and and SLOWLY getting back to "normal". I am still limping. My pod said everyone heals differently. I will tell you one thing if I don't feel "normal" by 6 months, I am getting a second opinion. Good luck and keep me posted.
BUNIONPAIN
08-15-2008, 09:07 PM
Hello chubstercat--my second surgery was April 2nd. So I am only a week or two behind you. And I am not even close to normal. I do my exercises everynight and I am still doing PT twice a week. I am getting US at my PT visits also. I hope this gets better, I don't know what to do. thanks for your response, keep me posted.
jo7637
08-17-2008, 07:48 PM
Hi, I am very new to this group & have found all the info here very interesting & informative as well as scary for me.I have a pre-opp on appt. 9/17 with the bunionectomy the following week.I have been dealing with this pain on my left foot for along time & have developed back issues now too.It seems as if my whole left side is being tweeked because of my foot.I also have balance issues & the right side of my body is carrying more of my wt, & now I have weakess on my left! I am hopeful that I will have a positive outcome with this surgery.I am not looking forward to a cast for 6 weeks...I am looking forward to any comments anyone has ..thanks ..jo7637
monster bunion
08-17-2008, 10:25 PM
Hi Jo,
Welcome to the boards, you will find a lot of helpful people here. Sorry you have to have surgery. You say that you will be in a cast for 6 weeks. Do you know the name of the surgery you are having? What parts of your foot will be involved? Being afraid of surgery is perfectly normal. To lessen the anxiety somewhat, try to prepare yourself by reading everything you can about your type of surgery, and preparing your house for being house-bound. Someone mentioned, find a place for your "center of operations" where you have everything you need. There are a lot of threads here on preparing for surgery. The surgery itself is actually ok, they give you medications to calm you and then you usually sleep through it. I actually had a very nice dream and for 1-1/2 hours, my foot didn't hurt me. The major worry time is when
you go home and have to deal with the recovery, but people on these boards will help you with any questions you may have at that time. Most doctors who perform these foot surgeries have not been through the actual foot surgery.
Welcome to the boards, you will find a lot of helpful people here. Sorry you have to have surgery. You say that you will be in a cast for 6 weeks. Do you know the name of the surgery you are having? What parts of your foot will be involved? Being afraid of surgery is perfectly normal. To lessen the anxiety somewhat, try to prepare yourself by reading everything you can about your type of surgery, and preparing your house for being house-bound. Someone mentioned, find a place for your "center of operations" where you have everything you need. There are a lot of threads here on preparing for surgery. The surgery itself is actually ok, they give you medications to calm you and then you usually sleep through it. I actually had a very nice dream and for 1-1/2 hours, my foot didn't hurt me. The major worry time is when
you go home and have to deal with the recovery, but people on these boards will help you with any questions you may have at that time. Most doctors who perform these foot surgeries have not been through the actual foot surgery.
Chubstercat
08-18-2008, 10:03 AM
My surgery was April 4. It will be 5 months this Friday. I still am in pain and feel I should go for a second opinion. Something doesn't seem right. The pod did an MRI - which was normal and showed "edema" (swelling) in some muscles in my foot. I just don't feel I should be in this much pain this far out. Does anyone else have an input?
monster bunion
08-18-2008, 10:54 AM
Chubstercat,
At this point, you are probably frustrated and depressed, your foot feels annoyingly uncomfortable, and you still can't do your everyday activities you used to do. At four and five months, I was frustrated beyond belief. I thought to myself, ok, I went through the surgery and I still can't walk right.
While my friends and relatives have forgotten about my surgery, I'm still dealing with it. To add further insult to injury, I had setbacks. I expected to keep moving forward, but that was not the case. For what it's worth, I think you will get better, it just takes an incredibly long time. Please wait for 6 months, here's hoping you will feel better at that time. I'm 14 months out, and my foot is not "normal", but I can go out with my family and keep up with them. My foot is still stiff but gets better each day. Good luck.:angel:
At this point, you are probably frustrated and depressed, your foot feels annoyingly uncomfortable, and you still can't do your everyday activities you used to do. At four and five months, I was frustrated beyond belief. I thought to myself, ok, I went through the surgery and I still can't walk right.
While my friends and relatives have forgotten about my surgery, I'm still dealing with it. To add further insult to injury, I had setbacks. I expected to keep moving forward, but that was not the case. For what it's worth, I think you will get better, it just takes an incredibly long time. Please wait for 6 months, here's hoping you will feel better at that time. I'm 14 months out, and my foot is not "normal", but I can go out with my family and keep up with them. My foot is still stiff but gets better each day. Good luck.:angel:
Chubstercat
08-18-2008, 11:53 AM
MonsterBunion, thanks for the response. I keep thinking I made a huge mistake. The pod did an MRI, the x-rays looked good (no hardware out of place). I have to go back to him in a couple days and I feel like telling him I am not happy and want a second opinion. So you think 5 months is still too early to think the surgery failed? I am so confused, but like you say I can't do my activities. I am lucky I have a desk job because standing and walking are just too much. The podiatrist I went to has good credentials, but even the "best" doctors can screw up. I certainly pray you are right in me getting better. I even feel so hopeless I start to cry at times. Thanks for your help!
jo7637
08-18-2008, 05:26 PM
Hi Monsterbunion, Thanks so much for the reply..I was anxious to get home from work to see if I had any mail..I will have to get the exact tec term for the procedure they are planning to do for me.I am trying to mentally prepare & then see what I need to prepare the house & the things I will need.Where do I look for the info you said would be helpful to me as far as being prepared.I am planning to be sleeping in the guest room as the master is upstairs.I guess the part that scares me the most is none wt baring for the 6 weeks.I have never had a cast or used crutches before.My upper body strength is not all that it could be.I know the dr said a screw would be in my big toe ouch..& he is going to have to do something with the 2nd toe toe & may decide to put a metal plate on the top of foot too.What does threads stand for? ttys Jo
donna 77
08-18-2008, 05:59 PM
The length of time for total recovery is what is frustrating. My foot looks so perfect on the outside but it's still not in a shoe, except when I drive. It's been 3 months and I still rely on my crutches and rollabout for everyday chores. It takes twice as much energy to do everything. I want to go out the door and take a walk or do an exercise video.
BUNIONPAIN
08-18-2008, 06:25 PM
Chubstercat, I am in the same boat as you are. I just don't understand why I am still in this amount of pain. It has been over 4 months since my surgery and I don't think I should have this much pain. My foot swells like crazy still, my toes are not even close to touching the floor, I can not wear a sneaker for more than a few hours until it is soooo uncomfortable. With this being my second surgery I feel like I should be so much further along. I agree with you chubstercat-I DID make a huge mistake, I am teriffied I will never ever be pain free. I wish I had a desk job, I am a radiation therapist and I am on my feet all day long, and I mean all day (8HOURS or longer). I am SOOOO frustrated, this just drives me crazy. Please keep me updated.
monster bunion
08-18-2008, 08:42 PM
Hi Jo,
I'm sorry I didn't explain myself, a "thread" is like the main title to a series of posts that people write in to healthboards.com. At the main page of healthboards.com, try typing in "how to prepare for bunion surgery" in the
upper left blank spot where it says "SEARCH". Then click on the various threads that people have started about preparing for bunion surgery.
Chubstercat, bunionpain, and Donna,
I know where you are all coming from. I am not a real verbal complainer at home and tend to internalize things. At four months, my brain could no longer accept the amount of misery and pain I was still in and I guess it started to rebel and I would get this shaking and twitching in my arms and legs. I thought, great, now I have a neuromuscular disease too. I went to the doctor and she said I was very depressed. Well, I had to see a shrink and he said I had major depression and advised counseling sessions and an antidepressant medication. The medication helped somewhat but I have to admit I ditched the counseling pretty quickly. I never thought he understood what I was going through. He would say, well...they do these surgeries to make people better and they must work otherwise they wouldn't do them, right? You're not paralyzed, you are able to walk. My foot hurt to even get to his office, so I stopped going. I wanted to put a cast on his foot and watch the smirk go off his face in two seconds. Before I left the last visit (I think I only went to two), he gave me six questions/things to think about:
1. Where is the evidence?
2. Where is it written?
3. Is there any other way to think about it?
4. How bad is it really?
5. What can I do about it?
6. Just because....
He gave me example of things to think about like:
1. Where is the evidence...that you will not recover from this surgery.
2. Where is it written...that you have to be at a cetain point in your recovery now.
3. Is there any other way to think about your situation? (All I could think
about is that my foot hurts all the time.)
4. How bad is it really? (I wanted to step on his toes the minute he said
this)
5. What can I do about my situation? (I don't know, that's why I went to
see him).
6. Just because...you had surgery doesn't make you any less of a person.
I don't know if this helps you all. I'll be praying for you all. I'm going to do
my other foot soon, so I'll be starting at square 1 again and I'm hoping all of you will be walking without discomfort soon.
I'm sorry I didn't explain myself, a "thread" is like the main title to a series of posts that people write in to healthboards.com. At the main page of healthboards.com, try typing in "how to prepare for bunion surgery" in the
upper left blank spot where it says "SEARCH". Then click on the various threads that people have started about preparing for bunion surgery.
Chubstercat, bunionpain, and Donna,
I know where you are all coming from. I am not a real verbal complainer at home and tend to internalize things. At four months, my brain could no longer accept the amount of misery and pain I was still in and I guess it started to rebel and I would get this shaking and twitching in my arms and legs. I thought, great, now I have a neuromuscular disease too. I went to the doctor and she said I was very depressed. Well, I had to see a shrink and he said I had major depression and advised counseling sessions and an antidepressant medication. The medication helped somewhat but I have to admit I ditched the counseling pretty quickly. I never thought he understood what I was going through. He would say, well...they do these surgeries to make people better and they must work otherwise they wouldn't do them, right? You're not paralyzed, you are able to walk. My foot hurt to even get to his office, so I stopped going. I wanted to put a cast on his foot and watch the smirk go off his face in two seconds. Before I left the last visit (I think I only went to two), he gave me six questions/things to think about:
1. Where is the evidence?
2. Where is it written?
3. Is there any other way to think about it?
4. How bad is it really?
5. What can I do about it?
6. Just because....
He gave me example of things to think about like:
1. Where is the evidence...that you will not recover from this surgery.
2. Where is it written...that you have to be at a cetain point in your recovery now.
3. Is there any other way to think about your situation? (All I could think
about is that my foot hurts all the time.)
4. How bad is it really? (I wanted to step on his toes the minute he said
this)
5. What can I do about my situation? (I don't know, that's why I went to
see him).
6. Just because...you had surgery doesn't make you any less of a person.
I don't know if this helps you all. I'll be praying for you all. I'm going to do
my other foot soon, so I'll be starting at square 1 again and I'm hoping all of you will be walking without discomfort soon.
flaggfish
08-19-2008, 08:26 AM
Sounds like there may be a better therapist out there for you!
Do you know anything about meditation? It can be helpful in dealing with stress. Sometimes if you practice trying to relax you body, your muscles on a regular basis you get better at realizing that your body is seizing up on a stressful day. I remember starting yoga years ago: after about 4 classes, with relaxation at the end, I realized that after a stressful meeting at work my shoulders were up around my ears on the way home. I hadn't noticed that I keep a lot of tension in my upper back, and that my "stiff necks" were actually muscle spasms in my back from stressful days. Now when I feel my back seizing up I move around and keep the spasm from getting me.
All I'm saying is that you may want to go to another more helpful therapist, or maybe a massage therapist, or yoga teacher who can give you some calming strategies during your challenging recovery. I know you can't do yoga with your feet hurting, but relaxation exercises can take place in any position. We have chair yoga classes in our area as well.
When I had a bad case of ankle arthritis I was so worried I couldn't sleep. My mind would worry and chatter bad stuff all night. I learned to meditate on other words that were more helpful: mostly "I'm so lucky". That would block out the useless worry chatter and lean me toward things that were going right in my life.
Meditation is a lot about being aware of your mind's chatter and redirecting it when it is going in a stressful direction. A good therapist would be talking to you about that kind of thing. You need help waiting out your recovery!
Good luck.
Do you know anything about meditation? It can be helpful in dealing with stress. Sometimes if you practice trying to relax you body, your muscles on a regular basis you get better at realizing that your body is seizing up on a stressful day. I remember starting yoga years ago: after about 4 classes, with relaxation at the end, I realized that after a stressful meeting at work my shoulders were up around my ears on the way home. I hadn't noticed that I keep a lot of tension in my upper back, and that my "stiff necks" were actually muscle spasms in my back from stressful days. Now when I feel my back seizing up I move around and keep the spasm from getting me.
All I'm saying is that you may want to go to another more helpful therapist, or maybe a massage therapist, or yoga teacher who can give you some calming strategies during your challenging recovery. I know you can't do yoga with your feet hurting, but relaxation exercises can take place in any position. We have chair yoga classes in our area as well.
When I had a bad case of ankle arthritis I was so worried I couldn't sleep. My mind would worry and chatter bad stuff all night. I learned to meditate on other words that were more helpful: mostly "I'm so lucky". That would block out the useless worry chatter and lean me toward things that were going right in my life.
Meditation is a lot about being aware of your mind's chatter and redirecting it when it is going in a stressful direction. A good therapist would be talking to you about that kind of thing. You need help waiting out your recovery!
Good luck.
Chubstercat
08-19-2008, 02:24 PM
Hi MonsterBunion, I know what you mean about being depressed. Plus, everywhere I go, people remind me that I am limping. I feel like some sort of circus freak. I know you told me to give it at least 6 months, but I think I am going to tell the podiatrist who did my surgery straight out that I want another opinion when I see him tomorrow. I can't believe I am still in this much pain this far out (5 months this Friday).
monster bunion
08-19-2008, 04:56 PM
Chubstercat,
Good luck with your visit tomorrow. I hope your podiatrist will have some
reassuring words for you. It's good that you are expressing your dissatisfaction with your progress.
Good luck with your visit tomorrow. I hope your podiatrist will have some
reassuring words for you. It's good that you are expressing your dissatisfaction with your progress.
Chubstercat
08-19-2008, 05:18 PM
Thank you, I will keep you posted as to what he says. I already made an appointment with another doctor for next week. I just hope you are right, that it just takes alot of time. Something just doesn't seem right. I have pain on the ball of my foot whenever weight bearing. Standing for any period of time is impossible. I had the surgery because I was in pain and I am still in pain. It is really scary. I used to walk everywhere, do step aerobics, kickboxing, etc. Now, I have all I can do to walk a block down the street to the corner store. I am only 47. I just pray it gets better. Thank you for your help.
debbie g
08-19-2008, 06:32 PM
good luck to you chubster. i hope you get good news.
BUNIONPAIN
08-19-2008, 09:24 PM
GOOD LUCK chubstercat I hope your appointment goes well, keep us posted. I feel just like you, the more you post the more I feel just like you. I am in so much pain it is crazy, it should not be this way. I should be in much better shape than I am in now. I have an appointment on Thursday and I am hoping (demanding) answers. good luck.
Chubstercat
08-21-2008, 02:21 PM
BUNIONPAIN, Unfortunately something came up and I had to cancel my appointment yesterday. How did yours go? Please let me know. Thanks, Chubstercat
BUNIONPAIN
08-23-2008, 02:11 AM
chubstercat, I am sorry you could not make your appointment. Mine did not go so well, she is not happy about how my toe is not touching the floor and how much pain I am having under my big toe joint. Therefore she is recommending I have more surgery, she wants to shave some of the bone off that is digging into the ground, and maybe so some soft tissue work to try to bring down the big toe if possible. She says there is no guarentee but this is the easiest option, next would be a toe fusion and I don't want to do that. So I don't know what to do, this is the toughest decision. I am so frustrated and angry, it should not be this way. Well keep me posted on your progress, hope all is well.
donna 77
08-23-2008, 11:01 AM
Bunion pain I am so sorry about the news. I was hoping it would be normal healing. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Chubstercat
08-25-2008, 02:59 PM
BUNIONPAIN, I am going to see the doctor this week. I am still in pain. I am wondering -since this is an elective surgery, will th podiatrist tell you if he feels he did something wrong or should I get another opinion of the surgery from another doctor. I am at my wits end on what to do, but I feel that after all this time, that I should be ALOT better. Thanks for the help everyone!
BUNIONPAIN
08-25-2008, 09:25 PM
Hey chubstercat, I read somewhere else on these boards that if you are going to get a second opinion about your surgery, that you should go somewhere that is 60 miles or more away. The doctors don't really know each other that far away and are more relucant to tell you if something was done wrong or not. I did not go that far away and my second surgeon never said my surgery was done "wrong". But I know it was. And I really don't think that she did anything wrong this time, I think she was just trying to fix his mistake, and she did make it a lot better than it was. So I am still so confused and frustrated about this whole situation. Well chubstercat please keep us updated.
Chubstercat
08-26-2008, 02:42 PM
BUNIONPAIN, Thank you for the response. I can't go on like this, so I scheduled an appointment with another podiatrist in a few days (28 Aug) for another opinion. Something just doesn't seem right to me. Then I worry about my other foot and not being too walk at all. Thanks to everyone's support on this board because people without foot problems just don't understand, but are quick to point out that I am limping. I can't wait on things any longer.
jo7637
08-26-2008, 05:28 PM
Hi Moster Bunion, I found out my surgery is a Lapidus with distal modified Mcbride..I think my main concern is will I be able to care for myself? Bathroom & bathing issues.I was told about the rollabouts from the surgeons nurse so will have to see if that is a possible option for me.I guess I am a little scared about the degree of pain..altho I am in pain now it will be worse & different.I hope to be able to go back to work in 2 months, I work retail & I am on my feet all day.It seems the recovery period is very long with this surgery.
monster bunion
08-26-2008, 08:46 PM
Hi Jo,
For the first week, you will probably only be allowed to get up out of bed to use the bathroom, the rest of the time you will have your foot elevated higher than your heart. So, the first week, it's a good idea to have someone
staying with you to cook for you and keep an eye on you. I used a walker pretty exclusively the first week to get to the bathroom because you will be taking pain meds and may feel groggy and unsteady. It seems the first week, you have a greater chance of falling so go slowly. My cast foot touched the floor twice when I thought I would fall, but I didn't do any damage. I'm assuming you will have a cast for 6 weeks or so. There are towlettes that they sell for bathing or keeping clean. These are helpful during the first week.
They have cast covers (plastic) that you can wear in the shower. Get a shower stool and extendable shower head that you can hold in your hand.
You can take showers when you can put your foot down for 15 minutes without it throbbing. I didn't have a rollabout but others here like it. There is pain and misery involved, but it will be worth it in the end. The degree of pain is tolerable, but tolerating the pain for months and months was the annoying part for me. The pain keeps you from doing anything physical and it can get very frustrating. Find things to do that empower you and don't require you to move too much. :wave:
For the first week, you will probably only be allowed to get up out of bed to use the bathroom, the rest of the time you will have your foot elevated higher than your heart. So, the first week, it's a good idea to have someone
staying with you to cook for you and keep an eye on you. I used a walker pretty exclusively the first week to get to the bathroom because you will be taking pain meds and may feel groggy and unsteady. It seems the first week, you have a greater chance of falling so go slowly. My cast foot touched the floor twice when I thought I would fall, but I didn't do any damage. I'm assuming you will have a cast for 6 weeks or so. There are towlettes that they sell for bathing or keeping clean. These are helpful during the first week.
They have cast covers (plastic) that you can wear in the shower. Get a shower stool and extendable shower head that you can hold in your hand.
You can take showers when you can put your foot down for 15 minutes without it throbbing. I didn't have a rollabout but others here like it. There is pain and misery involved, but it will be worth it in the end. The degree of pain is tolerable, but tolerating the pain for months and months was the annoying part for me. The pain keeps you from doing anything physical and it can get very frustrating. Find things to do that empower you and don't require you to move too much. :wave:
dncergrl53
08-27-2008, 10:12 AM
I had a cheillectomy and an osteotomy but my recovery was far easier than others. I started el
moderator2
08-27-2008, 10:46 AM
We need to limit threads to eighty posts or sixty days. Please feel free to start your own new thread.