Bunion Be Gone! - Foot Problems Message Board

DooBugsMom · 11-26-2003, 05:09 PM

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[B]Hello, everyone!

I've been reading your posts for the past few days and it's been so helpful! I've been searching and searching the web for information on bunion surgery and I found you all!

I am scheduled for surgery on Monday, December 8th. From what I understand from all of you, there are different types of surgeries. I have a severe bunion and all I know is they are removing it, cutting the first metatarsal bone, inserting screws and then cutting the tendons under my other toes. I have a neuroma also but I"m not sure what they are doing with that. My pre-op is next Tuesday so I'm looking forward to having lots of questions answered then.

I am taking the week of the 8th off and then the following Monday just because I have a post-op appointment scheduled that day. I figured it would be less hassle to just not go in that day. I work at a desk job but after reading the posts here, I'm wondering if I am taking enough time off???

My fiance thinks I am worrying too much but I just want to be educated and prepared. What I thought was a "simple" procedure looks like it's going to be a long recovery. Your posts have helped answer so many questions. It's nice to follow all of you pre and post surgery.

I think the one thing I am most nervous about is the medication they will use to put me out. I don't want to feel sick to my stomach afterwards!

I already have enough anxiety about this...I don't want that, too!

Anyway, I'm happy to be here. Any suggestions or comments will be so appreciated!

Thank you,
Deborah

P.S. Cinderella - I noticed you are from Bellevue, WA. I'm from Kirkland.

Maya49 · 11-26-2003, 08:30 PM

Hi DooBugs
BTW, that is a cute name!!..

Best of luck on your surgery..I had bunion surgery on 7/23..and was off work for 3 months..there is no way I could have gone back to work prior to 2 months..but, I had the time so took the entire 3 months off..and I am glad that I did. I am now 4 months post-op ( just a bit more that that, I guess)..anyway, it has only been in the past 2 weeks that I am not constantly aware of my foot and that is such a relief not to have the center of our attention and energy on out foot!! I strongly recommend a recovery period of at least 2 months..what has your doc recommended?..and can you take that much time off of work?..how much time were you planning?
In regards to anesthesia I had the IV Sedation..it is great!..you fall quickly asleep and wake up when its all over..with no side affects at all.
Will be glad to answer any other questions you may have.
Cannot stress enough though that this is a long recovery period..does not happen quickly..need to be realistic about the recovery period.

DooBugsMom · 11-26-2003, 08:59 PM

Hi, Maya!

Thank you for replying to me. I don't know how but "Doo Bug" became the nickname for my daughter. LOL

Too cute!

Anyway, I was only planning for a week and a day off work. When my doctor originally told me about the surgery, he said a week. The more I read these posts, the more I am concerned that is not nearly enough time. What do you do for work? I sit at a desk all day but nonetheless, I can't see how that will be comfortable with my foot up on the desk while I'm typing away??

I will not be paid for extra time off but that's not really my biggest concern about requesting more time. I want to do the best thing for me. My pre-op consultation is Tuesday so I'll ask the doctor again then.

Thanks for the tip about the IV. My doctor said I'd be completly asleep. Is that the same thing? My biggest fear in this whole ordeal is getting nauseous!!

None of that!

Happy Turkey Day! Gobble, Gobble!

Maya49 · 11-26-2003, 09:12 PM

Hi DooBugs,
There are no side affects at all with IV Sedation..that is a huge benefit of that type of sedation..no nauseau, no grogginess..none of it!
I belive your doc is truly underestimating the time you need off from work..I was in a splint for 3 weeks, heavily bandaged and in the surgical boot for another 4 weeks..for the most part you will be elevating the leg to help keep the swelling and pain down and that is for the first 8 weeks minimum. I also work at an office job..just the mere thought of trying to get ready, get to work, deal with the swelling, elevating, icing, etc....sheesh!! and the fatigue factor as well..which is real!! This was my experience..and I certainly did not have the worst case scenario of bunion surgery. Our feet has thousands of nerve endings and it takes time and more time to heal. My doc told me that some of his patients went back to work in two weeks (because they did not have the time to take more)..and others like myself..took 3 months. He did tell me right upfront to count on 2 months.

Happy Thanksgiving to you also!!....

angelf2003 · 11-27-2003, 10:55 AM

Hello!

I agree with Maya - also look at the Anesthesia link on these boards about the IV sedation - it was fabulous for me. I am now 2 weeks post op having had a bunionectomy. I too think you need more than 1 week off.

Although I had limited pain it is all just so exhausting! I could not stay awake for much more than 12 hrs a day. Surgery is stress on the body - you need to give yourself time to adjust and heal. Dashing back to work won't help that. Also if you have kids you can only relax so much. I would guess you would need at least a month.

Why dash around and risk further damage??

Good Luck and keep us updated!