double bunionectomy 1/28 - Foot Problems Message Board

monpa04 · 02-15-2004, 06:21 PM

I had a double bunionectomy on 1/28 so I'm at week 2.5. My doctor did not prepare me for the extent of the pain I am experiencing. He told me that I would be walking around after a week and could drive and go back to work after 2! Currently, I am unable to sit, walk or stand comfortably. If I lie down with my feet up then its fine, otherwise they swell and feel painful.

Its been comforting to read other people's experiences and to know that this will eventually end! The consensus seems to be about 5 months to feel normal again. My question:

Has anyone found a way to relieve the pain when sitting (without the feet up)? I'm supposed to go back to work next week and there is no way I can sit at a desk for 8 hours. Is there an antinflamatory or a wrap that helps?

Has anyone been able to drive (45 minute commute) after 3 weeks?

Thanks for any encouragement or suggestions!

HappyMama · 02-15-2004, 07:08 PM

I wish I had a bettter answer for you, but in all honesty I at 6 wks post op still can't sit down with my feet not elevated and feel fine. If I'm walking around, I'm ok. If I'm lying down, I'm fine. But just standing or sitting with feet down, it hurts after a few minutes. I can drive, but not that long b/c the feet will hurt. I would definitely suggest finding a way to sit with your feet elevated at your desk, maybe using a wheelchair with feet rests. Maybe take some kind of anti-inflammatory before driving???????? I find that the doctors do not prepare their patients for this!

rileyroe · 02-15-2004, 10:10 PM

I too had a double bunionectomy 5 weeks ago, and I took 3 weeks off of work, and very easily could have taken a few more. I wish I had an answer for you about the pain and swelling, but unfortunately I don't think there is a magic fix. My feet still swell when I am at work. Some days the swelling is really bad, and other days it isn't. I have a foot stool at my desk that I use, but that of course dosen't get my feet high enough so they still swell. I don't know that i would be ready to drive for a long period...my feet get achy just running errands around town! Patience is the key..........and I don't have any!! Good Luck............I know wxactly what you are going through! Mandy

carlos95 · 02-15-2004, 11:03 PM

I had a bunion surgery on my left foot 10 days ago. It's also difficult for me to stand or sit with my foot down, since the pain starts right away. However, I found that if I move my leg around while standing, the pain isn't as bad. Also, if I'm walking with crutches, I swing my leg back and forth while bending my knee, as if I was walking on air. This also reduces the pain. My guess is that this increases blood flow and prevents it from collecting at the foot.

I recently graduated, and I was hoping to get a job soon, but as you said, most people seem to feel normal again after 5 months... That's a long time without a job. ;-P

Crazy43 · 02-16-2004, 07:49 AM

On 1/23/04 I had bilateral bunionectomy also. I also still elevate the feet 50-75% of the time. I have been taking anti-inflamatories since day 2 and I do think it has helped as my pain and swelling are minimal. I had my stitches out at 2 weeks and my pins in my 2nd toes out at week 3 last Friday. I do have shooting and burning sensations at times for no reason and if I am on my feet more than 1 hour, I try to put my feet up. Are your still bandaged? Do you have external pins? How long are you on your feet each day? No one is driving at 2 weeks after having both feet done. At my 2 week post-op visit my orthopedist told me I would not be driving until atleast week 4 as they do not want any pressure on the front of the foot. I agree the doctor did not give you a realistic view of your recovery time. I am glad you found this board it is a tremendous support as you have read. Everyone is great to share their experiences and at this point that means a lot. Keep us up to date on your progression.