Nervous for surgery - Foot Problems Message Board

jakcpk · 10-06-2004, 11:54 PM

I am really nervous to have bunion surgery on both my feet at the same time. I have only seen the docor one time and it was very brief. I went to the appointment and they took x-rays and the doctor told me right away that I need surgery. Here's the thing. I don't know much about what will happen. I will be awake for the surgery but sedated. They will only be putting me out to put shots in my feet to numb me up. I am not having this done at a hospital but rather at the doctor's clinic that has a sugery room. Do they put bandages or casts on the feet after surgery. I know that everyone is different but how long can I expect to not be walking/driving? I have read the thread giving post op hints and that has been helpful but I would like to know if anyone else was awake for their surgery. Thanks so much.

atsim · 10-07-2004, 05:44 AM

Hi,
It sure sounds as if you're not ready to move ahead with this operation. Research here on these boards is a good start but have you considered a second opinion?

Also, one appointment with your doc may not be enough. I needed time to research, think, plan my life. I set up a separate phone session with my doc to ask all the questions floating in my mind about my operation and recovery...I am nine weeks post op with a great toe fusion and doing very well.

Now to answer your question specifically, yes...I was awake during the surgery, which was also done at a surgical center not a hospital. I actually liked that. I talked to the anesthesiologist the day before going in. He sedated me slightly just before going into the operating room but then I asked to be as awake as possible during the procedure. I had headphones and a relaxing CD. The actual operation didn't hurt. The sound of the power tools was a bit disturbing. The operation lasted longer than expected and I was almost ready to ask to be sedated when it was done.

This was a personal choice of mine, you should have a similar choice. You can ask to be sedated, have a nerve block, or be awake. It is you and the anesthesiologist who is in charge of this part of the process, not the surgeon.

As for having both feet done at the same time, I can't advise. I only had problems with one foot.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Tina

rileyroe · 10-07-2004, 10:53 PM

Hi...I had a double bunionectomy in January. First thing I will say is it IS NOT easy. I do not recommend it at all unless you have someone who can be with you 24 hours a day for the first three or four days at least. My husband had to carry me to the bathroom, to bed, from the couch to the chair, everywhere for the first three days. Not only did he have to carry me, but he had to carry me and hold my feet straight out. I couldn't take the pain of the blood rushing to my feet when they were down. It was miserable for both of us!! Definately think about your day to day activities and think of how having two messed up feet will affect you before you have them both done at the same time. I am lucky that my husband is 6'5 and weighs 240, and that I am half of his size! I couldn't drive for three weeks...rather I wanted to or not! I had about a three inch incision, bones broke in both feet, bones shaved off, and two permanent screws put in each foot. It is a very lengthy recovery time...I just realized that my feet have actually felt good without much stiffness over the past two or three weeks...it takes forever to get better. I wasn't put all the way under, I was only sedated, but I do not remember anything from the surgery. I didn't hear or feel a thing. My surgery was done at the hospital, and I went home about two hours after surgery. I took pain pills for the first week like clockwork. It is very challenging to shower, sleep, do anything with two bad feet! Please let me know if you have anymore questions, and be sure your doctor makes you feel at ease with the whole process before you let him do anything! It is a very tough surgery! Sorry I rambled for so long! Mandy

rileyroe · 10-07-2004, 10:57 PM

Ohh...my feet were both bandaged with a thick gauze wrap and a sticks to itself ace badage, and they had to stay wrapped for 4 weeks!!

LyndaVuu · 11-14-2004, 08:43 PM

Hey Jack I was wondering if you had your surgery yet because im planning to have mine in about a month. I will also be doing both feet at once an also awake during surgery. I was wondering how it turned out and when can you start walking and driving.

Thanks