If I hear anyone say one more time, "It's only foot surgery" I think I am going to scream! I thought I read about someone else's experience with this, but how do other people handle those kinds of comments? My close friends have been very supportive, but most people just don't seem to get how long the recovery time is and how painful it is. I was talking with my boss today (again) about how I'll be off of work for at least three to four weeks and she said she didn't understand why foot surgery is such a big deal and why I can't come back after one week since I sit behind a desk all day (i'm a therapist). I have to admit that the first few thoughts I had in response to that were fairly nontherapeutic and sarcastic, but I managed to keep my mouth shut. I didn't tell her that the doctor said I might have to be out for five weeks. I don't think that would have gone over too well.
It has been very helpful to read these posts - I'm learning a lot about how to prepare for this surgery (fusion) differently than the three I had last year. One friend will stay with me for the first four days, then I'll stay with my parents for one week, and then I'll be on my own. I'm new to the town I'm living in so I don't have that many people who can help out. I'm mainly worried about stairs. I've read the posts on how to deal with stairs and I'm still pretty apprehensive. There are about 12 or 13 narrow stairs and no way to avoid them.
Anyway, I'm very grateful that these kinds of boards exist for people to share their experiences - what worked for them and what didn't. As much as my friends and family have tried to be supportive and understanding of everything in the last year, they don't really get it. People taking the time to read posts and answer questions...well, I don't feel as alone.
Ok, I just wrote this long reply and it got lost somewhere and never posted. As you know I have been through h --- with my feet.I have had many surgeries and been out of work for many months over the past year and a half.Last year a total of 6 months and this year out of work since Jan 7th. Have no idea when Im going back.So I have heard plenty of stuff about how simple feet are.Someone had said that transplant people recover faster than foot surgeries.Do these ignorant people have any idea how many bones and tiny parts are in feet that have to recover.And not to mention that our bodies are supported by our feet.How small exactally are our feet anyway???LOL I have learned to block these people out including some of my family members.I feel as though I have gained a new family here on these foot boards.So any time you want to vent feel free because we are here to listen.
Sue
R.
Dont kill them!!!!!!!! No one understands this until the go through it! I havent heard alot of it from people I know but am tired of being pushed in the store or almost run down trying to get in the store. foot surgery is the toughest surgery I have had...5 on the feet and 14 overall. My hysterectomy was easier than this for crying out loud! I am 13 weeks post fusion..........doing very well now too. you will need the help for awhile...I was down 5 weeks and unable to do nothing except go pee and attemp to bathe............it is worth it. I feel so much better already and the pain is gone. It is amazing!
dlh
Thanks for the encouragement and the advice not to kill anyone
Did you two both have the fusions to correct previous bad surgeries (I believe Sue mentioned that)? What were you told to expect in terms of improvement in pain and function? My doctor told me that I should expect at least a 50% reduction in pain and a "mostly" functional foot. Were you able to walk in barefeet prior to the fusion or do much in the way of physical activity? I haven't walked in my barefeet since the bunion surgery a year ago (doesn't help that my big toe is stuck 40 degrees off the ground) - I think I miss that more than anything else. Reading about other people's problems with their surgeries makes me pretty grateful in some ways; I know it could have been a lot worse. My doctor tells me that I was lucky not to lose my big toe from the cellulitis or from the bone infection. So, grateful in some ways and yet also thinking the original surgery could have gone much better.
Well, time to watch the Apprentice and Without a Trace that I taped last night. Good way to pass the time while I ice my foot. Sue, I hope your pain continues to get better.
I admit it, I am guilty. When I was telling my family about my surgery, they were telling me how I need to rest afterwards and I couldn't drive or go to the gym, etc... I didn't want to listen to them because it's "only foot surgery" and how could such a minor surgery affect my life so much?
B O Y, was I wrong!! I even felt a little guilty taking up the OR's space for such a minor procedure as someone else who needed it more could have used it.
However, now I realize that I really needed this surgery. I was in agony. I couldn't walk further than a block without being in burning pain. It got to the point where, before my 2nd opinion, [the Dr. I used], I would literally cry at night and hold and rub my feet.
I am now glad I had my surgery done and will be having the other foot operated on in a few weeks or so.
My friends really disappointed me. No calls, get well cards, nothing. It's like they totally forgot I even had the surgery. When I would E-mail with them, they wouldn't even ask how I was!!
I'm right there with you guys. It's like people think you're getting a manicure! When I had to explain what I'd had done, I'd say I had foot surgery and that it was broken in three places. That tended to get the message across; somehow the word "broken" just gives people a certain picture - I don't know; people are just nuts. But you're a therapist, so you already know that.
The "broken in three places" probably would work - I'll have to give that a try. Last year I missed a total of three months of work with my foot problems. My boss at the time, who was chief psychologist at the hospital where I worked, commented that he didn't see what the big deal was b/c it was "only a toe." He didn't quite get everything that had happened. So much for thinking that all mental health professionals were sensitive and kind He also commented that at least I got a three month vacation out of the bunion surgery. I really grew to dislike that man and it is probably a good thing that I am not there any longer!
Well Looby,
I am glad you are feeling better.
I think some times people think we are doing this for glamour reasons...
But us foot buddies know the pain... and your a better person for it!!
Well I'll have to add that I am avoiding telling people that I have had "bunion surgery" They are CLUELESS! Truth be told, I was too until I researched my own foot problem and realized the actual procedure(s) used to fix the foot (break the bone & screws/pins to hold it!). I know most people think you have the "bump" removed, and that is it. I have not told many people that I had bunion surgery, but rather bone reconstruction foot surgery, as they seem to gasp this a little better that it is not a bone shaving thing.
I love giving the details of how they make an incision on the top of your foot, shave off the bone spurs, cut the bone down, and insert a screw to make sure the mechanics work - by the time I get to the screw - some people are a little green and more sympathetic.
Thanks for the encouragement and the advice not to kill anyone
Did you two both have the fusions to correct previous bad surgeries (I believe Sue mentioned that)? What were you told to expect in terms of improvement in pain and function? My doctor told me that I should expect at least a 50% reduction in pain and a "mostly" functional foot. Were you able to walk in barefeet prior to the fusion or do much in the way of physical activity? I haven't walked in my barefeet since the bunion surgery a year ago (doesn't help that my big toe is stuck 40 degrees off the ground) - I think I miss that more than anything else. Reading about other people's problems with their surgeries makes me pretty grateful in some ways; I know it could have been a lot worse. My doctor tells me that I was lucky not to lose my big toe from the cellulitis or from the bone infection. So, grateful in some ways and yet also thinking the original surgery could have gone much better.
Well, time to watch the Apprentice and Without a Trace that I taped last night. Good way to pass the time while I ice my foot. Sue, I hope your pain continues to get better.
R
R.
I had the fusion because of a sesamiod bone that broke many years ago...its a long story but most of it is here somerhere on these boards! LOL Anyway the second sesamiod moved out of place so that had to be removed then the hallux rigidus decided to come along so I had the chliectomy...worked for a couple of years but the pain was so bad my everyday life was ruined. I got to the point where working was hard, mall shopping was impossible...can you imagine the horror??? LOL I couldnt even take a walk for more than a year before I decided to do the fusion. And it woke me from my sleep everynight. I couldn't even get out of bed the last few months without 30 minutes of stretching and rubbing to ease the pain and swelling. I wanted my life back. And slowly I am getting it back...I am amazed now that I lived with the pain for so long because it is so different already. MY Dr gave me 90% as far as pain reduction. He said it would allow me to have a normal active life again and said "even though it may not hurt I will always be aware of it." I can deal with that.
Dawn
So there's light at the end of the tunnel? I'm glad to hear that your surgery seems to have been a success. There are times that I second guess my decision to have the fusion. I have pain on a constant basis and I can't walk without limping, but at least I can still walk! I think of everything that went wrong with the bunion surgery and I start worrying about what all can go wrong with this. I still battle with feeling depressed about everything that happened - I miss running and everything I used to do, and the doctor doesn't think I'll do any of that again. Sigh. Sorry for the whining/self pity; I generally have been able to be pretty upbeat about all of this but it still feels overwhelming at times.
On the positive side, it's beautiful outside and I'm going to the park with some friends and my dogs. I have an Akita and a Golden Retriever who are running around my apartment barking b/c I said park. I'm trying to do as much with them as possible b/c a friend of mine is taking them for two to three months when I have my surgery.
R,
Yes my fusion was tocorrect previous surgeries that did not work.03 original bunion surgery right foot.That Dr shaved off too much bone and cut a tendon Toe stuck up off the floor.Dr.# 2 did some correction work with a pin to hold down the toe in May 04.Took out the pin and my toe still stuck up.Resulting in damaging the sesamoid bone.Jan 05 Dr removed sesamoid bone fused the toe joint below the toe nail and repaired a tendon.Resulting in the toe being shortened and still stuck up which caused hammertoes on other toes.So on April 4th I had the big one.Other fusion and hammertoe!Now my toe is just a stump this was all on my right foot.With all of these surgeries I had severe pain.If it had just been for cosmetic reasons I would have left things be.I also had surgery on my left foot within this time period which included cellulitous and strep infection up to my knee.Hospital for 5 days.Sorry for rambling but I'm bored out of my mind.I think you are making the correct decision for the fusion.I wish they had fused my joint before now and I dont think I would have had to have all this done.
Sue
Well, I'll add my 2 cents about foot surgery being the worst--it beat a mastectomy and thryoidectomy for me. The only worse thing in my book was Chemotherapy!!! When my boss asked, "Would I be gone for 4 weeks this time?", I started giving him details and said actually it would be six weeks or more. When I go in this week to pick up a laptop to work from home, I will be sure he sees my hammertoe pin and knows how long it is (4 inches) and how many screws I have in my big toe. That usually does it for me.
Sue--So sorry, I didn't realize you weren't up and about for a few weeks between surgery like I was. How long is your big toe? You've had a really rough time of it.... I'm anxious to see what my foot looks like on Tuesday. I hate this cast--my foot and leg itches, my legs are hairy (yuck!) and I'm sure my skin it disgusting!!!
rollargirl,
I did not messure it but I will when he takes this cast off to put a new one on.I wish he had put a pin in my hammertoe.He did not and dont ask me why.He said something about not wanting to do anything else to my foot???But now I just have a floppy toe.With no joint.He said that he could take out more bone/joint if it really bothers me.(length)I give up.I had a pin in my left hammertoe but he had to remove it when I got the infection after only being in for a few days.Now I have a huge lump at the base of the toe.i was reading your post about the type of cast you have? Were you awake when they put it on?
Sue
My first pin was in for 4 weeks and the joint closest to my toenail is stiff. The joint at the base of the foot moves a bit but not as much as before. When I curl my toes, the hammer one is now straighter than the rest. I guess I'd rather have that than a flopping toe. Yes I was awake when the put the cast on. The nurses were running around trying to find him more bandages while he was pushing my foot at a 90 degree angle. He said if he didn't do this I'd have problems with my achilles and other things.
I'm on my way outside. My daughter (22) is also helping me out too. Thank goodness she's around for a month or so.
I saw my doctor today and he said that b/c of all my previous foot surgeries I now have very poor circulation in the foot. He said b/c of that I have about a 70% chance of the wound not healing correctly. he's aways a source of positive news lol. Has anyone else been told this, and have had problems with that after surgery? Anyone given advice to help prevent this?
Sue and Dawn, and everyone else who is going through the same procedure, I hope the recovery is still going well and thanks for all your encouragement and help.
Hi Looby,
Great to read ur post as i am having a fusion and graft done,in the comming weeks/months so will know what to expect from all the info on this board about how we cope after operations ect well to me having the above done is a "big thing"and how can some say its only foot surgerie but its very insensative to say that at the least how would they like to be in our shoes? with our foot problems they wouldnt be saying that then would they.You take as long as you need to recover and if so called friends cant be bothered to call/ ect; then i would find new ones; Hope second surgerie goes great 2 i know what agony feet can be cause mine are the same.
OW! I forgot how much foot surgery hurts. My doctor had warned me about poor blood flow and wound healing because of all the scar tissue (I'm not diabetic). i had the fusion surgery last Thursday and it took about 2.5 hours. The doc said it took him a little over one hour to expose the joint b/c of the amount of scar tissue from the previous three surgeries. He was able to separate the sesmoids (they were "stuck" together from scar tissue) and put them into their proper position so he didn't have to remove them like he had thought.
Today is the first day that I haven't cursed myself (and everyone around me) for having this done. The pain was horrible the first few days, and the pain meds made me sick to my stomach. The pain is better now and I have some meds I can tolerate. I'm actually pretty hopeful about this turning out well (knock on all available wood). I can feel the end of one of the screws, which is pretty uncomfortable and will hopefully pass soon. He didn't have to put a plate in or do a bone graft so I feel pretty lucky. Now i just have to figure out a way to stay sane during the next three weeks or however long until he lets me go back to work. How did you guys deal with the boredom?
Well, this is the longest I've been out of bed without elevating (no place by the computer to elevate) and I can definitely feel it. Time to ice and elevate. Hope everyone is doing well.
I couldnt even take a walk for more than a year before I decided to do the fusion. And it woke me from my sleep everynight. I couldn't even get out of bed the last few months without 30 minutes of stretching and rubbing to ease the pain and swelling. I wanted my life back. And slowly I am getting it back...I am amazed now that I lived with the pain for so long because it is so different already. MY Dr gave me 90% as far as pain reduction. He said it would allow me to have a normal active life again and said "even though it may not hurt I will always be aware of it." I can deal with that.
Toe stuck up off the floor.Dr.# 2 did some correction work with a pin to hold down the toe in May 04.Took out the pin and my toe still stuck up.Resulting in damaging the sesamoid bone.Jan 05 Dr removed sesamoid bone fused the toe joint below the toe nail and repaired a tendon.Resulting in the toe being shortened and still stuck up which caused hammertoes on other toes.So on April 4th I had the big one.Other fusion and hammertoe!Now my toe is just a stump 
this was all on my right foot.With all of these surgeries I had severe pain.If it had just been for cosmetic reasons I would have left things be.I also had surgery on my left foot within this time period which included cellulitous and strep infection up to my knee.Hospital for 5 days.Sorry for rambling but I'm bored out of my mind.I think you are making the correct decision for the fusion.I wish they had fused my joint before now and I dont think I would have had to have all this done.
