Healing time for Austin bunionectomy? - Foot Problems Message Board

maddiesmom · 04-19-2005, 02:57 PM

Hello,
I'm scheduled to undergo Austin bunionectomy and tailor's bunionectomy with osteotomy on June 10th on my right foot. I know everyone's different but I just want an idea for when I'll be able to return to work which I assume will be when I can drive so when does that generally happen?

I have expected I will be out of work for at least 4 weeks if not longer. Does it seem reasonable that I might be driving at 5 or 6 weeks? Or should I plan on at least 8 weeks? My podiatrist said 4 to 8 weeks but I've noticed many of you went beyond 8 weeks before you were driving? My recovery involves a surgical shoe, NWB activity and crutches for a week after which I should be able to hobble around with limited weight on my right foot.

Any advice from anyone who underwent my specific procedure would be appreciated!

sharonssorefoot · 04-19-2005, 08:27 PM

I think judging by what Joll43 went thru you might want to plan on 6-8 weeks but my bunionectomy I was able to drive and get around at 7 weeks. To be on the safe side plan for atleast 6 weeks for sure. GOOD LUCK HONEY and keep in touch!!!!!!!!

sharonssorefoot · 04-19-2005, 08:30 PM

Oh and BTW, you will not be weightbearing and off crutches in one week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is ridiculous and absolutly not right. Some docs say that but they are way wrong!!!!! Please read all these posts and you will see!!!!!! I would plan on 8 weeks! Bones take 6-8 weeks minimum to heal and you shouldn't have weight on them during that time for goodness sakes!!!!! I had an Orthopoedic surgeion do my surgery and he told me NWB for no less than 6 weeks and hobbling after that until comfortable enough to get in a very wide tennis shoe!!!!

Amink · 04-19-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharonssorefoot

Oh and BTW, you will not be weightbearing and off crutches in one week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is ridiculous and absolutly not right. Some docs say that but they are way wrong!!!!!

I think you should go by what your doctor says, he/she has the medical degree.

I was partially weight bearing at one week. Of course under the direction of my doctor. And I am healled very well, I was back to work in 2 weeks and back to work standing all day in 4 weeks.

I think it all depends on what you have done, how extensive it is, and what your doctor feels is enough for you to do.

Louthedog · 04-19-2005, 10:22 PM

Hi
I had an Austin bunionectomy with Allograft (cadavear bone) on April 1st.

I was allowed up that day in my Chevron boot to go to the bathroom only

. I had to use a walker for 3 days. Two weeks after that, my stitches were taken out and I was moved into a soft shoe. My left foot is where my surgery was, and I was released to drive after two weeks as long as I did not take any narcotics (duh). I am a nurse, and my MD told me to plan on being off for 5 to 8 weeks. I am now on day 19, and doing well. I went to the grocery today. My MD does not want me up for longer than 20 minutes an hour

and I have to wear the boot when i am up.

Good Luck, I can't wait to wear nice shoes again without pain.