5 days post op - Foot Problems Message Board

Jennifer · 01-17-2006, 06:56 AM

I think I'll make it. My left foot Austin bunion surgery was last Thursday. The doctor said everything went perfect. I went back to his office yesterday and am now in a removable boot that reminds me of a ski boot (and is about as uncomfortable). The hardest part for the first 4 days was being non weight bearing. I don't know how some of you have been that way for 6 weeks. My scar looks good, no oozing, etc. I spent the first 4 days with my foot above my heart and iced it for 30 min. out of every hour that I was awake. I think that has helped with my recovery. The following items helped me a lot in the first few days.

*Two rolling office chairs to roll myself down my long (50 foot) hallways.
*Lots of gel ice packs.
*A folding metal chair to shower with and a hand held shower massage
*Bamboo bed tray for eating meals
*Steps for my 4 month old puppy (Papillon) to get up on the bed to love on me
*Lots of books and magazines and movies
*Basket next to bed with gum, pen, paper, mirror, bottled water, etc.
*Cushions off my basement couch to prop foot on. They were heavy enough that they didn't move when I rolled over
*Premade or frozen meals
*A great husband who took 5 days off work to wait on me.

Hopefully the swelling will stay down. I'm going to try my best to keep my foot propped up as much as possible. I'm glad the worst is over.

Jennifer

joll43 · 01-17-2006, 09:17 AM

Sounds like you're doing great! All you can do is wait and keep your spirits up - DON'T try and do too much, and keep elevated!!!

Saturngrl · 01-17-2006, 09:26 AM

Sounds like you're being compliant with your physician's orders and doing well. I agree with the previous post advising you to not do too much too soon. I'm 8 weeks post-Akin Bunionectomy today and hope there's no sign of fracture when we x-ray this Friday.

Thank you for posting!

jeepgrrlz · 01-17-2006, 01:40 PM

Hi Jennifer. Glad to hear you're doing great. I just came back from my pre-op 20 minutes ago. I asked the Doctor about post op pain, and he used the word "excruciating" if I didn't take my pain pills on time. He prescribed Vicodin and 800 mg Motrin and said I could take them together if I needed to. How would you rate the pain with and without the pain meds?

Oh, and my husband and I went to see "Hostel" last night at the movies. Not a good choice one week before surgery. Ugh!

Midwest-JD · 01-17-2006, 01:40 PM

Hi Jennifer

I'm glad to hear things are going well for you! I had posted to you either yesterday or day before, asking how you were doing - glad to hear all is well. I must say I'm a bit jealous about having the most wonderful help and comfort at home with you....
the PUPPY!! LOL! (I bet it was great having your husband home, too!)

How fun to have a puppy up in bed with you, though! I had my kiddos here, so I was pretty fortunate too! They really have been a great help.

Like the others said, try not to overdo, continue elevating the foot as needed, and follow your doc's instructions to a "T". I was "supposed to" get a regular cast, but got a removable boot too, so I know the boot isn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but it really is SO much better than a fiberglass cast - mostly because you can take it off to wash your foot! (Make sure you check with your doc before doing that though - your incision needs to be well-healed and closed before you get your foot wet) I was also able to take it off at night (or when in bed or recliner) after the first 2.5 weeks or so - THAT was WONDERFUL! The only time I ever had the thing on was when I was up and about - which wasn't much at all those first couple weeks, at least.

I hope your recovery continues to go well - smooth and quick!
JD