Dual bunionectomies? - Foot Problems Message Board

kerryo · 05-02-2006, 02:20 PM

Hello,
I just saw a podiatrist today to consult about bunion surgery. One foot is worse than the other, and I had just kind of assumed I'd have surgery on that foot, and possibly surgery on the other in the future. I was surprised when the doc told me that he could do both at the same time. He acted as if the recouperation time (mainly off your feet) would only be 3-4 days! After reading through a lot of the posts on this message board, I can't imagene how you could do both feet at once! Has anyone had both feet done at the same time, and what is the recouperation like? How long before you can go back to work?
Thanks! KerryO

footsy · 05-02-2006, 05:31 PM

kerry,
I just had both of my feet done this morning. I've been able to walk to the bathroom. Of course, I still have lots of medicine in my foot. It is wearing off and I'm starting to feel the throbbing. According to many posts on this board, the throbbing will last 3-5 daysl If you over do it, then your feet will swell. There are several threads you can read about double bunionectomies. Just do a search for them. Lots of good and helpful information. Good luck and let us know your date once it's set. Deb

happybunnyfun · 05-02-2006, 05:39 PM

I had both done about a week ago. Make sure you rest and don't over do it. The first day i was fine. Then i could not walk for 4 days. i had my wraps changed yesterday and i am doing better. The screw that was placed in both of my big toes are still hurting when I move but by the end of this month i will be out of these shoes!!!!!

espda · 05-03-2006, 11:44 AM

I guess it depends on the severity of the bunions. If your doctor thinks you'll be able to bear some weight quickly on post surgical feet (and if you have some good help for the first weeks), I'd get it over with. If you're like some of us, who end up NWB in a plaster cast on one foot for 6-8 weeks, then NO way would I get both done at once! You'd be immobile! It's a matter of doing what the doctor says. I'm just getting over the first, and am dreading the second, scheduled for December. My feet were bad, and the doctor wants to completely heal the first foot first. Kim

Mish mish · 05-03-2006, 11:54 AM

I’ve heard quite often – including at both of the (non-affiliated) podiatrists’ offices I visited – that both feet at the same time is not recommended. My doctor’s reasoning seemed to be that having both feet out of commission makes it too hard to follow doctor’s orders, i.e., “babying” the healing feet exactly as directed.

That said, I convinced both doctors that I was a good candidate for having both feet done: a.) my insurance was about to change May 1st, so there was no time for any other option, b.) I wanted this over with – no going through this “pain and suffering” TWICE, and, most importantly, c.) I PROMISED to do EXACTLY as told. After all, these are MY feet, my ONLY feet…

Sooo… I just had both feet done on Thursday, April 27 (today is day seven). My doctor’s orders were to stay off my feet for a full two weeks. I am to recline with my feet up this whole time. Yesterday, I was told to start gently wiggling my big toe with my fingers; but that’s it – still absolutely no walking (not even a quick trip to the toilet on my feet!). But my doc is clearly more conservative in this area than most. Some people are allowed to stand after twenty-four hours, some go back to work part-time after a week… Honestly, though, based on all I’ve read thus far, I don’t see how you can do both feet and be actively upright in three to four days! Have you gotten a second opinion?