evelyn_g

Hi Everyone -- I have enjoyed reading all your posts about bunion surgery and I know there is a big group who is a month or so ahead of me in your recovery. Hope it is still going well!

Here is my question: I am 15 days post-op for a bunion correction on my right toe. I went for my first follow-up visit today and had the gauze, tape, and stitches removed. My foot didn't look too bad! Less swelling and less icky than I anticipated. I was concerned to see that my big toe seemed quite a bit apart from my second toe. I know it was taped after surgery to deliberately hold it apart from my other toes and in fact it was re-taped today to continue holding it apart. But even during the moments when all the tape and gauze were off, my big toe was definately far apart from the rest.

The doctor and nurse did not seem to think there was any problem. The doctor said when I put weight on my foot, the toes will naturally come together more. I wonder if there is a deliberate amount of overcorrection to compensate for the toe's tendency to bend inward?

I have to return in two weeks for another round of re-taping so it seems there is a clear goal of holding the big toe away from the others. The tape runs between my first and second toes as well as around my foot and definately seems to serve the purpose of holding that toe apart.

I am not sure what type of surgery I had but I had stitches along the top of my foot and along the side and I have two screws. The surgery was performed by an orthopedic surgeon who is part of a large practice and who was highly recommended.

I'd like to say to anyone who is considering bunion surgery that for me at least, it was not terribly painful. I took a total of two percosets and 1 vicodin and then Aleve and Advil when things get a little sore. I walked with crutches for three days and since then have been hobbling on the heel and side of my foot as permitted by my doctor. I am permitted to drive and bear full weight on my foot at three weeks. I returned to work on day eight (I have a desk job) and that seemed about right to me. I wear the velcro shoe for a total of six weeks.

I think the true assessment of my surgery will have to wait a few months until I am back to all my normal activities and I see how the foot holds up.

Meanwhile I am a little concerned about that big toe being so far apart from the rest! (even though my Dr. seems to want it that way) Can anyone address this issue? Thanks!