enough time to recover after bunion surgery??? - Foot Problems Message Board

rubmybunion · 07-15-2006, 12:01 AM

OK, I have my bunion surgery scheduled for aug. 23rd, and i told my boss i would need a month to recover, i am a hairstylist at a supercuts(20 cuts a day=all day standing) and she only marked 3 weeks off on the calender

i love hair with a passion and i want to get back to work ASAP(dont we all) but 3 weeks doesnt SEEM like enough for an all day standing work day... so, does anyone else's job include standing all day like this, and if so.... can you recommend a more realistic healing time estimate or is 3 weeks enough??????

evelyn_g · 07-15-2006, 08:30 AM

My doctor said I'd be able to fully bear weight beginning at three weeks. I don't know that I'd be confident standing and walking all day at that point.

My other problem, which may or not apply to you, is that I have to wear the velcro shoe for six weeks. I am trying on all my other shoes but can't find a perfect match in terms of sole and heel height so I am essentially "uneven" all the time with one leg a little longer (or shorter) than the other. I find that very tiring on my back for the little bit that I do walk. So for someone on their feet all day, I think that would be difficult. (has anyone out there found a solution to this?)

I would think a part-time schedule at first would be helpful for you to regain your strength and stamina and see how your foot is holding up. Is it possible for you to go in for a half day or less and gradually build back up to full time?

1debz · 07-15-2006, 10:30 AM

HI
I am now 9 weeks after double bunion surgery and Im still not back at work. My job entails standing 8 hours at a time and I could maybe just about manage it now, I stood for 3 hours the other day and my feet swelled like balloons.
Maybe you could consider going back part-time to begin with?
Hope you have a speedy recovery
Deb x

lizzy21 · 07-15-2006, 11:37 AM

Hi! First, I want to welcome you to this board, it is a great place for support and encouragement. So, do you know what type of surgery you are going to be having? Every type of surgery requires a different recovery time. I had a fusion of the mtp joint in my big toe. I am not allowed to be full weight bearing for 12 weeks and then I have to go to PT. However, I believe that, that is the longest recovery time of all of the procedures.
So, I would suggest that you talk to your doctor and find out what procedure he/she will be performing and how long the recovery time is. I know how you feel about work.....I am a waitress and going back to work so soon is not an option for me. Fortunately, my bosses love me and are working with me and are extremely supportive.

Good luck with everything and let us know what happens!

Liz

jules3 · 07-15-2006, 12:55 PM

Rub, i had a bunionectomy in feb..and went back to work about 2 weeks later..3 days a week on my feet for 5 hrs straight..it was ok while doing it..but i paid for it at night..had to keep my foot up for hours when i got home from work..i got thru it and am happy i did it.,my boss pays me well, i did not want to lose my job.