Feeling Frustrated 3-weeks post bunion surgery - Foot Problems Message Board

KatieArrigo · 03-27-2007, 06:48 AM

I'm having a bad week so far and could use some advice/encouragement.

I am 3 weeks post-op...one pin remaining....still in flat bottom blue surgical shoe. The nurse told me last week that I could "start putting some weight on my heel"...but I didn't get any further instruction than that. My toes are still pretty swollen, and I don't have much control over bending my ankle (my foot is still pretty "floppy" since having the bulky wrapping removed last week.

My next post op isn't for two more weeks (to have the pin removed)....

I went back to work last Thursday (at work now)...its been ok, just makes me realize more and more how HARD even simple things can be when your recovering....I am completely exhausted most of the time.

Anyway, I just need to vent a little, thansk for being here healthboard!!!!

Zardtoe · 03-27-2007, 08:15 AM

I'm at 7 weeks now, but I do remember how you're feeling. At nearly 4 weeks, I was still so swollen, and the incision wasn't healing, so I'd gone back to crutches for a few days to give it time to heal. On my way to the doctor's office I was just SURE that my toe was going to fall off from gangrene after an infection (it turned out to be an imaginary infection), and I was exhausted from being back on crutches. The doc. told me to just start using the foot more, and it really did get better every day. This weekend I took a 50 minute walk! (not that far, mind you, but I was up and on the foot that long) Between 4 and 7 weeks I've seen a world of change. Good luck!

KatieArrigo · 03-27-2007, 08:44 AM

Thanks so much for the reply! Its good to know that I'm not crazy....and its nice to hear that it actually does get better :-) Sometimes I feel like it never will.....It really helps to hear from other people who have been through it, and to know for sure that there is a light at the end of all this!!!!

KatieArrigo · 03-27-2007, 08:48 AM

My poor boyfriend is going to need a vacation after dealing with me through all this....since going back to work, I average atleast one crying episode a day (usually before bed - I feel like a toddler who is overtired)...everything just gets a little overwhelming at the end of a long day on crutches and I have a minor melt-down....alls well in the morning, its just the tiredness at the end of the day that completely wipes me out.

tootsie:) · 03-27-2007, 12:20 PM

Can I relate! But good on you for already being back at work, you should give yourself lots of credit for that. I am nearly 9 weeks post bunion surgery and between jobs, so for the first while I was cooped up in the house most of the time. I felt so sorry for my partner as he was really sick for the first 2 weeks after my surgery but had to take care of me, he deserves a medal! Have faith, things really do get better, and especially around the 7-8 week mark. I got really frustrated just last week because my foot got so hot and uncomfortable, I had to stop what I was doing and rest. But the very next day and since then, I can do pretty much what I want without too much of a problem. So that was a huge milestone for me! Are you able to do toe or ankle exercises yet? I highly recommend physio therapy. I think it has been very helpful and it keeps you motivated to keep working the foot at home. My foot feels more and more like a normal foot every day. I keep telling myself that I will get there, and when I do, it will all have been worth it. Take care and do keep us posted on your progress.