I am having bunion surgery on Wednesday, what should I expect? - Foot Problems Message Board

luv2runn · 06-11-2007, 12:01 PM

Hi, I am 22 years old and will be having a lapidus bunion fusion on Wednesday. The podiatrist is also lengthening my calf tendon at the same time. I am scared because this is my first major surgery. I am going in for my pre-surgery appointment this afternoon so I'm sure the doctor will give me more details about the surgery. If anyone else has had bunion surgery, what should I expect during the procedure? Will I be in a lot of pain? How long will the healing process take? How soon will I be able to exercise (as in swimming, stationary bike, elliptical, etc.) I am in excellent shape now and am a runner so I want to get back into an exercise routine as soon as possible. I am getting one foot operated on at a time. I will have the second foot operated on three months from now. The doctor told me I will be in a cast for five days and a walking boot with crutches for seven weeks. Does this seem like an accurate prediction of the healing process, or was the doctor being overly optimistic? I just graduated from college and would like to find a job, so would it be possible to find a job between my surgeries or will the foot be too swollen to work? I am so nervous. If you have had bunion surgery, please let me know how it was! Thanks!

_s****_ · 06-11-2007, 12:22 PM

All these questions need to be asked of your doctor during your pre-op exam. He is the best one to answer since he knows his own protocol.

Since you're having general anesthesia I can tell you for certain that you will experience nothing during surgery. You will be out cold. For you it will be as if you went to sleep and awoke a moment later. That's the beauty of general anesthesia.

Bunion surgery is painful so don't expect to be up and running for several weeks.

rainabow · 06-11-2007, 02:22 PM

I'm 23 and also having my bunion surgery on Wednesday, and like you, I am scared out of my mind. I can't tell you what to expect since I haven't had it either, but I thought I'd extend an offer to be bunionectomy buddies

Good luck with it! I hope we're both too knocked out from pain meds to notice if there's any pain.

sadiemaebr · 06-11-2007, 06:56 PM

Hi! I know what you are feeling right now because I was in the same boat 2 weeks ago. I had bunion surgery 5/29 on one foot and had also had bone fusion. You will be fine! The pain medicines will keep you in good shape. The main thing to remember is to take them before you need them. And elevate your foot as much as possible. Ice helps too.

I am nonweight bearing for at least 6 weeks so it's crutches all the time. I know that the healing process is long so make sure to ask about your activities. All surgeries are different. Just ask!

If you have any more questions, I am here. You'll do great!

luv2runn · 06-11-2007, 07:47 PM

I had my exam today and it turns out I am getting a block anesthesia in my lower leg as well as twilight anesthesia. This means I will drift in and out of consciousness but I won't feel anything, hopefully.