bilateral bunionectomy - Foot Problems Message Board

dennis62 · 10-27-2007, 05:49 PM

I just had bunion surgery on Oct. 24, 2007 and am recovering well so far. I quit taking the pain pills 2 days after the surgery, there isn't any pain, except
when I am standing on my feet and that is minimal. I read alot of posts on this message board before doing the procedure. My podiatrist recommended
doing both at the same time in my case, since I had mild bunions. I also had several people tell me they would only do both at the same time. Anyway I
have mild swelling and am keeping my feet elevated, with ice packs to control it. I am able get around easily with crutches by putting my weight on my heels and sides of my feet. I just wanted to post here describing my experience with a bilateral bunionectomy, although not all bunion surgerys are the same or recovery the same. So far it hasn't been as bad as expected.

sevillana · 10-29-2007, 10:00 AM

Thanks for your post -- it is much appreciated. I am probably going to have a bilateral bunionectomy in January, so I love to hear this kind of stuff.

Congrats on your procedure and your new feet!

dennis62 · 10-30-2007, 07:21 AM

If you plan on doing both, I hope you will have someone to take care of you. I took 3 weeks off from work and my wife is helping with ice bags and food. It will be 1 week today. Taking a shower is a challenge the first 3-4 days. Good Luck to you.

Mary51493 · 10-30-2007, 09:22 AM

Wow, both feet! Your surgery was same day as mine. I had right bunion done along with a hammertoe next to it and stretching of ligament on back of right leg. I am doing well, but finding the immobility much harder than I thought. I find the crutches and walker hard to use because they hurt. You must have more upper body strength. Did you go back to work? I went back yesterday but my foot was sore at the end of the day. I propped it up under my desk but I think it wasn't elevated quite enough. Staying home today to keep it elevated. My ortho surgeon says 6 weeks in cast (in splint now) and 6 weeks in boot. I'm hoping I'll be ahead of the curve but have been told it's a long healing/recovery period. Looking forward to some pool therapy (after cast is off) and working in some exercise along the way to keep the body moving. I can see why you chose to get both done at the same time. I would have thought it would really immobilize you. Great that you are doing so well. My doc said those who do the worst are those who do too little or too much. Keep up the good work and remember to take care!

Mary

dennis62 · 10-30-2007, 03:06 PM

Mary,

Sounds like you will need some time to recover as well. When I asked my podiatrist what he would do if I were him and I know doctors don't like questions like that, he said after 2-3 weeks of recovery, when I started to
feel good again, I would regret not doing both at the same time. However mobility isn't a issue right now, I am able to walk on the sides of my feet or by
using the frankenstein boots, which force you to walk on your heels. I took 3 weeks off work and planned on laying around the house during that time with my feet elevated. Good thing there is tv and internet to help keep me entertained.

Best wishes to all for a speedy recovery!

Dennis