7 weeks post op - Foot Problems Message Board

Lasoniamacaroni · 07-13-2003, 06:01 PM

Hi! My name is Sonia and I have been reading this board for a while now trying to gather up info and calm my nerves since before my surgery. I would personally like to thank all of you for helping me out even though you didn't even know it.

I had my surgery done on my right foot on May 23rd. I am now 7 weeks post op. I was in a cast just below my knee for 6 WEEKS. It was absolutely horrible. No pain or anything, just hot and constricting. I picked a bad time of the year to get this done. Oh well, it's done and I can move on.

I have a question regarding swelling. When I look at my foot, it appears that there is still a mild bunion present. When I push in it feels like bone, but it may be swollen still. Has or does anyone else have experience with this????? It is so not an option to fix it again. The only other surgery I am going to have is on my other foot. I am going to ask my podiatrist on the 21st when I see him again. I would appreciate any input you have. I realize it can't be exactly perfect, but it kind of bothers me. I am scared shoes are going to rub just like before. THANK YOU

crutches · 07-13-2003, 08:31 PM

Hi Sonia, sorry I can't answer your question because I'm not quite to the point you are at yet. But I'm wondering if you can answer a question (or two) for me. Sounds like you had similar surgery to mine. I had surgery for a severe bunion on the right foot on June 11 and I'm in a non weight bearing cast for 6 weeks (one more week to go). Really haven't had any pain either - just exhausting getting around on crutches and very limiting what I can do. Just can't wait to get the cast off. My foot looks narrow (have only seen it twice) and also quite swollen last time I saw it at 2 1/2 weeks post op. Looks like it has a little bump where the bunion was but the big toe is much straighter so I'm happy with that. My question is what is it like when you get the cast off. Can you walk at all on your foot right away - does it hurt or just feel different? Can you drive right away? Can you get a shoe on? I'm just trying to anticipate what to expect next week when the cast comes off. Can you fill me in. Good luck with your next surgery. I think I'll wait til January to get my left foot done, just want a break and get back to normal and also don't want it done close to Christmas. My left foot is not as bad and I've been told I'll walk on it right away. Thanks alot for your answers...

tigger84 · 07-14-2003, 07:49 AM

When I had my left foot done 7 years ago, I had quite a bit of swelling for a while especially at the end of a day after being on it a bit. So it is probably not anything to worry about but will get better in time. However, please feel free to let your podiatrist know as he could have an xray done to be sure that it is just swelling and not bone.

crankyc · 07-14-2003, 11:09 AM

Hi, Sonia, I hear you regarding that hard cast, it was extremely hot and uncomfortable! I had bunionectomy & hammertoe correction 6/3, and planned it that way so I wouldn't have to worry about keeping the toes warm in the icy, snowy NYC winter months. I agree with you, I'm waiting until January, at least, before doing the left foot. There's always a downside, it seems, to whatever time of year you choose. Oh well...
Peace,
Chris

Lasoniamacaroni · 07-14-2003, 04:51 PM

Hey crutches!
Here are some answers to what you should expect. The day I got my cast off was amazing! I lost about 4 pounds and my foot felt like a cloud. It was sooooo light and airy. The downside is that since my muscles were so atrophied, I couldn't bend my ankle and it almost felt like my foot wasn't attached. My dr put me in an orthopedic shoe with LIGHT weight bearing for 2 weeks. I have one week left and hopefully I can actually walk out of the office. My advice to you is, DO NOT OVERDUE IT. I think I was so antsy to get my foot and leg working again that I put to much pressure on my foot too soon. I paid the price, I made an emergency visit on Friday. The pain was so bad that I thought I had given myself a stress fracture. The xrays showed everything was fine, but I had to take the weekend off for walking. Now, it's cool again. I think I just blew my cartilage and ligaments out of whack. My leg looks somewhat normal too. (only after a week) I swear it was as skinny as my arm when he first took it off. It's coming around.

As far as driving, I am still using my left foot. Not the best to do, but I honestly feel safer using that foot than my hurt one. I should be good to go next Monday.

I have tried putting on some of my regular shoes, but that isn't exactly working out. My foot is sooooo swollen, I am going to have to go up a size and width. I swear, I wonder if the swelling is ever going to stop. My favorite time of the day is first thing when I wake up because my foot looks normal. It gives me something to look forward in the far future.

I hope I have answered some questions and feel free to ask more.

bye