the end of toe fusion saga - Foot Problems Message Board

debbie g · 01-07-2008, 03:28 PM

hi, i went to the dr today for a final check up after i year and a few months. everything is fine and i go on with my life. i am quite relieved and very happy. shoes will always be a problem, but as long as i can do what i want in terms of activity, i am so pleased. i have more swelling to go down so thats good. the downside is my good foot is becoming my bad foot. the 2nd toe is too long and may have to be shortened due to the terrible pain i have. its called metatarsal something, but we are going to play with orthodics first. i hope those work for this type of problem. my 2nd toe on my fused foot is still sticking up, but the dr said he is working on an experimental procedure so it can lay flat. i dont want to be the experimentee! i dont know if i should go back to this dr because if i have to have surgery on my good foot, i dont want the 2nd toe to stick up like my fused toe foot. any thoughts? thanks everyone, debbie

Dark_Light · 01-08-2008, 02:09 PM

I am happy you are been released from hospital and you can finally get on with your life. Swelling isn't so bad, at least it isn't painful but it sure does take a while to go down! I was wondering why you will still have a problem with shoes, I assume it is because your big toe still sticks up. I am shocked that you mentioned your surgeon was experimenting, did he even get your permission? I certainly wouldn't go back to him for the following reasons 1) if you aren't happy with your results and 2) if you can even trust him. Whose interests is he putting first?

Is there any signs of his procedure working? I noticed my toe would be lower than the rest, since doing the toe exercises, it has settled into a better position, although it is still lower than the rest but not as bad. Hmm I feel angry with your surgeon, but that is my personal feeling.

I am sorry you are experiencing pain in your good foot. I think it is a good idea to play with the orthodics before considering surgery, this will give you more time to consider whether you would use the same surgeon.

I hope everything works out, you have been very strong so far.

debbie g · 01-08-2008, 03:42 PM

thanks dl. he is not experimenting really. there is a new procedure and he wants to see how it goes with other people to see if there is a long lasting outcome. he knows i would kill him if i had surgery and it didnt work. i am going to go to another dr regardless. i went on the treadmill today for 15 min. my bad foot was fine and my good foot was not. i think i am at the end of my rope.

Dark_Light · 01-10-2008, 10:05 AM

I a glad you will be going to a different dr for your other foot. I hope your surgery is successful, but this can vary with other people depending on their lifetyles, career, the way they walk and the type of shoes they wear!

15mins is a long time on teh treadmill, but it is good to know that your bad foot was fine, otherwise you'll have doubts about teh outcome of your surgery. Unfortunately, as for your good foot, there is a reason for it to be bad, but this can be repaired, there is hope. Don't give up, the whole process is slow and very frustrating, I had no idea just how annoying it could be!

Take care

debbie g · 01-10-2008, 02:50 PM

thanks dl. you really have turned out to be a great supporter.