Pre-op questions - Foot Problems Message Board

yakatchew · 06-23-2008, 10:07 AM

I'm going to be having a chevron bunionectomy done mid-August. Here's a list of some pre-op questions for the dr. From your experience, what else should I ask?

1. What kind of anesthesia? (local, general, etc)
2. Weight bearing, partial or non-weight bearing? crutches?
3. Will the pin be permanent or removed at a later time?
4. If removed, when and how is that done?
5. How long will I be off of work? The whole next week?
6. How long will I need round the clock care?
7. Can you / your office sign FMLA papers for my husband and me?
8. Will I need physical therapy afterwards?
9. Showering? How long before I can get it wet?

thanks in advance for your thoughts.

skyhighifly · 06-23-2008, 03:29 PM

The answers to some of those questions will be specific to the doctor and your case. Best to ask the doctor. As far as the paperwork, I'm sure they would sign, although you may have to pay for it and pick them up at a later date.

It's nice to have someone around to help for about a week, especially if you are not allowed to bear weight. Round the clock care would depend on anesthesia. The minimum after general anesthesia is 24 hours.

Good luck.

yakatchew · 06-24-2008, 07:56 AM

Thanks for the message. What I'm looking for is any thoughts on other questions for me to ask my dr. This is a list that I'm going to ask him.

Janesfoot · 06-24-2008, 11:21 AM

That is an excellent list. One thing I found helpful was to have pre-op crutch training. I had never had surgery or a broken bone, so I was clueless. I thought my doctor was silly when he said I may opt for a walker until I tried crutches with the PT. When she had me go up and down a set a stairs I cried "I'm going to kill myself on these!". I ended up going home with crutches and a walker and a humbler opinion of my abilities. I had removable pins, and I think it is very important to know if you will have something temporary or permanent in your foot. I would also ask what type of pain medication you will be given in case you have a preference or allergy. I would also ask if they will have someone available on-call. Often the most painful day is the second or third day after surgery. My surgery was on a Friday and my doctor sent me home with his home phone and cell phone numbers and told me to call with any concern. I know that isn't typical, but I think it is reassuring to know there is someone available if you have a question. Ask about when you may drive again. I drive a standard and surgery was on my right foot. I wasn't allowed to drive until I could wear a real shoe on the post-op foot. I've read here that some people have driven with a surgical shoe, but I'm guessing they drove an automatic and the post-op foot was their left one. Sorry this was so long winded.

wmkcolors · 06-24-2008, 12:21 PM

What are the risks involved with the surgery, in terms of chronic postop pain and delayed bone healing; etc. Be informed of that....doctors don't always mention those risks. Every doctor has you get back to walking, in a different way and time. Ask for specific info. on his choice of follow up care. Ask him or her if you can call and reach him easily, when you aren't feeling well, the first 2 months, which can be often in some cases. Ask in advance and have all the meds you need postop on the day you get back from surgery. Ask about the walking shoe or removable boot before hand. I thought I was getting screws put in and I came out of surgery with internal pins. Ask about how soon you should be moving your toe and foot postop. Mostly, ask him about the risks involved with having the surgery, so, you are fully informed.