Lapidus Type Bunionectomy 9/4/08 - Foot Problems Message Board

chocolatemutt · 09-16-2008, 06:45 AM

I had a lapidus type bunionectomy performed on my left foot 9/4/08. They also corrected a hammertoe as well. It was done under a local anesthesia with a nerve block in the back of my thigh. At some point during the surgery, I began to stir and they ended up putting a tube down my throat and putting me out completely. I woke up with no recollection of any of it. I felt really good when I came home...kind of like when you come home from the dentist and your jaw is numb. I had no feeling in that foot or leg and I slept soundly that night. However, the next day the numbness wore off and the pain returned. It was excrutiating. I didn't think I would survive. The doctor called me to check on me and I told him that the Oxycodone was not working. They called in a prescription of Vicodin. Even though the Oxycodone is stronger than the Vicodin, I had better luck with the Vicodin. The second night was difficult to sleep. I took pain meds every 4 hours. I could tell the foot was swollen. On the next day, I got up to use the bathroom on crutches. As I made my way into the bathroom, I lost balance and instinctively put the foot down to break my fall. I screamed for 5 full minutes. I called the doctor and they had me come in 4 days later for x-rays. Luckily, no damage was done. Now I've been put into an aircast that is removeable. Its been 12 days since the surgery and I still have some pain but not like the first 2 days. I am still using my crutches as I've been instructed not to put any weight on my foot. I will be seeing my doctor in 3 more days hopefully to remove the stitches and pin from my second toe. The pin doesn't hurt but it bothers me that it is sticking out of the second toe. I have been following most of the instructions they've given me except the one about the aircast. I was told to wear it 24/7, but the thing is, it is heavy and when I am laying down or watching the TV on the sofa, I tend to take it off because it is heavy. Also, I have not been sleeping in it because it is heavy and uncomfortable. However, I do put it on anytime I get up to move around. Has anyone else been through this experience and do you think I am causing any damage by not wearing the cast all the time?

Stormie66 · 09-16-2008, 07:34 AM

Hi Chocolate,

I was given a velcro shoe, I think it is a Dalcro brand. The nurse at the surgery center just strapped it on and told me to wear it, didn't say to much more than that, and at the time, I didn't think to ask.
It was very uncomfortable for me also, it felt like it was putting pressure on my pin.
The first few nights I wore it at night, but as the swelling got worse, or it got really sore, I'd take it off.
I asked my doc if that was okay, she told me as long as I wasn't putting any weight on my foot it was fine, she said I should however, wear it when I was up and about, just incase I bumped it or lost my balance and fell on it ( which I have like 3 times now ) stupid crutches!! lol
But you should ask your doctor just to be sure.

Stormie

monster bunion · 09-16-2008, 10:40 AM

Hi Chocolatemutt,
I've been through the same surgery, without the hammertoe correction. I had a cast. I know the aircast is uncomfortable, but at least you can take it off when you want to. Try to keep it on 24/7 if you can. If you should fall again, there is a chance you could mess up your foot and get a non-fusion, in which case you would have to have another surgery and they would take bone from your hip to help fuse your foot bones. You don't want to go through that do you? You could injure your foot while sleeping, so it is a good idea to keep the aircast on. That foot is very delicate right now. Try to listen to your doctor, I know it is hard, but it will be worth it in the end.

chocolatemutt · 09-16-2008, 11:51 AM

Hi,
You make a lot of good points and no, I don't want to have any bone taken from my hip to fuse the foot. I guess I really didn't think about hurting my foot during the night but come to think of it, I have had a couple of foot spasms where my foot jerked during the night and that is definitely painful. I guess I'll start wearing the aircast as instructed. thanks.