Having had discussions on bunions on other threads i have decided to start my own thread so please feel free to join me on all of your experiences of post op bunionectomy.
My operation took place on monday 13th july. The surgery took 4 hours it was Metatarsal Osteotomy and i also had my second toe straitened on each foot.
It has only been 4 days so it is early days yet but it has been a lot harder than i thought it would be. I spent 2 nights in hospital and could only come out when i could put some weight on my feet and walk a few steps with a walking frame.
Walking was very scary and my first attempt did not go to well. I managed to take about 3 steps before i felt dizzy and had to lie down, my blood pressure was very low and so i had to drink a lot more fluid. When i was allowed home it was a bit frightening to think your on your own now. My husband has taken time off work to help me cope so that is a relief as i could not have done it on my own.Today has been elevating my feet and answering my emails and having my meals cooked and brought to me 'I could get quite used to this treatment'
Congratulations! You are on your way to recovery. I had the dizziness issues too. On my second day home, I wanted to go into the back yard (drugs talking?). The nerve block was still working, so I felt only minimal pain. I became very dizzy,was sweating buckets, and was sure I would faint. I was stranded! My son and husband were inside watching TV, and who knows how long it would be until they noticed I was missing. I finally made it inside, but the incident scared me. Don't overdo. I think the pain medication affects blood pressure. I felt much better once I was off the percocet, which wasn't until a week later. A rolling office chair or wheelchair is very handy inside. I also used a walker with wheels because I felt more stable than with crutches.
This site was invaluable while I was recovering. You will receive a lot of great information and support here. Good luck.
Hi jane how long ago was your surgery. Today i am feeling so much better my husband took me to the hospital with my wheelchair in tow to see my first grandchild who had arrived last Wednesday. It dosnt hurt as much to put my feet down but it will be a while before i could walk on them. I am still taking pain killers but not so often. I have made an app to see my surgeon in two weeks for a check up.
I had surgery a year ago this past May. The first three weeks were the
most difficult because of pain, then boredom. I drive a standard, so I wasn't allowed to drive until I could wear a "normal" shoe. I was in a shoe at five weeks. I didn't have a lot of swelling, so I was fortunate. Everyone heals differently. My best piece of advice is not to overdo, especially after the stitches come out. You will get better, and soon will be enjoying your regular activities.
hi Jane it seems like its only me and you at the moment. are you happy with the way your feet look and also are you free of pain from them? was the operation woth it i know it was a while ago so im assuming all is well with them. i heard so many people on these boards say the swelling takes a long time to go away so you must be one of the lucky ones.
I had/have a "traditional" bunion and tailor's bunion on each foot. The right foot had a tailor's bunion for more than 20 years. It was huge, but I only had pain if a shoe rubbed against it. I didn't even know it was a bunion! I had weird nerve pain at the top of the arch which prompted me to see my primary care physician (PCP). He told me I had bunions. I was referred to a podiatrist (pod). This was two years ago this September. I decided not to do anything yet, but that following February I went to San Antonio Texas and walked miles. My right foot swelled up on top, I couldn't even bend my toes. I went back to the pod, who said my fifth metatarsal joint at the toe rolled. The foot couldn't support my weight properly because the first and fifth metatarsals were splayed. I wanted surgery done on both feet, but my pod said I wouldn't be a happy camper. I think it is because surgery was on both metatarsals, so it would mean four bones cut etc. The bones were cut through, realigned and pinned. My husband said I had a frankenfoot. I had surgery May 2008 on the right foot. The first metatarsal side healed faster. I learned fifth metatarsals can be slow to heal because of blood flow. My other foot at the big toe joint is giving me a lot of pain. I was hoping to wait until my son had his drivers license. I'll be seeing my pcp next week, and probably the pod. I want to wait due to the incapacitation that follows surgery. Sorry to ramble on. My post-surgical foot looks great, though I didn't care prior to surgery about looks. The first weeks after surgery were the worse, but I was to blame. I walked far too much after stitches were removed. My foot had terrible nerve pain and I had to go nwb for a week. I recovered well. My foot felt much better after the pins were removed. I stopped the pain medication after the first week. I was feeling jumpy and paranoid. I was driving at five weeks post-op. Everyone has their own schedule for recovery, so don't be too discouraged if you feel you should be farther along. You will get better.
Wait until you can wear the cute sandals that had been off limits. Sounds trivial, but it is exciting! I promise my next reply will not be so lengthy.
I hope your feet are feeling much better. I was talking to you on the other thread about the double bunionectomy. Are you able to get around these days? I finally got my stitches out but still very stiff and sore. I started my PT and was wondering if they are going to make you do some Physical Therapy on your feet? I'm only 3 weeks post op so I know it's going to take awhile to feel better. I'm wishing you a fast recovery and look forward to talking to you soon.
Hey Pearl Edge and Earthworm... I found your new thread here. What did they do to you Pearl?... What was the specifics of your surgery.. 2 days in the hospital sounds like it must have been more than what I had... I am doing much better.. my scabs have come off and I got some birkonstock shoes so I am walking a lot better... Walked the mall yesterday.. Still have swelling in the big toe and on top of the foot..... Hope you are occupying yourself ok... It will get better every day..keep posting!
Hi Laurie..I'm glad your feeling better and you think you'll be ready to return to work when school starts? Glad were following and finding each other on the bunionectomy threads don't know if it's the right thing to do,but I'm glad we know everyone with recent bunionectomies are doing well. Take Care!
Hi Jane..Yeah,did you have the other foot done yet? I had a bunion,tailor bunion and bone spur all removed on my right foot. I could imagine how your Tailor bunion felt cause I had that walk on the bone feeling too. I didn't wait 20 yrs thou..I give you credit on that one..WOW I want to wear sandals sooo bad now..I'm only 3 weeks post op so I can't imagine putting one on now.
Hi girls im so pleased we are alll back together once more and now Jane has joined us good stuff. Ye i did spend two nights in hospital but it was purely because i could not put my feet down and walk a few steps with the help of a walker it was the physio who said i couldnt go home it was ok by the surgeon he said everything had gone great.My blood pressure was extremely low so that wasnt helping my dizzy and fainting spells so rather be safe than sorry.
Since being home im feeling stronger day by day. Today it had been 20 hours inbetween pain meds so i guess i will be off them completely very soon.
I dont know the exact specifics of the surgery only what i mentioned before metatorsal ostomony is that what you mean Laurie? Wow your actually wearing proper shoes and out at the mall thats fabulous its only been about 7 weeks hasnt it? I hope my recovery is as quick[as you can see i love these little icons]
Up to now ive not been bored what with the tv, books, magazines ,lap top, and most of all my son and his wife had a little boy last wednesday my first grandchild. My husband and i have taken ourselves off to the hospital me in my wheelchair, i never thought i would be able to see them both in hospital with only just coming out of hospital myself, so i have a lot to hurry up and get better for.
I will be having some pt when the time comes Edge im sure it is very neccesary to full use of the foot. im only 2 weeks behind you so i will be reading what your going through with interest.I notice that you have had your stitches out my doctor said it would be 6 weeks before mine are out I love my walker as i couldnt manage without it but i dont stay on it to long i know the importance of elevating from reading Janes posts. Love you and leave you thanks for listening.
Thanks Pearl for bringing the bunion group together. I am in awe of you who had both feet done at the same time. You will be so glad you did it in one shot.
I will need to have the other foot done, same procedure for the bunion and tailor's bunion. I was hoping to wait a few years, but the joint on the big toe of my bad foot is hurting like crazy. I was hoping to go to the UK next summer, a trip I wished I had made when I was younger. I'll be going to the pcp for x-rays and a new referral to my pod.
Edge, did you have pins or screws? My foot healing went much more quickly once the pins were removed. The pins were the biggest source of my discomfort. I was ready to yank them out myself! When you do start walking in a sneaker, remember to roll off your toes. I was staying off my toes by habit and developed a sore hip. Once I became more aware of how I was walking, and began using the toes, the hip pain went away. I started Zumba classes (a latin inspired aerobics) at six months, though I wish I started at four. The class helped me stretch my foot and helped it to become more flexible.
I didn't do PT, but I think it would have hastened flexibility. I will ask to have PT after the next surgery. Keep up the good work.
Pearl, congrats on your sucessful surgery and a brand new grandson . Sounds like you are recovering well and keeping yourself entertained. Don't feel bad about having to stay in the hospital for 2 nights, I did too Since I was by myself, it was just easier and for my peace of mind to stay because my trotters were just too big to walk on even with the wedge shoes. I got wheeled into the bathroom too...hehehe. Oh yeah..I was wondering why your stitches won't be removed for another 6 weeks?
Laurie, awesome that you get to start wearing the birkenstocks already! I am visiting the Emerald Isle now as some of you know. And boy! does it rain! lol I have walked so many miles for the past 3 days than I have ever walked for the past few months before surgery. My feet are not happy with me at the end of the day. The right foot is a bit more naughty than the left foot and tends to swell and hurt first. I am still not able to walk like my normal self yet, but I am trying to walk as normal as possible because at the end of the day, my heels and lateral sides of my feet just get really tired and uncomfortable. I will attempt to wear dressy sandals tomorrow to attend a friend's wedding, I just hope my trotters would fit into them lol
Edge, how's the foot? The last we heard you may have a stress fracture on that foot. I hope it was a false alarm as you said. Take good care of that foot and don't overdo it. You will be wearing sandals soon before you know it.
Alright...gotta go, my hubby is rushing me out the door to walk more! *Ick*. Let's hope it will not rain while I am out Take good care everyone! and speedy recovery!
Hi Pearl..Congrats on your new grandson!! I'm sure this will make you want to recover much quicker but don't over do it either. Becareful and take care of yourself.
Hi Jane..I did not have any pins or screws put into my foot. I'm just alittle nervous lately that I'm still very stiff and can't bend my toe yet. I know its only 3 weeks but I still get minor throbbing and shooting pains in my big toe. My Tailor bunion side still looks like I still have the bunion sticking out I see my POD tomorrow which I am glad about that cause I'm get this shooting pain and throbbing right above my heel in my arch area. I dont even have to be walking and it hurts. Maybe its one of those new pains you get while walking on your surgery foot. Did you ever have that kind of pain?
Hey Earth.. I guess your still in Ireland? You better take care of your feet shame on you... I couldn't imagine doing all of that walking! I think the stress fracture could be a false alarm but I'll know more tomorrow at the POD office. My POD is a Board Certified Surgeon so I have 110% in him and his qualifications. My bone does feel alittle sore and bumpy but it could be from the swelling in my foot. Oh..the agony of da feet..LOL
Hope everyone is taking care of themselves and don't dance too much!! LOL
Pearl, congratulations on your new grandson. He must give you so much pride and pleasure. You are in a perfect position (sitting) to enjoy him! You will be in fine shape to chase him around when he is an active toddler. Thank you again for starting this thread.
Edge, I did worry my bunionette side didn't "take" because it was still swollen.
It will shrink, but it takes time. My bunionette was enormous, so I think the skin was stretched, making it still look like a bump. I also had the shooting pains. Don't overdo, wait a few weeks to do much walking. I was walking two miles a day at 7 weeks, and my POD was very upset. He told me to only do normal daily activities until four months out. Every one heals differently, so don't take my word as gospel. Did you have osteotomies? There are old threads about bunionettes you may find interesting.
Earthworm, you are amazing. I'm envious of your trip to Ireland. Enjoy.
Let us know if your wore the sandals!
Hi girls wow these posts are going great its so nice to talk to you all. Im new to the computer i did a course about 4 months ago and up until then i had not been on one before.so im still learning It is so frustating when i start writing to you and have written quite a lot and for some reason i lose all the thread because i am going back and forth referring to what you have all written i dont know where it is and so i have to start all over again
Earthworm hope you enjoy the last few days of your Ireland holiday i had to laugh when you mentioned the rain i am originally from the UK and i know how it rains so much but Ireland is a beutifull and lush place because of all the rainfall.Sounds like your feet will be looking forward to a little bit of TLC when you get back.
Thankyou girls for all your kind congratulations Im off work for about 8 weeks with my feet so i will be getting plenty of cuddles in even though i wont be able to walk him in the park.
I dont know why i have to wait 6 weeks for the stitches to come out i thought it was just the norm. I have a cast under the foot and then bandages around the foot which are not looking to good at the moment they are getting a little slack but i return next Monday 27th and i suppose they will change them and then i get to see all the gory bits and hopefully like what i see
I cant believe its been a week since my surgery i didnt expect to feel this good in such a short space i hope it continues .
Pearl -Congrats on your new Grandson. It really is the best to be a Grama. My granddaughter is 5 years old going on 20.. haha I looked at youtube to see what the a metatarsal osteotomy was (Ouch Ouch Ouch) your surgery was much more involved than mine.. actually I think all of you have had a little more done than me.. I had both feet done on June 19th and it was just chevron bunionectomies.. I am healing wonderfully. I still have the stiffness in the big toes and shocks thru the big toes and up thru the feet it can last 2 seconds to 10..I have a lot of swelling on top of my foot when I walk too much...
I tried to get into a soft Nike athletic shoe like someone said they had, but my foot would not fit.. I probly did it when I had some swelling.. duh! But I still can't take off like I use to.. My friend is picking me up tomorrow to take me to the Indian Casino to gamble a bit... (not serious poker player) Just to have fun and play the slots a little.. but the Casino is huge so she will be pushing me in the wheelchair.. haha.. I told her I can walk little bits and rest my feet, but she is looking forward to rolling me around.
Earthworm... take it easy, but I bet its really hard to with so much ground to cover....I bet its beautiful.. Green ... I wish we had some rain... its like 106 here today.. miserably hot.. Have fun and take care of those footsies....
Edge and Jane.... always glad to hear from everybody... I like our little club!
We need a name!!! Take care all.. Oh... The Olive oil is working wonders on my scars.. but they are tender.. especially to the sun....
Hi Everyone, I'm glad to see everyone is taking care of themselves! Laurie, I love the casino's only the slot machines too. One year I won $1,800.00 on a tax free slot machine. All in cash haven't won since..lol
Alittle update here on my surgery results, I went to see my POD and he actually scrapped(spelled)? some of my scabs off on both ends(while pressing down) of my feet He wanted to make sure there was no infections brewing in there. did anyone else have this done? At least he warned me. I mention this new sore I have on my surgery foot to Janesfoot. It ends up I have Plantar Fasciitis and I have to wear a night brace(splint) now while I sleep at night. I have been in such terrible pain and could hardly walk along with already having problems walking from my surgery. Hope that made sense there. lol The pain near my heel and arch is hurting more than my surgery toes. LOL He gave me a couple of cortizone(spelled) shots and hopefully that will make me feel better. I actually want to go to the mall tonight and get some New Balance shoes or something. The doc wants me out of the surgical shoe now. I hope some shoe fits me..I know my foot is still alittle swollen but I gotta give it a try. Did I mention my other bone spurs, Morton Neuroma and Tailor bunion on my left foot??? LOL
As Laurie mentioned, My surgery was not as complicated like screws and pins inserted like the others here,but it sounds like were all healing the same in the healing process. I hope everyone is taking it easy and not walking much. Look who's talking, I'm about to walk through a mall now! LOL
I think there are exceptions made when walking in Ireland or the mall! A girl has to live a little. The plantar fasciitis sounds like a royal pain. Hope the brace works. I have been wearing the Easy Spirit slides/mules. They are smooth and soft inside, so won't irritate tender skin. They offer more support than a flip flop, which my pod said was a big no-no to wear. I still wear the FitFlop, but have begun to think wearing them may have caused my big toe bunion on the bad foot to be so inflamed.
Laurieivy, we have had so much rain in the northeast, I would be happy to send some your way if it was possible. We had about 3 days with sun in June and 8 plus inches of rain. Our summers are almost nonexistent as it is. We had great sunny dry days the past week, everyone has come out of their caves to bask in the warm sunshine.
It seems like getting footwear to fit after surgery is not as easy as one would hope.My surgeon said my foot size would probably be a size bigger due to my hammertoes on both feet beig straitened. Did anyone else find their foot size altered? I dont mind if this is the case i would just like to be able to have a better choice of shoe than the ones i always had to go for.
Laurie what are Birkenstocks? ive heard a few people on these threads mention them.
Earthworm what was the type of surgery you had and what date was yours?.
Jane have you a date yet for surgery on your other foot?
Edge sorry about your setback with the night brace has the doctors visit helped any with the throbbing and shooting pains in the big toe?
Ive not had any pain meds for 2 days now so when i do walk with my walker i try and be more carefull as sometimes if you are taking the meds you tend to think you can do a bit more cause of no pain,
does that make senseCatch you all later
Re: Double Bunionectomy post-op 
[as you can see i love these little icons]
Since I was by myself, it was just easier and for my peace of mind to stay because my trotters were just too big to walk on even with the wedge shoes. I got wheeled into the bathroom too...hehehe. Oh yeah..I was wondering why your stitches won't be removed for another 6 weeks? 
I see my POD tomorrow which I am glad about that cause I'm get this shooting pain and throbbing right above my heel in my arch area. I dont even have to be walking and it hurts. Maybe its one of those new pains you get while walking on your surgery foot. Did you ever have that kind of pain?
