Just wanted to see if anyone out there had any advice for me. I had a bunionectomy in 2004 with a hammertoe repair (little toe). I contracted MRSA, and subsequently had 3 surgeries to clean the bone, and finally a screw removal. To say the least, I have been stuck with a mess for a result. Have waited for repair, I'm a single parent, and 6 months off work without pay is ALOT. Anyways, 2nd consult with a great doc in town (6 months to get an appt) and he recommends a 5 toe amputation on my left foot vs, the more invasive bone graft in my big toe. he would then have to remove knuckles (called this resectioning?) in toes 2-5 to make them lay flat, and pin them in place. I am in alot of pain, daily. Has anyone got any advice on whether the MRSA will attack again? i hate to go the full route, and do the grafts, etc if it may not take. I had 2 rounds of vanco iv before they got it under control last time. Im not worried about the pain, i expect it to hurt. But I am super worried about the infection coming back. The doc recommended the amputation because of my infection history, and because I now walk on my joints in the toes, not the toes themselves. I would gladly take any advice right now- surgery is after christmas.
It sounds like you have been through so much already, and now face a major, major decision. I really think you should go for a third opinion and see what another doctor recommends.
I've not found one close to me, the dr. I just saw that gave me the recommendation is a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon, one of the top in the area and he was highly recommended. So, I don't know where to look for another one? I've tried casually searching my area, but not sure where to look. Since I've had so many difficulties, I really want someone who does grafts alot, not just reagular foot surgeries? Any suggestions on where to search?? I've scheduled with him for Dec 30th, but could back out if I found someone different.
Call the Chiefs front office and find out who they use for foot issues. Knowing that your big toes balance your entire body, I'd want to be absolutely certain before I had one amputated.
I am having amputation and ray amputation surgery on my big toe this coming Wednesday,
I to have an infection all the way to the bone (Osteomyelitis) my infection is a staph infection. I have been through many surgeries and treatments for I have had the infection for over four years.
This is a big decision for you to make. You want to weigh all your possibilities carefully and do a lot of research on amputation.
This is a last resort for me. Have you tried hyber baric oxygen treatments?
Wish you all the best and hope that soon you will be feeling better!
Big Toe-Bone Graft vs. Amputation? 
