I had a Cheilectomy last January. Did not work. Surgeon gave me a cortisone shot in June and said he thought he probably should have done a fusion. Toe still doesn't bend and very sore. Saw a different surgeeon. He looked at my initial xray I had from Docs. office before I had the surgery. He stated I was bone on bone at that point. He stated I should have had a fusion instead of cheilectomy.
Questions are- how long will I be on crutches and will I be in a cast or boot for some time after? How long? Main concern is will I be able to put on a ski boot again? I realy don't want to go through the surgery but I have unfortunately been less active as far as exercise due to the toe pain. I try to push it with exercising but the pain is more severe and frequent these days. Any helpful hints or suggestions?
Thank you!
It all depends on your surgeon. We can tell you the various options but not all surgeons do it the same way. I've talked with one about a fusion and he says I will be weightbearing from the beginning because he puts a split on the toe. I can walk from day one and then drive without the boot after 2 weeks whent he stitches are removed (right foot). Others I've talked with have said as much as 4 weeks NWB. I haven't decided if I am going to do the fusion yet but will definitely go with the guy who will let me walk!
The Following User Says Thank You to Titchou For This Useful Post: jodibau (01-08-2013)
Thank you for your feedback. I was able to walk after the Cheilectomy with the surgical boot. Surgeon initially said NWB for three weeks and then I will have a cast for up to 2 months. I have seen various recovery times but just wanted to hear from a few folks.
Last edited by Administrator; 01-16-2013 at 01:17 AM.
Hi! I'll agree that the post-op instructions are day to night different depending on the surgeon and method and exact problem. I'm 5 weeks post-op with a fusion at the base of my big toe with hardware in there. I've been allowed to bear weight from week 2, heel walking mostly. Mine is still pinching week 5 and I don't want to walk on it! So still using a walker to take some weight off it. I've spent hours reading trying to find some normal time frame but no luck there. It's so much easier to deal with if you know what to expect. Good luck.
Thank you for your reply. I hope you will soon be walking soon with little or no pain. Good luck to you!
I myself am not looking forward to sitting around. I am not much of a TV watcher and can only read so long. Will have to find something to make the day go by faster. I have put this off too long and have to bite the bullet and just get it done.
Are you in a surgical boot or cast?
I'm in a surgical shoe - you know, the big sandal with a rocker sole and lots of Velcro straps. Came out of surgery with a big cushioned wrap, got shoe a few days after although I really couldn't comfortably heel-walk for 2 weeks. My surgery was big toe fusion, hammertoes, nothing in the mid-foot to require a boot.
Yes, the immobility tries our patience for sure. When are you contemplating having surgery, if you decide to do it? Maybe enjoy the rest of ski season before?
I, too, would love to hear other experiences with toe fusion. I'm really worried about not being able to walk -- right before surgery I was traveling and sightseeing easily.
Thanks! Seeing Doc. again on 1/14 and get it scheduled in February. Have a busy spring so I want to be pretty mobile again. Thanks for your input. Good luck to you!
That is exactly what I want, is to
be able to walk without pain. I will try anything to help with the pain.
I am having trouble with the orthotics that were made for me.
I go back again this week, to have them readjusted, but they are not
right at this time.
Last edited by Administrator; 01-16-2013 at 01:13 AM.
I went to one podiatrist, not a good experience, had orthotics made, but did not even have me try them when I was there. Am going to a second clinic, just got those the other day. I have heard a
few names for surgeons, but have no idea where to go. I don't want a fusion,
but on Friday my foot hurt so bad, I would have said yes to surgery that day.
Last edited by Administrator; 01-16-2013 at 01:13 AM.
