3 weeks post-op and concerned...

[DoeZ0763]

Well I'm 3 weeks since my surgery...I got my stitches out last week and started putting some weight on it...I'm doing the toe exercises the Dr. told me about...I do soak it sometimes in a spa bath...I'm worried because there's some extra white like skin...I know it's dead skin but I don't want to peel at it...will this just fall off? I'm putting neosporin on and covering the scar up after shower/bath...I just want the scar to heal nicely...I still get this oozing also...that's why I cover it still. Another concern I have is that when I do put some weight on it...I'm not completely on the whole foot...I'm leaning towards the outer foot more now then ever...will I ever walk on this foot normal? How long will this take? How long did it take for everyone else? I'm not sitting around...I am up and doing chores like but I do put it up when I get sore. Anyone have any suggestions or words for me? Thank You so much

[huhhoney]

Hi! I had surgery 8/07 and experienced exactly what you have. I kept my foot elevated and iced as often as I could (for the first 3 weeks or so I used ice as many as 7 or 8 times a day). I put vitamin E then an antibiotic cream over that then covered it with a bandage. My scar is very minimal; the white skin flaked off with just a little help from me using a "pouf" (not sure what you really call it but what women use with a liquid soap in the shower). At my last visit I asked the nurse about the dead skin and also a callous I have. She told me to use a foot emory board or pumice stone gently (I would know when I was pressing too hard). She said to use any kind of lotion after, even Vasoline then cover with a cotton sock. I am scheduled for the 2nd foot on Oct 16th and am so excited! My left foot is finally normal even after a short time; I still have to go easy as I am still in a surgical shoe but as of Wednesday I should be in an athletic shoe (can't wait). Good luck to you and keep watching all the great advice from this message board. People are extremly helpful.

[DoeZ0763]

That's wonderful...but I'm really concerned that it might not be healing right...I'm putting more weight on the outer part of my foot and even though I'm doing those toe exercises...the big toe isn't really moving...I am still putting on the neosporin after showers/bathes cuz I want it to heal nicely...and the scar to be as little as possible...Are you walking like you walked before? I mean as normal can be...where the foot bends and the bone?(Hope you get that) How long has it been for you? Thanks for your post

[Maya49]

Hi Dee,
It sounds like you are where you should be in your recovery process. I had my surgery on 7/23..and my foot was wrapped heavily and in the surgical boot for that entire time. I was was 8 weeks post-op before I had all of the bandages removed. Since then I have been in a toe alignment splint and a velcro boot. I have tried wearing gym shoes a couple of times, but, was not comfortable with the swelling that I still have. I go back to the dr this week...which by then I will be 10 weeks post-op. So, it sounds to me, based upon my experience that you are really doing ok at this point...as you are still early in the recovery process. Hope this helps.

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~~Maya~~

[gypsy704]

I had a right bunionectomy on 8/12(2 1/2 weeks ago). Around a week postop I noticed that when I stood I would feel alot of pressure in my foot it felt like it was going to explode especially around the incision and my foot would turn reddish/purple. I would have to stop what I was doing and elevate and ice it which helped. This week the pressure and throbbing feeling is alot less but it still turns colors when I'm up on my feet. Has anyone experienced this? If so how long does it last? When I mentioned it to the doctor he wasn't concerned.