Surgery on both feet in two weeks

Ireland 101 · 10-01-2003, 01:59 AM

If anyone could give me any advice on how to handle the challenges of being off both feet for such a long time, I would love to hear! Is a wheelechair helpful at first? Have any of you used a ice water bath. It has tubes that circle around your cast with ice water running through it! Supose to be better than ice packs. Any suggestions for right before the surgery or right after that helped you through it better?
How in the heck do you get around the first few weeks How do you exercise over the long recup time?with both feet out of commission?
Thanks, Ireland

Ami72 · 10-01-2003, 09:45 AM

Hi Ireland!
I am not sure what type of surgery you are having, but I had both feet operated on in February. I had neuromas removed, and a bunionectomy on one foot. I was able to be up and around (for a limited time) after 4 days, but it sounds like your surgery will be a little more complex. As far as excercising goes, I was able to swim once my incisions healed. I have some post-bunionectomy problems, so I have not been able to do "weight-bearing" excercises, but hopefully my new doctor can help me with that!
Good luck to you! I hope all goes well with your surgery.
Ami

spmgj · 10-01-2003, 02:05 PM

I am almost 5 weeks post op from my bilateral bunionectomy on 8/28/03. Bones were cut on both my feet but only the left foot needed a screw to hold it together. I had ace wrap until my 2nd post op at 4 weeks. For the first 4 days, I relied on my husband to carry me to the bathroom. I have been getting around the house with my hands, butt and heels since the 4th day after surgery. A step stool helps me getting on and off the toilet and the sofa where I sleep temporarily. I also equipped the shower with a hand held hose, a plastic chair (higher than the step stool) so I can take showers. I sit on the step stool with my feet elevated on the chair to keep them dry. I also cover my feet with plastic bags just in case of any splash. A yardstick is also helpful to reach light switches on the wall. A wheelchair will help only if your place is accessible to it. I have an office chair with wheels to move around on the tile floor in the kitchen. That gives me more freedom to get food, reach the sink and do simple cooking. Of course I depend on my family to help with other things: driving, laundry, shopping, cooking, doing dishes etc. I borrow a wheelchair from a friend to use for post op visits to the doctor’s office and restaurant. I also borrow a walker to help with my walking when I am ready to walk. I am patiently taking it one day at a time. I am sure the day will come when I get back to normal again.

As for exercise, I lift my feet up and down in the sitting or lying down position. These simple movements won’t burn many calories but at least help in reducing the chance of developing blood clots due to non-mobility.

Ireland 101 · 10-03-2003, 12:49 AM

My surgery on the right is for a Metatarsus Varus, so the Dr. is cutting a kind of pie section out of the Metetarsus bone and move the bones together use a screw(I think the surgery is called a"Gerro"). This is a no weight situation for six to eight weeks at least! My left foot is just getting the "Atkin" procedure at the big toe joint and reduction of the bunion. I've read some on this board are talking about scooting around on their bottom with hands and heels to get around, but if it is suppose to be no weight bearing at all is this ok? And for that matter how do you get down on to the floor from the bed or couch to scoot? Or back up again??
When can you get out after surgery?
Thanks

cinderella777 · 10-03-2003, 10:28 PM

I am using that machine that runs cold water through your cast. It's awesome. My husband just has to change the water and put ice about 3 times a day if I cool my foot all day. So the only down side is you have to buy bags of ice. My fridge does not remake ice fast enough. But well worth it. No mess no hassle. I sleep with it on!