Swelling ?--5 weeks post-op

PMCW58

Hi Gimpy
I'm 4 weeks and 1 day post op a bunionectomy on my right foot. When I had my left foot done last May, I was still swollen well into September, sorry to say. It is not unusual at all, I don't think. My foot looked "thick" just like you described at the big toe joint and even the big toe. I felt completely "healed" at around 5-5.5. months. Other people with simpler procedures may heal faster, as did my friend who had a bunionectomy one week before me, with the same doctor. Her procedure was much simpler (1 incision as opposed to 3 like me) and her bunion was much smaller than mine (the Mother of all Bunions-yuck).

I think that even though you may be feeling much better, it still can't hurt to keep your foot elevated and iced, when you need it.

I feel your pain!!!
shuffling in a blue shoe but driving carpool and chasing
two kids!
PMCW(Paula)
Right foot bunionectomy 1/6/04
left foot 5/03

rileyroe

I am still really swollen too, and my surgery was 4 weeks ago tomorrow. The doctor told me to expect some swelling for several months....Nice thought huh! I have tried to get a few pairs of my shoes on, and they don't fit at all!! I wish the healing process didn't take so long.....but I guess we are stuck dealing with it now!! Good luck, and keep taking it easy!! Mandy

PuddleofMudd

I'm at 10 months for Big-Toe Fusion surgery...STILL SWOLLEN!!! Anyone think it will ever go down?

mediamom

My doc said swelling typically lasts 6 months after bunion surgery. I'm about 31/2 weeks post-op so man, a long way to go!

carolcrone

Yep, my doctor agreed with what y'all said above, that there will still be some swelling til about 6 months. He also said I should be able to get into hiking boots in 2 more months, go figure; guess he thinks I'm spending another $150 on a larger size. My EEEE shoe is feelin' pretty good on this big foot. The nurse called my toes "little sausages" when I went for my 6 week visit on Tues, but they both said swelling is normal right now & to elevate it whenever possible.

Crazy43

Yep, I was told also that swelling could persist for up to 1 year, I guess at this point we are in it for the long haul. I am glad it is winter so the hot weather is not a factor in all of this.

gimpy1

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I guess I had just been looking at my toes & since it's been wrapped up, I didn't notice this area being so swollen before. Now that I can "inspect" it unwrapped, I'm just noticing how & where it IS swollen. My toes actually only get swollen after I'm up too long, but my big toe & joint area is swollen all the time--even after it's been up on it's little pillow all night long. Sounds like I'll have to get used to this, huh?

I haven't tried to walk yet without my boot, but now I'm wondering how you all are walking with all of this swelling? I know you're wearing bigger shoes, but does it hurt even then? It also seems that because underneath my foot is puffy under my big toe joint, that I will be inclined to walk more on the outside of my foot. Just trying to put a very small amount of weight on it in the shower, I can see how it is going to feel really wierd to walk in regular shoes. As much as I want to drive & get back to normal, I also am starting to fear this next "stage" in my recovery, can you tell????

The good news is I don't think my scar will be too noticeable. That area looks really good

Let's all keep smiling

Gimpy1