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Bunion Keyhole surgery

77 replies

deesdeli · 04/01/2023 10:22

I am thinking of doing this as my bunions have got bigger over the years. I am in no pain at all - however I would like to get them corrected as I really dislike this part of my body and do not want them to get worse.
I want to get my right foot done first as it is the worse of the two and if that all goes well I will get the left foot done.
I have never had any surgery like this before and I am scared!
Has anyone had this done?
How did you find the whole experience?

I would like to hear the good, bad and ugly!

OP posts:
dontlookgottalook · 05/01/2023 21:19

I don't have any answers for you but also interested in this. No pain, but difficulty Finding shoes that fit, and new shoes cause me a lot of pain until I wear them in, by which time they look ugly!

dontlookgottalook · 05/01/2023 21:20

Would you do this privately?

deesdeli · 06/01/2023 12:13

@dontlookgottalook Sounds like we are in the same boat. I really dislike the way my shoes look after a few months. I have been putting this off for a while now but now considering doing this in the next few months.

Yes I am going private as this will not be funded on the NHS as I am in no pain - fair enough really.

OP posts:
dontlookgottalook · 06/01/2023 12:30

@deesdeli it's such a pain isn't it, the shoe thing? I'm currently wearing Barefoot shoes, which even in those I had an uncomfortable wearing in period where they rubbed my bunion a lot. They now fit well and look nice in that they are the shape they are supposed to be. I may look at surgery too but with three small children I'm not sure it's possible, not to mention expense etc

LadyOfTheCanyon · 06/01/2023 12:33

Jesus Christ I havent got my glasses on and thought it said bumhole key surgery.

Sorry OP. As you were.

1wokeuplikethis · 06/01/2023 12:39

Interested to know how much this is privately? And what the recovery time is? I have in slightly bunions that are only getting bigger, I run and play sport which I think exacerbates them and they do get achy. My feet look like hooves. It’s genetic, but also from years of wearing the wrong size shoe, I can’t even think of wearing a strapless high heel as my bunions don’t fit in and any heel is agony anyway!

dontlookgottalook · 06/01/2023 13:04

LadyOfTheCanyon · 06/01/2023 12:33

Jesus Christ I havent got my glasses on and thought it said bumhole key surgery.

Sorry OP. As you were.

Grin
dontlookgottalook · 06/01/2023 14:23

@deesdeli could I ask where you are thinking of going for this? There is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in this working out of Harley St amongst other locations but for both feet would cost almost £8k!

deesdeli · 06/01/2023 14:49

@dontlookgottalook This sounds about right - it certainly isnt cheap!!
I am thinking of going to the london clinic - google "The Bunion Doctor" would be interested to hear your thoughts...

OP posts:
dontlookgottalook · 06/01/2023 15:02

@deesdeli yes I saw him he looks very good, but would be interesting to perhaps get some recommendations from patients. I was looking at Dr Bianchi too. I meant £9k not 8, but he looks very good.
I work in medical education so will do a bit of research into this and let you know if I find anything out.

deesdeli · 06/01/2023 17:01

@dontlookgottalook amazing! Any info would be great!

OP posts:
dontlookgottalook · 07/01/2023 10:52

@deesdeli I've had a look at David Gordon (the bunion dr) and he seems to be excellent! Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, peer reviewed research in the right journals for his speciality, honorary lectureships, fellowships in renowned trauma centres etc. These are all the hallmarks of a very well trained dr who is doing much to further expertise/ knowledge in his field.
He has an information event on Monday which I might attend.

Bestcatmum · 07/01/2023 11:02

You won't get them done on the NHS if they aren't painful.

deesdeli · 07/01/2023 19:11

@dontlookgottalook Thank you so much! He sounds like the best. I had a quick look and his consultation fee is £250 😳let me know how you get on at his event.

OP posts:
deesdeli · 15/01/2023 16:58

@dontlookgottalook how did you find the event?
I think you might find this useful:
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg332
I have asked if they have a more recent study on the risks involved with this type of surgery - I will pass on if they do

OP posts:
Travelban · 09/02/2023 13:01

I have just had this done, not by David Gordon but someone who does exactly the same operation.
I am 8 days in now and have been weight-bearing almost immediately. I wouldn't have both done at the same time.unless you are able to not move.much for a while. I personally couldn't.
Pain was manageable for.me just with paracetamol and have stopped that on day 5 or so.
I was using a stick initially bit quite stable now with the surgical.shoe. It does.feel quite long and quite tired. I can update on here in a few weeks if people.want to know how I got on in the end !

deesdeli · 09/02/2023 18:58

@Travelban ooooh yes please keep us updated with your progress! I am still thinking this over as I have never had this type of surgery done before. Are you able to share who you got this done with as there aren't that many doctors that do this in London

OP posts:
Travelban · 09/02/2023 20:04

Hi, reason i didn't go for David Gordon or Dr Bianchi is that I don't live in London so I found the only one surgeon who appeared to do this type of operation where I live. I was very keen to do keyhole!!

I will keep you updated!

Travelban · 21/03/2023 21:37

This is my feet after 7 weeks for those of you who wanted an update! Wearing my trainers now but still wobbly and not waking normally yet. No pain at all. No swelling virtually. Had am xray today and surgeon said he wad very pleased. (You cam see the difference between my left foot and right foot even though the left foot was thr better one before!!)

Bunion Keyhole surgery
deesdeli · 22/03/2023 09:42

@Travelban Oh wow. Hearing your experience has made me feel a bit less anxious about having this op. Now I have to find the time to do this! Your feet look great 🙌

OP posts:
MadamClench · 22/03/2023 09:49

@Travelban wow your results have convinced me to have mine done. Amazing results and good to hear you're not immobile for a long time.

Travelban · 22/03/2023 09:50

deesdeli · 22/03/2023 09:42

@Travelban Oh wow. Hearing your experience has made me feel a bit less anxious about having this op. Now I have to find the time to do this! Your feet look great 🙌

Thank you very much. It is quite a long process but worth it in the end. I will probably need to do my left foot eventually bit I am in no rush....!! Any questions, please feel free to ask. I am happy to share any info 😊

MadamClench · 22/03/2023 09:51

@Travelban forgotto ask where your surgeon is? If you don't mind saying that is.

sm40 · 22/03/2023 09:54

How much was it? And how long were you off your feet? My dh has had 3 necessary foot surgeries and was out if action for weeks. Not sure I could do the same just to make my feet prettier.

Travelban · 22/03/2023 10:02

For me it wasn't just to make the feet prettier. I doubt any reputable surgeon would do this for aesthetic reasons only. I was in pain most nights after wearing any type of shoe and my balance was also off..

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