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Original poster

Come and talk to me about bunion removal surgery please

13 replies

ShrinkingViolet · 14/04/2010 18:32

I have a "pre assessment" tomorrow and have started worrying about it all. Annoyingly DH spoke to the hopital when they rang up with tomorrow's appointment, so I don't know if I have a date for the op or not yet, as it didn't occur to him to ask but I'm assuming it will be pretty soon if this assessment is tomorrow?

The consultant said they'd be cutting away the excess bone, and breaking and resetting the toe, not sure exactly which operation (of the 130 different types there are ) that is - anyone had this one, and like to reassure me it will all be OK??

And exactly how long is the recovery period (I know everyone is different), and is the 6-8 weeks not driving realistic or over-generous?

OP posts:
WhyMeWhyNot · 14/04/2010 18:50

Me and my DD have both had this surgery.

Mine was 30 years ago so not relevant to todays procedures but DD's was in '07 when she was 16.

She recovered very quickly, had both feet done at once. Needed crutches until the pins and screws were removed then just bandages till the stitches came out.She also had all her toes broken and reset as they all went wrong ways.

The 6 weeks no driving is a definite though. The thought of catching a toe on a pedal is enough to put you off it anyway.

I'm sure you'll be fine, it's generally done as day surgery now.
Let us know how it goes.

Original poster
ShrinkingViolet · 14/04/2010 19:04

I asked about having both done together, but they were very reluctant as they'd had people in hospital for two or three days, whereas one at a time means it's day surgery as you say. Although it's then two seperate periods of recovery, rather than all at once...

OP posts:
Highlander · 15/04/2010 13:46

I had both done last year as a distal osteotomy. That's the mildest form of surgery and they can do both feet at once. I went home the same day (prob a bit daft) and was off my feet for 2 weeks (YAY!!!).

I had a soinal anaesthetic, which gave me good pain control for 6 hours after surgery.For first 24 hours, pain was bad. I took Volterol 75 and paracetamol for 4 days then Ibuprofen 800/paracetamol for another week then down to paracetamol for 2 weeks.

i was driving after 3 weeks (don't advise this!).

The surgery sites were very, very stiff for about 3 months, although the more I walked, the better it got. i was running after 6 months.

make sure you get your bandages done every 4-5 days at outpatients, NOT at your GP practice. The bandages splint your toes there's a funky way the orthopaedic nurses do it.

If you need a proximal osteotomy, then they can only do 1 foot at a time as you will be in a plaster cast.

Highlander · 15/04/2010 13:46

sorry, that should say spinal anaesthetic!

Tellhimhesdreaming · 15/04/2010 13:59

Hi there - I had both my feet done two years ago. They did them one at a time as well so it was twelve weeks off my feet in total. I wish they could have done them both together but I guess it means you have one good leg to hobble around on.
I didn't even have a general anaesthetic, was awake and concious the whole time. The operation took about an hour. I obviously couldn't feel anything (or see anything!) but it was still a bit unpleasant, if you have a vivid imagination and are a big wuss like I am! If you can go under, I definetely would recommend that, however I am proof that you can do it awake and apparently the recovery time is easier that way.
I walked out to a waiting cab once they were done. It was painful afterwards but never excruiatingly so. I just took the pain relief regularly.
You also have to be very careful not to get the bandages wet. So don't go walking in the rain like some idiots who thought they were getting cabin fever .
As another poster said, you have to make sure not to let the surgery site get stiff. Once they tell you to massage the big toe, grit your teeth and do it! Much better for you in the long run and your toe won't fall off (my secret fear!).
I have video footage of my foot after the surgery if you really really want to see it. I could email it to you! It gives you an idea of the swelling etc - and it really doesn't look as horrific as the sound of the procedure makes you think it will be.

Good luck

overmydeadbody · 15/04/2010 14:02

I will be watching this thread iwht interest as I have very painful bunions

Original poster
ShrinkingViolet · 15/04/2010 14:08

well, still don't have a date as the pre assessment is done as soon as possible after the consultant has agreed surgery, so I have to wait till the admissions department ring and offer me a date.

Still not sure exactly what procedure they're doing, but I'll have a general anaesthetic and be in plaster afterwards for six weeks, so presumably it's not the same op as you others have had.

Hopefully I won't have to wait too long though, as they've been quite efficient up till now.

OP posts:
rumbletum · 15/04/2010 15:55

hi, i have had both bunions removed, and am really happy with the result.

i had each foot done separately, once with epidural and once under general. i preferred the full anaesthetic because the noise of the "tools" was a bit alarming . the left foot i was in hospital for three days, the right foot i had done as an outpatient, and was in and out of the hospital in about six hours.

i found the pain afterwards ok...it was uncomfortable, but bearable. i was on crutches for about two weeks, and then they gave me a fancy shoe to wear to make walking easier without putting pressure on the toe joint. the swelling did take ages to go down though, i.e. three months before the foot was completely normal again.

i'm really glad i had it done. all the best!

improvingslowly · 17/04/2010 07:41

i had left foot done, and was driving an automaitc car after about 3 weeks.

MissM · 05/07/2010 08:37

I'm reviving this thread as I've just had bunion surgery - two days ago - and am feeling miserable! Need some success stories to cheer me up. Did anyone find they were very nauseous and tired after the anaesthetic (I had a general?) I slept for 12 hours last night! Pain is easing a little but I'm desperate for someone to tell me that it will get better - I've got a 4 and 2. 5 year old, and DH isn't the most patient of nurses!

Original poster
ShrinkingViolet · 24/08/2010 15:29

MissM - how is it going now?

Am bumping this thread as I go into hospital on the 6th, and although I think i've planned ahead enough, I'm bound to have forgotten something.

What practical things do I need to have sorted beforehand? I have a plastic stool ot sit on in the bath (have a shower over the bath); I'm looking at cast protectors, just need ot actually order one; the DDs have a cleaning and cooking rota; the freezer will be full of easy-to-prepare meals; I've picked a confortable chair and stool as "my seat"; I have a pile of unread/want to re-read books; am considering a LoveFilms subscription; and have enough paracetamol and ibuprofen to set my own chemists shop Wink.

Anything I've missed?

OP posts:
hnics · 07/02/2011 14:18

I am having bunion surgery on Wednesday and I am really scared I think I want to cancel it can someone give me some reassurance please.

Highlander · 07/02/2011 14:57

MissM - take Volterol 75mg with paracetamol for the first week.

Then change it to Ibiprofen and paracetamol for another week.

then just paracetamol for another copuple of weeks.

paracetamol is an excellent pain killer but you have to take it continuously - it is no good on its own for breakthourgfh pain.

The first week is a faff if you have children - do try and just rest

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