Bunion Surgery anyone?? Update: post 11 Implants?????

[drgnfly30]

DH has really flat feet... has always caused him to have foot pain.. a few years back he was told he needed to have bunion surgery (caused by the uneven weight distribution from his flat feet).. DH heard surgery & decided it wasn't for him...

Fast forward to the other day I looked down & noticed that his big toe knuckles, especially his left one, are HUGE - downright malformed looking... I joked & called him Elephant Toe but it scared me... I called our PCP so we can get another referral to a specialist - I think he realizes he REALLY needs to get this taken care of...

Anyone ever had this type of surgery? How long is the healing process? he works on his feet all day & time off of work will need to be well planned... the biggie - I'm really afraid that he won't be able to get around on our trip to WDW in less than 2 months!!

 

[Michie]

I had surgery last year, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I had what you call a tailors bunion. I wore a post op shoe of course for a month maybe longer, was on crutches for 2 weeks maybe.

Best thing I ever did. I was in so much pain, and I could tell the difference immediatly.

 

[drgnfly30]

I had surgery last year, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I had what you call a tailors bunion. I wore a post op shoe of course for a month maybe longer, was on crutches for 2 weeks maybe.

Best thing I ever did. I was in so much pain, and I could tell the difference immediatly.

It would be great if he could get it done before we go down.. but I doubt we could get an appt & a surgery date in the next 2 weeks... It's getting so bad I'm afraid I'll have to get him a wheelchair at the parks... Last time they gave him a shot (Hydrocortison or a steroid??) that took the swelling down temporarily.. he's hoping they'll be able to do it again to get him through..

 

[Michie]

If it was me, I would postpone my trip until after he can surgery. I guarentee you he will enjoy the trip so much better if he is in any pain like I was.

 

[Mickey527]

I definately would wait and get the surgery done before the trip.
I had surgery done on one foot a few years ago. It was supposed to be done on the 20th of Dec but we ha a bad snow storm so they postponed it till the 24th. I was worried with the holidays and Dr being off for vacation etc but I had no problem. I let my son drive to my brother's house for dinner but I was feeling so good that I drove home. I never had any pain other than the sutures felt tight, but I was walking the next day. I was told to stay off my feet for 3 days but I didnt' and it healed ok. I had to go for PT for 4 weeks after the surgery which consisted of whirlpool soaks after I had the sutures out so you may want to discuss what will be done after the surgery before planning your trip.
they cut the bone that was portruding, then put a screw into the bone of the foot and toe to hole it together so it could heal. I still have joints and can bend the toe like the others. Peggie

 

[Mskanga]

I had bunions and hammertoes done at the same time , and I will tell you that it was THE BEST thing I ever did, it's been 14 years now and no more problems or pain . But I would wait till after the trip!

 

[Saphire]

Hi. I am a physical therapist and had this surgery done on both feet, three years apart. There is no way he can have the surgery and go to WDW in two months time... that is just not enough time to heal. I was out of work for three weeks, then came back half-days for three weeks. It really takes six solid weeks to heal from this surgery. Because of swelling you must wear a bigger shoe or sandel during those weeks. But it was so worth it, no more pain! Make sure he wears a supportive sneaker in WDW and just take it slow, then he can have the surgery after your trip. Good Luck!

 

[mickeyboat]

I had surgery on both feet when I was in college - over Christmas breaks my Freshman and Sophomore years. I was in a cast and on crutches for 6 weeks.

Denae

 

[ericamanda01]

I have had to have this done one both feet several times since I was 14. The first DR was stupid and didn't stop to think that my feet might not be finished growing. But in the end it really did help. I was on crutches for about 2 and a half months each. Mine was a little different as far as healing time because of the amount of times that it had been performed on each foot, but I have no problem with the parks or standing for long periods of time. However I wear really good shoes. I only wear Doc Martins at work, I know they aren't the prettiest shoes, but they are the most comfortable. And as for the parks I get two good pairs of tennis shoes and wear them for about a month before the parks. That way I know what will and won't work. But I agree that I would wait until after the parks to have it done.

 

[ckay87]

I had talked to a doc about this a few years ago. My right big toe bends toward the inside and there is a big bump on the "knuckle" of it (my not-so-technical description)

Was basically told that they had to cut (break?) the bones in a couple places. I'd have to stay off my feet completely for a month at least and couldn't drive. I'm like...thanks, no. I have no time for that. I'll just buy sensible shoes. Also sticking a big wad of cotton balls between my toes to straighten them out feels better when I'm doing a lot of walking.

But as my kids get older and I'm increasingly able to work at home, I am thinking about having it done. So I'm also interested in all of your opinions on it. Maybe next winter when it would be nicer to stay home and off my feet.

 

[drgnfly30]

Update: DH went to the Podiatrist the other day & they sent him for xrays with a follow up appointment for today... he just called me & said that he needs implants in both his big toes... I had tons of questions but he didn't seem to know the answers I knew I should have gone with him... Anyone have this done? Sounded to me to be much more serious, with a longer recovery time... but he said it was half the recovery time??

 

[mickeyboat]

I have never heard of implants. I wonder if it is something to straighten out the big toe.

Denae

 

[minkydog]

I wonder if the doctor meant "joint replacement" because that would make sense. Bunions can cause a lot of pain and deformity of the joint, so replacing the joint and straightening the toe would probably solve the problem.

One caveat: before he lets anyone cut on his feet, be sure he gets a second(or third) opinion. foot surgery is not to be taken lightly. It can be a God-send, that's for sure, so be sure he's getting the right surgery with the right doctor.