I went to London yesterday for an initial (private) consultation and was surprised to have my single bunion op confirmed and booked in for Wednesday! This is great news but it was very rushed as they were running late and I didn't ask any questions. Just to put my mind at rest has anyone had surgery with Martin Klinkle? Does he use keyhole surgery, as this is the main technique used at Lister hospital but I didnt check. Also could do with reassurance he is a good surgeon. Im 55 and have had bunion all my life so to get such a quick appt and surgery is a bit unnerving (but great news - I am excited as well!)
Any tips would also be helpful for my stay at Lister and post op as I live alone
Hi Stella, I think most private appointments are quick with this operation, it's elective so really, you choose when you have it, the NHS waiting list is at least 9 months and I have been told there are only 60 Podiatric surgeons in the UK and as they specialise in feet they are obviously better qualified to do this op than an Orthopedic surgeon I would think. My chap was in Milton Keynes and it was day surgery, most are done with an ankle block and sedative so you are awake and go home same day. I didn't have keyhole. Have also had bunions forever and am booked to have the other one done in September (both private). You'll be surprised at how much you can do on crutches and with the boot, it's about 14 weeks post op for me but I am delighted with the result. It does take time to recover as it is major surgery but give your feet the respect they derserve and rest and elevate them properly, if you have one, the best ice method is a circular wine cooler that you keep in the freezer, get two and they will just pop over the top of your foot over the bandage when your foot is elevated.
Good luck, don't rush your recovery and rest often!
Thanks Sandra! I am having a general and an over night stay which having had a local for varacose veins I'm glad about. At what stage were you able to drive again? Are you still on crutches? I like the idea of the wine cooler - will get three - two for my foot and one for a bottle of pinot gris ha!ha!
Hi again Stella, an overnight stay will be great but you will need to keep topped up on pain relief, don't not take it because you think you don't need it, you will for about a week depending on your pain threshhold.
I haven't been on crutches since about 3 weeks after the op, I used a stick and I was wearing my ordinary boots and most of my shoes by the 2nd week of January and all the time now. I had a Scarf and Akin Osteotomy and have 3 permanent pins in my right foot.
We live between the UK and Spain and we flew back to Spain on 27th December (op was on 12th), I have an 4x4 automatic and I was driving in about the first week of January for short journeys as we moved house as well!
Use the pino to wash down the painkillers........works every time!
Hi Stella, I went for consultation at a surgon who is specialised in minimally invasive surgeries (keyhole for bunions) in the USA. I had the option for keyhole surgery within a week or so. I didn't choose to do it at that instant cause I was on holiday and had other plans but I'm scheduled for April. -The best thing to do is contact the clinic and ask as many questions as possible. It's your feet!
Good luck with your surgery and hope you'll keep us updated
You're welcome. just some tips on what to buy (especially since you live alone).. If you're like me and drink lots of water (I usually go to the bathroom every 30 min) you should look into buying a urinal bottle. It's weird but I think it's worth it and also some ice bags and a bed wedge. I'll place some links below of products that I'm going to purchase.
Another thing that I think patients underestimate is to drink lots of water, eat healthy, take some vitamins and do bed exercises. Hope I've been of some help and good luck
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Hi Mumbles1 don't worry I have checked his credentials I was asking more about the whole experience etc I am going to call and talk thru the invasive -non invasive options
Its me again - I had my surgery four days ago - Scarf and Akin on my left foot. Apart from problems with the anaethetic everything is ok so far, hardly any pain after day two but I'm guessing it might kick in after the first dressings are removed at 2 weeks? I was wondering when the ice packs should be used? the bandage is so think I don't think the cold will get through at this stage and I can't get the dressing wet so I'm guessing its for later on?
At the moment I'm in bed but as I live alone I am going to have to get up and go down stairs soon as I can't rely on friends all the time once the easter weekend is over...
Hi Stella, it's good to know you've got the operation out of the way! I can't give you any advice as I haven't had the op yet but just wanted to say Hi and well done. Concentrate on going slow and look after yourself and be careful getting around as you only have one good foot at the moment!
i hope you get some advice soon re ice packs etc from the forum.
take it carefully on the stairs. I crawled up and came down on my bottom at first.some patients buy the wine sleeves for cooling. I just put frozen peas at base of foot while bandages still on.
preparation us everything. I had a tray with flask and sustainance that I could reach.