HI, Carol, it was nice to hear from you and learn a bit about you. Justice of the Peace: that sounds fascinating. I will tell you my experience. I live in England and wanted to have something done about my bunions for many years. Even after the decision to go ahead I was still very worried about causing so much trauma to my feet so I didn't look into the surgical side of things as I knew this would put me off. This meant I didn't go into the operations very well informed. However, I was expecting the process to be very painful from what I had heard and I was determined to keep my feet elevated as having broken my ankle several years previously I realised how important this would be to keep the swelling down. I had the ops and when I came round found myself facing two feet wrapped in bandages and encased in special 'Darco' boots. My feet felt quite uncomfortable, but not very painful apart from one brief shooting pain to my right foot. I never take painkillers but had decided to follow advice I had been given to keep on top of the pain by taking Paracetemol regularly rather than letting the pain get a hold. I took the Paracetomol the nurse offered.
There had been mention of a physiotherapist but the nurse said she had some crutches for me and once she had seen that I could walk to the toilet I could go home. I must say I felt very wobbly clomping over to the loo, it was a bit awkward to say the least, whereupon the nurse said she would take me out to the car in a wheelchair.
Once home, to my prepared room, i.e. bed, four memory foam pillows,(obtained at a special price), fleece blankets, radio, t.v., tablet, books, paperwork to be done, etc., I immediately laid down and elevated my feet. Apart from getting up to wash, brush my teeth and go to the loo I have laid on this bed since I came out of hospital, nearly five days ago, with my feet elevated. This is so unlike me but as I said from the start, I was determined to keep my feet elevated. I noticed from the outset how, when I got out of bed, all the blood rushed to my feet and they instantly became more uncomfortable.
Although I was determined to take painkillers, when I woke up yesterday morning my feet felt quite comfortable, i.e. there didn't seem to be any pain or even discomfort! It wasn't until midday that I suddenly remembered that I hadn't taken any painkillers. I wondered if I should take any, then got distracted (I think, keeping my mind occupied has helped) and I haven't taken painkillers since. I can only think that keeping my feet elevated has been the key, although that's not to say they might not become uncomftable again.
You ask about bathing. I must be honest and say I cannot contemplate taking a shower or bath at the moment, I'm making do with what my mother used to call 'a good wash', e.g. when I was at girl guide camp. I just think it's too risky at the moment. I wouldn't be able to keep my feet elevated and I do not want to get them wet or even damp.
I think it is terrific that you can be in hospital for three weeks as at three weeks, when you go home, you will be over the worst period. I am not out of the first week yet but it seems, from other people's experiences, that the first two weeks are the worst. You will be well on the road to recovery by the time you are discharged. Also, you have the option of the Blue Nurses should you need them. I know what you mean about wishing to be independent I am the same, but it's nice to know they are available.
I knew in making the decision to have the ops that I would have to 'rough it' a bit but my focus has been to do everything I can to optimise a good result. I really do sympathise with the young mothers on this website who have young children and cannot elevate their feet sufficiently post op.
I hope I haven't bored you with all this. I think the main considerations for successful bunion surgery are, of course, firstly a good, experienced surgeon, and then elevation.