After several years suffering with bunions on both feet, and getting steadily worse, to the point where I now can't bear the pain whenever I put my court shoes on for work, I have now come to the realisation that if I don't do something now I will be in this pain for many years. I am 41yrs old, I went to my doctor who tells me to go to a podiatrist, I went to a podiatrist who kindly took my payment, massaged my feet & told me to book in for another massage! I have read lots about surgery, but cannot afford to go private - can anyone suggest an alternative route - please!!!!
Hi Clare,
not sure if you are in the UK , if you are all you need to do is see your gp dedcribe the pain this creates and get a referral to Orthopaedic surgeon preferably a lower limb specialist. I went to Gp in Jan and am now day 20 post op had scarf osteotomy and Atkins wire inserted to hammer toe. Although initally painful for a couple of days I am now well on my way to recovery. The main problem is not being able to drive and needing time off work. I am 40 and my surgeon basically said no need to suffer the pain just get on and have it done.
All the best,
Lou
Hi, you need to be referred to a podiatrist surgeon or joint surgeon you need to ask yourGP to refer you.
I had a fusion and bunion removal and I feel it was successful.
Angela
Go back to your GP, make it clear that it is because of the pain, not because you want to wear nice shoes. You ask for a referral, your bunions are never going to get better, I put up with mine for years, mine are huge. I had to tell dr I wanted a referral, she was offering to try me with bunion pads and insoles. Good luck. Waiting time for referral can be 12 weeks
Hi Joan, just read your post, in the UK you must have a shorter waiting list to Australia? I know they are still behind with patients waiting since 2010 here. I've waited 2 yrs and go this Friday to see the surgeon. I'm 75yrs old! I'm dreading it, but after reading all the posts here I'm going to see if I can get both feet done and stay in hospital for 2 weeks. I don't have help at home. I'm glad you are better now as mine are huge too!....let me know your feelings of what happened after your operation please, I'd love to hear as mine are not mild bunions they are large and this morning, the first time ever, they were burning and like a nerve was playing up in bed, I had to get up for it to stop, that has never happened before!
Hi Again,
I would definitely recommend not going private it will cost a fortune and will be the same surgeon you would see in the NHS .Gp will tend to refer to Podiatry first as much cheaper option, I was initially referred to them but I appealed the decision and requested a foot surgeon at my local hospital that I had been recommended.
Lou
Hi Carol, that sure is a long waiting list. I did go private but only because my work gives employees basic medical insurance cover for free. I am 57, and this has been a roller coaster of a journey, not heard of anyone ever staying in hospital more than 1 night, even those who are on thier own and have 2 feet done. On another thread on this forum called "Hello There" - you will see a group of people me included that have been posting daily posts on the journey. There are people from Canada, New Jersey, South Africa, all over the place. I think a lot depends on the surgery you have. Search for Hello there and have a read.
Hi Joan, where do I type in "Hello There"???
I'm 75 and down here if you have no one to look after you at home they keep you in hospital.
Hi Carol,
The discussion is here https://patient.info/forums/discuss/hello-there-144707.
Joan
You can post any links to other pages within the forums or patient.info and they will not go for moderation.
Regards,
Alan
Hi Clare, do you know of anyone in my age bracket (75) who has had both bunions removed?
Thanks for this.
Hi Clare,
I had the same experience with a podiatrist. I am sorry to say that I got the distinct impression that her main intention was to keep me as a (paying) patient.
I have to say that I now think, having given it a lot of thought and read a lot of information on the internet, including various medical papers (quite technical but I can just about get the drift) that bunion surgery is a lottery. It is complex surgery and the skill of the surgeon is paramount to success.
Having said this, studies prove that most bunion surgery is successful. Could you somehow find out the name of the most highly regarded foot surgeon in your area, however with the NSH there is, of course, no guarantee that they will perform the op.
Hi Lou,
With respect, if you pay to go privately you may see the same surgeon as under the NHS but it is only by going privately that you can be assured which surgeon (i.e. rather than a trainee surgeon) will perform your operation.
All the best.
Incidentally, I had the same experience as you re podiatry. I got the impression our surgery was trying to avoid referring me to the hospital.
There are some fabulous SpR trainee orthopods also it would be under supervision of the named consultant, or simply ask if it will be the consultant him/herself or a junior. Regisrars have to get there cutting hours somewhere they are very carefully monitored.
I agree that there are some good trainee surgeons and they have to practice but practice makes perfect. I was told by the consultant, when I asked, that they would be performing my op but I doubt from the result if they did. It is quite apparent from this website that foot surgery isn't always successful, or as good as it should be. One medical study I read put this down to inexperienced surgeons.
Hi Clare and everyone! I've just come back from the hospital, and you won't believe this, I've waited 2yrs to see this surgeon and he's leaving in August!! he has over 100 operations to do before he goes! So now I'm told they have to get another surgeon and I could be waiting 6 weeks to 12 months before I get the foot operated on. They said because mine are advanced bunions it was wise to only get ONE foot done. I'm so disapointed.
Hi Carol,
I was very sorry to hear your news. How disappointing for you. If it is any consolation to you I had both feet done at the same time. One appears to have been done very well but the other not. I have yet to establish the reason for this, I am going to get a second opinion, but perhaps it is better to take one at a time - afterall.
Also, and I know you are an older lady as you have mentioned your age several times in your posts, if you are fit and active and will be able to stay in hospital for the fist two weeks I think you will probably be fine. But it is quite demanding having two feet done together.