Hallux Valgus & Hammer Toe Surgery Gone Wrong

Foot care
1

I may be in the minority as I have searched various sites and yet to find anyone with the problems I have

On 28th August 2013 I had both feet operated on. The left foot bunion removed and big toe straightened (this foot wasn't causing problems but surgeon did it as a precaution)

Right foot bunion removed and big toe straightened. 2nd toe straightened with K wire. 3rd toe, bone (knuckle) removed and toe straightened with K wire.

Both feet were in casts for initial 2wks, I was told to put no weight on them and keep them elevated. I lived in my bedroom. Anytime I tried to stand (To go to toilet) the pain was so bad I felt every bone was breaking in my feet!

After 2wks, casts came off and stitches removed I was pleased with the look of my toes, everyone straight! New casts went on....for another 4wks.

When these were removed I was told I cld leave...no x-rays....no follow up appt?!

I questioned this and mentioned that my toes seemed to be drifting back. I was told I was being impatient and I was only half way through recovery! I went home confused and frustrated. I couldn't understand why after breaking 4 toes, removing bones and placing pins an x-ray would not be taken? And why no follow up after such a big op?

After 12 wks (so called recovery time)I called to make an appointment to see the surgeon as I was having alot of pain and struggling to walk. My toes were overlapping again and putting shoes on was difficult. 2nd toe lacked feeling and seemed to be floppy.

When he saw me his reaction was to sigh and imply I was some kind of hypochondriac again I was told I was impatient! and when I explained that my big toe won't go down and I can't move it he said I wasn't even trying! I was told I would be off work for 12wks, my job has me walking for 6.5hrs a day, I explained there is no way I cld go back to my work as I struggle to walk or even stand for any period of time, he said his 'normal' patients are bk to work by this time!

I told him his attitude towards me was not acceptable and I wanted a 2nd opinion. His tone then changed, I was sent for an x-ray and I am now awaiting an appointment.

My right foot is worse than before, My toes are badly overlapping and bent. I am still not able to work and feel really depressed. Worrying if I will need more surgery (which I think I will) and whether I am always going to have these problems, Seriously thinking of taking my complaint further

2

Blimey that sounds awful. I think I would def take it further, iv been very lucky my surgeon has been great. I'm spending next 2 weeks being weaned off crutches and tomorrow is first attempt at wearing a trainer- won't lie bit scared. Iv had very minimal pain but my surgery nowhere near as bad as yours. Since my first consultation iv had 5 x rays!! Was strange seeing my last one all straight with screws holding it all together.

By the time I go back to work in couple weeks it will be 10 weeks post op.

I hope you get sorted and any further surgery won't be to bad for you and yr next consultant is better than you have had to put up with.

X

3

My consultant's manner has been very off hand/ubrupt and don't think he likes the fact that I am questioning my results. When I describe the pain I am in when wearing shoes or walking short distances he tells me I should not be in pain and his other patients are back to work. He makes me feel as though I am attention seeking and that there is nothing wrong.

I explained to him I have a very high pain threshold. I have recovered from throat cancer where I have had 16 operations in my neck and radiotherapy! So I am quite capable of overcoming problems, but I have NEVER been made to feel the way he has made me feel.

I would have thought an x-ray after such surgery would be common place as this would show if the pins & bones are aligned properly? The fact you have had 5 tells me your consultant is keeping an eye on his work. I was told to be patient, but my toes aren't going to jump back into place. Even a non medical person can tell by looking at them that something is wrong. He won't admit it sad

I have an appointment with him on the 6th Jan, but my appointment to see the 2nd consultant is not until 11th Feb (this was supposed to be other way round) but I will go on the 6th to see if his attitude is any different and to let him see how deformed my foot is. I will also ask to look at the x-ray. In the meantime I will have to see my GP for a further sick line as I know I will not be able to return to my job any time soon sad

4

Hi Tracey, I have only had normal bunion surgery, nothing as severe as you, but I was given a written sheet explaining the procedure, which clearly says that at 6 weeks they take an X-Ray to ensure that the bone has set correctly. I already have the appoint for the X-Ray, and for a consultation with the surgeon who did the operation afterwards.

I really feel for you, it sounds awful, & I know from experience before my surgery how pain in your feet is unlike pain elsewhere, you simply cannot walk on them if the pain is severe.

If surgery results in your problems being as bad or worse than before, then there definitely is a problem.

Poor you......

5

Couldn't agree more. I to was given a sheet explaining what was happening and various stages and had appointments for the first 2 follow up and X-rats before I even left the hospital after surgery.

Where abouts do you live I'm in Bedfordshire and my treatment I can not fault. After my appointment with my consultant last week he said any unusual pain or if I'm at all worried or concerned about foot I'm to ring straight away and make appointment to see him. My final routine appointment is in 3 months

6

Thanks Sue, well that is interesting about your x-ray at 6 wks. I asked about it at this time when they took my second casts off and I was told there was no need! Then sent on my way with no follow up, basically "get on with it" even at this time I could tell something wasn't right and the toes were turning in the way and starting to overlap (an x-ray would have answered any queries).

I am at 18wks post op now and day to day activities/routines have changed as everything revolves around what shoes are the least painful? How quickly can I get round the shops? etc

I am certainly not one for "lying down to it and feeling sorry for myself" as my previous illness/recovery prooves and I will not be fobbed off! He has made a mistake and won't acknowledge it and yet I'm supposed to deal with it.

I think I will be making some legal enquiries sad

7

Hi Connie, I live in Central Scotland and must say the differences in treatment seems huge! I have had a terrible time over Christmas as I couldn't enjoy the build up, all my presents were bought on line as the thought of trudging around shops was unimagineable. Also any nights out were put off as a simple thing like choosing an outfit made me cry as no footwear was going to be comfortable

8

That's awful really must be some action you can take and having to wait such a long time for appointment with 2nd consultant seems ridiculous.

Iv had some really down days at the start and like you had to do a lot of online shopping but then only had mine done beginning November hopefully by week 12 I be almost back to normal.

The difference in care seems huge my consultant has been great even when I changed my mind at 11th hour about Anthestic he said my care was paramount and I should be happy with the care I receive! Disgusting yrs has been so bad xx

9

The routine has been the same for both my feet, fairly complicated operations but only big toe and bunion affected. I have had xrays at 10 days and again at 6 weeks, just coming up to the 6 week one on the second foot. I am in Hampshire. Everyone seems to be on the same follow-up Xray schedule with my surgeon.

I am sorry to hear about your problems but it definately doesn't seem right, does your GP have a view?

10

Hi Tracey,

Sorry to hear about your terrible experience. I had my complicated surgery on 13th of December and had a plaster of Paris cast fitted. An Xray was taken after the surgery to show what was done to my foot. I had the plaster of Paris cast replaced 4 days later by a fibreglass cast and to check that the stitching are all ok. Another Xray was taken before the new cast was fitted. The cast will be replaced again on the 14th of January and left for another 4 weeks. I guess my consultant will take another Xray then. He also discusses how the Xray and my foot is progressing. I went private through BUPA, so I don't know if it makes a difference. My consultant also works for the NHS and in the hospital I work at, so maybe communication and care is better. I work at West Middlesex Hospital.

Good luck with your next appointment and keep us informed of your progress.

11

I am 8 weeks post op and still having major swelling. Does anyone have any good tips on getting the swelling down?

12

Hi swapping from hot and cold compress helps with the swelling. I'm at 8 weeks as well and my foot is puffy rather than swollen aparantly it's normal my consultant assures me

13

Thank you Connie. I will try that

14

Thanks everyone for your comments, I appreciate them because even though I know personally that I have had very poor treatment, your comments just confirm it. I am glad I took photos at each stage. The night before surgery, when the 1st casts came off, again when 2nd casts came off, and again at 12wks when I called to ask to see surgeon again. I took another today, and when I go to see him on the 6th I will have them printed out and place them on his desk!!

I said to him that I know sometimes surgery can have problems, and obviously something has went wrong here.......he asked me when I got my medical degree!!

Could I ask if any of you still have the after care sheet from the hospital could you e-mail me a copy?

thanks

Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not post these. If users wish to swap email addresses please use the message service.

15

Hi Tracy - sorry to hear you've had such a bad time. My NHS op (Dec 27) in Glasgow was not as complicated as yours but care so far has been excellent. I'm due to have stitches out at 2wks and follow-up appointment with surgeon (presume x-ray) at 6wks. Please let us know how you get on at your next appointments.

16

Hi Tracy - I had hammer toe surgery in Edinburgh in January 2013 and still trying to recover. It's been a very long depressing year. My consultant doesn't give me much info at all. He didn't do any x-rays or mention any risks with foot surgery. Like you my left foot didn't really need surgery (I had one flexible hammer toe on that foot). My right foot had one rigid and one flexible hammer toe but I wasn't in any daily pain. My key concern was I struggled to find shoes that would ftr my feet and sometimes got night cramps if I wore heels during the day so thought I'd ask if I was a good candidate for surgery. I had the surgery 29 Jan then saw him again at 2 weeks to take the stiches out and again at 6 weeks for a final check up. He wasn't at all concerned that I was unabale to go back to work or drive at that stage and suggested I go see a podiatrist for some metarsal pads. I don't think he expected to see me again but I have continued to go backat 3 months, 6 months then again at 10 months. The podiatrist hasn't been able to help nor has physio. I'm not sure what else to try. I have asked to see a new consultant and have a visit lined up next week but I really don't know what he can offer. I'd really just look for reassurance at this stage that the pain will eventually go. I went into surgery as a non smoker, non drinker, normal weight, on no medication, average blood pressure and good cholestrol rating - I couldn't have been healthier. I now feel a complete wreck. I do hope things improve for you - I do believe the recovery process is a lot longer than any doctor will tell you. Good luck.

17

Thanks again for all the comments & for sharing your experiences.

It is 4.25am and I can't sleep as my head is thumping. I am pretty sure it is because I have an appointment today with the surgeon and I am worrying about it rolleyes

I am so glad I took photos as I have printed these off with the dates they were taken and even though I knew there was something wrong actually having all the photos together, the difference is huge!

I have no idea what he will say to me, but I hope he will admit that something has gone wrong (I doubt it)

I still can't return to work as wearing shoes for even short periods of time is painful. When I put shoes on 2 of my toes actually tuck under as I put my foot in. I can't move them, It's as though they are dead toes I don't have any control of them. The way I am feeling I can't see me being able to return to my job as I have to be on my feet 6hrs a day.

I still cannot understand why no x-ray was taken, he only agreed to taking one when I asked for a 2nd opinion. I will be asking to see this today.

Beth reading your story is quite worrying as you seem to have had a terrible time of it (could it be the same surgeon :O ) Still having pain 12 months later! I was told I would only be off work for 12wks and when I told him I needed another sick line he informed me that his 'normal' patients went back sooner and made me feel as though I was a hypochondriac.

I will update you all after my visit today, hope this headache goes away soon sad I know its because I am stressing as I expect some disagreements x

18

Hi Tracey

I hope your visit went OK today. Like you I get worked up before consultant visits just in case it's bad news but come away frustrated that I don't really get any further clarification on why the pain persistes or when it's likely to go away. The consultant never appears to be concerned that it's taking such a long time and just says 'everyone's different'. What worries me most is he's not asking to see me again, I initiate each visit. I don't think he expected to see me after 6 weeks. I have been to a pain specialist at around 4 months, took Lyrica for about 6 months but decided to come off it as it simply masks the pain (although not completely). I'm still noticing improvements. although very slowly so have hope it will go eventually. I do wonder whether we have the same consultant though. :-) Stay positive and persevere.

19

I's in Hampshire, had op 21 November, stiches out and Xray after 2 weeks, went for 6 week check yesterday hoping to be let out of the aircast boot. Xray showed bones have not quite healed, told this is not uncommon often takes 8 weeks or more with this op.

If there had not been an Xray surgeon would not have been able to see it wasn't healing, I feel fine and foot looks good, danger is, if I weight bear too much too soon the flimsy joint could rebreak and this would mean more surgery.

I know we are all different but I do not understand how your surgeon can manage your recovery without Xrays - do they have especially special skin piecing eyes or something??

Good luck ladies hope you are feeling better soon

20

Hi Judy this has always been a query of mine, how can they possibly do an operation which entails, breaking bones, removing bones, staightening toes and using k-wires, then 6 weeks in casts and yet don't take a single x-ray?!! Simple answer is they can't, as you say they don't have x-ray vision. After my op the only words from my surgeon was "Everything was straightforward, no problems" I was released from hospital the next day with no instructions or health care, just told to keep my foot elevated, and doped up on Oxynorm.

I have mixed emotions about my appointment yesterday. I went in and he asked if there is an improvement I told him no, if anything its worse. I produced the photos and he said "OH you've taken photos?"

I am so glad I did, because you can see the huge difference, my foot is now deformed.

He did actually admit that he has not done the surgery properly and apologised whichI didn't expect! He then says I will need another operation (which I knew anyway) but if I still wanted to see the other surgeon for his opinion I could. I told him yes I will keep my appt and see what he has to say. I am provisionally booked in for surgery inFebruary and I have to choose which surgeon to do op.

The op he wants to do is to Fuse the bones in my big toe, has anyone had this? I don't like the sound of it. He also says if they do this my other toes "will fall back into place" I questioned this as I can't see that happening.

I am seriously looking to take this further, Have you did anything about it Beth?

Now that he has admitted it and I have photos, I think I have grounds. I told him yesterday I don't think I can go back to my old job sad It is only 18hrs a week, but I enjoy it and work with a nice bunch, but I would be on my feet for over 6hrs a day and I know that would be impossible.

So yes mixed emotions.....pleased he's admitted he's made a muck up and yet not happy at another op and long term damage evil