I'm 40 years old and due to have an operation to remove my bunions. The surgeon has said that he is going to do both feet at the same time? As you can imagine I am getting a little worried about having it done. Is there anyone reading this who has had both bunions operated on at the same time and can you please tell me your experience in regards to healing time and how you got around?
Thank you
Hi Nnl1
I had a chevron osteotomy and Weils proc on both feet on 16 May and am on week 6 today. The first two weeks I stayed in bed with my feet elevated and only getting up to go to the bathroom. The pain was excruciating for the first 3 days but after that it got easier. I took regular painkillers for the first 2 1/2 weeks and then as needed. Weeks 3 and 4 were quite tiring as I was increasing my walking each day and then week 5 - 6 started getting more confident and steady with walking. I'm seeing my consultant on Monday and hoping to come off the crutches. Depending on the type of op you're having will depend on your recovery. Good luck.
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. The surgeon said it will take a total of 6 weeks. I am just concerned about getting to the bathroom and washing. I have a shower but it's not a walk in one. Also staying in and not being able to get out and about will drive me insane!!
Make sure you get an occupational therapy assessment before you leave hospital. I was given an adapted toilet seat and bars to help me get up and down. My partner is also at OT and got me a bath seat from work. Although the first two weeks I was only able to have a wash from the sink and used many wet wipes! Some people use shower boots. I was able to sit on the bath seat and have a shower with the help of my partner. As soon as my dressings came off I was able to have a bath once the wounds were healed. A friend of mine also leant me a wheelchair which helped a lot. After week 2, I tried to get out most days, although some times only managed to get into the garden.
Are you aware of the Facebook page, I survived a bunionectomy. It's really helpful
I will be sure to do that. I have an appointment for a pre op assessment so will also mention it then. Having it done at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital which are meant to be very good.
Oh no. Never heard of it. Will look now. Thank you . Nx
Hi Nnl1,
i agree with Melanie King 99. I had my operation on both feet 19th March 2014.
i am male and 48 years young, play sport and do lots of walking, including visiting construction sites for my job.
I had bunions removed on both feet and 2nd toes fused, re-aligned and pinned.
I stayed in hospital for 2 days, then showered daily by sitting on floor in front of shower tray and pulling myself into the tray, leaving my feet outside. it worked brilliant without any assistance. I walked with crutches and special shoes, which are designed to ensure you walk on your heels. It is crucial that you rest for 2 weeks with your feet elevated and then as much rest with feet elated for 6 weeks. I was given a bed bottle and then got up each day to go downstairs and rest on the sofa.
After week 2 I had dressings re-done and week 4 stitches removed and surgical plaster over scars and pins in toes. Week 6 I had pins removed and walked without special shoes or crutches and started driving. I had 6 weeks off work, albeit after week 4 I went into the office each morning for 4 hours. I would actually recommend 10-12 weeks off, if you have an active job like me. I would also recommend wearing extra large soft trainers to wear upto week 12.
I am now walking normally with no limps, doing lots of driving. I still wear trainers, albeit have work shoes for special social occasions. My right foot is still slightly swollen, but I am active and think it will be ready to play golf next weekend.
I hope this helps and would recommend the operation to anoyone, as I was limping and in pain before the op, now I have a numb feeling in my 2nd toes with feeling gradually returning and no bunions.
i will answer any questions.
Good luck
pins were removed and I stopped
Hi I had both feet done on the 13th March, it was a really tough call for the first 3 days just getting to the toilet was a huge challenge, , the thing you really need to do is to keep your feet elevated above your hip height for as long as possible, get good pain relief and ice your feet to reduce the swelling, it's not for the faint hearted, I can wear trainers( sneakers ) all day but not shoes or sandals or even flip flops for morethan a couple of hours, I am walking and working again but wouldn't be able to cope all day standing and I am having pain in one of the feet and the scars are very sensitive but that said I'm expecting things to be much improved by the 6 month mark, 6 weeks is far to early to return to work when both feet are done although I work from home for half of the week and travel into London for the other days ( 80 miles).
i was able to drive at around 9 weeks.
so be encouraged but if you have small children or live on you own or a partner who isn't domesticated I'd recommend one at a time
:-)
How long did you have off work? I'm hoping 8 weeks off and a slow phased return will be enough.
Hi
i was signed off for a total of 9 weeks with a phased return although I worked from home most days after 2 weeks of bed rest , but my surgeon had explained thak when you have both feet done it could be up to 12 weeks off work
That's helpful to know. I'll speak to my doctor on Monday and see what he advises. I can see how 12 weeks would be needed,
I can't work from home much as most of my work is patient based but am hoping when I go back to see patients in the morning and do my admin work at home in the afternoon so I can put my feet up and ice them.
Hi
I had my op on both feet on 26 Feb-signed off work for 8 weeks. I went back for three days a week 9 till 5 after that. It was a struggle and I reckon that if you have both feet done the earliest you should go back part time is 10 weeks. Even then you'll probably need to work out how to elevate for at least part of the day.
I will say that people tend to be very sympathetic and will put up with odd behaviour-I often walk around our office without shoes on!
Getting better daily and can see the day when my feet are not my main concern!
:-)