Yes the researching is both beneficial and also nerve wracking. I was much more calm before I starting reading others' experiences, but at the same time at least now I know what I'm in for.
Good luck to you as well and I will keep updated on how my process goes!
I'm hearing a lot about Day 3 being the killer. I'm trying to set in my mind that if I can make it past Day 3, I'll be good to go.
Will be thinking of you - and looking forward to updates. I will also be having the next two hammer toes done as well. I think those of us having the lapidus procedure is because our big toe has strayed a little too far in the wrong direction.
Whilst you are in the U.S. this site has proved we are united in our support wherever we are. But having said that we are all unique and so are our feet - we have to trust what our surgeon tells us.
Good Luck x
The lapidus procedure involves a fusion of the joint that actually causes the shifting of the toe and the bunion to form, so there's some screws involved. Many times it also involves another incision at the top part of the big toe to realign and cut the ligaments so the toe stays straighter. It's usually used for "severe" cases. A google search would explain it much better than me though, I'm sure!
4/10 pain doesn't sound too bad. With luck I'll end up that that level.
I'm actually thinking about a shower chair and a wheelchair.... Something about a shower chair just is hard for me. I guess it's my pride. But clean > pride so we'll see.
Thank you for the help!
Claire - I am looking at one of those protectors to stop dressings getting wet. Have you seen those? Also have you seen on here people taling about a knee 'scooter' I think it is called?
It's easy to forget some of those positives when I've been focusing so much on the scary parts. Thank you for reminding me it won't be all bad
I really hope all goes well for you.
You seem to be very thorough in your research,which is great to prepare you as well can mentally.
This op sounds like will be positive for you in the long run x
Hope gets rid of your pain,uncomfortably in foot.
I know you do want to use a shower chair,but I'm really glad had mine....let me keep my private stuff to myself.
And keep my dignity.x
You will only use a short while,and then wont need.
I hated the wheel chair,but was sonuseful x
Hope you sort out gadgets and plan for after care ok x
Instead of a chair for the shower I had a folding plastic step used for reaching higher cupboards and this was ideal for the bath, although it wasn't the small step but one that is a bit higher, it was ideal. I also had a special sleeve for over my dressing. Something to think about instead of spending out on a special shower chair.
I bought the sleeve for showering, I know about the knee scooter but I haven't purchased one. I've been practicing on my crutches and can get around the house fairly well, so I didn't want to buy the scooter until I see if it's really going to be necessary.
My aunt has a shower chair that I could borrow, so I'm okay with the cost. And I have the sleeve, it was pretty cheap online. I've been practicing sliding in and out of the tub backwards on my behind, and taking my shower sitting down on the floor of the tub, but it's pretty tricky and then standing up on one leg is risky for falls.
You are prepared - well done! Do you have any pressure i.e. to get back to education/work?
The trouble with me I haven't had any pain with my bunion but I know it is getting worse and my hammer toes, I asked my surgeon if it could get any worse and he said 100% given family history as well.
So for me I think - no pain now - so why make pain? So at my age I am thinking I ,ust do it now and not leave it any later.
Well Clare - they say 'Fail to plan - plan to fail' so you have passed and I think you need your gold star now.
I'm currently a full time student, so I'm off for the summer (kind of). I need to get myself into my school 2 or 3 times in the month of June, the first time being 7 days after my surgery. I'm a little concerned about that one. But I'm hoping with a wheelchair and someone driving me I'll be able to do it.
I don't have too much pain in my bunions either. I occasionally get some soreness or shooting pain in my toe after wearing heels or walking all day, but on a day-to-day basis I'm fine. However, I've had my bunions my whole life and they are progressing and my big toe is slowly disappearing behind my second toe, so even without pain I guess surgery is the way to go while I'm still young.
I think for most other people, like you and I, it seems to be something people just bite the bullet and go for
Just looking in and thinking of you. We can chat later when you have your foot up and resting.
Hi there hope your surgery went well today best of luck please keep us posted i go on to get my right food done this friday and my left foot will be done in another 4 to 6 weeks
I made it! I'll share my experience so far, maybe it will help someone else. The actual surgery was no big deal... I was lucky enough to go to a top rated orthopedic hospital here in New York City so all of the staff were great throughout my experience. The intake coordinator knew I was terrified from the moment I walked in the waiting room, I was that much of a mess.
So now it's the middle of day two and I've been managing. They gave me both a spinal nerve block to numb me from the waist down, which wears off about an hour or two after surgery, as well as a nerve block in my right knee area to numb me from that point down on my surgery foot. The anesthesiologist said that block lasts 24-48 hours, honestly I began to feel some pain 2 hours after surgery and the nurse gave me 2 Percocet (oxycodone & acetaminophen), which took the edge off. I know the nerve block is still in effect though, because my knee area is slightly numb and I keep getting some tingling and coldness in parts of my foot, which the anesthesiologist said is the nerve block wearing off slowly. So due to the block, my pain is okay. Sleeping has been hard... I think it's the medication. I've been taking 1 or 2 percocet every 4-6 hours in order to stay on top of the pain. I'm also taking 500 mg of Naproxen every 12 hours for inflammation, low dose aspirin every 12 hours, and Lyrica (used for nerve pain from diabetes or fibromyalgia) once a day at night. I have Zofran for possible nausea, if I need it. So my doctor made sure I'm prepared for what's to come!
The hardest part so far has been getting to the bathroom. One reason is because when you stand up, the blood really does rush to your foot, as most people say. The pain increases a bit then. Another reason is because I'm wrapped almost up to my knee in bandages and what feels like a very large plastic splint. I don't have the surgical shoe/boot that many people get, I have more of a huge square protective shell. And this splint is heavy! It has to be several pounds (maybe half a stone for all you Brits out there [smile] ). So walking with this and holding it up is pretty difficult and tiring. I'm sweating by the time I make it back to the bed. It also makes my right hip hurt from holding up the extra weight. But this is only for 2 weeks, so I'll deal with it.
I'm hoping the rest of the week goes as smoothly as it has so far. Praying for no increase in pain!
Glad to hear your doing well best wishes
Wow! Well done you - sounds like I need to write down the names of your pain relief so I can say 'I want some of them please.'
So pleased for you that this stage is over and thank you for sharing your experience. Looking forward to next episode.
Clairegen
Hi, hope things are going well for you and the pain isn't too, well, painful.
I had a bilateral lapidus with Atkins on 27/11/14. and i think i was totally shell shocked for the first 36 hours.
Came off all medication after 5 days, and was getting around the house & stairs within 48 hours of the op.
on the 13th day, had the banages off and stiches out, and velco splint on. 3 days later i managed to hobble (heel walking shoes & crutches) half a mile to a local resturant for a long lunch, and hobbled twice as slowly back.
6 week post op, did the same walk in very old sandals, very tiring.
at 12 weeks joined a local pole dancing group (low impact on feet - allegedly)
now at 6 months still have aching & swelling feet, still swollen in some area's but i hope that that will go in the the next 6 months. although chatting to someone else who had a bilateral lapidus, she was on cruches for a year and it took another year to fully recover..
Just come back from a walking holiday, very thankful that the weather wasn't up to much, but, manged at least 6 miles daily - WITHOUT BLISTERS!!!! yippee.
Yes there is pain, and you'll wonder why you had the op, but the lapidus is very complicated and very nasty to go through. Been told by the physio that it's a minimum of 12 months recovery, you'll have good days and bad all the way through.
keep in there,
Caroline
The meds really are key, I think. One of the first things I asked the surgeon was what he was giving me. The biggest tip I can give is to really take the meds even if you don't think you 'need' them at that moment.
I'm back in the surgeon's office a little over a week, so we'll see how things are healing under this huge bandage!