I'm having bunion surgery on a" moderate to severe" bunion on my left foot sometime after Christmas. I have no idea what I'm going to be capable of or incapable of during the first 2 weeks or so. My doc says I will have to be non weight bearing for 6 weeks followed by PT for who knows how long. I have asemi-retired husband who works part time and a few friends in the area (we're pretty new to this area). My sister who is in another state and almost 80 has offered to come help me. She's in good health but she is elderly so not terribly active or strong. Will I need someone everyday, all day?
Any advice, help suggestions is most appreciated.
I had hip replacement 5 years ago and my friend who had hers done was so helpful to me. I'm glad to have found y'all!!
For the first two weeks you walk on your heel of the operated foot only. After that you slowly increase how much of your foot touches the floor. For the first day after you will need help. I spent the day in bed. The day after I got up and got about a bit. I was home alone and managed to make drinks and snacks. I kept a carrier bag on my crutches so could carry things. When you are sitting you need to prop up your operated foot.
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
My doc said I have to be completely non weight bearing (like in no walking on my operated foot at all for 6 weeks). He's suggested a knee walker, a wheelchair or crutches or a combination of the 3 to get around when I feel like it.. Perhaps my bunion is too severe (it is like...super ugly, although it doesn't hurt) and too much needs to be fixed in my foot to touch it down on the floor at al!.
I had my first bunionectomy last December, had another in July on the same toe, this time with plate and screws because the arthritis, I was due another op on the same toe last Tuesday, but because the junior doctor strike it has been postponed until January, the third op is to correct the position of the toe as there is a big gap.
I found it painful post op both times, although with the first I needed physio which was very painful, physio not needed second time as the toe is now fused.
I have seen these knee walkers and they look fantastic, enable you to get around more, if offered defo get one!
Lapidus has a longer recovery than the other surgeries. I had right foot Lapidus 8/28 and left foot Lapidus 11/5. If you're on facebook, join our Lapidus bunionectomy group.
Hi Joanne. I am also having bunion surgery just a few days after Christmas. I'm having pins in my left big toe, hammertoe repair on the second toe, and another pin for a tailor's bunion on the same foot. Like you, the doctor told me 6 weeks totally non-weight bearing. I have a knee scooter, crutches and a walker. I also have a portable potty chair that sets over the potty -it will be easier because it is higher. I am also recovering from a hysterectomy that I had on Dec. 3rd, but I'm much more anxious about this foot surgery.
I'm a little jumpy about this too! The idea of being off my feet for 6 weeks is tough. I have a raised potty seat from a previous surgery. Is the walker a regular walker like you see in nursing homes? I talked with my chiropractor about the knee scooter and she mentioned it might be a little hard on your knee and back. Great! 😥
My repair is further down the top of my foot from the bunion... screws and plate. Therapy afterwards to teach me how to walk because my gait is off from compensating for this bunion. Let's keep in touch. We'll have lots of time to write. I wish you all the best. J
Yor surgery sounds very similar to mine, Joanne. Mine is also further down into my foot because of the size of the bunion. My doctor recommended the knee scooter, which I think will be good for large open spaces, but I don't think it will do too well in most places in my house. The walker is just a basic walker that used to be my dad's, and I can't imagine how it will help if I can't put any weight on my foot. The crutches are difficult for me right now because of the hysterectomy I had on Dec. 3rd. I honestly can't figure out how this is all going to worl, but others have done it before us, right? Yes...definitely keep in touch! What date is your surgery? Mine is on the 29th.
If you are ordered to be non weight bearing for six weeks that is what it means. I had my surgery 12/1 and cannot walk on the heel or any part of my operated foot for three more weeks. Get a knee scooter. Also my pain was minor--off pain pills in two days. Ignore the replies that say you can use your foot at all for the first six weeks--they had a different surgery. If you are going to try to use crutches (I tried but abandoned because the crutches triggered bursitis in my hip, which was replaced last year) get Mobilegs.
Thanks, Carol, for all the great advice. I checked out Mobilegs, but can you tell me why you like them as compared to regular crutches? Is it worth it to pay $149.99?
The main reason is the fact that it does not hurt your armpit. Flexible mesh that moves when you do. With regular crutches you can cause nerve damage in a few days. Also easier to manage and much lighter. All crutches are horrible, particularly for women. We don't have the upper body strength. I can bench 90 but hate crutches.
A walker will not work if you are NWB. And no need for a raised toilet seat. Easy enough to lift off with your arms(unlike hip replacement, which I had last year, when I could not sit at 90 dergrees). Learn to use your core to stay straight and your arms to lift. And get lots of books to read. Good luck
Be sure and practice before your surgery. Crutches are not very stable and tha last thing you want to do is topple and stop your fall with the operated toot. I love my knee scooter and, for crutches Mobilegs are great. I am 23 days post surgery, 18 days before I can walk on the horrible surgical shoe. No pain after the second day but much boredom. But my foot looks so much better than pre-surgery. Good luck!