Hi all of you bunionettes past and present! I am planning to have my surgery done in December. Have an appt in Nov with David Redfern. It will be interesting to see what he has to say; best case scenario for me is minimally invasive, both feet, local anesthetic (I think!). Worst case is only one, traditional bunionectomy and general anaesthetic. I have a tentative booking for surgery on Dec 8th. Any help with the pre op prep would be helpful. Reading this forum has been so helpful and based on what I have gleaned I have put a list together as follows:
Arnica
Vit D
Scooter - could I buy that from the hospital?
Ice packs
And of course loads of books and DVD's
Is there anything else I should consider adding to the list?
Many thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!
Hi Sandispoon. I am now six weeks post-op and would add a few things to your list. I found a bed cradle invaluable as it holds the covers off your feet. Also I bought a cheap metal stool to sit on in the shower while I covered my leg with a large rubber "condom"!!! Don't know what it's called but I had bought it to protect my son's plaster when he broke his leg, and this is his description of it! This meant I could shower from Day 1, but then again, I had only one foot operated on. Something else to think about is the need for some huge shoes to wear once you are allowed to weight bear as it's likely you will be swollen.
Good luck with your surgery.
Hi Sandispoon
Well, you have selected a one of the best men for the job! He operated on my left foot 18 months ago, and 4 weeks ago on my right. I had second procedure done by local anaesthetic. Well,what can i say, other than its fairley uncomfortable. At least thats what i can describe it as and i consider my self to be someone with a high pain threshlold! Iwould ask him straight question about the injection is it painful, as he is yhe one that administers it. You will need a special post op shoe or shoes but i am sure he or his staff will advise you.
Good luck
Hi Sandispoon if you look at my recent posts you can see his work on my bunion!
There is a thing called a "limbo" that is the plastic bag thingy to put over your foot
Many thanks Lilian!! That makes me feel SO much better. Would he not operate on both at the same time or was that your choice?
Thanks so much sbj! Will keep everyone posted. It's a few months away yet but I am already getting psychologically prepared!!
Wow your foot looks absolutley fab!! You must be over the moon!! Any reason why you didn't go for both at the same time I wonder?
Hi Sandispoon, I had my left foot operated on 14 years ago, that one is still fine, he probably would do both at once. I would be interested to know as my sister is thinking of having hers operated on and she would need both done. My foot is looking much less scaly now, soI have attached a couple of new pics.
Hi there,
I think there is so much local he can give you (it's calculated per persons weight I think). I hope I didn't put you off local too much if this is your preferred option. However, it's impossible to know what it will be like . Sound quite trivial when they say injection, but let me say it's big injection and with it you get injected in three different places on your foot and it ain't nice! I Do wish I had a bit of a warning but different people may find it not a problem!when is your op scheduled for?
PS I had first procedure 18 m ago under ga and I wished I had the other foot done at the same time under ga it would have been so much easier to have got it out of the way at the same time!
You should consider a big Tupperware full of healthy snacks and a thermos of tea. And tissues. Getting up to get something is a big deal so keep it all within arms reach. I am 7 weeks post op and had a bad night and couldn't weight bear when I woke this morning. . I am at the stage when I think I am doing really well, then overdo it. So I was glad I still have some supplies handy.
Can't beleive how good your feet look!! I will definitley keep you posted. My consultation is not until Nov 13th. Tentative surgery booked on Dec 8th. Just discovered a friend had both her feet done last year - same surgeon so that is also very encouraging!!
Great..thank you so much Fran! Wishing you a speedy recovery!