Hi, I've found these discussions fab for reassurance and help managing expectations on recovery. Everyone is hugely supportive. My story in brief - I'm 38, got RA and am 10 weeks post op after extensive toe and bunion surgery. We moved to Dubai in January and so I've had the surgery here. Managing 3 young kids hasn't been easy but I don't work so don't have that to contend with. I have good days and bad and a long way to go. Being in Dubai has meant the care has been different to what we are used to in the UK, because of course, we pay for it! Along the way the nurses, doctors and physios have all passed on tips for helping recovery and I though I'd share some I hadn't seen mentioned before. All these are once mobilisation is allowed. 1. Fill a large bottle (coke for example) with water, freeze it and roll the underside of your foot over it. It numbs the foot and helps you excersise the stiff joints. 2. Alternate hot and cool water. 2 basins, 1 minute in each. 3. Use a Pilates band to start excersising the ankle 4. Freeze a cocktail stick/plastic spoon in an ice cube (kind of like an ice lolly) and use this to ice the bad joints. It's a 3/5 min solution rather than 10 or 15 mins with a pack. 5. Deep tissue massage to help release the scars. Really get into the tissue. All of these are within the limits of pain obviously. Sorry if these have all been discussed before!!
Once my walking boot is off I shall give some of these tips a go, thanks.
Thanks Fiona and well dne to you, managing 3 children after such a painful op. Ill give some of these a go. Thanks and good luck with your recovery
hi fiona.... hope you are well, would like to thank you for your advice which has been so helpful.... i will certainly be trying them as i am five weeks in post op and still have swelling and soreness....i think i am too keen to get up and running again but this healing process is a long one, i had a double bunion removal and hammer toe pinned... i had the two done together because i knew i would not go back and have the second !!! i can remember the surgeon saying just before i went into the theatre now you sure you want the two.... me giving it the big un.... ohoo yes doc do what you have to do..... ohoooo fiona when i came out and the pain relief wore off... i so regreted it lol... but thats typical me just dont think at times..... but maybe for the best because i would of had one straight food and one bumpy one !!! so having the two done i am so greatful for any advice for abit of pain relief... many thanks fiona and i wish you well too x
Totally agree with you,this site and all the support is invaluablle. Loving your tips, very different, I'm one week in, sugery on left foot with surgery 20 weeks on other, certainly going to give all those new Ideas a go, thank you! Sounds like you've had a lot to cope with, well done you.. Wish you a really good and quick recovery Fiona.
Like the water bottle idea also my dr said to buy a foot cream or bio oil and massage it into the foot and scar and to take the middle part of the big toe and move it up and down as pain as tolerated several times a day to relieve stiffness
Oh, I haven't heard these tips before! Thanks. I am 4 weeks post-op (lapidus bunion surgery on the L foot) I will use these starting next week. Thank you.