Scarf osteotomy & Akin

Foot care
1

Hi guys,

was just wondering if anyone could provide me with some hope I suppose. I'm 19 had my scarf osteotomy and Akin surgery last Friday on both feet. When I came out of the operation the nurses discovered the nerve blockers didn't work and I was in excruciating pain, after vomiting and fainting on Saturday they decided to keep me in a extra night. I recently before hand had compartment syndrome and had my facia released on the majority of my compartments, before the surgery I had rare bunion pain but had been advised to get them done to help with poor foot mechanics. I've been given a partial weight bearing shoes which I have to wear for 6 weeks I get my stitches out next week and a splint fitted. I was just wondering, and I know it's very early days but when does it get any less painful, days seemed to be as bad as the last, it's elevated all day and night give or take loo breaks, I'm only taking ibuprofen because paracetamol doesn't agree with me, I have a temperature and go from sweating to freezing throughout the night. I'm going mental being on bed rest as I'm usually a very active teenager and starting to get awful back pain no matter what position I lie in. I just think I'm writing here for any hope and to hear any fellow stories or advice about how to aid recovery. I know I sound impatient I just want to be sure I'm doing all I can and I think I just need to hear it gets better! Sorry for the long draining post, any replies would be very appreciated!

2

I'm sorry you're in pain I'm sure it does get better with time I going to have my right foot done on June 5th and I had my left foot done unfortunately was not improperly that was 18 years ago and has to be redone keep icing your foot to reduce swelling and keep it elevated take your pain meds as needed you should get better soon the only thing I worry about from your post is a fact that you said you've been running fevers fevers can be a sign of infection you should contact your doctor just to make sure everything is OK just to wish you the best of luck keep us posted

3

Hi katie. I had same op on both feet almost 9 weeks ago. I too was, and am impatient. I really wasnt prepared for how immobile this op makes you. You are very young to have this op but then hopefully your young age will benefit you in the fact that you may heal quicker. Everyone really does have different experiences of this surgery - but i have learned that patience really is key. It is a long recovery but in t meantime why not try some heat treatments such as a warm water bottle to ease the pain in you back. Good luck to you.

4

Hi Rebecca, thank you for your response. I'm sorry to hear that you have to have it redone! I understand what your saying with the fever, the only thing that I didn't mention is I had a temperature before I had the operation & it is accompanied with a sore throat! However I do think it's a good idea to give my surgeon a call to see his opinion! All the best of luck with your operation, wishing you a speedy recovery afterwards!

5

Hi Margot,

Thank you so much for your reply! It gives me great comfort hearing that you've been through it and made it through the otherside! How is your pain now? I will defiantly try the water bottle, don't know why I didn't think of that before hand!

6

Hi katie. I would say my pain post op was 'bearable'. I was taking cocodamol and ibuprofen for the first couple of weeks which saw me through. But i think i actually had more pain from lounging about - something i'm not usually good at. I have more pain now though, learning to walk again after getting rid of the velcro shoes. Like i said we have to be very patient with this op as it is a long recovery. I am noticing improvements bit by bit though and just hoping to continue that way. Hope you start feeling better soon.

7

Hi Katie. sounds as though you've really been through it, poor you. Brave you having both done. I had the same op as you but only one foot, 17 weeks ago, due to have my other done in a few weeks. The worst of the pain for me only lasted the first week but I took both iboprufen and Codeine, think the key is to take them regularly before the pain kicks in so you're on top of it. But the real pain is the two weeks enforced bed rest isn't it?! Have to look on it as a holiday, thoroughly spoil yourself and make sure others do the same for you!!! Oh and plenty of future shoe shopping wish lists can pass hours  away

One thing to try if you haven't already is to raise the foot end of your mattress a little - propped mine up with a pile of books, found that really helped and was more comfortable.for sleeping. Hope that helps you. Wish you well  and a fast recovery Katie. 

 

8

Hi Bee23

Thank you for your lovely response! I can't wait till I can see them! hoping that will give me some added encouragement as had bunions for as long as I can remember! I'm pleased the surgery sounds like it's been good enough for you to have the second one done, good on you! I feel so confined to bed! I usually live for a movie day!!! No longer haha! All the best with your second operation, hope it goes aswell as the first! Thanks again for your response I can assure you sandal shopping will be the first thing on my list!

All the best!

9

Although you clearly are a special case and I had Lapidus which I think is a little more severe than osteotomy,  what I do believe immediately by what you say is that you have not been given enough meds for your situation.  I could not have got through the immediate days after surgery merely on ibuprofen.  You should contact your GP immediately and ask for stronger painkillers.  Nobody should have to suffer severe pain.  I had Co-cdamol as well as Tramadol to get me through.  Ask your GP for help immediately.  I am sure you will get better through this, it just takes time.  Good luck.

10

Hi Rosie

Thank you for your response, unfortunately I am allergic to co-codamol so there's not many strong pain killers I can take! I will take your advise and ring in the morning though, even slight relief from this pain would do wonders!

Thank you!

11

Hello Katie.

You are very young to need this surgery. I am sure it will all come right for you.

However, I am sure you're a very sensible and intelligent young woman, but the recovery period following this type of surgery is VERY long and great patience is required.

So, you must rest, rest and elevate the feet as you are doing already. I suspect you will have been given elbow crutches. If not you need to get some. Having one foot out of action is bad enough but both requires even more support with mobility.

As it is only a week since your surgery you are very much in the early days of recovery.

That's why it  is imperative that you keep off the feet and only move for no more than 10minutes in every hour.

A bed cradle will help with keeping the weight of the bed covers off your feet and a couple of Limbos ( these are waterproof stockings and I found mine a great bonus) will be useful to have and to put on over your bandages when you feel confident enough to take a shower. Both are easily available online and worth the cost.

Trust me, the pain/discomfort will ease but this will be helped along if only you follow the advice to stay off your feet as much as possible.

I am in my 60s and even I was bored at times having to sit around a great deal. But it's been worth it and I am glad I had the surgery although I had my feet done separately. One in November 2013 and the other in October 2014. So I have had the recovery ongoing for pretty much the best part of two years.

Boredom is an awful thing but I am afraid you must grin and bear it. Sorry if this sounds harsh.

I am sorry you had a bad reaction and was sick and you are only able to tolerate ibuprofen. As for the sweating/freezing through the night, maybe you should contact either your GP and/or your consultant's secretary to inform them of this condition in case you have some underlying cause for it.

The back pain is a nuisance and even though I had the benefit of a reclining armchair with a foot rest I had bouts of feeling stiff in my back.

You will p[robably have read many posts from users of this forum and basically we are all very much in the same camp but so many of us have a good outcomes and are glad we had the surgery.

Don't expect to be back to normal before 9/12 months. This may sound horrendously long but our feet have so much to cope with and the surgery does take its toll as all the bones, nerves, tendons and ligaments in the foot have undegone major surgical trauma.

You will get varying degrees of throbbing if you are on the feet for too long. Listen to what your feet are saying and when this occurs get them elevated as high as possible  -  not below groin level.

A young woman like you will want to be up and out and about doing what 19year olds tend to do these days, but you MUST take very great care.

Good Luck.

Gillian

 

12

What a great reply gillian. I myself am just only  9 weeks into my recovery and had been a bit frustrated as i was told the recovery would be just 3 months. So as i am still having lots of swelling and only able to get into a velcro shoe, I had thought my recovery was a lot slower thn it should have been. I also feel as if i am bruised underfoot along with some pain and tightness (this is only since trying to walk again and puting more pressure on my feet). But thanks to your above reply - you have made me feel as if what i am going through is normal. Thankyou.

13

Hi Gillian

Thanks for your reply! It's nice to know that time will make it come right and what I'm doing is the very best. I'm glad your operations went well and you are pleased with the results!

14

Thanks for your good wishes Katie! Hope you have more pain medics to zap that pain today. For sure when they take those bandages off your feet it  give you one massive  boost, I still gaze at my new one in wonder!! And to have one done and one not is good reminder of why I went through it!!  Gillian gave you great advice, take it slowly, it's worth it for the  end result, to be rid of awful bunion pain and that ugly bump too. Take good care, post and let us know how you're doing.