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Bunion surgery

(10 Posts)
teabagwoman Fri 08-Mar-19 17:22:56

I’m going to have to have at least one of my bunions dealt with surgically. I shall be off my feet for a number of weeks which poses problems as I live alone. I was wondering if anyone had coped with this and had any hints and tips about managing. I will organise carers, get a key safe fitted and stock up my freezer with pre-cooked meals. I live in a house so will have to stay upstairs for the first few days. Any advice will be gratefully received.

Sophiesox Fri 08-Mar-19 17:40:05

Hi teabagwoman, I had this surgery recently. Also had hammertoes corrected. I live in a ground floor flat, so that made things easier. Online shopping was great, and they carried all the groceries into my kitchen. Elevate your foot whenever you’re sitting/lying down. It really helps with the healing and keeps the swelling under control. Mine was done under local anaesthetic (ankle nerve block). It takes a fair while to get back to feeling ‘normal’ so be patient with yourself. Make sure you keep the pain relief topped up, especially at bedtime.

Sophiesox Fri 08-Mar-19 17:43:41

p.s. I didn’t need carers. Friends visited from time to time and always asked if I needed them to bring anything. You’ll be surprised how well you cope!

teabagwoman Sun 10-Mar-19 16:49:11

Thanks for your encouragement Sophiesox. I think I will organise carers as my friends, like me, are all in their 70s so have their own problems. The stairs make things a little more difficult but, if the op reduces the pain, it will all be worth it.

Jane10 Sun 10-Mar-19 16:54:01

Hope all goes well and I'm sure it will. You'll be glad of your 'new' feet in the summer!

Sophiesox Sun 10-Mar-19 17:10:05

You’re right to take the least stressful path, teabagwoman! Had my first foot done last July and the second one done in December. I’m gradually getting back into my normal footwear. It’s lovely not having the bleeding (literally!) hammertoes anymore. Have a reduced bunion on my right foot (which was the worse of the two) and no bunion on my left. I wasn’t expecting miracles and think it’s a good result. It will definitely be worth it. Best wishes x

Allegretto Sun 10-Mar-19 18:49:47

I am also soon to have bunion surgery. I’ve sent you a pm.

Jessity Mon 11-Mar-19 06:55:12

I had bunion surgery 20 years ago, brilliant and I still have no sign of them returning. Also had hammer toes straightened but they alas have returned and are as bad as ever.

I had all done at the same time but did have DH to help though he can’t cook, but we managed.

Good luck to all of you anticipating surgery.

BlueBelle Mon 11-Mar-19 07:49:34

I ve turned surgery down I have a small bunion on my right foot and no cartledge left so painful to bend as in walking motion I was offered a pinning procedure plus the bunion removed I declined because of living alone, stairs, independence and some friends who weren’t overjoyed at the result (one had an infection, one said no better) anyway a year on the bunion is no worse still small and the joint is not nearly as painful, I don’t know why, I ve done nothing at all and cartlidge doesn’t appear backbut anyway I m sticking for now

Teetime Mon 11-Mar-19 09:07:31

I have had mine done and a bit more besides this time last year. You will be able to come downstairs on your bottom and go back up the same way just take it easy and put your feet up for most of the day for a few weeks. It wont be as disabling as you fear and then you will have much better feet for walking around in the summer.