Bunion Removal

I had a bunion removed on the NHS as a day surgery, but it was 15 years ago. I was on crutches for six weeks with a boot with no driving allowed. Not particularly painful providing I elevated it often. Luckily I had it done in the autumn because it swelled up whenever I got a bit hot and then it would ache, but ice packs took care of it. Glad I had it done because it was affecting my knee and hip due to the way I was walking.

I had my bunions removed a good few years ago. I came out of hospital the same day. I walked, from day one, with crutches whilst wearing a sandal-like contraption. I genuinely had very little pain with either of the operations (six weeks apart), and am so pleased I had them done.

My bunion was removed 16 years ago, an NHS day case in a well respected hospital we chose because of the reputation of the surgeon who insisted on general anaesthetic. I was discharged with a black solid sandal, told I could weight bear the next day as long as I was cautious and warned not to take even one step without the sandal. I had a couple of days primarily resting then was OK to wander around. The GP surgery dealt with dressing change. I think I am either very unusual or very fortunate as I didn’t find it particularly painful, nothing paracetamol couldn’t deal with.

The post surgery review was after 8 weeks, although I understand most happen at 6. He was an ultra cautious surgeon! Instructions were to wear the sandal, no normal footwear, until after this appointment and of course no driving

All was well and has remained well. As the other foot is now very painful and I’m told not suitable for N HS referral I’m considering private intervention, it’s very worth it to be free of the pain.

I’m not trying to doubt you BTW 💐

I don’t think that is entirely true WelshPoppy - if your bunion is causing your whole foot to be misshapen it is attributed to Arthritis usually not just a cosmetic op.
Podiatrists are sometimes like the stereotypical Doctor’s Receptionist - they try to put you off.

I was accepted for NHS bunion surgery but they cancelled me the day before the op so I went private. It cost 7k. They used an ankle nerve block which was pretty unpleasant but no GA and I could watch the surgery if I wanted to - i did watch and found it fascinating. Home the same day with an orthopaedic sandal. Weight-bearing immediately and encouraged to walk as much as possible but no driving. The bunion surgery was very successful and has made a great difference to footwear and pain.
However, I had the adjacent toe shortened as well and this was much less successful - the toe is still longer than my big toe and all four toes are quite often numb.

I went for a consultation many years ago as my bunions were getting quite large and uncomfortable. The podiatrist told me that I wouldn't be able to have surgery as the NHS wasn't performing those surgeries. Was disappointed.

If you go private I would check what the 5 grand covers.
You could have extras added such as the special boot/clog, elastic stockings, dressings and pain relief to take home with you.

My experience was similar to teabags
2 years ago on the NHS.
I was a Day case,
and Charleygirl ‘s advice is right. Read up on Surgeon’s experience/specialty. The best to go for is a Specialist Ankle and Foot Surgeon even if their waiting list on NHS is long. Most Surgeons do Private and NHS work.
I know a couple of women who have had problems afterwards when guided to Clinics with shorter waiting lists but where they don’t give anaesthetic as such.
I’m happy with my foot.

I had mine done, by the NHS, a few years ago. I had 3 other toes straightened at the same time so had to hop around with a walking frame for six weeks. I kept my foot elevated as much as possible and applied ice packs for 10 minutes in every hour. I only had pain for a few days and the swelling went down very quickly.

I have had it done, twice on same foot. First time in my 20's, however due to the the way they did it those days, I had to have it re sorted about 10 years ago.

The orginal op, effected my other toes plus I developed a "Mortons Neuroma" so the NHS fixed me again!

No, getting away from it, it's painful and you're off your feet for a while. Mine was done as a day case, think they all are now?
They give you a"boot"to walk with and crutches. I also remember having a swollen foot for quite a while.. I had mine done early summer so lived in flip flops until I was forced to wear shoes as the weather changed.

Overall my foot took a good year to reduce the post op swelling.
Mine was quite radical so that's possibly why it took time?

Would I have it done again? yes to get rid of the pain.

You will have to ask about local waiting times, but I doubt if it will be under a year. You are not non weight-bearing for 6 weeks, you will have a padded boot, and using crutches for around 6 weeks. As Utbb says, you can't wear a normal shoe for weeks because of swelling mainly.

Make sure you find somebody who only operates on feet. Don't go to a general orthopaedic surgeon who thinks he can turn his hand to anything.

Would I go privately? Depends on my age. Now I would have no choice.

It is many years since I had my bunion removed, so long ago that I spent several days in hospital, now it is done in a couple of hours and you are home.
I can only say the relief when it was done was marvellous and if you have the money well worth £5k. I was on crutches for several weeks and couldn’t wear normal shoes for ages.
It has all changed now I am sure.

Hi there my sister had just had her second one done - not for the faint hearted , very painful, but she was walking on it after 48 hours with a boot for 6 weeks on NHS . So make some enquiries !