Bunions

[MaryAB]

I would like to have my bunions removed. I have received two Doctor's opinions. One says that just the surgery to remove the bunions including shortening the big toe bone and installing an absorbable pin is sufficient. Since my arch appears to be normal he did not recommend correcting the arch surgically but treat it with orthopedic supports and better shoes. The other doctor says that in order to get to the root cause of the problem he would like to install a screw between the heal bone and the arch since the x-ray reveals that there is no pea size gap between the two bones. He then would remove the bunions I was wondering if it's worth having the screw installed to correct the arch since the only symptom beside the bunion is calluses forming at the ball of my big toe, which are easily treatable. I agree that the arch condition is contributing to the bunion condition but I am 47 and what's the chances of the bunions reoccuring in my lifetime? Does the condition excellerate as the arch continues to degenerate over time? Just trying to reduce my exposure to risk if it is not necessary. Any thoughts?
Mary

[BlueCast29]

Hi Mary,

I just had bunion surgery on my left foot and I had choose to do the surgery where the big toe bone was shortened, alighned and then a screw (that stays in forever) was put on a bone to keep it from moving. ( sorry it's a bad explenation). I got it done on wednesday the 15th and yesterday I had a cast put on. Doc said this is the only surgery to make it perminante. I don't want to have to go through this again. it's not even been a week and it's hard to not be completely mobile. It's hard to lay down for long periods and it's hard to get anything done. My foot swells up when I get up . I am using crutches and it's harder than I thought. I asked the doc to do my other foot at the same time to just get it over with but he said healing time would be longer and I would be bound to a wheel chair. It's annoying but I think it's best to just do this due to the pain and due to the fact that I saw my great grandma's feet and it only would have gotten worse.
I am 29, I know you said you are older, but I would do it if it would improve your mobility, and if you have seen progress of the bunion. I know mine would have gotten worse, so I decided to do something about it. Plus my feet were hurting and I went from being able to wear high heels to not being able to even wear them once in a while, so I knew I had a problem on hand.
But some people have bunions and don't have pain and the bunion isn't progressing. I saw that oprah has this problem. She doesn't need surgery. So I guess it depends on your situation.
Also you should have someone help you, if you get it done. I have roommates that help sometimes but it's still hard to do simple things , like showering takes twice as long, I can't carry anything so I take a back pack around with me to be able to take one thing from one room to another, and I can't clean much which really is hard since I like being clean. Also it's hard to feed and take care of my pets, but I do the best I can and get by.
I did laundry , shopping , and everything I needed for about 6 weeks prior to surgery.
It's hard to have someone wait on you hand and foot all the time, I feel bad asking for help , and since I am not married nor close to family , it is definately harder on me, but I believe in the end I will be happier. PLus It gives me some much needed time away from work.
good luck and keep me updated on what you chose to do.
:)

[doe53]

BlueCast29,

How is your recovery going? I will be having similar surgery at somepoint and need to know how things are day to day. How much is the pain? When does the pain become tolerable? When can you walk normal? Any info would be helpful.

Doe53