Bunions

[Guest]

I have bunions on both feet (right is worse) since my teen years (family history). Have spoken with 2 Podiatrists. Both recommend removal of portion of bone (a wedge shaped piece?) and realignment. But there is a significant difference in other areas. Don't know who to believe - or rather which is the better way to go.

For example: First Doctor said they will absolutely NOT do both feet at once because I will need one foot that I can use to put weight on. Require that I wait 3 to 4 weeks inbetween feet. Also, I will be able to walk out of their office when the "twilight" anesthesia is mostly worn off. No crutches needed. Said they will put a very small, thin, lightweight cast on, approximately 3" wide that is kind of like a band around that area of the foot only. It is bandaged and the foot is put into a surgical shoe. The cast will be replaced once a week. It will be removed at 3 weeks (if I'm healing properly). When I asked how that can be done at 3 weeks when it takes atleast 6 weeks for bone to heal, the reply was that the pins/wires/screws (not sure which) are what holds the bones together during the rest of the healing process. Also, they said I can be walking on it and able to drive myself to work at the 4th day after surgery. The "hardware" will be removed at 6 to 8 weeks, dependent on my healing. When the cast is removed at 3 weeks their goal is to get me into a "tennis shoe" immediately. If that's not possible right away due to continued swelling, then the surgical shoe will be worn until swelling is down enough to allow it. To sum it up, they make it sound like such a breeze! They said I'll have to only miss one day of work. For example if I had the surgery done on a Thursday evening, I'd be back to work by Monday. It almost sounds too good to be true.

Second Doctor I spoke with said it is completely up to me as to whether I have one foot done or both feet done at the same time. Said it isn't any more difficult for two at the same time. I really don't understand that statement - common sense would tell you that it would obviously be easier if you had one "good foot" to lean on. Said if both feet done, then will have to use crutches. As for the "cast" that the 1st Dr. described, the 2nd Dr. was horrified at this. Said a cast must absolutely NOT be used because of swelling. Said their must be the ability to expand. When asked how the bones are completely immobilized, said the bandages they use will prevent any movement. Then the foot will go into a surgical shoe. By the way, is a surgical shoe and a walking cast the same thing? Will change the bandages after 2 days and again after another 5 to 7 days. Doctor #2 was equally horrified about Dr. #1 taking the cast off at 3 weeks and going right into an athletic shoe, as well as driving with a surgical shoe on. Said absolutely NO driving until 6 to 8 weeks, at which time the "wires" will be removed. Said driving with that shoe on is extremely dangerous and if I were to get into a fender bender, my insurance company would not cover me because of the shoe - a big no-no. Said even if I were willing to take that kind of risk, still a big mistake because in spite of all of the bandages, I could end up bumping (on one of the peddles for example) and dislodging the wires which would mean big trouble. Said the surgical shoe(s) will probably need to be worn for a few weeks after bandages and hardware are removed. Doctor #2 basically "ripped" on Doctor #1's techniques and said they are not possible - that I would have bigger problems and end up having surgery to correct those problems. Doctor #2's scenario sounds more realistic, but also a huge inconvenience too.

I've been needing and wanting this surgery since about 1985. I have never been in a financial position to be able to stay home during an extended medical leave and not have my full income. My employer's Corporate Management just announced last week that mine and several of my coworker's positions have been eliminated as of Jan. 31 and they are closing this office down. They are offering a few weeks severance pay and the following 2 months of health insurance (COBRA) premiums paid for us. I live alone (no other income to pay the bills), so I obviously have to continue earning a living. But I'm thinking that this may be my only opportunity to have this surgery done because of the 4 weeks severance pay (unless I were to marry a man whose income can support us while I stay home for an extended medical leave. Not likely!!!) Obviously this surgery will put by job search on hold and make interviewing embarrasing because of the funny looking shoe. Who knows what will be going through prospective employer's minds. I cannot afford to not have my income after the severance runs out. There is no way I can be stranded at home for weeks on end - not able to interview, etc.. Second scenario may not be possible for me to do.

The huge burning question with this whole thing is which scenario is accurate. A few people that I have discussed this with are of the opinion that I'm being "sold" - possibly by either Doctor. Doctor #1 makes it sound like a breeze and it will not have a major impact on my earning capabilities. Doctor #2 may not have the more up-to-date technology and techniques and therefore is cutting down Dr. #1 to get my business. They sound very pessamistic I know. But I'm scared that I may make the incorrect choice.

CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME THE STRAIGHT STORY????

Gratefully,

Laura

[Guest]

99% of the time, suregry on one foot at a time is better and safer to have so you do have one good foot. In your case with your particular circumstanmces, having both done would be a possibility. Most doctors will keep you in a surgical shoe rather than a cast for 2-3 weeks and then into sneakers. A surgical shoe i snot a walking cast however and both are illegal to drive in. You probably could start driving in about 4 weeks knowing that if you had an accident, you may damage the results of the surgery. Six weeks would be the safe route however. Hope I answered all of your questions. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.
[quote] I have bunions on both feet (right is worse) since my teen years (family history). Have spoken with 2 Podiatrists... [/quote]

[Guest]

Dear Doctor;

Thank you for your reply. I do have some other questions though.

What is your opinion about Doctor #1 putting a small/narrow cast on that area and telling me I can wlk on it immediately after surgery, then removing it at 3 weeks and being able to walk on that!

What about Doctor #2's remark that no way a cast should be used because it will not allow for expansion due to swelling?

How can I walk on it (them) without a cast at 3 to weeks when the bones are not completely healed?
[quote] I have bunions on both feet (right is worse) since my teen years (family history). Have spoken with 2 Podiatrists... [/quote]