Morton's Neuroma

[Wendy T]

I had the surgery in 2003 after a year of avoiding it. Initially, I was told that there was a possibility I could wear good tennis and not have invasive surgery. I opted for that since I worked in a casual enviroment that allowed for tennis shoes. Problem was about 60% of my time was on my feet and after a year I had to admit defeat. Surgery went well, post op was easy and I was back at work in two weeks doing "desk duty". But I still can't wear pretty shoes - after four years. I don't have the same pain as the neuroma produced, but the scar tissue that has built up since the surgery is horrible. Sometimes I feel as though a nail has been shoved in my foot, from the toes on back. It can be quite painful when walking, even in my "special" tennis shoes.
I have just one suggestion for anyone that is contemplating surgery. You should start working to break down the scar tissue as soon as your foot can stand the pressure. I have a tubular shaped, hard rubber device that has little rubber spikes throughout it - like a porcipine (sp?). I put my foot on it with some pressure roll it back and forth from ball of foot to toes while sitting or standing imobile. It helps tremendously, but I didn't start doing it until 3 years after the surgery. It will take awhile to completely break down the scar tissue.
You may want to speak with your doctor about it. Although my doc was good and the scars are barely visible now, he didn't mention a word about scar tissue - much less how painful it could be or how to lessen it.
Good luck to all of you!

Wendy

[RobinSchares]

I am just like you. I do not work but am not very still either and I feel into a small depression while laying there day after day after day and now they are talking about me taking another week without walking cause I am experiencing quite a bit of pain. The shots didn't help me either and sometimes wonder if they didn't do more harm as they were very painful. My left foot went great. Was driving and walking within a few weeks. This is so different and hard to lay there but if you elect to have the surgery then I hope you do take the time to do nothing. Complications can come from walking to early. After a while you get use to someone having to do for you although it is against our nature. Going to clean my living room this morning and looking forward to that. Looking forward to getting to do anything.
Again, if you don't do the surgery what is the alternative? Constant pain and the progression of the problem. I think you should consider there is no other relief. Good luck!

[alwaysunderfoot]

Well I had my dr. visit and he scheduled my surgery for Dec. 28. He said that was the best way to go. So I hope he's right. Now I'll be dreading it until then. I'd say it'll all be ok eventually. How are you doing today? Do you have to stay off your feet another week? I'm sorry to hear that because I know it gets tiresome. I get to feeling sorry for myself when I can't do anything!

[alwaysunderfoot]

Wendy, did they do your surgery from the bottom or top of your foot? I've heard that scar tissue can be terribly painful especially on the bottom of your foot. My dr. said that's why he would rather go through to top. That too has its own problems but he said it's not very likely. Sorry you still can't wear "pretty" shoes. I know all about that! But I don't hope to ever be able to and to be honest I don't really care if only I could walk without pain! Thanks for your info. I appreciate it.

[alwaysunderfoot]

Robin,how did the house cleaning go yesterday? Hope you didn't hurt your foot worse.

[Wendy T]

Alwaysunder,

My surgery was done from the top. To be honest, I didn't know you could do it any other way until I read the posts here. As I said, I waited a year to have the surgery opting to wear correct footgear. After the pain began in THOSE I went back to the doctor for the surgery. At that time he found a 2nd neuroma on the same foot - this of course could lend alot towards the amount of scar tissue I have. I'm just glad that I only had one foot affected. I truly feel for all of you that have both feet in pain.

Wendy

[alwaysunderfoot]

Wendy, I had never even heard of MN until a couple of months ago. Like I said, I had my other surgery last year after having had terrible pain for years. I am a person who hates to have to go to the Dr. If I had went and had my surgery years ago things may not have been so bad. After all one foot problem leads to another. I always say that when your feet hurt your body hurts! If my feet didn't hurt (one way or another) I would probably think something was wrong! I keep telling myself that I may as well get used to it and to quit complaining about it but it seems like that's not possible. I have a husband and son who don't show a lot of sympathy!! That's because they've never had any problems I guess. But still I know they get tired of hearing about it.

[RobinSchares]

I am going to cheat today and drive. getting out of the boot for a while to go shopping.
i am suppose to wait until wed. but I have been stranded and had this boot on for over 6 weeks.
Take care and let me know if you decide to go for the surgery. make sure the podiatrist has done several surgeries and is skilled in it.

[alwaysunderfoot]

Robin, Hi! How did the driving and the shopping go? I hope you did fine. Christmas shopping is tiresome at the best of times (for me anyway) but I'd say especially so after being confined for so long. I am glad that you seem to be doing better. It gives me hope. My surgery is in 11 more days. I think I get more nervous everyday! You know its worse when you already know how painful foot surgery can be. I keep hoping that if I expect the worst it won't be as bad as I think! I had gallbladder surgery 3 months ago and I tell people that was a picnic compared to this "foot stuff"! Did you leave the boot off? If so, how's that going?

[Theresa65]

Robinshares: You said: "I found the doctor less than forthcoming with the recovery process." Through my lifetime I've found this to be true. We are supposed to be the patients and not have all the answers. Thank God for the internet which helps us to do our research.

This is what I'd strongly recommend to EVERYONE.

1) Bring someone with you to your doctor's appointment. When under stress I don't always pick up on everything.

2) Bring with you a list of questions because chances are you'll forget to ask them all.


3) If surgery is decided upon, make sure you have clear instructions for post-op and recovery.

I accompanied my oldest daughter to the hospital and for her painful bunion surgery. He removed some of the bone on both sides of one foot placing a screw. Knowing my daughter would rush back to work too soon, I asked the doctor in front of her when she should go back to work. His response was: "When she feels she can." Well she felt she could a few days later and fell on her crutches in the parking lot at work. I knew she would go back too soon because she's got a driven personality.

What her doctor needed to do was tell her exactly when, what, where, and how. Needless to say, she caused herself swelling and problems healing.