[Unhappy Golfer]

Went to the Hospital yesterday six days after the op for re-dressing of the wound. Couldnt belive it when the surgeon said "Very good,you can start getting back to normal,but take it easy" What! All these stories I was hearing about six months ,even years recovery.
Anyway he took all the bandaging away and stuck a plaster over the scar,told me to come back next week to have the stitches out and sent me on my way.
Only problem was I diddnt take my left shoe with me!

[JanetM]

WOW! the last post I read, someone was saying it had been 4 weeks and was wondering how much longer they could expect to be out of work. Another I read was that post-op one could expect to be on crutches and non-weight bearing for 2 weeks, the some weeks recuperating. I'm still researching and learning about this condition, before decided on course of treatment, and am getting more confused by the minute.

Congrats on your speedy recovery.

[Unhappy Golfer]

I think it all depends on wether they go in through the top or bottom of the foot.I had the top of the foot op which is a bit a bit more involved but better for recovery.(No wounds on the bottom of foot)

The post op period is the most important ,plenty of ice ,keep your feet up and do some excercises to keep the circulation going.

Just got back from walking the dog,she was going more stir crazy than me,a bit sore so Im off to bed with a good book and an ice pack!

[sayles1]

I had a neuroma removed (between 3rd & 4th toe) 5 weeks ago. I stayed home with foot up for 5 days before returning to work. A little hobbling but nothing major. I too was shocked at the horror stories I read on this site. Weeks on crutches? I never needed crutches and my doctor never said I would. The key is getting a good doctor. My podiatrist has been removing neuromas for 25 years. My recovery has been GREAT. Pain is gone. Sure there is some numbness and a couple of weeks ago when I walked barefoot around the house (once the stitches and wrapping was removed) was a little tender on the pad of the foot but that has already subsided. My doc pretty much said once the stitches were out to let the foot do the talking. I am an avid runner and have chosen to wait until week 6 to start. That will be the real test. In the meantime I've been back at the Gym for the past few weeks doing my full workout. I go a little gentle on the toes raises and calf machines but think those are important to keep that area flexible to prevent scar tissue. I am wearing my heals at work and absolutely NO pain. A few weeks after I start back running I plan on listing my own comment on this site with the positive outcome. I think too often on these forums we only hear the negative outcomes. It is important to see the negative, but I think those are the ones that come back and post their frustrations; more positive outcomes should take the time also share their stories. It sounds like you will have a great recovery and I hope to hear how you are doing in a few weeks.

[annegreen]

I can't believe how much pain I still have, 4 weeks after surgery. My employer is very unsympathetic and I did go back to work for 2 days [office-based], but it was just too painful and I ended up in tears. My GP has given me anti-inflamatories and more pain killers. He says the hospital should have given me a compression stocking, but it is too late now. I just sit, or hobble around the house.

Anne

[Unhappy Golfer]

Anne
Sometimes after surgery the "pain tap" is turned on and wont switch off. (Risk is about 1/1000) Specialist treatment is required.
I dont understand why you are seeing your GP (bad advice IMO),surely you should still be under the surgeon .

[annegreen]

Was discharged from hospital when stitches removed, though I can go back if I have probs. Went to my GP in desperation, who did not seem surprised to see me after MN surgery.

Have now given up researching MN on internet as it is just too depressing. The one good thing I have found is to massage across the scar. This provides instant relief and removes the 'pencil-shaped lump' from beneath the scar. Then I can walk fairly well, with not muchh pain. But the 'lump' is back again within a few minutes.

I long to get back to walking for pleasure again.

[Unhappy Golfer]

I do sympathise Anne you are obviously having a bad time post op.Its not all bad news though ,you MUST massage the foot, just kep doing it.The fact that you get tempoary relief is good sign,Massage Massage ,Massage.Ice,Ice, Ice.

[annegreen]

Seems a bit better today. Guess the ice and massage must have helped. Seeing a podiatrist privately tomorrow, who actually diagnosed MN within a few minutes back in Sept 2008. Just want more advice on aftercare, and whether I am okay to go back to work. I suppose GP and NHS do their best, but there just isn't time to go thru everything.

Very anxious to get back to work, as employer is very unsympathetic.

Anne

[camperfan]

Hello Anne - I responded to your last post on kelijean's thread, but I didn't really make clear it was you I was specifically sympathising with. Sorry! I hope you had a good visit with the podiatrist today. All the post operative stuff I've had has been private. I'm lucky (a) that I can afford to pay for it and (b) I know it's out there to be asked for (even if not always easy to find someone good). Even if it can't provide the services, I think it's a pity the NHS so often doesn't seem to give even advice about post-op care. Although the operation is fine for the majority, a significant minority have problems and it could save so much pain and anxiety.