Bunion Surgery Recovery – Appreciating the Little Things!

Finally!

After struggling with my feet for countless years I finally decided to have surgery on my left foot to remove my growing bunion.  Specifically I had a lapidus fusion, akin osteotomy, and excision of the tibial sesamoid. Ever since I can remember I have had severely flat feet but they did not cause a problem until recently.

My podiatrist warned me a few years ago when I went to get fitted for orthotics that my bunion was growing and that I would most likely need surgery.  I assumed this would be several years into the future.  Boy was I wrong!

Earlier this year while running a race (something that I immediately recognized as a mistake) my left big toe hurt immensely after I crossed the finish line.  The pain was so bad that I went to urgent care.  They took xrays and said they could not see any fractures.

Over the next few weeks my big toe felt better but I started to have pain on the ball of my foot when I was walking.  One morning walking in to the office from my car it was so bad that I immediately scheduled an appointment with my podiatrist who was able to see me that afternoon.  He took one look at my bunion and commented on how large it had gotten from my last visit.  He gave me a cortisone shot and ordered me to wear a post op shoe for 4 weeks and then come back.

Wearing this shoe was no fun and while my foot felt slightly better it was nowhere near being 100%.  At this point my podiatrist recommended surgery where they would remove some of the bone from my big toe and realign it which would remove the bunion.  I decided to get a second opinion.

For my second opinion I went to a renowned orthopedic surgeon who had me take an MRI.  This was a new experience for me.  I had to lay still for 30 minutes while this giant noisy, clanking machine took a scan of my foot.  It seemed pretty old school.  You would think with the number of scans being done each year that they would find a way to drastically improve this technology.

Anyway, the orthopedic surgeon also recommended surgery.  Not only for the bunion but also to fix broken sesmoid bones on the bottom of my foot.  He warned me that the recovery could take several weeks but that it should address the problems I was experiencing.  At this point my other foot, hip, and knee was hurting from me compensating for my hurt left foot.

5 Days Post-Op

So here I sit 5 days post op with a long road to recovery in front of me.  I go tomorrow to get my dressing removed and a hard cast put on my foot and leg.  I am happy to report that my foot feels better today than it did yesterday and the possibility of walking without pain in the future has me very positive and motivated.

On the downside since I can’t do cardio I have already gained a few pounds so I will need to find creative ways to exercise and reduce my calories.  Also this may be TMI but the pain meds I am on have me seriously constipated.   No fun.

I have also told myself that I once I recover I will get myself a new hybrid road bike that I have been wanting for some time.  I am definitely enjoying catching up on sleep and not going to work or worrying about the office.  I am also very excited about the prospect of being able to run around with my kids without experiencing foot pain.

I have a knee scooter that has been a lifesaver.  I have been able to go shopping and go to the park with my kids.  It is so much easier getting around the house on the scooter compared to crutches which I have yet to master.  When I go back to work I will probably just use the crutches since I can only imagine the ridicule I will face rolling around on a blue scooter.  Ha!

My Advice for Anyone Considering Bunion Surgery

• Surgery is always a serious matter so I would recommend getting a second opinion.  I would also exhaust all of the alternatives before deciding to go under the knife.  In addition to wearing a post op shoe for 4 weeks, I wrapped my foot, experimented with foot gel pads, spacers, rest, you name it I tried it.  After getting lackluster results I knew surgery was the only viable option for me.

From what I understand I had pretty advanced bunions which requires a more complex surgery and longer recovery time.  Once you determine surgery is your only option than do it since your bunion will only get worse.  Don’t second guess your decision once you commit.  I have read the horror stories online but do your research, pick a good doctor and think positive thoughts and you will get through this!

• Be patient with yourself during your recover.  Don’t push yourself too hard and take your pain meds!

• Make sure you have things to do to keep yourself entertained.  Before my surgery I picked up a bunch of books from Half Price Books, loaded up my tablet with books, picked up a few video games and had my Netflix ready to go!

• Have a realistic expectations for the length of your recovery.

• I have also given myself something to look forward to once I am back on my feet (new bike and a beach vacation).