Bunion surgery

mhy12784 · Jul 13, 2014

I think youre going to get the "We cannot give medical advice" speech and thread /closed pretty shortly.

I will say that I recently started a position in the OR not too long ago, and I was shocked by bunion surgery. I expected it to be incredibly minor, like someone shaving down a corn or callus on a foot.

Turns out its far more invasive than id imagine most people imagine.

Best of luck with your recovery !

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 13, 2014

I'm afraid talking to your doctor is the best you can do. I have had some friends who had bunion surgery and who were back to work in 2 weeks, walking very well with a boot. But I also have a good friend who couldn't put ANY weight on her foot for over a month -- and then needed a wheelchair to get around for another month ... followed by crutches for another month. While her case was more complicated than usual, it illustrates the wide variation of possibilities -- and the reason only your doctor can tell you what to expect based on the details of YOUR particular case.

Heliantus · Jul 13, 2014

I think youre going to get the "We cannot give medical advice" speech and thread /closed pretty shortly.
I will say that I recently started a position in the OR not too long ago, and I was shocked by bunion surgery. I expected it to be incredibly minor, like someone shaving down a corn or callus on a foot.
Turns out its far more invasive than id imagine most people imagine.
Best of luck with your recovery !

Thank you for replying! I wasn't actually looking for medical advise. Thought that maybe some people out there Also had this procedure done and have something to share. Like how long were they in bed, was it incredibly painful, and if they are happier post up? This is personal opinion/advice not medical.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2014

There is also a device known as a knee walker that can be used for foot surgery. I used one for 2 months and it was quite handy except for stairs.

Heliantus · Jul 13, 2014

I'm afraid talking to your doctor is the best you can do. I have had some friends who had bunion surgery and who were back to work in 2 weeks, walking very well with a boot. But I also have a good friend who couldn't put ANY weight on her foot for over a month -- and then needed a wheelchair to get around for another month ... followed by crutches for another month. While her case was more complicated than usual, it illustrates the wide variation of possibilities -- and the reason only your doctor can tell you what to expect based on the details of YOUR particular case.

Thanks for your reply. I figured as much from reading up on this type of surgery on other forums. Different people have different experiences. I've heard that nurses are very prone to bunions and this forum seemed like a good place to post.

Heliantus · Jul 13, 2014

There is also a device known as a knee walker that can be used for foot surgery. I used one for 2 months and it was quite handy except for stairs.

Thank you so much!!! I live on the fourth floor, so as you can imagine- many stairs. I will definitely check out the knee walker! Thanks a bunch!

sharpeimom · Jul 13, 2014

A beloved family friend had bunion surgery several years ago. Her orthopedist said he only did bunion surgery two ways: either a single foot or both feet at one time because, in his experience, if someone only had one foot done, they quite often never had the second one operated on. The post op pain was too great.

She had both feet done and afterward, one foot healed quickly I think she thought the other would never heal. It took about a year for her right foot to be pain-free and around six months to feel moderately comfortable.

She was a pediatrician and got very tired of being asked by her patients why she was wearing "such funny shoes." I wish you good luck.

Heliantus · Jul 14, 2014

A beloved family friend had bunion surgery several years ago. Her orthopedist said he only did bunion surgery two ways: either a single foot or both feet at one time because, in his experience, if someone only had one foot done, they quite often never had the second one operated on. The post op pain was too great.
She had both feet done and afterward, one foot healed quickly I think she thought the other would never heal. It took about a year for her right foot to be pain-free and around six months to feel moderately comfortable.
She was a pediatrician and got very tired of being asked by her patients why she was wearing "such funny shoes." I wish you good luck.

I think I know why the orthopedist had that opinion(about both feet at the time). The pain truly is excruciating, although my mind has already blocked it out, just like when I had my daughter. I remember that I was in agony, but I don't really remember the pain all that well(although it might as well be those oxys hmm).

I don't know if I will do the second foot. I haven't yet healed from my first procedure, so I don't know if its worth it.

Thank you for your reply!

TheGooch · Jul 14, 2014

There is also a device known as a knee walker that can be used for foot surgery. I used one for 2 months and it was quite handy except for stairs.

I used one when I broke my ankle. Fortunately I live in an apartment.

I had bunion surgery on both feet. I must have a high tolerance for pain because both were a breeze and I had mine done at separate times.

angikat · Jul 14, 2014

Oh my! I was thinking about having this done myself because my bunions are horrible, especially on my right foot. After hearing about the pain after surgery and how long recovery is, (not only here but from others I've known that had it done), then I'm not so sure I should do it any time soon. They are painful now and sometimes after I have a couple days work, of 12 hr shifts that have turned in to 16 hr shifts, I barely can walk. I'm just not sure it's worth it. What I would like to know is when the long recovery period is over is the pain gone or at least better than before?

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses. Angi/LPN (?RN)

TheGooch · Jul 14, 2014

Oh my! I was thinking about having this done myself because my bunions are horrible, especially on my right foot. After hearing about the pain after surgery and how long recovery is, (not only here but from others I've known that had it done), then I'm not so sure I should do it any time soon. They are painful now and sometimes after I have a couple days work, of 12 hr shifts that have turned in to 16 hr shifts, I barely can walk. I'm just not sure it's worth it. What I would like to know is when the long recovery period is over is the pain gone or at least better than before?
Sent from my iPhone using allnurses. Angi/LPN (RN)

If I had decided not to have my surgery based on the experiences of a few people on message boards I would still be walking around with painful bunions on both feet. Everyone has a difference experience-don't judge the surgery and it's recovery on just one person's experience.