Silly Question about podiatist (med advice not needed)

TazziRN, RN · Mar 26, 2006

I have not had it done (didn't want a funky looking nailbed!) but I know someone who did. Minimal recovery time, it was just a few days before she could wear regular shoes. Yes, podiatrists can prescribe pain meds.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2006

I was wondering if anyone here had perm nail root removal.I am getting it done (to the tune of 500.00!! thank god for insurance). What is the receovery time if anyone has had it, when can I wear shoes and can Pod's prescribe drugs? I can't take motrin and this may kill.

I had 2 nails permanently removed on the same day. Everyone is different as far as recovery goes. One toe was fine the next day, I could have worn shoes on it. My great toe took a bit longer to be able to tolerate tight (like athletic shoes) shoes. I wore Birkenstocks for a couple of weeks and did fine. Yes, pods can prescribe pain meds, but honestly I did not need anything other than tylenol. Good luck!

Leda · Mar 26, 2006

My son has had this done on two occasions (the last time being one week ago). He was able to wear shoes both times and return to school without restriction the following day.

Of course everyone is different but he found the recovery from this to be far less painful than the infected ingrown toenails that were the reason for the procedures.

Hopefully you will have an easy time.

brewerpaul · Mar 26, 2006

I AM a podiatrist and have done hundreds of these procedures over the last 28 years. Virtually EVERY patient I've done this on has not needed any pain meds above an aspirin or two, perhaps OTC ibuprofen. When you get home, elevate your foot and you can apply an ice pack right over the bandage for 15 minutes on, 15 off. Most people don't even need that. I wouldn't recommend playing soccer the same day...

Seriously, this is a terrific, effective operation with very few disadvantages. If your Doc is doing a chemical matrixectomy to kill the root of the nail (most common procedure) I'm sure he has warned you that for a week or two your toe will LOOK infected: red, a bit swollen with drainage. This is NORMAL for this operation as your body gets rid of the dead nail root tissue.

Most people who have this done tell me they wish they'd had it done years ago. Good luck.

(PS-- in case you wonder why a podiatrist is here: I'm currently in school to get my RN!)

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 26, 2006

My son has had this done on two occasions (the last time being one week ago). He was able to wear shoes both times and return to school without restriction the following day.
Of course everyone is different but he found the recovery from this to be far less painful than the infected ingrown toenails that were the reason for the procedures.
Hopefully you will have an easy time.

:yeahthat: My son's experience same x 2. Did have to do epsom salt soaks.

brewerpaul · Mar 27, 2006

:yeahthat: My son's experience same x 2. Did have to do epsom salt soaks.

Your basic saline wet to dry dressing works just fine. I just have my patients change the dressing QD with OTC triple antibiotic and gauze. I tell them to leave the dressing on when they shower, then change it when they get out.

Disclaimer: your results may vary, and all that other good informed consent stuff... :uhoh3:

Jamesdotter · Mar 27, 2006

Just don't forget to stop your ASA or other NSAID as recommended. They forgot to remind me and I spaced it out. Bled rather profusely at first!

brewerpaul · Mar 27, 2006

Just don't forget to stop your ASA or other NSAID as recommended. They forgot to remind me and I spaced it out. Bled rather profusely at first!

These often bleed quite a bit, especially if they're very inflamed to start with. I usually put a compression dressing on post-op and give the patient strict instructions on how to monitor capillary return and to take off the pressure dressing if the return is diminished. In 28 years nobody's had to do that, but better safe than sorry. Elevation and ice cuts down on the initial bleeding.

GeriatricSunshine · Mar 27, 2006

Thanks everyone. Like I said I am allergic to NSAID's (asthma) that is why I am stuck with tylenol. The pain I went through last time was unbearable and the nail grew back anyway. I ended up at my doctors at 6 that night to get painkillers and boy did I need them! Thats why I was wondering.

NP2BE · Mar 29, 2006

I AM a podiatrist and have done hundreds of these procedures over the last 28 years. Virtually EVERY patient I've done this on has not needed any pain meds above an aspirin or two, perhaps OTC ibuprofen. When you get home, elevate your foot and you can apply an ice pack right over the bandage for 15 minutes on, 15 off. Most people don't even need that. I wouldn't recommend playing soccer the same day...
Seriously, this is a terrific, effective operation with very few disadvantages. If your Doc is doing a chemical matrixectomy to kill the root of the nail (most common procedure) I'm sure he has warned you that for a week or two your toe will LOOK infected: red, a bit swollen with drainage. This is NORMAL for this operation as your body gets rid of the dead nail root tissue.
Most people who have this done tell me they wish they'd had it done years ago. Good luck.
(PS-- in case you wonder why a podiatrist is here: I'm currently in school to get my RN!)

why in the world are you in nursing school?

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 29, 2006

I got a fingernail removed under local anesthesia whan I was 11, and remember it as being very painful. I didn't take round the clock anything, but had T#3 prn. I'd recommend Motrin or whatever on a scheduled basis, plus whatever narcotic you have prescribed.

Just FYI, they didn't get the whole nail in my procedure! Not that you can do anything about that, but it does tend to catch on clothes and get pulled out.