Need Help! Difficult surgery facing a serious surgery not viewed as so!

Gemspirit · ‎01-23-2015

Good Sunday morning everyone,

I've had more than my share of surgeries and now am facing three more. Now, I'm an RN, disabled and retired way too early due to ortho issues and two chronic illnesses. For all but just the last few years, I worked at bedside in a step down surgical unit. So, one would think I know a lot about surgery. And, I do~complex, difficult surgeries that require hospital stays from days to months.

But I am possibly facing surgery on my left foot for a bunion the size of a jawbreaker. It's not from wearing Manolos or, other expensive and tiny shoes. I worked in the trenches of nursing for over 30 years...in "nursing shoes", sneakers, etc. They also have a genetic componants and I know both my momand gmom had them...just not this big.

I've had the complete work up, x-rays, mri, had a second opinion, even seen a chiropractor, osteopath and naturopath (who IMO were useless) I've done my due diligence.And for all that the only one that can give me a direct answer is of course, the surgeon.

It's a tough surgery. Not just shaving off an excess of bone. And the post op recovery is brutal. It requires total non weight bearing for 8 weeks, multiple cast changes, then PT, with no guarantee of it staying corrected or just regrowing.

I'm very torn on what to do. I've had among others, two back surgeries and three on my right lower leg, ankle & foot. My left leg is my stronger leg, even with some nerve damage. So, part of my fear is that my good leg, my strong leg will now be a problem too.

Lastly, I'm not doing this for cosmetic reasons. Sure I would like to wear pretty shoes, flip flops, etc. But that is the least of it. I'm having problems fitting in double wides now!

So please, if anyone has a sincere comment, experience or information....please answer this post. I rarely write this personally but, I've got o where else and need the opinions of REAL people!

Thank You in advance!

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I feel for what you're going through. I really don't have any advice but just wanted to comment. My sister had a large bunion on her foot quite a few years ago. She first had a podiatrist do the surgery, and it grew back. She had the second surgery done by an orthopedic surgeon. This was many years ago, and it has not grown back. She did have a successful surgery, and I hope for the same with you. I know it will be a tough recovery, but it sounds like you really need to do the surery.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

I'm sorry to hear about your pending operation. I know it's very difficult when you have to decide on an operation when your life isn't threatened.

I have always lived in fear that I'd get this. I have a very small one (sometimes they can't be avoided). Don't spend time blaming yourself (like shoes you wore). That isn't important.

I have a dear friend who had this operation. From what I understand what you said is true. It took her a long time to recover from the operation.

However, I went to see her while she was recovering. She said to me she didn't regret it for a minute.

As we all get old(er) Ha! We have to make decisions on if we WANT (key word) to have whatever it is corrected.

I think you should do what I do. Ask yourself if the problem affects your QUALITY of life. Then ask yourself if it (in your case the operation) will improve you quality of life.

I live with similar decisions. I should have had my knee replaced a long time ago. I put it off. When I decide if I want to have the operation, I will. But like you, it will be my decision.

Please come back and tell us what is going on with you. You sound so dear. Also there are many of us who like to say a little prayer that GOD will look over you. (A little help can't hurt, right?).

Be safe.

Chrystaltree2 · ‎12-08-2014

Well, your bunion situation sounds similar to mine. Remember the measurement they took to guage the severity, the bunion on my left foot was off the charts. So bad, it can't be measured. My orthopod was surprised when I said it doesn't cause any pain, shoes willl hurt but I have no pain when I am barefoot wearing sandals. Lucky, I guess. I have a smaller one on my right foot. All surgery is serious but I don't think of bunion surgery as serious. A hip replacememt is serious, heart surgery is serious, brain surgery is serious. I had a date for my surgery; I was going to have my left foot done first and my right done 3 months later. I was looking forward to it so that could end the shoe situation. I backed out after speaking with three women who had that type of surgery and regretted it. One had to have pin put in her bone and the pin kept dislodging and even came through the skin once, she developed a bone infection and ended up having several surgeries to deal with that. The second, recovered quickly and had no complications and her foot looks better but she still has foot pain. She said the pain is worse than the pain was before the bunionectomy. The third had a longer than expected recovery. She was told (as I was told) that she would be able to return to work (desk work) 3-4 weeks after surgery as long as we could elevate the foot for most of the day, for a few weeks and it would take a few months for the swelling to subside, so soft shoes a soft atheletic shoe was recommended. Her recovery was much, much slower and there was some pain for months. But she did recover fully. Now, If I had been in constant pain, I would have had the surgery on my left foot. Maybe not the right. But, since I had no pain and since I was 50, I decided that I really didn't need to wear "cute" shoes anymore. It wasn't worth the risk of creating a bigger problem for myself. You have to make the decision for yourself but I suggest that you speak with other women who have had the surgery.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

My thoughts are that at this point you need to stop over-thinking, and just do what needs to be done. You have done the research, have your medical opinion, and know the process; now adjust your attitude to get this done and make it the best possible experience it can be. Do not let your fears of what could happen, cloud your vision.

I stated my opinion that way because this is exactly what I did 4 years ago when I had knee replacement surgery. I suffered miserably for 13 long years, until I realized I was losing my mobility and was headed straight for a wheelchair at 57 years old. I used my hospital experience to educate myself, and went into surgery knowing exactly what my surgeon was going to do, what nursing was going to do, and what I had to do---failure was not an option. I definitely remember the painful aspects of my healing process, but I had worked all of that out in my mind, and stayed focused on what I had to do. I made my knee surgery a great life changing experience.

Best wishes to you.

Stevie Nix · ‎03-09-2010

I had surgery on my left foot in 2014 - for bunion and hammertoe. I wasn't prepared for the length of time I had to spend off of my foot. I was on a knee scooter for 3 months, but I did manage to do everything I had to do - except leave the house. I could not do crutches, which would have made my life a little easier. Fortunately I live with my daughter and son-in-law, and they were a big help to me. They did my grocery shopping and walked my dog for me.

I did have a plate and screws in my foot which caused me pain until I decided to have the surgery to remove them a year later.

Today I have an almost pain free walk, I don't limp anymore, and I can wear some shoes that are not orthopedic.

Despite the pain and frustration of recovery I am glad I had it done. My recommendation is go for it! In a few months you will be glad you did.s

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I've not had bunion surgery but 8 years ago I did have to have a triple arthrodesis of my left foot and ankle. I was born with a club foot and it was repaired when I was about a year old, That old surgery eventually became very arthritic and required surgery as it was affecting my hips and back adversly. I too am an RN and I feel the daily wear and tear on my body for 42 years was horrific. Anyway - i was non weight bearing in a wheelchair for 4 months after that surgery then over a month was allowed to gradually put weight on it so basically 5 months. My back is too arthritic to tolerate the crutches so I was in a wheelchair or I could hop around short distances with a walker, like from the bathroom door to the toilet. I was home alone most of that time as well because my DH travelled for his job. He took all the interior doors off so I could easily get the W/C in and out through them and he took all the dishes and pots etc in the kitchen down so I could reach them on the counters. It wasn't the best time in my life but I got through it intact and my surgery healed wonderfully. I had mine done in feb so i wasn't stuck in the house all summer, by the time it was nice outside I was able to get out. I got very good at going up and down the stairs on my bum and DH would take me and my W/C out every weekend when he was home. Our church has a handicapp entrance so I was able to go once I was several weeks into it and out of the original bloody mess cast. They did change the cast every 2 weeks which was a Godsend as it gives you a chance to scrub and moisturize your skin so it's not so itchy.They also gave me a cast cover so I could shower with the cast but I was afraid to do so unless the nurse aide was there so I only showered 2 times a week and sponge bathed at the sink in between when I was alone. Actually, looking back i would do it again if needed. It was a pain in the neck but that ankle is very strong and stable now.

PinkyPetunia · ‎03-09-2010

Gemspirit, you don't say if the bunion causes you pain. That would be the deciding factor for me.

Tissyanne · ‎12-07-2012

My Mom had bunion surgery on both feet one at a time several years ago. She did fine, but wore a boot, and had to go through about 6 weeks of recovery. I believe the outcome of these surgeries depends a great deal on the skill of the doctor along with your ability to take proper care during the recovery. My Mom had an orthopedic surgeon, and my Daddy helped her all along the way. I think your decision should be based on your own foot condition, and how the bunion is affecting your quality of life. Try not to listen to other's horror stories, and if you decide to have the surgery be certain that you have a top surgeon skilled in this type of surgery.

Gooday · ‎03-23-2010

@PinkyPetunia wrote:
Gemspirit, you don't say if the bunion causes you pain. That would be the deciding factor for me.

I was thinking the same thing.

I worked for an orthopedic surgeon. However, he did not "do" feet. He referred to a podiatrist. That's not to say there are'nt orthopods who don't operate on feet. However, he would tell the elderly patients that if it didn't cause them pain, leave it alone.

ITA ~ it's a personal opinion.

I live in a 55+ community in a warm climate and I see plenty of women with bunions and hammer toes.