Wellness

[NickNack]

I have bunions on both feet. It has gotten to the point that my bunion hurts on my right foot when wearing any of my shoes. I have put off having surgery because I live alone and have a dog and a cat. I don't have anyone that could stay with me or help me after the surgery.

For anyone who has had the surgery, what is the recovery like? Would I be able to take care of myself and my pets alone? My sister could go to the grocery store for me, or I could have them delivered, but she couldn't stay with me.

I saw an orthopedic surgeon about this about five or six years ago. She told me I was a good candidate and to come back when I was ready for the surgery.

[ECBG]

I don't (yet) know about bunion surgery, but do know people who have had caretakers.

You should have something like Visiting Healthcare Professionals or Angie's List (nurses assistants, or adult care givers) in your area.

I would call the doctor and ask for the post needs, then set up an appointment with enough time to set up care givers.

[NickNack]

Thank you @ECBG .  Yes, I would need to do that.  I would need to be able to let my dog out first thing in the morning and right before I go to bed.  I'm not sure about being able to have someone here at those times.  It's possible I could ask a petsitter to come then though, but those are odd times.

[ECBG]

@NickNack 

Very welcome!

With so very many people working and living away from family, these "care/services" opened up and have found a giant niche!  I found the best house cleaners that are more than I could have dreamed!

I don't clean on my two days off.  I live.

[D Kay]

Probably you should have surgery on one foot at the time so that you can bear weight on the opposite foot.   You could at least get yourself into a wheelchair if you can stand on one foot.

[Kachina624]

@NickNack   I had surgery on the tendon in my foot right after I retired.  I was living alone and used an insurance-paid wheelchair for about 3 months then graduated to a walker.  I managed just fine with 2 dogs. 

[geezerette]

If you have surgery on one foot at a time, perhaps using crutches would allow you to do what is absolutely necessary for your pets while you recover.

Prepare whatever you can ahead of time, and with the help from your sister you may be able to manage just fine.

Check into what sort of recovery you should expect.

[Katcat1]

@NickNack  A friend of mine had Bunion surgery and never need any pain medication because there was no pain.  Her doctor was at the University of Chicago hospital and he had learned this special type of surgery in Europe and was training students with it.  I had the doctor remove a painful corn on the side of my toe and never needed any pain meds.  I was shocked.  I mean he cut into me and there was no pain.  I am sure he is very old and no longer practicing but the surgical technique lives on with students he taught at the UofC hospital.

[SXMGirl]

@NickNack Years ago, one of the teachers in my department had bunion surgery.  She lived alone and had a small dog.  She returned to work within a week and did very well.  I am sure that things have changed in the past 20 years regarding bunion surgery, but I would definitely ask your doctor about options.

If you have dog walkers in your area, I would start making appointments if you would like to have your dog walked.  There are lots of services out there, but you must be very careful.  Again, ask your doctor for recommendations.  I wish you well.

[Mistreatedbycs]

@NickNack 

I googled this for you....

In many cases, walking after bunion surgery means patients can get around but not run around. Patients are generally walking in a surgical shoe and usually keep weight on the heel or outer edge.

So NO Marathons for you, NO Sprints, just basic walking, you'll be fine but I would ask for help the first 2 days.  I doubt they would actual do 2 feet, I would think one foot at a time but you need to ask all these questions from the professionals.