Bunionectomy

[Zip106]

I'm due to have a Hallux valgus with metatarsal osteotomy on 21st December (Merry Christmas for me, then!)

The surgeon mentioned that I'd be in plaster for about 5 weeks afterwards - I'm hoping he was just stating the very worse case scenario.
It seems he'll be cutting my bone and re-pinning it to move the big toe over to the left.

So, should I be looking at 5 weeks or will it be more/less - I appear to have a good healing process within my body judging by other operations I've had although I've never had a broken bone before.

There must be someone out there that's had this op as it seems pretty routine, so a bit of real life info would be good

Cheers.

[Broomsticklady]

Good news time!! 5 weeks is good!! I had both mine done in 2000, and was in plaster for 7 weeks, and they say every week in plaster = the same no of weeks recovering.

Think procedures have changed since then - both my feet were done differently due to different problems under the skin (privately so it was just the 1 surgeon) but it wasn't too bad in terms of pain which was kept under control pretty well, and I don't regret having it done. Would I have gone back to get the other one done if I'd only had 1 done initially? Hard question - not sure - worth it now but at the time - restrictive and frustrating as plaster always is.

[Zip106]

Thanks for that!

I don't mind pain at all - my problem is being self-employed so no income.... ah well, I deserve a rest

A bit of a ballache not being able to drive, mind. What with a 2-a-day bus service out of my village and 2 miles from civilisation...

7 weeks.....Jeeees.

Edited by Zip106 on Saturday 4th December 16:19

[The_Doc]

Comply with the time in plaster......... all of it...... seriously....5/6/7 weeks

the surgeon only states that exact time because it's the best chance of success for you and him.

I've seen (and had to sort out) what happens when people don't, or a sloppy job's been done.


.........
.....
...
..
.

you'll be fine

[sawman]

If you are having a procedure that requires a spell in a cast then the time is dictated by the timescale on which the body works. That's just how long it takes. Remember that you will have a broken bone in the most highly loaded part of your body and it needs a chance to get strong enough to support you.

These healing time figures are not plucked out of the air, they are based on hundreds of years of experience of many previous cases(ie,research literature - I'm not suggesting your surgeon is hundreds of years old!)

So stick closely to the advice you are given and with a bit of luck all will be well

[Zip106]

Well, it's done.
Just got home with a whacking great cast on my foot - at least I can still bend my ankle!

The fantastic nerve block they put in my foot has worn off fully now, and to be honest I really didn't think it'd hurt as much as it does!! fk me it stings...

Just got to learn how to use crutches properly in the snow, now....

[Zip106]

Edited by Zip106 on Wednesday 22 December 15:38

[sawman]

Good luck, It will stop hurting at some point, keep taking the tablets!