Bilateral Bunion Surgery

[niclou]

I had a scarf osteotomy done on my left foot 16 days ago in Brisbane. So I can give a couple of your questions a go- but it is still very early days for me..

Notsoplainjane- I just had basic hospital cover with MBF which covered most. Just had to pay the excess and then out of pocket expenses of $600 for orthopedic surgeon, $30 for surgical boot, $350-400 Anaethetist, $100 or so for imaging during surgery (which was a surprise bill I had no idea about!). I'm pretty sure the out of pocket expenses would have been the same no matter what level of cover.

Raeles- I only had one foot done and it hasn't really been too bad so far.. I can't imagine what it'd be like for you champions who had 2 feet done! I had one night in hospital and had absolutley no pain except for the shoe putting a bit of pressure on my ankle after the surgery which soon wore off. Just a bit of pins and needles the next morning as the nerve block started to wear off and then not much pain at all really for about a week-just felt numb and uncomfortable! A bit more pain in the 2nd week probably because I was starting to use my foot a bit more to get meals etc after my husband went back to work. I kept it elevated for most of the 2 weeks except for toilet, showering etc. and a few short trips out in the car with the crutches in the 2nd week. I have kept on top of pain meds and physio excerices though and still going on them and elevating foot when at home. Its still a bit painful every now and then but about 4-5 days ago I started walking without crutches- am just taking it easy though. I went back to work (office work) for a few hours yesterday which went ok but was probably too early. So will return to work again mid-next week. But other than that am able to drive (automatic-as it was left foot operated on) and walk short distances ok.

Might have been different for others, but I had the dressings and bandages taken off at the surgeon's office at the 2 week mark- 2 days ago. I was given some adhesive dressings to put on the wounds over the next couple of weeks and can now get foot wet as well (was previously taping a plastic bag around my leg and sitting on plastic chair in shower). I also have a small bandage around the end of my foot still to prevent the surgical shoe rubbing against the dressings/wounds- which I can have on or off as I please. But Im in the surgical shoe until 6 weeks post-op.

This has just been my experience so far.. am happy to answer any other questions

[amy]

hi all, testing testing

[amy]

Great, it works!!!!!!! WELL I am almost 3 months post-op from Bilateral scarf osteotomy!! AKA both my bunions shaved and toes straightened!! ;-)

Guess what I can tell you all?? There IS light at the end of the tunnel!! I feel like I am ALMOST 100%. I feel like I have made it through all milestones…The last bastion is running- and I did go for a nice little jog last week- so ALL is so great!!

You asked about scars- well 3 months later, my wounds have healed really well. They are still red though, so I keep putting vitamin e oil on them and keep praying they will fade...I think they have faded a little but to be honest, not as much as I had hoped..oh well

You also asked about physio/rehab...well I suggest you go to your POD- mine was great!! She looked at my shoes, suggested new shoes, looked at my orthotics, made some changes- also just gave me some other day to day suggestions, that really just put my mind at rest....I plan to link in with her again soon, and ask about exercises, but she told me not to worry too much about them last time I was there (and so did my surgeon at the 6 week check-up) they both said that walking was the best thing I could do!!! But ask your POD they will help!!

Yes Silv- my surgeon was a man of very few words too- never offered up anything, and made me feel like a fool no matter what questions I asked. He is good at chopping people up though, and that is all I really care about at the end of the day. I can find whatever else I need from, forums, my POD and my sister who is a GP (lucky hey) ;-)

Any other questions guys?? This is the part I was looking forward to! Being about to help others ;-) so please ask away, I am happy to help!!

[amy]

some other questions answered.....bandages came off for me on day 12- I then had dressings on the wound only for 3 days - after this time I got them wet in the shower! and loved it!!

Health cover- I had HCF top cover- I have since downgraded it as it was pretty xx but glad I did it ;-) yes I had to wait 12 months but I am not sure you will find a health fond that won't make you wait....
wow NICLOU- reading your post is like reading one of mine, only times it by 2 feet!! it is just amazing!!

I still get the odd bit of swelling, but it is really hot here in Brisbane lately so I am sure that isn't helping! ;-) you are from Bris too NICLOU- how funny, we probably had the same surgeon ;-)
The only thing (from my old life) that I still do, is sleep with a wedge, that elevates my feet- and that makes me feel so much better after a long hot day ;-)

[Anail79]

Hi!

I also live in Brisbane and am thinking about having surgery. Could you please tell me where you got it done? I have so much pain in my right foot that even walking barefoot hurts. How long did it take from your first consultation until the surgery date?

Thank for your help!

I had a scarf osteotomy done on my left foot 16 days ago in Brisbane. So I can give a couple of your questions a go- but it is still very early days for me..

Notsoplainjane- I just had basic hospital cover with MBF which covered most. Just had to pay the excess and then out of pocket expenses of $600 for orthopedic surgeon, $30 for surgical boot, $350-400 Anaethetist, $100 or so for imaging during surgery (which was a surprise bill I had no idea about!). I'm pretty sure the out of pocket expenses would have been the same no matter what level of cover.

Raeles- I only had one foot done and it hasn't really been too bad so far.. I can't imagine what it'd be like for you champions who had 2 feet done! I had one night in hospital and had absolutley no pain except for the shoe putting a bit of pressure on my ankle after the surgery which soon wore off. Just a bit of pins and needles the next morning as the nerve block started to wear off and then not much pain at all really for about a week-just felt numb and uncomfortable! A bit more pain in the 2nd week probably because I was starting to use my foot a bit more to get meals etc after my husband went back to work. I kept it elevated for most of the 2 weeks except for toilet, showering etc. and a few short trips out in the car with the crutches in the 2nd week. I have kept on top of pain meds and physio excerices though and still going on them and elevating foot when at home. Its still a bit painful every now and then but about 4-5 days ago I started walking without crutches- am just taking it easy though. I went back to work (office work) for a few hours yesterday which went ok but was probably too early. So will return to work again mid-next week. But other than that am able to drive (automatic-as it was left foot operated on) and walk short distances ok.

Might have been different for others, but I had the dressings and bandages taken off at the surgeon's office at the 2 week mark- 2 days ago. I was given some adhesive dressings to put on the wounds over the next couple of weeks and can now get foot wet as well (was previously taping a plastic bag around my leg and sitting on plastic chair in shower). I also have a small bandage around the end of my foot still to prevent the surgical shoe rubbing against the dressings/wounds- which I can have on or off as I please. But Im in the surgical shoe until 6 weeks post-op.

This has just been my experience so far.. am happy to answer any other questions

[Paula Breckman]

I am in my third week of recovery from having both feet operated upon.
I am more than happy to share my experiences, and try to answer questions.
I am interested to see that no one seems to mention their feet being in plaster casts?
I have both feet in plaster and am pretty much immobilised, as you can imagine. I have photos from the recent removal of my casts and they are pretty grim, but as expected. 12 stitches in each foot plus pins and wires in each foot.
I can't drive for about 2 months as my car is manual. Work is not possible right now.
It is a pretty big deal, and as I have not yet been able to benefit from the results and am still in the long haul of recovery, I am not sure I'd have undertaken this if I'd known just how debilitating it is.
Having said that, I am sure I shall be delighted once my second set of casts are removed and I can start to totter about and window shop for pretty shoes.

[Paula Breckman]

Now that I have read all the posts, I have come to the conclusion that I either had very bad bunions, or a very different method of treatment.
Firstly, my bunions were removed 3 months after my original consultation and I have paid absolutely nothing at all for the operation. Everything covered by Medicare.
I was in hospital for one night only, which seems a very short stay considering I had both feet done, but I was fine with it.
My feet were in plaster casts post op and I had to keep my feet elevated for 2 weeks prior to my next hospital appointment.
There was no moving around at all for the first 3 days and I had to use a bed pan. Short hobbling attempts after 3 days were too stressful, so I shuffled around on my BTM.
My casts were removed 14 days after the operation, my many stitches removed and new casts put on. The scars are quite ugly and raised.
I have to wear these casts for another month. There is no question of getting my feet wet in any way so all bathing requires feet hanging over the edge of the bath.
I can totter around wearing half heel boots supplied by the hospital but walking from the bedroom to the front gate is a mission and I have to rest a great deal after any extertion.
I'd love to post some photos but am not too sure how - will investigate.

[Annie- melb]

Hi Paula, if your still there, i am wondering how you are.

[Bunsa]

Hi
Just wanted to know if there is anyone out there who has recently had this bilateral bunion surgery? I am booked in to get mine done next month ( April) and have been told I will "walk" out of hospital after 2 nights. My husband is taking 2 weeks off work so I can rest. I know I will not be able to drive for a while as I drive a manual car.
Other than that I really am unprepared for the pain and have pretty much had a head in the sand type approach. Now as the surgery gets closer I am starting to panic about silly things like using a bedpan in hospital, whether or not I will need crutches, the medical receptionist seemed to think not!! Howver others have said no crutches I will need a wheelcahir. Is there anyone out there who can help allay my fears?

[Kforward]

Hi I am excited to hear your great result from your surgery can you tell me who operated on you. My feet ache I have 3 children and have put the surgery off as i have heard so many horror stories.

Cheers
Kristy