Bunionectomy & Hammertoe - Complications

[CorriG]

Hello -

I had a bunionectomy (as I was told I must) and also a hammertoe - since the doc insisted I should do it now while I was under. It was done on Dec. 12, 2008. Today I saw the doc - It has been more than 8 weeks - and the swelling hasn't budged, the pain is still there - and every time I stand or put my foot down... it turns purple. The longer it is down  - the darker it gets. Perplexed he says... He puts a couple of shots in it - send me on my way - telling me good luck as this is probably neurological - and today is my last visit with him.

I feel more than a bit alone with this problem. I am also a thyroid cancer patient - and have had hyper-parathyroid issues (6-08) but that one was handled). I do not know if any of that is an issue. I am being treated and still not diagnosed for some mystery neurological head-pain and dizziness fun - but lots and lots of doctors have been on that for more than two years now... ugh... (I am not a very good sick person - but to be honest - I have stayed almost completely off of my foot for this one... :-( and still - it is bad...)

I would appreciate any thoughts... I am confined to a chair because it is too painful to walk...

[CorriG]

Hello - I hope there is good news on the surgery... I will be saying a prayer for you...

Corri

[dai3symae]

Have you had any physical therapy?  I didn't and developed scar tissue and adhesions on my bunion scar which caused my big toe to elevate.  I think that's why the tendon now needs to be lengthened.

Don't give up....it sounds like the 2nd doctor is going to try to help.  

My surgery is Monday.....at first I was so creeped out by the sewing the toes together that I really wanted to cancel it.  But the pain in my foot has gotten much worse in the last couple of months.  I've noticed that I walk much slower and with a definate limp now.  I'm keeping my fingers (and remaining toes) crossed that this will be successful.

[CorriG]

Follow-up - Bunionectomy & Hammertoe - Complications - Well - 10 weeks out now... Not much change.. Except that at 9 weeks the original foot doc gave me an anti-inflam. shot - which within two hours caused my big toe to lock in a slightly up position and I was in intense pain... (really 10 out of 10...). It was still a bit stiff for days - and it is still giving me those seering shooting pains randomly throughout the day... :-( Both the original doc and the second opinion doc I had to get (because the first one simply didn't call me back for over a week - said good luck I am done treating you) said it was some Neurological thing - RSD... rare and difficult.. Good luck with that. The first one just said that was what I had - but be careful not to be labeled with it - and that would be his last visit - he wasn't treating me anymore. The second doc - he said he had some ideas, and knew some teams that dealt with this - had some experience with it.

More than a little lost here...

[taramel]

Hi, I read your post in which you responded to someone who had bunion surgery.  You are right, the doctors don't warn you about complications.  My surgery was about 4 months ago and a 2nd surgery last month.  My toe is numb and I can't move it on my own.  Also I am walking very slowly with a slight limp.  I am getting scared I will never walk normally again.  Doctor told me I  had scar tissue and since the surgery have gotten used to walking a certain way and that is why I am having problems walking.  I have had physical therapy for about 3 months but am asking you or anyone else if they have had this problem.  I appreciate all responses.  Thanks.

[dai3symae]

I had bunion/hammertoe surgery almost 3 years ago.  Here's what they didn't tell me that I had to learn on my own.....

1.  Your foot may stay swollen for 6 mos....or as long as a year....and it may be a different size.
2.  My foot also turned purple....like scarey purple....but it wasn't a problem for me
3.  It takes a lot longer to heal than they tell you.
4.  If you don't let it really heal....it won't....and you'll have a new problem to fix
5.  Get physical therapy so you don't get adhesions or scar tissue on your inscision....it can cause you to lose range of motion, and mess up your gait
6.  You need stiff sole, supportive shoes probably a half size bigger that lace up.....think good walking shoes.  Wear them....you'll be glad you did.
7.  If you aren't satisfied with your doctor.....see another one.  I suggest an orthopedic foot surgeon
8.  Cortisone shots may cause deterioration if given repeatedly
9.  Pain so extreme at this point....if you're wearing the right kind of shoe (or a blue shoe, boot, etc)....that you can't stand.....isn't normal.....get another opinion.
10.  If you do need a 2nd procedure....be careful about putting it off....a simple fix may become much more complicated

I didn't know these things so....I'm having surgery on the 23rd to fix the problems from the 1st surgery.  I didn't wear shoes, walked too much, too soon......and dislocated the hammertoe and then put off fixing it so....the joint deteriorated so....the only way to fix it now is to web (read: sew together) 2 of my toes together to stabalize the hammertoe.

Just call me 9toes

Good luck,  I hope you are up and around soon

Sandy