Hi everyone, I joined because I am awaiting an NHS (UK) appointment to get my bunion assessed to see if they…

Hi everyone, I joined because I am awaiting an NHS (UK) appointment to get my bunion assessed to see if they will operate as it’s becoming very difficult with the pain it’s causing me. It’s been getting steadily worse and worse over the last 10 years and I’ve finally plucked up the courage to try to do something about it but some of the posts are starting to worry me as it seems like a very painful operation. My question really is, going down the NHS route, is there any possibility of having keyhole surgery or is it just done by the traditional method please? Also, if I ultimately decide to go down the private route for MIS, can anyone (living in the Midlands UK) recommend a clinic. The only ones I have found are in the London area and that would prove difficult. Thanks and very grateful for any advice and helpful information as it’s worrying me as to whether I should even be considering this

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Community replies

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Community comment#1

I’m on week7 and would say it’s worth doing but it is 6 weeks at least before you can start to get more mobile so you need to have somebody helping you with stuff. You can hobble around in your medical boot and get food delivered but it’s quite intense. Have to elevate your foot most of the time. I had mine on the NHS after a 6 month wait by a surgeon who also does private at 8k per foot! Suggest buying crutches on Amazon for the first week or two and for days where you go backwards a bit after. Also buy some extra extra wide trainers- I got Fitville size 6 instead of 5.5 which is my usual size

Community comment#2

I'm having mis on the NHS this week at Stafford. My surgeon also works privately in the area. I can't give you any feedback until I've had the procedure but it's definitely available on the NHS

Community comment#3

I don't live in the midlands, but from London, UK. I recently had (about a month ago) MIS bunion surgery. I hadn't heard of the technique but it was my GP and then my podiatrist that mentioned it to me. It will depend on the severity of the bunion (mild - moderate) but as a starting point ask your GP. Hope this helps.

Community comment#4

I had my bunion corrected on the NHS in North West England. They were outstanding and I was thrilled with the result. My surgeon also does private so the only thing you’re paying for is to jump the queue so if you’ve waited 10 years may be worth hanging in there. The pain was absolutely fine, just be prepared to rest for 6 weeks. The more you rest and do as they tell you the quicker you’ll recover. I don’t regret having my bunion done at all. Good luck!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#5

Thank you for this helpful comment. I’m living on ground floor level so no problem there. I’m not good at doing nothing so I know that will be my biggest challenge and not being able to drive I guess ((although I have an automatic) but I’m lucky as I don’t live alone. Will the NHS not supply crutches?

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#6

Anonymous member well they just offered me the boot which you can walk in as your toes are raised up but after 4 weeks I found it unbearable and tried to start using a softer option like a trainer around the house with the back squashed down.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#7

Oh that’s reassuring thank you. Best of luck with your surgery and please keep us updated with your progress

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#8

Anonymous member 509 I was supposed to have mine at Stafford but ended up at Royal Stoke on the NHS. Is your surgeon Doctor Akimau? If so he did mine 6 weeks ago and he was very good! Im practically walking in shoes again! Keyhole too 🙂

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#9

yes, that's so reassuring, thank you. Hope your recovery has been ok. I'm dreading it tbh as have 2 kids and 2 dogs that rely on me for everything but has to be done!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#10

Anonymous member 509 the first 2 weeks weren't fun i will be honest, but after that i could walk without my crutches with my surgical sandal. Hes made a very good job of it and you can hardly see my incision too! Recovery has been good. I have a 3 year old so we've had lots of floor time games 😂 and then ive elvated my foot every opportunity I could get. I also have hardly any pain at all now! You're definitely in good hands and i hope everything goes well for you 🙂

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#11

thank you so much for your experience. Glad your recovery was good especially with a little one. It's a small amount of time in the scheme of things, that's what I'm holding on to x

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#12

Thanks. I hope your recovery is going well

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#13

Anonymous member I'll be honest there will be some discomfort, but in my experience the pain of my bunions was worse. It's well worth the effort because we all deserve to walk pain free.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#14

Totally agree