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I finally scheduled my surgery for March 2026! I’m so nervous about the pain. What are some items I’ll absolutely need for recovery? And how long till you were back to work? I’m a receptionist so I have a sit down job and I’m Hoping 6 weeks will be enough time!
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Leg pillow Walker with brakes & attach a basket to carry your things A someone that can help you A grabber to pick things up Crutches Therapy Dog lol Ice packs Comfortable clothes - wide ankle yoga pants to slip your foot thru Comfortable tennis shoes that are wider & supportive for when your foot heals Of course listen to your doc & body!
I just had my right foot done Wednesday and I also have an admin job. Left foot did 5 yrs ago and it was a couple weeks after surgery that I could work remote and 6 wks in person. Everyone is different and docs are too.
2 therapy dogs 😆
Knee scooter with basket, ice packs, leg elevation pillow
Definitely need someone at home to help out. Lots of reading material, Netflix, puzzles, leg support pillows. A limbo leg bag so you can shower and a shower seat. Crutches..and patience! Also avoid Amazon if you can..I've spent a small fortune! 😬
I've been signed off for twelve weeks, but on my feet all day at work.
I just hit 6 weeks today. The pain is pretty much gone except for a few pains here and there. You should be fine returning to work at a desk job. Once you pass two weeks, it’s much easier.
What procedure are you having? Will you be able to drive at 6 weeks? What about PT? I walk a lot and commute by train to my office job. I had a remote accommodation for 5 months.
Leg pillow, knee scooter, ice packs. I pre made home-cooked meals and put them in the freezer for easy heat and eat meals. Im on day 12 post op. I elevate 23 hours a day.
I set up 2 areas one in our family room & one in our living room with a recliner, small table and a few baskets to organize things I need with in reach. A soft blanket, neck pillow for napping, tv remotes, Kleenex, meds, drink cup, etc. My essentials that I used the most were a wedge pillow for both legs for elevation, two soft bendable ice packs, a knee scooter with a basket, a cast cover to keep bandages dry and a shower transfer bench or shower chair. I made as many freezer meals as I could ahead of time and purchased healthy snacks… breakfast bars, protein shakes, yogurt, string cheese, fruit (grab & go stuff). I stocked up on groceries & dog food/treats, paper plates, etc. The 2 different areas were for change of scenery. I got a memory challenge book full of word searches and challenging games, an adult coloring book, and a couple of good books to read. Easy to put on over cast or boot pants & oh’s or night gowns… I’m 68 so crutches weren’t good for me… the knee scooter was much better & a lot safer. If you don’t have a higher toilet you might consider a toilet riser too. Practice ahead of time getting in & out of shower/tub and off toilet if you will be non-weight bearing and build up your arm strength before surgery. Eventually you will need a pair or two of shoes that are a size larger with wide toe box to accommodate swelling for a while once you start to transition back into shoes.
so am I!
I too STAND on my feet in the same area all day long 40 hours a week!!! ON concrete BUT my doctor only gave me 8 weeks😡 but I know there’s no way I could go back at 8 weeks, but she said she could give me up to 12!!! I’m heading into the 2nd week already and I’m still in excruciating pain🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭😭😭
I really didnt think I'd need twelve weeks off, but now 7 weeks post op and can only stand for 10/15mins before my foot swells and I have to elevate again. Now know why I was signed off for that long. It's a slow recovery for sure! 😔 But every day is a step closer 🤗
left bunionectomy with distal osteotomy
I am not sure yet about PT but I live 5 min from work so not a long commute and I’m a medical receptionist and I’m in the same office as physical therapy so it’s all very close by lol
That sounds very convenient! Your doctor, of course, will have the best advice. I was in an air cast for 10 weeks with my left foot and I didn’t drive at all because it was uncomfortable, but that’s me!
Leg elevation pillow from Amazon has been a life saver. I’m working from home for 6 weeks too but had the first 2 weeks completely off!
I had my bunion fused but can walk easily with the boot after a week. I was dreading the operation for months but had bad pain at night for 3 nights only. I was only given paracetamol/codeine tablets. Not strong enough fir first few days. I didnt put my feet up enough at the start but my swelling was minimal after 3 weeks. I wonder was that all the movement I was doing. Its not anything like I imagined. Im enjoying the time off. 5 weeks now and can cycle.
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