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Warning: Long Post Alert!

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Warning: Long Post Alert! I've honestly tried to edit but there is a lot to say... I had MIS bunion surgery, in the UK, on my right foot about 3 months ago, so I thought I'd give an update, especially for those who might be considering this technique. But please remember, although I'm not as tough as Rocky Balboa, I've always had the eye of the tiger and enjoyed the thrill of the fight. I suspected I had bunions in an era when you had to go to Blockbuster Video to rent movies on shiny discs called DVDs. For the most part, my bunions caused me no problems; I went through life just fine, even becoming a runner in the process. I tended to dismiss the mild mannered warning signs, but eventually my bunions embraced the dark side and would bring me to tears and a few choice words. So, you can understand my bias when I say: I don't recommend waiting until you experience "pain" before taking action. Bunions are a structural issue, and you wouldn't buy a house if only part of the foundation were sinking into the sand or drive a car with a tyre that's almost flat. But... "Weight bearing" is NOT the same as walking with full range of motion. You won't be Livin' da Vida Loca in two weeks, but you can move like a zombie extra from the Walking Dead. In my case, it took about a month to walk normally. At 3 months post op I can tip toe with full range of motion just fine (dorsiflex?) but I don't quite have full planter flexion in my big toe, but I'll continue my daily exercises and foot strengthening...but my right foot is functional again. So now the lecture.... If you're gonna to do this, you MUST PRIORITISE your recovery. If you're unsure, take MORE time than LESS. PLEASE DO NOT go back to work too soon, unless you work in the beds & furniture department of IKEA and you have to demonstrate comfort and elevation for most of your shift. Take GOOD care of yourselves my friends. P.S. Apologies if you've read this already I had to post again due to technical issues.

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Community comment#1

I'm at 6 post op. Wearing a surgical wedge shoe at the moment. Got another 5 weeks of wearing it, then back to see the surgeon. I'm not rushing back to work. I'm a cleaner, doing 2 and half hours a day. Five days a week.

Community comment#2

Nice recovery my friend. I am 9 mo post op and I don’t tip toe that well without discomfort. I had the 3D lapiplasty. I wonder if the difference in procedures make for different phases of healing?

Community comment#3

looks good but your big toe is now shorter

Community comment#4

I'm in UK.

Community comment#5

you are a creative author for sure

Community comment#6

I had a more involved surgery, one plate and eight screws. I was almost at the end of my FMLA, FamilyMedicalLeaveAct, 11 wks, and needed to go back to work. Production factory work, packing/stacking 40# boxes. After one week I went back to my Surgeon for X-rays because of the pain. Just alot of inflammation and he prescribed Celebrex. Thankfully, it has helped. ** I wholeheartedly share your warning to everyone Ty. -- Don't go back too soon! --

Community comment#7

, it’s amazing that you can tip toe w/full ROM! Congratulations on achieving that! I’m sure that by continuing your daily exercises, your full plantarflexion will return. You hit the nail right on the head with the reminder for us all to take ample time to allow our bodies to fully heal post-surgery prior to returning to work. More recovery is much better than less, that’s for sure. I always enjoy reading your posts. For the updates on how you’re doing/healing as well as for the comedy. Continued positive healing to you my friend from afar.

...I'm glad to hear that. 😊 It's so important to make sure that you're fully recovered and feel ready. Take good care of yourself and I'm wishing you a strong and steady recovery.

... I had MIS (minimally invasive surgery) so because they don't actually cut through soft tissue recovery tends to be quicker. Be gentle with yourself...as you might be able to tell I still have swelling, but I wish you a continued strong and stable recovery my friend.

... Wow! Your situation sounds really challenging. I hope things are getting better for you now? And I'm sincerely wishing you all the best for a strong and steady recovery.

... I kind of miss the days when I had more time to sit and write longer posts! 😂 I read so many posts from others who went back to work so soon and had complications. As you can see from the photos, I still have swelling. However no pain and I think that's a good sign. I hope things are going well with you my friend and you're at least able to rest and elevate after a long day at work. 😊

, ikr! I second that. Returning to work too soon can definitely be detrimental to thorough and complete healing. I learned the hard way. No real complications perse, but I did end up switching shifts (from afternoon to overnight). I did notice that you have residual swelling. Swelling seems to be the constant and/or intermittent mainstay during recovery. Having no pain is great! That’s why the majority of us chose surgery. Walking with pain puts a hindrance on one’s quality of life and the ability to participate in and enjoy certain things. Things are going well with me. Still dealing with some minimal great toe stiffness (dorsiflexion) and intermittent swelling in my toe after constantly walking/standing for several hours. I’m still doing some of the toe exercises. Thankfully, I, too, have zero pain! I hope you continue to heal and progress positively.

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