It's now just over 4 weeks since I had my bones realigned in my right foot to remove my bunion and fix my foot. Under doctor's orders, I'm still wearing the post-operative shoe and have to do so for another 2 weeks) and find that I still need to keep my foot elevated a lot, like at least 1/2 hour of every hour to feel comfortable. I've got a small coffee table under my desk with a cushion on it that I use when I'm working to keep it elevated.
The swelling has really gone down more - my foot looks normal from the top (well few scars and a funny colour and some bruising still) but it's still swollen when you look at it from the side, so I couldn't yet put my foot into most of my shoes (even if I was allowed).
I've stopped taking painkillers during the day, and only sometimes take them overnight. I'm finding that I can sleep with my foot under the covers, but it still is uncomfortable to have any pressure from a sheet over my toes. It's the incision site that hurts the most - even water dropping on it in the shower stings. The toe separator that I wear all the time does help to keep my big toe in place and feeling more comfortable.
My toes are very stiff still (particularly my 2nd toe with arthritis) so I'm trying to wiggle them a few times a day to make them more mobile.
Twice a day I'm rubbing in a moisturiser - both Vitamin E cream and some bio oil to help the scars heal nicely and to minimise scar tissue. It's the nerves that have been cut in the process that are very tender and sensitive, so there is lots of tingling and not the most pleasant sensations going on in my foot.
Not being able to drive is the thing that's making my life most difficult. As a very independent person, I hate having to ask for favours and rely on others to help me. I'm lucky that my son is on is Learners Permit and so is getting in a few hours of practice driving me to the shops and post office and transporting his sister to her gymnastics and dance lessons. The rest of the time I've been Ubering around when I have to go out and no one is around to help.
I can walk short distances, but am a bit slow. My husband has nicknamed me Clompy as when I walk around the house you can hear me coming (there is definitely no sneaking up on people).
I'm back to working full time, though I notice that I do get tired more easily and have to take a break or two during the day (not something I normally do).
One of the best things I used during my recovery was a bean bag filled footstool - it works so much better than a stack of pillows to keep my foot elevated and in comfort as the beans mould around your foot.
Why I Decided to Have Bunion Surgery
Bunion Surgery 2 Week Post-Operation Update
What to Wear After a Foot Operation When You Have to Wear a Post-Operative Shoe or Moonboot
