Anyone have a bunionectomy with success | Arthritis Information

 

 Hey... I'm thinking about having a bunionectomy but I'm wondering if it's worth the pain seeing that the RA has already set in in my toes.  Has anyone on this board had  one done and were able to wear normal shoes and mini heels.  My big toe is starting to cover the next toe to it. It's not painful but I sure would like to wear sandles in the summer.  Any suggestions.

I'd be interested in hearing about anyone's experience with this as well.  My big toe goes over the next toe plus there are some other issues going on with my foot due to RA.  A woman my husband used to work with had hers done and she was very happy with the results. 

I know I need to get something done with my feet and very soon.  I'm just a big baby though and keep putting it off.Bump. My mother, who did not have RA, but had Raynaud's, had a bunion removed years and years ago.. _popupControl(); I had a bunionectomy about 7 years ago.  That seems like that was when the RA was just beginning.  The surgery went well and so did the healing.  Much easier for shoes since the one joint was so bad I could not wear a closed shoe--I had to wear a sandal that the straps missed the joint.  I would suggest it if you are having problems with a bunion.  I did not have the other foot done.  It was not as bad and I don't want to be out of work for the recovery--especially in today's employment client.  I forget the name of the procedure, but back around 1992, I had that "bump" operated on.  RA had damaged the joint of my big toe (think its the metatarsalphalangeal joint-something like that It was outpatient surgery, not fun pain wise the first 24 hours, but it was manageable.  I didn't have any problems healing.  Was very satisfied with the results.    I had a bunionectomy about 8 years ago. I know there is one surgery where they have to cut through your bone move it over and then replace it with a screw, then there is the other where they just have to shave off the portion that is sticking out. I had the first one. The pain was terrible for me afterward. I would like to think that I have a high tolerance for pain, but that surgery was pretty tough on me. I will tell you that I have no problems with it now (other than the RA) Sandals and heels are not a problem if my feet aren't bad RA wise. I still have the screw in my foot, so if you have that one, it stays there forever. Hope this helps! _popupControl(); I don't remember the pain being so bad but I did take the pain meds they gave me.  I did know when I had overdone it and had to sit and elevate my foot!  My wife had radical bunion surgery on both feet about a year or two after getting RA.  Although the recovery was long, the surgery was a huge success and her toes have not bothered her since. I am terrified about the prospect of having a bunionectomy because it has been discouraged by several doctors as a high risk, low reward surgery.  I have a moderate and sometimes painful bunion on the right foot with the big toe leaning inwards.. the classic look for this condition.  I do have some arthritis in that joint. Pain is not so bad as long as I wear low heel shoes. Now that I am 60, I feel it is now or never for the surgery.  Did you use an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist surgeon.
My bunion has been visible for about 14 years.
Podiatrist. Which ever type of surgeon you choose is not as important as the amount of experience they have had with this surgery. You want a surgoen who has literally done hundreds!I had BOTH bunions fixed so while the pain for the first couple of days kept me in the reclining chair doped up on Vicaden's, being able to walk without pain and being able to exercise made me have the second operation a few years later.  I had a pin sticking out of my bunion for a few weeks, it practically fell out when I visited the Dr to have it removed, so don't sweat that.   I was back to work after a week using a cane (desk job).  I would highly reconnmend having it done.  A Podiatrist did the surgery. 

Actually, this is how they realized I had RA.  I had a growth on the top of my foot so when they did the bunionectomy, they sliced in to remove the growth too.  Biopsy showed a Rheumatoid Nodule and the rest is history!

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