I had my appointment today with the orthopedic regarding my foot issues and was a little overwhelmed. He talks and moves kind of fast and it was hard to keep up with him. I regret not bringing anyone with me to help process the information, but what can you do? Ah well. Anyways, he said that the bone spurring (on all 4 sides of the bones that meet up with that large toe joint) was caused from arthritis that I was predisposed to have and NOT from wearing my reef flip flops non-stop the past 3 years. (yay! Well, sort of... at least I didn't cause it, but it still sucks I have it). He said that he can go in and clean up the joint (here is a link that kind of explains it, warning graphic) but it's likely I'll need a fusion or joint replacement eventually anyway. He said the literature states that if I go without surgery right now, I will probably need the fusion when I'm 40 but if I clean it up now I may be able to wait until I'm 50 for the fusion or total joint (I forget which one he said, again wish I had brought someone!). He did say in his experience though that he usually does not see patients again after he does the cheilectomy.
Soooo, it sucks. On one hand I am really in not that much pain as long as I wear tennis shoes or sandals. I can run just fine with it. My balance has suffered, but I don't know if that is from the toe issues or the plantar fasciitis. But, I would rather not wait and have it get larger and require a more difficult surgical procedure. The more I google the more freaked out I get. I've been thinking in my head that it seems like a pretty simple, minor procedure but things I'm coming across on the 'net are suggesting that people are in a lot more pain (for months) post-operatively than they expected. The doctor told me that I wouldn't need crutches but it would be 3-6 weeks before I was up and running again. I said "running, literally?" and he said uh, no... up and moving. I scheduled the surgery (tentatively) for April 11th. If I'm going to get it done, I would rather do it sooner than later and not have it screw up our summer (and beach time) or our winter (ski time). I have one other decision to make as well... I have a family friend that I've known my whole life is also an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist in Lansing, who just happens to also have an excellent reputation. Do I see him or do I stick with the convenience and stay local with a surgeon who has a good reputation here from everyone I've asked...
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5 comments:
Ugh - not a fun decision to make. I've been putting of shoulder surgery for almost 15yrs now. You're doing the right thing to get it taken care of. Good luck!
Oh yuk! I've been debating on having a bunion removed but not quite ready. I'd def. get the second opinion, esp. if you know him. GL!
Poor girl!! Good luck to you! I have a bunion that I need to get taken care of eventually. I seriously hate medical issues-wish we could just heal!!!
OK, STOP living my life! LOL Seriously, I also have horrible arthritis and a developing bone spur on my right big toe. I've had 2 cortisone shots to help with mine - the first helped a lot, the second one not nearly as much. I've also had the conversations about cleaning it out, replacing the joint, and/or fusing the joint. My dr. also said sooner is better, but the thought of the recovery freaks me out. Have you thought about not being able to drive?? I also talked to my best friend's dad, who's a podiatrist, and he was less into the surgery idea. We should talk more on fb or DFM about it to compare notes. It's amazing how much a freaking toe can hurt.
When did you get old enough to have foot problems? Wasn't just yesterday that I picked you up from Middle School to go for pizza and we shared the same bathroom that connected our bedrooms?
Love you!
Tracy
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