Gone are the days when you needed to be laid up for weeks after having bunion surgery. Today’s recovery period is quite short, but you still need to have a plan for before surgery and your home environment during recovery. Don’t let worries about a tedious recovery stop you from moving forward. Instead, let us instruct you how to prepare for bunion surgery so you know what to expect.
What Is a Bunionectomy?
Surgery to realign your big toe and remove the painful bony prominence along the inside of your forefoot is known as a bunionectomy or bunion surgery.
When the pain and discomfort finally reach a point where you are ready to have your bunion corrected, the first step is to reach out to an experienced orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon like Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD.
Pre-Operative Instructions: What to Expect
After an evaluation consisting of a number of tests and if you are healthy enough for surgery, you will receive pre-op instructions to prepare for bunion surgery.
They will include the following:
- Fasting prior to surgery as instructed by your surgeon.
- Stop taking certain prescription meds and/or supplements.
- Wear comfortable clothing and stretchy pants.
- Don’t shave or put lotion on your foot.
- Prepare to have a friend drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
You will need someone to help out for the first few days so enlist some friends or relatives to stay with you for a few days.
Preparing for Bunion Surgery: Recovery at Home
- Decide ahead of time the best place for you to recover. If your home happens to be two levels, the most sensible place will be on the first level as long as there is a bathroom.
- Pick your at-home buddies. There must be a small group of friends or relatives who would be willing to take turns and help you out in shifts to keep you safe. Even if you are married, these buddies can still help.
- Once you have picked the “sweet spot” for your recovery, gather what you need to reduce any movement. Have the TV remote, tissues, snacks, laptop, cellphone, hand sanitizer, and water within reach. Have good light: a window or a lamp. Try to be as close to the bathroom as possible. Be sure to keep your prescription or OTC pain meds at hand should you need them.
- Rent, borrow, or buy certain things to make your life easier. Consider a knee scooter such as a Knee Rover. You can purchase one or contact Dr. Hall’s office to rent one. Pick up a shower chair which will help keep you safe as you raise your foot to keep it out of the water. Pick up a knee high cast cover or plastic bags with Press’N Seal plastic wrap to keep your stitches or cast dry while showering. Re-freezable ice packs are another useful item to have, and an extra cell phone charger always comes in handy.
- Get your kitchen ready. Whatever you use on a daily basis should be within easy reach. Shop ahead for two weeks worth of groceries. Cook up some easy meals and freeze them for later. Keep phone numbers and menus for food delivery places you like so that you can mix up your choices as you recover.
- Pretend you have a toddler, and you’re it. Clear away anything a toddler would trip over, fall, and hurt himself. Remove loose rugs, move bulky furniture, hide electrical wires, set up night lights. Have the path from your location to and from the front door and the bathroom clear of obstructions and tripping hazards.
The Recovery Period: What to Expect
As part of your recovery from bunion surgery, your surgeon will most likely recommend physical therapy to help restore your foot’s strength, range of motion, and get you back to your normal activities. This along with regular follow-up visits will complete your recovery period.
You play a big part in your recovery, too. The best surgical outcomes are achieved combining your doctor’s surgical skill, your preparation for surgery, and your adherence to post operative recovery instructions.
Bunion Surgery in Seattle, WA
Contact Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD at (425) 823-4000 if you are considering bunion surgery and would like a consultation.