post-op care after ingrown toenail removal

I have a question for the Doctor, please.

I had ingrown toenails removed from each side of my big toes. (4 removed) Now, one year later, the left side of my left toe which had the biggest nail removed is still very tender
Sometimes. I work at the local Walgreens so
I am in tennis shoes and on my feet a lot. About twice a month I sit down with the tweezers and pick away the loose skin that still grows around my nail. On this left toe the right side is still a hole with a scab and the left side is the tender side. Remember, I had this surgery over a year ago! I know that I should not pick only
Toe where the nail was removed on te left side but I do pick on it because I'm trying to
Relieve that pain. Sometimes it works, other times it makes it hurt a
Lot more. I would like to know if
I should consult my foot doctor again or schedule an appointment with another doctor for their opinion. The side of my toe that I am sleeping
Of is always red and puffy just like it was before i had
My ingrown nail removed. I don't think the nail has grown back but I'm jot sure. I would really like this pain to stop!
Thank you for your help!! I can't wait to read your reply!!

 

You should go see a doctor, Why do people have a hard time comprehending the advice on this board? How is someone over the internet supposed to give you specific advice on YOUR specific case without seeing you in person, knowing your family and medical history? Go SEE a doctor.

 

I had an ingrown toe nail problem on my big toe on my right foot. I went to my GP who prescribed me a course of antibiotics as there was an infection. The antibiotics did not work so I returned with the infection having got much worse and I was told that I should take a further two sets of antibiotics at the same time. By the time these two courses had finished the entire top half of my toe was septic so I went back to the doctor who gave me the fourth dose of antibiotics which I duly took and which did no good.

Eventually I insisted on being sent to a specialist who saw me on a Tuesday and said that unless my toe nail was removed the following day that I could possibly loose my toe due to the severity of the infection.

I am now on day 12 having had this done with a toe full of stitches and another two courses of antibiotics. The dressing was uncomfortable and the irodine gauze that was used as a dressing just kept the wound soggy.

Last night I removed the dressing and have left the wound in the open air but keeping it clean. This evening it has scabbed over and looks much better so hopefully I am now on the mend.

I seem to have a lot of individual stitches both up the side of my toe and where the base of the nail was situated - I'm not sure whether they will dissolve naturally or whether they will need to be removed.

Extremely painful for 10 days - now things are easing but no way that I could wear any sort of showe at the moment.

 

Crexenic

After having surgery on both big toes, I have been in extreme pain for the past two days. Ihave not been able to sleep, I can't sit down, and for some reason I am only at peace while standing. My doctor prescribed Panadol! Which is very weak. I have been taking a numerous number of types of medicine: Tylenol, Solphadol, Motrin. All have not helped to ease the pain. Laying down on a bed causes extreme pain to both my toes, while sitting has the same effect. I had been suffering with ingrown toenails for a year and a half, but the surgery has put much more pain on me.

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know

 

Yes. With all due respect and civility, you have answered your own question. I find it common that surgeons and doctors perform a procedure and leave the patient wanting for information about post-op care and what to expect. I just had my nail removed and the dr. told me I'd have no pain. I've had pretty bad pain for two days, which I am finding fairly normal according to Internet forums (patients' experiences). I also had no idea that the guaze might cause excruicating pain due to its adhering to the wound! I could really have used advise about buying the non-sticking guaze, assuming it works (I have not yet bought it and I'm using bandaids since it's tough to walk to the pharmacy now. I also have a pea-sized white area of skin under the area where it was most infected. I have no idea if this is normal or not! I will have to call the doc tomorrow to find out. All of this seems to me, could have been prevented with a simple frequently asked questions handout given to me by the office manager upon leaving. So, yes - to all doctors, please be considerate about what your patients face after seeing you. Best, Susan

 

My mother had an ingrown toenail removed this afternoon and once the anaesthetic wore off she was in immense pain. Having asked the Doctor whether it would be painful afterwards he replied "no, not really". He said she didn't have to stop her general activities and even let her walk home. Now, she is lying in bed trying to sleep and in a lot of pain.

I am a medical student and have tried everything I can think of that we have in the house; ibuprofen, ice, elevation etc. (And some brandy) What I want to know is if she should have been prescribed stronger pain relief and is this usual? What else can I do to help her?

 

I didn't have an ingrown toe, but a hamper accident in the dark that jumped on top of my big toe 18 months ago after I ran into it. The blood underneath never went away. Last Sunday morning in my sleep I was pricked by either my husband's toe nail or a cat and jerked my foot away only to have my husband's leg slam down on it. When I pulled my foot out of the sheets it was bleeding for the next 3 hours and the nail looked strange. Of course it was a Sunday and had to go to urgent care. The physician assistant, not even a podiatrist gave me 3 shots and yanked it off. Didn't see how she did it as I couldn't look by then.
I had the same intense 2 days of throbbing and then after then feeling like a vice was around my toe. Had to drive on third day and it was painful. Yesterday I swam for the first time and it hurt to kick with the force of the water. Did feel the best it had so far after swimming. I think the water movement might have helped and will swim again today.
Question I have is does it grow back ok and can I run again in the next few months? I travel for work and there aren't any pools on the road only treadmills. Any suggestions to speed up the recovery?

 

3 days ago i had a ingrown nail removed on my right big toe. This is the 3rd time I've had an ingrown removed so I'm becoming quite familiar with the recovery aspect. 1st let me start with how amazing the body is and its ability to heal itself. Your part is to keep the area CLEAN and MOIST. I soaked my foot the following morning (per my dr's instruction) with the bandage on. By this time the bleeding has stopped and the bandage was stuck to the area. I've found that epsom salt is VERY HELPFUL with loosening the gauze. I massage my toe as if im pushing the pain out of my body squeezing the sides of the toe as much as i can stand and I massage it until the pain goes away, about 10 -15 mins. This allows me to be pain free for about 3-5 hours, especially during the first 3-4 days. It sounds like alot but its well worth the effort. The sides of my toe have already "sealed" itself and the nail bed looks clean and smooth. I'm using an Amerigel "salve" that i apply directly to the entire area then i use a gauze to cover it and I tape it up, only apply the tape on the skin of my toe as to avoid applying pressure to the nailbed. This also helps prevent the bandage from sticking so much. Frequent soaking also aids in preventing the bandage from sticking. Think of the gauze "meshing" into the "new flesh" if its wrapped too tightly and left on too long and doesnt have the proper moisture. I can walk but not yet ready to put on anything other than an open toe sandal or flipflops. I plan to keep soaking whenever my foot tells me to, gradually less often. I plan to get a laser procedure to eliminate the fungus that causes my nail to grow improperly. This crap it too painful to continue getting them removed. I hope the laser procedure it the answer forever!

 

Here is my story I had ingrown nails removed from big toe and 2 of the smaller toes on the same foot on the same day which was 6 days ago. I am back to work after a weekend rest and my whole foot is swollen, still taking tylenol extra strength, and in pain but it is better. My 3 toes are a bright red like raw meat and the raw skin is black and the nails are black. I have my followup appointment in 2 days so I will wait until then to show him the results. What is another 2 days of waiting?

 

I have a question for the Foot Doc, my son is 23 years old and handicapped. He is diagnosed with many things. He is at a 12 year old level. He has an ingrown toenail on his left great toe. He isn't really complaining of pain unless he touches it or bangs it into something. I have to cut his finger nails and his toenails for him , but he is refusing for me to even get near that toe. I am not sure if I should bring him to the doctors to get it done or the E.R. because he can be very difficult to do anything with. When he had dental work done he was trying to get out of his chair. Also he has partial paralyzed on his left side so whenever I do cut his nails on that side he screams out in pain and it takes me about 30 minutes to cut his toenails and fingernails just on one side. What do you suggest and is he going to be in pain after it is done.

 

Hi. My doctor gave me no after care instructions. He didn't even explain what he was doing.
1. Will that part of my nail grow back?
2. How long do I keep this bandage on for? It's stopped bleeding.
3. Should I take a day off work?
4. Do I need to see the doctor again?
5. How do I train it so that it won't ingrow again. The dr mentioned tape but got a phone call and didn't finish explaining what to do.
6. So I soak it every day? As of tomorrow? When can I wear closed toe shoes? I'm not allowed to work with open toe.

 

Hello

I have been advised by a Practice Nurse to consult my GP with regards to having both my big toe nails removed. As I have not yet had a chance to see my GP, my questions are hypothetical really and I apologise for this. I was just wondering if it could be a strong possibility that both in growing toenails will be removed at the same time? I have a Daughter, who will be four in a few months time and I am her main carer. I was just wondering whether it will still be possible for me to care for her after having my toenails removed? The reason I am asking these questions now is because I am a nurse myself, with no knowledge at all about toenail removal only Coronary Care, and I just wanted a little bit of information prior to seeing my GP so that I can make the necessary arrangements for caring for my Daughter if needed. My husband is self employed and so, I'm hoping that he will not have to take time off etc. I am not currently working as a nurse at present so time off work is not an issue for me. We don't have any family that live locally and that is why I am just asking whether it will be feasible for me to continue looking after my Daughter after having my toenail/s removed? I know I will get the necessary information from my GP etc but I just wanted to be pre-warned and pre-armed, so to speak, about the above query. I apologise if I am just repeating what has already been documented on this forum. Thank you in anticipation of anybody who can kindly advise me from their own experiences. Kindest Regards

 

Hi, I had both sides on both toes removed 4 days ago and still feel discomfort. Ibuprofen has worked well but back to work tomorrow . Very worried as I work as a teacher and am terrified that one of the children will knock them . Feel as though I am making a big deal as it is meant to be a simple op but............it hurts . And in my defence not being a baby as I have been through labour lol
I found it difficult to walk when I had it done and the next day so arranged for help with my toddler, they advise feet up after the surgery too but that's difficult with children, a bit of me time is what the doctor orders

 

Thank you for your information about your experience after having both big toenails removed. The fact that you took the time to respond to a question, even if it is only generally, is greatly appreciated. I now have an appointment to have both of my big toenails removed on Friday and have been given a very blasé set of post minor op instructions....as in, you may feel a bit of pain afterwards but nothing that paracetamol can't take care of!!!! I found this information very unhelpful considering what I have read about other people's experience regrading having both big toenails removed etc. I will have a lively four year old to look after post minor op and am just wanting some general input as in to what to expect and how much pain I am likely to be in and how much my mobility may be effected. I'm fortunate to have friends that have kindly offered to lend a hand with the care of my Daughter if needed. I just wanted some general information as to what I am likely to experience after having both toenails removed and how much it will impact on my daily life and ability to mobilise and care for my Daughter. Obviously I am completely aware that I will be in some pain afterwards but I just wanted some details from other people who have actually had both their toenails removed. Once again, thank you very much in anticipation of your kind assistance to the above it is greatly appreciated.

Take care and kindest regards


Dxxx

 

I just wanted to add that the information provided by the 'guest' before my question was greatly appreciated and thank you again for taking the time to respond. It was very kind of you and has helped to prepare me a little bit more for a , so called minor op, that I am dreading!!!!! Wish me luck at 9am on Friday morning and the week or so afterwards......I just keep telling myself that 'I will not be in pain and all will be okay because I've got a lively four year old that is dependant on me!!!!

Take care and Kindest Regards

Dxxxa

 

The Epsom salts draw out the acid that was put in the nail bed to kill the root. It causes a chemical burn and could get progressively worse if not drawn out by the Epsom salt soaks.

 

I just had a quick question. I just had the procedure done today around noon (it's now 5:30) and I thought I had asked all the questions I needed to know reguarding post op care but I forgot to clarify whether I ought to take the bandage off today and start soaking or if I ought to wait a day. I'd call the doc but I don't have a phone and by the time my husband gets home the office will be closed. I just worry that the blood on the bandage from today needs to be taken off to prevent further discomfort/problems or if I ought to wait at least 24 hours for it to start healing before I take to original bandage off. If this is not something anyone can answer I understant. Just want to take the best care of it I can. Thank you in advance!

 

ToeNail Removal; I am a 63 yr old male with slight high sugar. The nurse talked me into getting my big toenails removed to prevent possible future problems. For me, this was a BIG MISTAKE. I am use to pain, with 11 knee operations, shoulders, hands and once beaten to an inch of my life, but this procedure has been a nightmare. It's been a month and I swear my heart is in my big toe as the throbing is so bad. I have followed instructions to the letter. Keep clean, soaking as instructed, antibiodic-cream, yet they will not heal. I am very sorry I did this...and if you are thinking about having this procedure, I would only do as a last resort!
I am being a truthful as I can be, the pain has been bad and I get less than an hour of sleep. As my feet move against the sheets, it wakes me up big time...

 

You might consider trying to leave the foot that had the operation out of the sheet all-together so that it would not rub up against it when you are trying to sleep.