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Cheilectomy Recovery

Discussion in 'Ask your questions here' started by JPworcester, Oct 30, 2009.

  1. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest


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    Interesting posts.
    I'm a 46 yr old nurse, so obviously I'm on my feet alot. I had pain in Rt toe and was advised to have this procedure due to daily pain. Today is 2 weeks since surgery. Like Dimm I was sent home with rx pain meds and used as needed for the first week, then switched to Advil/Tylenol. Elevating it when it's been down too long def helps.
    I will have to say that I have expected recovery to go faster, but my Dr. was very careful to stress the timeline and to advise to go slowly. I have taken one shower (but, you can keep clean w/proper sponge bathing) and of course I figured out I could kneel @ the side of the tub to wash my hair daily!
    I had my 2nd post op appt yest and got the rx for PT to start this week or next and of course, no driving yet. His exact words were "when you can wear a shoe and stomp on the brake pedal as if to avoid rear ending another car, then you may drive". (BUMMED but compliant) So I would say, so far, so good for me and I wil continue to be realistic about my expectations. After all, I don't want to be in this position again any sooner than necessary.
    I have to say I'm surprised to read how quickly some of the other people are walking, running, wearing shoes and returning to work, as I was told MINIMUM 4-6 off work and again, it's a slower than likeable pace of recovery! Good Luck to all!
     
  2. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I'm a 60 year old female 5 months post surgery. Here's my story.
    A few years ago, I 'whacked' my foot during a fall. A basic X-ray showed nothing broken but over the next 4 years, my big toe joint became more pronounced making it increasingly difficult to find shoes that were comfortable.
    Vanity bowed to pain and I finally saw a Foot and Ankle Specialist who performed a Cheilectomy removing several bone spurs and a large bone chip. He also shaved the joint.
    The surgery was uneventful, pain well-tolerated and post-surgery instructions followed. Ten days after surgery I began PT - 3 times a week for over 2 months. I was told I was making excellent progress. My main issue was scar sensitivity. The Physical Therapist used a laser on my scar 3 or 4 times.
    My last PT session was 2 months ago. I have pain every day. Every day. I still swell every day. The scar sensitivity has not lessened. It's painful, purple and ugly. I can't wear any shoes other than UGGS. (Gonna be a miserable Summer) I don't need The Weather Channel to tell me when it will rain. I find myself rolling my foot to keep from putting weight on that joint. Now my back hurts because I'm walking 'funny'. The joint pops, the muscles/tendons are tight, the scar isn't getting better and my foot HURTS waaay more than pre-surgery. And the real kicker (pardon the pun), my surgeon retired to become the foot and ankle team doc for the South Carolina Gamecocks. His old group(where all my records, X-rays, etc, reside) has not, as of last week, hired a replacement. So I guess I will have to find someone/somewhere new and start again.

    I am not amused. And would advise much thought to anyone considering this procedure.

    If anyone has any ideas, comments, comfortable/cute shoe suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks and good luck. ppb
     
  3. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I had cheilectomy and donor tendon repair Oct 2011. Doctor did not recommend P.T. The pain and swelling have continued. PCP suggested P.T.with surgeon's permission. I have been in P.T for 2 weeks now. I was finally able to get a pair of regular shoes on last week for first time. Then 2 days later pain and swelling have returned. I am a 63 year old active R.N. still working. I would not do this surgery again. Now at nearly 4 months post op and very discouraged.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2012
  4. DevonBlake

    DevonBlake New Member

    I feel for you--in fact I just posted on another thread. I had the cheilectomy surgery three weeks ago and was JUST starting to move around comfortably. I had the boot removed last week and the stitches taken out and was told to USE MY TOE. But I have worn high heels since I was a late teen--over a quarter of a century--and I've felt like I've been walking in a hole for three or four months since the pain became unbearable and I had to go barefoot.Tonight in those INSIPID flat shoes, I missed the top step and tumbled halfway down the stairs.

    I was TERRIFIED--and the pain has returned upon walking only, but this time it's on the bottom of the foot and under the OTHER toes. My big toe is fine--go figure. I AM SO UPSET!

    I don't know what to say to those of you in pain after four or months post op--but I can suggest ONE THING!!!! Watch those loose clogs and sneakers--that's why I fell and may have re-injured my foot.

    I KNOW it was the loose clog that did this--I slipped out of it, missed the top step, and fell down, screaming like a stuck pig.

    The only advice I can give you nurses who are still having pain and swelling--and anyone else of course--I would demand an MRI or CT scan to see if bone spurs or arthritis or crystals have formed in the joint, causing your pain and swelling. Obviously something is wrong. But I am so sorry for you. My PT does something called E-stim--electrical stimulation--that is really supposed to help with the pain. AND IT DID, but I had to miss today's appointment since I FELL on my way to PT!

    He also strongly suggest those paraffin foot baths (after the incision is totally healed).

    It's a real shocker when FEET take our attention almost all the time, isn't it? We can sure ignore them until the trouble starts and then they seem to be the CENTER OF the UNIVERSE.

    My husband--once a big strong, muscly former football player, West Pointer, and RANGER--ruptured his Achilles tendon last year and had surgery right before Christmas of 2011. KARMA is a B*tch, as they say...since this year it was MY TURN... GLAD I was so nice and helpful. GRIN!

    Hope you all feel better--but please consider the CT or MRI to make sure future damage has not occurred.

    Devon
     
  5. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I posted a few weeks ago. I am still going to PT three times a week, and am now in my 4th week. I had surgery in October 2011. I have had electrical stim., ultrasound, manual massage, and now aquatic therapy in the pool. My big toe now is able to press down a bit, and it doesn't look like a piece of sausage hanging on my foot anymore. But, the intense pain is now on the top of my upper foot, and underneath in the same area. Surgeoon says it is because of the way I was walking since surgery, and that now the other joints are inflamed. He says some people have swelling and pain the rest of their lives. If I had known this going in, I never would have had this operation. I still cannot wear any shoes but sneakers due to pain and swelling. My doctor told me pre-op that I could go back to work in 5 days. I went back in 10 days. Even now, I am having so much foot pain after a full day. My life had been affected by this surgery because there are things I just can' t do because of the foot pain. Doctor suggests more surgery. No way! I think I am going to go to another foot ankle specialist to see if he can give me some advice on getting better. I am so discouraged.
     
  6. DevonBlake

    DevonBlake New Member

    Are you the nurse who posted above me? Regardless, you are still suffering so much, and that breaks my heart. I do understand though.

    I had only maybe two hours on one day in a normal shoe--about three-inch heel clogs with a one-inch platform--very padded. IT FELT SO DARN GOOD. But it was too soon (my surgery was on January 31st), and I think that's why I was shuffling in those flat shoes--to compensate for the pain of wearing REAL SHOES too soon--and then tripped and fell down the stairs.

    The fall did cause some pretty intense pain under my FOUR OTHER TOES, so I just took to my bed and amazingly slept for 38 hours--except for one time when I actually crawled to the bathroom. I read that the inflammation and swelling from falling down the stairs---or any injury (or post surgery) would only get better with rest. So I took one of the TURBO naproxin sodium pills the surgeon gave me BEFORE my surgery, every six hours or so when I'd roll over and get thirty; and when I finally got up, the pain had abated. Today I'm swelling again under those OTHER TOES...so as I sit here writing to you, I have the foot elevated and iced!

    Believe me, I am no Pollyanna; but the only reason I'm not sorry I had the surgery is that I know had I not had it, surgery would still be inevitable--and it would have been even worse: a FUSION of the joint and big toe. And I have never heard anything that sounded slightly appealing about that procedure--except cessation of pain. WHICH I KNOW IS A BIG THING...

    The only other suggestion I can make is what my surgeon said to me: "Cheilectomy was only a first step. Down the road you will probably need arthroplasty." I think that's what he called it--where he will insert a plastic disc inside the joint to avoid the bone on bone contact that could happen in the future. Perhaps that is what you need.

    But if it were me, I would insist on a CT scan or something to prove what was wrong before I allowed more surgery. I'm sure you will too after what you've been through.

    I am truly sorry you are suffering like this. I know this sounds simplistic, but have you tried ice and anti-inflammatory meds? I'm sure you have.

    I did hear something else on the RUNNERs WORLD foot pain forum. I am NOT a runner, but I found that forum somehow and learned some helpful tips. Basically only one in about twenty appears pleased that he had a cheilectomy. But that again needs to be qualified. Most of them admitted they put off the surgery too long--not that that is your case. I know I didn't. I was ready the month before my surgeon operated since I knew my foot would only keep getting worse until I ended up in--GOD FORBID--orthopedic shoes! I am vain; I admit it. I love to strut around in my four (sometimes FIVE) inch heels, feeling willowy and graceful. I never even went to the bathroom at night without putting on my heels--seriously. So I had intense motivation to make this work--that and the fact that I had been unable to walk unaided for three months from the pain.

    But for the people on the running site, the motivation wasn't high heels--it was getting back to running. Of the ones who had the cheilectomy and still were not free of foot pain or who never got their flexibility back, many had found one other solution that got them back on the road. They cut into their running shoes to make a hole, so to speak, for the big toe to fall into. And then they could run again. They said it was hard at first--finding a way to cut into the bottom of a running shoe without cutting it apart, but they all found a way. Some said a DREML rotating tool really helped.

    It's just an idea--but if I can't feel confident in a month or so to wear my heels (and I don't mean Stilettos--I have abandoned that idea permanently) without re-injuring my toe, I will get some thick platforms a size too big and start digging--and add extra insoles with the big toe area cut out.

    I can't even imagine how frustrated you must me. Just don't give up--but demand PROOF on an XRAY or CT scan or MRI that indicates clearly how more surgery would help you and not make it worse! I feel stupid even saying that to you, but so many times I have been too reticent with a doctor and later regretted it.

    I bet you are just sick that your pain is now in another part of your foot. I never once thought that my feet could turn on me like this, you know?

    I wish you the best, and keep in touch.
    Devon
     
  7. DevonBlake

    DevonBlake New Member

    Forgot one thing---for the poster on the 29th of January whose surgeon went to the GAMECOCKS?

    The best shoes I have found so far are called BORN BOC brand. They have many padded and comfortable shoes (clogs and mules) with two inch to four inch heels; but the footbeds are so padded and the fronts are elevated (platforms) so the shoes are comfortable. FamousFootWear or 6PM.Com or DSW.com all have great deals on these shoes. And of course, Amazon. Also, good old Dr. Scholls brand is now making some very comfortable shoes for casual, work, or dressy occasions. And I even found a sneaker with a wedge heel: Easy Spirit Zisor!

    Good luck to all of you...
    Devon
     
  8. I had cheilectomy surgery the last last week of Dec 2011. I honestly, didn't do any research on this as it seemed to be a fairly simple procedure. I've had hernia surgery several times in the past so this seemed like it would be easy. Not true.

    This has been a horrible experience so far. I had to get a steroid injection yesterday to help with the pain. It's not just the pain but a burning/numbing/pins and needles kind of combination. I definitely would not do this again unless I couldn't walk.

    I'm only somewhat comfortable in tennis shoes and can't really stand for very long periods. I was very active prior to this procedure. I know I'm only 3 months out but this is not even close to what I was expecting. I'm not a very religious but I'm praying time heals this.
     
  9. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am 5 months post cheilectomy left foot. I am having severe pain in my foot. I hard hardly walk without unbearable pain. It has limited my activities of daily living. The original pain that took me to the doctor in the first place is gone, but all this other pain has developed post op. I should never have had it done. Any help would really be appreciated. please!
     
  10. A cortisone shot in the joint has helped a lot. From what I understand, the pain could be the result of excessive scar tissue. The cortisone should shrink it.
     
  11. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am a 50 year old male who had cheilectomy surgery on my right great toe 14 months ago. I was surprised at how long it took for the pain to go away. Did my full PT post op but was not pain free for 12 months - doc told me it would be 6-9 months before I'd be pain free. That said, I'd still do it again. I have much better flexibility and pain in my right hip has significantly decreased I believe due to improved gait.
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
  12. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am a 43yr old Female. I had a Chilectomy end of September 2011 to remove Bone Spurs.

    I had a bad left big toe for years but at the time didn't know what it was, only went to see a Dr when the pain got increasingly worse over a couple of years and with most shoes the foot would swell and the pain was unbearable and would cause me to limp. An X-Ray showed early stages of Osteoarthirits of the Big Toe. I live on painkillers and anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenic due to severe back pain, so this walking oddly because of my foot was not helping. I was sent to a specialist and he suggested a Chilectomy as this was the only option. By the time I got to see the specialist the toe was pretty bad. As I said had a Chilectomy end of September 2011, pretty uneventful, a few days rest, rarely needed painkillers, was up and about full weight bearing within a few days (I am generally good at recovery, had many Ops for other stuff), was walking my dog within a couple of weeks, I still had pain, but it was manageable as it was only a couple of weeks since the Op. Now whether this was the problem, I don't know. I did have a follow-up with the Specialist, but he was very positive and told me to give it anything up to a year for it to be pain free. He did say upon going in he noticed the cartilage was pretty damaged and this could recur the problem a few years from now. I know I am 7 months post-op and he said give it a year, but judging by the amount of pain I am in, I can't see it getting better anytime soon., the foot swells in flat shoes let alone heels, which again, not many shoes even fit regardless of pain, I have a size 7 shoe left foot and a size 6 right foot because of this stupid toe. The only fairly comfortable shoes are trainers to walk my dog, and Ugg boots. As the other lady said, roll on summer.

    The pain is much worse than before the Op, if that was at all possible, I have pain all over the foot now due to over compensating for the toe, and my Osteopath has explained this is putting a lot more pressure on my back, which I really don't need right now. I am now beginning to wonder if I will ever walk properly again. I wasn't told to have any Physio on the toe but I am wondering if I should have done. I read these messages on forums and nice to know I am not alone, however, has anyone been longer post-op than me but as realised the foot is in fact getting better, to at least give me some hope.
     
  13. Diane

    Diane Guest

    I promised I'd post my progress which I've been honestly delaying...
    Hoping that I could say something positive after having This surgery -
    it's been almost 6 months since my surgery and I am still waiting to
    Experience the benefits of having this surgery! Actually, I think that my pain
    Has been getting worse with time, not better!! I have a tremendous
    Amount of pain in the big toe joint area which travels along the side of my foot
    And ends just below my instep. This past week has Been the worst for me yet,
    I truly wish I never had gotten this surgery! My pain is worse now, than the pain I had
    Before getting this surgery.
    I still can't wear heels, nor can I wear any kind of platforms, even my sneakers,
    Uggs are becoming uncomfortable! My toe still doesn't have the mobility/flexion that I
    thought I'd have by now.....
    I am truly doubtful that within 6 months I will be totally healed..... But as promised
    I will continue to update.
    Ps: Dave I am wondering how you are, I hope to hear that you are doing better.




    Unregistered;96454]Hi Diane,

    Sounds like you are doing a bit better...... Great! I am slowly coming along. It has been just over 4 weeks, but think my progress will be measured in weeks, not days.

    Had my first physical therapy last tuesday. He basically did range of motion then heated ultrasound, then more range of motion. Go back again next Wednesday for more. Seems like it did help, so going to stick with it. He wants me to basically go through flexing and extension exercises, and moving toe medial and lateral also.

    Actually went out for dinner last night and got my foot into my Allen Edmond loafers. (nice to wear something besides clogs and sneakers) Was out a couple of hours and foot a little sore afterwards, but I i guess it is progress. Toe does still hurt with each step, still worse than befor surgery, but hopefully this will improve.

    Anyway have a great weekend Diane and keep doing your toe exercises even though it hurts.

    Dave[/QUOTE]
     
  14. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I have arthritis in both big toe joints. As a ballroom dancer, this causes pain and swelling. I had a Cheilectomy on right joint Dec'11. I am only now beginning to walk without tendon and scar tissue pain. The area around the scar feels like pins and needles. The joint itself is stiff and aches when I bend it. Also, I now get a lot of heel pain in the right heel. Only just beginning to wear small heels. I am back to the gym - Zumba, pump (no lunges), step, rowing and cycling. No ballroom dancing yet as I can't put full weight on toes. The right leg is still weaker than the left. Every week I get different sensations but I would have to say, it is improving very slowly. I just hope it will be worth it in the end. Waiting to have the left one done!
     
  15. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Bone spur on top of big left toe broke off and fell into toe joint. Pain was intolerable to walk and I'm an avid golfer! No choice but to have Cheilectomy. Doc removed broken spur, cleaned up the rest of the spurs on the joint, cleaned up about 1/4 of the cartlidge in the joint, drilled holes in joint bone to allow cells to release and grow new cartlidge.

    First week post op on my back, foot in a soft boot and always elevated. Used a small bean bag chair to keep foot elevated. Highly recommend the bean bag chair. Very comfortable way to keep foot up. Can take it to bed with you, works great on the couch. Also lots of icing the first few days.

    Week 2-4, no weight bearing (used crutches which meant I didn't go much of anywhere). Stitches out at 2 weeks and into hard walking boot. Start PT 2-3 x week as soon as stitches out. PT is key.

    Week 5 transition to full weight on foot in walking boot. A few more hours each day. Continue PT 2-3 x week!

    Week 6 wear normal soft running shoe and full weight bearing. Continue PT 2-3 x week! If I use the toe too much, slow down and ice.

    Week 7-9, golfing again but riding in a cart. Stopped PT after week 7. Continue with exercises on my own.

    Week 10, walked my first 18 holes, hardly noticed the toe, mostly noticed how out of shape the rest of my foot, ankle and legs are!

    55 year old male. Very happy with outcome.
     
  16. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am very happy to get feedback from people who actually had the surgery. The average patient has one breasted and one testicle. Feedback from a doctor is not nearly as valuable as a real live patient. Thanks for the feedback!
     
  17. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Devon.... Thanks for the honesty!

    I used to run, then switched to yoga. Now have to modify everything thanks to R big toe. That's okay, and the pain is livable, but don't touch my foot. Decision to consider cheilectomy came at Christmas when I could get my foot into the MOST ADORABLE 4.5" ankle boot. :(

    Meet with respected orthopedic surgeon, who 5 yrs ago said NO to my inquiries re: surgery (vanity & bunions). This visit he said this surgery was not a bad option given I have a 15-20 degree ROM. He did NOT promise a swift recovery. He did indicate 2 weeks at home foot elevated. I am allowed to walk to bathroom. Increased activity after that with frankenstein shoe options. But hey, I get options! His nurse rocks 4" heels and he understands my goal is to be able to fit into shoes. These forums are starting to freak me out, but yours has calmed my nerves. He told me that in his years of doing this surgery results & recoveries are varied, but the best are when people do EXACTLY as he tells them.

    I am dreading flat shoes as I currently fall in them (I swear was born in heels)! Mom is coming, what's better?, to help for 2 weeks.

    I am aware of the risks, and have probably done more research than necessary. Just wanted to say thx for honest posts.


    Wish me luck. Surgery in T minus 7 days
     
  18. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Hello to All!
    I had this surgery 14 months ago!
    Post-op pain was not an issue for me. Have a very high pain thresh-hold.
    I did no pre-op research on this procedure as I have had several surgeries with no ill effects, and because the surgeon spoke about the operation as though it was a 'piece of cake', I had no cause for conern - or so I thought...
    My post-op pain did not worry me at all till it was time to wear shoes! I was never told to have PT, just informed to manually move the toe!
    I managed UGG boots ONLY, for five-six months as the scar was excruciatingly painful and my foot swelled within a few hours of weight-bearing, causing much pain.
    I walked with a slight limp, for up to six or seven months.
    At this stage, I still need to be extra cautious when drying the great toe, otherwise, I see 'stars'. I often wonder, if I became very disabled and was (heaven forbid), unable to communicate to 'a personal carer' to 'go easy' when drying my toe, whether I'd pass out with pain, for that is the degree of same, to this day!
    I gave away 90% of my shoes at the twelve month mark as I miserably came to terms with the fact, that the operated foot is never going to fit back into them. The surgeon has managed somehow, to create a bunion during his procedure. For six or so months, I thought this was swelling that with time, would disappear - NOT SO!
    Also, the underneath of my foot, feels as though he stripped the padding from it...
    I have since learned that surgery on feet can accelerate any arthritis.

    I would never have this operation again and wish the surgeon and his RN had been more informative, for she too, was very blase. I phoned her at about the five month mark, to inform of the problems and she brushed me aside (as one of you also mention), telling me to expect swelling for up to six months. (Well, that gave me one month to go!...she wasn't listening...)
    I feel very sorry for all of you who also have had the need to come to this 'thread' to compare notes. It is a reflection on the surgeons, that we are not informed enough, and, as they underestimate the recovery time by about 9-10 months, we are having to endure pain at work and elsewhere, that our colleagues and friends do not understand, afterall, we told them that the surgery would be minor??

    I wish you all the best with your success rates; most of you seem to have ben advised to commence PT and have done so. I hope this aspect helps your long term recovery and you do not find yourselves in the same situation...

    God's love and peace.
     
  19. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I had cheliectomy of my right foot on 11 May.

    I had been rather unsure what to expect, having read lots of stories about slow recovery.

    I stayed in bed, fully stuffed with Oxy, for the first 24 hrs after surgery - this was to control the pain and not let it even appear (rather than fight it when it is there). And it did not. Decreased the dose on day 2, and further decreased on day 3, started walking without crutches at the end of day 2. On day 4 stopped all painkillers. Kept foot elevated as much as possible for 1 week. Today is day 8, I am walking normally (as much as I can in the shoe), no swelling, and I was driving without any problems.

    I am a 46yo male.

    Full story on http://cheilectomyexperience.blogspot.com
     
  20. LMM

    LMM Guest

    I am a 49 yr old male and had cheilectomy done 3 wks ago. Luckily, I had a podiatrist who did the procedure on a minimally invasive basis with 1/4" incisions. I was in the Darco shoe with padded bandage for one week. Some elevation and icing with peas, but was able to get around. Some swelling and some pain. Just local anesthesia (Xylocaine, like your dentist uses) and nitrous oxide. I maybe took the Rx for pain three times and ibuprofen a couple times in the first two weeks.

    Week 2: Returned to dr to have bandage removed. I then walked out of the office, albeit slowly, in my own shoes. Used compression band, icing, and some ibuprofen to treat. Pain was actually a little higher than immediately post-op. Began the range of motion exercises. With the small incisions, there was no need for scar massaging and drainage was a non-issue.

    Week 3: Walking is improving as my gait is becoming more balanced and pain is decreasing. Like others posting on this forum, I am doing the range of motion exercises for the big toe. The dorsal flexion is probably 40 degrees, but I'm getting very little plantar flexion (downward movement), so I'm going to ask my doctor about this. Even though the procedure was less invasive than most on this forum reported, the procedure inside the joint is the same, so my recovery will certainly take several months, as well. I got on my bike this week and did some gentle pedaling--didn't want to overdo it. I'll leave the MT biking for later in my recovery process.

    I'll post more in a few weeks so people can compare progress. I've found this forum to be one of the better sites for patients discussing their recovery from cheilectomy.
     
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