Hammertoe surgery Day 1

Hello everyone! I had my Surgery April 22nd, but I was in too much pain to talk about it!!! Surgery lasted about 3 hours because I actually had more than just Hammertoes fixed. Let me share...Keep in mind I had both feet done at the same time....I know, call me crazy, but I did this when I had my bunions removed and it was THE BEST decision I made because I got it over and done with at one time. And honestly I think if I had, had one foot done (and after the experience with the pain and such), it would have taken me longer to go back and get the second one done. So, if you have help for the first few days at least and you can take the time of off work, get them both done at the same time! It will seem touch at first, but you can do it!

Anyway, I had a procedure called Flexor Tenotomy done on toes 2,3 & 4 and Arthoplasty done on my pinky toes. I had corns removed off of the hammertoes and I had the Tailors Bunion re-done on my right foot because some of the bone grew back and formed a little knot and it was causing me discomfort in some shoes.

Now, for those that may not know, a Flexor Tenotomy is a procedure where they go in and release the tendon in the toe by snipping/cutting it to straighten the toe. My incision is was made on the back of my toe at the bottom.  Arthoplasty is when they cut a very small piece of bone in the toe, to straighten the toe and you have a pin/K wire inserted in your toe while the bone heals. As a result your toe will be a little shorter obviously, but you may not even notice (talk to your doctor so you know what to expect) I had to have this done on my pinky toes because they had become rigid and not flexible anymore. I believe I had this done on my 4th toes also, but I am not sure yet because I haven't taken the bandages off; but my doctor said if once he cut the tendon in my 4th toes and it did not allow my toes to straighten, he would then perform the Arthoplasty on the 4th toes as well. I also had my second toes straightened out because as you can see from my photos, they were leaning to the right; they also have pins in them as a result of having a small piece of bone removed where it was crooked.


My feet were still numb when I left the hospital, but I could feel the numbness wearing off on one of my toes; so, I sent my daughter to get my pain meds and I took one right away when I received them. My mom and dad took me straight home and I wasted no time getting into bed, elevating my feet and putting bags of frozen vegetables on my ankles (to help with any possible swelling). Now, I  knew that I would have pain. I just knew it, but I also knew I would have pain meds. So, I wasn't concerned honestly. My issue...they were not strong enough!

When I had the bunions removed, I was prescribed Vicodin and it worked like a charm. I was prescribed Vicodin with Acetaminophen (for inflammation) this time and it did not work at all! OMG! I was in so much pain that I cried, prayed and rocked all night long! I kept thinking I needed to give it time to work, but after the 4th pill, I knew I needed something stronger. The pain was awful you guys. Just awful. I'm not trying to scare you. I just want to prepare you.

I am now taking Oxycodone w/Acetaminophen; and feeling so satisfied! I'm not in pain, but at times I feel a little discomfort, but that's normal and it isn't distracting. I am using crutches and walking on my heels, but it's hard because it is not comfortable. Walking on my heels makes my pinkie toe feel like it's spreading and I don't like the feeling. So, I have a stool that has wheels and I am rolling around the house on that and let me tell you, it's so much better than the crutches; and besides it keeps weight off of my feet. I did this when I had the bunions removed ( I used my desk chair) and I remember my doctor being impressed with how good and fast I was recovering. I think rolling around on the chair at home, instead of using crutches helped my recovery because I was staying off of my feet and I always had them elevated.

For the most part, I am in bed all day with my feet elevated and ice on my ankles. I know and have learned this is very important and also helps in recovery and prevents swelling which can lead to more problems I hear. I can't get my feet wet of course, but I was able to take a bath! I sat in the tub with my feet hanging over and I had no problems getting myself out when I was done.  Aaah fresh!

I will be going in to see my doctor on Monday. He said he wants to see me Monday instead of  waiting 2 weeks because I'm in so much pain and he just wants to make sure everything is ok. In my opinion, I think the pain I'm experiencing is normal; my meds just weren't strong enough. I don't mind going in though anyway because my doctor is AWESOME and it also means I'll get fresh bandages; and I am kind of, KIND OF anxious to see exactly what he has done and to take pictures for you guys.

Initially, my doctor told me that 2 weeks from my surgery day I would get the stitches out and in 4 weeks the pins come out; and yes! I am wearing those ugly black surgical shoes!

Please make sure you have someone to stay the night with you at least the first 1-2 days/nights because it is going to be hard getting around and you really need to stay off of your feet as much as possible. And to be honest you may not even be able to tolerate walking on your heels once the numbing has worn off. I am staying with my parents until the pins come out. My dad has been waiting on me hand and foot. My mom helps here and there when I need her. My daughter has been a big help as well. I am so grateful for all of them. I am still feeling good about my decision to have  both feet done at once!