I had bunion surgery on my right foot on Oct. 18th 2005 and on the left foot on Nov. 10, 05. I'm an avid tennis player putting in around 2-3 hours of hard tennis at least 5 days/week and even more in the summer. I play mostly singles but as the bunions got worse I began to mix in more doubles.
I'm not sure just how bad your bunions are as that plays a large part in the recovery time. Mine were to the point I was busting through the sides of my tennis shoes after only a couple days of playing. Thankfully I get a discount from Wilson being a teaching pro (I do really just in the summers to help out the kids locally) or who knows what I would have been spending on tennis shoes! It was enough already. I honestly don't know how I stood it as long as I did. I would literally carry my tennis shoes out to the court while walking out in flipflops and tear the tennis shoes off as soon as I finished. It really was awful and SO painful. I don't mean to go on about that but wanted to give you something for comparison. I even took pictures of mine the night before surgery if you would like those. EEk...that's not a pretty idea huh? Just trying to help, honest.
So where am I now? Well....after being told PRIOR to the surgeries that yes, I would be ready to start practice by the first of the year I would be just fine as I had told the surgeon I HAD to be doing well at that point as that's when leagues are formed and team practice begins. Not quite the case. I was told at my visit 3 weeks ago I had to be 12 weeks postop on each foot before I even THOUGHT about any vigorous exercise due to not only the healing but also that a fracture could very likely occur and really set me back and also I would still have swelling to deal with and it would really be impossible anyway.
Yes, I'm glad they're both fixed now but as the saying goes about not having a leg to stand on? Because the surgeries were done so close together that is just where I was. I had to stay completely in bed for over 3 weeks because they'd been done so close together and I wasn't allowed to put any pressure at all on them due to the swelling and pain. Well..I tried and to get to the bathroom and back would be an hour ordeal with my mother helping me the whole time. Kinda pathetic sounding but am just telling you how it was.
I had been told by several friends that it had taken them 6 months to feel "comfortable." I would think to myself how active I was compared to them, how I'd bounced back so quickly from surgeries before and that I don't have alot of extra weight to put on my feet at 125 and 5'7"....so I thought they might have had more problems but didn't foresee that being the case for me.
My next doc visit is this coming week so I should know more then. I'm hoping they tell me I can at least try to do more than the pool. After what I was told initially about my recovery time it's not bothered me that I've called them about twice a week to ask if I can try to do more. The most I'm allowed to do at this point is walk on my heels around the block and not be on any hills and go to the pool. It's honestly not as if I could do more anyway. Doing that has at least been "some" exercise for me but not at all what I'm accustomed to or want to be doing.
I don't mean to put a damper on it for you but having read VERY unrealistic time-frames on the internet prior to having it done I feel as if I was set up for disappointment and wouldn't want that for anyone else. It's killing me having to miss my tennis season with my team. I'm hoping in a few more months I'll be able to "somewhat" play but don't want to play any matches for my team if I'm not 100% either.
On the positive side I am glad that it's over because I truly didn't have a choice as to have it done or not. It was impossible to go on and participate in the activities I wanted or do them to my fullest potential so in that regard I'm glad it's over. It's just the timeframe for getting over it that's the pits.
I'm sorry for the length of this post but having searched the net extensively haven't found a realistic timeframe yet or a REAL story other than the words "full recovery will take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months" and think there should be something more realistic out there. Most of course say things like 3-5 days in bed and act as if it's all over then. If you're only having one foot done then it will definitely be better but you will still have swelling to deal with at 12 weeks and yes, still be limited. I've come to the conclusion that because it is evidently known for being both painful and having a lengthy recovery most people shy away from it so the doctors tell a different story in order for you to have the procedure. I'm sure that's not always the case but does seem to happen quite often from what I've seen.
If you have any other questions ...like exactly what I had done, what others have said, which docs are best, what you WILL be able to do... any questions really...feel free to ask away.
If you do need it done please don't let this deter you. I had it scheduled 2 years ago and didn't want to take the time so put it off and they only got worse which is what happens in all cases. While I'm not a happy camper about it right now I know I'll be glad next year to not be in constant pain on the court or with other exercise. If I were a couch-potato this would be a dream for the most part but for active people it's just not. If you have to have it done go ahead and bite the bullet but make sure you have a good surgeon and have gotten plenty of info beforehand so you're prepared. ....again, if I can answer any questions or help let me know. Good luck!!
cindy

I hate to tell you but you're right. You shouldn't put it off any longer as it will only get worse and then the recovery time will be even longer and more troublesome.
You are fortunate to only have one to deal with. That will make a big difference in your mobility.
Like you I thought there would be SOMETHING I could do to at least keep in shape as much as possible so I wouldn't be at square one when I could start again. I had thought of spinning too and the problem with most all exercises is that you don't realize (or I for some reason didn't?) that you're putting pressure on the front part of your foot. I've since the surgery talked to some people who did try things too early and think they were doing so little yet would end up with a small fracture and then a prolonged recovery. Even now I'm still walking on my heels but mostly due to the pain and swelling.
One thing that seems to commonly be said is that "every foot is different" and of course everyone's body and healing time is different. I have found though through those I've spoken with there are some similarities regardless of activity level or "drive." Just so you'll know more what to expect here's what I've been through and while it varies from those I've spoken with who are not active it is exactly along the same lines of those who are. I'm going to base this on just one foot too because my having them done too closely together seems to have been a huge factor in limiting me.
After the surgery you will be in bed keeping the foot propped up for about a week or a little less. I did make the mistake after the first surgery of deciding to run errands and do too much around the house about 5 days after the surgery and that landed me back in the bed for about 4 days. I would highly suggest that for the first couple weeks after surgery (until you have the sutures or stitches out) that you just take it easy....this will make a BIG difference! You'll be bandaged up during this time too and most likely using one of those blue velcro shoes over the bandage so you can hobble around. Just take it easy and stay around the house though. Once the bandages come off I was put into large tennis shoes. I normally wear a size 10 womens and now am wearing a 10&1/2mens extra wide. At first it was VERY difficult to even think of putting my foot into a shoe or even sock for that matter. Just take it slowly and keep them on for 10 min then take them off ...just do what you have to. Baby steps is the KEY word with this in all areas!! I got used to the tennis shoes after a couple days thankfully because you're not supposed to walk without shoes for months (and won't want to anyway because they give so much support.) I have had to do alot of loosening and retightening with the laces though! I was allowed to take very short walks...like around the block....starting at 8 weeks. They certainly weren't power walks and in retrospect I probably was pushing myself a bit too hard and just ignoring the pain and swelling because I would come in and then have to prop them up with ice for quite awhile again. You should also be able to start doing things in the pool and weights with your upper body but don't rush it. Just listen to your body. I'm very glad that's "something" but for me but the pool is not what I want to be doing, not as strenuous or what I'm used to both physically, mentally, even socially as I think we all have friendships through our sports. At 12 weeks you're supposed to be able to "try" to start back with your previous activities. While I'm just past that with one foot I still have a few weeks on the other to go. The foot that's past the mark was most definitely the worse of the two and I'm just being very frank here but can't even imagine doing more than standing at the net on a tennis court for maybe 10 min right now or even in a few weeks.
I'm finally starting(well, kinda) to just accept the fact that it had to be done and especially for me to be able to do the things I enjoy and want to do in life. There was no way around it. Every single person I've spoken with has told me some of the same things.....That it seemed like forever getting completely healed(regardless of one foot or both), that it was right at 6 months before they could start to do the activities they really enjoyed(this goes for active people), and 6 months before they could wear "normal shoes" as well, and also that they are extremely glad they had it done now that it's over. Those who had problems with both feet and only had one done have ALL said too that now they wish both were fixed as they hate having to deal with the "problem foot" but now don't want to take time to have it fixed. In hearing that I am glad that even though I went through a great deal more than I ever expected at least the worst is over and I'm on the uphill climb. I'm probably being unrealistic but am desperately hoping to just get on the court in another month and keep up the other (pool and weights) and slowly build back up. All have told me too it was right at a year before they could just hop out of bed and go but of course I'm shooting for sooner than that. I'll be happy if I can be in "feel-decent" shape by summer. I know it will not be what I'm used to but at least where I feel ok then sometime in the summer I had better to start in some leagues even if it's just doubles.
The real limiting part once you're past the bone healing is the constant swelling which then causes pain and nerve pinching among other things.
...gosh, I'm sorry for going on and hope this isn't too rambly. I overdid in the pool last nite and came home with my feet like balloons and have been stuck at home today trying to rest them. Being a people person and single as well I'm not much for spending time at home like this. That will be one thing that will help in your case. Initially you'll need your family to take care of you but then just having the distraction as opposed to not being able to live life as you know it will make the time go by much quicker and easier.
Again I'm not at all trying to disuade(sp) you from having the surgery as I think you'll be glad you did...and I will be as well...but do think it's fair to have realistic expectations.
I've read a few...very few...truthful and more realistic articles on the internet but would say about 99% are ploys by doctors to get a person to have the surgery done and make it sound as if you're going to Disneyland. I ran across a couple of messageboards that had personal experiences and there was also an article written by a man while he was going through it and he had pushed too hard and around 6 months after the surgery fractured it while trying to hike and was put on a cane.
I do hope this has helped some and see above where you can attach files so I'm going to try to attach some pics I took just before the surgery of my feet so you'll have something to compare to as that is one of the factors in how quickly you get back to "normal."
Good luck and let me know if I can be of any help!
cindy

Yup.....you're exactly right! Our feet are basically identical! (or were anyway:)....)
I pulled up the pics I'd put up of mine and am not sure if just my computer or what but sorry they're so gigantic! I'll try to make them smaller so you can tell alot more.
I don't know the exact procedure that was done on each foot but am asking my doctor at my appt this week and will let you know as soon as I find out.
You're very smart in not having them done at the same time!!! Don't dare do that! It was a nightmare having them done at 3 weeks and I can't even imagine at the same time! YIKES!!!
I will definitely keep you posted on everything because I know just how you feel being an active person and the anxiety it can cause wondering WHEN will you be able to do anything again???!!!!!
Just in the past week I've finally started doing better too. YEEEEEES!!!!!:):):) I've been very good about doing the toe exercises but am going to tell my doc I want to do the physical therapy as well as I've been told by too many that that will make such a huge difference. I also decided to try the stationary bike and use only my heels. I just couldn't wait any longer!!! I know it's not my normal sport or choice of exercise but just getting to do something has made me feel so much better physically and mentally. I'm not sure if the water being warmer in the pool or walking to and from it on my heels...or both??...was making my feet swell so excessively but I got some "aquatic tennis shoes" and used them for the first time today and WOW!!! I could do so much more it was great!! I'm honestly not a big pool person ...and like to ride bikes but stationary isn't really my thing...but just getting to something...ANYTHING!!!....has really really helped me! I know I'm a complete tennis nut...That's just my sport and while I lift weights and do other things on the side it's all to help my tennis game however when it gets down to it it's really all to help my body and also my brain. I won't go into it all but have chronic Lyme and it really affects your joints and muscles and while I had thought I was in remission...or at least remission for me...not being able to exercise seemed to be quickly putting me back at the zero quality of life I had had for so long and worked so hard when I finally began to feel better to get out of. There was just NO WAY I was going to let this drag me down again!!! I'm not sure just yet when I'll be able to get back on the tennis court and to be truthful feel I'll be doing other exercises to stay in shape more than tennis most of this year but at least I can do that now so am not complaining! I'm hoping maybe late summer I'll be able to "kinda play" and maybe before that set the ball machine where I can just stand there and hit in the same spot so that will be something but just being able to do other things which until this week really didn't seem possible honestly had be down. Especially when my "doctor" had told me that 2 months post surgery I would be better than new!!! You just don't do that to someone but that's another story!
I think you're in just the same boat I was. You dread having it done and the downtime, knowing you'll not be able to maintain being in shape like you are yet know it has to be done and once it is and you've recovered you really will be better than before. It's just the long recovery that's a killer. I think we'll both be very glad though once it's completely over and we're back able to do our sport of choice better than ever and free of pain!!
My appt is on Wed of this week and I have a list of questions for him already.....as well as a piece of my mind...:).....but let me know if there are any other questions about the surgery, etc you'd like me to ask. Feel free to ask away on anything else too....sounds like we're kinda in this together!
cindy