I'm about 6 weeks out from my MIS bunion surgery, and the aim of my posts is to try and be as honest as…

I'm about 6 weeks out from my MIS bunion surgery, and the aim of my posts is to try and be as honest as possible about my experience. As my vacation is coming to a close, I thought I'd go for another morning stroll... and ended up walking just over 5 km (3 miles). Not only does this fill me with confidence for the journey back, but also for my eventual return to work. I have no regrets about my decision to tackle my bunions, and as soon as my plane touches UK airspace, I want to set the wheels in motion to have my other foot done. I've said it before, but I made the mistake of following some young guy (in his 30s) vlog on YouTube who had MIS and returned to work on day 3, and was doing some sort of gym activity on day 7. Based on this video, I asked to be signed off for 2 weeks; however, I was very lucky that I had previously booked vacation time, giving me a total of 5 weeks away from work. I wouldn't recommend travelling, BUT I was able to adapt and rest — something I could not have done if I returned to work sooner. I genuinely believe that MIS recovery is faster... but... this really isn't about who gets there first. Weight-bearing is NOT the same as walking. It's like saying you can drive, but instead of getting in your regular car, I take you to the bumper cars at a fairground... it's still driving, but not the same thing. You can't forget your bone has been cut and realigned, so healing and self‑care of that gorgeous human being you see in your reflection has to be your number one priority. Take good care of yourselves, my friends.

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Community replies

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Community comment#1

Love your post I’m a week behind you and you are motivation!! Went shopping yesterday for shoes size up and tried wide but the hoka still didn’t quite work for me 😔 brooks wide felt good but not great so still searching.

Community comment#2

Woo hoo! Thank you for posting...I am very active and having MIS including a pin in big toe...my friend had done and told me "follow the directions - no weight on foot for 2 weeks...do not cheat..." I plan on doing exactly this and getting back to getting on my feet. I also plan on getting second one done in February. btw - my bunions are much larger than yours!

Community comment#3

Couldn't have said it better myself! Weight bearing is totally not the same as your usual walking! Glad you're healing up well and enjoyed your vacation!

Community comment#4

I had 5 screws put in may 8 and took 4 weeks off and took easy first 5 weeks overall with ice and elevation, but now ready for second foot as well 🙌

Community comment#5

I’m starting my 7 week post op (akin chevron bunionectomy). Started weight bearing last week. But like you said that’s not the same as walking. Foot is still swollen can’t get my sneakers or shoes on yet. Feels like there a pebble on the inside bottom of my foot. Everyone’s journey is different. Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be able to walk. Enjoyed reading your post 😊

Community comment#6

They look great. Your second toe wants to know where it’s buddy is lol. I can only hope mine will look as good as yours do. And thank you for the advice x

Community comment#7

Do you have a before? Your feet looks great 😌

Community comment#8

Well done I have enjoyed reading your posts. 🤩 I’m in Australia and I got both feet done 4.5 weeks ago. I’ve started back on stationary bike this week and feels good and walking about 1.5km. I’m back at work after 3 weeks as I sit for most of my shift and can put feet up and even take shoes off . My doctor wanted me back in sneakers , I have extra wide and size up, after 2 weeks which has helped my walking. Good luck with your 2nd foot your first foot looks amazing!! 🤗

Community comment#9

Had same recently, sounds like you did a great job on recovery and all is going very well! 👌👍

Community comment#10

You have done so well and it’s refreshing to hear you are proud of your achievements. My surgeon said he is hoping to have me in footwear around 6 weeks however then the hard work will begin and will learn to listen to my foot. As they say Rome wasn’t built in a day, takes time and patience but for now for me it’s about keeping the swelling and pain under control. Take care x

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#11

HappyOtter7017 Thank you for your kind words. ☺️ One of the first things I'll have to do when I get back is find some shoes that fit...good luck on your search.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#12

HappyOtter7017 have you tried altra. There are different foot beds and I wear their widest which is lone peak. Mens are said to be wider but I have little feet so not an option to me. I wore this range before my op so I have them in various styles for home, work and walking the dogs (Olympus gortex)

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#13

nope I will try. Today I’m going to the running store because they have a different variety hopefully I make some progress. And yes I’ve seen the men’s selection had a lot of wide shoes will get that a size since I am buying a size up maybe I can fit into one Thank you

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#14

... My surgeon encouraged me to move as much as I could tolerate. I understand that different people heal at different rates but like you I'm pretty active and I think movement helped the healing process. Very best of luck to you for February.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#15

pin on big toe, no screw ? Pin using temporary!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#16

first surgery is 9/21. I cannot wait!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#17

I was told a pin...

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#18

... Thank you! I Hope things are going well with your recovery as well my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#19

will the screws be removed?

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#20

... 5 screws!? Wow! Hope the recovery is going well and best of luck for your future procedure. Take good care of yourself.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#21

... Sorry to hear about your challenges, but literally take it a step at a time. I was told two weeks...but I'm not 21! 😂 Take good care of yourself my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#22

...my second toes like to show off! 😂 Are you having surgery anytime soon? Good luck with everything in the future my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#23

yep later in the year when I can take a break from work, I’m a truck driver and expect to be not working for 2 months 😭

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#24

... Here is a photo of my before.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#25

...I appreciate your kind words. I originally wanted to get two at the same time, but with my younger kids I needed a good foot. I will also have to re evaluate my shoes and measurements. Wishing you continued success with your recovery.

Community comment#26

Did you have your procedure in the UK and if so, who was your surgeon. Your foot looks amaxing. TIA

Community comment#27

I've just reached the end of week 3 and your posts have been invaluable to me and we seem to have had a similar journey. It's great to see where I could be in another 3 weeks. Thanks for taking the time to write your posts.

Community comment#28

Sorry.. Thanks for the encouragement.

Community comment#29

I have a sevre hammer toe also, did you have anything done to yoursecond toes?

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#30

... It is a process, however I just keep taking it a day at a time. I hope you're recovery is going well also my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#31

... I sincerely appreciate your kind words. I actually think time is our friend with recovery, keep putting yourself in the centre with rest and recovery. Look after yourself my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#32

You to and please keep us all updated x

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#33

... I had my procedure done in Epsom Hospital in South London by Dr Kumar Kunasingham...and he is excellent.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#34

thank yiu so much Ty I really appreciate your response. I am near Windsor so that would be easy for me. Best wishes for a continued recovery👍

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#35

...I sincerely appreciate your kind words. Truth is I've had to learn patience! 😂 But you will continue to see improvements each day...I wish you continued success in your recovery my friend.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#36

that's been the hardest part for me to sit and be slow. The rest has been way easier than I expected. Ive actually secretly enjoyed the forced opportunity to slow down and just be. Had my bandages off today and so far the results look good. I hope your recovery continues well

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#37

... How are you getting on mate?

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#38

...for as long as I can remember my second toes have always been longer than my big toe. So the only correction I've had done is the bunion on my right foot.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#39

OK so its not hammer toes, just wondering if I have bunioectomy, whn I have it, is the hammer toe operated on or left to see if it alters on its own?

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#40

...I'm no doctor but to my understanding they would probably tackle your bunion and hammer toe during the same surgery. I think they will use pins to straighten the hammer toe. Wishing you all the best when you do have your surgery.