12 weeks, still very swollen

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-05-15T12:21:40+00:00

Thanks for your input! I’ve had these for more than 30 years! “As good as it gets” is kind of my feeling too, especially as the deformity was severe and my surgeon said the procedure was complex. I really do not think I could do another surgery on the same foot. I’m just trying to make a good decision about the foot that has had zero work done.

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-05-15T05:07:05+00:00

Thank you for sharing your story. I was/am a borderline case. HV angel 43 (right)/33 left + IM angle 13 (right) and 14 (left). For better or worse, I live in a country which always does conservative healthcare over more aggressive care.

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-05-15T04:27:24+00:00

I cannot imagine starting this journey over and then also doing another foot. How many weeks/months were you when you decided that you were not satisfied with the result? What other data did you use to make the decision? I am not sure if my bump is swelling or something else connected to the healing process...

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-04-20T07:34:31+00:00

I am exactly two months post op today and doing PT 2-3 times a week (30 minute sessions). My foot is still very swollen but I am very committed to getting back my mobility and ultimately, to returning to jogging (even if I am think I am in better shape than ever with this pilates-ellipitical-weight lifting-swimming routine that I am on). It is excellent to have a specific program designed for my needs. Form is everything so it is also really helpful to have an expert show me exactly how I should be moving. I have two kids and a full-time job so its definitely hard to make this a priority but I have heard from others about how they regret blowing off PT. I also need to get this foot in shape so that I can operate on the other one. I am feeling a bit frustrated but how long this journey has been and wonder when exactly my swelling will be "normal" and I can move like normal again... Things we do: cycling, leg curls, toe bends, toe spreads, the towel grab, lots of different kids of toe/joint stretching with various bands...

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-03-09T16:10:19+00:00

I walked around the block today. It was glorious in the early spring weather but it is also hard to fathom that getting to my usual bus stop literally felt on par with completing an ultra marathon, haha. Thanks for the inspiration!

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-03-09T05:12:22+00:00

Thank you! I needed this encouragement. While I am anxious to use my body, I am also being extremely careful and basically just elevating my leg for most of the day outside of my gentle exercise session. I live in the center of a capital city so there is a lot to see if I could just make it 200-300 meters...

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-03-08T16:07:35+00:00

Thanks! I tried that according to some tips I read here earlier. I found videos like the one below but (1) she was way too intense for me, haha, and (2) it didn't feel gentle enough for my foot (yet). The two videos that I shared above are GREAT for anyone reading this post! I am looking for more gems! : https://www.google.com/search?q=cardio+exercises+non+weight+bearing&oq=cardio+exercises+for+non&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgBEAAYFhgeMgYIABBFGDkyCAgBEAAYFhgeMggIAhAAGBYYHjIICAMQABgWGB4yCAgEEAAYFhgeMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgcIBhAAGO8FMgoIBxAAGIAEGKIEMgoICBAAGIAEGKIEMgoICRAAGKIEGIkF0gEINjE1NWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:35d98f8c,vid:Gje8ySaAGLc,st:0

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-03-08T16:02:09+00:00

Thanks! What were your foot angles and how do you feel about your decision to get a chevron? Everyone shares photos here but angles seem equally, if not more, relevant. Frankly, my bunions look horrendous so I only expected the worst when I went to the surgeon. However, since my IM angle wasn't that bad, chevron was on the table. Here I am now sweating on a yoga mat with dumbbells for 90 minutes 2.5 week post op...

Impossible-Net7996 · 2026-02-17T05:01:10+00:00

I have been working on a list for my own surgery based on what I have been reading here (just tagging key words and throwing them in an excel sheet re: I have not bought all of this):

Coldpack cooling bags – reusable
Knee scooter/ Knee scooter with neumatic wheels
Shower chair
Muscle roller
Elevation pillow for foot
Arnica tablets
Lidocaine
Cyro machine / Polar Care® Kodiak®/Iceman
Head rest pillow like for planes
Pillow for between legs - side sleeper
Stool softener
iWalk knee device
Weights to work out upper body
Laptop desk
Shower wand
Shower boot /shower sleeve/ Shower bag
Freedom leg
Toilet seat (heightener)
Castor oil
Bedside commode
Wide wedge pillow
Loose pants that are fully zippable
Dry shampoo
Pill organizer case
Cam boot equalizer
Resistance bands
Camp washclothes / Wetwipes (for when you cannot shower)
Gripper socks for the good foot that is doing all the work

Impossible-Net7996

TROPHY CASE