Diabetes Type 2 Support Group
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...
Five weeks ago I had a bunionectomy. My Dr. assured me I was at little risk so I opted to have the surgery and be able to wear shoes once again. The recovery was much harder than I thought it would be. I developed a slight infection which scared me due to the stories I've heard of diabetes and foot problems. The infection was slight, drained, and then the incision closed. Walking has been tough due to the swelling but at last I can put a shoe on. It's tight but its on. I suppose my motive for writing this is to encourage those with bunions to get their sugery done and over with while it is still possible. If neuropathy worsens you may not be eligible for surgery and end up a cripple. I'll have my other foot operated on after January 1 so in just a few months I'll be able to wear those pretty girlie shoes that have sit on the shelves for years. BTW - a positive attitude about a short easy recovery did not help. It was grruesome but I don't regret it at all.
Not to scare anyone but mine involved reconstructive surgery both times with the cutting of the main bone from the big toe and realignment and screws put in. I also had let the one go too long and the tendons on the side of my foot had actually torn, so that had to be sewn up too. Along with bunions usually there are hammer toes next to the large toe which in my case needed to be straightened involving puttin a rod in the toe and fusing it, then removing the rod.
So as you can see everyone's procedure is different with bunions. Mine took a very long time to heal. But I do agree I guess it was worth it even though the second time around the dr botched it up and over compensated moving the bone and the toe is not straight.
But diabetics do have a hard time healing----my advice is to get alot of references before choosing a foot surgeon to do the procedure. Ask around and be sure you actually see someone's foot and how it turned out before you make the choice. Bunions are caused mostly from wearing too tight of shoes and heels which cause your foot to slide down and crowd the toes So be REALLY careful with the pretty shoes because those can cause problems big time.
My left foot bunion was so enlarged that I no longer could put shoes on so I wore flip flops all of the time. I live if Fl so that's the normal shoe attire anyway all year round. I did not have to have rods put in but I did have more than just a shaving of the bunion. I had to have bone removed from both sides of the big toe and the surgeon put what he called a stitch between bones to keep them together. He said the stitch will prevent a bunion from returning. The stitch goes through two bones and has an achor at each end. I too was in a wheel chair for about a week, then on crutches. I was very happy when I was able to start a little weight bearing but it hurt much more than I expected. It's been 5 weeks now and I am waling pretty good. Yesterday I was able to put a shoe on to go out to dinner. That may be too early since I did pay the price with quite a bit of discomfort. I'm very glad I had it operated on even though I was pretty miserable for the first few weeks. I know that if my circulation gets worse I won't be told that it's too late to operate. After Jan. 1 I'll have the second foot done. My insurance pays better then so I'm waiting.
Diabetes is managable but it is difficult to change eating and exercise habits. I look forward to be able to get into a walking program to help me manage my diabetes. My right foot bunions is not as bad as the left one was so I may be able to start walking soon.
Good luck to any of you with diabetes and bunions. Take care of yourself so you can live a long happy life.
I thought I was doing OK but now am wondering. I'm about three months post bunionectomy. I still have swelling and now I have pain in the bunion location. My Dr. has not released me to have the second foot operated on. Now I am questioning if I even want to have it done. My Dr. has me applying cream and massaging the foot to try and force out what he says is fluid causing the swelling. I'm starting to worry now if it is healing OK or if I am experiencing some complications. I'm diabetic type 2.