Bunion update

raindrops
raindrops Member Posts: 5
edited 20. Jan 2011, 11:39 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi I posted a few weeks ago regarding going to the hospital for my bunions which I also found out that I have arthritis in both my feet which showed up on the X-ray.

Anyway I've felt that I've been left in the dark as the only advise I was given was to wear thick socks and that I couldn't have my bunions removed as I was to young and the rest of my toes are out of line and not straight. I went to see my gp to ask for a second opinion but he refereed me back to the consultant. I haven't been able to get hold of him and have left messages and spoken to his secretary. I don't seem to be getting anywhere with this and just feel like I'm not being taken seriously. The consultant I saw happens to be the top consultant at my local hospital.

I don't know what to do. I'm in pain everyday & my feet are swollen & I've been using gel around the bunions but it doesn't really help.

I feel like giving up :(

Thanks for reading this long post

Comments

  • raindrops
    raindrops Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I forgot to say the consultant didn't tell me what type of arthritis I have and I've been doing all my research online and have found out that my bunions will only get worse should you decide not to have the operation
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Raindrops - wondered where you had disappeared off to. Did you look at the thread you started on your bunions - you got lots of replies.

    You aren't too young. If no joy from your next appointment - make it very clear to GP you want to go to a different hospital for a second opinion.

    YOu also need to know more about your arthriis - though if you haven't been referred to a rheumy it is most likely osteoarthritis.
    Make an appointment with GP and ask him to find out more.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Raindrops,

    Nice to see you again.

    Flower he was basically standing up to talk! I had a total re-build of my feet at 24 (well one of then the other followed a years later) and know at least 2 people who had their bunions removed in their 20's.

    You do need a second opinion..... now how to get one....

    I am not 100% sure but i think its your right to have a second opinion and i wonder if you can go to a different hospital for one?

    That bit I don't know the answer to cus here we are restricted to the only hospital.....

    Someone else will though and maybe you could look on line ans see if there is a center of excellence for feet cus that's sort of what you want.

    I haven't had bunions but I do know a far bit about painful swollen feet.....

    Would strapping them up help? Speedy says about the other thread so have a look there cus there are some good responses.

    Just remember you need it done and you have to keep banging on till they give in! Labour the quality of life issues....The other thing to remember is your not alone, you got this lot behind you and in your pockets flower. Stay in touch please. Cris x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Raindrops

    You defo need to be referred to another foot consultant. I have been to see one today and although it is my bunion that has unfortunately been with me for years, that is causing my pain in my toe next to it he does not wish to operate on the bunion because it does not hurt me. Fair enough, I agree. He gave me a steroid injection in the toe that is painful and said to come back in 6 weeks and we shall take it from there. The toe next door to the one that is giving me jip now, has dislocated. Years ago I had pain in that toe and saw a podiatrist who took plastercasts of my feet and I then wore specially made inner sole thingys. The pain went but the toe apparently, so I learnt is now disclocated and gives me no more pain. On hindsight I should have seen a consultant.....

    Today, the consultant also showed me how to tape the toe down to try to straighten it. He may have to operate to straighten it but would not touch the dislocated one as it is no longer hurting me but if there was no other way to straighten the toe without also straightening the dislocated one then he would do that.

    He told me the bunion had definitely caused my toes to go like this. He cheerfully told me that the little toe and the one next to it will not be affected.

    I would strongly urge you to see another consultant as this is obviously worrying you greatly.

    I wish you well,

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.

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