BunionSurvivor.com Blog For Bunion Surgery and Recovery

Important Update on List of 25 Questions to Ask Your Bunion Surgeon

2010-08-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

As part of my commitment to you as a subscriber of BunionSurvivor.com, I am always researching different forums and websites to stay current with the best ways to help you free your feet and inspire your spirit.

This week I learned that the doctor who did my bunion surgery, whom I reported in my blog and ebook to be an excellent surgeon but arrogant and disrespectful back in 2006, and bordering on negligent in the way he responded to me during consultations, had his license suspended in 2007 and was put on probation for 8 years for negligence. I hadn't reported him, nor did it occur to me to do so. But someone else did and it was serious enough to be taken seriously.

MEDICAL BOARD REVIEW   If you need to check out your doctor and you live in California, you can do a search on the California Medical Board website with your doctor's name and if there's been a medical review issue, you will find it. (Thank goodness for all the high-integrity physicians serving us, but it is shocking to see how many doctors are listed for medical suspensions and reprimands.) This service is also available in other states.

ACTION STEPS   I don't know about you, but if I learned about this kind of documented information about a physician I has previously considered but hadn't used yet, I would not use him no matter how great of a surgeon s/he was. If I was in dire straits and had no other option for a surgeon due to location or insurance or finances, I would not move forward unless I had a one-on-one face-to-face conversation about the situation with the surgeon and talked to at least three of his most current clients and felt in my gut that this person had changed their ways. (I do believe people can change given enough reason and support socially and spiritually.)

ASK QUESTIONS   This is why having a list of questions is so important! In my special report "25 Questions To Ask Your Bunion Surgeon Before Scheduling Bunion Surgery," there are three questions (#23-25) that address this issue and were added because of my concerns even prior to learning about my doctor's medical suspension. I urge you to download this report if you're considering having surgery and ASK THE QUESTIONS to get the best results for yourself. Your health and your life could depend on it.

ACT NOW   If you'd like this special report "25 Questions to Ask Your Bunion Surgeon" for free as well as 2 other important bunion health reports, check out my "Bunion Survivor's Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Recovery ."

As always, I welcome your comments. Here's to your happy, healthy feet!

Mary

PS. In addition to the 25 Questions List, you'll also receive a Monthly Bunion Surgery and Recovery Planning Checklist so you don't end up stressing about what you should have done and can relax and heal successfully after surgery. You can get all this with my ebook "Bunion Survivor's Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Recovery."

*

Top 5 Key Actions To Take Before Having Bunion Surgery

2010-06-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Do You Worry That You'll Never Get Rid of Bunion Pain? Are You Afraid of Having Bunion Surgery?

Download your free report on "The Top 5 Key Actions to Take Before You Even Think About Bunion Surgery"

If you think you're stuck with a painful bunions and you struggle to do the things you love doing - walking, running, exercising, traveling, going barefoot, wearing new shoes - then you will be happy with what I have to tell you.

Get access to my Special Bunion Health Report for free.

Mary/Smiling Walker

It's Ready! Bunion Survivor's Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery & Recovery Ebook

2010-06-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

Do You Worry That You’ll Never
Get Rid of Bunion Pain?

Are You Afraid of
Having Bunion Surgery?

Is Bunion Surgery Recovery
a Concern for You?

You can stop worrying right now. If you’re a bunion sufferer and wondering about bunion surgery, or if you’re getting ready to schedule bunion surgery, or if you’d had surgery and want to ensure a successful recovery, keep reading.

Everything you need to know and forgot to ask or are afraid to ask about bunion surgery and recovery is now available in my new ebook “Bunion Survivor’s Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Recovery”.

This ebook is 160 pages of valuable tips and “how-to” support, reliable resources, and solid research I’ve done on the Internet and in person with bunion experts on bunion surgery and recovery, interviews with other bunion surgery survivors, plus my personal experiences and what I’ve learned following my own bunion surgery.

Just think…No more surfing for hours and not finding what you’re looking for. All the key information and resources you need are in one place, at your convenience that you can read online or offline, on your computer or print out, in an easy to download and read “pdf” format.

Since I’m approaching this as a bunion survivor, not a surgeon, just to be clear, what I don’t cover are the technical aspects of bunion surgery surgical procedures or medical treatment information unique to every individual that needs to come from your surgeon, but you will learn from what I and others have experienced, what questions to ask to make sure you receive and understand the information from your surgeon about surgery and recovery and that you are successfully prepared.

Here Are Just a Few Examples of the Vital Information You’ll Receive:

Chapter 1: Research, Myths and Facts about Bunions and Famous Bunion Survivors (p. 15-30)

Chapter 2: What to Ask Before You Have Bunion Surgery (p. 30-46)

Chapter 3: How to Decide on the Right Bunion Surgeon for You (p. 47-62)

Chapter 4: How to Manage the Fear of Bunion Surgery (p. 63-74)

Chapter 5: Make Your Bunion Surgery and Recovery Easy – Checklist of Things to Do Ahead of Time and After to Keep You Stress-Free, Relaxed, and Comfortable (p. 75-80) This checklist alone is worth the price of your first doctor’s office visit!

Chapter 6: What to Expect with Bunion Surgery (p. 81-88)

Chapter 7: Bunion Surgery Recovery 3 Days to 4 Weeks After (p. 89-106)

Chapter 8: Bunion Surgery Recovery 30 Days – 6 Months (p. 107-116)

Chapter 9: Successful Long Term Recovery – 6-48 Months Post Bunion Surgery (p. 117-122)

Chapter 10: Toe and Foot Exercises (p. 123-132)

Chapter 11: Shoes – Brands and Styles for Bunion Relief (p. 133-144)

Chapter 12: Bunion Treatment & Recovery Resources (p. 145-158)

Plus, You’ll Receive These 3 Important BONUS Reports:

“Top 5 Actions to Take Before You Even Think About Bunion Surgery”
“10 Powerful Tips for a Successful First Meeting with Your Bunion Doctor”
“25 Critical Questions to Ask Your Bunion Surgeon Before You Schedule Bunion Surgery”

30-Day No Risk Guarantee

I am so sure that by reading The Bunion Survivor’s Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery & Recovery that you will find more peace of mind in your decision about whether or not to have bunion surgery and know the questions to ask your potential bunion surgeon to get the information you need that I am offering a full money-back guarantee. Just let me know by email within 30 days and I’ll refund the full purchase price.

This Ebook is 100% Downloadable Just Minutes From Now

You can be reading and benefiting today from this valuable information just like these people:

“I have found the ebook very helpful. I actually had bunion surgery about 12 years ago and it was a nightmare…I was looking to gather as much information as I could about having them both done at the same time, which scares me silly.” Marisa H.

“Thanks for your ebook. It has helped me with my decision. I am hoping for a quick recovery time. It looks like its too late to back out now. I will keep reading your blog for more inspiration. Thanks again.” Ken

“I was so happy to find your ebook! Thanks! Just some background, I am 35 years old, mom of an 8 year old and 6 year old…I feel like a walking poster child for taking care of your feet! You never know how important your feet are until there is a problem!” Kristin B.

“I accidentally came across your web site and I am so glad I did. My surgery is coming up in one week. I’m very scared and nervous but it’s long overdue.” Taylor C.

“Hi Mary. The ebook has been most helpful. Thank you. My surgery is July 14th – left foot. I feel more assured that I am doing the right thing and welcome the relief that (hopefully) surgery will give me. Take care.”
Yvonne C.

As you can see from people’s comments, by investing in yourself and this ebook, you’ll be better informed to make a good decision about whether or not bunion surgery is for you. If you do decide to have bunion surgery, you’ll know what to expect, you’ll eliminate worry and anxiety, and how to make sure your recovery is a success. And to make it easy on your budget, you’ll receive this life-changing information for less than the cost of your insurance co-pay.

Click on This Link to Order Your Copy Now

Here’s to healthy feet!

Mary Marcdante
Founder/Editor BunionSurvivor.com

P.S. – Be prepared ahead of time and eliminate the stress and fear of what you might forget to ask or do when you meet with a bunion surgeon. When you get my guide today, you’ll learn practical ways to feel more confident, find a great bunion surgeon, and be back walking on healthy feet as soon as possible. All you have to do is click the link below to start improving your life and your foot health today.

Click Here to Get Your Copy Now

“Bunion Survivor’s Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Recovery”

Copyright © 2010 BunionSurvivor.com
This site does not offer personal medical advice and is solely informational in nature.

Bunion Surgeons are Only Half the Equation

2010-04-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Do not ask God to guide your footsteps
if you are not willing to move your feet."

I don't know who said that quote, but when it comes to bunion surgery and long-term recovery, it's good advice.

Successful bunion surgery, recovery, and healing are dependent on you moving your feet and your mind to a place of self-responsibility. We've all heard horror stories about bad bunion surgery outcomes, and if you've read other posts on this blog, you know I'm the first to question the surgeon. However, in all fairness to bunion surgeons, they are only half the equation.

It is up to you to follow your doctor's recommendations as well as follow up with questions if you have pain. Don't put off checking in earlier than your scheduled appointment because you're afraid of seeming pushy or you think they're too busy - you must be your own advocate to create a successful outcome.

Move your feet after surgery, but within your doctor's guidelines. Moving too much too early can affect bone placement. Not moving enough can slow down healing. Do continue to exercise your toes and feet after your bunion surgeon's blessing every day as well as pray and hold a positive attitude. All of these actions are key to your long-term mobility.

Here's to healthy feet and a happy mind. Smiling Walker

Footsteps of the Bunion-Wise

2010-04-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise.
Seek what they sought."

~ Matsuo Basho ~

It is said that there are many paths to God; I believe it's the same with bunion surgery and recovery. There are many types of bunion surgeries, surgeons, tips for recovery, and people with bunion experiences and results as unique and numerous as snowflakes in a blizzard.

But there is one element that all these paths and people have in common: the desire for a successful outcome.

As you're doing your research in preparation for making a decision about whether or not to have bunion surgery, remember what you are looking for at its simplest is an outcome of healthy feet that take you where you want to go.

Be sure to read through this Bunion Relief blog and use the search function for the key words and phrases you're most interested in. There's a lot of great information here to help you with your decision so that you create the healthy outcome you want.

If you'd like access to all the Bunion Relief Blog posts as an ebook you can download to your own computer so you can review at your leisure, click here.

Best wishes, one step at a time,

Smiling Walker

Professional Criteria to Find the Right Bunion Surgeon

2010-02-10T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here's an excellent list of criteria to help you find the right bunion surgeon from Mayfair Foot Clinic.

1. Board Qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery
2. Training of at least 3 years in their specialty
3. Awards in their field of surgery
4. Creativity and innovation in the way they solve problems
5. Authority in their field as a published author and expert

Combine this information with the posts I've written on What Makes A Great Bunion Surgeon, and your feet and future will thank you.

Bunion Survivor's Guidebook to Bunion Surgery and Recovery

2010-02-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to be notified when the new Bunion Survivor's Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Bunion Surgery Recovery is ready be sure to sign up at BunionSurvivor.com now.

I'm so excited! We're in the editing stages now so it will be ready within the next few weeks.

Here's a working list of chapter titles:

How to Get the Most from this Bunion Survivor Guide eBook
What to Know and Ask Before You Meet with a Bunion Surgeon
How do Decide on the Right Bunion Surgeon for You
How to Deal with the Fear of Bunion Surgery (and What You Should Really Be Afraid Of)
What Questions You Definitely Want to Ask Your Surgeon (and Often Forget)
What to Expect If You Choose to Have Bunion Surgery (From Pre-Op to 36 Months After)
Make Your Bunion Surgery Recovery Easy - Things to Do Ahead of Time and After to Keep You Comfortable
Troubleshooting Communication Issues with Your Doctor
Research, Myths and Facts about Bunions and Famous Bunion Survivors

Other special reports that will be included are:

The Best Toe and Foot Exercises for Bunion Relief
The Best Shoes for Bunion Relief
Treatment and Recovery Resources

If there's something else you'd like included or you have additional questions you'd like answered, add a comment to this post.

Click on this link Bunion Survivor's Guide to Successful Bunion Surgery and Bunion Surgery Recovery to be notified when the book is released.

Step into Your Future with Healthy Feet and a Happy Spirit.

Smiling Walker

Valentine's Gift for Bunion Surgery Recovery - Yoga Toes on Sale

2010-02-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

If you've never tried Yoga Toes or are looking for a gift for someone with bunions, definitely check out this Valentines Special. I love my Yoga Toes and highly recommend them. They're great for keeping your toes flexible before and after bunion surgery. The offer is good through February 14, 2010.

Wishing you Sweet Feet and Happy Bunions.

Yoga Toes Valentines Day Special.

Bunion Surgery Podcast - What to Expect

2010-01-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

If this is your first exploration into bunion surgery and recovery and you prefer to listen to an audio podcast, here's a brief 7-minute description from Banner Health on what causes bunions and what to expect during bunion surgery and recovery.

Click here to play audio.

Inspiration for Bunion Survivors

2009-12-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

"Do not have each foot on a different boat."
~ Chinese Proverb ~

Dealing with the Fear of Bunion Surgery - Part 2

2009-11-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent email from Snuggles and my response to help you stay calm and relaxed before your surgery.

"I accidentally came across your web site and I am so glad. My surgery is coming up in one week. I'm very scared and nervous but it's long overdue. I fractured my great right toe a year ago and was told it will get better; well I just recently three weeks ago went to see a podiatrist that cared. We did a series of X-rays, and then follow-up with an MRI that told a totally different story. I am do to have an Austin Bunionectomy. Have you heard of this type of surgery? Any advice would be great."

--------------------

Dear Snuggles,

Thank you for appreciating the Bunion Survivor Blog information. I’m equally glad to know it’s been helpful to you.

Have you had your surgery yet? If not, I’m sending prayers for an easy surgery and speedy recovery. If you already have had your surgery, I’m sending prayers for speedy recovery and want to know how you are.

To answer your question, I have heard of an Austin Bunionectomy and in fact, had one myself on my right foot three years ago. It is a common bunion surgery. Everyone’s response to the surgery is different; in my case, according to two second opinions, my foot should have been splinted to keep the Big Toe straighter immediately following surgery. Since it wasn’t, the curve (not the golf ball) has returned and the 2nd toe is elevated again and will require additional surgery that I have been putting off. You might ask your doc about splinting.

Regarding advice for you,

Recognize being scared and feeling fear about foot surgery (any surgery for that matter) is natural.
You can manage your fear with several different stress management techniques including deep slow breathing, positive self-talk and visualizing yourself walking and running and happy as a penguin following your surgery.
It sounds like you trust your new podiatrist and have done your homework on her/him and feel confident in their diagnosis and treatment suggestions, so relax and focus on your recovery.
Follow your doctor’s directions.
Go back to the Bunion Survivor Blog after your surgery and reread the posts on how to make your recovery easy.
Stay in touch and let me know how it goes.

Warmly,

Mary/Smiling Walker

--------

What else would you say to calm Snuggles concerns? Click on the "post" link below to share your thoughts. Your feedback is important and helpful.

Dealing with the Fear of Bunion Surgery

2009-11-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Do you feel fearful and anxious about bunion surgery?

You're not alone. I get a lot of email from people saying they're scared.

Understandably.

Bunion surgery is major surgery with the potential for complications out of your control, but one complication in your control, which you can avoid, is the stress you create in yourself by not managing your pre-surgery fear and anxiety.

In previous posts, I've written about how your fear may be your intuition telling you to do more research on your surgery, ask more questions of your surgeon, or even change surgeons.

Assuming you trust your surgeon and have done your due diligence, in this post I'd like to focus on your own emotional power and what you can control: the way you respond. Responding successfully comes from a series of conscious choices to think differently and direct your actions toward whatever it takes to create and sustain healthy feet. A healthy mind will help you get there.

Making conscious healthy thinking choices will shift your emotional state of worry and fear to calm and confidence, so focus on what you're telling yourself and if it's not helpful, change your thinking to something that is. Even something as simple as the self-talk statements such as the ones below can help quiet your fearful voice:

* "I'm grateful for my feet and the opportunity to take better care of them and myself.

* I'm doing everything I can to prepare myself and I can relax and let my surgeon and friends support me."

If you've been successful managing your fear, have already had bunion surgery, or are a bunion surgeon or nurse, what would you recommend people do to assuage their fear and worry and create more calm and confidence prior to surgery? Please click on the "post" link below and share your comments.

Thanks! Mary/Smiling Walker

Austin Bunionectomy Bunion Surgery Videos

2009-11-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

A reader who is about to have an Austin Bunionectomy emailed me asking if I'd ever heard of this type of surgery and what advice I had for her.

Since I'm not a doctor, legally I can't give anyone medical advice, but I can offer information to help educate you and help you make a more informed decision.

Here is an entire google search listing of the top Austin Bunionectomy videos.

bit.ly/db2os

Whew! Be sure your stomach is settled. And do watch at least one if you're considering surgery so you know what to expect, which will lessen your fear and give you insights into what your doctor may suggest and questions to ask if this is the particular surgical procedure s/he recommends. The more you know, the better your insights and the more effective your actions will be.

Here's to Happy Feet!

Mary/Smiling Walker

Do You Need Toe Straighteners for Your Bunion or Hammertoe?

2009-07-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

Just purchased two toe straighteners, one single toe holder and one double-toe holder from MyFootShop.com to help keep my 2nd toe on my right foot from totally obliterating my 3rd toe.

It's been three years this month since my bunion/hammertoe surgery on my right foot. I've noticed in the past few weeks that my toes are almost back to the same position, minus the bunion ball as they were before surgery.

Something has shifted recently because not only do I have a callous on the bottom of the third toe from the pressure of the 2nd toe pushing down on it, but I have a new blister that formed on the side of the third toe. Hopefully these new toe separators will help with that problem until I'm able to have more surgery to correct this problem.

Moral of the story: Choose your bunion physician carefully and make sure your toes are splinted to keep them straight following surgery. Mine weren't and when I asked about it my surgeon said it wasn't necessary. My 2nd and 3rd opinion docs following surgery said it would have helped. Easy to say in hindsight but time has proven this true. Be smart. Be good to your feet.
_____

Back Pain and Bunions

2009-06-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Have you had or do you have any back pain along with your bunions? Please comment below if you have.

I've wondered if the occasional lower back pain and sciatica that became chronic a few months after bunion surgery on my right foot and continues today is connected to the misalignment of my feet. All the doctors I've seen say it's not but I'm not so sure.

A friend shared the book Healing Back Pain by John Sarno, MD, which I started reading today. Sarno says that most back pain (and many other muscular, organ, and immune system issues) can be attributed to TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome), which he defines as a psychosomatic issue that becomes physical as a way to hide negative emotions from your conscious mind, in particular repressed anger, because you're not ready to or think you can't handle the pain. Interesting idea and even more interesting when I consider the possibility that maybe I'm subconsciously angry that I have bunions and felt I had no option but to have surgery to get rid of the pain (that and every other transgression from childhood :-). Hmmm...and the solution, Dr. Sarno? Recognize the anger, find a healthy way to express repressed emotions, keep moving your body, and in 98% of situations the pain will subside.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, what's your experience with bunions and back pain?

Bunion Recovery Foot Exercise

2009-05-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for good foot stretching exercises, especially during walking, now that I'm a few years beyond my bunion surgery. This Heels and Toes exercise from Prevention.com is a good one. Remember, check with your doctor first to make sure you're ready to do an exercise like this, and then take it easy building up strength.

Heels and Toes
Exaggerate the heel-to-toe motion as you walk: Land on heel, toes lifted, then roll up onto toes, lifting heel with each step.

What Type of Bunion Surgery is Best for You?

2009-01-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know there are over 100 types of bunion surgery?! Now, maybe you'll understand why I've hedged about defining different surgeries on the Bunion Relief Blog -- the possibility of error in description is better left to your surgeon. ;-) However, I just ran across a good overview of the general types of bunion surgery in an article on bunion surgery published by Blue Shield of California.

"There are over 100 surgeries for bunions. Research does not indicate which type of surgery is best—surgery needs to be specific to your condition. More than one procedure may be done at the same time.
"The general types of bunion surgery are:
Removal of part of the metatarsal head (the part of the foot that is bulging out). This procedure is called exostectomy or bunionectomy.
Realignment of the soft tissues (ligaments) around the big toe joint.
Removal of a small wedge of bone from the foot (metatarsal osteotomy) or from the toe (phalangeal osteotomy).
Removal of bone from the end of the first metatarsal bone, which joins with the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). At the metatarsophalangeal joint, both the big toe and metatarsal bones are reshaped (resection arthroplasty).
Fusion (arthrodesis) of the big toe joint.
Fusion of the joint where the metatarsal bone joins the mid-foot (Lapidus procedure).
Implant insertion of all or part of an artificial joint."
Read more

Whatever type of surgery you and your surgeon determine is best for you, you want a surgeon who has experience in a variety of procedures, which ensures you'll get the best option from a surgeon who is selecting from several choices rather than one-procedure-fits-all.

Be sure to ask:

1. What different types of bunion surgery procedures have you done in the past six months?

2. How many of the procedure you're recommending for me have you done in the past month? Past six months?

I don't know about you, but I want a surgeon who has performed the surgery they're suggesting dozens of times with excellent results before experimenting or perfecting their skill on me.

If you've had this conversation with your doctor, I'm curious to know what you discovered. Please share your comments below and if you know the specific procedure they're recommending or that you've had done, please let us know.

Yoga Toes for Bunions Half Price Through Monday Dec. 1, 2008!

2008-11-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

This is a fantastic sale! Only $25 for a pair of Yoga Toes! If you've never tried them to ease the pain of bunions, now is the time! I love mine!

If you have a pair of Yoga Toes, give a pair to someone else for the Holidays. No coupons are needed. Here are the details:

Kick Off The Holiday Season… Because Your Feet Take A Beating

Take advantage of the YogaToes® Special Thanksgiving offer and Save $25!

Click here for YogaToes or call 877-964-2776. Special YogaToes Thanksgiving discount. No coupon code required.

Special Thanksgiving offer runs from Friday, Nov. 28 through Monday, Dec. 1st

The sale does not apply to YogaToes Gift Sets. Coupon codes or other promotions cannot be combined with the Thanksgiving Day Sale.

Happy Thanksgiving!

YogaToes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And a Happy Thanksgiving from BunionSurvivor.com too! Mary/Smiling Walker

"If the only prayer you ever said was Thank You,
it would be enough."
~ Meister Eckhart

Bunions: Avoiding the Agony of De Feet

2008-11-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Perfect timing! It's the end of the day and now you can try on new shoes.

This morning's post reminded me of a great article on finding good shoes written by a world champion disc golfer who is also a speaker and trainer on her feet all day and who has bunions.

Along with a great sense of humor Leslie Charles also has a great sense of the practical. We've been friends for a long time and I find her wisdom and energy a real gift. I know you will too. Enjoy her article and after you're done reading, check out her website.

AVOIDING THE AGONY OF DE FEET
by Leslie Charles

Cache or comfort? Style or sensibility? Bunions, hammertoes, and calluses are just a few of the insults we women suffer for the sake of fashion. Study a typical high heel shoe and there seems to be an assumption that women’s feet are not only unnaturally narrow, but our feet are symmetrical, with our middle toes being the longest. Give me a break!

As an orthotics wearer for thirty years, I long ago gave up the idea of sexy shoes and opted instead for sensible ones. When I met Terri Lammers, an excellent orthotist and prosthetist in East Lansing, Michigan, she told me I had the “best” collection of shoes of any of her clients. Terri helped me take the next steps in knowing exactly what to look for in a shoe.

Here’s what Terri says about shoes: “Look for a straight mid line.” Hold the shoe upside down (sole facing you) and put a ruler or thread in the middle of the heel. Now extend that line through the toe section of the shoe. Does the line pretty much divide the shoe in half or does the front of the shoe lean off toward the toe side? If the line is straight, your feet will be happier. If there’s a noticeable curve, don’t buy it.

As Terri would say, “Don’t buy a shoe that’s shaped like a banana! The best shoes all have a straight mid line, firm soles and low heels.”

For everyday comfort, here are some good brands to consider:

Birkenstock (your best bet is to buy the traditional foot bed).

Finn Comfort (these are handmade and expensive but they will last forever and you can send them back for resoling. If you like clogs, compare the straightness of the Finn Comfort sole with a Dansko and you might be surprised).

Keen – (a popular shoe for younger women, these make for great sport shoes with a wide toe bed and great lateral support. I own several pairs of Keens).

Naot (this brand works well for narrow feet).

Merrells (from sport shoe to a slightly dressy look, some of their styles look great with slacks).

For a dressier look, try Aravon (made by New Balance, another good shoe manufacturer). I own two nice looking pairs of Aravon sandals and I really like them.

For the dressiest look and surprising comfort, check out Beautifeel. This is a stylish AND comfortable shoe I introduced to Terri and she loved them! They are dressy, trendy, and some are even a little sexy; Beautifeel shoes come in a variety of styles and heel heights.

The prices are reasonable and they have such a realistic width, I can wear my orthotics in these heels. What a find! If your local quality shoe store doesn’t carry Beautifeel look for them on the Internet. I can wear my Beautifeel heels all day and my feet stay happy.

Good web sites for view shoes include:
zappos.com (multi view)
comfortableshoes.com
keenfootwear.com
trackntrail.com
aravonshoes.com
footwise.com

As a professional speaker, facilitator and trainer, I spend a lot of time on my feet. Finding a comfortable, good-looking work shoe has taken a lot time, energy, and sometimes wasted money. I hope my discoveries will help you make better choices so you can prevent the agony of de feet.

Leslie Charles is the author of seven books, including the fun, light hearted and practical “Bless Your Stress: It Means You’re Still Alive!” As an active, vital woman in her mid sixties, Leslie’s book offers some excellent anti-aging advice. In fact, Leslie just broke a world distance record for women in her age group in a popular but little known international sport, disc golf. She is listed on the world flying disc federation site, wfdf.org, along with other world record holders from ages 1 to 101. Read more...

Thanks Leslie!

Buy Shoes for Bunions Late in the Day

2008-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

No matter how tempting it is to try on those Manolo Blahniks on sale at lunch time or during your Saturday morning errands, put them on hold and wait. Go back at the end of the day when your feet are at their most uncomfortable (and swollen) so you don't inflame them any more than they already are with shoes that are too tight.

Cedars-Sinai Women's Health program is great. I ran across their enewsletter with a great reminder for anyone with bunions or foot problems.

Shoes are all-important when it comes to preventing foot problems. Buy shoes late in the day when your feet are at their largest. Select shoes that are comfortable, practical and fit well. Shoes should fit the shape of your foot, and soles should provide shock absorbency. Heels should be no more than 2 1/4 inches high. Avoid pointed toes, thin soles and spike heels for prolonged wear. New shoes should not need a "breaking in" period -- they should feel comfortable immediately. Read more...

If you live in the Los Angeles area, check out their foot and ankle care department. You can also sign up for their free Women's Health eNewsletter.

6 Tips for your First Meeting with A Bunion Surgeon

2008-08-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Follow these six tips to help make your first meeting with your potential bunion surgeon as informative and stress-free as possible.

1. Give yourself extra preparation time. How much time have you allowed yourself to do your research and make a decision? The last thing you want to do is feel like you're making a rushed decision and then end up wishing you done things differently after your surgery. Take your time researching. I recommend at least a month and three opinions from different doctors that aren't recommended by the previous doctors you've seen. And if your doctor pressures you into making a quick decision or makes you feel uneasy, take a deep breath, and sleep on it. You want to make your decision based on your needs and schedule, as much as when the surgery suite is available or your doctor's vacation.

2. Do your homework. Answer these questions before you make your first appointment:

Who have you gotten your referrals from? Please don't tell me you got your doctor's name from the Yellow Pages or from people who haven't already had bunion surgery. :-)
How much research have you done online watching videos and looking at different doctor's websites?
If the doctor you're considering doesn't have a website, what do you know about their success rate?Are you keeping notes on each doctor you've been referred to?
Write your questions out and ask other bunion survivors what questions they wished they'd asked their doctor before surgery.

3. Arrive at your doctor's office 30-60 minutes early. Why? Feedback. Talk to others in the waiting room, especially the ones wearing boots or limping. Ask them, "What did you have done?" "How has it been going?" "What would you recommend to make the experience better?" "Would you go to this doctor again?" Be brave. Ask questions. You have a right to great results.

4. Notice the "vibes" in the office. Are the employees happy? Professional? Efficient? How does the doctor talk to his/her staff? What kind of body language do you notice? Rolling eyeballs or smiles? Does the office energy make you feel confident or unsure? Go for confident. You're making a decision about the rest of your life. Your feet take you everywhere you go; be good to them.

5. Bring a family member or friend to take notes. Give your friend a list of your questions for your surgeon and ask them to go through them with you at your meeting, checking off each one as you get your answer. And remember, there are no stupid questions.

6. Ask for copies of the paperwork you'll be asked to sign before surgery, as well as the pre- and post-surgery suggestions (make sure you READ these thoroughly BEFORE you sign anything!). Also ask for your x-rays before you leave. Technology has made it easy for most offices to give you a paper printed copy. You may be charged $10-40 dollars. Pay it. If you choose not to go back, you'll have your records to take to you 2nd opinion bunion surgeon.

If you've had bunion surgery, what would you add to the list? If you're a bunion surgeon, what would you recommend? Please add your comments below.

Wanting the best for you,

Smiling Walker

Dr. Fish Pedicures for Bunion Relief?

2008-07-26T10:29:00.001-07:00

If you're worried about having bunion surgery, what about experimenting beforehand with a fish-eating pedicure? No, not eating fish while having a pedicure; having a pedicure where fish actually eat away the dead skin on your feet. Maybe they'll eat away the bunion too. It can't be any worse than trying honey and turmeric to dissolve bunions, can it?

Before you think I've gone off the deep end (into a pool of dead-skin eating fish), just know that as you look for answers and treatment regarding your bunions, two of your most important daily treatments are feeding your sense of humor and taking stress-relief actions.

It's so easy to feel frustrated, depressed, and hopeless when you're feeling bunion pain and exploring bunion treatment options or recovering from bunion surgery. It's also easy, when you train your mind, to gift yourself with moments of humor and stress relief on the journey.

Read this story and watch the short video and it's guaranteed to make you laugh, and if you're game and visit this Alexandria, Virginia foot spa, a few fish to your feet.

Fish pedicures: Carp rid human feet of scaly skin - Yahoo! News

Rid Your Bunion with Honey and Turmeric?

2008-07-09T19:55:00.001-07:00

Have you ever thought about the messages you carry around about your bunions and how to treat them?

In the UK's Mail Online Beauty Column, they're promoting a new foot care line called "Boots" by London-based chiropodist* Margaret Dabbs, also known as the Queen of Feet. In this particular column they invited Queen Dabbs to answer specific foot questions.

This one caught my attention for both the "problem" and the answer.

PROBLEM: Eating honey with turmeric every day will get rid of my bunion

SOLUTION: Although this could work to reduce the inflammation around the joint, it will not cure a bunion. A true bunion or hallux valgus is a deviated big toe, and unfortunately you cannot reverse bony degeneration or ligament damage without surgery.

Beauty Confidential | Mail Online

In the stated problem, there is a hope that eating something (honey and turmeric) will melt away a bunion. That hope can keep people from making healthy decisions about their feet (or anything else in their life).

I'm all for exploring anything that might help us stay healthier naturally, however, make sure your information source is knowledgeable and has had measurable results in that area with a big enough sample of people before you use that as a treatment method. And if it's so new that there is no evidence yet, but your gut is telling you to try it, make sure you've explored the worst-case scenarios and are willing to live with that consequence should it occur.

In the stated answer, there are two ideas that speak to bunions:

1) The spice turmeric, along with other herbs and roots is a known reducer of inflammation, and managing inflammation in your bunion and entire body is a way to heal faster and live longer. AND make sure you've checked out all the possible side-effects and correct dosing amounts with your medical professional and/or herbalist before you start self-diagnosing.

2) Dabbs says that it's not possible to reverse bony degeneration or ligament damage without surgery. And I say, "so far." I'm not a doctor or surgeon, but I am a medical explorer and have heard some pretty wild stories and read many different research studies that include using focused, consistent visualization to shift medical conditions and at the very least reduce inflammation and pain and increase relaxation and comfort levels. The key is in your beliefs and the actions you take to support those beliefs.

*A chiropodist is the British/Canadian version of a podiatrist.

Don't let your fear or blind hope control your decisions about how to treat your bunions or any choices you make in your life. (Do as I say, not as I do. :-) When fear or blind hope have been my motivators, more often than not I've ended up wishing I'd been more thorough in my research and 2nd and 3rd opinions of professionals, not just trusting well-meaning friends or people I met in passing. Yes, by all means be open, but also do your due diligence, give yourself a timeline (2 weeks? 30 days? 6 months?) and if it's not working, do something else.

Focus on what works. Pedicures are a great start. And then a beach vacation walking barefoot in the sand. Enjoy your summer.

*

Yoga Toe Exercise for Bunion Relief

2008-07-07T17:10:00.001-07:00

In the Washington Post's online health blog "The Checkup" there is mention of a specific yoga exercise done with a slant board that supposedly reverses bunions. The blog writer Jennifer Huget hadn't ever heard of it and neither have I. Have you?

Huget went to her favorite health book, "Yoga as Medicine" by Timothy McCall, MD to see what she could discover. When she didn't find any reference in the book, she called him directly. He wasn't familiar with this slant board exercise either, but did reinforce the yoga pose I have used successfully to keep my toes limber following bunion surgery. (Mind you, I didn't do this until several months after surgery and checking with my doctor for clearance.)

Here is a portion of Huget's and McCall's exchange with the yoga toe exercise description:

So I called Dr. McCall. He wasn't familiar with the yoga pose my friend described. He had heard of a different move that might help spread the toes and metatarsals, which could eventually make a bunion stop getting worse, at least. (In brief: stand with feet side by side, a few inches apart. Step forward about 6 inches with the afflicted foot. Turn the foot at an angle so the big toe is pointing inward. Keeping the toe in that position and the ball down, rotate the heel inward and lower it down.)

McCall says he has heard of a woman who had had a progressive bunion whose progress stopped after she practiced a certain yoga exercise, but he wasn't sure what that exercise was. Ultimately, he says, because bunions are primarily a bone problem, "I don't know that you can correct it fully" through yoga.

"Once bones become altered, that wouldn't be very easy to change" with yoga's stretches and strength-building moves, he says. On the other hand, though, "spreading the toes and metatarsals, creating space, perhaps could undo some of the damage" done by wearing too-tight shoes, which can exacerbate, but not cause, bunions. (The tendency toward bunions appears to be hereditary.)

Exercising your toes is so important and so easy to overlook, but it keeps them limber and protects not just your feet, but also your back.

If you have a favorite exercise for your feet, in particular for relief from bunions or hammertoes, please describe it for us in the comment box below and if you know what that slant board exercise, please enlighten us. In the meantime, I'm going to keep using my Yoga Toes and stretching my feet during downward dogs.

*

Treating Bunions on Children and Teens

2008-05-10T08:59:00.001-07:00

Found the blog entry below online written by a woman whose son has bunions and was told by his doctor that surgery isn't an option until his feet have stopped growing. The doctor suggested stretching exercises, foot inserts and a new pair of shoes with a wider toe box.

We took CAL to the foot doctor yesterday. Not really what I would call good news. There is NOTHING that can be done for the flat feet. It is just something he will have to live with. He did mention stretching exercises that can help but didn't really give us any instructions on those. I guess this will have to be a self-serve health care.

http://www.lukiesludicrouslore.com/2008/05/doctor-update_09.html

If you have any experience with treating children or teens who have bunions and can share your experience, please do so in the comment section below.

Here's my response to her:

Sorry to hear your experience at the foot doctor was so frustrating. How old is your son? Have you considered getting a second and even third opinion from a pediatric orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist that specializes in children and teens?

Don't give up. Keep looking and asking questions. Ask everyone you know for a referral. There are good doctors out there waiting to help you. You can also look for local foot doctor referrals at http://footphysicians.com. When you call ask if they specialize in children and teen bunions.

I am not a doctor, however I am a bunion survivor in my 50's. I've had flat feet and bunions since my teens. My parents and I never knew there were options other than living with pain and ugly shoes. I didn't get orthotics (arch support) until 2 years ago when I could no longer walk barefoot without a lot of pain and had surgery to remove a bunion and 2nd "hammertoe" on my right foot.

The orthotics have helped keep the bunion on my left foot from getting worse and have definitely helped my flat feet from aching as much as they used to. The RIGHT arch support can make a positive difference. The wrong arch support can cause more problems.

I've had $350 custom orthotics my doctor prescribed following my surgery, which helped reduce my hammertoe pain, however, according to my physical therapist, didn't have a strong enough arch support for my flat feet, and would eventually cause problems again.

Recently I purchased a ready-made pair of orthotics from http://GoodFeet.com for $200, which have a lifetime guarantee. They have been great.

I can understand if you're on a budget and $38 seems like a lot of money for foot support, however, when you consider the life-time value, it's worth saving for and buying good orthotics.

As a result of what I have learned since having bunion surgery, I started a website http://bunionsurvivor.com, where you can sign up for the Bunion Relief blog, which has a lot of great information and support.

Thanks for caring so much about your son's feet and may you find the help you need.

Smiling Walker
bunionsurvivor.com

Bunions, Balance, and Walking on the Balls of Your Feet

2008-04-13T23:03:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed what part of your foot you balance on most often? I never thought about this until I went to see a chiropractor for back pain following my foot surgery, which led me to change out my orthotics after a demonstration showing the difference in how I stand and bear my body weight.

And then today I read an interesting article about yoga improving balance and weight distribution in the feet of women 65 and over who started doing yoga.

While the women had been balancing their weight on the ball of the foot as they walked before they had yoga training, afterwards their weight was more evenly distributed across the bottom of their feet as they walked, Song noted, which could contribute to greater stability.

Yoga helps older women balance, stand taller - Yaho o! News

I think yoga at any age is great, especially for spreading your toes
after bunion surgery and working out the joint kinks. (This is not
medical advice, just my observation. :-)

But what is really curious to me is whether bunions cause you to walk
on the heels or sides of your feet because of the pain and how that
might affect balance, or if walking incorrectly causes or exacerbates
bunions?

Time to check in with a podiatrist. Can you recommend yours?

Keep walking.

Mary

Technorati Tags: bunions, yoga, balance, feet, stability

Reflexology for Bunions

2008-03-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

Reflexology rocks! I had the most amazing reflexology sesssion with Hilary La Pierre in San Diego. If you're ever visiting here, you definitely will want to have a session with Hilary. My feet are still singing and if bunions could talk, they'd be saying, "Way to Go Hilary! Encore, encore!" And they're sure thanking me tonight for the gift, which I have wanted to do for a long time but kept putting off until I was asked to write a chapter for book on reflexology from a bunion client perspective.

I asked Hilary why she chose reflexology as a career. She said, "I started out doing JinShin massage (which she still does) and wanted to expand my work so took massage classes and discovered I loved working on feet. People pay so little attention to them and they do the most amazing things for us."

Hilary's style is deep tissue pressure, which I like, but oh my, I still can't decide if it was pleasurable pain or painful pleasure. Either way, I felt relief during the session and now three hours later, my feet still feel really relaxed.

You might be wondering if the reflexology hurt my bunions and the answer is no, it felt great on all the surgical areas. Where I felt the most pain was in the tips of my big toes (the Chinese believe the feet correspond to various body parts, and when stimulated, also affect that body part - in this case the brain) and in the soft tissue on the sole of my right foot in the middle toward the outside, which Hilary says is related to the liver. Fascinating!

When I winced during moments where she was breaking up the knots (like kneading the air bubbles out of bread or mashing salt crystals), she always eased up, which I appreciated. She also reminded me, "This is your first time. You will feel it more until we get in there and loosen things up. It takes time for me to get to know your feet." I love that. She treats them like a good friend...with awareness and care.

Have you ever had reflexology? What has your experience been? Share your comment below.

Smiling Feet, Pain-free Bunions in 2008!

2008-01-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your support of BunionSurvivor.com and The Bunion Relief Blog. I really appreciate your comments and tips and ideas for making this blog even better for anyone dealing with bunions, bunion pain, bunion surgery and recovery.

In the following months, thanks to reader input, we'll be releasing a new Bunion Survivor Guidebook full of great bunion tips and exercises, questions to ask your surgeon, and all the posts from the blog in an easy-to-index and easy-to-read format.

We'll also be adding a membership site and forum, teleseminar interviews with bunion surgeons and foot experts, and bunion product reviews. You'll have access to more bunion surgery survivors and their stories as well as rate and recommend bunion surgeons (or not :-), and ensure a successful surgery and recovery for yourself.

You are smart, you are courageous, and you are a gift to me. Thank you.

May you walk with smiling feet and pain-free bunions in 2008!

Mary/Smiling Walker

What Makes a Good Bunion Surgeon? Part 2

2007-12-26T14:07:00.001-08:00

There's another level of inquiry to help you know if you have a great bunion surgeon.

While doing research for this topic of "What Makes a Great Bunion Surgeon?" I came across a very helpful and encouraging article in the December 7, 2007 online edition of the New York Times: "A Surgeon Opens Up, and Not With a Scalpel. Author and reporter Alex Berenson, interviewed Dr. Thomas R. Russell, the executive director of the American College of Surgeons.

Below is an excerpt from the article that highlights the attitude of a great surgeon as well as several excellent questions you'll want to ask your bunion surgeon during your initial interview. Their answers will tell you whether or not you're in the hand of a great bunion surgeon.

Q. I’m told I need an operation. What kind of research should I be doing, or should I be doing any research?
A. We want patients to participate. When the problem is identified, they get referred to a doctor, to a surgeon. When they see the surgeon, they should be prepared to ask questions — not softball questions, but hardball questions.
How often do you do this?
What are your outcomes?
What are the risks?
How do you plan to do this operation?
Is this a safe outpatient facility?
And if the surgeon is unable to answer questions to your satisfaction, then you need to go back to your physician and ask for a referral to other surgeons. It’s no longer acceptable to do this blindly, on blind faith.
Q. But on some level you want to put yourself in your surgeon’s hands?
A. Eventually you want to get to that. But in my 35 years, I was asked a lot of tough questions by patients, and I really welcomed that.
How many of these do you do?
What are your outcomes?
I think most surgeons embrace it. They want an inquisitive and informed patient. Most of us believe that patients who are informed and really know what they’re getting into do better. They know what the goal is of surgery and they know they have to participate post-operatively to get the result.

Dr. Russell's belief in patient participation is exactly what I hope to hear from a leader in healthcare.

I would add a few more questions to Dr. Russell's list, which I didn't think to ask prior to my surgery, but I can now see would help at the very least, eliminate an unsatisfactory surgeon before surgery and keep them accountable, and at best, ensure a great outcome.

Have you had any malpractice suits against you or medical reprimands? What were the issues? What were the outcomes?
When things haven't worked out or you've had an unhappy patient, how have you handled it?
What are the potential problems I might experience? What do you/we do if this happens?

A great surgeon, whether it's for bunion removal or anything else, wants and needs, as Dr. Russell suggests, your "hardball questions." The great bunion surgeon will answer those questions clearly, respectfully, and truthfully and encourage you to work with him/her to ensure a successful outcome and recovery.

Yes, on occasion there will be unsatisfactory outcomes for reasons that are sometimes out of the surgeon's and/or patient's immediate control, but when there are, instead of distracting, derailing, or denying the issue, or blaming the patient, the great bunion surgeon is accountable and respectful to their patients, and works tirelessly to find resolution. In addition to wanting the best health for their patients, they also know that the continuation of their livelihood is dependent on how well they meet these challenges and resolve the issues.

Be willing to ask those questions. It will make a positive difference in your bunion surgery outcome and recovery and help develop and celebrate great bunion surgeons. (P.S. When they do well, tell them and tell others.)

Mary

What Makes a Great Bunion Surgeon?

2007-12-26T13:23:00.001-08:00

What skills and qualities make for a great bunion surgeon?

See mine below, then tell me what you think and I'll create a list of characteristics that we can all share with our doctors to make sure bunion survivors and bunion surgeons alike have the most successful experience possible.

Do you agree that the NUMBER ONE QUALITY we all want is an experienced surgeon who has previous patients who have had the same bunion surgery we're considering and the previous results have been successful immediately and one year and five years later?

If you have another perspective about what's most important, please comment about it in the comment box at the end of this post.

I have been thinking a lot about this because of my personal experience with bunion surgery, which wasn't as successful as I'd hoped, as well as experiences I've heard from readers of the Bunion Relief Blog and Bunion Survivors I've met while out in the world while traveling, walking, at yoga classes, in shoe stores, and even at dinner parties.

You'd be amazed at how quickly people will remove their shoes to talk about their bunions (and other foot problems) once they've been given even a brief mention of foot pain in a conversation, which leads me to one of the most important qualities besides successful results of previously satisfied patients:

Excellent active listening skills. The great bunion surgeon:

Listens to you respectfully with full eye contact
Doesn't take calls or interruptions during your consultation time
Lets you finish your sentences before telling you what s/he thinks.
Repeats back what you said is your problem and asks you if s/he got it right

And could we add:

Empathetic tone of voice (understands that you have pain and doesn't dismiss it)
When you arrive and leave, shakes your hand with good eye contact and a smile
A follow up personal phone call from the doctor following your surgery to check on you. (This is above and beyond what most of us would expect, but there are docs who do this and if they don't, one of their nurses or admin staff calls instead.

What we're talking about here is a consultative presence that is patient-focused before, during, and after a procedure. Yes, nurses provide that nurturing quality so that a doctor can focus on the surgery, but we now know that a patient's TRUST in their surgeon and a physician's CARING attitude dramatically impact healing.

A few people have mentioned to me that they didn't care if a surgeon had a pleasant personality as long as they were a good surgeon because they'd had surgeons who were nice but didn't give them good surgical results. I understand, and agree, given the choice, BUT WHO SAID WE SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE AND WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE EITHER/OR? What about BOTH/AND?

Is it impossible for a bunion surgeon (or any physician) to have both excellent surgical and social skills? Are we as "patients" acting like victims by tolerating poor results or poor treatment and in effect, creating an unnecessary reality that doesn't serve either patient or surgeon?

I know it's possible to have both excellent surgical and social skills in a surgeon. I had that in my surgeon Dr. John Willems at Scripps Medical Clinic in San Diego when I had a hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer eleven years ago. Imagine. 11 years have passes and I'm still singing his praises.

I know as good as my bunion surgeon was technically, had he been willing to develop the communication skills to deal with post-op problems and resolve them with empathy and "whatever it takes, with a smile" instead of telling me with great annoyance that I asked too many questions and that he didn't have time to answer questions I didn't need the answer to, I'd be shouting his name from the rooftops in this blog, telling you to go to him.

Perhaps I was asking a lot of questions, but even if it was too much for his taste, after answering three questions, he could have said in a caring tone, "Mary, I can see from your questions, you're really worried about this surgery. I've done hundreds of surgeries like yours and I'm confident we're going to get great results."

Sometimes, questions are not about answers; they're about trust. And trust is built by showing empathy first.

My second opinion podiatrist - very nice man, took his time answering questions, but when I asked how many bunion surgeries like mine he performed a month or week (my original surgeon performs 5-10 a week), his first response was, "It's quality, not quantity that counts." Hmmm. We're getting closer with empathetic voice tone, but now I'm not trusting his skill level. I want specific numbers, which were never forthcoming. I had a sense it was a few times a month. Not enough surgical time for me. Time for a third opinion.

Third opinion podiatrist - the jury is still out. When I told him that I was looking for an excellent surgeon who was also respectful and empathetic, he said, "I'm not arrogant, but I may run a little late with appointments because I'm taking my time with a previous patient." Oh, now that's a good answer.

The next time I came in for a visit, his office staff said that they made sure that he wasn't booked with other patients while I was there. I asked why and was told that I needed more time with him. At first I worried, then I guessed that it was because I'd been clear in my first appointment that I was looking for a surgeon who took the time to answer my questions, but it did make me wonder about those people who don't have the assertiveness skills that I do to ask for what they want and get it.

Everyone deserves a great surgical experience and it happens when there's a combination of masterful technical skill and a caring consultative presence from the surgeon.

What about you? How was your experience with your bunion surgeon and bunion surgery? What's most important to you in choosing a bunion surgeon and going ahead with bunion surgery? Was there one specific action a surgeon did that made you choose him/her for your surgery?

And what about the bunion surgeon you said you'd never use or go back to? Why not?

Tell me what you think. What makes a great bunion surgeon? Post your comment below or email me so we can all have a better bunion surgery experience and walk freely without pain and a smile on our faces, giving thanks for our good fortune and great bunion surgeons.

Happy Holidays! Grateful Feet Even with Bunions

2007-12-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Remember when we were kids and we traced our hands or feet or our friends traced our bodies on butcher paper? I was always surprised by how different the outline looked from what my eyes saw in reality.

And many years later, I am once again mesmerized by this phenomenon.

Oh, I wish you could have been with me when I first saw this wonderful piece of art - the drawing "Grateful Feet," at an art gallery opening here in San Diego, sponsored by the Expressive Arts Institute in San Diego and Creative Change Associates.

And I wish we could all of have been with Michele Lyons when she guided an expressive arts session with a group of homeless military veterans who are in drug and alcohol addiction recovery, which led to this compelling drawing and many others in the show.

Michele, an Expressive Arts therapist, coach and educator was interested in exploring how these veterans could use their feet as a metaphor to assist in their recovery after learning about it from colleague Francine Hoffman.

"Our feet do so much work for us. They’re our lifeblood, which may be why there are so many metaphors associated with feet," Michele says, "such as the 12 steps of recovery, soul/sole, heal/heel."

Michele's project involved 12 veterans (including one woman who spoke of her bunions). Part of the project involved these veterans tracing each other's feet and then making art and talking about the experience with the group.

Tom, the artist and author of "Grateful Feet," told Michele, "I'm grateful for all I've learned since getting into recovery. I'm really doing well in my life and working now," which the rainbows he drew inside the outline of his feet represented. (Notice how strong his feet are and that he doesn't have bunions :-).

Until seeing Tom's drawing and hearing the story of these veterans, I had never considered ho challenging foot health and foot care can be for both the homeless and anyone in the military, especially at war. It really heightened my appreciation of my feet and all the treatments and shoes that are designed to help people relieve the pain of bunions.

Walking a mile in someone else's moccasins, even if it's just in my mind, reminds me of how blessed I am to have the resources and lifestyle to take care of my feet, my health, and my life.

During this holiday season and every day, may you too be blessed with the resources and support to heal your bunions, and more importantly, may you deeply feel the blessings in your body, mind, and spirit.

Thanks Michele and Tom for allowing me to share your experience.

To learn more about Michele Lyons' work or work with her as a healing coach: http://www.mklyons.com

To learn more about or contribute to Veteran's Village: http://www.vvsd.net/

Happy Holidays!

Bunion Survey Drawing Winners

2007-12-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the following winners of the Bunion Survey drawing.

Yoga Toes: Alexis from New York

$20 Gift certificate to HealthyFeetStore.com: Cathy from Massachusetts

Living with Enthusiasm: How the 21-Day Smile Diet Can Change Your Life soft cover book personally signed by author Mary Marcdante : Gia from Pennsylvania

Enjoy and thank you for answering the survey!

Bunion Surgery and Recovery Survey Results

2007-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Many, many thanks to all of you who responded to the Bunion Survivor Survey. Below are the key results that I think you'll find equally as interesting as I did, along with my comments in brackets.

61% said they were unhappy with the results of their bunion surgery [This shocked me - so high compared to the 25% satisfied results of research I sited in an earlier post done in the U.K.! Now I'd really like to know the specific reasons, which would help readers when choosing a surgeon! Please share your insights if you've been unsatisfied with your bunion surgery in the comment section below or email me directly.]

38% said that they didn't get the information they needed from their doctors [Way too high for my satisfaction but the good news is 62% are happy, which, to me, means there are many great surgeons out there who are also great communicators. Keep up the good work! To all bunion surgeons reading this, if you or your professional organization would like a speaker on improving patient communication, email me!]

87% found the information they were looking for on the Bunion Relief Blog [I'm so glad and grateful. Inspires me to continue writing and researching.]

If you have any questions or still want to contribute your favorite recovery tips, bunion surgery/recovery experience or questions, please feel free to email me.

Mary/Smiling Walker

Double Foot Bunion Surgery vs. Natural Disasters and Weather

2007-12-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you're considering bunion surgery and are wondering whether or not to have both feet done at the same time, here's another critical point to add to a previous post about whether or not to have double bunion surgery that you'll want to consider before jumping in with both feet: Natural disasters and weather storms.

Currently, I am in a holding pattern regarding whether or not to have three more procedures to correct the first bunion and hammertoe surgery I had 18 months ago on my right foot, as well as removing the bunion from my left foot.

My desire to want it "over and done with" (can you relate?) has been pushing for me to do both feet at the same time, and overriding my doctor's suggestion to do one at a time. Other people I know have done it successfully, however, AND IT'S NOW A BIG HOWEVER...

After being evacuated for four days due to the firestorms here in San Diego at the end of October, I wondered what I would do if I got stuck in the freeway traffic and had to physically run from the fires if I'd just recently had bunion surgery. It's REALLY CLEAR to me now that putting myself in an elective situation where I'd have no independent weight-bearing mobility for up to three weeks on both feet would be short-sighted and possibly life-threatening. Given that I live in a city that is not only fire-prone during certain months but also earthquake-sensitive, and where evacuation is always in the (furthest) recesses of one's mind (ah, the price we're willing to pay for California sunshine), one-foot-at-a-time bunion surgery makes a lot more sense now.

As a single person living alone, reflecting on the 15 minute time frame some people had to evacuate with embers jumping on and igniting their roofs (I was fortunate - I had 12 hours from the time the fires started before the call came, but left shortly after the smoke came storming up the canyon), if both my feet had been operated on within the previous few weeks, I would have had some serious problems not just evacuating, but also keeping my feet elevated and immobile for bone healing.

Even if you are married, have children, family or friends who can care for you, ask yourself if you were forced to care for yourself or be mobile in the middle of a natural weather disaster, could you do it quickly if you had to?

Does this mean you shouldn't do a double surgery? Well, most surgeons will advise against it but some will do it anyway if you persist. For me, knowing what I know now, as much as I want to get on with my life, I will be patient and do one foot at time.

Whatever your decision about surgery - one foot or two, be sure to ask yourself, "When is the best time of year is for me personally, my caregivers, and the safest weather time in my area?" Safety first.

Grateful for happy, healthy, and safe feet,

Mary/Smiling Walker

Bunion Physical Therapists and Bunion Shoe Brands

2007-10-11T15:57:00.001-07:00

Have you gone to a physical therapist or used an orthotist for bunion treatment or bunion surgery recovery? If not, get thee to your doctor asap and get a prescription and referral for their help or just go directly to the source! I waited way too long and I'm so sorry I did. Who knows what kind of relief I might have gotten with better post-surgery results sooner.

If you're in San Diego, the man to see is my new best friend, the awesome Brian Stone, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) at Gaspar Physical Therapy in Carlsbad, California just down the street from the La Costa Spa and Chopra Center. (That's Brian in the photo working on my foot.) Thank you Brian for being so good at what you do!

Here's how I found Brian and a great tip for finding an expert in your area. When I was doing my research (both online and offline), in addition to the names my doctor gave me, asking other people for referrals, I also called a few other physical therapy centers (my minimum is at least three difference sources for comparison), I asked two questions: "Who's your best bunion therapist?" If you needed care, would you go to them?" If they couldn't answer either question, or there was hesitation in their voice, I noted it, said I'd get back to them, and moved on to the next referral.

One of the reasons I'm so pleased with the Gaspar Team is that when I asked those questions, the receptionist Heidi recommended the best person at her location (they have five in North County San Diego). I said, "Are you sure they're the best?" She said, "I'll double-check. Just a minute." When she returned, she said, "They're both Ph.D's, co-owners, and both have worked on bunions." Okay. That sounded good to me. But what really gave me confidence is when she called back the next day and said, "I did some more checking and while both names I gave you are well-trained, we have another physical therapist in another location who is known for his work with feet." That's what I want to hear!

Thank you Heidi! And thank you Gaspar Team for your excellent customer service and employee training.

In future posts I'll share some of the exercises Brian has given me that have really helped with releasing the scar tissue on my big toe and 2nd toe and strengthening my arch (I've been flat-footed my whole life, but with the bunion surgery, even more so), which we've (he's) determined is part of what is causing my post-surgery problems.

Today, though, I want to talk about specific shoe brands.

Brian attended a workshop on foot support this past weekend. He said it was excellent. The instructor was Joshua A. Bailey, P.T., D.P.T, O.C.S., C.S.C.S., C.Ped., co-owner of Rehabilitation Associates of Central Virginia, who is a certified pedorthist (that's a new word for me!) Wikipedia defines a C.Ped as:

A Certified Pedorthist, or C. Ped. is a specialist in using footwear - which includes shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses, and other pedorthic devises - to solve problems in, or related to, the foot and lower limb.

Amazing. I had no idea these people existed but I am really glad they do. If you live within driving distance of Virginia, I'd be giving Joshua a call to schedule an appointment.

Here's Joshua's list of recommended exercise shoes:

Maximum Motion Control:
Asics Gel MC+V
Brooks Beast
Brooks Ariel
Mizuno Wave Renegade
New Balance 1122

Moderate Motion Control (this is what Brian recommended for me)
Asics Nandi Trail
Asics Gel Kayano
Asics Gel Foundation+
Asics Gel Koji+
Brooks Addiction
Brooks Gila Trail
Mizuno Wave Legend
New Balance 587
Nike Air Durham+
Reebok Supreme Conrol DMX
Puma Complete Premise
Sacony Grid Stabil MC

What delighted me when I read the list is that just a few days before I received this list from Brian, I bought a new pair of exercise shoes that match the comfort of the New Balance 825 I bought right after my surgery. However, I still recommend the 825 for your first post surgery shoes because of the extra wide soft toe box.

The new shoes I bought are the Saucony Grid Stabil MC. My orthotics fit right in and there's a nice balance of support and comfortable cushioning. And best of all, there is mesh right where my bunions are so there's flexibility. Yahoo! If you have a Big 5 Sporting Goods Store near you, they may be on sale from $74 down to $39.95, which I got them for.

Joshua's list of dress/casual shoes for men:

Rockport
Floresheim Comfort Tech
Sketchers
New Balance
Brooks
Dexter
Bostonian
Cole Hahn

Women's Dress/Casual Shoes
Aravon (best women's dress on market, accommodates foot orthotic $130/pr.)
Merrill
Rockport
Naturalizer
Mephisto
Easy Spirit

I was surprised not to see Clark's on the list. I'd also add Nevatos and Keen for casual wear. I'll contact Joshua for more information and let you know what I discover.

What shoes make your feet dance the happy bunion dance? What would you recommend? Post your comments below. And thank you for reading The Bunion Relief Blog. I appreciate you.

Tips for Buying Shoes for Bunion Relief

2007-10-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I know I've worn shoes that are too narrow, but what I didn't know and just learned is that shoes should have an INCH of extra space at the tip of the toe. I always thought it was a half-inch for extra comfort and an inch made them too big.

Here are some other interesting facts pointed out in an article "If the Shoe Fits" in the October 3 issue Aurora Healthcare's Women's Health Newsletter"

* 90% of us are wearing shoes that are too narrow, according to physicians at UCLA who examined 356 women. Ill-fitting shoes had created bunions, hammer toes, pinched nerves, heel pain, or ingrown toenails in 70% of the study group.
* Even with normal aging, feet widen and flatten, the fat padding on the sole of the foot wears down, and skin gets dryer.
They offer 5 excellent tips for buying shoes for bunion relief and all-around foot comfort.
Replace or repair shoes as soon as the heel starts to show wear.

[My father always had metal cleats added to our new shoes when we were kids. A common phrase in our house was "stop dragging your feet, you'll wear out your shoes too soon."]

Buy new shoes at the end of the day (your feet are larger) and have your feet measured first – don’t assume you wear the same size shoe you did when you were younger. Always try on both shoes and buy for the larger foot (they’re rarely the same size).

Don’t buy shoes that need a break-in period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.

[Makes so much sense, but I've been fooled by this one. I'm so grateful for Nordstrom's return policy.]

Don’t wear the same shoes every day; if you’re diabetic, change several times a day.

In general, the best shoes are well cushioned with a firm sole and soft upper. They should be flexible at the front and at the ball of the foot, and strong and supportive but not too stiff in the heel area.

There should be an inch of space between the longest toe and the tip of the shoe, and you should be able to wiggle your toes.

[I'll be wearing women's size 13's if I do this!!! I wonder if they'll start making bigger shoes with smaller sizes like they do clothing? :-)]

If you live in the Greater Milwaukee area, be sure to attend the annual Aurora Healthcare's Women's Health Conference.

Bunion Surgery 3rd Opinion - Next Step Recommended

2007-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

So I had the 2^nd office visit with the 3^rd opinion orthopedic foot and ankle specialist to decide what to do next since my hammertoe looks like a middle finger giving the bird.

A look at my pre-surgery bunion x-rays from the original surgeon and comparing them to the post-surgery bunion and current x-rays led to his original conclusion: Yup, the angle of curve on the 1-year-post bunion surgery curve is significant and moving back toward the original curve pre-surgery.

His recommendation: same as the last visit with one confirmed exception. Thank you very much, that will be another $40 co-pay and $200 billed to the insurance company.

The three procedures he wants to do on my right foot: 1) an Aiken on the Great Toe, 2) releasing the scar tissue on the 2^nd toe and 3) shaving the bottom of the 3^rd toe bone on the sole of my foot. Yes, all at the same time. Yikes, you’d think I’d been in a train wreck with all that surgery he wants to do. No, just normal walking and exercise for a year after surgery.

Oh, and the exception he mentioned? This special procedure involves wrapping tendons around the joint. Sounds like what my mother used to do to make beef rouladen.

Since I am active athletically with power-walking, and particularly yoga, he recommends not doing a procedure that he would normally do on the 2^nd toe because it would make me very unhappy since I wouldn’t be able to bend that toe to the degree I can now when I do a downward dog in yoga.

In fact, his words were, “Well, your downward dog days would be over.”

After hearing all this and knowing that it would be 8 weeks of major immobilization again, and based on my previous surgery, another 3 months for a total of 6 months of slow walking and no active yoga, and the fact that I’d either have to stop eating or accept that I’d gain at least 10 pounds, I asked if there were any other options we might try first including deep tissue massage.

This 3^rd opinion doc said that “we” could give that “a try” for six weeks. From the sound of his voice, I imagined that inwardly he was thinking, “Sure, it’s probably not going to work, but if trying alternative therapy makes you happy. I can wait six weeks to do surgery.

I thanked him, asked for copies of his report and my x-rays (which incidentally were printed off the computer onto 20 pound copy paper for a charge of $15. The original doc charged $10/copy for four film x-rays. (Paper copy is photo at the left - check out that screw!).

Hmmm…I sure sound like I’ve lost my trust in this process. Time for a reframe.

I am so grateful that I can walk. I am so grateful I had a good surgeon. I'm so grateful to have insurance and the opportunity to meet with three different doctors to confirm the best treatment. I'm so grateful I have the time to explore options. I'm so grateful I have the internet to research options and potential outcomes. I'm so grateful I have feet and that my feet work and I can do yoga and walk. I'm so grateful to have a forum to share my experience, learn from others and help others make good decision about their feet. I am so grateful that one day I will be writing about the successful outcomes I've had.

Okay, so the positive action that I’ve taken is an appointment with a physical therapy clinic recommended by two of the doctors. I’ll let you know the outcome.

What would you do if you were me besides work on my attitude? Would you just have the surgery and be done with it? Try other non-surgery options? If so, what? Or something else I haven’t thought of? I’d love to know. You can post your comments below.

Discover Why 25% of Women Are Unsatisfied with Bunion Surgery One Year Later

2007-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

I just received this article about a study done on 95 women ("132 foot cases" :-) who had bunion surgery.

Here are the results:

By 12 months, key SF-36 domains had significantly improved. The 75 foot operations (n = 75/116, 64.7%) were associated with respondents being ‘very pleased’ with their foot surgery. Following adjustment, the odds of being ‘very pleased’ were severely reduced where respondents were not ‘very pleased’ their foot's appearance (p = 0.018). There was significant interaction between pre-operative expectations of resumption of hiking/sports activities and range of footwear able to be worn post-operatively.
Conclusions
The perceived appearance of their foot and range of shoes that women can wear, are crucial to womens’ satisfaction with the outcome of bunion surgery. The (total) alleviation of pain is also important.
The full abstract can be viewed at: ScienceDirect - The Foot : Factors associated with satisfaction with bunion surgery in women: A prospective study.

Well, the good news is that 75% of women are satisfied with their post-surgery results a year later. I wish I fell into that category, and I am working on it. I chose to have my bunion surgery and hammertoe surgery because I could no longer do one of my favorite forms of exercise - NIA - barefoot anymore and most everyone I talked to who had bunion surgery recommended it. Ever the cautious optimist, I forged ahead slowly. Would I do it again? Given how advanced my problems were and the pain I was feeling, yes. But before I had surgery I would:

Do everything I could to prevent having surgery:

Go to a foot doctor sooner

Get orthotics
Wear wide-toed shoes
Get regular foot massages
Do reflexology sessions on my feet
Do healing visualizations

Before I chose a surgeon, I'd do the following:

Sign up to receive every post from The Bunion Relief Blog and read every post! :-) You can do this by scrolling to the bottom right column and clicking "atom"
Do my research on the internet on various types of bunion surgery
Ask at least five people who have already had bunion surgery who they would recommend and not recommend
Get at least three first opinions from both podiatrists and orthopedic foot surgeons
Ask a lot more questions about what I could expect if it didn't work
Ask how many times the surgeon had to do additional surgery to correct problems from the first surgery
Listen to my intuition if I didn't feel comfortable with the surgeon's response and find another doctor

Most important though, I'd have gone to the foot doctor years earlier (as soon as I noticed the pain rather than waiting until I couldn't walk barefoot anymore without pain) instead of telling myself that it was just part of having bunions. Perhaps, then, orthotics could have prevented the problems I ended up with on my right foot.

I'm curious...what has your experience been? Please let me know in the comment box below.

If you've had bunion surgery or hammertoe surgery, how satisfied have you been (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) and what made you so satisfied or unsatisfied?

And if you haven't had bunion surgery or hammertoes surgery yet, what are your concerns and questions?

I'd really like to hear from you and I know Readers would too. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Toe Exercises for Bunion Relief

2007-09-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

I just found this website and it's excellent for all kinds of foot care. Here are three exercises The Footologist recommends.

1. Hold your big toe with one hand and stretch your toe in all directions. You will soon know the "end range of motion" Hold this position for about 15 seconds and repeat several times in all directions.

2. Grasp your big toe at the last joint (end of big toe) and pull on it as hard as you can. Hold this position for 15 seconds. You should repeat this three to four times in succession. Please note; if you have arthritic problems make sure you let your doctor know you want to do this before trying it.

3. Place your feet flat on the floor and put your feet together. Get the biggest elastic band you can find and wrap it around both of your big toes. Slowly move your feet apart. Either pivot on the heel or move them apart evenly at the heel and big toe. You want to try to straighten your big toes as much as possible, with as little pain as possible. Do this four or five times in succession once a day.
These simple exercises will go a long way in helping keep your big toe joint mobile and reducing future bunion pain.

Once again I'm reminded how important it is to exercise your toes. It's easy to forget to exercise your toes after you think your feet are healed from bunion surgery. It's been a year since my bunion surgery and it's clear my feet have paid the price for my lack of attention on them once I got through the first six months after surgery, but the good news is that I can change, and I am. And so can you.

My commitment is to do at least 3 minutes of toe exercises every day and add them to my morning and evening stretching routines. Why not do the same for yourself and we'll both be healthier and happier for doing it.

Five Myths About Footcare

2007-08-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Myth: Shoes cause bunions.
Reality: Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types make a person prone to developing a bunion. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful, shoes themselves do not cause bunions.
Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the deformity.

This is a good article from the The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and a quick read. Mostly, it's a good reminder to stay informed before and after your bunion surgery to make sure you get the best bunion treatment.

It's difficult to know who is telling the truth when it comes to bunions - foot surgeons who make their living from surgically correcting foot issues, shoe companies that profit from fashionable but painful shoes, foot care companies that provide temporary relief for foot problems, and well-meaning family and friends who offer their two cents on what you should do about your bunions.

Only you know what the truth is for you. You can ask the best doctor in the world what you should do and ultimately, s/he can still misjudge the situation, as I discovered after a 2nd and 3rd opinion from other doctors. Each of the three doctors I saw acknowledged I had bunions, but their suggested treatments have all been different.

So who DO you trust? Yourself -- AFTER you've gotten at least three opinions from three different sources you feel confident about. The more information you have, the better informed you are, the better your decision.

When I think back about my decision to have bunion surgery a year ago, I realize now that I felt uncomfortable and unsure of my decision, but I went ahead anyway due to what I felt was a two month window during the slower months of my speaking business. Knowing what I know now, I would have waited and gotten a second and third opinion prior to buying into the sales pitch from the first doctor who had testimonials of people saying they had gone to other doctors and come back to him after botched surgeries.

Well, I went to whom I thought was the best and I'm still left with additional surgery to correct what "the best" surgeon did.

Get a second and third opinion BEFORE you have your surgery and MAKE SURE you feel good and confident about your decision before moving forward. Your Inner Guide (intuition) knows what's best for you when you take the time to listen. There are many people who will tell you, "I wish I would have listened to my intuition" and very few who will say, "I wish I hadn't listened to my intuition." Your sole is counting on you.

Bunion Pain, Shoes, and Self-Awareness

2007-08-06T11:05:00.001-07:00

"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads."
~ Henry David Thoreau

"Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes."
~ Sri Ramana Maharshi

Namasté Newsletter, August 2007 by The Chopra Center and Deepak Chopra

Alright, I'm going to go Zen on you, but when you have chronic foot or bunion pain, it's a helpful tool. Reading and savoring inspirational quotes and looking at beautiful photos of nature when we're in the midst of bunion surgery recovery are good for our soles/souls. :-) (The photo is one I took at Torrey Pines Reserve where I love walking. You can see other photos of mine at www.inspiredlifepublishing.com/gallery)

The above quotes remind me to become aware of all the abundance and support in nature and within ourselves. When I'm laying on the couch channel surfing or complaining about post-surgery complications, it's so easy to forget that there is an amazing, beautiful world that stands beneath my feet waiting to bring me relief just by going there in my mind, online, or asking someone to help me and/or join me outside for some fresh air.

When pain or frustration come to visit, I've discovered that if I choose to recognize these feelings and invite them to join me in welcoming more beauty into our life together, this positive mindset melts the pain or frustration and gives me the space to make new choices and move toward positive action instead of staying stuck in negative energy.

Give it a try. Notice where your body is aching right now. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose into the pain and slowly release your breath through your mouth. Holding your focus in that space, thank the pain for reminding you that you are alive. Take another deep breath, smile for 16 seconds, and think of your most favorite place in nature, or reread the above quotes and look at the photo, while imagining walking freely and confidently in that space.

And remember..."to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns, it is much simpler to wear (comfortable) shoes."

Step into Your Future NOW - Positive Affirmations and Tips for Bunion Surgery Recovery

2007-08-03T22:46:00.001-07:00

A healing book I reference often is "The Wealthy Spirit: Daily Affirmations for Financial Stress Reduction," by Chellie Campbell.

On Day 283, I found a perfect quote for a bunion survivor, especially if you ever feel discouraged about the progress you're making in restoring your feet to health or you're living with chronic pain. Chellie writes:

"Big goals take longer to achieve than smaller ones. It's the Ulysses S. Grant theory, per Michael Korda in Another Life: 'Provided you're always moving forward, even if it's only a foot a day...eventually you will get to Richmond.'"

When you're feeling discouraged or frustrated about your healing progress (trust me, at some point, you will), remember that consistent daily (and on some days even hourly or minute-by-minute) action in the direction of your goal (standing, walking a few steps, walking a mile, running, doing yoga) will lead to success.

It's challenging to remember this at times, so here are a few TIPS I recommend to keep your feet and your mind moving toward Richmond (or whatever results you're wanting :-)

Choose an optimistic thought or affirmation, something like "My feet are healthy and get me where I'm going. I walk easily and confidently wherever I go." Whether or not this is true when you start this process isn't important. What IS IMPORTANT is that you START.
WRITE the affirmation/result you want on a 3X5 card in positive present first person tense ("My feet are healthy and get me where I'm going. I walk easily and confidently wherever I go.")
DECIDE that this goal is the outcome you want.
CHOOSE and KEEP CHOOSING to move in the direction of your goal.
IMAGINE what it will feel like when you achieve this goal.
FEEL the goal as if it has already happened WHILE you are saying these affirmations.
DO this process for at least 20 seconds to start (that helps anchor a positive pathway in the brain) every time you have negative thoughts or feelings, as well as first thing in the morning and right before sleep. Work up to 10 focused minutes three times a day.
Repeat steps 1 through 7 consistently for a minimum of 30 days and eventually you WILL get to Richmond.

Let me know when you do and let's step into our future NOW.

Would You Rather Have Bunion Surgery or See The New Harry Potter Movie? (Bunion Surgery Photos)

2007-07-29T11:28:00.001-07:00

So what is it about bunion surgery that makes people avoid it like the plague? Read on.

"My wife saw the movie [Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix] with her godson, his brother and the boys' dad. They had a tremendously good time at the afternoon showing. I was working so I didn't have to invent an excuse for missing it. Like a root canal. Or bunion surgery." :: TheSouthern.com - The Southern Illinoisan ::

The above comment showed up in my inbox this morning. I laughed out loud because for years I used every excuse to avoid bunion surgery. It never occurred to me to use bunion surgery as an excuse to avoid doing something I didn't want to do.

Except for maybe this morning before I read my email. :-) At my 6:45 am yoga class, when we were doing a sun salutation and coming out of a downward dog, the instructor Heidi, who is all of 30, lithe, and incredibly supple said with a smirk that my jump forward looked more like a hop, I pleaded foot surgery. (Yes, I still feel embarrassed saying the words "bunion" or "hammertoe" surgery. What IS it about those words that make everyone but a podiatrist squirm?)

Okay, so it was a year ago this month that I had bunion surgery and hammertoe surgery on my right foot AND I'm still feeling daily aches and pains in my foot. (Affirmation for the day: I love my feet. I take great care of my feet. I'm grateful I can walk. My feet fully support me as I step into my future and more forward in my life.)

My original surgeon (a podiatrist) and the 2nd opinion doctor (also a podiatrist) and the 3rd opinion orthopedic surgeon whom I discovered only specializes below the ankle (don't ask him if your lower back pain is connected to your bunion surgery; he'll say no, but all the bodyworkers I've seen say yes, it's all connected. If a butterfly flaps its wings in Argentina, scientists now say it does affect the weather in China) have all said I need more surgery on the same foot.

More surgery?! I'd rather see the new Harry Potter movie (I actually like the Harry Potter films - ever notice their feet? Me neither, but now I will :-).

Any doctor who sees my feet (see above photo for "before bunion surgery" photo) lights up with dollar signs in their eyes, chanting, "Surgery, surgery, surgery!" One podiatrist, years ago, whom I'd met when taking a friend for a post-surgery check-up said gleefully to me, "Oh, look at your feet! You'll be back for surgery and we give family and friend discounts."

The photo to the left was taken 10 days after surgery. Nice straight lines, all toes sitting in a good place. If anything is amiss, the third toe is standing a bit above the second. And now look below to one year later.

I have another visit in two weeks with the 3rd opinion orthopedic surgeon (and no, the original arrogant "I am an artist!" and "It's impossible to know what other problems there might have been with such a big bunion" surgeon will not be getting a second chance at my tootsies) to review my original x-rays pre-op and immediately post-op to determine the actual degree of reversal that has occurred with the "Great Toe." Hmmm...for another $500 (with a $40 copay) he's going to "review" the x-rays to determine if the toe has moved more than 15 degrees.

Um, Doc, when you first saw my foot you said, "Oh, the bunion's come back. We'll do an Aiken on the Great Toe and release the tendons in the 2nd toe so it comes down - but don't expect it to ever lie completely flat - and shave the bottom bone of third toe so it straightens out." Sounds like, looks like, you already have a plan. Why are you giving me the 15th degree? (I was told to go to an orthopedic surgeon because they are supposedly more "precise" than podiatrists. Could this be evidence to that opinion?)

But the "Great Toe," while it may be causing a problem, isn't the biggest problem. Take a look to your left! It's the 2nd "hammertoe" that is more problematic than before the surgery. It sits 1/2 an inch above the ground and on top of the third toe now instead of before surgery when it was dancing on top of my big toe. Some toes, they're just so fickle! They'll go anywhere they please and don't care which toes they step on.

According to the orthopedic surgeon those "pesky hammertoes" never lie flat after surgery no matter how much surgical releasing of tendons and scar tissue you do. NOW YOU TELL ME! So I should have a second surgery?!

If you've had bunion or hammertoe surgery (once or, God forbid, TWICE), what has your experience been? Please let us know and comment below. In the meantime, I'm going to a movie -- "Happy Feet."

The Big Toe Is Essential! So is a Good Book.

2007-06-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good novel to read while you're recovering from bunion surgery? Pick up the best selling book Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston.

"The truth is, he doesn't find himself thinking broadly enough to have a worldview. he's too myopic--that's what Elinor says. Maybe it's from looking at people's feet all day. There's nothing more myopic that a corn on a big toe. The big toe is essential, though. You can barely walk without your big toe. You can't stand properly, let alone navigate your way through life."

~ Dr. Ted Mackey, a podiatrist in the novel Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston

Overview: Elinor Mackey and her successful podiatrist husband Ted have been trying to get pregnant with invitro fertilization for two long years. Nothing is working and it's taking a toll on their marriage. Elinor becomes bitter and depressed. Ted goes the the gym to deal with his stress and increase his sperm count, only to meet Gina, the optimistic personal trainer who says he's making the most progress of all her clients, and loves calling him Dr. Mackey, seeming to be "enthralled by Ted's profession."

"I'm only a podatrist," he told her. "It's not like I'm a brain surgeon."

"The feet are so important, Gina insisted." Then she ran her fingers lightly up the inside of his arm as she wrote something on his chart. Ted shuddered."

This novel will have your attention within the first page and take your mind off your feet and keep your heart in the right place.

As much as I know this is a novel, and I don't condone Ted's behavior, I am aware that everyone wants to know that who they are and what they do have value. There's nothing like a big dose of appreciation if you're happy with your podiatrist's work on your feet.

If your podiatrist has done a good job, be sure to take the time to write a thank you note and appreciate their skill -- at footcare, that is, and if you're lucky enough to get someone who also has positive and appropriate communication skills, say thank for that too.

You get the behavior you reward.

Smile with every step!

Avoiding Problems After Bunion Surgery

2007-05-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

Do you know the signs of infection following surgery?

I nursed a friend through bunion surgery about seven years before my own surgery last year. His doctor scheduled a return visit one week after his surgery that was done at an outpatient clinic. The bandage was to stay on until the visit (BAD NEWS! Make sure your doctor sees you within three days).

Three days after surgery my friend began complaining of a new pain. I checked his foot around the bandage and noticed it had a strong odor and said, "Wow, stinky feet." I also noticed his foot felt hot. I mentioned both observations to him, not knowing consciously at that time these were signs of infection, although it's clear my intuition registered awareness.

I suggested he call the doctor. He said, "Oh, I'll just wait until my appointment, it's only three days away." I should have been insistent and even made the call for him. But I didn't. Next time I will.

When he went to the doctor, the doctor expresssed serious concern asking why he didn't call him earlier, saying that he had a serious infection, could have lost his foot and worse, died.

When I asked where the infection came from, the doctor said it was hard to say. Does the word malpractice have any importance? My friend didn't pursue it, in fact, went back to him for other services, but I remembered and as good a surgeon as he supposedly is, I chose not to use him based on that experience.

My friend and I are not medical people and we were never counseled in the pre-op meeting as to what to watch for regarding infection (see below), which the doctor or his assistants should have done. Now I know better, and want to urge you "DO NOT WAIT TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR WHEN YOU SENSE SOMETHING IS WRONG. CALL IMMEDIATELY.

Better to cry wolf than be eaten by the wolf.

My friend lived to tell his story. My father was not as fortunate when he died of sepsis two weeks after a knee surgery. Doctors took a "wait and see" approach to treat him with antibiotics, unsure if he had an infection or 24 hour virus. He died 8 hours after being admitted to the emergency room. It was an infection.

Here's a good reminder from the American Podiatric Association regarding potential complications following bunion surgery.

Though uncommon, complications can occur following bunion surgery. Contact your orthopaedic surgeon if:

* Your dressing loosens, comes off or gets wet.
* Your dressing is moistened with blood or drainage.
* You develop side effects from postoperative medications.

Also, call your orthopaedic surgeon immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs of infection:
* Fever.
* Chills.
* Persistent warmth or redness around the dressing.
* Increased or persistent pain.
* Increased or persistent pain. * Significant swelling in the calf above the treated foot.
Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips

technorati tags:bunion, bunions, bunion surgery recovery

Stiletto Exercise Workout? You've GOT to be KIDDING!

2007-05-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

Exercise might also help to keep the agony to a minimum. At Gymbox in London, the women perform the Stiletto Workout (£8 per session; 020 7395 0270) in their Choo-alike heels. Some expert podiarists have dismissed it as a bunion-inducing gimmick, but Gymbox claims the workout will strengthen feet, ankles, calf and core stability muscles to ensure perfect alignment when you’re walking in stilettos. If that doesn’t grab you, there are more sensible exercise options.
“A good Pilates class mobilises the feet and ankles, and lengthens the calves and hamstrings – all of which will provide some relief from the effects of wearing heels,” says Hana Jones, Pilates teacher; www.pilatesfoundation.com.

Feet first-Life & Style-Women-Beauty-TimesOnline

This is UNBELIEVABLE!!! Can you imagine? Jumping around in high heels for exercise?

Actually, I can. But it wasn't at a formal exercise class. Although it might as well have been.

Last weekend I was in Lake Tahoe at the wedding of my Godson Matt, and danced my head off, even stomped up and down a few times (and felt my feet saying "Hello! Are you nuts?!" Yes, but it sure was fun!) as the DJ played "I Feel Good" by James Brown.

I was wearing those new 2 1/2 inch black LifeStride "Sue" sandals I told you I bought last month. They're tame compared to stilettos, with wide elastic straps and 1/4 inch cushioned soles.

It was the first time I was in heeled sandals since my bunion surgery nine months ago. I felt great until the adrenaline and endorphins (okay, and the gin martini) wore off at the end of the evening. The shoes were off as soon I got to the elevator. And when I woke up the next morning, my legs and feet and lower back definitely reminded me that I had a great time but was going to have to pay for it.

Gladly, I'll pay for it for a few hours every once in a while, as long as I'm not feeling pain when I'm walking. I like that sexy, swingy feeling I get wearing a little black dress and beautiful looking stylish heels (alright - semi-stylish, but still better than my grandmother's black tie shoes with the perforated wing-tip). That said, I also feel incredible gratitude every day for my New Balance 825 athletic shoes with the wide toe box that I wear 24/7.

A stiletto exercise class? I'll take the DJ wedding class over that any day. What about you?

Oprah has bunions too - Photo

2007-05-18T18:14:00.001-07:00

Ouch! Who would have thought that Oprah has bunions too? They look like they hurt too. In a previous post I highlighted a show Oprah did on her painful secret and comfortable shoes. Now we know why comfortable shoes are so important to her.

Extra Toe-prah Winfrey? - TMZ.com

Lottery Numbers for Healthy Feet: 28, 33, 111, 5000, 50000

2007-05-12T08:15:00.001-07:00

The human foot is a complex structure made up of numerous joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. In fact, it contains 28 bones, 33 joints and 111 ligaments, which bear the full weight of the body through an average of 5,000 steps a day.

Over a lifetime, feet carry the normal ambulatory person through an average of 50,000 miles. Consequently, how active we are, how we treat our feet, what kind of shoes we wear, and how we take care of our overall health, will determine how well our feet carry us into the future.

PACKETONLINE News Classifieds Entertainment Business - Princeton and Central New Jersey - When the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it!

Are Your Feet Footloose and Fancy-Free?

2007-05-12T08:08:00.001-07:00

Powerful facts to remind us that shoes that fit properly are the key to not just good foot health, but overall health.

One out of every 6 people, or 43.1 million people in the United States, suffers from foot problems, with 36 percent of them serious enough to warrant medical attention.

These problems also come with a price. The cost of foot surgery to correct foot problems from tight-fitting shoes is $2 billion a year. If time off from work for the surgery and recovery is included, the cost is $3.5 billion.

Women, especially, are prone to suffering from foot problems. The chief culprit is shoes that do not fit properly.

Consider these painful facts:

• Women are nine times more likely than a man to develop a foot problem because of improperly fitting shoes.

• Nine out of 10 women's foot deformities can be attributed to tight shoes — they are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet. • Eight out of 10 women say their shoes are painful.

• Seven out of 10 women have developed a painful foot deformity.
PACKETONLINE News Classifieds Entertainment Business - Princeton and Central New Jersey - When the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it!

Are You Sure You Want to Wear Those Shoes?

2007-04-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 73 percent of women have a shoe-related foot problem. Forty-two percent of women admitted they would wear a shoe that was uncomfortable.

Are women's shoes a health hazard? - The Clarion-Ledger

It's been nine months since my bunion surgery and I just bought three new pairs of shoes - all sandals, two pair with 1 1/2 inch heels and one pair with 2 1/2 inch heels, a heel height I haven't worn in over a decade. They all have slight annoyances that border on almost uncomfortable enough to take back, but I'm hoping that a few more wearings will break them in and the leather will stretch enough to accommodate my feet, not the other way around.

I was smart enough to look for 1/4 inch rubber bottomed soles, which Naturalizer and Lifestride make, and add an adhesive gel padding to the insole for more comfort. The extra padding is better than nothing, but the gel rolls up at the edges and becomes sticky on your feet, which requires reflattening every time you wear the shoes, and which my toes try to adjust when I'm sitting in meetings. Ten dollars at Famous Footwear. Save your money and buy thicker soled shoes or use the gel-rolling as exercise for nervous toes that are hoping you'll choose shoes with arch support, a lower heel, and a wide toe box.

The Risks of Bunion Surgery and What to Expect Before, During and After Bunion Surgery

2007-04-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

I just found an excellent overview of the major reasons for bunion surgery, the risks of bunion surgery (I have experienced all of them but an infection) and what to expect before, during, and after bunion surgery. Based on my personal experience, this information is the most accurate I have run across online.

Here's a list of the risks of bunion surgery:

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to:

stiffness
numbness
swelling
delayed healing
infection

Other complications may include recurrence of the bunion, nerve damage, and continued pain. The surgery may also result in overcorrection of the problem, in which the big toe extends away from the other toes.

There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.

http://www.aahs.org/services/ortho_procedures.php?pageid=P07678

Bunion Surgery Options Described

2007-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is a really interesting site that does an excellent job of describing various types of bunion surgery including:

Break and shift (this is what I had done and is most common)
Fusion (shortening the toe and fusing two bones - eliminates a joint)
Excisional (cut away bone on side - this was also done on my foot)
Syndesmosis (works with soft tissue rather than bone)

I wouldn't pretend to know what's right for you but I do know that the more research you do, the better equipped you are to decide what option is best for you. I wish I'd known more before I went in for surgery, but I will now for my second foot.

http://www.bunionsurgery.com.hk/topic1.asp

Use VOG Code to Get $15 Discount on YogaToes

2007-03-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in the waiting room at my car service center (Acura Kearny Mesa in San Diego - they're great! They even provide free wireless service!) waiting for the news about whether my right rear brake needs to be repaired (interesting - I wonder if there's any metaphor here - my right foot is my bunion surgery foot that needs to be repaired again :-).

The latest issue of Vogue was calling to me from the coffee table so I picked it up and lo and behold, I opened to a page (p. 420) for a $15 discount on Yoga Toes if you use the coupon code VOG at www.yogapro.com or call 1-800-488-8414. This is great news for you! If you haven't tried this product, you will LOVE it!

You may remember me telling you in a previous post or two how much I LOVE these toe muscle stretchers. I use them at the end of the day, I use them when I meditate, and I take them with me when I travel. They've really helped manage the post-surgery pain on my right foot and relieve aching on my left foot after a full day of standing and walking.

Love your feet; they'll take you anywhere you want.

Update - Bunion Surgery 6 Months Later

2007-02-18T23:51:00.000-08:00

Six months ago today I had bunion surgery on my first and second toes. I can walk again. I can do yoga again (except for jumping backwards or forwards in downward dog).

I cannot walk barefoot or dance without pain on the sole of my foot because the bone of the third toe is pushing through the bottom, just like the second toe used to. The surgeon said that sometimes secondary problems that have always been there but have gone unnoticed, show up after surgery because they're no longer masked by the bigger problem (bunion) that is now resolved. (Hmmm...is there any chance that maybe he just didn't look deeply enough at the issue because he only spent five minutes with me before surgery looking at my x-rays and foot to give me a diagnosis?)

And my second toe is still elevated by 1/4 inch from the floor because of the scar tissue tightening it up. To wear shoes I have to rearrange that second toe so it lays down straight and doesn't sit on top of my third toe in order to get my shoes on. (God love YogaToes)

Oh, and now I have additional pain in my heel when I bend over and my lower back constantly aches for the first few hours of the day after waking up or sitting too long.

It wasn't supposed to turn out that way. So I won't be going back to the surgeon for corrective surgery. I will be asking him for copies of all my x-rays and records so I can take them with me to the 2nd Opinion doctor for a review.

TIP: Get copies of your x-rays each time you visit your doctor. Keep them for your own records. You never know when you might need them, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it could be to get them.

In the meantime, I'm visualizing my foot returning to it's healthy state. I heard a great affirmation to help with that:

"Infinite intelligence lives within me and created all that I am - my bones, my muscles, my tissues, my organs, all of me and it knows how to heal me. I am perfectly healthy now."

Now if my foot would just figure that out. Or is it my brain?

I am grateful to my surgeon for helping me to resolve my foot pain. I'm grateful to the 2nd opinion doctor for helping me recover successfully. I am grateful to my body for knowing how to heal itself. I am grateful to my foot for enduring the pain and allowing me to walk again. I am grateful for the New Balance 825 shoes and the orthotics that allow me to walk comfortably in the canyons and along the beach. I am grateful to be alive. Long live feet!

Actual Recovery Time for Bunion Surgery?

2006-12-20T01:22:00.000-08:00

Question from Diane: I'm told I'll be off work for a 1 week, then sitting at work for 2 weeks. What is the actual recovery time? My job is marketing at a hospital for a nursing home. A lot of walking. I'm very active.

Answer from Smiling Walker: Recovery time, from everyone I've talked with, as cliché as it sounds, is different for everyone, but within a range. My surgeon said 4-6 weeks before you're walking without effort, and my 2nd opinion doctor said 6-8 weeks before full pressure on your foot and up to 1 year before the foot resolves into its new pattern.

I can tell you this, I pushed the envelope with walking, and I'm paying the price. My doctor said if I followed his rules exactly, I'd have no problems. I've had problems with slow healing and more swelling than normal, which they're attributing to too much time on my feet too soon. I gradually built up from the 10 minutes per hour the first week to 20 minutes the second week, and in the third week, I felt so good I went out for a one hour walk (very slowly) and I think that's when I may have created more inflammation and slowed the bone growth.

Inflammation is a big concern with healing, and that can show up as redness, swelling, but more curiously to me, as heat on the foot. The idea is to keep the foot cool and quiet. If I were to do it over, I'd have spent less time walking around and more time with my foot elevated those first three weeks. My concern was losing cardiovascular strength while laying around. Now I know that I could have done upper body and core exercises while keeping my feet quiet (but part of me was relieved not to feel compelled to exercise during that time. Rest is good :-)

It's challenging because you'll feel fine and your foot is so tightly bound and the screw is holding things in place that you think you can run a marathon (well, not quite, but you'll understand once you're in recovery).

When I went back for my 2 month checkup, I compared feet with women in the waiting room. One woman had no pain, was in a tennis shoe and was walking normally at six weeks. I was still very swollen and experiencing pain, but again, had two procedures, while she had only one. Another woman was back in for a second surgery on the same foot from three years earlier with a different doctor because the bunion had grown back and she was still feeling pain.

I've learned a lot since deciding on bunion surgery and one thing I can tell you for sure is that the foot is an amazing gift that I overlooked for too long and a much more complex living organism than I ever anticipated that affects EVERYTHING you do.

If this insight was helpful to you, I'd love to know how it helped you. And do let me know what you decide, how the surgery goes, and if you have more questions, be sure to email me.

Bunion Surgery On Both Feet at the Same Time?

2006-12-20T01:17:00.000-08:00

Question from Diane: I will have bunion surgery on Friday on my left foot. It's had problems of blisters and pain. The right is not as bad. So I planned on just repairing the left first. Please give me some tips on preventing the next surgery or should I just have it done at the same time?

Smiling Walker: I wish I had all the answers for you. Here's my experience and what I learned:

Both my surgeon and 2nd opinion doctor advised against both feet at the same time. Both have done surgeries on people who had both feet done. I have spoken to four women who had both feet done at the same time.

Woman #1, a good friend, said it wasn't a problem physically. She just shuffled on crutches at her job (she's a teacher) for several weeks. She was married at the time with two preteens and said she got little help from the family, which made it difficult. She also only had problems with the big toe bunions.

Woman #2 said she was a busy, active woman with two teenage children and a husband and couldn't waste the time off her feet doing one foot at a time. She demanded her doctor do both or she'd find another doctor. He did it. She said she slid on her butt in the house for a month and crawled with her feet up for a few weeks after that, but then it was over and she was back on her feet running (literally - she is a runner). She said it helped that her children waited on her or she would have been left to the dogs. It's been two years and she says her feet are not "big boob" pretty, but they work.

Woman #3 (#2's sister) is also a busy woman, but single. Her experience was very painful and difficult. She attributes this to not having the support system to help her while she was recovering. She recommends one foot at time to anyone who asks.

Woman #4 is a mom of three boys now, but was single at the time she had her bunions removed. She said her fiancé did everything for her for a month. She didn't walk on her feet the entire time except to go the bathroom, and like #2, she crawled with feet up. She said it was really hard to follow instructions, but she did. It's been 20 years and she has had no problems. She, like Woman #2, is very active - a fitness trainer.
She also said that she did weekly physical therapy recommended by her doctor (mine didn't recommend this, which I found odd) and felt that helped her tremendously.

I considered doing both feet because of the time factor, but talked myself out of it for several reasons and only did my right foot, which was causing a lot of pain.

I am single and a self-employed professional speaker who is on my feet for hours at a time, I didn't have the financial or social support to be off my feet for 4-6 weeks or the extra downtime if I had complications.
Because both docs were so against double foot surgery, I decided there must be something to that. They both said I needed the other foot for balance and walking and without it if there were problems, I'd have more complications. After the cynic in me thought they might just want more business, I decided I'd rather have a happy surgeon cutting on my foot than someone who was energetically stressing because I might not follow post-recovery protocol and end up with complications that could affect their business.
I didn't have pain in my left foot and the docs had said to use surgery as a last resort. This made sense to me because technology is changing so quickly so who knows what new techniques they could have in the next decade.
I met several alternative healers who said that with exercise and focused visualization I could at the very least prevent the left foot from getting worse and at best, perhaps even reverse the bunion. (That fell in the miracle category for me, but I'm open. :-)

In retrospect, post surgery, I made the right decision for me to do one foot at a time. I should also mention that I had two "procedures" on my right foot - bunion surgery and hammertoe surgery on the 2nd toe, because I let things go too long (I didn't know I should have seen a podiatrist in my teens. I've had complications with my right foot that I've addressed on my blog.

Regarding preventing the next surgery, what I've learned is that podiatrist-fitted orthotics (range $250-$600) can, in some cases, prevent bunions from getting worse, so that could be a good option. I'm guessing your doctor will recommend them. I have them now and while I'm noticing slightly less pain on the pad of my right foot, there is still pain. Also, I'm flat footed and do notice arch support and that my ankles are not caving inside (called pronating) as much when I walk.

I'm not sure what you should do, nor would I tell you since I'm not a doctor, however, I do believe you already know the answer.

One of the ideas I'm working with when I don't know what to do is to choose conscious non-action and ask for a clear answer in my meditations, which eventually comes, sometimes only at the moment when I'm forced to make a choice. I also ask my foot (or whatever body part is in pain) what it wants. May sound crazy, but that dialogue has connected me more with my body and healing.

Best wishes on a successful surgery!

One Way to Improve Your Feet and Life According to US. News And World Report

2006-12-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

I just got next week's issue of U.S. News and World Report. There's a great article on "50 Ways to Improve Your Life." I couldn't help but notice #3: Lose the shoes.

Everywhere I go now that I've come out of the shoe closet about my bunion and hammertoe surgery, I meet women who share their bunion stories, and are still wearing shoes "to die for."

Cameron Diaz was on "Ellen" and came out wearing heels that were were as tall as the ten story buildings she jumped over in Charlie's Angels. Six-inch heels! It doesn't look like Cameron has bunions, and I'm not sure if Ellen does, but I can tell you that no matter how cute those shoes were, there is no way anyone who has had bunion surgery (at least my kind of bunion surgery) would ever get near those shoes for more than a minute.

Ellen asked to try the shoes on, shuffled precariously a few inches and said, "Um, tell me why you want to wear these again?" Cameron laughed and said, "Because they're fun." "Yeah, right," Ellen said, "Fun for who?"

Oprah shared one of her most painful secrets (I posted on this November 1, 2006) -- she wears her beautifully stylish high heeled shoes only on the set because they hurt so much. She takes the elevator down to the studio in bare feet, put on the shoes just before she walks out, and then takes them off again immediately after.

I've "been there, done that," but now after B.S. (bunion surgery), my body actually begins to shudder, my teeth clench, and my eyes wince when I even think about wearing anything other than my athletic shoes. I accidently left my dress shoes at a Christmas party last Saturday night. Fifteen minutes into the party I switched from the Donald Pliner stretchy-fabric, low-heeled pumps, which are as comfortable as they come, at least pre-surgery, into my sturdy leather J. Crew sandals I brought along "just in case."

Ahhhhh. How do you spell relief? "Lose the shoes."

"The good news" Dr. Robin Ross, a podiatrist in NY is quoted as saying, "is that the pointy shoe is heading more toward the rounded toe box."

YogaToes are Great For Bunion Relief!

2006-12-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

My Yoga Toes arrived and I love them! They really help create space between my toes and since my surgery, I really need that. They are kind of clunky at first but as the directions say, if you wet them a little, they're easier to put on.

The directions say you can put them in the freezer or the microwave. I'll let you know how that goes. (Oh, I mean wearing them after they've been heated up or cooled off. Not to be confused with eating.)

If you decide to walk around in them, don't. You'll trip. ;-) But do get them.

Try YogaToes for Bunion Treatment and Bunion Surgery Recovery

2006-11-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

YogaToes^® Revolutionize Foot Care
What your podiatrist won't tell you about foot care is that it's easy - routine exercise keeps your feet in shape, just like the rest of your body.
Now there is a product to do the work for you - YogaToes. They work while you kick your feet up and relax. YogaToes will stretch, strengthen, and align foot muscles. This action increases circulation, straightens bent toes, and can even realign the bones. YogaToes are truly revolutionary.

YogaToes help relieve foot pain and improve strength, flexibility and appearance. Don't wait until small problems become debilitating. Don't waste hours and money at the doctor's office. YogaToes tackle the problems at their source, keeping your feet healthy with exercise.

I just ordered my first pair (size Medium). The testimonials are so compelling I couldn't resist. If you have used YogaToes, post a comment below and let me know how they worked for your bunions. As soon as my YogaToes arrive, I'll let you know the results.

I reviewed several websites that are offering YogaToes and the link below is the only one I know of that offers a full 90-day guarantee.

Take a look; here's the link: YogaToes

Oprah's Painful Secret and Her Answer - Will it Work for Bunions?

2006-11-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

As reported on Oprah.com

For 21 years, Oprah has been keeping a painful secret. Until now, few have known this very private truth…her feet hurt!After years of complaining—and a trip to the emergency room—Oprah's staff finally said "enough!" They searched high and low to find the ever elusive comfortable—and cute—high heel shoe.
"Today is a new day!" Oprah says. After years of living in pain, Oprah has finally found a comfortable shoe. "I have to tell you, no exaggeration. I complain about it every day," Oprah says. "I did not think that there could be a high heeled shoe or a high heeled boot created that wouldn't cause you pain!"

The man behind the comfy heel is Gordon Thompson. Trained as an architect, Gordon spent a decade developing high powered state of the art footwear for Nike before becoming the creative director of Cole Haan shoes. "In the back of my mind I was thinking, 'Here's a really sort of interesting idea of taking two worlds that traditionally don't go together and ramming them together,'" Gordon says.

By engineering an "air bag" that goes in the fore part and heel of the shoe, Gordon was able to provide a cushion for the feet. And they're cute too! No Aunt Esther shoes here. "This is life changing," Oprah says. "It's not a cure for cancer, but it is a cure for your feet!"

Forever Their Faves: Oprah's Shoe Dilemma

Do you wear Cole Haan shoes? I wonder if they make them in a size 12? I'll find out. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts. Have you tried these "air bag" shoes?

technorati tags:Oprah, Comfortable high heels, bunion, Cole Haan, Gordon Thompson, Nike

Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures: Bunion Relief (Book Review and Tips)

2006-10-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

From the Rodale book, Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures:Edit id 2359 Bunions
To beat bunions, try these tips.

Stretch those shoes. If your favorite pair of shoes is causing or irritating the bunion, take them to a shoe repair store and have them stretched, or do it yourself with a device that's available for under $10 at most drugstores, says Myles Schneider, D.P.M., an Annandale, Virginia, podiatrist and coauthor of the book How to Doctor Your Feet without a Doctor.

Slip into some sandals. If your dress code is more relaxed, consider wearing sandals or even going barefoot, says Steve Guida, D.P.M., a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, podiatrist who's treated hundreds of older patients. A more open shoe means less binding and, as a result, less opportunity for bunion discomfort, he says.

Shield yourself. Pads called bunion shields can serve as a comfortable barrier between you and your shoes, Dr. Guida says. After the shield has been placed directly on the bunion, adhesive on the back keeps it in place. For long-term use, try bunion shields made of silicone, says Dr. Guida. Both kinds are available at drugstores.

Shine those shoes. Some shoe polishes applied once a week can soften shoe leather, which may help your favorite pair relax to the shape of your bunion rather than press against it, says Dr. Schneider.

Exercise those bunions. The following exercise helps loosen the stiffness that often accompanies bunions, says Dr. Schneider. Using a 1-inch-by-18-inch piece of cotton cloth or a thin rope, tie a loop and place one end around each big toe. While keeping your heels on a flat surface with the cloth or rope extended between the feet, gently pull the toes apart and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times, says Dr. Schneider. Increase this routine by one repetition each day until you can do 25.

Give orthotics a try. Custom-made arch supports called orthotics may also help relieve the pain by reducing the amount of foot motion in the shoe. Expect to pay $50 for one made of hard rubber and $350 and up for one made of graphite, says Dr. Coughlin.

Customize your footwear. Shoes made with your bunion in mind should never bind or irritate that delicate area, says Dr. Guida. Pedorthists — skilled craftspeople who specialize in making shoes for folks with foot problems—charge from $300 to $500 for a pair, according to Dr. Guida. Before beginning their work, pedorthists take a plaster impression of your foot and then build a shoe around it, says Charley Simpson, a certified pedorthist and former owner of Simpson Shoes in Boston.

Consider a bunionectomy. If the pain continues despite your best efforts, you might want to consider a bunionectomy. During this procedure, the doctor may remove some of the bone that's causing the discomfort and tighten the joint—or even replace it. Surgery should always be the last resort, says Dr. Coughlin.

Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures Bunions

This book, published by Rodale Press, is filled with lots of great information. The bunion tips are common ones but still helpful to remember, especially the toe stretching tip.

The reflexologist I highly recommend if you're in the UK or she comes to your city while traveling is Jane Sheehan (see her link on the side bar), who shared this exercise with me. I've purchases Bally's stretch bands and use them to stretch my big toe ligaments. In addition to doing the side to side stretch between both toes, I also stretch the up and down between both feet, which helps with the recovery process from surgery.

Dr. Coughlin's comment that surgery should always be the last resort is definitely true in my case. My challenge was I let the pain go too long and ended up with a much more complicated surgery. Had I known to go to a podiatrist years ago when my bunions were forming, I may have been able to arrest them with orthotics like a friend of mine has.

Bunion Surgery Recovery Update - Picture - Day 105

2006-10-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

Day 105 Post Surgery - The scars are lightening, tightening, and the toes are trying to move back into their original pre-surgical positions. Frustrating. I'm wearing a night-splint for my toes and orthotics in my athletic shoes. You'd think I was a teenager with braces.

As far as pain goes, when I do exercise walking with the orthotics, the bottom of my big toe aches and the bottom of my third toe stings (the bone is protruding more now as the swelling goes down on the big and 2nd toes).

When I try to walk barefoot it lasts about two seconds. The pain under my 3rd toe is unbearable. When I asked the surgeon about it at my last visit a month ago, he said "Just don't walk barefoot." Last week, the 2nd opinion doctor said, "Wear shoes. You're still healing."

Normal shoes? I wonder if there is such a thing after bunion surgery. I can put them on and wear them now for about a half hour, but not without limping, walking more slowly and putting more weight on my heel.

My 2nd toe? Ouch 2 and too! Can you see the bump on my 2nd toe joint above the scar? That bump is new and sits higher than the original position, which was elevated. Evidently the scar tissue is pulling it up. Surgeon says to wait and see another month until there is less swelling and then re-evaluate as it may need another "procedure" to loosen the scar tissue so the toe will lay flatter.

Here's the big news from the 2nd opinion doctor I saw last week:

Your foot is in the norm regarding swelling but it's still more swollen than I'd like to see.
I would have put a splint on your toes immediately. I do with all my patients during the initial healing time. Are you wearing your splint every night?
I notice a trend in the three times I've seen you since your surgery. Your big toe continues to move toward the second toe and your second toes continues to bunch upward. Since you're still swollen, I'd wait another six weeks and we'll revisit it then.

Why did I have this surgery again? I thought it was to end the pain on the pad of my foot under the 2nd and 3rd toes, which I thought the bunion surgery and 2nd toe surgery were supposed to relieve. Hmmm...

I'm feeling frustrated and impatient. I will go back to the surgeon again at 16 weeks as he suggested to see what his recommendations are. Last visit he also said that in addition to the 2nd toe scar tissue being released, I may need another "procedure" done on the third toe like the 2nd (shorten the bone and rearrange the tendons and ligaments to relieve the pressure on the bottom of the foot). Fun!

Keeping a positive attitude is so important during these moments. I believe that what we think about most with emotion, we create, so after acknowledging what's going on currently, my biggest task is to keep myself focused on seeing my ideal foot every time I think of my foot and taking inspired action from that awareness.

If you've had bunion surgery, what has your recovery experience been like? Please post your comment below.

Happy Halloween!

Have You Tried Mederma for Your Bunion Scars?

2006-10-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

MEDERMA

Before you buy the product, check with your doctor for samples. My doctor just gave me samples to see if we can soften up the scar on my 2nd toe and release some of the tension that is pulling it back up.

Actually both scars could use some massaging attention. It's one area that's challenging for me to remember to do now that the outside of my foot is healed. Do you find the same thing?

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, mederma, scar

Try the New Balance 825 Lightweight Following Bunion Surgery

2006-10-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

After taking home and wearing 5 different types of athletic shoes so that my orthotics would work properly and I wouldn't feel pain when I walked after bunion surgery, I've finally found a great shoe - the Men's New Balance 825 Lightweight 2ee. Yes, a men's shoe. For my size 12 women's tootsie's, I want a comfortable ride when I'm walking.

Here's the link for women's shoes. Women's New Balance Shoes The 825 in women's comes in a really fun yellow.
This style is wide enough to accommodate the widest part of my foot and not irritate the Taylor's Bunion below my little toe and yet, still has enough flexibility so that I can tighten the laces and keep my heel in place.

My podiatrist/surgeon recommended this after confirming that the shoe sales person had given me the wrong shape of shoe.

Bottom line, if it hurts, it's not the right fit.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion care, athletic shoe, new balance 825,podiatrist, bunion surgery

Orthotics Can Help Slow Bunions. Have You Tried Orthotics Yet?

2006-10-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Orthotics can help slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes, but they will not prevent this process. Orthotics may help with some pain at a bunion, but they will not "cure" the bunion.

When the motion in the foot is contributing to the problem, orthotics are generally recommended. If the foot is stable and does not require support, the bunion, hammertoe, neuroma, tendonitis or even plantar fasciitis may not require custom made orthotics for treatment. These individuals may do well with a pre-fabricated orthotic."
___________________

Read more of this article at Orthotics and Your Feet by Christine Dobrowolski, DPM. The article also defines very clearly and in more detail the difference between functional orthotics (structured and more rigid), which are best for managing bunions and accommodative orthotics (padded and soft), which work for people with diabetes.

My sister is an Ironman Triathlete. We both inherited bunions. She says that she couldn't run without her orthotics.

I asked my podiatrist for orthotics following my bunion surgery and received them about three weeks ago. I've gone through four pairs of shoes at Road Runner Sports (They've been great to work with, especially Ron and Matt) to find a good fit with the orthotics in my shoes. It seems that while it has lessened the pain on the sole of my right foot (bunion/hammertoe surgery w/ 3rd metatarsal protuding into sole of foot), unless I have a wide enough shoe (men's in this case), the "Taylor's Bunion" just below my baby toe is irritated.

The good news is that my left foot is really happy with the orthotic.

Check with your podiatrist to see if an orthotic is right for your bunions. If you wear orthotics, please share your experience using the comment link below.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion care, orthotic, podiatrist, bunion surgery

Cosmetic Surgery for Your Bunions and 2nd Toe? Should You Do It?

2006-10-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

This is a fascinating opinion report conducted by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society:

What height heels do you wear most often?

10% 3-inch

20% 2-inch

23% 1-inch

46% Flat

Do you ever experience foot pain while wearing high heels?

19% No

25% Yes, with pain after

52% Yes, but only while wearing them

If your doctor told you that wearing ANY high heel would lead you to foot surgery in the future would you give up high heels?

41% No

59% Yes

Would you have foot surgery if it were the only way you could wear high heels?

9% Yes, for heels

20% Yes, for appearances

71% No

You can view the article at Doctors warn of cosmetic podiatric surgery.
______________

Well, it appears orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists will always have a job based on this research.

With the exception now of one pair of 2-inch heels for dressy occasions, all my shoes are flat, and the stretchier and more padded they are, the better. But even at 5'10" with a size 12 foot, I wore 2 1/2-3 inch heels (whenever I could find them) in my late teens and did so until my feet just hurt too much to walk in high heels in my late 30's. I am paying the price today.

Be smart. Take care of your feet. If the shoe hurts, stop wearing it.

Trust me. Unless you inherited bunions and are in pain, you don't want bunion surgery.

*

Smile While You Walk ~ The Bunion Derby

2006-10-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

This story puts an entirely new spin on a walkathon.

"Foyil, Oklahoma is the hometown of Andy Payne, winner of the famous 84 day 2400 mile transcontinental footrace known as the "Bunion Derby." The story of the Bunion Derby is one of the most flamboyant and original schemes to promote the Mother Road. Read more...

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, bunion relief blog, bunion derby

Day 63 Post Surgery Update - What They Don't Tell You Before Surgery

2006-09-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

Day 63 Post Surgery Update: Read this day's post only if you are willing to see beyond my challenges (okay, whining to some) and detailed personal update to discover several tips to make your recovery easier. If you'd rather pass by the personal details, go directly to the bottom of this post for lessons and tips.

My foot is still swollen. The orthotics I picked up from the doctor last week do not fit properly and need to be adjusted.

I had my second Feldenkreis session and discovered that my calf bones on my right leg that I had the bunion surgery are bowed out, exacerbated by the improper fitting of the orthotic, causing my hip to swing my leg outward before landing my foot on the ground. This is causing my leg to put all its weight on my right outside foot and cause occasion loss of balance.

The two inches of scar tissue on the top foot below my 2nd toe is still pulling my 2nd toe upward and causing it to rest 1/4 inch above the ground.

My big toe is now looking like it has a bunion again and is still moving east when I'm not wearing the night splint. It is still swollen and stiff, even after using orthotics, doing daily exercises and walking 1 mile a day, which the doctor recommended. It is also very tender on the underside when I walk on it. The surgeon says that it is still more swollen than it should be by this time, but to wait until the 12 week point to see if the swelling has gone down before making any new recommendations. Supposedly swelling can last up to to a year in some people.

The pain underneath my third toe is still there. I'm told it "should" recede as the swelling on my big toe goes down, but that may not happen until the screws are removed. I'm also told that the screw may be causing swelling and inflamation, which is causing the bone not to heal as quickly, which means the screw can't be removed because it will make the bone unstable. It seems like a catch-22. My concern is that by waiting until 12 weeks the bone will have healed curved and need more surgery to correct (which the doctor has alluded to).

The most frustrating thing is that the very reason I had the surgery was to relieve the pain on the underside of my foot beneath my 2nd toe. Now the pain has shifted to my third toe, and is more intense, along with the pain beneath the big toe, which the surgeon's assistant who fitted the orthotics said may be because the foot hasn't walked on that area and it has to build new callouses. Great. Seems like I'm just moving the callouses on my foot from one place to another.

But the good news is that there is no pain on the side of foot where the bunion was. Of course I haven't worn normal shoes yet, so who knows about that, but I'm looking for the bright side.

I can still walk. My left foot even with bunion isn't hurting me. I'm healthy. I just had my colonoscopy and I have a happy healthy colon.

So what have I learned to help you?

1. Be VERY clear in asking your doctor pre-surgery what the best AND WORST outcomes could be specific to your foot.

2. Do your homework ahead of time and ask for a splint right away to keep your big toe straight and keep it from healing back into the old curved position.

3. Consider working with a Feldenkreis Practioner to help your feet realign themselves naturally. This has been a blessing. If you're in San Diego, contact Feldenkreis Goddess, Sharon Moyano at sstarmoyano@yahoo.com.

3. If you have any gut feelings that your post-surgery healing isn't going as you think it should, get a second opinion one week following your surgery.

4. Just because a surgeon does a good job doesn't mean that he has good follow-up care. Be assertive and ask for the attention you deserve. If you're not getting answers that make sense, push for clarity.

5. Practice visualization before and after your surgery, seeing your foot healthy and happy and you walking normally and with great ease. This will help build a better image in your mind and counteract your worry. Until your mind can see your foot healthy and happy, it can't create it. Nature will take its course. Help it along.

Sorry to be so focused on what isn't working. After rereading this post, it's clear I've got to up my positive visualization. I've been talking to my foot and my mind, asking for help in staying positive. It's not my nature to complain so this is also a real test for me to acknowledge what isn't working clearly yet briefly and move into solution, visualization, and action as quickly as possible.

Step into your future and keep moving your feet,

Smiling Walker

Find Out if a Bunion Splint/Regulator Works (photo)

2006-09-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I've been reviewing bunion splints to ensure that my toe doesn't go east again as it's appearing to do even after surgery. Scary! So I'm going to order the splint from the website in this link. I'll keep you posted.

I met a woman last Sunday who asked me if I'd had my toes splinted right away because she didn't and now 10 years later, her bunions aren't back but both her big toes are still curving dramatically inward and she has a lot of pain. We compared feet and after seeing what she's dealing with, I sure don't want that. I don't know if her shoes post surgery had anything to do with it, but I have only been wearing my wide toes tennis shoes, so it can't be shoes causing the curving.

My doctor says that it may just be the natural curve of my foot but splinting could be an option to help keep it straighter. Could be? I'm not wasting time on this one. After watching my grandmother's feet at 70 and 80, I sure don't want to end up there in twenty years.

The big question is how quickly does the bone heal and if there's a natural curve to the big toe, how much curve is natural and how much is the old bone going back to it's old pattern because it's not splinted? If you have any thoughts, please comment below.

Slip on our nighttime Bunion Regulator before you go to bed and, while you sleep, tight tendons and toe muscles stretch. The plastic brace straps your toe in position, while soft foam soothes the tender area. Adjust the pad to provide the most protection, and secure in place with a hook-and-loop closure. Podiatrist-recommended for patients who don't want painful, costly bunion surgery. Order by women's/men's shoe size and left or right foot above. Caution: Not recommended for those with diabetes or poor circulation.

Bunion Regulator :: Foot Health :: Bunions / Toes :: Bunions :: FootSmart

technorati tags:bunion, bunion regulator, bunion splint

Post Surgery 6 weeks - Surgical Update (photo)

2006-09-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Back walking at the beach! Yay! And what a different view from the top. No golf ball hidden in the right "Great Toe Joint." For comparison, revisit the photo on 7/18/06.

Recovery Update: Well, I wasn't prepared to find out that my foot is more swollen than most at six weeks following surgery and that it could be several things: 1) the screw holding the bones together is irritating the skin, 2) my circulation is poor, 3) I'm doing too much activity, 4) it's my body's healing process.

I also wasn't prepared to learn that I may have to have more surgery to straighten the 2nd toe that he shortened, which is now still laying a 1/4 inch above the rest due to the scar adhesions pulling it up. As well, the 3rd toe bone is now (and probably always was) digging into the pad on the bottom of my foot and may need the same surgery as the 2nd toe to correct it.

And, the pain I'm feeling on the side of my foot at the Taylor's bunion spot (just below the little toe) may or may not go away and will also potentially require surgery if the pain persists after the swelling of the big toe goes down.

Suggested action: watch it all for another six weeks and then come back and we'll see where things are. In the meantime, don't walk when it hurts, be fitted for orthotics in my exercise shoes and don't go barefoot - which is the major reason I came in for the surgery in the first place! Grrr!

What I've learned:

I did ask for a prescription for physical therapy to make sure I'm walking properly as I heal and did get that after asking for it three times.
I did ask for orthotics, and was fitted. They'll be ready in three weeks, when I'll return for a final fitting.
I acknowledged to my surgeon how much I appreciated his attention on this visit to my foot and what was going on and what my options are, because it helped me feel confident in his care and that helped my healing.
I will get a 2nd opinion on this.

What I'm grateful for:

It's hard to feel grateful right now given my expectation that I'd have the surgery and that would be the end of all pain. I know it's really important to get into a grateful state of mind for easier healing, less stress, and good relationship building.

So I will remind myself that I have options, I'm not in a wheelchair, I'm healthy, and I can still walk in the canyons and along the ocean and smile.

And I can write and share this with you so that you know to take great care of your feet and don't wait like I did until the pain gets so bad that you have no other options. Take care of yourself NOW.

Smiling Walker

The TRUE story of Charlie's Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

2006-08-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

I laughed when I first found mention of a mountain called Charlie's Bunion in The Smoky Mountain News.

"That gets us to Charlies Bunion (formerly called Fodderstack), where rocky outcrops along the ridge were exposed in the mid-1920s when a fire swept over the crest exposing the humus, which was washed completely away shortly after in a deluge. The curious place name resulted in 1929 when Smokemont native Charlie Conner was hiking with Kephart, Masa, and others along the high divide. When they paused for a rest on the rocks, Conner took his boots and socks off, exposing a bunion or two that rivaled the surrounding stones. Eying Conner’s feet, Kephart remarked, 'Charlie, I’m going to get this place put on a government map for you.' This happened. (There are also several versions of this story, all true.)"

But after seeing photos at www.foottrails.com, I'm definitely having an "Ohhh Effect!" which is something I aim to have at least 3x a day. :-)

Now I have another goal to add to my list of 1000 Things to Do/Be/Have/See Before I Die: stand at the top of Charlie's Bunion along the Appalachian Trail and celebrate the miracles of life, nature, and feet, with or without bunions. The mountain looks awesome and the view is said to be SPECTACULAR! And my feet following bunion surgery can get me there! What a miracle!

Questions to Ask Your Orthopedist or Podiatrist BEFORE surgery

2006-08-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Questions to ask your orthopedic physician [or podiatrist]:

What are my treatment options? What are the pros and cons of each option?
How long will the treatment take? How will it affect my daily activities?
What will my recovery involve? How long will recovery take?
Are there any brochures I can read or web sites I can visit for more information?

If your orthopedist [or podiatrist] recommends surgery:

What is involved in the surgery? * How long will I be in the hospital?
(If not your orthopedist) Who will perform the surgery?
Can I meet him/her? * What can I expect after the surgery?
Will I need further treatment (such as physical therapy, splints, medications)?
What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?
What are my alternatives? * If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
How many similar procedures has the surgeon performed? What are the outcomes?

UCSD Medical Center: Orthopedics: What To Ask Your Orthopedist

Use the above list when you're interviewing doctors. If you're not getting answers you like, get a 2nd or 3rd or 4th opinion. Trust your fact and your intuition.

I wish I'd found this site before my surgery There are several questions here I didn't think to ask him. It's so important to bring a list of questions to each appointment and check them off as you get your answers.

Smelly Feet? No Wonder! Guess How Many Sweat Glands the Foot Has?

2006-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

The foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands. It's the mixture of sweat and bacteria in our shoes and socks that makes feet smelly. "Clean, dry feet can lower the risk of both foot odor and fungus infections," says Kaye.

Taking Care of Your Feet

250,000 sweat glands! Unbelievable! Actually I do believe it because of what I've encountered through this bunion surgery healing process. Phew! I bought Dr. Scholl's Odor Eaters for both my healing boots (driving and walking). Fortunately, now that the tootsie has more air and I can wash it (gently now), she's sweet-smelling again.

technorati tags:Dr. Scholl Odor Eaters, Odor Eaters, sweat glands, feet, bunion, bunion surgery, podiatrist

Day 30 Post Surgery (Photos) The Shoe Fits - Sort of

2006-08-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

Day 30: Amazing to think it's been a month since my surgery! I'm walking, albeit slowly still, but am able to wear my new walking shoes without pain. But forget my pearlized square toed 2 inch heels! My foot is still too swollen.

I look at the comparison of my two feet and still can't believe at times that my right foot is mine. I wish I could have waved a magic wand and healed without surgery. At the same time I'm grateful we have the technology to do such miraculous work. Yet, I do wonder if this foot will ever move as easily as it did before.

Day 29: Yesterday morning when I woke up I realized that I should have waited another two weeks before going back to work that keeps me on my feet for more than an hour. I ached all over - feet, hips, lower back, upper back, neck. I think having an uneven gait and standing on one or the other leg unevenly really threw my body off-kilter.

Day 28: Went back to work this evening, standing for five hours at a power networking event at which I was speaking on staying inspired through challenge and change. I chose to wear my boot, which was very smart as I needed the extra support to stand as long as I did. This was one time when I was grateful for stage stairs with railings to lean on.

One of the most fun parts of the night was the opening of my speech. During the cocktail hour several people asked what happened and why I was wearing the boot. I asked what they thought happened and got all sorts of answers, so I decided to hold a spontaneous contest and the person whose answer got the most audience applause won a copy of my Inspiring Words postcards. The winner - a manager at a large convention center - said, "You're wearing the boot as a last resort in motivating someone." The audience went wild with laughter and she got her cards.

Day 27: Took my first major walk in a month in my favorite canyon after visiting the doctor and getting a good, but not great, report on healing.

Evidently my "Great Toe" downward flexibility is excellent but the upward motion needs more exercise. I'm still wondering about my second toe, which still doesn't touch the ground and still has the bump in the second joint. The doctor said it could be splinted but suggested massaging and stretching it, which might (might?!!!) release it. He also said that time will help as the swelling will recede by the third month.

Time to schedule a massage.

And get a pedicure.

Oh what a blessing to be able to complain about and celebrate the simple things in life again.

If the Shoe Doesn't Fit.

2006-08-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Just found this quote by Gloria Steinem:

"If the shoe doesn't fit, must we change the foot?"

What a powerful metaphor for being true to ourselves and not selling out to pressures that come from the outside world.

And...

After bunion surgery, I have a new perspective on this thinking: If the shoe doesn't fit, you don't have to change your foot, but you can if you want to and that is the gift of living in a free country with good medical care and the ability to afford it.

I am blessed and I am grateful.

If The Shoe Fits, I Get to Wear It! Day 21 Post Surgery

2006-08-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Day 21 post surgery. I'm getting antsy so I threw out the old walking shoes and tried on my new ones. Ouch. Not ready yet. But almost. I could get it on and walk a few feet but not without pain.

The post surgery notes from the doctor say that from week 2 to week 3 you can stand or walk for up to 30 minutes an hour. Yes, and at a snail's pace.

But I CAN walk and that is amazing and exciting and a gift!

I've been exercising my big toe as directed 10x back and forth for 10 seconds at a time for 10 minutes a day. You can do it in chunks of 2 minutes 5x a day or 5 minutes 2x a day or 10x for 10 minutes once a day. My foot is a little swollen and my big toe is black and blue from the extra pressure, but it's moving and I'm able to crinkle my toes and put pressure on them to move them forward on the floor.

Also checked in to scheduling my 2nd surgery for November, which will be 12 weeks post op. That way my insurance will still cover it with this year's deductible and I'll still be able to visit my family at Christmas, which involves flying, driving, and 2 sets of 20+ stairs to the guest bedroom.

Confirmed my first Feldenkrais appointment for September 12 to realign my walking patterns.

OH and I almost forgot! I wrenched my back on Friday (5 days ago) and thought I was paralyzed. I had bent down to pick up something and the next thing I knew I heard something pop and I fell on to the floor in tears wondering if I should move. I waited about 15 minutes so I could calm down and feel what was going on. I could move my toes so I knew I wasn't paralyzed but my lower back was definitely in pain. I crawled to the phone, rolled myself up onto my stomach on my exercise ball and reached for the phone. I debated calling 911 but then opted for my nurse sister in Wisconsin. No answer at work, no answer from her pager. Finally I reached her at home.

"Eileen, I may cry but bear with me. I pulled my back and I'm scared I really hurt myself."

"Can you feel your toes?"

"Yes."

"You're not paralyzed."

I began to cry and asked her when I would know if I should call the doctor.

"If you lose control of your bladder or bowels."

I laughed. "Really?"

"Really. Take a few Advil and keep moving. The worst thing you can do is lay down and not move. Yes, you'll be in pain, but moving is better than not moving."

Great. I'm not supposed to walk on my foot, but I'm supposed to walk for my back. Okay. So I did and just to cover all my bases, I took 4 200 mg Advil, and a 1/2 of a 5 mg Vicoden that I got for pain after surgery. Went to my writer's workshop to distract myself. That was Friday. It's Tuesday now and I'm still feeling the pain but it's lessened dramatically. Stretching helps. Walking helps.

Oh and another thing. I've developed some kind of pressure in my chest that I think is heartburn or muscle aches. Not sure. Called my Internist and she said it doesn't sound like a heart issue or clot (CLOT?!) so watch it. What what? What I'm eating and drinking. Too much diet soda? Or maybe it's lack of exercise and my muscles are atrophying or maybe it's wearing a boot that's screwing up my body alignment along with a pinched nerve in my lower back. Or maybe I'm just anxious and antsy.

Well, at least I have control of bladder and bowels. And I can walk and talk and think and smile and hug and kiss and look up at the sky. And when the shoe fits, I'll wear it.

When Should You Get a 2nd Surgical Opinion?

2006-08-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

There were several reasons I made the phone call yesterday morning at 8:30 am. More surprising was that the podiatrist's receptionist said that I could see him at 10:00 am, because she'd just gotten a cancellation, which rarely happens. The last time I called a month ago he was booked solid so I took it as a sign and after wavering just a second, said, "I'll be there."

You might be wondering why I didn't get a 2nd opinion before I had my surgery. I'm wondering too after meeting this Knight in Shining Armor. My reasons made sense at the time - the window of time I had to do this surgery, his unavailability and the confidence I had in the first surgeon's skill. However, hindsight tells me that I would have been better served had I gotten the second opinion and I would have made a different choice. AND for the record, I'm still very pleased with the results.

You might also be wondering why I got the 2nd opinion after my surgery. I'm not. Here's why:

I was curious to know what this 2nd doctor would say about my foot and the surgical skill of the other surgeon.
I wanted to check him out if I chose to have surgery on my second foot because three people recommended him to me, he's only 15 minutes from my home. The 1st surgeon is an hour away.
I'm still not comfortable with Doc #1's consultation style (impatience in answering questions, walking out of the room without a goodbye or a handshake or a "You're doing well. Is there anything else you need?").
I also wanted to ask the questions I felt weren't adequately answered by the 1st surgeon and see if I could learn more about how to care for both my feet now, post surgery.

What a contrast in style and communication skills. Doctor #2 is my new hero. And when all is said and done, Doctor #1 still is too. Doc 2 said that Doc 1's work was good and while he wouldn't have made the big toe incision in the same place (he prefers the top so the scar tissue doesn't irritate a nerve and tendon that are on the side where Doc 1 made the cut. But he complimented the work and said I was healing well. Music to my ears. Thank you Doctors!

Th Aircast Walker is Magic!

2006-08-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

http://nationalrehab.com/products_services/aircast/sp_walker.jpg

This is the Aircast I was given to wear for the next month. It's big and clumsy and it's a blessing! There are small airbags on the inside that you inflate or deflate to stabelize your ankle. I am so grateful for this boot! To think that ten years ago, people were bedridden or in a wheelchair for six week to heal from bunion surgery, and I'm walking with this aircast within a week of surgery! Amazing!

Whoever invented this, THANK YOU!

technorati tags:Aircast Walker, aircast, bunion surgery, bunion

Day 16 Recovery From BS (Bunion Surgery) Photo

2006-08-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

It's getting better all the ti hi hi hime! I still can't believe it's my foot!

The aircast is great. The driving slipper is great. Life is great. I can walk without pain and every day is a little easier.

I switched back to my stick-shift car today. Thanks Kim for the two weeks of driving your automatic shift Altima. It really helped me. And I learned something interesting. With the sensitivity of my right foot on the brake and gas pedals, I'm driving slower, 20 mph slower. At 60mph on a California freeway, I'm saving gas but irritating a lot of SUV drivers and motorcyclists. We could all stand to slow down a bit in our driving and in our lives. Maybe this will start a trend - the Slow Driving Movement, like the Slow Food Movement.

I'm still icing my foot a few times a day, taking arnica morning and evening, and starting the stretching exercises on my big toe ("Leave the 2nd toe alone,: the doctor said.)

What an AMAZING GIFT it is to live in a body and experience the healing process.

Jana's Tips for Bunion Surgery Recovery

2006-07-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

Day 10 Post Bunion Surgery

Took myself out to a cafe today for a two hours, enjoyed lunch and an hour of reading with my leg up. Thank God for the "Aircast"! What a great invention. I still tire easily. Went home and took a nap for an hour after.

Went to a party this evening and the "Aircast" and bunion surgery were the topic of my conversations. The first person who asked me what happened was told, "I had foot surgery." I'm surprised at how uncomfortable I still am saying the word bunion, especially to men. I think it falls into the TMI (too much information category). Then I started to get annoyed with myself because I want to feel really pleased and happy with myself and speaking around the truth of bunion surgery I feel embarrassed. Time to shift that and bring some respect and admiration to the miracle of bunion surgery.

So, the second person who asked was told with amazement, "I had bunion surgery." The man responded incredulously, "My mother just had that done a few weeks ago! She's doing great!" I felt happy.

The third person who asked was told, "I had bunion surgery." She said, "Oh, I had that done on both feet at the same time a long time ago because I was in so much pain." I felt happy and grateful. We had a great conversation about her experience and she gave me some excellent tips on recovery and reminded me why I only did one foot at a time. Thanks Jana for your encouragement.

Jana's Tips for Bunion Surgery Recovery:

1) Use physical therapy for recovery. Her doctor recommended it and she said, "It made all the difference, especially when they massaged the scar tissue. In fact, I thought is was so good and told myself, 'I'm going to have my feet for the rest of my life, so I'm going to pay for a few extra sessions to make sure I do really well, even if insurance doesn't pay for it." (They didn't.)
My doctor said therapy isn't necessary. I don't agree and after hearing "Jana" tell me how it helped her, I'm going to follow up on that.

2) Exercise as soon as you can. She started riding an exercise bike about a week after surgery with her boot on (of course). As long as you keep your foot stable and aren't bending the joint or putting pressure on the ball of your foot (jumping) and you're not in pain, you should be fine. I'm going to the Y this week. Of course, will clear this with my doctor first and recommend you do too. Bone healing takes 6 weeks, and I sure don't want uneven healing or a fracture because I made the wrong move.

3) Make a plan to find a doctor who will do both feet at the same time and have full-time support for a month so that you can get both feet done at the same time. Or, if you're single like me, accept the fact that one foot surgery at a time is better and be grateful for the mobility.

4) Do whatever it takes to feel good. Believe your mother when she says, "Of course you have big feet! You're Spanish. The Spaniards have big feet because they were sailors and it helped with balance."

Bunion Relief Gel Products -Wait Til You See These!

2006-07-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

I had no idea there were so many different products to help with bunion relief pre- and post-surgery. Wait until you see what is on this website! Learn more about Silicone Products.

technorati tags:bunion surgery, bunion, bunion relief footwear

Day 8 Recovery - Post Bunion Surgery Insights and Tips

2006-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

BEFORE AND AFTER X-RAYS OF BUNION REPAIR

There are a variety of different bunion surgeries, and we must individualize the choice of the procedure to your particular foot. Most of the time, we have to cut the long bone that leads to the big toe (the "first metatarsal"). This can be done at either end of the bone depending upon how bad the bunion is. We also shave off any extra bone that has formed to eliminate the bump on the inside of the foot.

Some patients have a little arthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the arthritis is too severe, the only way the bunion can be fixed is by fusing the joint (making the two bones grow together). Other patients have no arthritis and have very good motion of the joint to begin with. Because all surgery makes some scarring, it is possible to lose a little motion in the big toe following bunion surgery.

OrthoNeuro: - Patient Education: Hallus Valgus (Bunion) Surgery

This article has a lot of good information on bunion surgery and post operative care.

Wow! That is some bunion, isn't it! These are not my x-rays but could be. I'm still waiting for copies from my doctor and will post as soon as I get them.

I am wondering about scar tissue healing and the amount of movement I will have in my feet.

Right now, DAY 8 since surgery, here's my report:

*GET A HANDICAP PASS. Went out to get the mail and lunch today. I wish I'd gotten a handicap pass. Not sure where to apply for one, but will look into it. (So many details you don't think about until after the fact.)

*WEAR YOUR WALKING CAST BOOT EVEN IF YOU FEEL GREAT. Drove to the post office. Wore my driving boot to the car and in the car and the "Aircast" boot, which looks like a (very) big ski boot, into the post office and to the restaurant. What a difference that walking cast makes! It's tight but I feel secure in it and there's only a little aching after about 15-20 minutes, which is my sign to get my leg up, which I do.

*ARRANGE FOR AN AUTOMATIC SHIFT CAR IF YOU HAVE A STICK SHIFT. Today I stopped at the beach after a quick Mexican lunch (is that an oxymoron?) at Roberto's. I reclined in the car (thanks Kim for exchanging cars so I could drive an automatic shift), put my foot up across the center dash board and took a 1/2 hour siesta. I get tired easily still, so even though I so want to be out in the world, I come home, put my leg up and rest. Napping is good.

*ICE, ICE, ICE AND TAKE ARNICA. No noticeable swelling beyond what I originally experienced the first day. Bruising is intensifying on the sole of my foot. The bandage is covering the top, however, my 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes are slightly yellow and blue. I wonder what it would have been like if I hadn't iced and taken the Arnica Montana homeopathic remedy (thanks Mimi for the reminder not to touch the pills) every day since surgery?

*WEAR YOUR BOOT AT NIGHT IN CASE YOU FORGET YOU JUST HAD SURGERY AND GET UP TOO QUICKLY. I sleep with the blue driving boot on at night just in case I wake up and need to move quickly, but during the day, I keep my foot unbooted and propped on a long couch pillow from thigh to toe either on the bed or couch . Works great.

*PUT PRESSURE ON YOUR HEEL. I walk from my bed or couch to the bathroom without the boot on and with most pressure on my heel. I'm only walking about 10 feet, and since I'm not feeling pain, I imagine I'm helping my foot heal with the slight movement, although I do wonder if the bone might be moving when I walk but that screw is supposed to make it seamlessly tight. I guess I'll find out with next x-ray.

*ANKLE ROLLS FOR CIRCULATION. I exercise my foot with ankle rolls - 10x each way on the hour. As well, I wiggle my toes and flex my feet back and forth. It feels really good to do that. Sometimes it feels like my foot is falling asleep so the movement seems very important to keep circulation moving.

*EXERCISE WHILE YOU'RE HEALING. I'm exercising lightly doing leg lifts, crunches, bike pedals, and modified push ups on my knees - 10 to 20 of each. Read yesterday that the body heals faster with exercise.

*MOOD SWINGS MEAN ASK FOR MORE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. My mood wavers up and down. Being single and living alone with most friends at least 30-40 minutes away makes it lonely for me. Thank God I had 4 days at Lorna's in the beginning and now the phone, my laptop, an internet connection and the hummingbirds that feed outside my window every few minutes.

*BE GRATEFUL AND VISUALIZE WALKING. When I feel low, I get grateful for my new foot and all the kind people and goodness that surrounds me and I think a lot about walking again in 3 weeks and how good that will feel. That excites me!

*DON'T MESS WITH YOUR BANDAGES. This one is tough! My next appointment is next Monday. I wish I could change the bandage now. My 2nd toe incision was still bleeding a bit when they redid the bandage 3 days after surgery so the bandage looks nasty. But all seems well along the edges and I'm not showing any signs of infection.

*FASTER BONE HEALING? I'm told bone heals in 6-8 weeks and today I read that toe bones heal faster with screws in it. I wonder if that's similar to baked potatoes that cook faster with nails pushed through the middle from end to end the long way? :-) Whatever the case, feet are amazing and healing energy is a miracle. Go feet!

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, foot, foot x-ray, healing time, bone, big toe, foot exercise, walking

This Little Piggie Went to Market

2006-07-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Let's be friends

How is this possible? Surely we humans can rise above war if a tiger can nurse piglets! Sometimes we need a diversion from thinking about our bunion pain and world events. And there is a minimal foot connection here: The piglets reminded me of one of my favorite games my mother played with me before bed, "This Little Piggy Went to Market." Do you remember the entire sequence starting with your big toe? The best part was when she tugged on my little toe and said, "And this little piggie went wee, wee, wee, all the way home," I would squeal like a piglet as she ran her fingers all the way up my leg to my heart and then touched my lips and kissed me goodnight on the forehead.

I do wonder if tigers or pigs get anything like bunions?

technorati tags:bunion, foot humor, fun animal photo

Bunion Surgery Flash Video Site

2006-07-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.podiatrynetwork.com

This is a very quick flash presentation of the major steps that take place during bunion surgery. Interesting to note how the muscle fibers are cut to release the bone. If only it were as fast to heal as it was to cut!

Great Bunion Articles - PodiatryNetwork.com

2006-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Bunions are most commonly treated by conservative means. This may involve shoe gear modification, padding and orthoses. When this fails to provide adequate relief, surgery is often recommended. There are several surgical procedures to correct bunions. Selection of the most appropriate procedure for each patient requires knowledge of the level of deformity, review of the x-rays and an open discussion of the goals of the surgical procedure.

PodiatryNetwork.com - Bunions

This is a great website to review BEFORE you decide on bunion surgery and your bunion surgeon and AFTER your surgery. The articles are informative and an excellent reminder of the importance of open discussion before and after surgery.

There's also a bunion surgeon locator by zipcode at the bottom of each page.

My question about why I need to keep my bandages on was answered in an article - because wetness, open air particles, and improper handling increase the chances of infection. Okay, maybe I knew that as common sense but it helps to read it as a reminder, especially when you're healing from surgery.

The instructions I was given from the bunion doctor are basic and clear, which is great, and...I like to know the "why" details - makes me feel more secure about all the unknowns that are going on inside my foot.

Also interesting to learn that you're most at risk for infection in the first three days after surgery. Phew! I'm on Day 5.

I am bookmarking this site and recommend you do too.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, infection, podiatry network, preventing infection after surgery

Fresh Air vs. Bandages - Day 4 Post Surgery

2006-07-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's 4 days following my bunion and 2nd toe surgeries. I'm feeling very little pain, which is a relief. What I am concerned about is the limpness of my second toe and the position of it relative to the other toes. First it was pointing to the sky and going west. Now it's laying really low and floating to the east and resting under my third toe.

And why is my foot, which has 2 two-inch incisions on it, wrapped in 5 pounds of gauze and stretchy tape? I thought fresh air (of course, how fresh our smog, er, air, is these days is questionable isn't it?) was good for wounds if they're sutured shut?

So many unanswered questions and with each question, ten more surface. And clearly, as skilled as everyone tells me my surgeon is, he has very little time and tolerance for questions. So I will keep asking and find other ways to get them answered. This is my foot! This is my life! And I choose to be informed and healthy.

Check Out My New Foot! - The First Post-Op Visit for Bunion Surgery

2006-07-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Day 3 - 67 hours after surgery. My first post op visit. I walk into the consultation room and notice an evaluation form on a clipboard with a pen. I look it over and decide to fill it out when I get home. I have more to say than answering a few yes/no questions.

First of all...Oh my God!!! A new foot! Could it really be mine?! Wait til you see it without tape! Unbelievable! Truly. This is ART with a capital "A!"

When the foot assistant cuts away the last bandages I am so blown away I feel light-headed and think I'm going to faint . (It may have also been watching on an empty stomach and that a little fresh blood was still visible as the tape was being removed that made me queasy.)

I wait for the doctor to check my foot. In he comes, smiles (yay!) and says, "Hi. How are you?"

I smile and he immediately sits on a stool and reviews my foot. "Oh. Beautiful! Do you feel any pain?"

"No."

"Do you want to be on video? We have videographers here today?"

I say nothing. In fact, I'm feeling a little annoyed that he's so quick to ask me to be in his video. I need a little more positive reinforcement and analysis before I say yes. And what about quid pro quo? I've spent a lot of year paying health insurance to have this done and it's still $1500.00 out of my pocket. And what long term results? I'm not ready to unequivocally jump up and down (literally or figuratively) based on the fact that I have little to no pain right now. The jury is still out until I'm walking on my foot with no support and everything working as it should be.

He doesn't push. There's an uncomfortable silence for me. He continues, "They wanted me to take the word "painless" out of my advertising so that's why we have these evaluations now, so that we have proof that it is painless."

Compared to others whose stories I've heard who haven't used this doctor, it was virtually painless. Granted, I've followed his instructions, as he strongly urged, to the letter. I also have taken 1/2 of a 5 mg vicoden tablet from the prescription he gave me for the 2nd and 3rd nights just before bed so I could sleep through the night. The first night was a little weird. I have a slight ache just below my little toe off an on for a few hours with a lot of buzzing and tingling in the numb areas of my big toe and 2nd toe as my foot regained its feeling so I didn't sleep much that night.

All that said, I am REALLY PLEASED with the initial results and I tell him so. "You did an amazing job! And my experience with you in pre-op surgery was great! Your team was great! Thank you! You know, you are a different person in the surgical suite than you are in the consultation room. You were easier and more upbeat just before surgery. You should bring that into this room. You have a great smile and it really helps me feel more comfortable about what you're doing.

He listens and I see a slight smile. No resistance. I feel heard. I feel grateful. He begins to tape and wrap my foot. My eyes keep noticing that my third toe is now tilting skyward and resting on top of my 2nd toe. I feel annoyed and ask about it.

The doctor looks equally annoyed by my question and says these toes will all lay flat when I'm putting my weight on them.

Okay..."And what about when I'm resting?" I ask. No answer. Hmm...I ask him to make sure they'll all be in alignment regardless of how my foot is positioned.

"If it's a problem I can fix it when you come back to get your screws taken out."

"If I'm going to go through all this, I expect to have the problem corrected without additional problems created. What can you do now to prevent that from happening?" I can tell he's annoyed.

He says nothing and finishes wrapping my foot. And I'm thinking I should be more grateful.

"Look, you're a great surgeon and a perfectionist," I say. "I'm glad you are. I'm a perfectionist too and I want a perfect foot with perfect toes."

He sits down and wraps my third toe so it lays flat with the others. Then he shows me a toe exercise and says to bend the big toe forward and backwards 3 times at least 5 times day. (Or was it 5 times 3 times a day?) He gets up and walks out and into another room. I hear him with a smile in his voice, "Hi, how are you?"

He returns. "Did they take your post op photos?"

"No. But I have my camera. Would you take a picture?"

He snaps a shot without question. I notice his hands. His skin is so smooth. So are his nails and cuticles. His hands are beautiful. I tell him he should see the bronze hand sculpture exhibit at Baylor University Medical Center done by a hand surgeon. His belong there.

He smiles. He gets up again to leave. I think of a million more questions. "How much bone did you take out of my second toe?" (I should have had a list of questions.)

"It was art!" He lights up and stands up."There was no machine measurement here. This is art. I held the bone up for 10 minutes so everyone could see it! It was about the thickness of this." He points to one side of a medical tweezer that is as thin as a piece of foil."

I am in the presence of a great artist and I know it. But..."Why is my 2nd toe so limp? It's like it's just hanging there."

"When I shortened the bone, the ligaments have more room now. Don't touch it. Just let it heal."

"Will the ligaments get tight again or is it always going to be this floppy?" I think I see him nod yes. I am distracted...

He looks beyond me and picks up a website magazine that I brought from the waiting room to read that is now sitting on top of my purse on the table next to the examining chair I'm sitting in. He starts browsing through it. "I've got to read this."

I feel anger rising inside me. DO NOT DISMISS ME! I try to find my sense of humor. Yoo hoo. Foot is over here, I think. "Would you clarify those exercises again for me?" I say, realizing that he's already moved on and I still have more questions to which I want answers.

"They are in your post op instructions."

"Not in the ones I have."

He looks surprised and looks at an assistant standing in the hallway. "Oh, that's right." He looks at him again and says, "Get those exercises in the instructions." He looks at me again. He has moved on. He says, "Did you get your pictures?"

"No."

"Get her pictures for her."

A flurry ensues. The doctor goes into another room. "Hi. How are you?"

An assistant hands me a stack of cards. I look at my before and after photos. OH MY GOD! My before picture looks like a claw. My after photo looks like a Botticelli painting! At least in comparison. :-) I can't stop staring at it.

I laugh out loud when I look at the back of the cards. His business card. What a brilliant marketing strategy.

Now if he could only dial in the bedside manner during consultations to go with the spectacular surgical skill, artistry, and creative marketing, that would heaven on earth. Is that asking too much?

Perhaps for some. And for those who believe in continual improvement and going from good to great, or in this case from great to greater, what I'm talking about adding is that extra 1% that turns momentary magic into legendary mastery.

Whew! Am I being too hard on him? I guess it's time to walk my own talk. Stretch up 1, 2, 3, stretch down 1, 2, 3. Was that three times stretches five times a day or five stretches three times a day?

Foot Exercises for Bunion Relief

2006-07-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Get Your Feet in Shape

Are aching feet keeping you from logging the miles you want? Seventy percent of women have a bunion, hammertoe, or other foot problem that can become uncomfortable enough to hobble any fitness walker.

This is a great article with three foot exercises you'll definitely want to try. While my right foot is healing, I can do these on my left foot. Who knows, maybe it will prevent bunion surgery on my left foot.

The author of the article, Maggie Spilner is a great resource and inspiration for walking and foot care. I had the pleasure of meeting her when we were both speaking on a cruiseship (and went through a hurricane together).

One thing I've learned from this bunion surgery is the importance of exercising your feet and caring for them in the same way you do your face, hands, or any other part of your body. What's amazing to me now, after learning so much about bunions and foot care is how little attention most people pay to their feet and all the beautiful gifts our feet give us in the way of living a full life.

I realize now that if I'd gotten myself to a podiatrist years ago when my feet started aching, maybe I could have prevented surgery. Don't make the same mistakes I have; if your feet hurt, get them checked out and do these basic exercises in this article every day and save your feet.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion relief, foot, foot exercises, walking, Maggie Spilner, Prevention

It's Done! Bunion Surgery Review 36 Hours Post Op

2006-07-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's over. I'm still alive, my foot is still on, and if you can believe it, I'm actually smiling.

My surgery experience was beyond my most positive expectations. The surgeon I complained about being arrogant in my initial consultation and pre-op visit was smiling, supportive, and attentive as were his entire team of assisting physician, two operating room nurses, anesthesiologist, assisting nurse anesthetist and patient intake coordinator. couldn't have asked for a better experience. (Maybe the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies I brought for the surgical team helped.)

The patient intake coordinator who greeted me was friendly and funny and reassured me from the start that I was going to be so happy with the results. She said, "I said I'd never have my bunions operated on, but when I started working here and I kept seeing people coming back for their second foot, I knew something good was going on. So I finally did it last summer." I asked to see her foot, which she proudly lifted up from behind the desk and said, "Look! Full range of motion," and wiggled her toes. I felt a deep sigh come from the bottom of my feet. Maybe I did make a good decision.

I waited about fifteen minutes in this gorgeous waiting room with plasma TV and big cushy couch with rolled arms and lots of pillows and then heard my name called. After locking my things in a locker in this open waiting area, I was taken to a bathroom, given a bag with gown, soc hairnet (everything was a pretty purple), asked to change and then taken to a pre-op room with surgical bed.

Get this!: While I was being prepared in the pre-op room, they put a sheet over my torso and legs that had a special plastic opening that connected to a hose that blew warm air under the sheet I didn't get cold because the rooms are often so cold. That was a nice unexpected touch.

I had planned on marking my feet with "Not this foot" on my left ankle before I went in, just to humor the surgical team. When I realized I'd forgotten to do it, I asked for a marking pen, and laughed, telling the patient coordinator what I wanted to do. We were on the same page. She said, "Oh, we do that as a matter of course." She pulled out a purple pen and proceeded to write "No" on my left ankle and "Yes" on my right ankle. Simple malpractice insurance, wouldn't you say?

What was very cool to me was that the entire team met with me for a few minutes before I went in for surgery and they were all very present and upbeat. Each checked my foot once and then again with paperwork to verify they were doing what we had discussed. Very encouraging for me, given that it was 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I was their last patient (perhaps this is why they were smiling!) and they'd been doing surgery all day.

One of the nurses who was preparing my foot said, "Oh, you have some good bunions here, girl! You are going to LOVE the results! In fact, when you have your screw removed (a small screw is inserted to hold the bone together in "The Great Toe"), you should definitely do the other foot." I had the same reaction I've heard many mothers tell me after the birth of their first child when someone says, "So when is the next one?" and the mother says, "Ask me again in a month."

My worries about anesthesia were unnecessary. The anesthesiologist was not only informative but also an amazing listener with an incredibly compassionate manner. He reassured me that I'd have a nice nap, feel no pain and wake up comfortably within 30 minutes of them finishing the surgery. All true. Phew!

I woke to smiling faces, congratulations, and a bandaged foot that felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. True to the doctor's words in our pre-op meeting, my foot was very numb, reminding me of the feeling I've had after having dental work done. No pain. Ahhh.

My friend Lorna was waiting in the wings to greet me. (What a bright light! Thank you precious friend!) I don't remember now how I got dressed (they said I wouldn't remember much in the few minutes after receiving the drugs and waking up - definitely the case) but next thing I knew I was up and being wheeled outside.

I stood up in my boot and walked to the car. Amazing! Let the healing begin.

It's Off to Surgery I Go...

2006-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm holding an image of happy dancing feet as I leave for bunion surgery on my right foot. In four hours I will have a new foot. This morning I went to the beach and walked along the Pacific Ocean coastline at Torrey Pines and imagined myself doing the same thing a month from now.

I'm grateful for all the people who have helped make this dream a reality.

Healing power is available everywhere and I accept it,

Smiling Walker

How to Choose a Bunion Surgeon

2006-07-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Berkeley Parents Network: Podiatrists

This is a great referral list-serv to read even if you don't live in Northern CA. Lots of helpful comments from people who have had bunion surgery and gotten rid of their pain as well as referring doctors.

I based my initial decision on a bunion surgeon on these factors:

Viewing videos of different bunion surgeons I watched on the Internet
Researching treatment options on the Internet
Talking to others who had the surgery by several different podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons
Talking with two other surgeon's office staff
Visiting my surgeon's office twice and talking with women in the waiting rooms and coming out of consultation rooms

One point my podiatrist/surgeon made in my initial visit (with four other potential Bunionettes while he made a PowerPoint presentation in his million dollar sitting room) was that you should always choose a surgeon based on people's testimonials, not what you read, not by other referrals from doctors, or on how nice the surgeon is [Can't we have excellent and nice?]. The bottom line, he said, should always be talking with several people who have had the surgery with excellent results and can easily refer the surgeon.

Fortunately, every person in his waiting room who was back for post-op visits the two times I visited (5 women - all appearing between 50 and 80), had nothing but stellar results and glowing comments. Two other women mentioned they had gotten 2nd and 3rd opinions and still came back to this doctor.

Personally I find him arrogant and too reserved for my taste but I'm choosing to overlook that since I trust that with all the testimonials, the fact that his expertise is in bunions and bunion surgery, the conversation I had with the anesthesia nurse, and that he is meticulously dressed, fit, and in his 40's (not too young, not too old) with a lot of surgical experience and an office that hums, that I'll likely get the results he promises.

Just to be on the safe side, would you say a prayer for me that this all goes even better than planned and all is well? Surgery is at 4 pm tomorrow.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, how to choose a bunion surgeon: patient referrals, podiatrist

High Heels - Americanized Chinese Footbinding?

2006-07-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

"We are definitely seeing an increase in the number of young to middle-aged women coming to us with some sort of foot problems and most of the time it's down to shoes," Luke Grainger from Hunter Podiatry in Maitland said."Five to 10 years ago we didn't see as many young women with these types of problems but things are changing."Mr Grainger said shoes like stilettos, platform shoes, boots and pointy-toed shoes could cause a multitude of problems including ankle injuries, bunions, stress fractures along with lower back and knee pain.

maitland.yourguide

I love the look of pointy-toes shoes and boots, but not on my tiny size 12s, nor will I endure the pain of wearing them anymore. This is one more hip-hip-hooray for menopause, at least for me. Comfort is more important to me now than fashion. Granted it's the foot pain factor talking to me more than anything. After years of pushing my bunioned feet into shoes and boots too tight, too high, and too small, I'm dealing with the consequences and they're not pretty.

After reading the above article about what current shoe fashion trends are doing to women's feet, you'd think we were just doing the American version of Chinese footbinding given the resulting shape of our feet, the pain, and the increase in bunion surgeries.

My friend Patti who had bunion surgery eight years ago on both feet at the same time (it went well for her) says that now she wears only wide-toed European shoes with orthotics and while they're not attractive, she can walk for miles and teach all day in them.

I just bought a new pair of walking shoes tonight - Saucony Grid Hurricane 8 for $119.00 (outrageous price but my feet are worth it), men's size 12. It used to bother me that in order to get comfort I had to buy men's shoes, but now I'm just grateful - I have enough room for my bunions, support for my "neuroma/callous," and bottom line, I can still walk.

technorati tags:pointy-toed shoes, bunion, bunion surgery, high heels, boots, stiletto heels, Saucony, fashion trends, Chinese footbinding

Blogged with Flock

Bunion Surgery Attempted by Dog

2006-07-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Andrea Harner: Bunion surgery attempted by dog

This almost relieved my angst about my decision to move forward with bunion surgery. Very funny reminder not to take yourself too seriously, well, that is, as long as you have a great surgeon. Give yourself a smile and take a look at the little photo story.

technorati tags:bunion, bunion surgery, feet, podiatrist, surgeon, healthy attitude

Potential Bunion Surgery Complications - Can You Handle It?

2006-07-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

As with any surgery, bunionectomy has its risks. Up to 10% of people undergoing bunion surgery have complications, including infection, nerve damage, persistent pain, or recurrence of the bunion.

Bunion: A Pain in the Bunion - Skin diseases, conditions and procedures on MedicineNet.com

This is interesting - 10% of people have complications or a recurrence of bunions from bunion surgery. Not enough to scare me off but the idea of having the surgery and then having a bunion recur after all the effort to remove it makes me wonder if I'm better off to try more options before going under the knife.

The only other real pressures in having the surgery now besides what I'm feeling on the bottom of my foot on cement or other hard surfaces when I walk barefoot are wanting to maximize my insurance deductible of $1500 a year, which has already been started (the surgery is estimated to cost $3000+) and wanting to do this during the slow time of my business, since my work requires me to be on my feet speaking and flying around the country. Are those good enough reasons to continue with the bunion surgery plan when it's possible that I might be able to stave off surgery permanently by trying other methods?

What do you think? What would you do? What kinds of questions and pressures do you have in keeping your feet healthy and yourself happy?

technorati tags:bunion surgery, bunions, bunion surgery alternatives, bunion surgery complications

Is Bunion Surgery the Best Option for You?

2006-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

I've slept on my decision now for three nights. I'm still having second thoughts about bunion surgery.

The anesthesiologist assistant I called at the surgery clinic did quell my fears about the anesthesia. She said, "I can answer your questions. This is very routine. You probably don't need to talk to the anesthesiologist but I'll give him your message and if he feels it's necessary to talk with you, he will call you." Note: I didn't get a call, but this is one time when I can really appreciate the meaning of "routine."

Last night I had a reflexology session and "foot reading" with Jane Sheehan who I mentioned in a previous post. After talking with Jane and hearing her comments about my personality style based on my feet (spot on), hearing about her experiences with clients whose feet really did change with focus and exercise and her conversation with a Pilates instructor here in San Diego who has a strong interest in working with people with bunions, I am beginning to think that I haven't left every stone unturned before opting for surgery.

A fellow bunion sufferer who had surgery said, "I didn't tell anyone I was having surgery because everyone has a different opinion and I didn't want that to affect my decision. I just did it and I'm glad I did. I can run again without pain."

She has a point about keeping your own counsel AFTER you've made your decision, and...at the same time, I think it's important to stay open to your thoughts and feelings in the moment and continue to ask what's best "right now."

I've had conversations with both camps - Camp 1: Don't cut! Heal your foot naturally - if you're willing to do the exercises regularly, you can find relief without surgery, Camp 2: Do the surgery now or you'll be back in a year or two with a worse situation.

There's a Camp 3 that I didn't pursue: Explore more options in depth (orthotics, Feldenkrais, Pilates, Alexander method, rubberband exercises to pull The Great Toe (I love that image!) into alignment, wear proper shoes (Oh no! Not Grandma's black tie-ups). Commit to these options for a year and if I don't find pain relief, have the surgery next year.

A lot to think about...along with all the people I've already involved in helping me, already paying the insurance deductible, and dealing with the fallout if I cancel the surgery.

The bigger questions seem to be:

Do I believe I can change my feet (and are my feet are willing to change :-) without surgery?

Do I trust and follow my intuition, which seems to be sending me all sorts of options I haven't considered and am I willing to wait for longer-term results?

Do I stay on the path of least resistance given all the pieces that are in place to move forward with surgery on Tuesday?

What would you do knowing what you know now? Where you ever in this situation and if so, what did you do and what was the outcome; was it a good decision?

I want to make the right/best decision for my long-term health and ability to walk and run and dance for the rest of my life. I know the answer is within me. The question is whether I can clear the space to hear it and trust it.

Decision Monday will be here in less than 48 hours.

technorati tags:bunion surgery, bunions, jane sheehan, footreader, reflexology, reflexologist, intuition, decision-making

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There's a Problem If There's Pain - Pay Attention to Your Feet!

2006-07-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

"People seem to think it's normal to have foot pain, but it's not," says Mark B. Friedman, a podiatrist in Albany, N.Y. "No pain is normal. It's a problem if there's pain."

Only a callous heel would neglect feet | www.azstarnet.com Ã‚ÃÂ®

How long have you walked in pain? Read the full article and discover more about your bunions and feet that you need to know.

I had no idea that podiatrists are usually the first to diagnose other physical problems, especially diabetes. Thank goodness I don't have that but I have had foot pain since my teens - a combination of genetics (my paternal grandmother and mother) and wearing high heels with pointed toes.

I've become accustomedmed to foot pain (on my big toe and the ball of my foot) that I didn't think to do anything about it until six months ago.startedded feeling sharp pains in the ball of my foot during my NIA movement class (what a great form of play and exercise for the feet - definitely give it a try!).

NIA is done barefoot to connect you to your body with more awareness. I was definitely more aware! It got to the point where I had to start wearing tennis shoes for padding because it felt like a dull scissors was trying cut through a thick callous that's formed under the ball of my 2nd and 3rd toe joints.

But what really pushed me over the edge to action was when I realized noticed not only the pain but also that my 2nd toe was traveling west and climbing on to "The Great Toe" as my podiatrist calls it. I remember my Grandmother's twisted feet (not as in weird, well, yes they were weird looking too, but as in pretzel forming :-) and I was certainly headed down that path without intervention. The podiatrist said it will only keep getting worse without surgery. Yikes. I LOVE TO WALK and I will do whatever it takes to keep my feet healthy so I can keep walking the rest of my life. I promise. How about you?

technorati tags:bunion, walking, podiatrist, bunion surgery, great toe, NIA, barefoot, walking shoes, orthotics

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