Today I traveled to Redding from my home in Mt.Shasta, CA to see Dr. Tae Joo Song, DPM, about the pain in my feet, mostly under my big toe on my right foot.
I should start by saying that I have always had wide feet, or "Flintstone Feet" as my mom would call it. Growing up in southern California, I was a gymnast and a swimmer, and rarely did I wear shoes. I loved flip flops and sandals, the comfort far out weighed any discomfort I had on colder days. US Navy boot camp was a different story.
I recall standing at attention and being in a huge amount of pain from the Bates boots that were issued to me, in a men's quadrupedal wide. Although I had a fair amount of pain, I never realized that there could be something structurally wrong with my feet. I assumed it was my genetically wide feet, which is partially true, since bunions are passed down through generations, but worsen with activities such as my gymnastics, and excess strain standing and walking; I've worked as a waitress and bartender for years.
Two weeks ago, I went snowboarding and had so much pain in my feet that I called and made an appointment right away. I noticed the bump under my big toe on my right foot was swollen and felt like it was out of socket. My boyfriend Chris rubbed it with some intense arthritis ointment (he's the best :) and I continued to work for the next two weeks.
At Dr. Song's office he examined my feet and took x-rays. It was totally clear from my examinations and then made evident by the x-rays that not only did I have a bunion on my right foot, but on my left as well, including bunionettes on both feet, hammer toes, and stress fractures. Without surgery, the bunions would continue to get worse, affecting my quality of life and making recovery more extensive and painful. Both the doctor and I agreed that having both feet operated on at one time would be time efficient. Surgery is scheduled for both feet on Thursday, in 6 days.
I am quickly starting to realize I will be immobile for weeks, completely helpless, not able to work, drive, stand or walk, let alone do the things I love. So with these thoughts I decided to write a blog about my experience, and plan to update it frequently. I searched the web for bunion surgery, but rarely came across a person who had both feet done at the same time. I hope to offer others in my situation with my experience so they know what to expect.
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