My Foot a Year Later

So, it has been a year since my cheilectomy surgery. And here's a little report on how the foot is doing today.

Overall, my foot feels great. I am able to walk with very little discomfort or pain and the scar is almost non existent. I do have a reduced amount of motion with my big toe. This lack of bending movement does affect the shoes I wear and that part is a big bummer. I am fine in most flip flops and flats, but I am limited with heels. That part really gets me down because I'm a heel kind of gal. I am hoping that this summer I can find a comfortable and cute pair of wedges. We'll see how that goes. In the winter, I was able to wear my boots and those were actually really comfy. I feel fortunate that my recovery was relatively quick and painless.

So, I am calling the surgery a success.

The Foot

Ok, I am five months post my cheilectomy procedure. Just wanted to provide an update.

I am able to go for my longer walks again. I have only worn one pair of closed shoes since the procedure...my tennis shoes. They feel fine on my feet. I am hopeful that once flip flop season is over I will be able to easily wear my regular shoes.

The scar on my toe is relatively small and not overly obvious. I'm thankful for that. Overall, I'm pleased with the progress of my toe and will continue to update with more info over the next several months.

6 Weeks Post Op

Here is the latest update on the cheilectomy. The surgery was a little over 6 weeks ago and I had a post op appointment on Thursday. The doctor was pleased with my progress. He was surprised I was able to walk around as easily as I was and that I could wear a flip flop (although not his preferred shoe wear for me).


I have some mild discomfort in the toe area and need to continue icing it for 30 minutes a day (not always good about doing that). I spend most of my days in open toed shoes, but I'm looking for something more like my comfy Reeboks for walking purposes. My old ones are just a bit too tight with the toe swelling and not comfortable for wearing. So, I will plan to replace them and get back into walking, soon.


And here is what the toe looks like at 6 weeks with a home pedicure and still lots of dryness:

4 Weeks Post Cheilectomy

Ok, this might be a bit much for those who aren't into feet or post surgery photos. So, if you fall into either of those categories, feel free to click on out of the ol' blog. I get it!



This is my foot four weeks after the surgery to remove the bone spur. There is still some swelling and a bit of discomfort, but overall the foot feels okay.



The steri-strips finally came off this week and I placed a band aid over the wound when wearing my sandals and flip flops. Oh, and I changed my toenail polish!



Daisy was very interested in my foot during the little photo shoot. She couldn't stay away!



And, here's a close-up of the surgery site. I have lots of dry skin issues since the surgery. My skin around my toes is literally just peeling off. I know, gross! And, it's happening on all of my toes and all over my right foot. Weird.


Just wanted to keep those who might be interested (MY DAD!) informed of my progress.

Surgery/Recovery Update

Cheilectomy Surgery Update: (FYI---some foot photos that may gross you out to follow)

So, for two weeks I stayed in a hard soled shoe with my foot wrapped in gauze/dressing and an ace bandage. 

Foot in bandages and the shoe
Had to paint the toenails during my boring elevated foot time

Two weeks after the surgery, I went to the doctor, they removed all of the wrapping to take out the stitches (one long running stitch the equivalent of about 5 stitches). 

Ick---I know!!!! Foot in the doctor's office right after being unwrapped

Then the incision site was covered with steri-strips and a large band aid. When I left the doctor's office I was told to exercise the toe with some simple movements and to rub the incision area with a dry washcloth to reduce scar tissue from developing. I was then given approval to drive and I was good to go.

Swelling in the toe and the area around it

The first night home without the stitches and the hard soled shoe my toe was in a bit of pain. The pain subsided quite a bit the next day and I was able to drive without much problem. I am 18 days out from the surgery and gaining mobility in the right toe and I have found two pairs of shoes that work fine, as well as, a pair of super comfy slippers. 

My comfy slippers---these were my mom's---thanks, mom!

Still eager for more progress, but trying to be realistic about the recovery time.

Prep for the Big Bone Spur Event

So today I am documenting a list of things to do before Friday (surgery day---Cheilectomy).

• Cook up some freezer meals
• Pick up Lily's Spring Fling dress from the cleaners
• Vacuum all of the house
• Clean all bathrooms
• Dust the house
• Straighten and organize house
• Make back up plans for the girls in case the surgery goes long
• Mentally prepare for this surgery (I have an unhealthy fear of coming out of the anesthesia before the surgery is over)
• Make a list of the upcoming two weeks and the various activities occurring (can't drive for 2 weeks)
• Be sure my iPad is charged
• Update my podcasts on my iPod
• Create a little downstairs case of all my essentials (some makeup, toothbrush, dry shampoo, hair tools, etc.)

The End!