Big Toe Trouble

[doug395]

I have an ingrown toenail on my left big toe, I’ve tried all the short-term fixes, so I’ve decided to go ahead with the surgery to permanently remove the bad side of the nail. If anyone’s had this surgery I'd like to hear how your recovery time went and anything else I should be aware of.

[Snow Nymph]

When I was pregnant (my son is 28 now), my two big toes got infected from the ingrown nails. I think the shots hurt the most (3 in each toe). It was a big relief after, and I was glad I did it. Its been so long I don't remember what the recovery time was. I just remember having a big belly and my two big toes wrapped in white gauze. No pics, but it must have looked pretty silly. It still bothers me once in awhile if I let it go. It has since it has grown back, but I try to file the nail and keep it trim.

Good luck!

[doug395]

Thanks, I hate shots, but I’ll never make it through ski season with this toe deal. So I guess I’ll give up January and have the rest of the year to pound snow and trail.

[quentinc]

I had surgery for an ingrown toenail -- not the "permanent" removal, but according to the podiatrist the permanent procedure is not that different.
I don't recall recovery time being too bad. You'll be better off in sandals if you can, because the real issue is avoiding pressure on the toe from above for a week or 2.

The operation on the other hand -- not to scare you, but the needles for the anesthesia could make a Navy Seal cry!

[JM21760]

Hey Doug, I'm hoping you had the surgery and everything is good. My wife had a very large Plantar wart on her heel many, many years ago. I agree the injected anesthesia is excruciating. She was holding my hand, and I swear she was going to rip my arm off. If I ever need to go through that procedure, I'm asking for a blast of Versed first. At least that way, you don't remember a thing.
I had my second hip replaced last February. They sat me on the "table", (Yes, that table) and told me a spinal tap was going in. I said "No Way, not until the Versed goes in". They obliged me. The room spun around 3 times, in 5 seconds, really fast, and I woke up in recovery! Done deal. Except for the recovery and all. (Do not drink Pepsi after major surgery, ) The only problem I have now, is I set off metal detectors.

[doug395]

Thanks for all the advice. I did have my toe surgery last Friday, that first shot did hurt but didn’t feel a thing after that. The next day that toe really started to hurt, couldn’t do much but hang out on the couch with my foot propped up for few days. I’m feeling good now, doc says I’m healing well and should be back to shoes on both feet in a few weeks.

[Snow Nymph]

Hope you're on your feet soon!

A few weeks ago, my big toe got infected I used neosporin daily and was able to hike without pain. It went away after a few days.

[doug395]

Thanks, glad you’re toe healed up quickly. My toe is looking better every day.