Bunion surgery UK or abroad

[psptubby]

Has anybody had surgery abroad for bunions? Just wondering if anyone would recommend it, or could advise me on what questions to ask if I decide to get it (UK or abroad)? Thanks

[nomoreheels]

Hiya psptubby, welcome to the NRAS site. My initial thoughts were at home due to potential ease of follow up after care following surgery, as I understand it needs to be checked regularly for a good few months post op. Is there a particular reason you're thinking of having your op abroad… length of waiting time for surgery on NHS, or something else? Maybe you could consider having it done privately in the UK if that is the case, if it would be comparable to the cost of treatment abroad, flights, surgery, after care etc. I'm sure you'll have been informed so you'll be aware it's a reasonably quick procedure but has quite a long recovery time by comparison to many other corrective surgeries.

I hope you make the correct decision for you. Will you let us know what you decide?

[psptubby in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi, thank you for your welcome and your reply. The reason for considering abroad is simply cost of surgery compared with having it done privately in uk. I hadn't considered the need for it being checked on numerous times after post op, thank you. I will let you know what I decide and how it goes 😊

[Lolabridge]

Hello

I had surgery on the bunion on my left foot done on the NHS in early 2018. It was described as hallux valgus corrective surgery. I was warned that, as I had a bone cyst, the surgeon may need to take some bone from my lower leg to do it. Thankfully that was not necessary. It has been brilliant; hardly any pain after I was discharged wearing a special rigid soled shoe and, as I drive an automatic car, I was driving again after only two weeks! I had left hospital on crutches having been shown how to walk and get up and down stairs. I had to keep the foot elevated for some time afterwards.

Is getting yours done on the NHS not an option for you or is it too long to wait? I was in a lot of pain with it and after 6 months attending outpatients I had the surgery. It was done at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford by Mr Anthony Solan, who is an orthopaedic and trauma consultant. I believe he does private work too at the Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford, and possibly elsewhere. I think I only had to go for two follow-up appointments: one to have the dressing changed and the next to be shown how to wear a toe splint for a while. I'm so glad I had it done.

[psptubby]

Hello 👋 that’s really interesting to hear, thank you. I’m so glad it worked out well for you. It’s nice to have a recommendation too. The news that you only had 2 follow up appointments is also fab. Thank you

[Esmereld]

I had mine done about seven years ago at the Birmingham Orthopedic hospital. I researched bunion surgeons and told my G.P. who I wanted. No problem there. He referred me without hesitation. I had 36 hours pain and 36 hours discomfort, all well controlled with brufen and paracetamol. I was in and out in a day. Hubby dropped me off around 9 a.m. and picked me up around 5 p.m. It was a bit like a dormitory. About 20 women all in together with various foot issues. It would have been nice to have a room of my own but I had excellent care and a great result. I did as I was told afterwards. They emphasise the importance of rest and elevating the leg. I’ve had no issues. It was really fun using one of those electric buggy things in the supermarket too. 😀

Questions to ask really relate to your own situation. Do you want general or local anaesthetic, pain control, duration of hospital stay, follow up appointments, potential risks, time off work, recovery time. Just a few thoughts.

Obviously, we make our own decisions but for one day of your life it seems a bit OTT to go to a lot of trouble traveling abroad. Good luck.

[AgedCrone]

I had a scarfe osteotomy to sort out my bunions in the UK 10 years ago.It was 99% pain free and absolutely worth every Penny.

With some bunion surgery the big toe sometimes starts to drift in after a few years …my toes are are all exactly as they were when the operation was done.

Atm I’m deciding whether to have some foot surgery & a different surgeon…my original surgeon retired,,,remarked how successful the procedure I had is.

Good Luck whichever decision you make.

[psptubby in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you and good luck to you too

[AgedCrone in reply to psptubby]

PS: Forgot to add…would not dream of going abroad for this surgery for all reasons others have given..you need to be at home surrounded by your belongings…..not in a soulless hotel…where you probably don’t even speak the language!

[oldtimer]

It is very difficult to establish the quality of hospitals and surgery abroad. Many of the places advertised are in places like Turkey. Your problem of assesing the service provided includes the ability of the provider to (and quality of) support post-operatively. Unless you can ensure that you have local support, this seems to me extremely hazardous. And travel to and from may be affected by local restrictions due to fluctuations of the level of infections due to Covid. At least if you have private treatment in the UK, it is backed up by access to the NHS if an emergency arises - and often is much to the anoyance of the people working in the NHS who have to pick up the pieces! You must think about the worst case scenerio and what would happen.

[psptubby in reply to oldtimer]

Good advice on what I need to consider, thank you

[medway-lady]

I've had foot surgery and its NHS or private uk for me a friend of mine went abroad for an operation and only just lived to regret it. There is a lot that could go wrong and is it worth the risk of being crippled or even worse.

[psptubby in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you, very sobering

[bpeal1]

I think my greatest concerns (assuming I checked the surgeon was reputable etc. !) would be getting home. I recently had foot surgery, although slightly more complex than a bunion, and found the 10 minute drive home from the hospital 3 days after surgery uncomfortable. I couldn’t imagine trying to get to an airport and on a flight. Likewise if you decide to stay there longer it wouldn’t be much fun stuck in a hotel room without support. Also check with the airline about travelling after surgery. After most foot surgery you need to keep your leg elevated which may require you to book two seats.

[psptubby in reply to bpeal1]

Oh good thinking about the need for having the foot elevated!!!

[Valerietemps]

Hello psptubby, I’m in the USA. I had both feet done at different times. My first experience was wonderful as all pain was gone once I healed (4 to 6 weeks.). You graduate from crutches to a boot in first steps. I was told to wait until I was in great pain before having surgery. With second surgery there was no pain but toe went numb. When I saw doctor, he asked me why I waited so long. I wound up with a steel plate and 2 screws in that foot. First foot only had 2 screws. Both feet are pain free now so I would definitely do it again.

[psptubby in reply to Valerietemps]

Thank you for the reply. Glad it worked out well