Know what to expect
Your feet are the foundation for your body. Your well-being. Your life. Have all conservative treatment options failed to reduce your pain? Are your bunions impacting your quality of life and keeping you from the activities you love?
Deciding whether to have surgery is made even more challenging by so many diverse methods and opinions. We’ve learned that time-honored education and preparation still produce the most positive patient experiences.
Before your consultation
No matter which surgeon you consult about your corrective surgery, the surgical principles proposed should make logical sense to you. Ahead of your consultation, we suggest preparing some specific questions, such as:
- What type of surgery is recommended to you and why?
- What chance of success can I expect?
- What are the benefits and risks of the surgery? Versus other surgeries?
- What will happen to my feet if I don't have surgery?
- What are the possible complications and how likely are they to occur?
- How much pain will there be and how will it be managed?
- What are the activity restrictions during recovery?
- Will high-impact sports and high-heel shoes be allowed after recovery?
- What is the possible recurrence rate and why?
- What is the cost of the surgery and will insurance cover it?
Preparing for your Syndesmosis SURGERY
Syndesmosis Surgery is untraditional and not well known, so it will be especially helpful to familiarize yourself with our website to understand how and why we are different from other corrective surgeries.
No surgery is a quick fix. Do talk to your friends and family about your possible surgery and support during the recovery process. Contact your insurance company about coverage and obtain a written a quote. Connect with Dr. Wu’s former patients about their experience or consult Dr. Wu again if you have further questions. Before you schedule your Syndesmosis Surgery, ensure you understand how the recovery will temporarily impact your life.
- Your hospital stay will usually be one night for single-foot surgery and two nights for both feet.
- 10-14 days of home rest after surgery is ideal and recommended.
- You will not be ready to drive for at least 1 month.
- Anticipate limited walking for 3 months.
- After 6 months, there are no more restrictions. Patients may enjoy high-impact exercise and/or high-heel shoes at this time.
Pre-Surgery Tips
- Ready your home to avoid unnecessary walking during the first 10 days.
- Prepare an area to comfortably rest and elevate your feet.
- Stock your favorite foods, arrange delivery services or prepare meals in advance.
- Arrange easy-access for things you use every day.
- Arrange your bath or shower so you can sit down safely and comfortably on something.
On the day of your surgery
- No food or fluids (except medications) for at least six hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
- Arrive at the hospital at least two hours before your scheduled surgery time.
- Most patients prefer general anesthesia, however half-body spinal anesthesia is also an option.
- Surgery takes about one hour for each foot.
- Bring your medications and personal items (toiletries, undergarments).
- The hospital will provide post-surgical shoes, water-tight foot covers for bathing, pain medications (if necessary), and crutches (if you don’t have your own).