Neil Loden, aged 59, lives in London and had foot surgery at the London Foot and Ankle Centre in September 2007. Mr Loden developed bunions, known medically as hallux valgus, on both big toes. Surgery also involved correcting a hammer toe which had developed on the second toe of his left foot, caused by the bunion leaning inwards.
Describe your foot problem
I was always aware that my left toe bent towards my second toe, but it didn’t cause me any undue pain. However, it was a condition which was going to get progressively worse and my second toe became increasingly pushed outwards. When I saw my GP I was told that I would need to have an operation at some stage and I felt it was better to go ahead sooner rather than later. I had the same problem in my right foot and although it was not as severe as my left, it made sense to have both feet done at the same time.
How did you feel straight after surgery?
I was pretty surprised to find that I wasn’t in any particular discomfort or pain. I was able to get up on my feet immediately after the operation, wearing special post-op shoes with open toes. I spent two nights in hospital.
The first two weeks after surgery
Having both feet done, I realised that I was going to be out of action for a while. It was important to keep my feet up as much as possible and you have to be prepared to do that. I was pretty comfortable, but if I put my feet down for any length of time, I did experience some throbbing discomfort.
The first three months
I went back to work after two weeks. I carried a single crutch which I didn’t need to walk, but used as a signal to other people to be aware that they needed to give me a little space. It was very useful and I carried the crutch for the first month travelling to work.
I saw a physiotherapist, initially three times a week. I had about 30 sessions in total between my operation and Christmas. I found it really helpful in terms of mobilising my joints and learning how to massage my foot if there was any discomfort. At this stage, I couldn’t wear any of my shoes but bought a pair of trainers two sizes bigger than my normal size. By Christmas, I felt reasonably comfortable and mobile going to and from work on the tube.
Three to six months post-surgery
I used to cycle to work and started again after Christmas. I really enjoyed being able to do some aerobic exercise again. I’m a very keen walker and climber and booked a trip to India for a 12 day trek. It would be a test of my recovery and I was set to go a few weeks before the first anniversary of the operation. I started to train for my trek from April 2008, walking for 10 to 12 miles at the weekend and both feet seemed fine.
Six months and beyond
I went out to the Zanskar region of Ladakh in India, which is a high altitude desert in between the Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges. We climbed to the summit of the Nigutse-La-Pass, at an altitude of 16,100 feet. Before leaving, I was worried about my feet. But I’m very happy to say that my feet gave me no trouble whatsoever.
It is a real testimony to consider that a year after surgery, I was able to climb 2,000 feet in the course of a day and during the trek cover 80 miles.
What would your advice be to anyone considering this procedure?
I didn’t ever regret deciding to have the operation, even in the early weeks after surgery. I’m very glad that I had the operation and I’d recommend that people follow advice very closely after the procedure. I’m glad I had the operation sooner rather than later and didn’t spend a long time agonising over it. I feel very fortunate indeed that I was able to have the choice of such good quality healthcare.
