Jan 26 2010
Toe surgery
About a fortnight ago now I went into a chiropody clinic for some medical attention on my big toe. I’ve had a bothersome ingrown toenail for quite some time and eventually found a doctor who pointed me in the right direction for treatment. Thank you Dr Reiff-Musgrove.
I received a couple of injections to numb the area and then they went at my foot with little bolt-cutters. It was fascinating to watch (though not if you’re a bit squeamish) — cutting down into the nail to the nail bed and then using a poky-stick to fill the resulting wound with phenol to inhibit nail regrowth. With luck I should have a mostly-normal nail when it all heals, but without risk of the same thing recurring.
For a few days I had a huge cartoonish bandage wrapped round my big toe which meant wearing a sandal on that foot. This is a very cold way to dress in winter. More recently the toe has been redressed with neater coverings which allow me to wear shoes again. I’m still trying to wear shoes as little as possible though to reduce pressure on the affected area. Which ultimately means that I wear the dreaded socks-with-sandals übernerd combination at home in the evening. (You can ignore this image and continue to think of me in a velvet smoking jacket and slippers if that makes the nightmares go away.)
So far I’ve been delighted by the sudden loss of background pain, which I’ve been growing accustomed to for several years now. The site of the operation still looks pretty horrible but it’s not painful. I can walk again to some degree, though I think it will be some time before I can don a pair of walking boots and go into the hills. I had intended to document the healing process with the camera but as the toe spends most of its time in bandages that’s proven quite difficult.
I look forward to doing all the usual feet related activities — like buying shoes that fit, ceilidhing without pain and wearing sandals without fear of frightening small children.
I’m still very impressed at your scottish country dancing on stage at the Festival Theatre BEFORE the toe had been tackled. That is true love. I hope that the pain relief is permanent and the return to your normal smoking jacketed attire will be swift.
Great Post! There are so many horror stories surrounding ingrown toenail surgery, it is nice to hear someone who has something good to say! The procedure is quick and painless and the healing process, although long, is not as debilitating as one may think. I’m glad to hear your toe is healing nicely and you are doing the right thing by keeping pressure off the site as much as possible. You’ll be back walking in the hills in no time.