On April 14, 2010 I had bunion surgery for my right foot. This was something I had never planned to do. I had bunions on both feet for many, many years and figured I would just live with them til the day I died. In the summer of 2009, I noticed that they were getting worse, it was harder to find stylish shoes and my feet were always hurting. I love to dance and enjoy being physically active and they were starting to interfere with the quality of my life.
My holistic podiatrist was no longer doing surgery and had recently met a podiatric surgeon that she was impressed with and encouraged me to go see him. When I went for my consultation, he did recommend surgery due to the severity of the bunions. I decided to go for it, for the long term health of my feet. I did not want to end up being one of those older women who have severely deformed feet that cause them constant pain.
The surgery required some extra hardware and a cast. I had to use a cane and be in a surgical boot. There were many things that came up for me emotionally as well as physically. Being holsitcally oriented, taking pain killers was a new experience and I tried to avoid it by using homeopathic remedies to no avail. So, pain killers it was for 4 days.
I did use all my knowledge to expedite healing naturally. Lots of green drinks, low inflammatory diet, combinations of vitamins to bring inflammation down and homeopathy. When the cast came off, I made soaks with calendula, comphrey, lavender and helichrysum. Then, I made a cream with aloe butter, calendula tincture, lavender and helichrysum. The scar is healing really well and my foot has had a minimal amount of swelling.
For the last 4 days, I have been able to wear a sandal. I am also going for physical therapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, taking epsom salt baths and flower essences. It is my magical synergy of healing. In the Spring of 2011 I will do my left foot!
There are many wonderful shifts that have taken place within me since the bunion surgery. Having the courage to do it has opened up some new doors and I feel more open to new possibilities than before the surgery. I cannot wait to go dancing again and put on a pair of high heels!
Here’s to health!
Vali
