When will I feel my toes again? I had ingrown toenail surgery,,,?

Question

I had the surgery on both of my big toes on both sides of each toe, He removed the sides and put the acid stuff so they cannot grow back, I had it at about 10am yesterday morning, now it is 1:42 am here and my toes are still numb. I wonder if this is normal, it looks like he really beat up my toes, the one looks black and blue, with bubble blisters,,,,any advice? Thanks!

Answer 1

I have had 6 operations to take 4 nails off (they took partial nails and then removed they other side). On left foot it there is no big toe nail and no middle toe nail, on the right foot there is no big toe nail or 2nd toe nail. I had my first one done more than 10 years ago due to bad genetic compatability (my brother has the same problem).

The acid stuff does not always work fully- on the two smaller toes I have little nail growths out the side. Your toes will change shape a little because there is no nail to hold shape. Remember the nail is there for protection and even 10 years on, it is still painful for anyone to stand on them. The look fine now- smooth, indented skin, but I can't touch that skin as it gives me shivers (such a weird feeling).

Advice. Well, numbness is normal (and be grateful for it just now) They will look black and blue and the bubble blisters will kinda burst and get all sticky in the process of healing the skin that was under the nail.

Keep your feet rised and for the next few years wear comfortable shoes. Tell your boss, teacher, whatever that you will wear sensible trainers for the first few months (not brightly coloured ones) and then gradually move on to regular and sensible shoes (possibly 0.5 or one size bigger). I wore trainers for about a year until the skin was touchble, because you cannot squish your toes now as one has no protection.

As for the bubble blisters, I don't know what the doctor gave you to dress the toes, but oh, God use the proper stuff. The gauze specificlly. You need to use a shiny gauze i.e. non-stick because when the bubbles bust and the gauze gets stuck to your sticky skin and the fluid hardens...you have to get it off and water doesn't do much to help. Then there is the tubi-grip stuff. It is like the stuff that you wear when you sprain something. You get a special applicator that looks like a mini kitchen utensil. The bandage goes over the toe and then the things twists it and then back over the toe. it gives more protection and less infection. Then, micropore tape to hold it in place. There is a way to cut it for better movement but I can't describe it. NEVER forget to but the betadine on either.

I've gone through this 6 times and that is the best advice. For now keep your feet raised and walk only when you have to. Your toe will throb and you will be able to feel the blood push through a little and the blister fuild will go everywhere. It is normal, but worsens when walking. Take good care of your toe and if you are told to change the dressing twice a day- do it! Later you will be able to put them in a warm water bucket with a little salt (or the ocean is good too). Don't go swimming for a while and although it seems to be taking forever to heal, don't worry. And just because there will be a time when the surgery was months ago and you feel the need to raise your legs, or not walk as much, don't think that it is wrong as it is perfectly normal.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

i had the whole of both my great toenails taken off due to recurring ingrowing nails, and they put the acid in too stop regrowth. It was a while ago now, but i think i was pretty much back too normal feelings within a week, but it took alot of getting used to, the feeling of no nail there to protect the nail bed!.
I think as you have only had sides removed, you may feel better within 3-4 days.
For a couple of days try not to do too much, it can get really sore otherwise, and put your feet up as much as possible! Believe me, any discomfort is worth it for a lifetime of no ingrowing toenails, if you are like me and they wwere recurrent and you kept getting infections etc, you will be so much better off!