*Raises Hand* I had bunion surgery about 20 years ago on my left foot.

I feel your pain, it was unbearable and changed my gait so my legs, hips, back hurt. Before surgery, I used a foam toe seperator for some relief, but only when I could wear sneakers.

You get a twighlight sleep and novocaine so you don't feel anything until..exactly 7 hours later. The first time you stand up and the blood rushes to the toe..well. I'll say this..back surgery was easier. I swear. Agony doesn't begin to explain the pain.

But it's better after a day or two. I had to keep my foot elevated. (I also had a bone spur removed from my little piggy toe but no pain that I recall). Learning crutches was a *b* and I did steps on my butt. I was out of work 8 weeks. Unfortunately, since I'm very arthritic, and the podiatrist knew this, he opted NOT to pin my toe to set it permanently straight. I had to wear a toe seperator with a hole cut in my sneaker afterwards. The bunion doesn't grow back. What happens is the toe can shift back in the same direction and not stay straight. That happened to me but I'm pain free.

I still have a bunion on my right foot but it never hurt. I'm not sorry I did it. I'm sure surgery has improved in 20 years. It's worth a doc's opinion. I was told bunions are hereditary. Thanks mom and dad.