Patient story: Ms. Karina
Patient stories
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Feet before surgery
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Feet after surgery
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Patient story: Ms. Karina
Karina had bunions on both feet from early childhood. As a child, she noticed differences between her feet and those of her friends. She first experienced problems from this painful condition while training in ballet. She is active and dynamic, so the foot disease often made itself felt, mainly during everyday tasks and at work, where she spends a lot of time standing—she is a sommelier and runs workshops. She had considered surgery years ago, but learning about Halluxmed’s methods and hearing the opinions of friends who had also been patients at the hospital convinced her to get rid of the troublesome condition. Today Karina enjoys healthy, beautiful feet and happily shows them off in summer sandals.
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Episode 1 – Karina’s medical history |
Episode 2 – preparing for surgery |
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Episode 3 – Karina’s surgery and leaving the hospital |
Episode 3 – Karina’s surgery and leaving the hospital |
8 questions for Karina
What were you most afraid of before deciding to undergo surgery?
Until a dozen or so years ago, stories circulated about bunions growing back. These stories made me postpone my decision. Many of my friends underwent surgery and do not regret it—their bunions have not returned. I am naturally a worrier, so the mere fact of ‘surgery’ seemed risky to me. As you can hear in the films I recorded, my operation went smoothly and my fears were completely unfounded.
How did you feel after your visit to Halluxmed Orthopedics?
The hospital building made a great impression from the moment I drove in: it is modern and huge, and extremely bright inside. Completely unlike other hospitals I know! But it is not the building or interior that creates the extraordinary atmosphere—it is the doctors and staff. Smiling staff welcomed me at registration. Everyone was very caring. Dr. Jackowiak is a professional; he knows how to approach patients so they do not get nervous.
What instructions did you receive before bunion surgery?
When I left the appointment at which my surgery date was set, I received detailed instructions about what to bring on the day of surgery and a contact telephone number for questions—all in one folder so nothing would be missed. Before surgery I had to have blood tests and X-rays of both feet. I had the X-rays done at Halluxmed.
How do you remember the day of your bunion surgery?
The day of surgery passed very quickly and without stress. Everything happened so quickly and efficiently that I did not even have time to get nervous. On the ward, Mrs. Małgosia cared for me—she helped me at every step and explained what would happen. Before surgery I spoke with the anesthesiologist, a nurse measured my blood pressure, and Dr. Jackowiak came to my room to look at my feet one last time and ask how I felt. The operation seemed to take 5 minutes, although it actually lasted 45. Both feet were operated on.
How did your first postoperative days at home go?
I was home on the second day after surgery. I left the hospital under my own power. I was told to take the medications listed on the discharge sheet and to put on special postoperative shoes every time I wanted to get up and walk a few steps. I was a little weak, but I could easily do light household tasks.
How did recovery after bunion surgery progress?
The swelling decreased a little each day. After some time I could do light exercises recommended by Dr. Jackowiak during my follow-up visit. They helped me quickly regain movement in my toes. I could also do more housework; standing in the kitchen for longer was no problem. However, I had to keep walking in special shoes, which lasted a good six weeks.
Did you experience any unexpected problems in the meantime?
I suppose everyone has a moment of doubt about whether emerging pain is a good sign and whether everything is being done correctly. When I was discharged, I received a telephone number for hospital staff whom I could consult about any concerns. After surgery it turned out that I was probably allergic to one ingredient of a medication, which I had not known before. After consulting them, I stopped the medication, switched to another one as recommended, and the allergic symptoms disappeared. I also overstrained my foot because of exercises that were too intense. I had to slow down for a week, stop the exercises, and everything returned to normal.
What advice do you have for patients struggling with bunion problems?
Do not be afraid, and follow the doctors’ and staff’s instructions. They really know what they are doing!
