"My name is Jessica I am 21 years of age and live on the Gold Coast Queensland Australia. In August 2013 I was diagnosed with mild hallux abducto valgus on both feet. I was told that I would have to have surgery at sometime within the next 5 years as I would eventually be unable to walk without pain. I sought surgery in Australia but found that it was very invasive, huge scarring and the recovery time was extreme.
Only one foot could be operated on at a time and I would not be able to walk for 6 weeks after the first surgery - then 6 weeks recovery time before the second foot could be operated on and again 6 weeks without walking. I was also told that I would never be able to wear high heel shoes again. As you can imagine being told that at 21, I was devastated.
My mum happened to be watching the American television show "The Dr's" when she saw Dr. K explaining his wonderful new “minimal incision minimal invasive” bunion surgery. She made contact with Dr. K's staff via email and was ecstatic to find out that I was the perfect candidate for his surgery. In January 2014 I commenced a 6 month University exchange programme in Orange County California. I attended an appointment and met with Dr. K and his wonderful staff. At the end of my University semester I had the bunion surgery on both feet at the same time. I experienced some pain in the first 72 hours but that was kept under control by some pain relief. On the 3rd day after surgery I was walking with crutches and by the 7th day walking without crutches.
On the 7th day after surgery I returned to Australia wearing moon shoes/boots on both feet and had minimal pain. I was walking without crutches. I returned to America five weeks later to have the pins removed from my feet. I could not believe how quickly my toes became realigned and I had hardly any pain. I returned to Australia after 5 days and wore the moon shoes/boots for a further 7 days but I was also walking between 10-15 minutes each day without the shoes. I had no pain whatsoever and only 3-4 very small scars on each foot.
After 7 days I started wearing my runners. Again no pain. It has now been 12 weeks since my surgery and I am back training at the gym, jogging and jumping. I am wearing normal shoes and have today purchased my first pair of high heels – not too high but a small heel. I am so excited to be able to wear heels. I cannot believe how "straight" my feet are - I am totally thrilled with the end result and my very small scars are disappearing.
Although travelling from Australia to the USA to have this surgery was extreme and the cost quite high, I believe in the long term it was well worth it. Dr. K is truly a professional in every aspect of the word. His bedside manner towards me and my mum who accompanied me on both occasions was outstanding. Dr.K's staff of Pamela, Elisabeth and Brittney were fantastic. Both friendly and helpful but also professional at the same time.
Thank you Dr. K I never ever thought I would have the beautiful feet that I have today and I cannot thank you enough."
Jessica