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Permanent Toenail Removal - the actual surgery!

This is the right toenail. The left one was removed a few months ago and the recovery is documented in the next album.
Ingrown and painful. I've had to have the big toenail removed twice in the past. This time it's for good!
Ingrown and painful. I've had to have the big toenail removed twice in the past. This time it's for good!		 The left one was permanently removed 2 months earlier with excellent results.
The left one was permanently removed 2 months earlier with excellent results.		 supplies
supplies		 I HATE the needles!
I HATE the needles!
This is one of the main reasons I want the nail removed permanently. I never want to go thru this again.
This is one of the main reasons I want the nail removed permanently. I never want to go thru this again.		 5 blocks and still no success. .. SNAFU.
5 blocks and still no success. .. SNAFU.		 He goes for the tourniquet and marcaine.
He goes for the tourniquet and marcaine.		 and starts digging
and starts digging
for a while the local anesthetic works, but I need booster shots periodically as my body quickly metabolizes the drug.
for a while the local anesthetic works, but I need booster shots periodically as my body quickly metabolizes the drug.		 dig dig dig
dig dig dig		 finally coming free from its bed
finally coming free from its bed		 removal and debridement
removal and debridement
there's another thinner nail under the first
there's another thinner nail under the first		 here we go again!
here we go again!		 Actually, no one is holding onto that instrument.
Actually, no one is holding onto that instrument.		 Mmm....meaty.
Mmm....meaty.
too blurry to see, but he finds yet another idiot nail hiding under the bed!
too blurry to see, but he finds yet another idiot nail hiding under the bed!		 now we're happy! (but only because the marcaine is still working)
now we're happy! (but only because the marcaine is still working)		 vaseline protects the skin
vaseline protects the skin		 lots of protection....I asked him to burn the hell outa the nail bed so that sucker doesn't even THINK about growing back.
lots of protection....I asked him to "burn the hell outa the nail bed" so that sucker doesn't even THINK about growing back.
phenol burns the nail bed preventing regrowth
phenol burns the nail bed preventing regrowth		 (who is taking pictures? ....they must think me mad!)
(who is taking pictures? ....they must think me mad!)		 more more more
more more more		 eliminating the 3% chance of regrowth
eliminating the 3% chance of regrowth
bath time
bath time		 other than looking sore, it actually looks pretty good.
other than looking sore, it actually looks pretty good.		 pedicure?
pedicure?		 beefy....but done at last
beefy....but done at last
vaseline for the burn, which I've yet to feel (that comes later)
vaseline for the burn, which I've yet to feel (that comes later)		 bandage
bandage		 pressure dressing
pressure dressing		 a little blood but I'll make it to a work party right after this
a little blood but I'll make it to a work party right after this
well done. marcaine good.
well done. marcaine good.		 happy doc
happy doc		 everybody's happy
everybody's happy		 Thanks Dr. Markewych and his assistant, who also took most of the pictures. What sports!
Thanks Dr. Markewych and his assistant, who also took most of the pictures. What sports!
Addendum: I added this picture from April 2008 so you can see the long-term results of my toenail removal (read on below)
Addendum: I added this picture from April 2008 so you can see the long-term results of my toenail removal (read on below)

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John 16-Jan-2012 08:42
@Millie: If you don't get to remove the gauze by yourself you have to go to the pycician to remove it. It's a must to remove it! My tip: Use a wound adhering wound dressing afterwards, with this you don't get these problems. - Good luck!
millie 14-Jan-2012 11:39
i had a toenail removal last 3 days and now i need to remove the gauze and put a new one i tried soaking it in water and some of the part loosen off but the gauze dont want to let go in my wound it really hurts when i try to remove it manually
millie 14-Jan-2012 11:21
i had a toenail removal last 3 days and now i need to remove the gauze and put a new one i tried soaking it in water and some of the part loosen off but the gauze dont want to let go in my wound it really hurts when i try to remove it manually
millie 14-Jan-2012 11:08
i had a toenail removal last 3 days and now i need to remove the gauze and put a new one i tried soaking it in water and some of the part loosen off but the gauze dont want to let go in my wound it really hurts when i try to remove it manually
millie 14-Jan-2012 11:01
i had a toenail removal last 3 days and now i need to remove the gauze and put a new one i tried soaking it in water and some of the part loosen off but the gauze dont want to let go in my wound it really hurts when i try to remove it manually
Michele 03-Jan-2012 07:05
lbliss - I think this is the most awesome photo documentary I've ever seen! I don't know if my toenail problem will end up with total removal of the nail or not. The first doctor I saw, said it might be my best solution. My nail bed was damaged by a heavy object hitting directly on the nail. Mine does look a lot like your "before" picture, so maybe... Anyhow, I wanted to thank you for putting me more at ease if it does come to that. :)
Liam 31-Dec-2011 17:04
Way to go John! Your feet look awesome and oh so pain free! Your 3rd surgery went so well, you healed very, very well!
Daniel 30-Dec-2011 23:51
hey me again im 16 and had operation on 2 big toes not all nail but over a week know and recovering perfect with salty water foot bath to every pint of water 1 spoon of salt and mild temputure need any advice about it contact me daschofield@hotmail.com i have suffred for 2 years and all over i can give u alot of advice
Daniel 30-Dec-2011 03:29
hey me again im 16 and had operation on 2 big toes not all nail but over a week know and recovering perfect with salty water foot bath to every pint of water 1 spoon of salt and mild temputure need any advice about it contact me daschofield@hotmail.com i have suffred for 2 years and all over i can give u alot of advice
Daniel 30-Dec-2011 03:29
hey me again im 16 and had operation on 2 big toes not all nail but over a week know and recovering perfect with salty water foot bath to every pint of water 1 spoon of salt and mild temputure need any advice about it contact me daschofield@hotmail.com i have suffred for 2 years and all over i can give u alot of advice
John 27-Dec-2011 14:01
@10chopper1: The only thing I can advice is to be patient. After my second surgery (removal of 9 toenails) I was only using ointment twice a day, this worked fine for me and made healing much faster as after the first surgery (removal of the big toenail). If you are interested, have a look to my photostream www.flickr.com/photos/nomoretoenails
10chopper1 26-Dec-2011 17:35
Help! I've had all my toenails removed permanatly 13 days ago and my healing is so slow compared to pictures I have seen.I go back to the doctor in 4 more days. All I know that the clear liquid that was constantly leaking out has slowed but they have not scabbed up and the liquid finds away to leak through. I'm scared to get them wet because the pain starts all over again I have noticed that I can wiggle all of them more and more each day but what can I do to stop the leaking? Why can't they scab up and stop leaking? I want to take a real shower and enjoy it instead of hurrying and washing.Suggestions please, what can I do to heal faster?
Guest 23-Dec-2011 22:38
Hey im Jade im 16 and ive had problems with this for years, would like to speak to someone personally about this as im very embarresed and having numerous problems.. If you think you could help please email me; jadehere8@aol.co.uk
Liam 22-Dec-2011 15:39
I wish you a speedy, healthy recovery. Take it easy for the next few days.
Daniel 22-Dec-2011 03:04
Today is they day after my operation on ingrowen toenail on both big toes i got they operation done in under 1.15 hour involving 5 injections 2 on each toe and 1 in right ankle tommorow im getting bandage changed know 6 week recovery to go throw but its worth it i felt so relived seeing all the sides of my nail dissaper and come from under skin i recomend only part nail removed and it was lees painfull only some tough when he pulled nail but its ok and they are very nice people they know what they are doing
Daniel 15-Dec-2011 16:22
@liam

the first one was either side of nail removed and didnt sucses so getting it done again but with the burn off thing but its neccesery it is last option
Dan 13-Dec-2011 23:17
I have used every thing under the sun and all the herbal remedies that are out the to no avail. Lamasil is expensive and side effects are scary, Penlac nail polish is expensive and did not work, tea tree oil, listerine treatmet, vicks vapor rub, I could go on for hours. @0 years of treying to rid myself of toenail fungus acquired while in the military stationed in Japan. Had total and permanent toenail removal on my right foot 6 weeks ago. 28th the left foot is going to get the same treatment. Toenails are overated any doctor that tells you any different is only after your money. Had it not been for the Doctor it would not have spread to my other toes.....
Liam 13-Dec-2011 02:52
Hey Daniel,

Honestly I wouldn't recommend permanent nail surgery or total toenail removal UNLESS it is your only option. In regards to your first procedure, which one was it? Was it a permanent one with phenol to burn off the base or just a simple avulsion (cutting out the ingrown nail)?
Daniel 09-Dec-2011 18:29
Hello im 16 and getting nail operation procedure due to ingrowen toe nail on both big toes and both sides had it for over 2 years and already had 1 uncessesfull operation getting one the 20th im a bit scared but just wanted some tips to avoid infection or anything lke that

plus after poccedure will it hurt fir few days?
Daniel 09-Dec-2011 18:24
Hello im 16 and getting nail operation procedure due to ingrowen toe nail on both big toes and both sides had it for over 2 years and already had 1 uncessesfull operation getting one the 20th im a bit scared but just wanted some tips to avoid infection or anything lke that

plus after poccedure will it hurt fir few days?
Liam 30-Nov-2011 19:46
I want to make an announcement or warning to ANYBODY who is reading this and is CONTEMPLATING the total or partial removal of an ingrown toenail:

PLEASE, look for second or THIRD opinions. Do NOT rush into this. This is surgery and there risks. Major risks. So be careful and protective of YOUR toes! These foot specialists don't have to live with this, WE DO. They just do 'the job', get your money and tell you to have a nice day. If anything bad happens, well tough luck.

I wish someone would've warned me sternly about this. This procedure is not a bowl of cherries. It takes WEEKS to heal - phenol is NOT kind to tissue. Please think twice before proceeding.

I hope my message has reached someone. SOMEONE out there who is reading this and about to go into this. If this is NOT your last resort (and surgery should always be the last resort) exhaust ALL other options first. I know I wish I did....learn from OUR mistakes.
AK 23-Nov-2011 18:55
Did you get a permanent partial or just a temporary one (without phenol)? Without phenol it's pretty painless. It's the chemical burn that hurts the most. Stick to using non stick gauze pads, soak your foot twice a day in warm epsom salt water (very little amount of time though) and follow your doc's instructions in terms of applying any ointments.
Genia 23-Nov-2011 10:11
Yesterday I had partial toenail removal on my right big toe due to ingrown toenail and infection. Except for the injection, the procedure was basically painless. Currently, I'm scouring the internet for homecare tips with the hope of avoiding infection as well as expediting my recovery time. I will definitely use dressing gauze instead of band-aids. Thanks to all tipsters for that tip! I've noticed on the site that a few women questioned if there are any toenail replacement options. Although I didn't discuss the option with my doctor (since I hope the nail grows back fine), I noticed a brochure in her office for toenail restoration. I have no idea if the procedure works well. I just grabbed the brochure in case I find myself without toenails since both big toe toenails are curved in and have become quite painful. The website is keryflex.com
Thanks so very much for sharing your story and pictures. Although, I'm glad that I didn't find your site before my procedure because it looks extremely painful and I probably would have tried to chicken out.
Liam 18-Nov-2011 21:08
I've had a scab for several weeks now. I got the surgery in late September and the scab formed during week 4-5. I try not to mess with it so much except keep it and the area around it very clean.

Resisting the urge to pick is hard I know LOL. My doctor always wants to scrape things - ugh, I won't be seeing him anyway. He's useless now to me (you can tell I am a bit bitter now). I'm managing well on my own though. I don't soak it anymore - I wouldn't soak it if the scab has formed. The scab will fall off itself - no need to saturate it in water and salt. But if you feel it's helping you - then continue on. For me, bits of it are coming off in my showers.

It may take a few more weeks but I have no pain and I am grateful for that.
Happy healing Joanne! :)
Joanne 18-Nov-2011 16:51
Ah i've had that scab for about a week now. wondered how long it would take to come off. defo wouldnt want it scraped though. no need for it. Mine forms a band across the middle though. Do you still soak your toe? Eack time i soak it a 'skin/scab' thing comes of if i wipe it with a bit of cotton wool, which makes it uncomfortable but think it helps it heal more as it comes towards the surface, suppose only time will tell. trying to resist the urge to pick at it lol.
Liam 17-Nov-2011 22:26
Joanne, your advice and willingness to comment and help others is really wonderful! :)

I guess I should update, it's been awhile. It has now been 8 weeks since my partial and while I no longer have pain - I still have a slight scab left over on the side. I was informed that it would takes weeks for that scab to fall off., My podiatrist wanted to scrape it off, but I gave him that look. You know the 'look' like if he dares touches me I will kick him with my good ol' left foot in the groin?

Yeah...so I guess it's over. I can do everything normally (exercise, walk long distances) and nothing occurs. Once the scab falls off I`ll feel great and my toe will look nicer.

«Hope everyone else is going great!
Joanne 16-Nov-2011 19:43
Hiya sarah, there is a pic on here, if you click on galleries there is another section concerning the aftercare and recovery after removal. Most people on this and the other site have said they were using plasters and it was causing problems, but often this was because they hadnt been given aftercare advise by their doc. dressing are better than plasters/band aids. Plasters sweat wounds and cause infection whereas a dressing doesnt.
sarah 16-Nov-2011 16:42
Is there a picture on here of what it is suppose to look like. I bathe them every nite with salt water like they told me to. Can i put antiseptic cream on them or do i just put the plaster on. The last thing i want is for them to get infected or even worse i ave to ave my big toe removed fully :-(.
Nila 16-Nov-2011 14:52
@Sarah... When I removed my dressing first time after nail removal on day 3, I had some dry blood clots coming out when toe was soaked in warm water.... so I guess its normal....
sarah 15-Nov-2011 20:10
Hi i had my big toe nails removed a week ago been back for change of dressing and no changining dressings myself and have dark red bits looks like dry blood. Is this normal. Thanx sarah
Nila 13-Nov-2011 21:17
Hello everyone.... Todays it's day 6 since toe nail removed and finally the stuck gauze detached on its after soaking in warm betadine water... the toe is healing very well and the pulp is reddish pink. Thanks. :)
Nila 13-Nov-2011 19:18
Hello everyone.... Todays it's day 6 since toe nail removed and finally the stuck gauze detached on its after soaking in warm betadine water... the toe is healing very well and the pulp is reddish pink. Thanks. :)
Joanne 13-Nov-2011 11:07
Hiya Daniel, Leaking/oozing/weeping is normal with phenol procedures and lasts about 6 weeks. I was instructed to salt bathe my toe once a day 3tbsp to 2 pint wate, air dry for 20 mins and dress in a bandage. DO NOT USE BAND AIDS. these sweat it and cause infection. dry antiseptic powder spray helps healing as well. This has all worked quite well for me.
Joanne 13-Nov-2011 11:06
Hiya Daniel, Leaking/oozing/weeping is normal with phenol procedures and lasts about 6 weeks. I was instructed to salt bathe my toe once a day 3tbsp to 2 pint wate, air dry for 20 mins and dress in a bandage. DO NOT USE BAND AIDS. these sweat it and cause infection. dry antiseptic powder spray helps healing as well. This has all worked quite well for me.
Daniel 13-Nov-2011 07:12
Hi Everyone. I just got my 2 big toenails removed two days ago? I am noticing that my toes are leaking some fluid, and I am not sure if this is normal or not. I see some references to
"weeping" but I am not sure what that means. I am using triple antibiotic ointment in a bandage for about 12 hours a day, and I am letting my toes air dry the rest of the day. My doctor did not give me any follow up instructions, so I am glad I found this posting online. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daniel 13-Nov-2011 07:12
Hi Everyone. I just got my 2 big toenails removed two days ago? I am noticing that my toes are leaking some fluid, and I am not sure if this is normal or not. I see some references to
"weeping" but I am not sure what that means. I am using triple antibiotic ointment in a bandage for about 12 hours a day, and I am letting my toes air dry the rest of the day. My doctor did not give me any follow up instructions, so I am glad I found this posting online. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daniel 13-Nov-2011 03:59
Hi Everyone. I just got my 2 big toenails removed two days ago? I am noticing that my toes are leaking some fluid, and I am not sure if this is normal or not. I see some references to
"weeping" but I am not sure what that means. I am using triple antibiotic ointment in a bandage for about 12 hours a day, and I am letting my toes air dry the rest of the day. My doctor did not give me any follow up instructions, so I am glad I found this posting online. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Nila 12-Nov-2011 20:52
Hi Joanne..... thanks for replying.... yes it is gauze.... and it's still on.... I have no idea why the doc did ordinary gauze bandage.... I have read everywhr it says using non adherent thing...... I couldnt remove the gauze stuck and had to do new dressing on top of the it.... I dried it thought before new dressing and applied betadine...... the nail pulp is still red and very very sensitive to touch but dont hurt otherwise..... .. I have no idea how to remove the stuck gauze before the nail pulp gets healed a bit..... how long does it take to heal the nail pulp?? Thanks!!
Joanne 11-Nov-2011 20:10
Hiya nila, I think the prob your having is down to actually using gauze if its bonding with the skin. I was told to use a non adherant bandage and selotape it on with microporous surgical tape. Only one way to get the gauze off really though :S
Nila 10-Nov-2011 18:07
I have had a toe nail removal from accidental avulsion 3 days back.... Today I cant remove my dressing... it sticks bad to the nail pulp.... I have soaked my feet once for 4 hours and another time for 3.5 hours without any result.... the nail pulp where the dressing is stuck is bright red and hurts if i pull the gauze..... what to do??? Please help!!
Joanne 09-Nov-2011 21:01
It takes between 6 - 8 weeks for full recovery but im coming to the end of week 5 and its pretty much healed, certain shoes are uncomfortable, but walking and light running is the same as ever.
labourday 08-Nov-2011 09:07
Thank you so much for this photo essay. I run, and like many runners, am no stranger to the toenail removal process. The thought of not having to perform minor surgery on myself is enticing to say the least. I'm seriously considering this. How long did it take to heal?
Joanne 04-Nov-2011 21:34
Hiya Angel
I was down for partial removal myself but asked on the day for full removal as this makes the phenol more effective and has a lot less chance of regrowth. You could ask for full nail removal, it makes little difference to them in how they do it. Partial removal is normally more for women as we tend to paint our nails a bit more often although he may have left most the nail untouched because of your sons age. Still... no harm in asking. Especially if he's having trouble with the other side of the nail aswell.
angel 01-Nov-2011 22:59
Thanks for your advice Joanne :)
My sons toe looks really good now, still seems a bit swollen at side nail was ingrown but the wound is hardly noticeable :) doc said back to football training a week on fri but he now has ingrown toenail on the other side of his toe he had surgery on :(
He has been in agony with ingrown nail today , doc gave him antibiotic again as the ingrown part is infected, WISH THEY JUST TOOK THE WHOLE F*CKING NAIL OFF NOW!! GRRRRRR
Joanne 30-Oct-2011 09:03
For everyone insecure about the appearance of thier toes after nail removal, I think i have found a solution! Bio Sculpture Gel Nails. Doesnt need any nail to be applied to. Suitable for men too, just get a clear or french manicure to recreat the look of a nail.
martha 29-Oct-2011 19:43
My big toe on my right foot has a fungus. Notice the discolor about 4 years ago. Went to Dr. was put on some pills for 6 mo.s didn't help. The toenail gets thick and rubs my shoe so I have to go to the dr. and he files it down. He said I could have it perm. removed. I am concidering this. My question has anyone had requets for having your toenail removed.?
martha 29-Oct-2011 19:42
My big toe on my right foot has a fungus. Notice the discolor about 4 years ago. Went to Dr. was put on some pills for 6 mo.s didn't help. The toenail gets thick and rubs my shoe so I have to go to the dr. and he files it down. He said I could have it perm. removed. I am concidering this. My question has anyone had requets for having your toenail removed.?
Joanne 28-Oct-2011 19:06
hiya angel, no need for the doc to be that rude is there :O quite shocked at that. Its up to you if you want your son to be off school for the week not the docs. I had a week of myself but found I didnt really need it as i'm allowed temporarily to wear sandles. I'm finally back in shoes on week 3 and bearable. Not looking forward to the other one being done next month though. will be a lot colder haha. If he can wear shoes for school for a few weeks he should be alright. I'd recommend getting some Savlon antiseptic dry powder spray too. Big healing time difference. Reduces infection to. I've found it to be really good.
As i sain a couple of sentences ago though i'm on week 3, still bandaging my toe as its still weeping. you'll definatly know when you can tell him to start leaving the bandages of. Looks a lot different , healthy clean new skin. Tends to heal from the top of the toe going towards the cuticle. My nurse told me it takes 6 - 8 weeks to stop weeping. The doc told me 2 - 4 weeks. And the internets told me 3 - 6 weeks. But I think you'll know when it looks right. If it doesnt then its not ready for the fresh air. 'Fresh' air still carries bacteria that can cause infection.
Joanne 28-Oct-2011 19:06
hiya angel, no need for the doc to be that rude is there :O quite shocked at that. Its up to you if you want your son to be off school for the week not the docs. I had a week of myself but found I didnt really need it as i'm allowed temporarily to wear sandles. I'm finally back in shoes on week 3 and bearable. Not looking forward to the other one being done next month though. will be a lot colder haha. If he can wear shoes for school for a few weeks he should be alright. I'd recommend getting some Savlon antiseptic dry powder spray too. Big healing time difference. Reduces infection to. I've found it to be really good.
As i sain a couple of sentences ago though i'm on week 3, still bandaging my toe as its still weeping. you'll definatly know when you can tell him to start leaving the bandages of. Looks a lot different , healthy clean new skin. Tends to heal from the top of the toe going towards the cuticle. My nurse told me it takes 6 - 8 weeks to stop weeping. The doc told me 2 - 4 weeks. And the internets told me 3 - 6 weeks. But I think you'll know when it looks right. If it doesnt then its not ready for the fresh air. 'Fresh' air still carries bacteria that can cause infection.
Suzanne Hopkins 28-Oct-2011 02:34
I had my big toenail removed because of infection. I dropped a pot on my foot and it ripped open my skin, damaged my nail and broke a bone. When the doc got it off (THANK GOD for that anesthetic!!), it looked like the bottom where the 'moon' is is all swollen. He said it was the matrix. Does this mean I'll never get another big toenail?? BTW about a week later I don't need any more bandages, but I have to be careful not to hit it on anything!
Guest 27-Oct-2011 12:58
That is what i have heard from alot of people.The two big toes that i had taken off i scrubbed them and they healed fine.Hurt realllllllllllly bad but the dr said it makes the healing faster.today is day fourth day still dont have the feeling.I dont understand it at all.
angel 26-Oct-2011 16:08
Hi Shae , the numbness in my 10 year olds toe wore off about a hour and a half afterwards , I would NEVER SCRUB HIS WOUND WITH A TOOTHBRUSH , sounds very harsh, ouch!!
Guest 26-Oct-2011 16:08
Hi Shae , the numbness in my 10 year olds toe wore off about a hour and a half afterwards , I would NEVER SCRUB HIS WOUND WITH A TOOTHBRUSH , sounds very harsh, ouch!!
shae 25-Oct-2011 18:23
I just had my 4th one done yesterday.I had my 2 bigs ones done a couple of years ago.I know the feeling come back about 2 hours after.This time the feeling is not back,I am glad for that but was worried.I called the dr and they said it could take up to 48 hrs for it to come back.So i guess i am just waiting.Am i the only one whos dr told them to scrub the toe with a soft tooth brush?I did the last ones like that it hurt but they got better faster to me.I soaked them then scrubbed the scabs off with the toothbrush.I was just wanting to know.I am just wondering how long everyone else waited until the numbness wore off.thanks for any advise
angel 24-Oct-2011 17:23
Hi Joanne :) Thank you for your reply :)
Had my sons toe looked at today , it looks really red at the side part of the nail was removed and below the nail , the wound looks gooey. The nurse said the redness was due to the pressure of my sons shoe pushing on his nail , I asked should I keep my son off school for a few days then so he can keep his shoes off? I was told rudely "its not that bad that he needs to stay off school" well excuse me but if my sons shoe is putting pressure on his toenail and making it really red , I do not want him in shoes for seven hours!! He sighed when my son told him the dressing was too tight and he had to redo it , I asked about the dressing falling off through the night as the wound scabbed up , he looked at me in disgust and said (with a attitude) "the dressing has only been off 5 mins" Told him if he listened to what I said about through the night and I hadnt mentioned the dressing being off for 5 mins while there , GRRRRRR I was so angry!!
I went straight round to my doctors surgery and asked if my doctor could call me, my doctor said soak toe in salt for 5 mins a day then redress , only use dressings for 2 weeks ," REALLY "I said , they told me 6 to 8 weeks for dressings , my doctor said the wound needs air to heel , I feel better now after speaking to my doctor :)
Mordred 24-Oct-2011 01:42
For anyone about to get this procedure, PLEASE AVOID the phenol procedure. Phenol is the WORST to tissue. If you are going to get it done, go to a skilled DPM that uses sodium hydroxide (awesome - less drainage), CO2 laser or radiosurgery.

Phenol is very old fashion and harsh. There HAVE been advancements beyond using this nasty shit to kill the matrix.
Joanne 23-Oct-2011 09:42
Hiya Angel, ive had my nail removed 2 weeks ago now. Ive been keeping track of hows everybodies being told to look after their toe's and no instructions are the same which confuses me. If he's had phenol though ive been told to not allow it to scab and physically remove the scab if one occurs to let the phenol out. This may be why there's a lump at the side of the toe. I was advised to bathe the foot in salt water ( 3 tbls to 2 pint of water) and redress toe daily. Clean and dry and once its stopped weeping it should be alright to begin leaving the dressing off. Try not to stop using dressing too early though as i believe this is whats allowed infection to set in. I wouldnt advise playing soccer till all tenderness and healing has finished either. I can cause blistering and strange little lumps to my experience but i have to be on my feet all day with work. I hope i've been able to help, but i'm not a doctor and its always best to get a second opinion.
Joanne 23-Oct-2011 09:42
Hiya Angel, ive had my nail removed 2 weeks ago now. Ive been keeping track of hows everybodies being told to look after their toe's and no instructions are the same which confuses me. If he's had phenol though ive been told to not allow it to scab and physically remove the scab if one occurs to let the phenol out. This may be why there's a lump at the side of the toe. I was advised to bathe the foot in salt water ( 3 tbls to 2 pint of water) and redress toe daily. Clean and dry and once its stopped weeping it should be alright to begin leaving the dressing off. Try not to stop using dressing too early though as i believe this is whats allowed infection to set in. I wouldnt advise playing soccer till all tenderness and healing has finished either. I can cause blistering and strange little lumps to my experience but i have to be on my feet all day with work. I hope i've been able to help, but i'm not a doctor and its always best to get a second opinion.
angel 23-Oct-2011 01:16
My 10 yr old had part of his toenail removed 6 days ago and a chemical put on so that part of the nail wont grow back, I agree that no1 explains how to care for toe afterwards
:( I was told to leave dressing on for 3 days and NOT to touch it, it kept falling off on second day! On 3rd day they changed dressing, I asked how many times a day I had to change dressing, just once he said ,I was also told to let my son keep dressing on in shower as the water hitting straight off it may hurt,SO WHEN AND HOW DO I CLEAN IT??????
Surgeon told me my son could return to football training second week if he felt ok to but at appointment 3 days later I was told NO SPORTS FOR 6 TO 8 WEEKS!! GRRRR
My sons toe has a scab on it today and I am surprised at how good it looks after surgery but he still has a lump at the side where nail was ingrowing that seems strange :( back for cheak up on mon
Joanne 22-Oct-2011 09:23
I went into the walk in centre yesterday to have my toe looked at as it began to bubble and blister. Has anyone else experienced this? I've had an Ivodine dressing put on and been told to leave it over the weekend which seems strange to me as it doesn't seem hygienic. It's to be taken of by the nurse on monday morning. Has anyone had this done? Does it hurt to have it taken off? Roughly when can I start leaving bandages off? A lot of quetions but this is the only place I can find where they might get answered.
Liam 19-Oct-2011 15:51
...somebody please update! I'm feeling kinda alone in this struggle. Still haven't fully healed....it's been a month (week 4). =( I hope this doesn't last up to 12 weeks like other ppl. I cannot. I have been so drained from this. =(
Liam 17-Oct-2011 20:47
I am now in week 4. Not fully healed but no pain at all and go about normal. It just doesn't look 100%. I am now harboring some deep hatred feelings for my podiatrist because the last 4 weeks have been depressing. I think I have passed the stage where infection can set in (it's dried up and scabbed). But if I do end up with an infection, I will FUCK this podiatrists' life up!!! Looking back I did have other options because mine wasn't even that bad.

I am seeing him on Wednesday. It'll be my last time. I'll give him some shit about not telling me of potential risks.
Liam 14-Oct-2011 16:27
@JackieBeth: Keeping hopeful is the best thing honestly. Your toe will be fine, mine often felt like this in week 1 and 2 but now the 'numbness' or tingling sensation is gone.

I don't plan on getting any of these ever again. I try not to regret because it just makes me frustrated. Lemme guess, did the foot specialist who performed your partial nail avulsion also tell you that this would heal quickly (2 weeks max?) and it would be a walk in the park? Hahaha mine did and I believed him. My nail wasn't even that badly ingrown I am sure there was another way to just clip it out. Ugh. There I go regretting lol. Gotta learn to stop!
:)
Jackie Beth 14-Oct-2011 05:47
I dont know why it posted that many times, my apologies. But you made perfect sense! Thank you! Now I am not afraid my toe will fall off. Although, I was negative and swore I'd never get another one done. I'm remaining hopeful!!
Jackie Beth 14-Oct-2011 05:01
I dont know why it posted that many times, my apologies. But you made perfect sense! Thank you! Now I am not afraid my toe will fall off. Although, I was negative and swore I'd never get another one done. I'm remaining hopeful!!
Jackie Beth 14-Oct-2011 04:54
I had an ingrown toe nail removed 4 weeks ago. It has not fully heeled. How long does this take?! There is still some scanning along the edges of the nail bed. My skin is also peeling around the whole nail and around the cuticle. It's very tender with pain deep into my toe. The thing I worry most though is the numbness or loss of feeling on some areas of my toe. It's not completely numb, but some areas of the skin around the nail are numb. It was partial nail removal with acid. Has anyone experienced these symptoms before? I'm a little scared.
Jackie Beth 14-Oct-2011 04:53
I had an ingrown toe nail removed 4 weeks ago. It has not fully heeled. How long does this take?! There is still some scanning along the edges of the nail bed. My skin is also peeling around the whole nail and around the cuticle. It's very tender with pain deep into my toe. The thing I worry most though is the numbness or loss of feeling on some areas of my toe. It's not completely numb, but some areas of the skin around the nail are numb. It was partial nail removal with acid. Has anyone experienced these symptoms before? I'm a little scared.
Liam 13-Oct-2011 18:26
BTW Jackie are u soaking in epsom salt and./or using ointments and dressings at this point? I was told by my podiatrist to stop soaking, dressings once drainage had stopped to allow the wound to dry out. Moist healing is vital for the first week or two but after that it needs to dry out to actually heal and for you to you let it out without covering it and starving oxygen off of it.
Liam 13-Oct-2011 15:44
Apparently 4 weeks is not an unusally long time to fully heal. That's what I am getting from these comments. I also had a partial nail avulsion...I'm at week 3 and it's similar to your scenario in that it has scabbed up, peeling skin on the cuticle. I don't have major pain though and I can walk on it.

Have you been walking on it normal for the last 4 weeks (like full pressure?). If not, that can be the cause of temporary numbness or uncomfortable feeling. Your body is just not used to put pressure on it since surgery. I get some of those feelings to it, but that seem to be passing the more I walk normally without trying to limp or baby my feet while I walk.

Don't worry. You're not alone in your recovery - a lot of us are dealing with this. I just went through a period of deep regret and sadness but I am keeping optimistic. As long as no infection sets in, we are good. We'll heal soon enough!!

*positive thoughts and happy healing to you
Jackie Beth 13-Oct-2011 05:54
I had an ingrown toe nail removed 4 weeks ago. It has not fully heeled. How long does this take?! There is still some scanning along the edges of the nail bed. My skin is also peeling around the whole nail and around the cuticle. It's very tender with pain deep into my toe. The thing I worry most though is the numbness or loss of feeling on some areas of my toe. It's not completely numb, but some areas of the skin around the nail are numb. It was partial nail removal with acid. Has anyone experienced these symptoms before? I'm a little scared.
Liam 08-Oct-2011 19:58
F*** this procedure and all podiatrists who perform it without informing patients of other options. Seriously.
Liam 06-Oct-2011 16:20
Had a follow up appointment with my podiatrist...everything is apparently GREAT. He told me I should be 100% by next week. I actually kinda see the light at the end of the tunnel because drainage seems to have stopped. He told me to stop using the Amerigel but I still applied a bit before going to work. I mean, in the real world I have to protect against infection. Wearing socks and shoes and working 8 hours....it's needed I think.

I won't be using it at home and when I sleep though. Just soaking (which does wonders IME). Hurray hopefully I am fine 100% by next week. Also pain is completely gone, I can run (tested it out a bit haha) and I'm fine.
Liam 05-Oct-2011 13:16
@John
Looking forward to your updates. You did a great job caring for it! I'll be sure to update my super slow progress here.
:)
Liam 05-Oct-2011 13:07
@John
Looking forward to your updates. You did a great job caring for it! I'll be sure to update my super slow progress here.
:)
John 05-Oct-2011 11:41
@Liam: After the scabs came off I still continued applying ointment. Between the nail bed and the nail fold there is still a fissure, there the skin seams to be very thin.
As you see on my pics the skin of the nail bed is getting callused after a permanent toenail removal. And it seams to be a frequently mentioned problem if you have a look to the contributions. For this I actually experiment using "Salicilvaseline" instead of ointment. It's a combination of 10 percent of salicile (the ingredient of Aspirine) and vaseline cream. It is able to dissolve calluses and it's bactericidal and an antiseptic at the same time. For the moment it seams to do its work, but I'm anxious to see if the skin will begin to normalize from ahead and from the side of the toes of if there will be no effect after applying it for some weeks. I will report the progress .
Liam 04-Oct-2011 19:34
@John
Also, were u continuing to apply ointment and soaking whilst having the scabs? Sorry for the questions...I'm kinda getting nervous about the whole thing cause my podiatrist told me that I would be healed in 14 days. Im at day 13 and it's not healed, haha. I want this to be over and never have to deal with this again.
Liam 04-Oct-2011 18:20
@John
I had a question though, now that scabs went off, are you still soaking or applying ointment and gauzes or no?
tia! :)
Liam 04-Oct-2011 18:17
Congrats JOHN!! I just went through your photostream! YAY you healed amazingly. I am in Day 13 of partial phenol nail avulsion. It's scabbed up a bit (like dark looking). I'm continuing to soak it for 5 mins morning and night in warm, epsom salt water and applying amerigel (antibiotic + tissue healer). I hope I heal soon. I'm still draining a bit amongst the little scab forming.

positive healing for all!!!
toesucker 03-Oct-2011 01:53
I have had all ten removed and love it. Just wished I'd done it years ago instead of battling ingrown nails. Amazing how they look too. I wear flips all the time now.
PS.. Yes I have a foot fetish too.. lol
toesucker 03-Oct-2011 01:16
I have had all ten removed and love it. Just wished I'd done it years ago instead of battling ingrown nails. Amazing how they look too. I wear flips all the time now.
PS.. Yes I have a foot fetish too.. lol
John 02-Oct-2011 18:06
@Jo: I agree, it seams most surgeons do not know a lot about the correct aftercare. It's my experience, too. My finding is: soaking the whole toe (and the forefoot) is suboptimal because there are always bacteria on the skin, this can get to the wound and cause an infection, even you use antiseptic additives in the water (there are a lot of bacteria on the feet!). But it's nevertheless important to prevent forming a scab, to keep the wound open and to enable discharge of fluids. With my method (as already described) I had great success, three weeks after the removal of all remaining toenails it's almost healed and I'm almost fully mobile again, no infection, no more pain. Apropos pain: The first three days it's absolutely essential to take sufficient painkillers. I got them from my surgeon and by this I managed the situation fairly good. For me it was worth one's while.
Jo 01-Oct-2011 14:28
I just posted that I had my big toenail removed and I will never do this again even if the fungus comes back, it is very painful, I am so miserable. Podiatrists do not seem to help you much or tell you what to do. I came on here to see if I could get some advice to make this more tolerable.
Jo 01-Oct-2011 14:24
I had my big toe nail removed and the second day I was able to soak it in warm water and epsom salt but after that I cannot put my foot in the water it hurts too much. I cannot soak it. I am flushing with peroxide and alcohol and applying neosporin to the gauze. I am reading so many different ways to care for it. Does anyone know if I am doing the right thing?
John 16-Sep-2011 07:51
@Karen: Applying Polysporin before bandaging seams not to be the wrong thing. It's containing antibiotics which prevents infections. I'm using "Bepanthene Plus" which is a disinfecting ointment without antibiotics. I had my surgery on the left foot on Sept 01/2011 and on the right foot on Sept 07/2011 (as you) and healing seams to go well - in opposition to the first surgery in Jan 2011. I'm actually documenting the healing process, because I think permanent toenail removal and its recovery is an "unsolved" issue (almost after you come at home after surgery). If you're interested you can have a look to my photo stream on www.flickr.com/photos/nomoretoenails/
John 16-Sep-2011 07:37
@Karen: Applying Polysporin before bandaging seams not to be the wrong thing. It's containing antibiotics which prevents infections. I'm using "Bepanthene Plus" which is a disinfecting ointment without antibiotics. I had my surgery on the left foot on Sept 01/2011 and on the right foot on Sept 07/2011 (as you) and healing seams to go well - in opposition to the first surgery in Jan 2011. I'm actually documenting the healing process, because I think permanent toenail removal and its recovery is an "unsolved" issue (almost after you come at home after surgery). If you're interested you can have a look to my photo stream on www.flickr.com/photos/nomoretoenails/
John 16-Sep-2011 07:26
@Karen: Applying Polysporin before bandaging seams not to be the wrong thing. It's containing antibiotics which prevents infections. I'm using "Bepanthene Plus" which is a disinfecting ointment without antibiotics. I had my surgery on the left foot on Sept 01/2011 and on the right foot on Sept 07/2011 (as you) and healing seams to go well - in opposition to the first surgery in Jan 2011. I'm actually documenting the healing process, because I think permanent toenail removal and its recovery is an "unsolved" issue (almost after you come at home after surgery). If you're interested you can have a look to my photo stream on www.flickr.com/photos/nomoretoenails/
Karen 14-Sep-2011 14:51
I get very scared after reading some of the stories on this site.It seems like everyone has been told all different ways how to look after your toes after surgery.I just hope and pray that i'am doing it right ,i was told to soak the toes once a day in luke warm water,then apply lots of polysporin and bandage them.It is pretty hard considreing that it is all 10 of them.
Karen 14-Sep-2011 14:43
I had all ten toe nails permanently removed Sept 7/2011.They seem to be doing ok,but i fell alot of pain and discomfort at the end of my toes.I go to see the specialist this Friday ,which will make it a week past.I hope the healing will continue as well as it seems to have been doing.
John 10-Sep-2011 11:42
After my first surgery I followed the doc's advice to soak the toe three times a day - and I got an infection. Ten days ago I had my second surgery. Just adding some disinfecting ointment twice a day, covering it by a sterile wound dressing and bandaging is perfect! I think the most important thing is to have a "wet" wound healing and to ensure fluids can get out of the wound. Avoid to get a close scab.
Guest 27-Aug-2011 22:47
My dr has me soaking three times a day in a bath fresh lukewarm water + salt + white vinegar then applying germicide cream and a loose bandage. Maybe y'all should try that and see if it helps,
RobynLouise 29-Jul-2011 19:56
Hi guys. Im new to this website so bare with me :)
8 days ago I had a Total Nail Avulsion on my right, big toe.
It went well & didnt hurt at all.
But its been throbbing, red, oozy & quite sore.
Plus its got a funny smell to it.
I wasnt really given any advice on how to care for it.
Ive been soaking it once a day in warm water & salt, putting vaseline & fresh dressing on.
Im not sure whether to wipe all the pus off, or leave it, as the podiatrist told me just to wipe around the wound. Im so confused! Please help :) xx
Geraint 28-Jul-2011 14:32
Can any of you help me? It's 7 weeks since I had my big toenail permanently removed. I dress it every day and soak for 3 minutes in salt water. Alternate days I put on an antiseptic cream.
I'm on holiday in China so can't visit my chiropodist to ask if it's normal, so here goes, turning to fellow sufferers!
Each day there is a growing layer of ugly yellow mucus on where the toenail used to be, Is this normal? Should I try and clean it off or leave it alone?
Thanks for this website. Crazy but really helpful!
Nick 28-Jul-2011 11:01
Hi guys.

Had a fungally infected big right toe for probably around 3 years now, so it's truly embedded. Will I still be able to get the nail permanently removed and just have a nailbed? If it would just be the injections and an op to cut out the entire nail just leaving the bed I think that would definitely be worth it because I hate this fungal nail - I'm 18 y/o and it's embarrassing and unsightly.

Going to book a drs appointment ASAP for a discussion about this. I hate the thought of injections/an op but it's definitely better than this nail!
Nina11 26-Jul-2011 21:40
Hi yah, I'm so glad I came across this site, I don't feel like such a hypochondriac over my blimmin toe anymore! 4 years ago I had a bad ingrown toenail on my left big toe, my GP removed the nail, cut away some tissue and the ingrown nail. As a lot of you had mentioned it was the local aesthetic in the toe that hurt the most during the procedure...after this I was getting infection after infection and a lump appeared on the corner of my toe and was painful. So I then had the nail removed again, the nail bed cauterized and the lump removed and tested (which came back clear). Again I kept getting infections then I began to have problems with my actual foot and could no longer bend my toe. They said I could have CRPS from where too much surgery has damaged the nerves and bone in my foot. I went to a pain management clinic but because the lump was growing back and bits of toe nail they referred me back to orthopaedics. X-rays had shown a very small amount of scar tissue on the bone of my toe but didn't see that as being a concern. So I underwent a 3rd op but nothing had changed. They decided to deal with the pain was prescribed these strong painkillers which did help, then about 2 months later had a 4th op. I was very happy with the outcome and I was able to bend my toe and where normal shoes after 3 years of not being able to! But now there's bits of nail growing back again and its very tender and keeps catching, thankfully my foot isn't suffering but I get cramp a lot in my toe and hurts when I walk too much. I've now been referred to a foot specialist. It's been 4 years of all this, I haven't worn a pair of heals during this time and its only been the last few months can wear shoes rather than live in flip flops with backs to them coz my toe is too weak for normal ones. Its been an absolute nightmare and all over a toe! A TOE!!!!
Kelly 14-Jul-2011 14:54
Well I just had my second toe done. My first nail actually came off during the procedure but this time it held on strong (keeping my fingers crossed it stays on). The worst is the needles but they are totally managable. Have to take my bandage off this morning but I am too big of a baby to do it myself - my sister is coming over to do it. I'm not sure what it will look like because last time my nail came off - I'm sure it will look strange not having nail on each side. Pain in not too bad just throbbing which I am hopeful will go away after another day. I appreciate this site and being able to read other posts.
lynn 11-Jul-2011 17:28
i recently had my left toenail removed, dr said to change the dressing in the morning my toe has been in so much pain i did not change the dressing that day i waited. when i did get the nerve up to change it the gauze was so stuck to the nail bed i could not get it of f i had to soak it in warm water to lossen the gauze. and now im affraid that that was the wrong thing to do. i feel alot of throbbing and almost a numbing sensation on the toe and front of foot, almost like the skin is pulling the tissue around it.. my foot is swollen and red ive been in flip flop shoes and today was the first time placing a sock and crock shoes on very uncomfortable. ive been off of my feet and elevating my foot. if anyone has any advise on this please post it thanks D.Col
effildIncitle 11-Jun-2011 12:32
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Tommy 08-Jun-2011 02:34
Keith
I had the same feeling on my right big toe nail which was treated with phenol about one year ago. The feeling lasted about 6 months after the nail bed healed. It eventually went away. I have not had any similar feelings in the left big toenail which was also treated with phenol in April this year.
Darlene 07-Jun-2011 16:56
I had my right big toenail removed yesterday. I had my left second toenail removed a few years ago also it looks fairly good on the left . I do not regret it as there is no longer pain on the left it should take about two weeks and the big toe will be doing good I had it burned so it will not grow back but this time seems more painful other than that I will be doing another toe in two weeks, wit no regrets.
Darlene 07-Jun-2011 16:54
I had my right big toenail removed yesterday. I had my left second toenail removed a feew years ago also it looks fairly good on the left and no pain I do not regret it as there is n longer pain on the left it should take about two weeks and the big toe will be doing good I had it burned so it will not grow back but this time seems more painful other than that I will be doing another toe in two weeks, wit no regrets
keith 06-Jun-2011 18:33
i had two ingrown nails taken out one on both feet and they used an acid of some sort to stop the nail from growing back and now when i straighten my leg and extend my foot then curl my big toe it pulls and has a sharp pain . if any1 could tell me if they had this happen to them before. did the doctor mess up?
Guest 12-May-2011 10:48
I was just wondering if anyone could let me know it they have had the surgery with the stitches as I am being advised by my GP and my Chiropodist to have the incision surgery as opposed to the phenol procedure to remove both my big toenails which are both infected as well. As everyone on this site has either had it done or is having it done, your opinions would be greatly appreciated. I am due to have them done on Wednesday the 18th may. Thanks
Jamie Osborn 09-May-2011 23:10
A Dr. Stephen Berkey in Plano, Texas over-cauterized my left big toenail after a simple ingrown toenail removal surgery. He left the acid in for 10+ minutes leaving a hole in my toe. After a month of wound care with a new doctor, my nail is dying and will fall off and never grow back. You can't sue a doctor in Texas, so I can only report him to the board and take him to small claims court. He has mamed me and I will have to forever live with an alien looking toe. I am scared to death it will be too sensitive and painful and never be able to be polished. Any ideas? I am disabled as it is with a bad back, so this is not what I needed in my life. I am so sad and scared.
Nina 09-May-2011 03:34
How long does it take to heal?
Nina 09-May-2011 03:03
How long does it take to heal?
Jennifer Analco 06-May-2011 14:18
Wonderful pictures! I'm doing a report on office surgical procedures for my school. Your step-by-step photos is almost being right there in the room assisting with the procedure! Thank you for sharing your pictures and getting me an "A" on my report!
cally 29-Apr-2011 12:50
hi, Tommy ive checked out your pics , very useful to make comaprisons to myself, i had my toenail removed 1 week ago and judgeing by your pics mine is looking ok, thanks,
mike 26-Apr-2011 18:41
hello, i had my right big toenail removed before christmas,it seemed to be healing fine but now it has become painfull an kinda scabed over at top of toe anyone have any advice?
Tommy 14-Apr-2011 20:54
Today is two weeks since my left big toenail was removed permanently. I had my right one removed permanently with phenol burn in May 2010 with good results (my story on this one is further below). I had my two week post-op checkup today and the podiatrist said it was healing well. Mine was done because of toenail fungus that eventually caused ingrown toenails. I have also documented in pics my toenail removal and healing process. Checkout my flikr page. You could find it under “daytommy2002” -- do a people search. I did not do any soaks, just after the shower in the morning I cleaned the wound and used Amerigel and bandaged it I did the same in the evening. The nail less toes don’t look that bad…it does look different but unless someone closely looks it is hardly noticeable. It looks great compared to flaky white nails. Happy healing to all….and keep us posted. This board has been a great resource.
Lesley Ann 13-Apr-2011 23:14
Hi...I had big toenail removed 2 days ago at the accident and emergency clinic at my local hospital due to my nail being displaced by a horse standing on my toe and then twisting causing the toenail to be pulled away from the nail bed on the left side and at the bottom of my toe. They began with 4 injections...not too bad....slight sting but perfectly bearable. They then started to remove the nail but half way through I felt sharp pains so they stopped and gave me 2 more injections which stopped the pain entirely. During the procedure I felt a bit sick ...due to my blood pressure dropping....but if you lie down your blood pressure rises and the feeling goes away. I won’t lie....it wasn’t pleasant and it took about 35 minutes to remove. As the nail was undamaged they implanted the nail back into the nail bed. It was bandaged for 2 days...I was advised to keep bandage on for 4 days...but as it has blood on it I decided to remove.{Please bear in mind I have a toenail so infection is less likely} I was pleasantly surprised how good it looked although the nail is chalk white and the skin proud and very red at the base of the nail. I cleaned the nail with antiseptic and warm water and redressed. I also sprayed with savlon anticeptic spray. I have no cuts or open wounds. I have been unable to wear my shoes but wore sandals and thank goodness for Ugg boots as they are bearable. I remove the dressing when I’m home as this lets the toe air and prevents the skin from becoming white and weepy. A little Vaseline or sudocream keeps the skin from drying out. My foot is also quite puffy and all my toes a little swollen which makes walking uncomfortable. I take 1 x Paracetamol and 1 x Nurofen together ...one is a painkiller and one an anti inflammatory which work well to keep the toe very comfortable. This is only day 3 and I was out all day today painfree although I do walk a little like a penguin x x
Lesley Ann 13-Apr-2011 23:13
Hi...I had big toenail removed 2 days ago at the accident and emergency clinic at my local hospital due to my nail being displaced by a horse standing on my toe and then twisting causing the toenail to be pulled away from the nail bed on the left side and at the bottom of my toe. They began with 4 injections...not too bad....slight sting but perfectly bearable. They then started to remove the nail but half way through I felt sharp pains so they stopped and gave me 2 more injections which stopped the pain entirely. During the procedure I felt a bit sick ...due to my blood pressure dropping....but if you lie down your blood pressure rises and the feeling goes away. I won’t lie....it wasn’t pleasant and it took about 35 minutes to remove. As the nail was undamaged they implanted the nail back into the nail bed. It was bandaged for 2 days...I was advised to keep bandage on for 4 days...but as it has blood on it I decided to remove.{Please bear in mind I have a toenail so infection is less likely} I was pleasantly surprised how good it looked although the nail is chalk white and the skin proud and very red at the base of the nail. I cleaned the nail with antiseptic and warm water and redressed. I also sprayed with savlon anticeptic spray. I have no cuts or open wounds. I have been unable to wear my shoes but wore sandals and thank goodness for Ugg boots as they are bearable. I remove the dressing when I’m home as this lets the toe air and prevents the skin from becoming white and weepy. A little Vaseline or sudocream keeps the skin from drying out. My foot is also quite puffy and all my toes a little swollen which makes walking uncomfortable. I take 1 x Paracetamol and 1 x Nurofen together ...one is a painkiller and one an anti inflammatory which work well to keep the toe very comfortable. This is only day 3 and I was out all day today painfree although I do walk a little like a penguin x x
Jen 08-Apr-2011 03:23
So it's been about 10 days since I had my big toenail permanently removed. I haven't missed any work and just wear a flip flop on that foot. I have been soaking my foot in Epsom salts for about 10 minutes twice a day. Then I apply Silvadene cream (doc prescribed it) and a gauze bandage. I think the Epsom salts soaks have made all the difference. I've not been in any real pain at all. This permanent toenail removal has been so much easier to deal with than the previous nonpermanent removals. I am so grateful! IAs soon as it heals, I'm slapping on a fake nail and wearing sandals to show it off!
Trenia 05-Apr-2011 00:47
Hello, I had both of my big toe nails removed Feb. 22 of this year. It appears to be healing but a slow process. Also am an African American woman and since the removal the skin a top of my toes is much darker now since i had the procedure done. Right after the surgery if seemed to burn and now it is very dark. Will it remain this way or will my natural color return? Has this happen to any one else.
Suzy-x- 31-Mar-2011 18:05
Hi - thanks for the pictures and your account of your procedure, mine was very much the same..... i'm from the UK, had my right toenail removed when I was 13 under general anaesthetic - which was 20 years ago, and had stitches, but 4 days ago, I had my left toe nail surgery and now they do a different procedure and use local anaesthetic! The most painful bit that day was the 4 needles in my toe ! ! ! But... I coped. I've been managing for 5 days now and the throbbing is still ongoing but each day it is slightly better than the previous. I'm in this for the long haul now, so got to wait for it to mend. Looking forward to painting the toe just like the rest and you can't tell. Best wishes to all those who do this, just try to cope with the soreness - I know it will eventually go and you can still get some sleep so it's not all bad !
libby 29-Mar-2011 10:39
HaD both big toenails removed last thursday to cure my ingrowing problem, i want mine to grown back nice as i love painting my toenails in the summer, the doctors were not helpful. i assumed i could go back to work 3 days later but no chance !! does anyone know when does it stop throbbing ? how long before my toenails grown back ? and why cant i get them wet and how long before i can shower ? when can i take dressings off ?
Jen 29-Mar-2011 02:33
Had the nail on my left big toe permanently removed today. The worst part of the procedure is the shots to numb the toe. Of course that bit of pain is worth it when I think of the alternative! I start my epsom salt soaks in the morning. My doctor said it should heal fairly quickly. When I've had this nail removed before, the pain was excruciating; it throbbed for days and took months before I could wear real shoes. She said that it shouldn't "hurt" but will likely feel "uncomfortable." I'm good with that! I'm planning on going to work tomorrow sporting a big bandage and flip flops. ;-) I will keep you posted.
Rachel 28-Mar-2011 16:20
Mike,
Have you tried soaking your toes in Peroxide? I had an issue with fungus and that was the only thing that helped. I took 2 parts peroxide to 1 part water and soaked for 10-15 minutes before bed. After a week or so I saw great improvement. Give it a try
Meredith 25-Mar-2011 01:21
@kirsty

The way I knew one of my toes was infected was that it suddenly started hurting (and I mean really hurting) during my epsom soaks when it didn't hurt before. Also, the skin on top of the toe was too smooth (but not really swollen) and didn't wrinkle like the other toe.
Kelly 23-Mar-2011 21:54
I had the nail removed on the big toe of my left foot, about 20 yrs ago. At, the time the doctor said he was destroying the root and nail bed so that it would not grow back. Unfortunately, it did. It has taken years for it to grow, but it's back, and very deformed. Recently, I have noticed that the toe itself is swollen and discolored, and the whole toe hurts terribly, but especially the joint. I noticed I was limping earlier today. Shoes are becoming a problem....soooo I guess it's off to the doc I go, again. Thanks for the pics!
Mike 23-Mar-2011 03:51
This is the most useful conversation I have found. I have toenail fungus on every one of my toes. I first noticed it 8 years ago on one toe, but had no idea that it was an issue and knew nothing about the fungus. I also hate going to doctors and had very little time anyway as I was doing a phd while working full time etc. Over the years I just dealt with the issue with nail clippers. I have done my own removal of nail operations dozens of times on every nail. It got to the point that I realized I would never win, so 2 years ago I went to see a podiatrist to tell him to remove the nails and to apply phenol, but he was not very helpful and I moved to Hawaii shortly afterwards. I have even researched getting hold of phenol so I can do it myself as it is going to be a nightmare getting to a podiatrist over here.

The biggest problem I have found is that the fungus has cause deformed and ingrown nails, and when I prise out and remove a nail myself, if it was ingrown, I can't find anyway to stop nail tissue growing back into the same gaps left by the old ingrown nail. In addition when I remove a nail, there is often another soft nail underneath, and there is always fungus intermingled with skin underneath that. So a new nail growns back over fungus anyway. I just don't seem to be able to destroy the fungus. I try using a nail file to file away what is left after the nail is removed and that seems to trim back but never remove.

Has anyone ever found a solution for that? Or is the application of phenol the only way to prevent nail growth in certain areas?
kirsty 20-Mar-2011 22:26
just to let people know its kirsty again i had my nail removed andi didnt feel a thing at all it was completely painless!!! so if any1 is having it done dont worry at all!! i was almost havin panic attacks beforehand bt it was completly painless i promise! it looks gross now thou i was just wondering if anyone knew how to tell if it gets infected or anything?
meg 17-Mar-2011 01:58
how long will it take to heal if you get your toenails 6 removed permanatly
kirsty 16-Mar-2011 21:49
hi im having my toe nail removed 2moro n im sooo scared does it hurt really bad??? ive just watched a video on youtube and its made me feel sick im so scared!!!
Clay 15-Mar-2011 20:04
Also, what kind of doctor/surgeon did you use?

Just a regular "podiatrist"? Or someone more specialized?

Thanks!
Clay 15-Mar-2011 19:57
Thank you for the photos and description! I've lost my right toenail about 4 times, due to repeated trauma, or having it removed. It always grows back, but then gets injured and needs to be removed again. I injured it again this weekend (playing Ultimate Frisbee, and yes my shoes fit correctly). So now I have a purple toenail that is still attached to my toe but actually not attached at the nailbed or matrix. So I think my best option is to have the matrix fully cauterized this time. Your site is the only one on the Internet with good information about this procedure. Thank you!
Jen 09-Mar-2011 04:30
@Fred - Hi. Just read your post. What kind of doctor performed your surgery? How did s/he determine that surgery was warranted instead of permanent toenail removal done in the doctor's office? I'm ready for it but want to go to a doctor other than my dermatologist who has been treating it for years. Anxious to hear everyone's suggestions. Thanks!
Guest 20-Feb-2011 21:15
Just had the sides of toenails on big toes removed, with chemical at the bottom, so they won't grow afain. My podiatrist told me they have to heal from the inside out, so doesn't want it to scab. If it does, I hveto call him I soak them twice i day with epsome salts in the water.
fred 17-Feb-2011 20:54
hi, i just had my left toenail removed , not chemically, but actual removal from the bone due to the extreme thickness of the nail. the surgery took 1 hour and i was given 2-3 weeks off of work for healing and told not to remove the bandages at all or get it wet because the bone is exposed underneath the dressing, but just to keep applying more bandages over when it bleeds more. i was also given a special shoe to stabalize the foot and told to keep my foot elevated over my heart for the next 24-36 hours to minimize throbbing and bleeding. they said if it gets wet, infection can set in and once that happens, i will need to be on IV antibiotics for up to 2 months and if it doesnt heal, i could lose the whole toe completely. so it is crucial to keep it dry and clean until stiches come off next week, then follow up with further instructions. anyway, thats my experience and last night it hurt like hell until the pain meds kicked in. hope this helps. i need to get the right one removed later as well. when i got it partially removed from a different doc, a year ago she told me it wouldnet grow back and it did and even more severely ingrown too. get second opinions if your not sure about the doctors proceedures. the doctor who did this surgery yesterday is a podiatrist who had done many of these proceedures with success and i trust he knows what hes doing.. hope this helps. good luck!
Tommy 15-Feb-2011 01:39
Kate:
Is it a total permanent removal or partial (sides only) removal? If it is only partial then you should back on your feet. Your toe will be numb for a couple of hours. If it is a total removal with a phenol burn...you will have some pain for a couple days....also you may have to wear a surgical shoe/flip-flops to keep pressure of your toe. So the bottom line it depends on what your surgery is. Good luck and keep us posted. This site has tons of good info
kate 13-Feb-2011 22:34
was wondering if you could help. im having my right toe nail removed tomorrow and the dr who recommended it said i can go back to work and walk on it straight away, but with all the comments on this, is that a big lie my dr has told me?
Tommy 09-Feb-2011 02:41
Kelly:
I think you said that you only did the phenol burn of the sides...so scabbing is part of the healing process. The scabs will eventually fall off. Keep the wound protected. Since you only did the sides...your nail should start to grow out in another couple of weeks...it may take a good six months for the nail to grow. See what it looks like...depending on how the nail root was killed the nail will take its shape. Best wishes healing...and keep us posted.
Kelly 08-Feb-2011 18:55
Is scabbing over on the sides a good thing? My entire nail came off when he was doing the ingrown procedure so I don't have a nail at all - when he was cleaning it a couple weeks ago he accidently cut the skin on my toe (ouch) but now the corners are scabbing and stuff - will this eventually fall off?
Tommy 01-Feb-2011 03:20
Adrienne: Healing takes about 4 to 6 weeks. I would say at least 8 weeks. It the 10 week period you should see complete healing. I am assuming you had a phenol burn of the nail matrix. So you are going to have a tender toe for sometime. If you could get a post-op shoe/surgical shoe that may help. You don't want to put any pressure on the toe...it will be very painful. Also make sure you keep it covered and use an antibiotic gel...such as silverdine if it is available in Japan. If you see any sought of infection (i.e. warm toe, swelling, throbbing pain ) see a doc. You don't want infection especially MRSA types. Did you have ingrown toenails or was it for fungal infection? I had surgery less than an year ago (mine was due to long time fungal infection). You could read my story below. Good luck healing...I am sure you will be happy that you don't have to deal with this issue any more.
Adrienne 27-Jan-2011 02:11
What a great resource! Who knew so many people had the same problems I do with my toe.
I just had my right big toenail removed permanently on January 3rd after years of partial and complete removals (to no avail), and am concerned about thee healing process. Unfortunately, I did this on a vacation home to the states, and have since returned to Japan, where they're not too keen on removing the toenail (or so it seems), so I'm stuck going to a dermatologist for follow-up should I need it. As I have not had good experiences with him before, I would like to avoid it--I soak my toe twice a day with a sanitary solution, cover the wound with iodine and bandage it up.
My questions are: (a) Should it still be too tender to wear more than really wide-toed boots at this point? Even my sneaker-type-shoes I've had to resort to for work aren't great, but I have little option. (b) There's a small white lump developing towards the side of the wound--has anyone else experienced this? (c) Should it still be oozing through my band-aids at this point?

Thank you!
Tommy 19-Jan-2011 01:22
To the guest going to the beach in March: You need to rest the toe for the first two weeks. After that walking is fine. Running or putting any pressure on the toe is not recommended until at least 6 weeks post surgery. I walked on the treadmill and use a high enough gradient to make it good workout.
Charlie 17-Jan-2011 23:53
I am going to the GP tomorrow to explore toenail removal. Both of my little toenails grow in backwards -pointing to the ankle - and always have. When they got long enough I just grabbed them and tore them out. But now that I am older and my toes are fatter and my fingers are arthritic I can't do that any more. I have the little nippers but can't bend the toe myself with one hand and control the nipper with the other to trim the nail. So I am thinking it is time to look into permanent removal.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. I got through the pictures OK and started reading posts from the bottom up. It didn't take long before y'all had me feeling woozy and I had to lie down. I manage the pain better than I do the thought of it. I guess I will need the GP to give me another one of her magical I don't care pills (Xanax) that got me in the dentist's chair with a BP low enough that they would perform an implant procedure.
Charlie 17-Jan-2011 23:50
I am going to the GP tomorrow to explore toenail removal. Both of my little toenails grow in backwards -pointing to the ankle - and always have. When they got long enough I just grabbed them and tore them out. But now that I am older and my toes are fatter and my fingers are arthritic I can't do that any more. I have the little nippers but can't bend the toe myself with one hand and control the nipper with the other to trim the nail. So I am thinking it is time to look into permanent removal.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. I got through the pictures OK and started reading posts from the bottom up. It didn't take long before y'all had me feeling woozy and I had to lie down. I manage the pain better than I do the thought of it. I guess I will need the GP to give me another one of her magical I don't care pills (Xanax) that got me in the dentist's chair with a BP low enough that they would perform an implant procedure.
Guest 17-Jan-2011 07:19
I'm going to go traveling March break and will be on the beaches a lot. I just had this same procedure done and am hoping someone can answer this question. If I want it to heal in 2 months time would running daily be an available option, or would this extend the amount of time it requires to heal?
Tommy 17-Jan-2011 05:33
@ Julie: You could get a post-op/surgical shoe. That will allow you to ware a sock to keep your toes warm. Also you should use an antibiotic gel or cream so that you don't get any infection. It takes a good 8 weeks to get a normal appearance. Hope you heel soon.
Carol 17-Jan-2011 02:38
Hi Everybody. This is the first time in my life that I come across such an interesting conversation on toes! I had my toes- three on each foot- removed so many years ago- I have even forgotten the pain and discomfort. I come from South Africa and the surgery was done back home. I had both ingorwn toenails- and after several attempts to rectify the ingrown townails, I developed fungi. I remember that my poor children could not even speak loudly in my room- the pain was so bad. But I eventually healed. Now I use ordinary artifical toenails. I stick them on with crazy glue and at night I simply peel them off. I only wear them when I wear fancy sandals. I cannot wear them when I wear shoes- they drive me insane. I have been thinking of having toenails tattood? Does anybody know if it would work? I miss my toenails- but I don't miss the pain of ingrown toenails and the discomfort of that goes with it!
Julie 13-Jan-2011 22:21
I had my right big toenail permanently removed on 12/30/2010 (made for an interesting New Year's party where I was paranoid of people stepping on my foot). I'm just at the 2 week mark today and the toe is still oozing and raw. I'm in flipflops in the dead of winter and probably will be wearing these for the next few weeks. I've been keeping the toe covered. From what I hear, reading through the other messages here, and also from a few people at my work that have had the same procedure, healing is quite slow and takes a good six weeks or longer. My general practitioner did the removal. I had no antibiotics and no special creams and was told just to soak the foot 2-3 times per day in either warm water, warm water with sea salt, or warm water with epsom salt. I've been going the warm water with epsom salt route. After soaking, I was told to put Vaseline on the toe, and then put the dressing on. Someone at work who had the same procedure said her podiatrist had her use Silvadene cream on the toe instead of Vaseline. I called my doc after the end of the first week when I had one night of difficulty sleeping because of toe pain and asked about the Silvadene. They called it in to the pharmacy and I've been using that instead of the Vaseline, but honestly, haven't noticed much improvement. Little by little. Flip flops in the snow will have to be my winter fashion statement :)
jen wren 04-Jan-2011 18:08
had toe nails removed 4 weeks ago still yukky so still using the salt baths is this normal cant get shoes boots on even socks hurt is there any kind of cream that could help the healing process just hope this is the end of sore feet....
Guest 03-Jan-2011 05:03
@Jade:
You may want to talk about this with your parents first. Since you are still under 18, any surgical procedure will need parental consent. Also from what you have mentioned most likely outcome will be permanent removal of the toenails. That is no toenails ever. So you and your parents will have to consider all options. Please consult a good podiatrist. Go to a different person from the last one you consulted. Also if you do consider permanent removal do one toe at a time. This way the pain will be minimized. Keep us posted .
Jade 02-Jan-2011 22:53
Hey, im 15 and 3 years ago i got an ingrowing toenail. it wasnt to bad at first. but then the left one started to ingrow to. september 2008 i had an operation to remove them and then let them grow back normally and hopefully healthy. they didnt they grow back worse. December 29th 2009 i had my 2nd operation, to remove my whole nail, but the sides were spose to have been killed off. i had 12 stitches overall. having them removed was the most painful thing ever. now i have two sort of clumps i suppose of nail in the midle of my toe. they dont even reach the top. i cant stand to look at my feet anymore and none of my friends know. the only thing is just as i was adjusting to it, these sort of spikes of nail grow upwards around the side. i think its nail because i can cut them down so they dont catch anything, but it hurts a little if i try to move them from side to side. any help and or advice. much appreciated.
Nettie 29-Dec-2010 16:55
Hi, I had a full toenail ablation on both big toes on 10 November and am concerned that they are not healing as well as they should. Both are still extremely sore and although they dry out if I leave them uncovered for a few hours they do still weep under dressings. I have been wearing shoes and going out for walks and this is probably the main cause but the pain is so bad sometimes, especially after a salt bath and re-dressing. The toes are not 'hot' or particularly swollen but very tender around the cuticle area and I am concerned that there may be an infection. I am not keen to go back to my podiatrist as she hurt me so much on my last appointment by scrapping away the surface area of the nailbed and rubbing roughly when bathing and drying the area. Should I ask my GP's opinion or is this not the correct procedure?
Tommy 24-Dec-2010 23:18
Damian:
Did you have fungal infection? or was it ingrown? It takes about 6-8 weeks to heal completely. Sometimes upto 10 weeks. If your toe is swollen or warm you may have an infection. Call your doc. Did you have any follow-up visits? Make sure the infection does not spread to the bone. Also do you apply any antibiotic cream or gel when dressing the wound? If not you should ask for a prescription. Good luck healing
Damian 22-Dec-2010 21:12
Hi,

I had a full toenail ablation on both my big toes on 14th November 2010. The big toe on the right foot seems to have healed quite well. It is still very red but there is no real pain although I still have to salt bath it every day and dress the toe. The toe on the left foot toe is still very red raw and oozes quite a bit through the dressing and 'stings'. I have already had a course of medication for infection on this foot. It is now coming up to 5 weeks and I am worried the left foot is taking too long to heal. What is the average healing time for this type of procedure 6-8 weeks???
fairymnster 06-Dec-2010 23:03
Hi guys, i had a bilateral toe wedge resection may 26 2010 and then found myself back in theatre for a second go at my left toe on October 26th 2010. After much arguing pre-op about what was going to be dome, i woke up from the anaesthetic to find i did in fact have my whole nail removed ( but not permanently) because it shattered during the procedure( could be just a story i dont know) anyhow the reason for my posting here is its now 7 weeks today since the op and im still having to go and have it dressed twice a week which i dont think is adequate as i keep leaking through the dressing and its still very red and sore and now way near looking like some of the pics ive seen of peoples healed foot at 4 weeks here on the net. I'm beginning to feel like im getting fobbed off about my concerns, im just over it, we're now heading into summer here in Australia and i still cant have a proper shower, bath or even go for a swim because its still open and oozing quite a lot and its quite stressful for me because i can constantly smell it, saw their podiatrist yesterday over some concerns i had only to be told everything is normal and theres no infection blah blah blah and that if i wanted they could show me some pics of ones that are really bad. I'm so over this if it doesnt work this time i wont be doing it again or at least not here in this town in this hospital....
Guest 19-Nov-2010 04:07
hey I just had my left big toenail taken off. because I had a toenail fungus. two weeks before I went to my foot doctor my toenail was smelly and clear guck coming from it. I went to the doctor the first time and he said your nail doesnt look so good, try soaking it with some epsom salt in water for a couple weeks then come back and see me. So I soaked it with epsom salt in water for 2 weeks. the toenail no longer smelled and no more goop coming out of it. When I went to the doctor the second time he said the toe looked better but it needed to be removed becuase the nail was very thick. i got it removed a couple days ago. Its doing good so far. I have to keep soaking it twice a day in epsom salt water. one tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water. It stings a little bit but it feels great everytime I soak it. then I put neosporin on it and bandage it up and put on socks with sandals.
bryguy 12-Nov-2010 03:22
I was just reading something on that but I don't know if anyone is doing it yet.
Guest 09-Nov-2010 19:10
Has anybody managed to have their lost toenails replaced? or come across a nail surgeon who has reconstructed it?
Guest 09-Nov-2010 18:21
Hi, I had my big toenail removed 6 weeks ago, my toe is healing well, its scabbing over. i bought a leg cover for showers and baths. this might sound a daft question but do you think i could have a lovely bubble bath? without the cover?
Guest 09-Nov-2010 18:20
Hi, I had my big toenail removed 6 weeks ago, my toe is healing well, its scabbing over. i bought a leg cover for showers and baths. this might sound a daft question but do you think i could have a lovely bubble bath? without the cover?
Tommy 09-Nov-2010 04:34
Red: . It takes a good 6 weeks to heal completely. Sometimes longer. The nail bed looks red for at least 2 weeks.That is normal. However, any issues such as diabetes, vascular issues could complicate and delay the healing. Always be on the lookout for any form of infection. The doc should have advised your mom to schedule an appointment at the 2 week mark after removal, to inspect the wound and see if it is healing correctly. Call the doc office if you have any concerns. If it has been 2 weeks since surgery schedule an appointment
Red 08-Nov-2010 20:32
My mom had vascular surgery on her leg. A few days after her surgery her big toe started hurting very bad. About three weeks after surgery she finally went to the doctor and he said she had an ingrown toe nail that was pressing on her bone and nerve. He partially removed that portion. The pain continued a few days later he removed the entire toe nail. The nail bed looks like it has frost bite and the entire toe is red. She has not been back to the Podiatrist although I think she should. Could vascular issues cause the toe nail not to heal properly?
Tommy 05-Nov-2010 09:47
Bell, he could go to work....but he won't be able to put on a construction boot.....the nerves at the end toe need to heal. Any pressure from the boot will be painful.
Bell 04-Nov-2010 21:14
My husband is due to have big toe nail removed after years of problems. He works in construction and doctor told him he'd be back at work in two weeks. After reading this site, we are thinking this can't be.
Guest 31-Oct-2010 03:29
gayle I dont recomend it i had bad luck and infections from it and when you loose your nail nothing is comfortable the nerves are sensative and you can say good bye to high heels
Tommy 29-Oct-2010 03:45
Gayle: I too had nail fungus. You could read my detail story from July 18 2010. "Permanent" is the way to go...because there is always a chance the nail comes back and creates issues. Just be forewarned that your toe may look somewhat different without the nail. But after a few weeks you will be used to it and it does not look bad at all....It takes a good 6 weeks to heal completely. Sometimes a tad longer. You should be able to go to work the next day...but don't expect to ware closed toed shoes for at least two weeks, a post-op shoe or open toe sandal will be fine. You should do it during warmer months so you could ware open toe shoes or sandals. After the surgery they will put a large pressure bandage, after your shower the next morning you could take it off and then start dressing your wound as instructed. There will be some drainage form the wound for at least 2 weeks or longer. You should avoid any physical activity like running/joging for about two weeks. At three weeks you could ware a sneaker and workout; but don't put any pressure on the toe. Let it heal. Always keep it covered....if you see any sign of infection, that is warm toe, swollen after a few days of surgery, etc call your doctor immediately and let him or her know. Always use an antibiotic cream or gel. The toe does take a more bulbous look on the top of the toe. It does not look bad, but does look different. Unless it is closely examined it is hard to say that there is no toenail. You will not get a good sense of what your toe may look like permanently until a few weeks passes by... you could check my flickr page enter the following after the .com photos/13540410@N02/4730846631/
Gayle 28-Oct-2010 05:58
Oh gee, I talked to my doctor today about permanently removing the big toe nails because of the nail fungus I have been fighting for years. I just want to be able to wear open toe shoes. I did have one big toe nail removal which was not permanent a couple of years ago and the fungus returned. I am embrassed to let anybody see my feet and of course it's difficut to find comfortable shoes. I am hoping that if I decide to have the big toe nails permanently removed will it look better or look worse. Can anybody tell me this. I go to my podiatrist every 3 months to have the nails cut and have been doing this for years. He tells me I won't miss the nails but reading some of the comments has scared me. Would like some input.
sadabout toes 23-Oct-2010 01:16
Hi Tommy and all I just went to foot doc old one not new yet was too scared to switch docs dont want anymore problems the regrowth is staying on top of the skin so far and hopefully will just need to keep being drilled down like the other toe . Have to keep an eye still on the side that was redone still could have regrowth also but I pray not God knows i cant have any more procedures . on top of all this I am getting a divorce hubby couldnt handle my health problems . Been a bad year to say the least .
anyway Tommy glad you are healing well that is great
Tommy 20-Oct-2010 02:47
SAD ABOUT TOES AND OTHERS: Yes, my toe has thankfully healed well...Still there is skin peeling away from time to time, but according to the Doc that is to be expected at least for some time. My other toe has not given me any trouble thus far...at some point I may have to remove that toenail as well...if it starts to act-up.....may be next year. For now I am thankful that everything has healed. SAToes did you check with a new Doc? Is the re- growth giving you trouble? Keep us posted.
sad about toes 17-Oct-2010 01:49
Glad to help Ozzies toes . Sounds like Tommy is healing well . the scab should come of little by little in the shower . you are right about 7 weeks which is good mine went over 10 one went 12 but that was because they didnt get the whole nail and had regrowth . Just keep a eye on it and tell him to still baby his toe so it can still heal and glad he is doing better :)
Ozzie Toes 16-Oct-2010 04:00
Forgot to mention SAToes...that I took your advice after our last comment from you and finished the bathing solution that day so his flesh is now returning to normal. Thank you and so pleased that we can all learn from one another, We get more help from our chats than the "so called" specialists.
Ozzie Toes 16-Oct-2010 03:53
Hi Sad about toes, Tommy and Tina

As I posted earlier to SAToes that I used a very strong saline solution (3 tablespoons of sea salt crystals to 1 cup of warm but boiled water). He had his removal done 3rd Sept this year (2010) and the solution I made up was too strong according to directions but healed it up and also dried out most of the skin on his toe which peeled off. We left it to dry without a bandaid (large and wide fabric variety) so the air could get to it while elevated as well and put a bandaid on before going to bed so the covers didn't irritate it. He had phenol procedure and therefore his toe is still a bit red until he elevates it for a while. He has very little pain in it now and on the odd "forgettful" moments goes to bed without the bandaid but puts one on to go to lawn bowls or the mall etc. for protection.. There is still a big scab that is quite firmly held into place where his nail used to be which we are wondering whether it too will eventually lift off and ...then what???? He sees the specialist again on the 3rd Nov and if we can make any sense from him!!!!! wonder if it is going as well as it can for this harsh remedy we had to sort out ourselves. His other toe is not good either but he is in NO HURRY to even mention it coming off, Thinking of you all and hope and pray you will be recovering much better soon.
sad about toes 16-Oct-2010 03:03
Tina so sorry hope you can heal and be pain free I still have some pain in redness in both toes even the one done in 09 if on it too long gets rred and swollen .
Tommy how are you doing hope you are healing well . my toe that had two procedures and mrs is doing a little better has regrowth wich i pray will be ok
Tommy 14-Oct-2010 01:35
TINA RN: Could you tell us a little more background on why you had permanent removal. Was it the whole nail or just the sides for ingrown toenail? Was it infected before surgery? And did you have a fungal disease? Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)may have happened due to damage to the nerve endings during the nail removal surgery. Work with your Doctor to see what treatment options are available. Most times toenail surgery gets complicated because of an underlying infection. Are you sure you don't have an infection? Please keep us posted. Also read through the posts on this page there is a ton of good info. Hope you feel better.
Tina RN 11-Oct-2010 03:37
The doc also said since I'm having this much pain after four weeks I may be developing CRPS. Anyone heard of this. Some type of regional pain syndrome that can be permanent. Now I'm really scared.
Tina RN 10-Oct-2010 20:22
I had permanent toenail removal with the phenol ablation four weeks ago. Still some drainage. Lots of pain after I have my feet up in recliner then get up to stand. So tight and throbbing I think the toes will burst. Anyone here still having pain after four weeks? The doc told me I'd be back in shoes and normal after three weeks. I can't even wear sox yet.
sad about toes 08-Oct-2010 02:46
Got too scared to go to new doc as I am afraid of more problems not infected now and want it to stay that way .The bad part is with these piece of regrowth floating on the top of scar tissure they cause major discomfort and can only where socks and saandles go back to the other doc next wed to get first to with spicaal drilled down only 8 weekis and has to be done again almost ripped off in sock today :(
bryguy 07-Oct-2010 18:19
Would be cool to talk with other guys who feel the same about their toenails.
bryguy 05-Oct-2010 14:29
Is there any way to email other people on the board?
Sad about toes 01-Oct-2010 14:57
Hi Ozzys toes

I think if your hubby has a scab now you should stop the soaking check with your doctor but that is what I always did . Glad he is feeling better and able to go to lawn bowls :) I will keep everyone posted thanks :)
Ozzie Toes 29-Sep-2010 02:02
Hi there Sad about Toes.
My husband is losing hunks of toenail scabs and surrounding flesh. I must have used too much salt in the saline I made up. He is not in so much pain now (nearly 3 weeks) and went to lawn bowls yesterday for the first time. He was climbing the walls with frustration and house-bound. Let us all know how you get on with your new doctor.....Lots of luck and hope things get better for you. Ozzie Toes.
Sad about toes 26-Sep-2010 22:19
Thanks Meredith that means a lot . So far its still a wait and see and toe is holding its own I am supouse to see a new doctor on friday .
I am praying for the best
Meredith 21-Sep-2010 06:01
SadAboutToes,

Any update from bits of your nail breaking off? Just letting you know your toes are still in my thoughts.
bryguy 20-Sep-2010 12:51
Hey Greg have you been on this board before? Would be cool to talk to you man.
bryguy 19-Sep-2010 18:43
Hey Greg... we should go to the beach together man. I feel the same way about my toes.. I used to love being barefoot.... still do but its not something I really do now because of my toenails. I have thought about trying the fake toenails but they make they for women and the ones that I have seen that look most like a toenail are the ones with a French Manicure.
Greg 16-Sep-2010 06:56
I had both of my big nails removed two years ago and still regret it because of how it looks cosmetically. Granted it probably needed to happen because of ingrown nails, but I wish I hadn't jumped the gun. As a guy, it is still difficult to do things like go to the beach or go on dates. I seriously can't believe the podiatry and cosmetic communities haven't come up with a solution for those of us with funny looking toes...a permanent fake nail. I'm so fed up. One of us is going to have to come up with something! Sheesh!
sad about toes 14-Sep-2010 02:55
Hi Ozzys toes
Saline is good I used that too infact when i landed in the hospital with the last infection they said that was the only thing to use to wash the toe I was able to find it in a spray bottle .I think its good you are bugging the doctors I know what you mean the first one i saw in july 09 was horrible with after care you could tell there was more money in procedure than after care .
Stay strong though and make them do their job . I have to go to a doctor tomorrow as a piece of nail that broke off 12 days ago is now causing bleeding under the skin and inflamation :( I am in a rock in a hard place and dont know what to expact I am praying for good news as I am supouse to go on holiday this weekend .

You and your hubby are on the right track though keep keeping your eyes on it make the doctor have check ups too .I took photos of my progress and it comes in handy with my on going problems .
you are both in my thoughts
Guest 13-Sep-2010 11:39
Hi Sad about Toes.that last comment was from ozzie toes (not guest) don't know what I did to change the concept. anyway. How are you going ? Check in later.
Guest 13-Sep-2010 04:05
Hi there sad about toes.... WELL...rang the GP who advised bathing his foot in a saline solution and then dry it off and NOT to use betadene and keep the bandaid off. More mixed messages but we try again of course. He also said not to dry it off with the hair dryer. oh well. So I am off to the chemist for saline solution or better still 1 tablespoon of sea salt to 1 cup of lukewarm water. Will ring the local GP tomorrow if no better. I get the feeling that everyone knows that I am bugging them. So what. Where are you in Nv??? Is that Nevada? We are on the Central Coast of NSW in Australia and I realise that the indifference of some doctors is worldwide. Keep us posted on your progress. Best wishes.
PS. I doubled up on my last comment sorry. and having re-read it saw that I typed food reconstruction - I guess you would realise I meant to type FOOT. Catch up with you soon.
sad about toes 13-Sep-2010 03:15
Hi again Ozzys toes how did they do the permant removal did they use phenol or laser ? Both cause draining and it takes time . I hear ya on the doctors and their not explaining but taking the money mine was a jerk said it was an easy procedure and once I had it done no more infections and that I would be totally healed in 6 weeks three weeks of draining 3 weeks of scab .when I saw them in 12 weeks still not healed they offerd no help . I worte to doctor Oz and told hom to do a show about this so people know the true risk the podatry doctors dont tell us . Do bug them and have them keep an eye on your hubbys foot they should see him at least once a week .
I had this done and was told it would fix everything and I am still going through major problems for 14 months now . Some people do just fine and heal but the average is 8 to 10 weeks then pass regrowth which can be up to a year . It makes me sick these doctors do the treatment and not after care .I used to hear the laser going off every time I went made me sick . I will keep you in good thoughts and bug those docotrs they need to give post op care to be sure he is ok , Pain should be less and less each day if there is more redness or red streaks seek help right away also severe pain can be a sign of infection . I hope i have helped and doctors out here in Nv not much better thanks to this procedure I now have MRSE . read my post and today my toe is once again red for me the outcome may be loss of toe :( so keep on the doctor for your husband bug them thats what they are paid for .

good luck and well wishes


keep us posted
Ozzie Toes 13-Sep-2010 01:32
Thanks Sad About Toes....Asked about the antibiotics before surgery and they (Drs.) said not necessary. I wonder why such confused messages from them????? Am I going bonkers or what?????? Today it is still discharging after 10 days and a bit red and swollen and have left a message for the nurse who atteded to phone me - naturally the Drs. don't speak to "riff raff" but still waiting.... they take the money but no after care at all eh!!! Yes, we are worried about infection but if I don't get response by lunch time I will be at our General Practicioner who seems to take all the brunt of the specialists. It is still painful when he lowers his leg to stand. The rush of blood to the toe seems to be very painful. Is this usual? How is your situation today and is your toe a bit more confortable? We were not told anything of the problems or issues that follow this nail removal procedure. We were just told it was a simple and common op. Sent home without any "follow up leaflet" or proper dressings. Fortunately I bought some large bandaid strips that can cover it. The Dr. who performed the op was not very pleasant and when we went to see about the procedure and I asked a question he said to me"If you would be listening to me you would know" What a cheek. Just as well it wasn't my toe - he wouldn't be too kind to me. There are some A.. H... Drs. out there. I had a food reconstruction and same leg knee replacement that wasn't successful after 5 ops on it. The pain Dr. told me the next thing if infection appeared was amputation. Lovely... I am still on oxy.. after 18 months and have trouble getting in and out of the car in narrow parking even with a disabled sticker it is hard to get a park. Can only bend it to 90 degrees. What a buggar. I am 69yrs old and with my wonderful husband at 74Yrs old old age is not looking too good.. Thanks for your comments.
Sad about toes 12-Sep-2010 16:35
Hi Ozzies toes
I would hope that your doctor put your husband on antiobotics when doing this procedure to avoid the high rsik of complication with having a knee replacemnet in the same leg .Some doctors say to soak other say dont but the main thing is keep on top of it have his doctor keep a close eye on him . I will keep you in good thoughts
Ozzie toes 12-Sep-2010 02:41
My husband had his toenail permanently removed a week ago and it is still very painful and bleeding a bit at the nail bed whick is still open enough to fit in a 50cent piece (we are in Australia). He is 74yrs old and has already got a total knee replacement in the same leg and worried about infection. We are drying it with a hair dryer and applying betadene under the large bandaid. We weren't told very much from the beginning and got a shock to read all your comments which have enlightened us and have been very helpful in better understanding of the downside of the job lot. How long does it take for it to be healed enough for a walk to the mall??? Depression is setting in for us both. So sorry to learn of all your very bad experiences and hope things improve for you all. I heard that condies crystals helps too. Any advice on that?????
Sad about toes 10-Sep-2010 02:10
Bry I just want to keep my toes
bry 08-Sep-2010 07:55
So none of you guys are embarrassed about your toes?
Sad about toes 07-Sep-2010 15:25
Hi Tommy no news just kind of a wait and see right now and lots of prayers .A piece of nail ripped of the other day in my sock and another piece is growing up in another spot through the skin and is soar but I am just trrying to deal with it .
thanks for thinking of me
Tommy 06-Sep-2010 00:32
Sad About Toes: Any news with your situation? Hope you are well
Guest 01-Sep-2010 21:04
Austin you have to get the bandage off cant leave it htere mine laways soaked of f if you cant get it off you will need to go back to the doctor
Sad about toes 29-Aug-2010 18:24
Thanks Meredith
Your prayers mean a lot .Still cant get help but am praying it will be ok or maybe by some miracle these pieces of nail wont grow out or cause infection .
Austin had this done 28-Aug-2010 16:08
But the original bandage is completely stuck. It's been two days, and the gauze the doctor wrapped around my toe is completely dug in. I've cut it down to just a little toenail size piece, but it's not moving... probably without excruciating pain and major bleeding. Is this OK to leave it there? My body will eventually reject it, right?
Meredith 28-Aug-2010 15:05
Thank goodness for Tommy. His advice does seem better than most doctors.

Hang in there SadAboutToes. There has to be a doctor/doctors out there somewhere who can help you. You'll find them. I refuse to believe otherwise. I will keep praying for you. Please keep us posted.
sad about toes 26-Aug-2010 21:58
Thanks again Tommy well no such luck they said they would have to see me first . I did call an ortho today to see if they can help have to send them my medical records first . Also sent photos of pieces of nail to my podiatry doctor to see if he think we can just leave them alone . will keep ya posted
sad about toes 26-Aug-2010 14:46
Hi Tommy
Thanks SO much for your advise you are more helpful then the darn doctors who just want me to wait and see what happens . I will give them a call . Sadly though I know I am not a canidate for a prosthetic thats the ugly thing about MRSE it will cause an infection that is so strong it attaches itself to a proshetic and then has to be removed :( But maybe there is something else they can do as I refuse to loose my toe .
Bless you for helping with advise :)
Tommy 26-Aug-2010 04:28
Sad About Toes: I think you have a few options. The first is to talk with those who have experience with some of the most challenging cases. I am assuming you are in the U.S. Give a call to the Foot and Ankle Institute at Temple university in Philadelphia, PA. These are academic medical centers that encounter very challenging cases such as yours. If this fails, I think you may seriously want to consider what they call a partial toe amputation. That is they remove the bone at the first joint which will include all the nail bed and matrix. This allows you to keep some part of the toe, as well as have enough stump for a prosthetic toe. Now this is a serious life changing event, however, by having some toe remaining it won't seriously alter your gait. Now, the last option is do nothing. However, there is no guarantee that the infection won't return and cause osteomylities and you may loose your whole toe. This will of course seriously alter the way you walk and affect your life style permanently. So please give a call to some academic medical centers specializing in podiatric medicine.
sad about toes 25-Aug-2010 15:44
Hi Tommy Yes it all started from a fungas infection that became an abcess in my toe they ket havig to drain that and pack it then they removed toenail that was the right big toe and the left one started so I went to a podiatry doctor and he said easy fix remove the tonails permantly and easy procedure all healed in 6 weeks .NEVER told me about risk I never would have done this .

So now ID doctor says dont do anything and see if it gets infected so I saw family doctor yesterday said the same thing they are all afraid I will loose the toe if any more is done to it but if I leave it like this I probably will anyway They say maybe the nail pieces wont grow out but we all know that wont happen plus i can feel one under the skin so I am know sitting on a time bomb with no one to help :(
Tommy 25-Aug-2010 04:09
Sad About Toes: I was trying to think back to what made you in the first place to have toenail removal. I think it was toe nail fungus on both toes right? Anyway, given the current situation, you may want to ask your foot, Infectious Disease, and family docs what your options are for the toe that is giving you repeated trouble? I don't think you could go on forever with this problem. I am sure you want to get your life back right? So I think you need to ask the professionals for the best medical options, and then think long-term. Please keep us posted and I hope you will be able to resolve this soon.
sad about toes 22-Aug-2010 23:54
Thanks Tommy I am sure scared and at my witts end right now .Sorry Jing and boy can I relate to how you feel my right toe that was done in July 09 has a piece of nail too wow I have had three docotrs and 3 procedures on 2 toes and none of them were able to get rid of nail and thats with laser and phenol :( Anyway for the right toe that piece like yours is sharp and will catch on things so that one gets drilled down ever 11 weeks .I am actually praying for this darn other toe to be the same but think there are just too many pieces once again and think some is under the skin .Boy do I regret this whole ordeal and I am still so mad a t the first doctor who said it was an easy procedure with really no complications just draining and a scab . Never new that these darn nails ar made up of cells that cant be seen and are hard to get rid of . Plus all the other problems jsut read my post sad about toes :(

I wonder how Evelyn is
LGivens 22-Aug-2010 20:39
My mom had her nail beds removed in both of her big toes, and she was asking me if I thought she could get a fake one put on and how she would go about getting it done. We leave for the beach in four weeks, just thought I would see if you had any insight?
Tommy 22-Aug-2010 02:21
Jini: I would get a second opinion. See another foot doc. If you are having pain and infection you should ask a new foot doc for her or his opinion. Most of the time permanent toenail removal has a small chance if re-growth. So a second phenol application may be needed. Keep us posted. Also read through these posts. There are tons of advice of those who have gone through this procedure.
Tommy 22-Aug-2010 02:13
SAD ABOUT TOES: So sorry to hear about your situation. I can understand how frustrating all this could be. Did the foot doc give you any options as what to do next? At this point I am not sure if there any options left. Let's see what the infectious disease doc says. Good Luck
Guest 22-Aug-2010 01:42
Hey I'm Jinj
I had both my big toenails removed at 16, i am now 18 and they will still not real properly, 3 of the 4 corners of of the nailbeds have a nail shard the size of a canine tooth half sticking out, half still attached. I can (unwillingly but sometimes nessaceryily) pull them off/out however then i am victim to a two week infection, swollen two and tada as soon as infection clears the buggers are growing back again. I am becoming rather annoyed with this but the podiatrist just told me to ignor it or file em flat, sorry if u said you were removing the whole nail you really should have, i dont care about looks much, feet are feet but have a lumpy haggered bit of nail hanging out or a sticky yellow mess on your two is not atractive, neither is going to the beath and the next day finding sand has enbedded itself under the flappy bit of excuse known as regrowth...

not only is this my rant, its my plea for advise, i am moving soon, so i go and pester my new doctor so its sorted or put up with catching and ripping the corner of my toe everytime i wear shoes/sock??/
any help is great :)
sad about toes 20-Aug-2010 03:44
hi again comment below is also mine (sad about toes)
saw foot doc side of toe that was not redone and got infection now has pieces of nail growing in holes in the skin grrr cant get over all of this and the only way to describe it is when you break a glass the pieces of glass are all diffrent sizes and shapes well thats is what is happening to me ,This permant toe nail removal is just not so . these pieces are now growing back 8 month after the procedure . I am very broken hearted at this point .If they stay on top of the skin and dont cause infection it wil be a blessing but with this many pieces in holes I doubt it .l have to call Id doc again as he said no more procedures or I will loose the toe . GOD it makes me mad how mislead I was about this procedure and all of the risk ! only two toes and three procedures do the math its not worth it and after a year and four months I am not better I am worse :(
Guest 17-Aug-2010 19:04
Hi Tommy
I am hoping like the other toe with the piece of nail it can just be trimmed down just cant tell because of a whole in toe if there is more growing down underneath again like the other side of the toe and I am praying it is not . I dont really care how toes look just want them healthy and to be able to keep them . not too mentiion this is my second Summer with out being able to go hiking :(
Wish me luck tomororw . I bought a file and clipper from beauty supply so maybe he can use that if he want to use his grinder again on this other toe then I will pay him to put on a new tip hopefully .

Kim the scabs takle a while to come off mine took 10 weeks total for the whole thing but mine had too many problems to know if that right good luck
Kim 17-Aug-2010 15:05
I had my toenail removed June 2, 2010. Nothing but one infection after another and it still has not healed. Any suggestions as to help my scabbed up area removed, should I be soaking it?
Tommy 17-Aug-2010 03:46
Sad About Toes: Looks like your toenail saga continues. Sorry to hear this. I think the best suggestion I have for you is to allow the pieces of nail to grow out and trim them like normal nails (if it does not hurt). As you already know, anything surgical will cause more trouble. At the end of the day, the question is: Am I ok with not having a cosmetically pleasing toe, as long as I am not in pain and can get my activities done? Good Luck and hope things work out positively.
sad about toes 16-Aug-2010 21:54
Hi guys the toe with the infection and escah ( scab) is still healing however today I saw a piece of nail now growing on the other side that was not burned . I pray to god its not also growing underneath again I really dont have the strength for this anymore . Plus the ID docotr said no more procedures or I would loose the toe . I go to foot doctor wed but i dont want the toe touched just going to get the other toe with piece of nail drilled down . So what do you do when pieces keep growing back ? ;(
sad about toes 14-Aug-2010 17:55
I keep checking back for Evelyn too hope she is ok
sad about toes 14-Aug-2010 02:05
Meredith thanks so very much for your prayers it means a lot as I am so scared of my toes .I will update after apointment on the 18th
Meredith 13-Aug-2010 09:48
@sadabouttoes. I hope everything goes well with your nail getting ground down. I will keep praying for you.

@Tommy I've been having the scabby skin that peels on just one toe, but the toe itself looks fine. I've been keeping an eye on it just to make sure it doesn't look like something bad might be cropping up.

@Jennifer I'm sorry your mother isn't more sympathetic to your pain. She probably didn't feel anything after her procedure due to nerve damage from her diabetes. As sadabouttoes said watch out for too much pain. I would also say watch out for too much discoloration around the toe(s) - looking purplish etc. I hope you have a good recovery.

Wish we could get an update on Evelyn. Hope she's ok.
sad about toes 09-Aug-2010 21:12
Thanks Tommy I see the foot doc next week and have to have the spiccal of nail on the other toe that was done july 09 grinded down as I cant have the procedure to remove it done just not safe with my great risk for infection so praying that goes well I am scared just to have that done with the fear of infection if my toes are even touched :(

About your scabbing skin in healing is it maybe a callouse or even dry skin . I have a callouse on my healed toe and the other one has major dry skin and cracking I use gold bond foot lotion really helps heal the skin from all the trauma .

Jennifer I think every one is diffrent on how they handle pain but if you get t oo much pain follow up with the doctor as it could be a sign of infection . hang in there everybody and best wishes for healthy healing for all
Jennifer 09-Aug-2010 04:04
I had this operation a week ago and it hurt like heck! My problem is with my mother. She keeps yelling at me saying that she went back to work the next day and to take care of myself, she won't help. For the first two days I couldn't even walk! She does have diabetes and lost circulation in both her feet-I was wondering if that's why she felt no pain, when I clearly was in agony and still recovering. Any words of wisdom?
TOMMY 09-Aug-2010 04:00
Sad About Toes: Great to hear that your are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, this should be the end of your toe troubles.

I hope everyone else is healing well too... Please keep us posted.

I also had a question for those who are already healed (may be Meredith may know this) Do you have a scabbish type skin that keeps forming and peeling away every couple of weeks? I have this happening to me. Any thoughts?
Thanks
sad about toes 06-Aug-2010 18:49
Hi Meredith and Tommy & Evelyn
oops the post that said guest on the 30th is me sad about toes I am still healing but worried about the other toe that has a piece of nail on the side I see the foot doctor on the 18th .I am going to see about getting my own file down tool as I am too afraid of getting another infection .I wish I could get this piece of nail removed but cant as to great of risk of infection .The ID doctor said no more procedures . Still have the eschar on the other toe and the infection area is still pealing off Just praying the nail doesnt come back on that one again .This has been so hard and utnil I know its over and o more complications after over a year of them it is hard to rest easy

I hope Evelyn is doing better .
Meredith 06-Aug-2010 03:20
I hope Evelyn and Sad about Toes are ok. We haven't heard from them in a while.
bryguy 02-Aug-2010 06:02
What can a guy do for his toenails? The cosmetic toenails seem to be for women.
Guest 30-Jul-2010 22:47
Hi Merideth ,Evelyn ,Tommy and all .Well I saw the ID doctor and he thinks the toe is now healing and to keep giving it time but the scab from infection is starting to lift off some and the eschar looks good foot doctor thinks that should heal in 3 weeks time.My skin on my toe is pealing alot so I have started putting lotion in it as I dont want an infection getting under that pealing skin .The ID doctor did not want to put me on Antibodics but I got a bladder infection so Monday they gave me a shot and had recheck today and thank goodness its clearing up So thanks all for good thoughts now I just have to pray it heals all the way and that no nail ever comes back the id doctor said I can never have that procedure done again or I wil loose my toe so I pray this second time does the trick also hope when I get the other toe trimmed or filed down with the little piece of nail that is growing out from the side that it does not start another infection .I think I will spend my life being afraid of my feet now :( But hope and pray they get better . and please god no more nails . Even with the second time do over they say they can grow back in 6 months to a year .
Evelyn I am so sorry your infection is back dont go to the foot doctor go to infectiouse disease with MRSA and even Mrse that I have the risk are too seroiuse you may need to get on Ivs like I did .Please let me know how you do .Your in my thoughts and prayers .
Guest 30-Jul-2010 16:46
I had my big toenails removed when I was 11. I'm 32 now and I regret it. I am very self-conscious about how they look, and I have desperately searched for a solution to no avail. For awhile I was using fake nails with nail glue (essentially super glue), but I became allergic to the glue over time and had a severe reaction. It was horrible. And you can't get super glue off if you need to. I can't find any other possible solution. Painting the toe doesn't look very nice, and polish only stays on for a day. If you think you will be self-conscious, I would try all other options before permanent removal. I am angry that a doctor recommended this when I was only 11. I didn't even have severe nail problems, just some recurring in-grown toenails. My parents should have considered the long term consequences. I am terribly self-conscious about it. Someone else mentioned that people do point and laugh, and it's true. They proably don't really care nearly as much as I think they do, but when someone asks what's wrong my toes, even as a confident person I am bothered.

In addition, it was very, very painful, and the recovery process was long. I disagree with those people who said it was just like going to the dentist. Not even close. I couldn't possibly look at the pictures without feeling faint remembering the pain.

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A WAY TO MAKE NAILLESS TOES LOOK MORE COSMETICALLY NORMAL????
Meredith 30-Jul-2010 04:54
@Kate if you're nearing 2 weeks after the procedure you should schedule an appt with a doctor to check on your progress and make sure no infection is coming on. Also, to update any after care instructions (soaking, ointment, gauze etc.,)

@bryguy I went barefoot while healing as much as I could. I also cut the toes part off of old socks and wore those.

@Evelyn When your doc thought your infection was gone did your toe still look "wet" at that time? Is there another doc you can see for this if the current keeps nipping at it? Did he ever tell you why he's touching it? I'm sorry this cropped up for you again :( I will pray for you.
EVELYN 29-Jul-2010 08:51
HERTE I GO AGAIN, TOE WAS LOOKING TERRIFIC FOR 2 DAYS, THEN BINGO IT STARTED TO GET RED AGAIN SCAB UP AND FESTER AGAIN, GETTING REAL TIRED OF THIS RITUAL, DONT WANT TO GO BACK CAUSE HE NIPS AT IT MAKES IT WORSE, BENN ON ENOUGH ANTIBOTICS TO KILL A HORSE, JUST GRIN AND BARE IT I GUESS, SOONER OR LATER IT HAS TO GET BETTER, SEEMS LIKE I AM DISCUSTED, I AM SORRY HELP, EVELYN
bryguy 28-Jul-2010 14:40
Do you guys go barefoot alot?
Tommy 27-Jul-2010 01:16
@Kate, each provider has different view about soaking. I never soaked, after showering I would wash the wound with saline solution, blot dry with sterile gauze and then put antibiotic gel and then bandage with a sterile gauze and medical tape. I did this without fail for 4 weeks. After the first two weeks, I stopped using gauze but used a bandaid but continued to use antibiotic gel for upto 8 weeks. I had two follow-up appointments. If you have any concern call your doctor. I am not sure how NHS allows for this...here in the U.S. it is different. Any sign of infection should be nipped in the but. It is common not to be able to ware shoes for at least 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. I wore a post-op shoe to work. good luck
Kate 26-Jul-2010 23:28
@ Meredith: The Podiatrist doesn't want to see me again, she said everything looked ok, which, yes, a week ago it did... Tonight's salt bath was the most painful, as, on my Mum's recommendation, I put in more salt... It's been throbbing for about 1 1/2 hrs now, extremely painful. I thought it was getting better but I can't wear shoes still, still wearing my sandals. Walking about and driving seems to make it bloody, eurgh! :-S
A bit worried now...
Meredith 25-Jul-2010 05:27
@Evelyn. Yay! That's great news!

@Sad About Toes. I'm glad your stomach is getting better. Keep up the probiotics. Let us know what both your docs say. I'm still praying for you and will continue until you're all better. You'll get there.

@Kate A little blood mix with your drainage should be normal as long as it doesn't seem like it's bleeding too much. Your toe will look really gross and juicy for at least a week and then it will just look gross for a few weeks. Keeping a photo diary is smart. That's what I did. Feeling sore initially is normal. Just keep watch on your toe and through your photo diary make sure it looks like it's making some progress. Your doc should want to see you in a couple of weeks to check your toe. Has that appt been scheduled?

What did your doc tell you as far as cleaning it? Mine said to wash it gently (no rubbing or scrubbing) with soap then soak in Epson/warm water solution and air dry for as long as I could before covering with ointment and bandage and/or gauze pad. I had some issues so my care instructions changed a couple of times. The whole cleaning, soaking, air drying, ointment, bandage routine twice a day gets old really fast, but it's necessary to take care of your toe as best you can. Just tell yourself you're in this for the long haul (8 to 10 weeks) and if you heal faster than that - even better! Good luck.

Meredith.
Kate 24-Jul-2010 22:35
Sorry about the multiple posting, my computer is playing up...
Kate 24-Jul-2010 22:33
Glad everyonee is feeling better. :-) I've been bathing my toe in salt water every day since Wednesday, and to be frank, it looks disgusting! :-S Its even been bleeding a bit and is really sore. Is this normal? I'm a bit worried it might be infected. I've been keeping a photo diary to compare and to me it looks worse than the day the big bandage came off... I'm a bit worried, does anyone have any advice on a better method for cleaning it? Thanks.
EVELYN 24-Jul-2010 09:46
HI EVERYONE HOPE YOU ARE ALL HEALING WELL,IT TOOK ME EXACTLYABOUT TWO AND A HALF MONTHS TO GET TO MY HEALING PART, BUT THANK GOD ITS BETTER YIPEE..SO BE PATIENT, TAKE YOUR MEDS DO WHAT THEY SAY, PRAY ALOT AND YOU WILL GET BETTER,SEEMED LIKE FOREVER, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN.KEEP UP GOOD WORK AND KEEP POSTING
Kisya 22-Jul-2010 19:45
Thanks for this! I just had both of my toenails removed today! I am still a bit numb, but I worry about the pain to come. I had this done 15 years ago, but they grew back ingrown and have hurt for years since!! I am hopeful this will be the end now. I was not brave enough to look. Thanks for the pics! They were teasing me at the podiatrist. I am nursing student, but couldn't watch. I have watched a lot of gross things, but on my own...I am a sap!!! Good job!!!
sad about toes 22-Jul-2010 14:46
Hi Evelyn such great news that your infection is gone and now your toe can heal .I am doing ok still trying to get my tummy back to normal but its getting better .My toe is doing ok thank goodness I se the ID doctor on Monday and am praying for good news . I still have that black spot with brown fluid where the infection was or is and hope that is ok .I need to e mail my foot doctor a photo today also . I wil keep everyone posted .Hoping this goes well for all of us
Kate 22-Jul-2010 10:50
4 days later, got the pressure bandage taken off yesterday, it all looks ok, a bit gunky but apparently that's normal. It's a bit more painful today though, and my whole toe is still swolen. I think this could just be down to the anesthtic... Have been told I can drive now, but I'm not sure. Any hints or tips please?
EVELYN 21-Jul-2010 23:17
I WENT TO THE DR. THANK GOD, I THINK AND SO DOES HE THAT THE INFECTION IS GONE, AND MY TOE IS ALMOST 100% BETTER, BOY I'LL TELL YOU IT WAS QUITE AN ORDEL I DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH AGAIN.HE TOLD ME TO FINISH THE ANTIBOTICS AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO RETURN UNLESS IT GIVES ME TROUBLES, I AM PLANING NOT TO GET ANY MORE TROUBLES. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE REST OF U, HOW ARE YOU TOMMY, AND SAD ABOUT TOES, AND MERDITH, AND KATE? I WILL KEEP ALL OF U IN MY PRAYERS, AND KEEP ON POSTING SO I CAN SEE YOUR PROGRESS OK
Kate 20-Jul-2010 10:43
Ooh! And does it really take 6 weeks to heal? Seems like such a small area but I guess it 'invasive' so, thinking about it, it makes sense... I have 2 keep my bandages on until Wednesday, then the Podiatrist will clean the area and change the dressing, then it's down to me. Just want to see what it looks like now, lol!
Tommy 20-Jul-2010 03:55
Sad about Toes, Meredith, Evelyn, and Kate, Glad everyone is healing well..especially Sad About Toes. That is indeed good news. I am still keeping mine covered with a bad aid during the day...until all the scab comes off.... Kate, one reason I had the entire nail done, was because I was scared that the nail will grow out like a talon. You will not get a good sense of what your toe may look like permanently until a few weeks passes by... you could check my flickr page enter the following after the .com photos/13540410@N02/4730846631/ If anyone has taken any post surgery pics I would love to see what your toe looks like post healing. Hope everyone will continue to heal fast...
Kate 19-Jul-2010 19:10
Ooh! And does it really take 6 weeks to heal? Seems like such a small area but I guess it 'invasive' so, thinking about it, it makes sense... I have 2 keep my bandages on until Wednesday, then the Podiatrist will clean the area and change the dressing, then it's down to me. Just want to see what it looks like now, lol!
Kate 19-Jul-2010 10:18
Just gotten back from the hospital after the surgery, was in and out within 30mins and it went really well. Feeling is slowly coming back, but I'm armed with painkillers. :-) Glad it's gone now. Getting increasingly more sore by the minute now, but I'll be happier in the long run.
sad about toes 19-Jul-2010 02:50
Hi Merideth ,Evelyn .Tommy
Still on brat diet but thank goodness (knock on wood) think tummy is doing better hoping to try some other food tomorrow . The infectiouse disease doc called today yes on a sat nice guy .he wants me to keep doing what I am doing as far as the guaze on my toe and cleaning with saline .he is glad to hear the toe is not getting worse and has hopes this will heal .he also thinks I may be ok on the tummy issue even if its c-dif he would rather I not get on any more antibodics and try too heal on my own .He is calling me in a few days . one thing though is i wonder if the black spot and blister on the toe will ever go away where the infection was or is .
Thanks Merideth I do take probiotics the one I think that is helping the most is align . I pray I can eat a little bit more of a normal diet tomorrow and my tummy will be ok .
i cant seem to get much info on mrse but they do say if you get mrse or mrsa or a staph infection you are prone to getting them for the rest of your life :( Guess I cant get the other nail thats growing back on the other toe done hope it doesnt give me any problems . The hospital said my bone is clear from infection so hopefully it stays that way and I pray this infection has been killed from the vancomycin and amoxiclon in the hospital .I hate being afraid of my toes .
I hope nobody else ever goes through what I have
Meredith 18-Jul-2010 23:18
Sorry for the double post.

@Kate

The doc should tell you to take the pressure dressing off 24 hours after the procedure so you can clean and dress the wound.

Mine told me to "soak" off the dressing in the shower, but my own logic told me the pressure of water coming from the shower would hurt my toes too much so I soaked my toes in a tub of water, but the dressing wouldn't come off completely so I had to cut the dressing off from the back of the toes using sterilized scissors.

I then followed my docs instructions to wash my feet with soap, soak my toes in an Epson Salt solution (about 10 mins) then air dry - later applied a thin layer of Neosporin and covered with a bandage twice a day. Although I wish I had been instructed to use gauze pads instead of bandages since I had so much drainage - would have saved me a lot of grief.

Those were my doctor's instructions, but yours might want you to do something different so it's best to take a little notepad and pen and ask the doctor directly before he/she starts the procedure, that way you get it straight from the horse's mouth. And if you're still unclear about instructions - call him later if you can. I became a real pest with mine because the doctor and the nurse would give me conflicting care instructions after each visit.

As far as showering without anything covering your toe. Again, my doc said I should have be able to do that from the beginning, but that didn't sound right to me (and I'm the one who had to deal with my pain) so I was extra cautious and wore a bandage (and later gauze) during the first 6 weeks in the shower because the pressure from the water just felt too freaky to me, but in the last 2 of the 6 weeks I would remove the bandages towards the end of my shower so some of the scabby bits could get blasted off.

Hope you have a great recovery!

Meredith.
Meredith 18-Jul-2010 23:13
@Tommy I'm kind of where you are regarding your toe. Mine are completely healed and I'm hoping I'm done for good. I've heard other people say regrowth of the nail usually happens around 5 or 6 months after the procedure so I'm keeping my eyes open for that among other things.

If I didn't feel I absolutely had to have my big toenails permanently removed - I wouldn't have. It's just too much to deal with.

@Sad About Toes. Did the docs ever determine if you had the start of a bone infection? I know you were getting conflicting information. Did docs tell you what +4 means in terms of treatment? Did the infectious doc ever call you back? Has your diarrhea improved? Sorry for all the questions I just want you to get well. You've gone through too much already. If Infectious Doc mentions antibiotics again ask his opinion about Linezolid (brand name Zyvox) or Ceftobiprole. Those might just be for MSRA though.

Also, can you ask docs if you can have probiotics to help with your stomach issues? I eat cream cheese from Weight Watchers brand that has probiotics in it - they sell it at grocery stores. I ate it spread on toast when I was on antibiotics from my toe nail procedure. First antibiotic I was on made me sick and tore up my stomach. I feel the probiotics helped.

I will keep checking this site for any updates and I will keep praying for you, Evelyn, and Tommy.

Meredith.
Kate 18-Jul-2010 13:22
I have my surgery to look forward to tomorrow... Living in the U. K there is no charge for the procedure, which is lucky! My problem has apparently been caused by trauma to the nail bed having had an ingrowing toenail removed about 9 years ago. I don't know if British NHS way of removing a nail is the same, I suspect a pressure dressing will be used. Does anybody know when I'll be able to take a shower without the dressing on and clean the wound? Also, any advice on dressing the wound myself would be geatly appreciated. :-)
Tommy 18-Jul-2010 01:37
The next day after my morning shower I removed the pressure bandage and washed with the wound wash and bandaged it after applying the gel that was provided with the package. Now, getting my foot into a shoe was the most painful. I tried a sneaker and it was causing pressure on the toe. So the next evening I bought a post-operation shoe. I wore this to work for about two weeks. I also had two follow-up appointments to check on the surgical wound.
After 52 days the wound has dried up, and a scab has formed. Most, of the scab is breaking away after my showers. There is still some remaining stubbornly on the left nail border. Also there is a small reddish-black spot on the left border. I don’t have any specific pain as such, but if I put any exerted pressure on the toe it does pain. I may go back to the podiatrist in another week or so just to make sure there is nothing going on. Hopefully, everything should be healed by then. Also my toe is looking more like what it will look permanently–that is, it taking a more bulbous look on the top if the toe. It does not look bad, but does look different. Unless it is closely examined it is hard to say that there is no toenail.
Final thoughts: It has been a long road to recovery, it is amazing how something small like a toenail could consume so much time and also dollars. Nail fungus is extremely hard to cure. Surgery seems a logical choice. Anyway, there is a chance that the nail may comeback sometime as well as infection from the surgery. I am hoping that I could close this chapter for good and not worry about this. I have not decided yet if I will do my other toe. I hope everyone is healing well...I will check this board from time to time offer my experience to anyone who is planning on surgery or going through the healing phase. Lastly, I am really worried about SAD ABOUT TOES...I pray that you will heal quickly and not have to loose that toe.
Tommy 18-Jul-2010 01:35
Part II
In May of this year I thought I will try to consult another podiatrist in the area. So I did some research online and picked a podiatrist. On the day of the appointment she examined both my feet, I also took the medications that were prescribed before so that she is aware of my previous treatment attempts. After thoroughly examining and hearing my story, she recommended that remove the offending ends of the nail. She said both toes could be done at the same time or one at a time. She also mentioned that the fungal nails would still cause problems down the road, and the other option would be permanently remove the whole toenail so that it would solve the ingrown problem and remove any refuge for the fungus. In the back of my mind I also knew that this would be the logical solution to this long drawn problem. We also discussed what it would look like cosmetically. She said that the toe mail look a little bulbous, and that a thickened skin would form where the nail once was. I decided that the permanent removal of the complete toenail was the best option, and consented, and surgery was performed the same day. After spraying a cold spray she numbed my right toenail, after about half hour she came back and removed my toenail and burned the nail matrix with phenol. After applying a pressure bandage I was on my way home. So there I was for the first time with my entire nail and root removed resulting in no toenail at all. The whole process was done in about one hour. Since I wore sandals for the appointment I did not get a post-operation shoe, she mentioned that I could ware a shoe with a wide toe box for work the next day. As for post operation care, I decided to use the Amerigel wound care package which I purchased before I left home. The numbing lasted for about 14 hrs. Anyway, I took some Advil soon after surgery.
Tommy 18-Jul-2010 01:34
I am posting this in three parts

It has been 1 month, 21 days or 52 days since my surgery to remove my right toenail permanently. I thought that this will be an great time to share my thoughts with everyone about what led to the surgery and healing process. This all started about late 2008 when I started to see white streaks or on my right and left big toenail. The streaking appeared like cracks on the toenails. The right toenail was looked worse that the right. Anyway, the appearance did not look that bad. Finally, in May 2009 when I went to my family doctor for my regular check-up I showed him my toes, at which time I was also having athlete's foot. He recommended a podiatrist and asked me to consult with him. That same month I made an appointment and he examined both my feet and took nail clippings to do a lab test. He also gave me a prescription fungicidal agent for my athlete's foot condition, and asked me come back in two weeks, when the lab results will be back. Well, when I returned in two weeks, the lab results confirmed that I had nail fungus in both my big toenails. He recommended that I go on a oral antifungal medication. Now, everyone knows how bad these are for your liver, and I was not intending to go through route. So he said for me to continue to use the fungicidal gel he prescribed earlier on my toenails as well. So I continued using this twice a day after soaking my foot. The athlete's foot condition completely healed in about a months time, anyway, the brittle appearance on my toes did not completely go away. Maybe due to the gel, my nails started to thicken and by about November of 2009 I started to have ingrown toe nails, which were causing me pain especially when I was jogging or running. Therefore, I made another appointment with my podiatrist. After examining he confirmed that it was ingrown toenails and gave me a nail softener (a high strength urea cream). I stopped using the fungicidal gel and continued to use the nail softener for a couple of months. While I was using the softener the nail would not cause any pain along the nail borders, but as soon as I stopped the symptoms would return. I stopped using the nail softener for good in late January. Until this time I may have spent about $450 on doctor visits and fungicidal gels etc.
EVELYN 17-Jul-2010 22:54
DEAR GUEST, BOY YOU ARE REALLY HAVING A ROUGH TIME OF IT, I FILL BAD EVEN EVER COMPLAINING WHEN I HEAR YOU, I REALLY WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS, I SURE DO HOPE ALL OF YOUR FOOT GETS WELL, AND IT IS NOT SPREADING, THAT FOOT DR. IS PROBABLY AFRAID TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS, LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER GET ANOTHER TOE DONE, PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED ON YOUR STATUS, I REALLY WANT U TO BE WELL, GOD BLESS EVELYN
Guest 17-Jul-2010 15:32
Thanks Meredith Tommy & Evelyn . Yesterday I finally got my lab back on wound culture not from the doctor though he has not returned my calls it came back staph epidermis 1 again and the mrse went from a +1 to +4 I cant take any antibodics now has I am so sick from the 5 days of iv in hospital had to bring sample becuase of all of my diarrhea.I am dropping too much weight and am on the brat diet and still it going through me five days today .The infectiouse disease doctor spoke with me yesterday to keep an eye on the toe and he is worried about my stomache problems heis supouse to call me again today .I feel like I am living a nightmare and so scared the toe will get infected again now that I am off meds . The infectiouse disease doctor said these procedures should never be done :( I truely and sad and scared about my toes and pray I will get through all of this and be healthy again .
Glad you are getting over the infection Evelyn and Tommy glad you are healing .
This mrse I have is so confusing ot a lot of info on it more on mrsa but I know it can cause the flesh eating bacteria so it scares me to death
Meredith 16-Jul-2010 21:15
To Evelyn, Sad About Toes and Tommy:

I just wanted you all to know that I am praying for you. And even when I'm not praying, your toes are in my thoughts. I know sometimes it's easy to think nobody cares, but it isn't true. I wish a healthy recovery for all of you.

Meredith.
EVELYN 16-Jul-2010 20:45
HELLO EVERYONE,BOY I SURE DO PRAY ALL OF YOU GET WELL SOON, AFTER HEARING YOUR STORY ABOUT THE ABSESS, I FILL SILLY EVEN TALKING ABOUT MY TOE, BE BRAVE AND HOPEFUL, YOU WILL GET WELL,AND I ALSO PRAY IT HASN'T SPREAD TO YOUR BONES.I DON'T THINK I WILL GET ANYMORE OF MINE OFF,CAUSE THIS ONE HAS TAKEN SO LONG AND AFTER HEARING THE STORIES, I'LL LIVE WITH THE YELLO TOENAILS. I WENT BACK TO MY FOOT DR. I FINISHED THE ANTIBOTIC(VIBRAMYCIN) THE TOE IS FINALLY STARTING TO HEAL....YIPEE...THE TOE IS STILL RED AND A LITTLE SWOLLEN BUT THE SITE OF THE REMOVAL LOOKS GOOD, SO HE WANTS ME TO TAKE ONE MORE WEEK OF ANTIBOTICS, AND IF ITS HEALED AFTER THAT I DON'T HAVE TO GO BACK, IF IT ISN'T I CALL AN GO BACK, LETS JUST BELIEVE IT WILL BE HEALED ONCE AN FOR ALL. I WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, THAT YOU ALL GET BETTER, I'LL KEEP CHECKING THE SITE. THANKS EVELYN
Tommy 16-Jul-2010 05:56
Sad about toes: Once again it is horrible that you have to go through this. I am still surprised that they ordered a MRI only now. Anyway, let's hope your bone is ok. Don't let it spread to the bone. Hope you will come out of this ordeal ok. What has your foot doctor said about all this? As for my own surgery, my wound site has started to dry up. I am still having a scab forming.It is still somewhat sensitive and I have kept it covered with a band aid. I have not decided on my other toe. After reading your story,it has scared the hell out of me. Keep us posted....and quick healing..
Siobhan Swan 14-Jul-2010 17:57
hi there im supposed to be having my toenail permantely removed tomorrow, i just got a letter through saying i was seeing a doctor at the hospital in outpatients. Will that be my actual Op or a consultation? i thought i was just going straight in for the op but now wondering if i am just going in to talk to the doctor about it. i have been referred by my gp as ive had both off 6 times in total. getting nervous and just want it over with have suffered for so long with them now. anyone have any ideas as to whether ill be having the op tomorrow or just a consutation. It doesnt say on the letter :S
Siobhan Swan 14-Jul-2010 16:59
hi there im supposed to be having my toenail permantely removed tomorrow, i just got a letter through saying i was seeing a doctor at the hospital in outpatients. Will that be my actual Op or a consultation? i thought i was just going straight in for the op but now wondering if i am just going in to talk to the doctor about it. i have been referred by my gp as ive had both off 6 times in total. getting nervous and just want it over with have suffered for so long with them now. anyone have any ideas as to whether ill be having the op tomorrow or just a consutation. It doesnt say on the letter :S
Siobhan Swan 14-Jul-2010 16:55
hi there im supposed to be having my toenail permantely removed tomorrow, i just got a letter through saying i was seeing a doctor at the hospital in outpatients. Will that be my actual Op or a consultation? i thought i was just going straight in for the op but now wondering if i am just going in to talk to the doctor about it. i have been referred by my gp as ive had both off 6 times in total. getting nervous and just want it over with have suffered for so long with them now. anyone have any ideas as to whether ill be having the op tomorrow or just a consutation. It doesnt say on the letter :S
sad about toes 14-Jul-2010 16:30
Hi Evelyn & Tommy
I just got out of the hospital last night for my toe .On friday (9th) I saw my family doctor becuase the toe got much worse and had a big abcess on it .The plan was my doctor wanted to order and mri for next week and for me to go see the infectiouse diesease doctor but he also had to open up the abcess in my toe when he did he panicked at what came out and got on the phone with his infectiouse disease doc and the hospital he told me he could be the start of gas gangreen .took 4 1/2 hours for er to see me and they did a mri and x ray and put me on vancomycin iv and amoxxicilon iv meds .The doc in the er said I had the start of a bone infection and said I would be on iv meds for months .
then on sat night another doctor said I do not have a bone infection the infection is still in the skin . they kept me on iv until yesterday and sent me home .They do not have final culture results back yet from lab .I am so sick from all the meds the toe does ook better but still draining a little from where the abcess was .Waiting to hear back from my family doctor and my foot doctor is waiting to hear back from me .I just pray this heals now and with no further problems or meds as I cant take any right now from being so sick from the ivs I know have Gi problems and thrush :( ugg I am still sad about my toes .
Evelyn I hope you are doing better and the medicine is working for you . Tommy hope you are healing well also .
Kate 13-Jul-2010 20:46
Thanks Tommy, will let you know how I go on. :-)
Tommy 13-Jul-2010 04:37
Kate: "permanent" is the way to go...because there is always a chance the nail comes back and creates issues. Just be forewarned that your toe may look somewhat different without the nail. But after a few weeks you will be used to it and it does not look bad at all....It takes a good 6 weeks to heal completely. Sometimes a tad longer. You should be able to go to work the next day...but don't expect to ware closed toed shoes for at least two weeks, a post-op shoe or open toe sandal will be fine. it is good that you are doing this in warmer months so you could ware open toe shoes or sandals. After the surgery they will put a large pressure bandage, after your shower the next morning you could take it off and then start dressing your wound as instructed. There will be some drainage form the wound for at least 2 weeks or longer. You should avoid any physical activity like running/joging for about two weeks. At three weeks you could ware a sneaker and workout; but don't put any pressure on the toe. Let it heal. Always keep it covered....if you see any sign of infection, that is warm toe, swollen after a few days of surgery, etc call your doctor immediately and let him or her know. Always use an antibiotic cream or gel. Good luck..you will be fine. Keep us posted.
Kate 12-Jul-2010 21:48
Well, its offical, I went to the podiatry clinic today, and its definately coming off... next week! I've opted for the permanent procedure... woop! :-S
I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what painkillers to use (I live in the U.K. so might be a bit different), how long will it be sore for, and how long before I will be able to walk about properly, and get back to work?
Thanks for your help
Kate
Kate 12-Jul-2010 19:41
Well, its offical, I went to the podiatry clinic today, and its definately coming off... next week! I've opted for the permanent procedure... woop! :-S
I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what painkillers to use (I live in the U.K. so might be a bit different), how long will it be sore for, and how long before I will be able to walk about properly, and get back to work?
Thanks for your help
Kate
Tommy 11-Jul-2010 05:42
Sad about toes: I admit this is really frustrating.Is there any other way to find a good wound infection specialist. I think it may be prudent to start getting a little more aggressive with the infection. When your foot doctor says "he does not think it is in the bone yet" how does he know? Can't he recommend a bone scan just to be on the safe side. PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE make sure that the infection is not spreading.
Also to Evelyn, this site was started by Dr. Lisa Bliss who is an ultra marathon (100 miles or more) runner, who was getting recurrent ingrown toenails because of her running, and eventually had surgery to permanently remove them. Yes, I agree with you, this site has become and invaluable resource to those of us who has gone through this surgery. I came across this when I was looking for information on nail fungus and ingrown toenails. Quick healing to all!!!
EVELYN 09-Jul-2010 02:50
I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH ALL OF THIS, WE GO GET THE TOES DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE TO CORRECT A PROBLEM, THEN WE GET LOADS OF PROBLEMS TO TOP IT ALL OFF, YOU WONDER IF IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I UNDERSTAND YOUR FEAR, I AM FEARFUL ALSO, WHEN THEY SAY THAT DREADED WORD MURSA, YOU GET SICK TO THE STOMACH, AND YOU WORRIE ALL THE TIME, I WAS FEARFUL THAT "OH MY AM I GOING TO LOOSE MY TOE, OR FOOT" BUT I WILL NOT GO THERE, WE HAVE TO HAVE FAITH THAT ALL OF THIS WILL GET WELL, WE WILL GET BETTER AND NOT LET THE FEAR TAKE OVER, SO BE BRAVE FOR NOW AND KNOW WE ALL ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, AND WE WILL WIN IN THE LONG RUN, PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED, AND I AM SO THANKFUL TO TOMMY OR WHO EVER STARTED THIS SITE, SO WE COULD SHARE IN THIS ALL TOGETHER.KEEP THE FAITH,I GO BACK THIS COMING WED. HOPE FOR GOOD NEWS, HOPE THE REST OF YOUNS GET GOOD NEWS SOON.
sad about toes 09-Jul-2010 02:42
Hi Evelyn and Tommy .Was bad news again today I have an infection cellulitis this is on the other side of the toe not the side where the procedure is it started on Monday and I had taken all of the antibodics I had fineshed them on sunday by last night I knew I was in trouble really looked bad .Darn mrse is known for this it gets knocked down while on medicine then can come back when you stop :( I am back on the tetracycline 4 x a day again for 10 days but if toe gets worse or doesnt show signs of improvement in 48 hours I may have to go on IVS . Foot doctor said he doesnt think its in the bone yet but if I keep getting the infection back he said it could end up there :( I just cant get over all of this and I feel like it wont end .
Evelyn you are so right about the cutting and poaking too I had that done again today to try to drain the toe .I like the foot doctor I go to now though he is much more caring then the one who did these toes the first time and did them wrong . I just wish I could pray but lately I just feel numb from going through all of this for so long .Having to have the toes done over seemed hard enough but mrse has made it even more complicated .
Tommy 08-Jul-2010 01:04
Evelyn and Sad About Toes: Sorry to hear about your infections. As I stated before, just make sure that the infection has not spread to the bone. Keep us posted. Good luck and speedy healing!
EVELYN 08-Jul-2010 00:51
HI SAD, I SURE DO HOPE YOUR VISIT GOES WELL AT THE DR. YOU KNOW I HATE WHEN ALL THE HEALING YOU WENT THROUGH AND WHAT DO THEY DO, BUT TO MESS WITH IT AGAIN BY GETTING THEIR SCAPLE AND CUTTING AROUND IT, THEN THERE YOU GO AGAIN WITH THE MENDING, DSEEMS LIKE A NEVER ENDING PROCESS, NEXCT TIME I GO IF MY TOE LOOKS DECENT I AM GOING TO SAY, DO NOT MESS WITH MY TOE, IT IS HEALING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE DR.S VISIT
sad about toes 07-Jul-2010 15:33
Thanks Evelyn
I know its hard toes are such a small part of our body who would think they would be this complicated this has been a year and two months of my life .the right toe was on may 09 and had 4 surgerys staph infection then the laser and chemical burn didnt heal until oct and has nail growing back on it now .Then this left toe was done in Dec and came back with pieces of nail both on top and under the skin causing the infection then was told I have MRSE they did the laser and chemical again last week while on antibodics .Doctor said two hurdles to get over one being the infection and the other still the chance of regrowth again and we wont know that for 3 to 6 months . I have a herniated disc that is easier to deal with then these toes .
I hope your second antibodic works well and that you heal fast . I called the foot doctor today and I go tomorrow .
EVELYN 07-Jul-2010 15:26
HI SAD ABOUT TOES, WELL I AM GLAD YOUR TOE IS COMING ALONG, WE WILL GET BETTER, NOT SAYING I AM NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE INFECTION CAUSE I AM, I DONT GO BACK TILL THE 14TH HE WANTS ALL THE ANTIBOTICS GONE BY THEN, IT HURTS BAD SOMETIMES LIKE ICE PICKS IN IT, AND AT OTHER TIMES IT DOESNT,SO I'LL FOLLOW HIS PLANS AND PRAY IT GET WELL SOON, AND I PRAY YOURS GETS WELL TOO, MAYBE HE TOOK YOU OFF THE ANTIBOTICS TO SEE IF YOUR OWN BODY WILL HEAL IT THE REST OF THE WAY, LET ME KNOW, KEEP IN TOUCH.
Evelyn 07-Jul-2010 15:20
please don't hate your feet, so many of us have had the same problem, but we must march on and let these toes know who is in charge. i would not wait, i would go to the foot dr. have it checked and get on antibotics, i don't think they understand how painful it is,we should maybe drop a brick on their toes and see ok this is what i fill ha ha. hope you get well soon, i am still fighting my infection, on 2nd antibotic, but i will get this ol toe better if its the last thing i do..good luck to you hate your foot.
sad about toes 07-Jul-2010 02:15
well what I thought was doing good now hurts my toe has started burning and has gotten very red on one side of the toe saw family doctor and he didnt think it was infected yet told me if it becomes purple and swells to come back but I still wonder if the mrse is back as it didnt start hurting until today and yesterday is 1 week post op and two days off meds :( I HATE MY FEET
sad about toes 06-Jul-2010 14:40
Hi Evelyn the visit went well so far I am doing ok just wish I knew if this would heal faster being the second time for this toe but looks to be the same slow process as before .Its draining and he wants me to keep a very close eye on it for the next few weeks but for now no more antibodics .It is still soar mostly when I am on it too much .
I hope the antibodics are working for you when do you go back to your doctor ? If you are having lots of pain you should see him sooner to make sure the infection is not getting worse . good luck and good healing :)
evelyn 04-Jul-2010 22:22
i sure hope your visit is a good one, did your toe still hurt while taking the antibotics?? i get stabbing pains all the time. let me know what your doc does next ok good luck to u
sad about toes 04-Jul-2010 15:53
Good luck Evelyn will be thinking about you .I see my foot doc tomorrow and today I finesh antibodics I am hoping for a good outcome and sure hope the meds killed the mrse
EVELYN 04-Jul-2010 03:49
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, I WON'T SOAK IT AGAIN, NOT EVEN THE FOOT DR. TOLD ME ABOUT SOAKING. I AM TAKING THE ANTIBOTICS FAITHFULLY, I'LL LET U KNOW WHEN I GO NEXT WEEK WHAT THE NEW TOE NEWS IS, HOPEFULLY GOOD NEWS.
sad about toes 03-Jul-2010 02:07
evelyn with the Mrse you do not want to do the soaking my doctor said it can draw the infection in deeper make sure you take all the medicine as its tuff to beat . Hang in there and feel better
EVELYN 02-Jul-2010 12:40
FOR THE PERSON WHO POSTED AFTER ME LAST EVENING, I DONT KNOW WHICH TYPE, HE JUST SAID MURSA, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TYPE, ALL I KNOW IS I WANT IT TO GET BETTER, AND NOT SPREAD TO BONES OR TOES, AND TO THE NEXT PERSON, THE PAIN DOESNT LEAVE UNTIL I THINK IT ALL GOES AWAY, ITS LIKE HAVING A TOOTH ACHE, AND YOU GET SHARP PAINS ONCE IN A WHILE, I REALLY FILL BAD THAT YOUNS HAVE INFECTIONS, MAYBE THAT IS COMON AND WERE NOT UNUSUAL, I KNOW3 IT SCARES THE ----RIGHT OUT OF U BUT KEEP FIGHTING THE TOE BATTLE WE WILL MARCH ON...THANKS EVELYN ACHEY BREAK TOES.
manky toes 02-Jul-2010 09:18
hey guys - finally somewhere I can have a moan about my toes. I had both big toe nails removed with the phenol and now have an infection in both. Absolutely kills. Have seen gp and got antibiotics but so far not too good going back today. How long does this pain go on for?
sad about toes 02-Jul-2010 03:34
Evelyn I am so sorry you have mrsa is it the mrse or mrsa I understand your fear as I too have mrse .I am on tetracycline will be done with that on sunday .Today has made me nerouse as an area of the wound from the matricectomy is white The doctor said its from the wound being wet but it still scares me to look at it .I see the podiatry doctor on monday .
EVELYN 02-Jul-2010 00:04
HI TOM, GETTING BACK TO YOU, THIS IS EVELYN, WELL I WENT BACK TO GET THE TONAIL RECHECKED, THE NIGHT BEFORE I SAOKED MY FOOT AND I POURED TABLE SALT ON MY NAIL WHILE IT WAS UNDER WATER AND LET IT SET A WHILE, I FIGURED IF THAT IS WHAT THEY DID IN ROMAN TIMES I WOULD TRY IT. WELL WHEN I WENT TO THE DR.S THE NEXT DAY ALL THE REDNESS WAS GONE. IT FELT GREAT TILL HE STARTED DEBRIEFING IT AGAIN, AND TAKING ALL THE DEAD SKIN OFF NOW IT HURTS ALL OVER AGAIN.........HE TOLD ME WHAT KIND OF INFECTION, IT IS MURSA, WHEN HE SAID THAT I REALLY GOT SCARED, BUT I AM NOT GOING TO PANIC, I AM GOING TO TAKE THIS NEW ANTIBOTIC HE GAVE ME VIBRAMYCIN AND SOAK AS I HAVE BEEN AND PRAY IT GOES AWAY, ILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AS THE WEEK PROGRESSES. THANKS EVELYN
Sad about toes 01-Jul-2010 03:25
Thanks Tommy you have been a great help too :) I will keep you posted hope your healing is still going great :)
Tommy 01-Jul-2010 01:29
Sad about toes: It is great to hear that things are turning out to be ok. Just follow whatever instructions you were given. Hope you will heal fast and be able to get back to doing the things you enjoy.
sad about toes 30-Jun-2010 15:51
HI Tommy wanted to update all I had procedure redone on toe monday the podiatry doctor and family doctor felt the antibodics will do the job of keeping the infection under controle .They did not feel the infection was in the bone as the toe was not looking worse actually looked better . They did the cutting of the pieces of nail spiccal and the used the laser and phenol again .wrapped it with iodine gauze . I have to see my family doctoe here in town every day this week then back to podiaty doctor on monday .
So far (knock on wood) it looks ok It has not started to drain yet and I started soaking today in betodine and then wrap the toe with bacitracine and guaze . I see my family doctor again today . I am sure hoping this wil all be ok and that the mrse is gone and I can get past all of the fear .Dealing with these toes for over a year is just too much .
hope everyone else is doing well
Tommy 30-Jun-2010 02:34
Kate: The toenail removal surgery itself is a very simple procedure. They will numb your toe before the procedure and you will not feel anything. Sometimes you may feel some pressure when the doctor separates it from the nail bed and then removes it from the matrix. You should be out of the office in about one hour. When they numb the toe they use a cold spray and then injects the chemical to numb the nerve. You may feel some stinging. After the procedure you should not feel any pain for about 4 to 6 hrs. Sometime you will not have any sensation in the toe until 10 hrs. It all depends how your body metabolizes the chemical. You should take some extra strength Advil or any thing that you normally take for pain. You could also ask the podiatrist for a prescription strength pain reliever. After this the healing process begins. Are you doing a permanent removal? That is no more toenail (they will burn the nail matrix with phenol or laser). A thick skin will grow where your nail used to be. Don't worry you will be fine. The healing takes somewhere between 4-8 weeks.
gueat 29-Jun-2010 23:07
i am having all of my nails remove in the morning i am scared now after reading uou all comments.
Guest 29-Jun-2010 12:58
I am currently sufering with a 'deformed' big toe nail. Its not infected, but, following an in growing toenail proceedure a few years ago, it has now grown back more like a tallon, growing sideways, and is a nasty colour. I'm going to have an assessment at the Podiatorist at the hospital on Monday, the doctor said it needs to come off otherwise it will cause me no end of problems, and it is quite painful. I'm quite scared about it, in growing toe nail proceedures look very different to the whole lot coming off. :-S If anyone could offer me any advice and/or words of comfort, i'd be very greatful, lol! Thanks, Kate.
EVELYN 28-Jun-2010 21:14
THANKS TOMMY, I WILL ASK WHAT TYPE OF BACTERIA, HE PUT ME ON BACTRUM BUT I GOT HIVES ALL OVER SO HE SAID TO STOP IT AND I SEE HIM IN TWO DAYS, I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT THE OUTCOME, AND YES, I USED THE CREAM THEY GAVE ME THEN SWITCHED TO NEOSPORIN SO I WILL SEE IF THAT HELPS, ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THIS OUTCOME KNOWS ITS NOT A WALK IN THE ROSES. I'LL GET BETTER, HOPE ALL ELSE DOES TOO. EVELYN THANKS
Tommy 28-Jun-2010 05:22
Evelyn: I read your previous posting below. You mention that you soaked your foot in salt water and wrapped-up. Did you use any antibiotic cream or gel when you were bandaging your toe? Also you mentioned that your doctor took a sample of the bacteria. Did he/she culture it and get the results back? Did he/she tell you what type of bacteria is it? If you have been following the discussion below with "Sad About Toes" your may have seen about the Staph infection. Make sure that doctor tells you what the bacteria culture result is and that he is targeting it with the correct antibiotic. If you are allergic call the office and make sure he/she knows about it. Staph infections can take a very long time to heal and could cause serious complications. As for the question about healing, it could take at least 4-6 weeks to heal completely WITHOUT any infection. You may still feel some sensitivity for almost 2 months from the date of surgery-until a thick skin is formed where your toenail used to be. Keep us posted and speedy healing.
EVELYN 28-Jun-2010 03:39
WELL MY TOE STILL HASN'T HEALED YET, AND IT IS INFECTED FOR THE SECOND TIME, DR. PUT ME ON BACTRUM, BUT YIKES I BROKE OUT IN HIVES SO CAN'T TAKE THE ANTIBOTIC FOR IT. SURE PRAY IT HEALS UP FAST.HAD IT TAKEN OFF 18 DAYS AGO.(BIG TOENAIL ON LEFT FOOT. HAS ANYONE ELSES TAKEN THIS LONG TO HEAL UP??????
Tommy 27-Jun-2010 23:29
see my posting on June 4th on "Toenail Removal Surgery and Shoes"
Guest 27-Jun-2010 19:08
how are you guys doing with your feet? do y ou all go barefoot? for me its not something i do very easily.
Tommy 26-Jun-2010 05:55
To Sad About Toes: Sorry to hear the bad news. The first thing the Dr. needs to do,and you need to insist, is the bone scan (MRI) to make sure that the Staph has not advanced to the bone and caused osteomyelitis. Once the bone is affected things start to go down hill. Now, MRIs are expensive and most insurance plans are hesitant to cover this. Insist to the Podiatrist you want to make sure that the bone is disease free. If the bone is not infected you are in luck, and hopefully the antibiotics should work and you will be fine. If we assume that the bone is infected they could do a surgical debridement (scrape the diseased part of bone) and save the bone and toe and not allow the Staph to spread. So first goal here is to make sure the Staph is arrested without allowing it to spread to the bone. I think your family doctor is hitting the nail right on the head. If you think your podiatrist has exhausted all options, I would ask your family Doctor for good recommendation to a orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower limb/foot conditions. They are generally more knowledgeable about bone scans etc. I am praying that you get through this ok. Keep us posted.
sad about toes 26-Jun-2010 02:31
Thanks Meredith and Tommy doing my best to stay postive on the antibodics now 4 times a day and have a call in to the foot doctor .I sure am praying this goes well
Meredith 25-Jun-2010 18:06
@sad about toes . Please keep us updated on your progress. I'm glad Tommy had so much good advice for you and others who think of having this procedure done.

I hope you come through this with your toes completely healthy. You will be in my thoughts. Don't give up.
sad about toes 25-Jun-2010 04:08
Hi TOMMY yes I have been taking photos even when I had the first toe done in July .Today I had more bad news the labs came back from culture taken on friday from my toe and I now have staph eperdimus mrse .My family doctor is putting me on tetracycline he said I still should be able to have the remaining nail pieces lasered safely . I am calling the podiatry office tomorrow . This is all so scary Still dont understand how a fungas infection started all of this for me . They say mrse is not as bad as mrsa but i am just not sure . Thanks again and hope you heal well and I agree dont do other toes unless you have no other choice
Tommy 24-Jun-2010 21:51
All, wanted give everyone an update on my toenail removal surgery. It has been 4 weeks since the permanent removal of my right toenail due to fungus that eventually caused the nail to thicken and become ingrown causing pain. The healing has been progressing well. I am hoping that nail will not come back and cause problems. If you are thinking about surgery or is going through the healing phase like me and have questions e-mail me at daytommy2002@yahoo.com. I have also updated my flickr page. You could enter the following after the .com photos/13540410@N02/4730846631/ Speedy healing to all
Tommy 24-Jun-2010 05:00
To Sad about toes: Glad you are exploring all avenues. After you brought-up this issue it has made me anxious as well; since I am going through the healing phase myself. The more I read about this, the more negative stories I see. I was planing on doing my other toe(since it has been giving problems from time-to-time) but now I may put surgery on the other toe on hold-although it is still giving me pain. Also I guess there is no guarantee that the nail won't come back. When you go back to the podiatrist make sure he or she explains all the treatments available to you. I am not sure if you are close to an urban center that has more specialized facilities. I would also take pictures of the healing process, so that I have documentation incase you want to pursue a malpractice suite. Lastly, I hope you are having alot of support from family and friends to get you through this. Keep us posted of your progress.
sad about toes 22-Jun-2010 14:53
HI thanks Tommy yes the first toe had the staph this one they say thei nfection is from the cells being left behind .You are so right though that they should make sure there is not a bone infection . They want to do the procedure (laser ) again on monday and becuase that doctor is so far away they want my family doctor to have an emergnecy plan like infusion center scine I do not do well with antibodics . The risk is there is a small infection right now but it wil lkeep getting bigger as the nail cells stay in there under the skin ,I am still calling around though and trying to cover all bases .I will ask the foor doctor about checking the bone .thanks
Tommy 22-Jun-2010 04:22
To Sad about toes: I have heard that Staphylococcus Aureus infections tend to be a bit tricky on the healing side, and the infection can penetrate to the surface of the bone. Ask the Dr. if you would need an MRI to check for an abscess or other problems beneath the skin surface. I think the podiatrist made a big mistake by opening up the skin (laser and phenol burn) to the Staph infection. From what I have read they should be aggressively attacking the Staph infection with oral antibiotics (tropical application would not do). As I said ask for a MRI to see what is beneath the skin. After you raised this issue it piked my interest (since I also had a fungal infection on my toenail) and I did some medical lit searches; and it seems Staph and Toes don’t go well together. As long as the bone is disease free you should come out of this nightmare ok. Exhaust all options-if that means going to 4 different Drs. Keep us posted. Good Luck!
Guest 21-Jun-2010 03:56
Thanks Tommy . I am not diabetic or unhelthy this started though last year as a fungas infection that became a staph infection . the first doctor did the laser and phenol in july he said it would be easy and I would heal in 6 weeks He had to cut the scab off in Sept . then a little piece of nail was left on and he yanked it out saying it was probably tough skin . came back and its nail . HIs Dad the other doctor did my other grand toe in Dec and he really missed pieces of nail . The problem is not only is there a piece growing on top of the toe but under the skin he missed cells and the body thinks they should not be there and it is causing an infection . They need to be removed and the new podiatry doctor wants to laser them but infection has to be gone . My family doctor said you cant get rid of the infection becuase they are cells that cant be seen . He said these procedures should never be done for this reason . I am calling both docotrs again tomorrow and will also look in to your sugestions . The sad thing is its so hard now days to find a docotr willing to fix another doctors mistake .
Tommy 21-Jun-2010 03:06
@sad about toes, sorry to hear about your situation. There are much more complicated surgeries performed with great results. In this day and time with so many advances in medicine, you should NEVER have to loose a toe for such a simple procedure. BTW do you have diabetes Type II? Sometimes this could cause complications. Anyway, I would also consult a general surgeon, there is hyperberic oxygen therapy, and other treatments that they could try. Please consult another podiatrist or a wound infection specialist. Keep us posted. Hope you have a positive outcome.
Sad about toes 20-Jun-2010 17:40
OK now I really wish I never had this done tink twice people before you do I had one toe done in july 09 wouldnty heal when it finally did there was a piece of nail left on then the other toe done in dec difrrent doctor that now has pieces of nail growing back but also cells under the skin that are causing an infection they told me on friday I will more then likely loose my toe !!!! my family doctor said these procedures should never be done as they come with too big of a risk but podiatry will never admit that
Sad about toes 20-Jun-2010 17:37
OK now I really wish I never had this done tink twice people before you do I had one toe done in july 09 wouldnty heal when it finally did there was a piece of nail left on then the other toe done in dec difrrent doctor that now has pieces of nail growing back but also cless under the skin that are causing an infection they told me on friday I will more then likely loose my toe !!!!
Guest 19-Jun-2010 14:57
@Tommy - I did go to my post-op appt. Matter of fact, I have been to several and the Dr. keeps telling me keep ointment on my toes and covered with bandaids. I'm thinking it is time to let them dry out or they will just never heal.
Tommy 19-Jun-2010 06:29
@Tracy, each one heals differently. Anyway, you should have gone for a post-op evaluation during the second week. By now the would should be dry. If I were you I would go to another podiatrist just to make sure there is nothing serious going on. Good luck
Tracy 18-Jun-2010 03:19
I had both my big toenails removed 4 months ago, back in February, because for 2 years I had been battling ingrown toenails and infections, but now that I the surgery it seems like my toes are taking a very long time to heal. I don't think the Dr. protected the skin around the nail very well because that skin just keeps breaking open and peeling from the chemical burn. My toes itch me like crazy and even soaking them doesn't seem to help. I still clean them with the antiseptic wash every day, I use a prescribed ointment on them and dress them with bandaids but they still keep breaking open. I was really hoping they would be healed by summer but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. Are there any suggestions out there? Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone for a second opinion on the nail removal.
sad about toes 17-Jun-2010 18:51
well I sure wish I never had this done both grand toes have nail coming back one was done in July 09 and has a piece of nail on the side wich then new doctor has been drilling down the other toe done in Dec has pieces of nail on pat of the top of the toe and under the skin . I now have an infection and had to be opened up yesterday so it can drain .Have to soak it 2 x a day and put antibodic topical on it and had to have a shot then if the infection clears I get to be burned again July 7th .This has been hell !! and has taken a year away from my life and still more to come each toe took over 10 weeks last time
Tommy 11-Jun-2010 00:59
see my postings from June 2, and 4th.

Since it has been two weeks since my permanent toenail removal surgery I wanted to provide everyone with an update. The healing has been progressing well. I also visited my podiatrist who took a look at the wound and said that it is healing ok. I have also been able to wear a shoe on that foot without much pain. It is still sensitive so I have kept it covered with a band-aid. I continue to wash the wound daily with a wound wash I purchased at the podiatrist’s office. Check my Flickr page. You could access by searching for daytommy2002 under people in Flickr. Also if you have any questions send me an e-mail at daytommy2002@yahoo.com. Happy healing to all...
Tommy 05-Jun-2010 22:18
I am not allowed to post hyperlinks. So please see the Flicker site under my username daytommy2002
EVELYN 04-Jun-2010 08:59
WELL I GOT MY LEFT BIG TOENAIL AND MIDDLE TOENAIL REMOVED,THE SHOTS WERE THE WORSE.BUT ONE HOUR LATER I WAS IN PAIN.I AM USED TO PAIN CAUSE OF DETERIATION OF BONES BUT THIS WAS BAD.IF I WOULD BUMP IT I WOULD HIT THE CELIENG. WELL YESTERDAY WAS MY-RECHECK I HAD SOAKED IT IN SALT WATER AND WRAPPED IT CONSTANTLY, BUT WHEN HE TOOK OFF THE BANDAGES MY TOES WERE BEET RED AND OZZING, HOW DISCUSTING AND WORRIESOM. THERE WAS AN INFECTION GOING ON, NO WONDER I WAS GETTING SUCH STABBING PAINS. SO HE CLEANED IT OUT (NO PICNIC) TOOK SAMPLE OF THE BACTERIA, CREAMED IT UP RE-RAPPED IT AND SAID TAKE THE ANTIBOTICS AND SEE ME IN A WEEK, PLEASE PRAY IT GETS BETTER, FOR THOSE WHO SAY THEY HAVE HAD NO PAIN WELL GOD BLESS THEM, BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET IT DONE EXPECT DISCOMFORT AND NO PRETT SHOES.EVELYN
Tommy 04-Jun-2010 03:01
See my posting June 02 2010.

Toenail removal surgery and shoes: I wanted point this out to those who may be considering elective surgery and those who may be going through the healing phase (like me). If you plan to have elective surgery do it in the warmer months. This gives you options to wear open toe shoes or sandals. Also most podiatrists recommend to wear a sandal for the first two weeks following surgery. This true if you have had a complete removal and also disturbed the matrix with a chemical or electric burn. They generally don’t provide you with a post-op shoe for this surgery. Now, I have had to wear shoes to work and trust me it is painful. Even with a sneaker it has been causing pain. So I invested in a post-op shoe (it is about $20) to wear to work. There are two good reasons for this: one, it gives legitimacy to your medical condition and two, if you have to wear a business suit to work, sandals or flip-flops looks odd (especially for the guys). I will post pics soon. Speedy healing to all.....
SAD ABOUT TOES 03-Jun-2010 22:42
MY TOE GOT A MAJOR STAPH INFECTION BROUGHT ON BY TOENAIL FUNGAS THE NAIL WAS REMOVED WITH LASER AND CHEMICAL IN JULY 09 THEN THE LEFT GRAND TOE DONE DEC 09 BOTH NOW HAVE NAILS COMING BACK EVEN THOUGH TWO DIFRENT DOCTORS DID IT AND FROM WHAT I HEAR THIS IS COMMON . DOCTOR SAID HE CAN JUST BURN IT AGAIN AFTER TAKING MONTHS FOR THEM TO HEAL THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT I NEED A SECOND OPNION GOT IT YESTERDAY AND HE SAID NO TO LASER THAT IT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE BONE AND REBURNING COMES WITH LOTS OF RISK SO HE TOOK A TOOL TO GRIND DOWN THE NAIL AND I GO BACK AGAIN EVERY 11 WEEKS AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL WORK SO I CAN STAY IN MY SNEAKERS AND BE ACTIVE . I WOULD ADVISE PEOPLE EVEN AT THAT OFFICE THE DOCTOR SAID LOTS OF TIMES THE NAIL IS NOT COMPLETLEY REMOVED AND PIECES ALMOST ALWAYS GROW BACK . WITH CHEMICAL OR LASER STILL NO GUARANTEE
Meredith 02-Jun-2010 11:06
@Tommy

I would love to see the pictures of your progress. I have been taking pictures of my big toes the past few weeks while they've been healing, but I'm too chicken to put them online. I'm afraid my doctor will recognize my toes. lol.
Tommy 02-Jun-2010 02:33
I posted this back in December 2, 2009: "I have had nail fungus on both my big toenails. Used tropical cream prescribed by the podiatrist. Some of the fungus cured but still the nail is having some streaks. Now I have got ingrown toenails because of the fungus. Visited podiatrist last week, and he gave a nail softener to ease the pressure. It is still only a few days. Not much of an improvement. I am thinking of getting both my big toenails removed permanently. So I don't have to worry about fungus or painful ingrown toenails. Any thoughts appreciated"

Well after about a year of trying various prescription creams and gels, I finally thought to get a second opinion and made an appointment last Wednesday (May 26) with another podiatrist in the area. She listened well as I described my previous issues and various medications I have tried. After thoroughly examining both my feet she recommended that I should have my right toenail partially removed (with phenol). She also mentioned that I may still have problems with the fungus down the road. She also gave me the option of permanently removing my right toe nail so that I don’t have deal with this issue again. After numbing the toe she removed the toenail and I was out of the office within an hour. The first night I did not have any pain since the toe was numb until about 10am the next morning. So far the recovery has been ok, and I will be back at the docs next week to check how things are progressing. I have taken some pics and will post them on Flickr and let you guys know the link. speedy healing to all

Jayne 30-May-2010 02:08
I dropped a lump of wood on my big toe which was already suffering from a fungal growth cause by penicillen. The toe went black and blue and swelled rapidly. I bathed it in Epsom salts 3 X daily,and after 5 days went to Dr for nail removal. The most painful part was the first needle with anaesthetic, tornique on, nail off, toe dressed, bandage too tight, purple toe again, bandage off, another dressing and bandaid on. Now 5 days later, am bare footed around the house for nailbed to dry, fungus gone, toe not swollen, no painkillers. Am hoping nail wont regrow, but....! Am so pleased I had it removed, has been no fuss and no pain. maybe I am lucky.
Guest 23-May-2010 17:34
my toes healed so darn slow one took 4 months and now the nails are coming back doctor said no big deal this happens alot and you just have to have the procedure done again :(
Meredith 23-May-2010 01:51
I just wanted to say if anyone wants to permanently remove both big toenails I suggest asking your doc if you can do one toe at a time. I say that because I had one toe looking and feeling almost perfect by day 10 - it has been a dream healing for that toe and the other toe is healing slowly - it leaves me limping when I wear shoes and I had to go on Levaquin because of it - very frustrating. If both of my toes were healing slowly I would be a mess.
Guest 16-May-2010 22:01
My daughter had both toenails removed last week due to an infection in her big toes, believed caused by a contaminated metallic nail polish. Since the surgery, she has been unable to get the mesh tulle gauze removed from the bare toe nail bed. She spent the past three days soaking it in warm water with the antiseptic the doctor had given her, Epsom salts, Epsom salts and vinegar, under the bathtub faucet, etc. etc., all the while screaming in pain when the mesh gauze STILL would not release. She was ready return to the doctor tomorrow (Monday) for him to numb and remove the gauze because she could no longer stand the pain of trying to remove it herself. Then, I happened upon a suggestion to soak the injured toe in olive oil, let it soak in, then remove the gauze. At her wits end, she thought she'd give it a try. First, she soaked her feet in the regular antiseptic/water solution. Then she heated olive oil in the microwave until it was warm, and poured it over one toe. Within a few minutes, the gauze totally released from the nail bed with no tears or screaming. She did the same on the second toe, and bingo! Mesh gauze gone, no tears or wailing. Afterward, she soaked her toes in the antiseptic solution to remove any residual oil or debris. If you are at your wits end trying to get the mesh gauze off the bare nail bed, try the warm oil treatment. It really works, and she wanted me to let everyone know that if you find yourself in the same horribly painful dilemma, to give it a try.
guest 13-May-2010 03:21
to boyfriend with infection what ever you do do not get procedure done until infection is gone then make sure its a good doctor mine coat 600$ each toe and after 9 months nails are now growing back and toes need to be redone again
Meredith 12-May-2010 21:18
To guest Below I also don't have insurance and just had the procedure done. It can cost around $300 to $350 PER TOE. You can get a discount if you pay in full (cash) the day the procedure is done - ask about that and ask how much of a discount you will get.

If your boyfriend's toe is really bad he may have an infection. I'm not saying he does but it's a possibility you might want to think about. Antibiotics without insurance can run from $100 to $250 for a full course depending on what the doc recommends.

I'll be checking back here in case you have any more questions.
guest 12-May-2010 00:11
My boyfriend has had ingrown toenail after ingrown toenail and the basic procedure never helps. He has decided that he wants to get it removed. Can anyone give me the average cost? He doesn't have insurance. BTW of all the ingrown toenails I have seen on the internet,
I've never seen one as bad as his.
sad about toes 03-May-2010 23:17
no real thing as such as permant for me months of misary 5 months for each darn big toe and the darn nail is gtowing back in a piece on the side of the toe . back in sept doc ripped it out thought it was tough skin wasnt it was nail now he said lets try leaveing it alone think he is scared to work on me now winder if it can be keft alone
Guest 29-Apr-2010 15:20
only do it if you have too
Guest 27-Apr-2010 23:25
I'm going to have my left big toe nail removed soon, and the thought of it knocks me quite sick. I've had ingrowing toe nail operations before which wasn't too bad... is it anything like that? Any advice would be very very welcome. :-)
Thanks.
Guest 25-Apr-2010 22:48
what do you do if after 9 months the nail starts to grow back on the side of the toe not the bottom I cant go through this again
sam 20-Apr-2010 20:29
I have had both my big toenails removed permanently about 10 years ago. I remember the best solution to keep infections away in recovery mode is to apply a gauze soaked in iodine. My doctor supplied me with those and i found the healing process went smoothly. Has anyone ever tried to use glue on false toenails or pre-glued ones that are less sticky?
I would really like to wear pretty shoes this summer without my feet being stared at lol. I am tempted to try out false toenails, revelon makes some nice ones but i am scared it might damage the skin?
Jana B 19-Apr-2010 14:36
I was glad to find this site and read everyone's input. I had both grand toenails removed after learning that laser treatment would not accomplish ridding my toes of that nasty fungus. I wasn't prepared to have that occur the same day I went in for the laser treatment, but thought if I did not have it done at that time, I would never return for the removal. It has been three weeks only, but a pretty painful three weeks. The comments I have read have been pretty assuring and helpful in understanding this recovery time. Thanks to all!
Deanne 16-Apr-2010 12:17
Co-incidental - I, myself had my big toe nail on my right foot removed, too ! Better than dealing with an ingrown toe nail ! I'm still in recovery mode - cream and cleanliness !
Heath 15-Apr-2010 17:44
This is not a joke Beverley.
You have an infection which can turn into gangrene very quickly.
Seriously. Get to a hospital straight away.
Guest 15-Apr-2010 17:36
Jesus, Beverley. Get to a hospital before you lose your foot..
This is not a place for medical answers. This is some nutter who took photos of her toenails being removed.
You'll be much better off talking to a doctor. :)
Martha 15-Apr-2010 13:44
I had my left big toe nail removed on March 2 and it is still REALLY giving me fits. EVERY week I have to go back and the doc has to open the nail fold to let it drain properly. Otherwise it gets REAL red, swollen and hurst like heck. I've been soaking it like he told me and doing everything that he said. I am a diabetic and this is really scaring me. The toe will just start throbbing and pain will shoot across the ball of my foot at the base of the other toes. My blood sugar numbers have been higher than normal ever since this procedure. Any advice?
Beverly 15-Apr-2010 05:47
I have a bad infection in my 10 day old removed large toenail. I can not take antibiotics and soaking seems to help some. Any suggestions? My entire foot is now swollen.
Patti 14-Apr-2010 12:48
I had this done on both big toes less than 24 hours ago. 1st thing, I didn't feel the needles at all. Didn't feel the procedure at all. Only discomfort was from the bandages....felt like a bandaid on too tight. Just took of dressing, didn't hurt, washed my feet, reapplied ointment and a bandaid. No pain, no sting, no nothing. For the 1st time EVER, I have no toenail pain!!! So far, best thing I have ever done!!!
guest 30-Mar-2010 21:04
sarah the infection makes scense from all your poor toe went through but the jumping does not if I wear you I would go to an ortho and have him see whats going on you could have nerve damage .
SARAH 30-Mar-2010 20:30
Hi i had an accident 3 weeks ago when my husband dropped a board from the loft and it landed on my foot. It broke my big toe and smashed it really. I lost my nail and my nail bed was very damaged and had the top and back of my toe stitched into shape. I have now got a bad infection in it as well. The pain is bear able but can someone please tell me if its normal for my foot to be jumping all the time? Is it the nerves. Nobody seems to answer my question when i ask. This jumping is driving me mad it happens nearly every minute. Thanks
bryguy 26-Mar-2010 14:26
Does anyone use fake toenails?
DeeDee 25-Mar-2010 18:27
Dear Rose,
Patience is what I wish for you! Go get some lovely, fun flip-flops and wear them for two months.........that is how long it took both my big toes to heal. I didn't even attempt close-toed shoes last summer; luckily I have a very understanding boss and co-workers! I kept the toes covered with large anti-stick guaze bandaids (flesh-colored) and I soon became very comfortable with my "fashion-statement"! The oozing (ick - I hate that word!) will continue for a time......... soak, keep them clean, covered and look forward to better foot health!
Dee Dee
darn toes 13-Mar-2010 15:19
I had the right toe laserd and chemical burn in July 09 and the left toe the same dec 3rd such a long healing process but one thing I wonder about is both toes get so red whe I am on them for too long and do any kind of exercise does any one else have this problem . I feel like my toes will never be the same again . I fianlly got in some sneakers and they have to be wider all my old ones no longer an option . I truely cant see how runners can do this surgery and be able to run after .
Rose 10-Mar-2010 20:57
My name is Rose and I had permanent removal of the Toe nail beside my big toe on the right foot along with the removal of the nerve and nailbed. I was suffering with major pain in the nail on and off and the past year not even the bed sheet could touch it without waking me in the night. I finally opted to have it done when my husband noticed how thick it was getting and how curled in. I attempted to have the sides cut out by a girl who does pedicures and it relieved the pain for a short time then it grew back in a fierce way making it way worse then it ever had been. So off to the podiatrist Iwent and finally surcumed to it one week today. I was told to not walk on it as much as possible. To elevate the foot on pillows when sitting or laying. to shower every day at 24 hour mark with bandage on. remove after showering and then use the solution wash to toe. pat dry apply antibiotic cream to gauze and wrap loosely with bandage. SHOES WHAT THE HECK. when will I ever where real shoes again. I tried to drive 4 days after surgery and the burning and pain and rubbing from shoes made it unbearable i hid in the house for 3 more days till i ventured out to drive over 40 minutes back to my specialist to have the surgery site checked. then back home again. I attempted to where sandles in the house but bumped my toe on the leg of the kitchen table and that hurt so i put on a slip on shoe with a closed toe area next. then when reaching in the fridege a coke can came rolling out and bounced off my shoe. thank god i had a closed shoe but it still hurt. Hazards of staying home I guess and my husband thought it was dangerous sending me to the mall at least there I only spend his money not injure myself. Can't wait to be driving again. Shopping again. Having fun with the ladies. etc. My doctor used a lazer thing to burn the nerve for regrowth and zap it with something. I feel like I have a raw nerve throbbing on my toe. I'm sitll at the beginnning stages so i find it bothersome and very painful. I have a wedding comming up for my niece and I will be MC or Mistress of Ceremony running around all night. I still don't know what shoes I'll where and I hate the thought of having no toenial. feel dismembered weird eh. Well I always do pedicures and even have beautiful flowers and dessigns on mybig toes. now I feel I have ugly feet. I guess Im a bit of a whiner. But I have other medical conditions in my life and this is now another. I have fibromyalgia and your pain level always feels higher even to someone touching you so if you have that illness be prepared to feel really sore. My doctor said that having the whole nail verses part is alot more painful and takes longer to heal. I asked him today why I am still bleeding and he said thats normal. hope all you toe jammers are jamming to music and trying to have some smiles while you heal. When you ice it don't ice the toe ice the main nerve in the foot which is just below your ankle on the top part of your foot. ice 15 on 30off first day 24 hours. i continued to ice my foot in that area where the doctor marked an x with a pen most of the week a few times a day. He told me I don't have to do that anymore but it still really hurts. I don't understand the scabbing part or the doctor removing it he never told me I would have to do that. ooooch wish me luck.
Guest 08-Mar-2010 03:56
tell ya one thing when you have no toe nails injurys are worse dont drop anything on your toe or you are setting yourself up for an infection if not worse . Oh and you need to to put sun screen on your toe now as it is more likely to get skin cancer
DeeDee 04-Mar-2010 14:20
A non-horror story: I had both toenails from my large toes permanently removed in June 2009. I wore flip-flops mostly all last summer, till about mid-August. I abided strictly by the doctors advice (keep them loosly bandaged using non-stick 4x4s, apply small amount of anitbiotic every time you change the bandage, shower with the bandages, apply new bandages 2x day, soak 2x daily in 3cups warm H2O and 2 tsp. table salt).
The healing process seemed to take forever and all the futzing around with them got very tiresome, but the results are spectacular! To look at my feet you cannot tell there is no nail on the large toes - the skin is very smooth and slight pinkish. I keep a very light pink or clear polish on the remaining nails and am on my way!
Wishing you all success with your "process"!
darn toes 26-Feb-2010 17:06
I went back to my foot doctor yesterday I had my left toe doen dec 3rd two weeks agao he cut most of the scab off along with cutting me .There is still a piece of scab on the toe and he said it could take a nother month to come off its been 13 weeks thats just nuts my last toe was done with scabs in 13 weeks. Then to read about some of you having nails grow back is scary after having such an ordeal with just healing from this . I just want my feet bnack to where I can wear shoes instead of the sandles I have been in scine april . Doctor told me to soak scab off two weeks ago after he couldnt cut iit all of now he says not to not sure what to think :(
theskybeblue 23-Feb-2010 07:21
I had this surgery on my left foot a few weeks ago, and all I can say is it is complete and utter bliss not having constant excruciating pain. i have had recurring ingrown nails for the last 18 years and the last 10 year i have spent 90% of my life limping, which is not fun as i'm naturally very active and find it very hard not to run when i am moving between places.

When i was at school i was unbeatable on long distance and cross country runs and also won awards for 200/100 metre sprints, so having to be carefull how far i walk/run and not being able to run long distances due to the absolute certainty of having a nasty swollen, bleeding and infected toe was absolutely infuriating. The anticipation is killing me waiting untill it is healed enough for me to have a good run! when I was younger I just took being able to run for granted, i never bothered training I was just good at it, now i just cant wait to have the freedom run as far as i want and as long without the risk of getting a horrible infection

The actual procedure was very quick and relatively painless apart from the injections, though i did know what to expect as i had already had multiple procedures on both my greater toenails for the lasst 18 years though never the permanent removal of an entire nail. I actually got to watch the procedure which i found interesting(both my parents have a medical background so i am not remotely squeemish, they used to discuss thier work over the dinner table). The only problem i had was my own commplacency, i am fairly ignorant to pain and quite quickly forgot i had just had surgery and went out which ended in the dressing almost completely disintigrating(not really a problem as i can dress a toe better than most nurses). My second hiccup was again my own fault, i ran up a hill and proptly stubbed my toe on a raised paving slab OUCH! for the next 3 days i was in even more pain than just after the procedure, and what was even more annoying was at that point it was just a dried up scab that didnt need a dressing and this took me all the way back to square 1. out came the first aid kit

If you lead an active lifestyle and have reccuring nail problems DO IT! get rid of that horrible nail so it never darkens your door again. you wont regret it even if you stub your toe, when the pain goes is is utter bliss. also i have previously ended up with mild blood poisioning from an infected toe before so even if it is painful aftter wards i much prefer having temporary pain over being permanently dead as blood poisioning is extremely serious

Guest 21-Feb-2010 06:13
In summer of 2006 I had my big left toenail permenebtly removed.
Procedure: Cold spray - Local anesthetic - Removal - Phenol - Cortisone on raw nail bed - Gauze and Babdage.
Post Op: Keep wrapped up toe moist with witch hazel. I did this religiously throughout the day (I have an office job). I kept the toe moist because my podiatrist ask that I come back every two weeks for debridement to make sure the healed skin will be nice and smooth.
Debridement: I dread this as no anesthetic is given. Doc just use his metal tools to scrap the wound.
After 4 weeks: Debridement was complete. Removed the gauze. I now soak with salt water, I still use witch hazel after the soak because I find it helps with the healing ( some people use hydrogen peroxide). After air drying the area I would apply cortisone cream and neosporin to reduce inflammation and increase healing. The area healed up in 8 weeks. It was more sensitive than what I was used...which makes sense since there's no toenail to protect the area. After a few more months I got used to it and I am very happy with my decision to have the surgery :)

One year post surgery a small piece of nail was growing back (left edge). I left it alone for a few year until last week when I was tired out clipping it.

Procedure: Same as before. Doc cut a small piece of strip gauze directly in the hole/wound to help drain the fluid. This was a great little mofication since it makes removing the bandages much easier and less painful.
Post Op: Leave bandage on for 48 hours. After which clean area with H2O2 using a cotton swab, apply prescribed topical antibiotics and cortisone. Apply neosporin.
Comment: Toe is healing nicely. The area being operated on is much smaller so the time to heal will be faster. At the rate it is healing I think it'll be good as new in a few weeks. Hopefully no more nail regrowth.

When removing the bandage it is key to thoroughly moisten the bandage to allow scab, seepage etc to separate from the bandage/gauze so you don't accidentally painfully yank it off. You can soak in salt water, take a shower, use saline or H2O2...the key if to make sure you clean the wound thoroughly after removing the bandage otherwise you rinse infection.

Doc recommend to cover wound because you don't want dust etc on your wound...more crude you'll need to clean off from the wound site as it is healing.

I wore sandals the whole time to allow area to heal quickly.

Fake Nail: Even with the glue they don't stay on for me and it's obvious that it is a fake nail.

Acrylic Nail: Looks real but I found it uncomfortable as something hard is constantly digging into the skin o the toe. Removal is a b&@!@ some of the acrylic seeped deep into the edge of my big toe the only way to remove it was to yank it out...along with a small but signifcant piece of flesh...ouch. In my opinion I am never doing this again not worth the pain.

Toenail implant: Is available though for me I'm okay with how my big toe looks and will not be entertaining this procedure.

Cost for permanent big toenail removal: About 600
Dana 20-Feb-2010 20:02
Hi! Dana again here.... I posted a while back... I was the one who had 2 courses of Levaquin for a non-determined infection... any whos... almost immediately after my last post.... I started to heal just fine! It was so weird.... one day I was soaking still and miserable, then the "top skin" came off and boom! all done! I'm wearing all my shoes again :) a little sensitive where the nail was but OMG, SO much better then when I had a toenail!!!!! My healing time was around 10 weeks... FOr all of you who posted, I have to say that it's worth it. THe phenol burn killed it and I've never been a happier toe person then I am right now! :)
Tracy 20-Feb-2010 13:44
Poor PT who posted below, I feel sorry for you. I have a good news story at last as the PNA I had done on Monday seems to be healing nicely. The infection I'd had for a month has gone hopefully, no need for more antibiotics and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel - and maybe a shoe on my foot by the end of Feb. I hope I'm not counting my chickens before they've hatched but I thought I should share this to give anyone else who's going to have the partial nail + phenol procedure a bit of encouragement.
Guest 18-Feb-2010 09:53
P.T.
Hi Guys,
I am back. I have done a permanent removal of four nails on both feet back in November 2008. I had them surgically removed ( no use of phenol) and the Nail Matrix cut off. I had stitches all around the nails and unbearable pain for two days.

Darlings all of them are growing back – not whole but little pieces underneath the skin. Although I don’t have pain because of the infection and the ingrown nail, there is still some sensitivity and the tip of my toe has grew some hardened skin which hurts when pressure applied – I think is calluses or corns – it hurts when and after I do my running.

My toenails look ugly and I always try to hide them when swimming or when I wear open shoes, I think especially for ladies it can be really embarrassing. I think that I need another operation to remove the pieces of nails that have grown back BUT I am not yet ready for more pain and restrain from my activities.

It is really frustrating that there is neither cure for this condition, nor any plastic surgery options to make the toenails look better post surgery or to implant a fake nail.

Any podiatrist or plastic sergeants there please find something to help us!!!! It is strange! There are so many people with this problem, so many of us would pay a lot of money to get our toenails look nice and pain free, yet nothing has been found to help all of us. Wake up you professionals you could be making profits along with putting a smile on our faces!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to encourage all of you to share information on this subject as this website is one of a couple recourses on this subject.

WISH YOU ALL WELL
Tracy 17-Feb-2010 15:27
I fully sympathise about not being able to wear shoes - I'm still in a thick sock and Teva sandal with a boot on the other foot. I had the other side of a big toe nail partially removed and phenolised on Monday. The injections weren't as painful as the other side of the SAME nail which I had done on 4th Jan exactly 6 wks ago but this might be because I knew what to expect in terms of discomfort. Still no idea why the other side flared up after no problem in the past. I took three lots of painkillers afterwards and since then i.e. just two days later, the toe just feels sore. I have to go back on Friday for a dressing as the toe is still infected. I feel very fortunate that this has been done on the NHS in the UK, given how much people say they've had to pay elsewhere. It's good to know that longer than expected healing times are not unusual. I sympathise with others about that too.
darn toes 12-Feb-2010 16:50
doctor tried cutting off scab yesterday and i now have some left on along with a cut does anyone know how to get the rest off .pluse I have such deep cracks in the side of my toe looks like the side of my toes are cut .
Guest 10-Feb-2010 22:14
Scotoe if you dont need to get it done dont did you know no doctor guarentees the nails wont grow back after all the long healing and pain Only do it if you must and have no other choice
Scotoe-go 09-Feb-2010 15:39
All your comments most helpful, but can't help thinking is it really worth it? Left big toe nail looks bad right one not so, but Doc says they dont really want to go down the route of taking it /them out unless I really need to. Any ideas or is it just the worry of it going pear-shape , (the op not the toe!!). Any advice would be welcome.
darn toes 07-Feb-2010 15:45
All I can say is that this takes a long time to heal TOO long the right toe that was done in july 09 still is sensitive and keeps growing pieces of skin which I thought could not happen over scar tissue and the toe still gets red if on it too long .The left toe done dec 3rd still has a scab on it and doctor said its not done healing so go back on feb 17th 11 weeks .I have not been able to wear shoes since this whole mess started and I live wear it snows . Foot doctor said lots of times the nail can grow back too . I had mine done with a laser and chemical so major burn . I just wonder if I will be able to get my life back again and be able to hike and wear real shoes .Right now with snow and still in sandles I pray I dont get frostbite !!1 Hope small toes dont end up like this although the toe next to the big toe has become swollen .
WalkingNM 03-Feb-2010 23:52
Just had all 5 nails permanently removed from left foot (six hours ago). Middle three toes were already partially numb from previous neuroma surgerys. The shots did NOT really hurt, just a little pinch. Entire procedure only took 15 minutes. Doctor said only to wash toes every day and change dressing (using only triple antibiotic and bandaids) daily. NO mention was made of elevation or "icing" or soaking or scrubbing. When I got home I took an oxycodone (left over from a root canal) and slept for 3 hours. Doc did not give me a prescription for pain killer ... said I wouldn't need it.

Thanks so much for having this Web Site and Blog. I was well prepared, although I was expecting it to be worse than it really was.
real_army_wife 02-Feb-2010 01:36
Here I am again. I posted in October 08, after a partial removal. Then again Sept 09 for a full removal of my left grand toenail. I found out today that I will be having the right grand toenail removed. The pain I experienced from the last one was intense. It burned for about 2 weeks. I was just bearable with 2 percocet and one 800 ml Ibuprofen on board. I clearly remember saying that I would NEVER do this again, yet here I am . At the time, I couldn't look past the pain. I have to say though that it did get better after 2 or 3 weeks. The nail has not grown back completely, but has grown faster then the year expectancy. One tip I do have, is if you have trouble taking off the dressing the first time around like I did, soak it in a bucket until it softens. I soaked mine for about an hour. Later in the week, the Doctor had trouble removing the dressing so soaked it in hydrogen peroxide. It burned like the devil itself, so only recommend that if soaking doesn't help. In fact, I remember calling my friend to have her search this site on removal tips. HA!

I truly admire the strong people on this site. Some of you are tuff as nails (no pun intended)! I am a mother of 4, so know what pain is...... this happens to be one of them! :oP Good luck to everyone!
Tracy 01-Feb-2010 15:36
Four weeks after PNA (I'm the same Tracy who posted on 24th or thereabouts) and I have a crusty scab there but no pain. The other side though has definitely become infected so I'm on antibiotics yet again. The doc reckons I might have to have that side done as well. I don't think it's my imagination but the remaining nail looks more curved than before so I'm wondering whether to have the whole blooming thing removed permanently. Otherwise the narrower but more curved nail could cause problems again. I'm so frustrated I haven't been able to go swimming for over a month now when I normally go 3 times a week.
Guest 31-Jan-2010 16:16
I have had both my toenails removed last year...I love that they are pain free! I was wondering if anyone out there has heard if it is possible to tattoo color onto where the nail was so that I can wear sandals again...it may be a stupid question, but I really miss wearing sandals in the warm weather.
Mel 26-Jan-2010 23:41
I'm at just over 6 weeks of healing now and my toe is doing much better! I would almost describe healing the nail removal with phenol like healing a foot ulcer (that's what my experience was like, anyhow). Every day now, the "redness" and scabbing gets less and less. It's just a small spot now and I'm still having a little drainage. The key to healing mine more quickly was definitely the "silvedine" (Rx only burn cream) It was sooo soothing and helps heal burns really quickly. That's exactly what this is....a chemical burn. I even waitressed a few shifts this past weekend and it was pretty good. A little sore afterwards, but it's come a long way!! Thanks for this page...it has been a tremendous help!
Paul Jacobson 26-Jan-2010 13:04
HI All,

I came across this site and thought that i would share my experiences of having my right big toe avulsion and root removal done.

I had mine done just over three weeks ago, as i had lost my nail playing handball, i have had 3 courses of antibiotics to clean the infection i had before the op but to no avail.

I have to start with the op, i have a huge fear of needles and was not looking forward to the local anithestic. You can have this done by General but i advised not, its an op that last less than ten mins.

I have to admit the needles were unconfortable and not really what i would say painful just feels horrible as the syringe is turned unside skin and anithestic used.

When the anithestic kicks in you can feel nothing at all.

Although when the Anithestic wore off i was hit with wave after wave of throbbing pains on my toe. I was given Co-codemol for the pain, let me tell you they do NOT work. I was in agongy for 3 days before i had my first check up. Was them Prescibed Tramadol and they are tremendous after they kick in you cant feel a thing.

Ill warn everyone having this done, the first dressing change is painfull, but after that with every change they get better.

Just head the advice keep your foot raised above your hip and try not to move around unless neccessary.

As for driving i was only told to drive if i felt i could do an emergency stop.

All in all now i have no pain after the first week over though i got a further infection, but im on antibiotics now and thats clearing up very nicely.

Im hoping to go back into work next monday 5 days time, but ill be wearing sandals till this is completely healed

Thats my experience hope all goes well for your ops
Mitch Sulc 24-Jan-2010 05:41
I have lost both big toe nails due to accidents. The left one was taken off when I was helping a friend move a large 1950's stove and he shoved it right into my toe tearing the nail right off! The right one was run over when we were pushing a 1956 Cadillac. My toes are numb anyway from damaged nerves in my back so I really didn't feel anything when it happened. The right one seems to be growing back ok, but the left one comes in really abnornal and after about 6 to 8 months, it gets loose and then splits and curls and I can usually pull it off with little effort. I have done this now for about 2 years. I have talked to my doctor about having it permenantly removed but he seems hesitant about doing it. I told him that I want it gone!! It's ugly!! Thanks for your web site! It doesn't look like it is a very complicated procedure and since my nail is practically gone anyway. I am going in next week and tell him I want it gone and if he won't do it, I will find someone that will!! Thanks again! Mitch
Tracy 23-Jan-2010 00:33
I had a partial nail avulsion on 4 Jan, one side of my big toe. It had become infected and antibiotics didn't clear it up. So painful. The procedure didn't hurt, apart from the injections which were VERY painful but only lasted a couple of minutes. When the anaesthetic wore off I just had some stabbing pains but had already taken paracetamol. I only took two more doses then didn't need to take anymore. Unfortunately I've developed an infection on the other side of the nail three weeks on, though the side the doc operated on has healed and is free of pain, hoorah. I can't understand why this has happened as I haven't worn shoes, have rested the foot and only hobbled on my heel. Also, it's on the bottom corner so can't be a nail spike. I'm now on antibiotics again. Has anyone else has this happen? Good luck to everyone else.
Daniel Strand 16-Jan-2010 23:35
I had my large nail removed 4 hours ago and it was numb for a few hours, but now, the toe is burning. Thanks for all you posted so I know what to expect.
Dubliner 16-Jan-2010 20:14
An earlier comment by Dr. Bliss directly answers my question:

lbliss wrote: "Just having the toenail removed - but not permanently (i.e. with the burning of the nail bed) is not painful and requires no recovery time except for a sensitive toe (esp in the shower!). The only painful part of this is the shots to numb the toe. But once that's done, the rest is cake."
Dubliner 16-Jan-2010 19:29
Hi all

My dermatologist is doing a non-permanent removal of my right big toenail (possible melanoma). He told me it's a simple procedure: I'll be in and out in 15 min and can drive myself home and go to work the next day.

Does anyone know if non-permanent removal (ie, not killing the nail matrix cells with phenol) is less traumatic and quicker to heal?

Also, was anyone here so disabled afterwards they couldn't drive?

Thanks for this amazing site and all the comments.

Daniel Strand 16-Jan-2010 18:46
I had my large nail removed 4 hours ago and it was numb for a few hours, but now, the toe is burning. Thanks for all you posted so I know what to expect.
Daniel Strand 16-Jan-2010 07:10
I had my large nail removed 4 hours ago and it was numb for a few hours, but now, the toe is burning. Thanks for all you posted so I know what to expect.
Dana 15-Jan-2010 18:20
Mel-- thanks for the reply!
And also to the other guest... yeah, I think my healing time is going to fall in the 10-12 week range... I have almost finished my second course of Levaquin (which by the way is a devil drug I swear... tendonitis HORRIBLE, but worth it to heal the toe!). The toe is starting to ACTUALLY look like it's healing a bit now.... 8.5 weeks and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel! Still soaking 1-2 times a day and still haveing some yellowish drainage but it's lookin up! :) Good luck to everyone! :)
guest 15-Jan-2010 16:18
does anyone else have skin growing in the lower corners of the toe after removal .My toe that was done in July had this happen after 10 weeks of having a scab .just a tiny piece in the corner but it was hard almost felt like a nail .The doctor yanked it out with tweezers and said it wqas too soon for it to be a nail . That was in Sept and it still has a piece of that tough skin there now in Jan so worried it might be the nail growing back .That toe had 3 surgries from a staph infection and then permant toenail removal in July with laser and chemical .
Guest 14-Jan-2010 01:34
Folks, expect at least 10-12 weeks for a complete heal. I had both my great toenails removed on Sept. 17 and they look just great. I was lucky not to have a reaction to the Amerigel--it worked great. My doc did a super job....had no infections or real pain to speak of. I went to see her every two weeks. She took the dead skin and scabs off as needed. Simply used antibacterial soap for soaking as Epsom Salts burned unbearably. Yes, non-stick gauze pads are a must. Be sure and keep it covered except for occasional airing. I, too, had both of them assaulted a few times...grandkids are death on sore toes!! Hang in there--I know it seems like an eternity, but they really will get better. I can wear all kinds of shoes now that I haven't been able to wear in years. Wish I had done it years ago, but vanity prevented me from doing so!!
Mel 12-Jan-2010 12:20
Mine has been a royal pain to heal!! I am just over 4 weeks now and it's still really painful and oozing. I went to the foot dr. yesterday so he could check it out. I had an infection which is gone (just wanted to make sure) and I ended up having a sensitivity to the Amerigel ointment. It caused me alot of burning/stinging and pain. I started using this "Silver Sulfadiazine" cream and it's helping alot. It's really soothing and helping with the pain and healing. Just putting a thin layer on a non-stick gauze twice a day. The Amerigel caused the skin all around the nail bed to blister, so I had all this hanging dead skin that he had to remove yesterday (ouch) and he also kind of "scraped" the nail bed a little. It was quite painful...then he dumped some bright purple liquid on it (I believe it was gentian violet) which is an antibacterial/antifungal liquid. It seemed to dry it up a little...looked like someone colored my toe with a purple marker!! Anyhow, it was tender and swollen that evening. Definitely a slow healing process (for me anyhow) I would say a good 6-8 weeks at least.
Guest 12-Jan-2010 05:30
I just had all 5 on my right foot removed and nailbeds destroyed too.
I am very surprised at the time it takes to heal.
It has been 3 weeks now and a lot of oozing and a small amount of healing.
I am guessing another 6 weeks of healing to go.
Dan
Guest 11-Jan-2010 23:41
i had my big toenail removed on dec 7, 2009 and am still having problems with the healing. could part of the problem be that after showering in the morning and putting on shoes and socks it's not getting enough air to heal; if i have a few days off and am at home barefoot it starts to look much better; would really like to hear from someone with the same problem
guest 05-Jan-2010 16:59
Hi there I had my right toe nail permanently removed in July with laser and chemical burn .The toe had a staph infection before that with 3 surgerys .The right toe took 10 weeks to heal 4 weeks draining and the rest scabbing .When the scab was cut off I finally had a almost normal looking nail bed .Just Had left grand toe done on Dec 3rd lots of draining this time and made the mistake of putting amiregel on some of the scab dont do that let scab dry out .I have the scab now and still a soft spot where the amerigel is .Sure hope this toe heals faster such a hard part of the body too heal .Good luck everyone :)
Mel 04-Jan-2010 15:59
Dana...mine was starting to do better. I'm at about 3 weeks and ended up with a massive infection about a week and a half ago. The antibiotics did their job and my healing was going great...until my husband stepped on it with his running sneakers yesterday. My problem at this point is that it keeps on getting bumped or stepped on. It hurts to wear a shoe...even a sock, so what the heck am I supposed to do?? I feel like this stupid thing will never heal, and to think...I have 2 more to have removed :-( Honestly, I think it's just one of those "healing" things that some people heal more quickly than others. I am slow to heal. I had outer edge removal on the other big toe and it took at least 8 weeks or so.
Dana 04-Jan-2010 02:29
Heyo all... I've been stalking this page for some time now... I had my left great toenail permanently removed the day before thanksgiving. I had 3 shots, and Phenol burn (applied FOUR, yes FOUR times to the nail bed). Procedure went great actually. Lidocaine wore off fast (my body doesn't do Lidocaine very well) but no need for more then Ibuprofen for the first 2-3 days. I soaked it 2x a day in antibacterial soapy water, rinsed with H2O2 (as ordered) and kept it covered with telfa and bandages. Well... at 4 weeks there was increased tenderness/redness around the matrix area. I did 5 days of Levaquin and it looked SOOOO much better. The doc told me I could stop the Levaquin, use Bactroban Cream, drop my soaks to once a day and keep it covered. WELL.... today I am at 6.5 weeks and had to call the doc again due to increased pain/redness at the matrix site. I'm going to start Levaquin AGAIN. I have also started Epsom salt soaks 2x a day again. It still looks the same at 6.5 weeks as it did at 3-4 weeks. I am VERY FRUSTRATED and basically sick of dealing with this crap. I'm a nurse and for some reason, I can't seem to get this dang toe healed... anyone else have problems like this recently? Anyone have longer then normal healing time? Pre-Thank you for any responses....
Mel 28-Dec-2009 04:11
Update on my healing process....horrible!! I had my big toenail removed 2 weeks ago and unfortunately, I developed an infection. Of course, this had to happen over Chrismas. Actually, on the 23rd, I started to notice that maybe it was starting to get infected, about a week and a half after removal. On Christmas Eve, we went to visit friends and their dog mashed it (I about fainted) and on Christmas Day it was really sore. I woke up at about 2 am on Christmas night in excruciating pain. I removed the dressing and all around the nail bed was very red and tender. Luckily, I was able to call the foot dr. at his home the next morning and he called me in some antibotics. Not sure what went wrong. I took good care of it, using sterile bandages, washing my hands before handling anything. I guess these things happen, right? So, I could feel the antibotics working within 24 hrs...the pain had decreased a good bit. This evening, I took the bandage off to let it air out a little and the phone rang. (the nail bed was starting to dry out a little at this point...didn't look great but it did have some improvement) So, I gently got up to hobble to the phone and I tripped over a cardboard box (from a christmas present) that someone had left lying around. It poked the nail bed and literally gushed blood. The pain about brought me to my knees. I just checked it and it's not too bad, it just made a small puncture and does feel OK now. Non stick gauze bandages are a MUST!
Stubby 21-Dec-2009 20:43
Referring soaking off the first bandage....
When i got phenolized the fingernails on my left hand the doc put on a gel against the chemical burn. This gel prevented the bandage from getting sticky on the wounds. It was easy to take them off after 24 hours.

When i got phenolized my thumb, which was the first time of this treatment, he did not use this gel. It was not nice to remove the bandage from the wound.

I found it was helpful to apply bepanthen on the wound and cover it with tape over night for protection. This prevents the scab becoming hard and thick and the tape from sticking on the wound. Bathing the wounds every morning and evening for cleaning was obligatory of course.
Guest 18-Dec-2009 01:53
Josie...some blood is definitely normal. I always left my dressing on for a good 24 hrs. before soaking it off. I also think it's good to leave the bandage off for periods of time to get some air and dry out a little. It really helps. Holly, the shots are uncomfortable but not horrible. I had mine removed about 3 days ago and I feel very bruised where I had the shots. My Dr. used that freeze spray when giving the shots, so it makes them more tolerable.
Josie 17-Dec-2009 15:19
My Son got left toenail removed, all okay for 1st day today throbbing pain and foot feels like its on fire, a some fresh blood showing from his gauze, is this normal or should we take him to Doc?
his doctor told us to soak after 48 hrs but if still bleeding I am afraid once I open gauze it will not stop the blood flow. Any advice?
Holly 16-Dec-2009 22:26
I am having a slice taken from my right toe nail tomorrow early in the morning! Not nervous about the operation but really quite nervous about the injections! can anyone reassure me it isnt " the worst pain you will ever feel" like many say?
Guest 16-Dec-2009 19:40
Hi again (see Guest 13/12/09 entry)
I had my right big toe nail removed at about 3-30pm this afternoon in Newmarket Day Hospital Suffolk England). It is now 4 hours later and the big toe is throbbing/painful but as yet I have taken no painkillers. The procedure went well & the x2 podiatrists were good & helpful. I even took photos! (inspired by your gallery photos- my camera batter ran out just after the nail came off-NB I never got any topical anaesthetic before the ring block injections,..anyway during the op I never felt anything & it was quick & I too had phenol used). I have x2 days off work now (then Sat & Sun off too before back to work on Monday-did I say with no sick pay!) & intend sitting at my computer with my foot up. I hope the pain doesn't get worse & goes soon & am looking forward to good healing & no more infected toe!
Best wishes to all & pain & infection free toes & feet to all!
Mel 15-Dec-2009 15:17
Well, had my right big toenail removed with phenol treatment yesterday (about 24 hrs. ago) and I must say...not bad at all! To me, the worst part of the whole procedure is the shots. (Even with freeze spray, still kind of uncomfortable) Unfortunately for me, it takes quite a bit of the numbing medication for me to be numb. This is my 3rd time having nail removery surgery and I have needed a double local both times. The first one never takes completley. After being re-numbed, didn't feel a thing for the remainder of the procedure. As fas as pain goes, I don't think it's too bad today. I did the "3 Ibuprofen every 6 hrs.) thing and it worked pretty good. I haven't even needed it today. Changed the dressing after my shower this morning (leaving it on during the shower helped reduce pain of the water hitting the toe) and it came off easily because it was soaked. Looks worse than it feels at this point. My Dr. gave me this "wound dressing" called Ameri Gel and claims that I should be feeling great in about 1 week...we shall see! Honestly, the worst pain is from the shots!! It feels really bruised where I was numbed. As far as dressing it, Ameri Gel with non-stick gauze pads, then wrapped with roll gauze twice a day. We'll see how good this Ameri Gel stuff works.
Guest 15-Dec-2009 15:05
I didn't take any time off of work when I had my left big toenail removed. It was numb the first day, and I don't have to be on my feet so it worked out. I wore slip on mule shoes for quite a while, they have a nice rounded top that didn't rub on my toe so I didn't have to wear flip flops in December. I only was really in pain one day, and that was after the first follow up visit. It's like a nerve was awakened, it really did hurt after he messed with it. Took some ibuprofen and it settled down. Went to all my follow up visits and had no problems.
Mel 14-Dec-2009 14:33
I'm on my way to the foot dr's this morning, hoping that he will do the removal with phenol on my right big toenail. My toenails are "incurvated" or curl in other words. They don't grow straight across, they hook into the skin (looks like a horseshoe) and it also squeezes on the nail bed causing infection...(which is what I'm dealing with right now). I had "outer edge" nail removal with phenol twice on my leftt foot (Dr. didn't take enough the first time) and it's still gross looking after a year! Hoping to have that one removed next along with the 2nd toenail on my left foot. It grows the same way and is constantly sore after clipping or if I bump it. The procedure is uncomfortable and the healing process for me was kind of long, but I think it will be worth it to not deal with this anymore! I even have a hard time cutting these nails b/c they grow so funny.
Guest 13-Dec-2009 20:37
Hi Lisa
(This is a copy of my comment on the last image showing your toes post surgery/recovery)
Thanks for this walthrough of your toenail removal.
I have an infected right big toenail and it is planned to be taken off under local anaesthetic in 3 days time! (I am not looking forward to it and am planning 3 days off work but will get no sick pay! - a double pain). Might be hobbling over Christmas 09.
It looks from this like you received good treatment at the clinic you were at and that the recovery can be more troublesome than the treatment. Anyway I hope I am as brave as you and I wonder whether I might take my camera (madness?!). I am glad your removals have worked for you as infected nails are definitely painful and troublesome. Perhaps I will post a comment after my operation!
Thanks again for your effort in making your toenail removal a public service! Take care
Chris 07-Dec-2009 00:28
Had my right, great toenail removed on 12/1/09. It is still seeping, where a little bit comes through the gauze every day. It also hurts to walk on it, so now my leg hurts because I've been compensating by walking funny. Anyway... my follow up appt is on 12/8. What can I expect? I'm terrifed that she's going to hurt me!
Guest 02-Dec-2009 05:23
I have had nail fungus on both my big toenails. Used tropical cream prescribed by the podiatrist. Some of the fungus cured but still the nail is having some streaks. Now I have got ingrown toenails because of the fungus. Visited podiatrist last week, and he gave a nail softener to ease the pressure. It is still only a few days. Not much of an improvement. I am thinking of getting both my big toenails removed permanently. So I don't have to worry about fungus or painful ingrown toenails. Any thoughts appreciated
DMOM 01-Dec-2009 01:40
Had my toenail removed 2years ago and it grow back 6 months later,I even drove myself home after wards.but the pain was awful about 2hours later.Ask for pain meds,ty-3s really helped..Im trying to talk myself into having it done again. the right way, by a foot specialest..(not a quick care place)
Stubby 29-Nov-2009 15:52
Three weeks ago i got removed and phenolized the remaining nails on my left hand (index, middle and ring-finger).

Healing is still in progress. I hope it will be completely healed in about 2 weeks because i want to get done my right hand this year.

@Sarah: I would choose the full permant removal. The cosmetical result is very good.
Stubby 29-Nov-2009 15:21
Three weeks ago i got removed and phenolized the remaining nails on my left hand (index, middle and ring-finger).

Healing is still in progress. I hope it will be completely healed in about 2 weeks because i want to get done my right hand this year.

@Sarah: I would choose the full permant removal. The cosmetical result is very good.
Sarah 21-Nov-2009 02:37
I've had ingrown toenails (both big toes) for more than five years. Last year I finally got up the courage to get the nails removed. They healed, and then came back full force. I'm now considering both Partial - Permanent and Permanent removal of the nails. With the first procedure the freezing didn't take. Now I'm not sure what to do....
allpiggiesgne2market 07-Nov-2009 05:31
I had a infection in all of my toenails..i know disgusting...i am a very clean well kept women i was shocked...it's just the shoes i wore
bryguy 06-Nov-2009 12:40
why did you have all of them removed?
allpiggiesgne2market 06-Nov-2009 05:22
I have had all of my toe nails removed.. all ten little piggies...one foot at a time..my left foot just got done and i have some drainage from my big and middle toe the smells awful..i know the is disgusting..my right foot i did not notice a disgusting smell it may have been there.. i was just wondering if that was normal....
Stubby 31-Oct-2009 16:33
@Isis333
6 weeks ago i got removed and phenolized the nail of the thumb and indexfinger on the right hand. The healig time was about 6 weeks.
After 3 weeks there was only a little bit drainage. It seems to depend on the fact how much the phenol is applied. When i got the thumbnail at the left hand removed last year it was also a healingtime of 5 to 6 weeks. The nail at the left small finger did heal in about 4 weeks.

In November i am scheduled to get the remaining fingernails on both hands removed and phenolized.
bryguy 30-Oct-2009 03:06
That is tough man. i am pretty much the same way about mine. how old are you bro?
daniel 29-Oct-2009 03:50
i had been getting ingrown toenails for a while and my foot doctor told me i should have the sides removed and killed so it wouldn't happen again. at that point i wanted to try anything so i got it done and lucky for me i didn't feel a thing. it has been a while now and the middle nail has grown back sadly this has not turned out perfect because my nails are now a brown color witch makes me not want them scene. i have tried to get them back to normal but it hasn't turned out well i have thought about going to see the doctor but i haven't said anything to my parents about because i am hoping to get them to normal my self because i don't want anyone to see them.
Sher 28-Oct-2009 14:35
I am scheduled to have my right great toenail removed tomorrow. The receptionist at the clinic says I don't need to arrange for a driver -- but that sounds dangerous, like being impaired in other ways. I am very nervous about the healing process & the length of time. We are in Wisconsin USA & snow is around the corner. I can't wear flip flops! I also work 6 days a week -- and since my husband is working reduced hours, I can't afford to be off. There is such a range of pain & healing times here -- I wonder what the determining factor is?
IsIs333 27-Oct-2009 04:49
I too had three toenails permanently remove October 6, 2009.

I was told by the doctor it would take three weeks to heal, and I am not healed and can not put my foot in a shoe.

As I am typing this, my toes are black and bluish in color. The throbbing is much at times.

I was given instructions to soak my feet in Epsom salt only for four days after surgery and after that just put bandages on my toes. After my next week visit, I told the doctor I had been placing my toes in warm water only. She told me to continue to do so and keep adding the Betadine solution to my toes.

I am beginning tot think a step is missing somewhere in this treatment. I go back to the doctor October 29.

Oh and get this. Before the surgery, the surgeon who did the evaluation that determined I needed my toe nails removed told me I could drive after the surgery. WHAT? It is a good thing I used other transportation to go get the surgery vice drive a three hour round trip.

I am real hesitant getting the other four toes done.

I am 60 years old and I am not in a relationship with anyone who is freaky about sucking on some toes. LOL. I think I can live the rest of my life out with Mix matched toes. LOL.

Thank you all for sharing your stories, horror and not horror.

Isis
email address: goddess_isis_loving@yahoo.com
VALERIE BAXTER 25-Oct-2009 23:23
I had both my big toenails removed 6 weeks ago, i have been in constant pain, have had an infection from day 1, treated with 2 courses of antibiotics, which haven't cleared the infection, i'm still unable to wear any shoes, drive my car, or walk any distance, if i had been told of these after effects, i would NEVER of had it done, so think very carefully before you consider this procedure. Any helpfull advice from anyone would be much appreciated.
maggie 18-Oct-2009 00:09
Dr. Nadal in Toronto uses a sort of topical anasthesia first, feels like an elastic smacking your foot, not bad. After that he uses the needles and they do not hurt. Don't know why all foot doctors don't do this. After having my ingrown toenails fixed, there was a slight bruising effect where the topical numbing was used - not bad either.
Linda B. 01-Oct-2009 06:47
I have been peeling my toenails off but they continue to grow back - If they are already off can I stop them from growing myself
Andrea 22-Sep-2009 12:59
Hello people. Making another post from 13th August. Had both my big toe nails removed, permanently, on 5th August and I am still seeing a nurse twice a week to have them bandaged, they just won't heal and are still bleeding, but only slightly. This seems to be never ending! Happy Days!
Dee 21-Sep-2009 17:58
Bobbi Jo - First of all, get some non-stick sterile 2x2 pads and some paper tape to use to bandage your toe. I had both great toenails permanently removed June 4th of this year and it took nearly three months for total healing. My doc said to soak twice a day with 1 tsp table salt to 2 cups warm water, apply small amount of neosporin and keep it covered till there was no seeping. I used the non-stick sterile 2x2's held on with paper tape for over two months - he said it was better to heal from the inside out rather than get a scab on the outside. Whatever - the process took a long time, but the results are fantastic. You have to look very closely to tell that there is no nail there - very smooth and light pink!
Phyllis Massey 19-Sep-2009 11:28
HI, I am Phyllis I had my left toenail and bed of nail removed yesterday, I kept it elevated all that day which helped with the pain (Minimal pain) but at times throbbing. I had to get up and walk..... Today the instruckions are to soak it in 1 gallon water to 1/2 cup white vinegar, it is soaking right now, I expected it to be worse or more painful, it looks gross but I can tolerate it so far., ok so the timer just went off 20 minutes, now I apply antibotic and a bandaid. I thought I would have to have my husband do this but he is still sleeping.........will talk more later.
bobbie_jo 18-Sep-2009 03:00
Hello, thanks for all of the info, it sure helps. I need some help...please! I'm 42 and I had my right big toe nail permanently removed July 20th, 2009, due to an ecema problem. It's been about a month. The shots hurt, but the first two weeks were o.k., my Doctor gave me Lortabs and I took them as needed. I got really good at the soaking and bandaging!! Pretty good for someone who hates feet and almost passed out when my husband took the first bandage off. I'm tough with everything but this toe.
When I went for my 2 week check up, I told my Doctor that I thought that it looked infected and it was very sore. She said no and took out some iodine and a q-tip and started scrubbing the top of my toe. It hurt so bad that I almost pushed her away, but I couldn't because I was ready to pass out. She said that is was a scab and that for the next 2 weeks I should use iodine and a q-tip to SCRUB my toe each day and then apply a band-aid (cut longwise in half) only to cover the part that had not scabbed. well a few hours later after she did the my toe felt better but it was throbbing. (Thank goodness I didn't take all of those Lortab 5's!) Anyway, I've tried to scrub it these 2 weeks but it hurts so bad. The problem is that my Doctor (Note: she's great-small town and everyone trusts her) had a family emergency on the day of my appt. So now my toe is extremely sore on the top part like it was before. And my toe sticks to the band-aid. I hope that I have explained this good and sorry that it took so long. I have been following this post since I had it removed. Has any one else had these instructions given to them like I have? I have a 1/4 inch dip in the middle of the toe now. I am going to call in the a.m., but sometimes it's just good to have advice from someone that's been there and not just performed the procedure! God bless ya'll and thanks in advance.
bobbie_jo 18-Sep-2009 02:54
Hello, thanks for all of the info, it sure helps. I need some help...please! I'm 42 and I had my right big toe nail permanently removed July 20th, 2009, due to an ecema problem. It's been about a month. The shots hurt, but the first two weeks were o.k., my Doctor gave me Lortabs and I took them as needed. I got really good at the soaking and bandaging!! Pretty good for someone who hates feet and almost passed out when my husband took the first bandage off. I'm tough with everything but this toe.
When I went for my 2 week check up, I told my Doctor that I thought that it looked infected and it was very sore. She said no and took out some iodine and a q-tip and started scrubbing the top of my toe. It hurt so bad that I almost pushed her away, but I couldn't because I was ready to pass out. She said that is was a scab and that for the next 2 weeks I should use iodine and a q-tip to SCRUB my toe each day and then apply a band-aid (cut longwise in half) only to cover the part that had not scabbed. well a few hours later after she did the my toe felt better but it was throbbing. (Thank goodness I didn't take all of those Lortab 5's!) Anyway, I've tried to scrub it these 2 weeks but it hurts so bad. The problem is that my Doctor (Note: she's great-small town and everyone trusts her) had a family emergency on the day of my appt. So now my toe is extremely sore on the top part like it was before. And my toe sticks to the band-aid. I hope that I have explained this good and sorry that it took so long. I have been following this post since I had it removed. Has any one else had these instructions given to them like I have? I have a 1/4 inch dip in the middle of the toe now. I am going to call in the a.m., but sometimes it's just good to have advice from someone that's been there and not just performed the procedure! God bless ya'll and thanks in advance.
bobbie_jo 18-Sep-2009 02:40
Hello, thanks for all of the info, it sure helps. I need some help...please! I'm 42 and I had my right big toe nail permanently removed July 20th, 2009, due to an ecema problem. It's been about a month. The shots hurt, but the first two weeks were o.k., my Doctor gave me Lortabs and I took them as needed. I got really good at the soaking and bandaging!! Pretty good for someone who hates feet and almost passed out when my husband took the first bandage off. I'm tough with everything but this toe.
When I went for my 2 week check up, I told my Doctor that I thought that it looked infected and it was very sore. She said no and took out some iodine and a q-tip and started scrubbing the top of my toe. It hurt so bad that I almost pushed her away, but I couldn't because I was ready to pass out. She said that is was a scab and that for the next 2 weeks I should use iodine and a q-tip to SCRUB my toe each day and then apply a band-aid (cut longwise in half) only to cover the part that had not scabbed. well a few hours later after she did the my toe felt better but it was throbbing. (Thank goodness I didn't take all of those Lortab 5's!) Anyway, I've tried to scrub it these 2 weeks but it hurts so bad. The problem is that my Doctor (Note: she's great-small town and everyone trusts her) had a family emergency on the day of my appt. So now my toe is extremely sore on the top part like it was before. And my toe sticks to the band-aid. I hope that I have explained this good and sorry that it took so long. I have been following this post since I had it removed. Has any one else had these instructions given to them like I have? I have a 1/4 inch dip in the middle of the toe now. I am going to call in the a.m., but sometimes it's just good to have advice from someone that's been there and not just performed the procedure! God bless ya'll and thanks in advance.
real_army_wife 17-Sep-2009 16:37
Well, trying to sleep last night was awful. I did find a few things to make it stop burning/throbbing. First, I put an ice pack on the foot, right below the toe. Second, on top of the 2 percocet, I took an 800 mg ibuprofen. Today it is feeling a lot better although still hurts some. Good luck everyone!
real_army_wife 17-Sep-2009 14:18
Well, trying to sleep last night was awful. I did find a few things to make it stop burning/throbbing. First, I put an ice pack on the foot, right below the toe. Second, on top of the 2 percocet, I took an 800 mg ibuprofen. Today it is feeling a lot better although still hurts some. Good luck everyone!
real_army_wife 17-Sep-2009 14:14
I am now 5 hours post grand toenail removal. Last year I had the sides removed and "killed" because of an ingrown nail. It ended up growing back and becoming infected. I also had a bad fungal infection causing the nail to curl. Today I went in for removal. The shots hurt like heck but this time asked the Dr. for more time for them to kick in since last time felt pain through the procedure. He did and it still wasn't fully numb. He administered 2 more and that did the job! All of the sudden I felt like a rubber band was around my toe and he said it was a towel draped on my foot. Then I felt him pulling on my leg, although it was actually him cutting down the middle and pulling the nail out. I have to say that it did not hurt. I think mentally I was doing more damage then physically. I elected to not have the nail destroyed, just removed. He even let my husband take it home! HA!

Here comes the bad part. The numbing meds have not fully worn off (have at least 3 more hours) and I have taken 2 percocet that he prescribed. My toe is THROBBING and feels like it's on FIRE! Needless to say, I needed this done. The procedure wasn't bad except for the shots that hurt like the devil! Make sure your Doc allows them to kick in. The recovery from what I can tell this early is going to be torture! I am sure it is temporary so don't let this scare you. Also, request pain meds. You'll need them!
real_army_wife 17-Sep-2009 01:54
I am now 5 hours post grand toenail removal. Last year I had the sides removed and "killed" because of an ingrown nail. It ended up growing back and becoming infected. I also had a bad fungal infection causing the nail to curl. Today I went in for removal. The shots hurt like heck but this time asked the Dr. for more time for them to kick in since last time felt pain through the procedure. He did and it still wasn't fully numb. He administered 2 more and that did the job! All of the sudden I felt like a rubber band was around my toe and he said it was a towel draped on my foot. Then I felt him pulling on my leg, although it was actually him cutting down the middle and pulling the nail out. I have to say that it did not hurt. I think mentally I was doing more damage then physically. I elected to not have the nail destroyed, just removed. He even let my husband take it home! HA!

Here comes the bad part. The numbing meds have not fully worn off (have at least 3 more hours) and I have taken 2 percocet that he prescribed. My toe is THROBBING and feels like it's on FIRE! Needless to say, I needed this done. The procedure wasn't bad except for the shots that hurt like the devil! Make sure your Doc allows them to kick in. The recovery from what I can tell this early is going to be torture! I am sure it is temporary so don't let this scare you. Also, request pain meds. You'll need them!
Stubby 15-Sep-2009 22:04
@zorbee
the forming of callus can be prevented by applying the phenol not only on the nailroot but also on the wole nailbed.
I got removed my left thumbnail and the nail of my little left finger with phenol. The nailbed is very smooth after healing. No touch sensibility above the normal sensibility of the fingertips. The cosmetical result is fantastic.
At Friday i get my right thumbnail done with phenol.
zorbee 15-Sep-2009 14:30
I've had one toenail removed - the big toe on my right foot. Hurt like crazy, but procedure and healing went well. After a couple years I was talked into getting a tattoo. That was in March. I have had to go back three more times to "touch up" the tatt because of the callus build up that keeps forming. I'm thinking of treating the callus to the point of tender skin underneath and trying again. Does callus build up ever stop? The tattoo looks super great for about a month...
Kimberly 13-Sep-2009 18:55
just noticed that i didn't complete my thought.


anyway... you can buy everything you need for under 100 dollars AND have enough stuff leftover to do all of your toenails and fingernails and those of your significant other. lol
Kimberly 13-Sep-2009 18:54
just got my bill in the mail for my permanent toenail removal procedue i had way back in may.

total damage: $569!!!! holy crap.


i did some looking online and you can buy xylocaine, syringes, and phenol including the ridiculous cost of shipping (must pay extra because of the 'hazardous material' factor). if i ever have another toenail problem, i am going to do it myself.
bryguy 04-Sep-2009 02:29
eric how old are you and why did you have yours done?
Dee 03-Sep-2009 19:07
Jamie - you should soak your foot in salt water (1 tsp per 2 cups warm water) 2x/day for about 15 minutes each time. Keep it clean, apply neosporin and keep a non-stick sterile bandage on it.
Keep bandage on while showering, take bandage off after, soak then if possible . After make sure it is dry, apply medicine and fresh bandage. If you think it is infected - go to the health clinic (this is the "Mom" kicking in gear!)
Good Luck.............
Good Luck.....
Jocelyn 02-Sep-2009 15:02
Sorry, I meant to say left toenail, not left toe LOL.
Jocelyn 02-Sep-2009 15:00
I'm having my left big toe removed in two weeks. It is currently very painful and a quarter of the nail has already come off. I'm not worried about pain during the procedure. I'm sure the doctor will numb it properly. I'm afraid of the pain afterwards. Should I ask the doctor for painkillers? I have a seven year old and need to be able to keep up with her without pain.
Jamie 01-Sep-2009 18:28
guys. i dropped a 45 pound weight on my foot back in november. after months of complications, i finally had the toenail taken off about three weeks ago. it still hurts really really bad and i have to soak it twice a day. I have yet to wear shoes. Also, I can't bend my toe and it leaks puss. I just moved to college and my doctor is back home. I'm getting kind of scared. It really hurts and looks nasty
Guest 26-Aug-2009 18:07
I had my big toe nail removed 7 days ago for a biopsy of a stripe on the toe nail bed. Which the results came back benign. Now I'm dealing with the healing process. I noticed that when I but a band-aid on the toe and cannot elevate my feet that a yellowish pink pus filled blister forms right where the biopsy was extracted. If I take the band aid off and let if air dry and elevate for an hour the blister deflates and a scab forms. This seems to by a cycle that keep happening when I put a bandage on it and not elevate. Does this sound like an infection?
eric 23-Aug-2009 18:42
I had both of my big toenails permenantly removed at the same time. I was able to wear shoes the next day and was back at work 3 days later wearing work boots. The pain was very minimal within a couple of days. It has been 6 weeks now and I am almost completly healed. I would reccomend this procedure to anyone needing it with just one word of caution. See a podiatrist!!!! they are foot experts and do a great jjob
Lisa 18-Aug-2009 21:46
Dee--
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it. I am going to take your advice and get the nonstick sterile pads and try the salt water soak. I am glad to hear yours are healing and doing well. I can't wait for my end result. It will be so wonderful to be rid of that awful nail. No more band-aids for this girl once it totally heals! Thanks again and take care :)
Dee 18-Aug-2009 15:05
Lisa,
First of all, go get some NONSTICK 2x2 sterile pads and secure it with paper tape. Yes, the gunky stuff will continue. It will take the 2 months to totally heal - had both my big toenails permanently removed June 2 and they are just now to the point where I don't wear bandages. The pain is due to the healing process of the nerve endings. I didn't have as much pain as you, but it will go away. Take extra strength Tylenol or call your doc for a prescription. My doc had me soak 15 minutes 2x/day in salt water (1 tsp table salt to 2 cups warm water). This helped heal and relieved the pain. I think this really assisted the very slow process. I also had a script for genomycin (sp??) to prevent infection. I am glad my thick, fungus infested nails are gone - my toes are smooth, pink and you really have to look closely to notice the nails are gone. I put light pink nailpolish on the remaining 8 nails and off I go! Good Luck, be patient and make your doctor talk to you about the post-op process.
Lisa 18-Aug-2009 12:04
Hi-- I am 29 years old. I had my right big toenail permanently removed a week ago tomorrow. The nail was always awful-looking and thick all my life. It would fall off atleast once a year. My toe was also extremely sensitive. I never left the house without a band-aid on it. I finally made an appt with a podiatrist and honestly thought he would take one look at it and give me a presciption for an antifungal. However as soon as he looked at it, he said that I was missing 3/4 of my nail bed. I did have an infection in the nail and he said he could clear that up but even so once it grew back it would never attach properly. I opted to have it removed permanently because of this. I don't regret it at all, because believe me going nearly thirty years with something that made you totally self conscious and being able to do something about it was great regardless of the healing process. But it still hurts terribly. He didn't really give me any care instructions besides neosporin and keeping it wrapped. He told me it would get worse before it would get better and that I would think that it was infected but that is just the healing process. He also said it would take 2 months to heal completely. It throbs constantly except when I can prop it up but I can't at work. It stings, burns, aches. At times, it feels almost like dry socket when you have had a tooth extracted...that type of pain. And I have a pretty good tolerance for pain. It hasn't helped that it has been stepped on a couple times. Last night was the worse when i had it propped up on the couch and someone sat on it. it bled, and the seeping is even worse now. It seeps alot and sticks to the band-aid and gauze. It like a yellowish-orange color. He did mention that it would do that. It hurts when I shower, when I put the neosporin on it, when I wrap it, and unwrap it. It seriously is constant. I can barely bend my toe at all. Has anyone had a similar experience so that I can figure out when I will get some relief. I feel like I am being a big baby but I am not all exaggerating the pain of it. I don't go back for a follow-up until next week.
Dee 17-Aug-2009 19:23
Emmy - sorry about your accident, ouch! I would think the thing to do would be keep it bandaged (use non-stick 2x2 pads with paper tape to hold in place) and apply Neosporin till it starts to heal. You don't want to get infection! Perhaps leaving it uncovered at night - but not when you are outside for awhile. Just my opinion - that's what I would tell my daughter to do!
Emmy 15-Aug-2009 16:23
Hi there. I have found this page very helpful and also scary. I am currently working in greece for the summer. Wednesday night (3 days ago) a boy, by accident, kicked my toe nail hard and it lifted up. There was blood everywhere. My friend said i needed to go to the medical centre immediately. The greek doctor gave two injections and removed my nail. Because the doctor was greek he couldnt explain to me any form of after care. So I would appreciate any advice you can give me. My mum thinks i should keep it bandaged up to prevent infection but i think i need to let the air get to it. I was hoping to start work again next friday, which will be around 8 days post op. do u think this is possible?
thank you
Angie 14-Aug-2009 14:20
In my case, it does look strange to just paint the toe. I guess it depends on what it looks like when it completely heals. I don't know of any special adhesive besides nail glue. I have used crazy glue, and nail glue, it doesn't stay on. I had heard that the Salon can make an acrylic specially for your toe, that will stay on. I haven't checked into this. I know anything I do at home myself just doesn't work. I cant afford a salon visit every week all spring/summer/fall. It may not be that much, I guess I should just check into it and see. IF anyone has any more info for me, prices, home things that work, it'd be great.
Janira 13-Aug-2009 18:39
Hi i had received permanent toenail removal, and didn't really go through bad pain. Just listen to what the doctor tells you to do and you should be fine. I was instructed after the procedure to elevate my foot ASAP and put ice on the foot not the toe, just right on top near the toes 30 minutes and 30 minutes off three times that same day to prevent swelling. I had asked for pain killers and took right away before the pain comes. This worked wonders according to what other people had said they went through. Thank You Jesus. I still have ways to go but i know it will be alright. God Bless.
Stephanie 13-Aug-2009 16:49
Cheryl, Ooops! That statement about pain was meant for Andrea and the "guest" writer was me.
Guest 13-Aug-2009 16:47
Cheryl, I wasn't trying to be brave. As I said, the first one was a complete surprise to me. I never imagined it would rip out like that. With the second one I figured "I might as well". I still have some problems though and really want to get them professionally done. I guess I have a high tolerance for pain so all I can say is that yours will go away. I'm probably not a good one to say when though. I'm happy you're glad you got it done. Best Wishes to you for a speedy recovery!
Andrea 13-Aug-2009 15:00
Hi, I had both my toenails removed on the 5th Aug and they are still hurting like mad!! When does the pain go away that's what I would like to know. Best thing I ever had done though!
Cheryl 11-Aug-2009 15:42
Stephanie, woe you are brave, I can hardly look when I go back to the doctor and he cleans up the scabs from the surgery.
Cheryl 11-Aug-2009 15:38
Hey bryguy I have every intention of showing my toes, I have some really nice open toe shoes. I'm just waiting for the purple around my toe to go away. The bed where toenail was at looks pretty good but the discolored pigmentation looks ugly
Stephanie 04-Aug-2009 11:17
Thanks Dee! I appreciate you getting back to me. I'm seriously considering having both big toes done after my daughter's wedding on Sept 5th. I don't want to do it before then. I bought real pretty shoes I want to be able to wear. But after that I think I may do it since I won't have to miss any work. Thanks for letting me know. I hope all continues to go well for you.
bryguy 02-Aug-2009 19:38
do you guys show off your toes now?
Dee 31-Jul-2009 14:56
Stephanie, You should not have to miss any work after having your toenail(s) removed. I both big toenail removed on a Thursday at 4:00pm and went back to work Friday morning. (scroll down to read my entries in this forum)
Good luck - you will be glad you had them taken care of.
Gavin 31-Jul-2009 11:44
Thanks for the reply Guest.

So you thin the Podiatris will just remove the part of the nail thats ingrown, initially?

I would certainly prefer that to full removement of the nail.
Katharine 31-Jul-2009 05:05
Wow. I was at my 1st visit to the foot doctor today ~ decided that maybe removing the baby toe nail would be the first step to solving my foot pain...this is great to see how involved the process is ~ we planned it for this Monday ~ so, at least I am mentally prepared. Thanks for the encouragement!
Guest 31-Jul-2009 04:00
Gavin, I was 13 when mine were removed, now i am 34.. the only reason to remove permanently is if it is chronic. I was chronic and it finally came down to the doctor pushing my parents to do it as I was developing very bad infection that would shoot up my leg. I would not get it done if it is the first time. I know a friend that had it for the first time and her doc removed have the nail wher it was affected.
Stephanie 30-Jul-2009 18:01
Hey everyone! Ya'll may not believe this but I swear it's true. I took off my own toenails. The first one was an accident but the second one wasn't. I've always had badly ingrown toenails on both my big toes. I had the sides cut out and acid or whatever they use to stop the regrowth done about 20 years ago but it didn't work. I still continued to have to cut and pull the sides out of each big toe every couple of weeks. I was doing my usual routine about a year ago and after I had cut all the way down one side and had started pulling with the tweezers the nail started coming off from under the cuticle (the nail bed, I gues). It hurt like crazy but after having 3 children naturally (without any pain meds) it wasn't that bad. Actually I remember the shots hurting really badly when I had the ingrown sides removed. Anway, after I pulled the first one off unexpectedly I went ahead and purposely took off the other one. My only problem is that after it heals I'm left with a really hard "something" that kind of looks like a nail but a nail has never grown out from the nail bed since I ripped them out. I don't really know where it comes from. It's very hard and I have to keep filing them. Yes, I put nail polish on them and it looks much better than without. My husband even told me I have "freckin ugly toenails" when I don't put on the nail polish. Now, all that wouldn't be too bad except that from time to time I still get ingrown nails! Where are they coming from? I wish I could get rid of them. I want to have the surgery - done by a doctor this time - but I can't afford to miss work. You know, no insurance and if I don't work I don't get paid. Any helpful comments would be appreciated.
Gavin 30-Jul-2009 12:28
Hey guys,

I've got an infection on my left big toe, caused by an ingrown toenail. Toe is currently extremely painful, swollen and red, as you would imagine. Nail has gown kind of a dark colour with lighter stripes, which I assume is the infection under the nail. Taking Flucloxacillin antibiotic four times a day to try and clear up the infection. GP says I will need to see a podiatrist, which I assume will mean the nail will have to be removed. Obviously I would rather not have this done, so do you guys think the nail may fall off on its own once the infection is cleared up? I read that sometimes nails can come away themselves after infection.

Cheers

Gavin
Dee 29-Jul-2009 16:27
Greetings all toe people!
August 2 will mark 8 weeks since the permanent removal of the nails from both my big toes. Today I am at work with open toed shoes and , for the first time since my procedure, no bandaids or gauze cover over the affected sites. The scabs fell off last night and the areas where the nails had been are completely healed, pink, smooth and really quite normal looking; except for no nail. I am truely amazed! Long process, but the results are worth it. I believe if I wear light pink nail polish on the remaining 8 toenails it will be quite acceptable and not unattractive at all. My best to all of you - this forum has been wonderful; nice to know you aren't going through this all alone! Advice - follow your doctor's orders, soak as directed, keep the areas scrupulously clean, covered until there is no drainage and be patient!
Jeana 26-Jul-2009 00:00
Okay...here it is almost 8 weeks since I had my left big toenail removed and I finally could wear a roomy tennis shoe for walking. The shoe is boxy enough in the toe area that it didn't really fit snug - and I could tolerate a sock over the bandaid and still tender toe. Some scabs finally came off with a little neosporin and scrapping and that helped......the scabs were getting hard and just pushed into my toe with enough pressure to cause discomfort. The whitish area at the end of my toe (where the nail tip used to be) was indeed a different kind of skin tissue that was under the old nail. It looked different than regular skin and was actually quite hard after years of bumping against the former toenail. The indented area is very pronounced and I can see where someone might think there is still a nail there! When it is healed I will paint it along with my real toenails. Still tender.......but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With my old bruised, sore and fungus ridden nail I couldn't wear tight dress shoes or boots so now I'm hoping I'll toughen up and finally have some tolerance for nicer dress shoes. Thanks everyone! Take heart. It will get better.
bryguy 24-Jul-2009 22:54
never really feel comfortable being barefoot.. and as a guy the fake nails are geared towards the women so i havent tried them.
Guest 24-Jul-2009 16:48
Thank You for the response JB. I'm going to try it, I hate how they are still so watery after 6 weeks, I just wish they would dry up.

I still need to know about the black and blue purple around them Before this the skin around the toe was nice.
Janny 24-Jul-2009 04:32
I have a quick question. I got both my big toe nails removed when I was 13 due to chronic in-grown nails. Let's just say it was not my personal choice, but parents thought it best. In any case, does anyone put on fake nails and if so what do you use? I used to use crazy glue or nail glue, but after a few days, i always blister and have to wait for the heeling process. I finally started using fake nails after 15yrs with this.. and I can not even have it one all the time.
JB 24-Jul-2009 04:29
Re: Donna

I had 2 toe nails off and used dreft. It works well. It does not dry out your toes like soap or espon salt.
Janny 24-Jul-2009 04:22
I have a quick question. I got both my big toe nails removed when I was 13 due to chronic in-grown nails. Let's just say it was not my personal choice, but parents thought it best. In any case, does anyone put on fake nails and if so what do you use? I used to use crazy glue or nail glue, but after a few days, i always blister and have to wait for the heeling process. I finally started using fake nails after 15yrs with this.. and I can not even have it one all the time.
Donna 23-Jul-2009 23:44
I love this board

Went to my doctor yesterday he was disappointed after 6 weeks it wasn't drier. He dug around Yikes to pull of scab etc. But most of all I still get that shooting pain when I move my foot I'm unhappy and willl not get the other toe done.

Plus I have the purple around it as mentioned by someone else. I do like how flat it looks compared to the ugly humped one.
Does dreft really work? isn't that a detergent for gentle washing of clothes. Ill stick to epsom salt.
Cheryl 23-Jul-2009 23:14
Mary,
I sympathize, I have seeping and a big purple toe, doctor said even though I had open toe shoes on, I traumatized them. Please tell me will the purple go away? The toe doesn't look that bad but the purple black on the skin surrounding it does.
Help I hate hoow the skin looks now.
Cheryl 23-Jul-2009 22:57
Can't you just go to a salon and have them attach one? They can make it or lay it on with their special glue. Does painting the toenail look strange? I hope not. Can someone answer this?
It's been 6 weeks and mine is still yucky and soft.
bryguy 23-Jul-2009 02:57
dont they make a special adhesive that will stick to the skin?
Angie 20-Jul-2009 21:22
I had my big toenail removed just over 7 years ago. I cannot get a fake toenail to adhere and stay on. I love my sandals and flip flops, is there any tricks or tips to get it to stick? I have even tried regular super glue.
Angie 20-Jul-2009 21:22
I had my big toenail removed just over 7 years ago. I cannot get a fake toenail to adhere and stay on. I love my sandals and flip flops, is there any tricks or tips to get it to stick? I have even tried regular super glue.
bryguy 18-Jul-2009 06:20
that is nice that you are able to go barefoot now and wear flips.. i have not been able to do that and feel comfortable in my barefeet.
Donna 18-Jul-2009 00:33
Oh, I forgot to add, I'm using betadine to try to dry it up. I hope it hurries because I want to put polish on.
Donna 18-Jul-2009 00:29
Hi, I hd toenail removal right two three weeks ago, it's still soft and yucky, has a tingleing pain, I'm hoping this will go away soon. I like the way it looks except since I didn't put my feet up the skin on my toe is purple looking real dark. does anyone know if this will go away?
Also after it hardens can I paint it, just wanted to know before I go back to my doctor in a month.
I'm afraid of fake toenail because I may get an infection.
Would appreciate a response
DMR
Donna 18-Jul-2009 00:29
Hi, I hd toenail removal right two three weeks ago, it's still soft and yucky, has a tingleing pain, I'm hoping this will go away soon. I like the way it looks except since I didn't put my feet up the skin on my toe is purple looking real dark. does anyone know if this will go away?
Also after it hardens can I paint it, just wanted to know before I go back to my doctor in a month.
I'm afraid of fake toenail because I may get an infection.
Would appreciate a response
DMR
paulie 17-Jul-2009 15:38
I had both big toenails removed permanently in June 2008. The pix and procedure is exactly as described. As with any "cutting into skin" procedure, this was not pleasant, however, totally worth the pain for having to hide my feet in shoes my whole life. It's been about a year now and I have the outline, or indentation, of what used to be the nail in my toes. I would imagine 46 years of growth will take quite a bit of time before the toe will have a normal skin top. I'm loving it though, I walk in flip flops or barefoot without a second thought now. Ya, they don't look normal but they look a HELL of a lot better than my yellow, fungus ridden slabs of nail I used to have. The best part is, no more cutting, grinding, sanding, digging and grooming big toe nails. I'm so freak'n happy! Thanks for the great post, I viewed this before my surgery last year and knew exactly what to expect.
paulie 17-Jul-2009 15:28
I had both big toenails removed permanently in June 2008. The pix and procedure is exactly as described. As with any "cutting into skin" procedure, this was not pleasant, however, totally worth the pain for having to hide my feet in shoes my whole life. It's been about a year now and I have the outline, or indentation, of what used to be the nail in my toes. I would imagine 46 years of growth will take quite a bit of time before the toe will have a normal skin top. I'm loving it though, I walk in flip flops or barefoot without a second thought now. Ya, they don't look normal but they look a HELL of a lot better than my yellow, fungus ridden slabs of nail I used to have. The best part is, no more cutting, grinding, sanding, digging and grooming big toe nails. I'm so freak'n happy! Thanks for the great post, I viewed this before my surgery last year and knew exactly what to expect.
mary 14-Jul-2009 15:14
If you've got a mushroom, one of those bad toes, and the really exciting bloke I meet at a party once, what have these things got in common.
FUNGII ( FUNGUY)
Mary's feeling a bit better today, or the pain killers are working.
bryguy 13-Jul-2009 17:51
i dont wear open toes... or go barefoot.. i have seen other guys doing it but for me i dont. I have looked into fake toenails but they are mostly geared for women.
Guest 13-Jul-2009 16:01
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for sharing your story. It certainly looks like you've helped a great number of people. I have a question of my own. I also had both big toenails removed, but I'm still a bit shy of wearing sandals or open-toed dress shoes. How do you deal with that?
Tanya 13-Jul-2009 06:01
Hi Guest, you will be able to walk without crutches, and your toes will be numb, so you wont be able to drive, hope the op goes well.
Guest 12-Jul-2009 20:27
I am getting both of my big toenails off tomorrow due to ingrown toenails for about a year. Will I be able to walk straight out of hospital or need support such as crutches.
Tanya 12-Jul-2009 07:16
Bryguy, plasters are what I think lots of you on here call Bandaids, I think plaster is the uk name!
bryguy 11-Jul-2009 17:25
what are plasters?
bryguy 11-Jul-2009 17:24
Hey J man.. why did you have yours removed?
Wendi 10-Jul-2009 02:02
THANKS DEE!! I was never told about the other things to numb the skin before they do the shot. I will ask about that.
Dee 09-Jul-2009 17:49
Wendi, I was just like you - terrified of the numbing more than the procedure. Well, my Podiatrist numbed the base of my toes with some kind of spray and put some type of liquid on the skin, waited a bit and gave me three injection per toe and I did not experience any pain. There was only a slight twinge, but nothing like I had expected. Get your appointment and insist your doc prepare your foot so that you don't feel the injections. Good Luck!
Wendi 09-Jul-2009 03:34
I have an ingrown toenail on my big toe. It is killing me! I also have that fungus disease in all my toenails except three. I hate my toenails and want them removed so badly, but I am extremely scared of getting shots in my toes. I am so scared of it that I actually get a rapid heart beat and feel sick just thinking about getting it done. Anyone got any advice for me at all? I just don't see why the doctor can not just knock me out and remove all my toenails at once.
J 08-Jul-2009 01:18
oops i mean my toe dried up 1 week ago. typing error
J 08-Jul-2009 01:16
Hey i had both my toenails permanently removed about 3 weeks ago...dr said i can go out with plasters on. my toes dried up about 2 weeks ago....just waiting for full recovery...

can i have advice? when can i run again? cause i am sports guy. dr said in 2 weeks time.
Dee 07-Jul-2009 16:48
Tanya
Yes I have had the "shock" sensation in my big toes. It lasted off and on for several days, but now it is gone completely. I think it had to do with the nerves and the burning process of the nailbed (ick!). I am sincerely hoping it does not return as it was rather bothersome. My procedure was just over a month ago - right toe is nearly all soft-scabbed over and the left one is about 1/4 of the way soft-scabbed and more tender than the right one. They both have some straw-colored seepage but not much pain at all. My doc suggests I wear gauze covering all the time and continue the soaking with 1 tsp. salt to 2 cups water twice a day. I know that if the toes were uncovered they would heal faster, but doc says that he wants them to heal slowly and this is the way to do it. So, I may be in flip-flops till fall or till the left toe catches up to the right! ( I live in the US in Ohio)
tanya 07-Jul-2009 06:29
I am now on my 4th week since having both my toe nails taken off, saw Dr yesterday, who advises they are healing well and that the yellow pus, is in fact norma and a result of the acid put on to stop the toe nail regrowth, toes are still quite sore, and I am getting what is like electric shock sensations in both toes, does anyone else get this? I am trying to dry them out as best as possible and have been told not to wear plasters, but dressing. I was also told that i was using too much salt in the water and this can have a burning effect! I do also find that in England the advice post op seems to be quite different , I am not allowed to get my feet wet in shower or bath and have lovely plastic boots with rubber ring seals to wear!
Mary 04-Jul-2009 16:42
DIane, you really have my sympathy. Today is the 16th day after having mine done, an I will definitely NOT be having the others done now, no matter how much they hurt. Did any of you other peoples have big purple toes, that stay purple for ages. Mine feels like bone infection which I've had before. Does any body know any jokes or any thing like that to do with toes, I want to make light of the pain, but can't find anything to laugh about. The dreft you speak of, did people use this for washing clothes, where could I get hold of this. ( I live in England)
diane 04-Jul-2009 15:54
hello, has anyone ever had a piece of nail come back? I am having a heck of a time, I had my toenail permanently removed in November and now have a tiny piece of nail growing in and it is infected, ended up going to emerg and got antibiotics and they told me that I should be going back to see the surgeon.....ugh
bryguy 03-Jul-2009 18:54
had not heard of implants. but just false toenails. jt are you a male or female?
PATTY 03-Jul-2009 00:55
Guest: I had my left big toenail removed several years ago because of an badly infected ingrown toenail. The freezing didn`t take and when he pulled the nail out I yelled so hard and the idiot surgen laughed. Now I have this clump of nail. But hey I am a female and very self conscious. Female vanity lol. I buy natural nails with glue at Walmart or Shoppers for $10.00. I use only the big toenails. The ones with tabs at the end are better because you don`t stick your fingers. I use a clear polish on all my nails and then a pretty medium pink polish. They look good. I take the fake nail off in about a week, soak my feet, trim my nails and then re-apply my fake nail. I like to wear open shoes and flip flops. Hope this helps someone out there. And the ones that just got their nails removed, I`ve been there done that and I know what nail pain is. You won`t regret getting a painful nail removed. Hang in their.
JB 02-Jul-2009 04:44
RE: Mary

I never had head aches with my 2 toes. My 1st toe hurt about a week after...kind of a stinging type feeling but it was infected so I got some pills. But it should not hurt after the 1st couple days.

I just let the air dry it out. I would not put a bandade or non stick pad on it for around 10-15 minutes after I soaked it. I never really liked touching the wound with a towel.
JB 02-Jul-2009 04:40
Sorry, I posted the last one.

Good luck with those feet.
I'd be happy to answer anyones questions.
Guest 02-Jul-2009 04:39
Re: Dee
I just poured a little dreft in..maybe a couple big tablespoons...thats about it.
I would also suggest if your at home and not going anye=where to leave the bandage off. Trust me. It will heal alot faster. Just put a pad or band ade on it if you leave the house.

Re: Tanyna
I had an infection in my 1st toe as well. Basically if there is a shooting pain in it at all......well its probably infected. Take some pills. It should not hurt after the 1st couple days. Just feel uncomfortable.
Mary 29-Jun-2009 21:12
I had my two big toenails removed 12 days ago, the first week no pain. Now,AAGHH. I have M/S so I take loads of pain killers, but has anyone else suffered with bad headaches. The worse my toes get, the worse my head is. Did anyone else use a hair dryer to dry there toes after washing. My carer does and I don't know weather it's making them worse. Any advise or comments gratefully recieved. Mary
jt 29-Jun-2009 16:33
Had my 2 big toenails remove at birth...31 years later looking for procedure to have implants. Does anyone have any info on this at all?
jt 29-Jun-2009 16:17
Had my 2 big toenails remove at birth...31 years later looking for procedure to have implants. Does anyone have any info on this at all?
tresa 27-Jun-2009 14:02
Mine was extremely painful st first and it turned out that there was more nail left in there, do not take no for an answer, there is a definite chance that there is nail left in there. Mine was white. I now have a pyogenic granuloma that they are going to have to burn if it does not healby the end of next week.
Jeana 26-Jun-2009 19:52
Okay...here is a dumb question. I can't get in until July 1 to ask my doctor some questions. I had my big toenail removed 2-1/2 weeks ago and I could swear that he left another toenail under the first. I reallly couldn't see much the first few days due to bleeding, but I seem to have a whitish area near the top of my toe. But now that I look at it, I wonder if this is just the scab everyone is talking about and not a forgotten under-nail. Do the scabs look white? I would not be happy if this is another nail as the area under it seems even more sensitive than the nailbed. Help.
Dee 25-Jun-2009 12:40
Tresa & Tanya - So sorry to hear your toes are infected. The entire process is complicated enough without this added attraction. Good Luck and keep us posted!
Tanya 25-Jun-2009 07:08
Both my toes were also infected hence the pain, I have been given antibiotics, but have been told to only soak once every other day. Feels like its never going to heal!
Guest 25-Jun-2009 04:05
Thank you for replying Dee, this has been no fun, I have prescription pain killers and can not sleep without them. I do take tylenol during the day, I had my toe looked at today and it turns out it is infected, hence all the pain. I am now on an antibiotic as well and they swabbed it for MRSA as the infection looks rather bad. I will keep you all posted. I do soak it about 5 times a day in epsom salts
Dee 24-Jun-2009 13:35
tresa: Try keeping it covered and take Tylenol or Advil unless your doc gave you a perscription. Are you soaking it?
My podiotrist insists that I continue to keep my toes covered with a 2x2 gauze square all the time except when I soak twice a day with table salt/H2O. I am nearly a month post surgery (total, absolute removal of both large toenails) and am having only a mild amount of pain - Tylenol a couple times a day seems to do the trick. I haven't even entertained the thoughts of wearing shoes - flips are my only footwear (if anyone objects - they will just have to get over it!). Yesterday I had another follow-up appointment and my Doc "cleaned-up" my toes. No, it didn't hurt, but the thoughts of him doing whatever he was doing just about made me freak out! So, he just leaned the exam chair back and I stared at the ceiling while talking incessently! Pretty bad for a 58 year old!! Recovery is slow but I am hopeful the results will be well worth it.
tresa 24-Jun-2009 00:27
I had my great toenail removed last Thursday, I can not bend my toe at all, if my toe even touches the sheet the pain is unbearable. I can not touch the toe anywhere without pain. How long will this last?
Jeana 19-Jun-2009 18:48
Who knew that so many of us would have toenails removed? I had my left BT removed one and a half weeks ago and I'm just figuring out I probably shouldn't have it wrapped up in a bandaid all day and all night. It always looks "wet" and is still way too tender to even try with a shoe. Plus, I've only soaked for 20 min. once a day.........I see some people are soaking way more frequently. Fortunately I have an old pair of sandals that I can wear - nothing touches this toe or I hurt. Any ideas how to speed up the healing so I'm not so sensitive to touch? I have a big event in a month and would really like to wear nicer sandals.
Dee 17-Jun-2009 14:23
RE: JB
What is the ratio of water to Dreft that you use? That sounds very soothing and surely less drying than the table salt I have been using (per docotr's instuctions).
Guest 17-Jun-2009 14:20
Tanya:
If you are in actual pain you should call your doc for advice.
After about 2 weeks post surgery I am having what I am refeering to as "healing pains". Sort of a tightening feeling with some discomfort - happens only in the evening (after my last soak of the day) as I am air-drying my toes. If I continue to walk around there is no pain - lay down with my feet up and the sensations start again. Very strange. Took some Tylenol , left the toes uncovered and slept all night. There must be several different "stages" this process takes and we each, most likely, have our own quirks associated with it all.
Tanya 17-Jun-2009 06:48
Hi all, I had surgery to my both my big toes just over a week ago, and have been back to have my dressings changed and everything looked fine, but I am still getting quite a bit of pain (like a cramp and stabbing pain) is this normal? from other threads on here it seems that most people seem to be mostly pain free after a couple of days, where as I am still in quite a lot of pain. Can any one advise me?
JB 17-Jun-2009 00:19
To ALL:

I soaked with DREFT and believe it works better.
Let it air dry as much as possible.
I also used a non stick pad and gause...instead of a bandade...I thought a bandade stuck too much to the wound.
Just do not bump it or get it dirty.
And the 1st 2 weeks is the most likely time for infection. If you feel pain or stinging in it alot go back to foot doctor and get some pills.
Other then that....its about it.
6-8 weeks healing time.
Good Luck to all.
Hope this helps.
JB 17-Jun-2009 00:15
Re Bonnie/Guest

I had the same problem over a year ago when I had my 1st big toe done. The key is next time or WHOEVER is reading this tell your foot doctor to put on a non -stick pad over the banadage. Then you just stick the foot in the water and it comes right off. I had to go to the ER b/c mine was stuck so bad and it hurt really bad when they finally took it off. And like I said to give it alot off air. I'd say for the 1st week to week and a 1/2 have a baindade on it 95% of the time with a little air after you soak it soak it. Then start to let it air dry as much as possible. Espicially if you're at home and you're not going anywhere. Keep letting it air dry is key to a quicker recovery. Just do not bump it or let anything get into the wound. I'd just put a non stick pad and then a band dade when I went to work or out some where.
JB 17-Jun-2009 00:06
RE: DEE
I prefered Dreft. I never used espon salt ..etc. The Dreft really cleans your toe. The last time I just soaked it once a day the whole time. It was around the same healing time...6-8 weeks. I just kept wearing sandles...soaking once per day with Dreft...letting it air dry as much as possible....putting a little neo sporion on it...the key is to just not glob it on..if you do that it causes it not to drain properly......and do not bump it...and thats basically it. The process is just so slow and is sometimes frustrating. It just takes time. Other then that I'd say follow my instructions and good luck 2 you.
Dee 15-Jun-2009 17:14
This is a very helpful forum; thanks to everyone for their comments, suggestions and ideas.
I return to my podiatrist next week and am hopeful he will cut my soaks back to once a day. I will inquire of him about the advisability of leaving the bandages off during the night. It seems like a good idea - fresh air is a good thing. I am a stickler for following my doctor's rules to the letter!
JB: Dreft for soaking instead of the table salt? Interesting and something else for me to ask my doc.
Invincible Toenail 15-Jun-2009 14:20
Bonnie/Guest, you need to get that band-aid off. If you cannot get it off yourself, then you need to go back to the doctor and get them to remove it. The toe cannot heal with the band-aid stuck to it. While I am having this done again this Wednesday, I have had this same toe done twice before and had this same problem the first time. I waited 24 hours after the surgery, and the bandage was stuck. Mine was not a band-aid, it was gauze. It took me about an hour of soaking in distilled vinegar and water (you must dillute the vinegar or it wil burn like fire) to get the gauze loose. I did have to pull if off the nail bed as a tiny piece was still stuck. I one of those people that would rather hurt myself than let someone else pull it off. It did bleed for a few minutes, but it stopped. Then, they key is to really moisten it up when you put another bandage on, and this won't happen again. The crazy thing about these nail bed healings is that it must heal slowly while staying moist. My doctor (both times) told me never to let it get a scab on it. If it got a scab, he would remove it. Keeping it moist does make the healing time slower, but I've had good results both times. The only problem is that the darn thing came back both times (even though it was supposed to be permanent)--hence my name on this board. I would leave the nail I have on now, but it "floats" over my nail bed and is only stuck at the base of toe. It is very thick, ugly and rises so high off the toe that shoes hurt in the winter where they push against it. Best of luck to you in getting the band-aid off.
Invincible Toenail 15-Jun-2009 14:15
Bonnie/Guest, you need to get that band-aid off. If you cannot get it off yourself, then you need to go back to the doctor and get them to remove it. The toe cannot heal with the band-aid stuck to it. While I am having this done again this Wednesday, I have had this same toe done twice before and had this same problem the first time. I waited 24 hours after the surgery, and the bandage was stuck. Mine was not a band-aid, it was gauze. It took me about an hour of soaking in distilled vinegar and water (you must dillute the vinegar or it wil burn like fire) to get the gauze loose. I did have to pull if off the nail bed as a tiny piece was still stuck. I one of those people that would rather hurt myself than let someone else pull it off. It did bleed for a few minutes, but it stopped. Then, they key is to really moisten it up when you put another bandage on, and this won't happen again. The crazy thing about these nail bed healings is that it must heal slowly while staying moist. My doctor (both times) told me never to let it get a scab on it. If it got a scab, he would remove it. Keeping it moist does make the healing time slower, but I've had good results both times. The only problem is that the darn thing came back both times (even though it was supposed to be permanent)--hence my name on this board. I would leave the nail I have on now, but it "floats" over my nail bed and is only stuck at the base of toe. It is very thick, ugly and rises so high off the toe that shoes hurt in the winter where they push against it. Best of luck to you in getting the band-aid off.
Bonnie 15-Jun-2009 00:12
This is a continuation of the first guest post. What worries me is how is fresh air going to get to the nail bed and heal it, if it is covered up still, even after soaking it for 2 hours in Epsom salts?
Thanks.
Bonnie
Guest 15-Jun-2009 00:09
I had my left toenail removed due to an infected toe, not an ingrown toenail, but the infection did not go away so the doc wanted to remove the nail. He did not do anything like whaat I see here. Instead of putting ointment over the nail, he put a small bandaid then covered that with huge gauze and a wrapping, then told me to soak my nail the next day. Well, I cut off the huge gauze but could not get the small bandaid off and although I have now soaked it twice, that small bandaid is still stuck to the nail. I called him and he said that hyrogren pyroxide would take off the bandaid but that did not work. Will the bandaid grow off on its own? He said nothing about applying ointment only soaking it.
JB 13-Jun-2009 04:49
RE: DEE
I have had both of mt big toe nails removed over the past year. It takes around 6-8 weeks to heal. It just a long ordeal. After a couple weeks I'd go to just once a day soaking. I prefered soaking with Dreft. Also, for yourself and anyone...after a couple weeks let it air dry as much as possible. Even at night when you sleep if you can. I just would not use covers. The more you let it air dry the better it heals in my opinion. Just keep it clean and try not to bump it or break the scab more open once it finally begins to heal.
Dee 11-Jun-2009 16:12
One week post both big toenails removed - I am feeling the discomfort of the healing process. Cannot catagorize it as a pain, rather a "tight" sensation. I think an Advil or Tylenol might be helpful. Still soaking 2X/day with salt water and applying the antibacterial cream 2X/day. There is a little light-red tinged seepage from both toes. I wear loosly applied 2x2 bandages all the time - even at night - and have only worn flip-flops for the week.
InvincibleToenail 09-Jun-2009 19:15
I'm having my right, big toenail "permanently" removed for the THIRD time next week. I swear, after a nuclear disaster my toenail will be left. My question to everyone is, I know underneath my "nail" (I can't call it that because it breaks like sawdust and floats over the nail bed [unattached] except at the base), the bed is very rough. Does anyone know if there is a way for the podiatrist to "smooth" the skin bed left after the toenail removal has healed?
Dee 09-Jun-2009 13:03
Update to my TN removal on the 4th of June: Day 5 - Still not having any pain. Saw my doctor yesterday - he said they were doing fine, continue soaking 2x/day, keep covered with a loose 2x2 and use the anitbiotic cream 2x/day. I am truely amazed that this ordeal is painfree! Great Doc! Advice to all: FOLLOW POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS!!
Hi-Liter 08-Jun-2009 05:52
I had my L big toenail removed 5 weeks ago. My recovery is also taking a long time. I think I'm looking at 4 more weeks of the healing process. In my case, I am taking forever to heal due to the fact that I have to work and my toe is in a bandaid for up to 12 hours at a time. What I want to add to this forum is what my wonderful Dr. told me for post-op.
First of all -- drying it out is most important. You do this by soaking in warm epsom salt water 5-6 times a day for the first 4 days. This helps the skin slough off quicker therefore, healing quicker. The initial bandage should come off and stay off after your first soaking. Use only bandaids from that point on.
After that, you want to soak it 3 times a day until healed. Only covering it with a bandaid when wearing a shoe. Otherwise it should be getting oxygen as much as possible. He also recommended at the 4 week mark to occasionally put some hydrocortisone cream on it. This also helps the skin to slough off.
Just soak the crap out of it and let it dry.
I am occasionally still oozing and it gets goobery after wearing a bandaid and a shoe. I still get the burning sensation when I have been on my feet too long.
My Doc also told me that he has been amazed at the variation of healing time among his patients. Some are 2-3 weeks and some are 2-3 months and everything in between. SO the healing process really depends on you and how much you are able to get away with not wearing a shoe.
Dee 05-Jun-2009 19:08
Had both large toenails removed yesterday. Numbing was relatively painless and I have yet to experience any actual pain. Following docs orders; went home after the procedure, kept my feet elevated for about 5 hours, am soaking 2x/day with saltwater and applying perscription antibiotic. So glad to be rid of my thick, fungus reddled nails! ugh.......... He said the healing process will take about 8 weeks - at least it is summer and I can wear flip flops - maybe the fresh air will help the healing.
gfunk 01-Jun-2009 09:39
fascinating. not very pretty, but i guess if God intended us to all have pretty feet, they would have evolved that way. but one does not necessarily attract a mate with toenails anyway.
Sarah 31-May-2009 07:15
I had my big toenail removed about two weeks ago....I was so scared but the remova itself was so much easier (and quicker) then i expected. I had a little pain after but then it settled down with some painkillers. The only thing i can complain about is the healing time!! No one explains to you how long it takes to heal...I an two weeks on and still it doesnt look remotely better. There is no way i could put socks on without a bandage and the wound is still weeping like mad. Some shoes are totally out of the question as they rub my toe and make it very uncomfortable. I am still glad I had it done but wish the recovery time was explained to me a little better as i just got discharged with a letter telling me how to bandage and no information on how it would look or how long it would take to heal. This website has been very informative and helped me to feel less anxious that something is wrong with my toe.
Butch 28-May-2009 04:40
I just got one big toenail off at 11:00 this morning and still (at 10:30 pm) have yet to feel even a hint of pain from it! It was quick and easy. I was pretty worried about how bad it would hurt and it was way better than I thought. Really it all depends on how bad the nail is as oppose to the level of pain you might have. Fourtunatly iv'e been on vicodin for the last 4 years or so, and that could also help in the pain department. The actual procedure took about 5 minutes, and I didnt feel a thing! Hope anyone that is having this done has the same outcome. Oh yeah........ahhhhhh
Bonnie 26-May-2009 20:54
I'm post op 1 week still painfull and with little of dr's post op instruction. Changing the bandage every day seems to keep every thing going good but thanks to the comments I now know I can soak my foot and really clean the gue that has built up. Thanks everone..
bryguy 26-May-2009 19:28
has anyone been embarrassed about their feet or toenails?
Guest 24-May-2009 20:31
I have all my toenails thick and yellow because of fungus infection. I decided to have them permanently removed. No matter how painful it is.
Jenny 17-May-2009 15:20
Its been almost 6 days since my big toenail removal. It still hurts bad! Its a constant burning feeling where the toenail used to be. If Im walking around for awhile it burns even more. This is crazy to me, I thought it would be alot better then it is now. Not happy with the recovery time. You really need to be able to take time off of work for recovery... Im really mad I missing work.
lynette