Holly’s Story
Holly’s Story
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In November 2024, I underwent a bunionectomy to correct a deformed big toe joint. For those unfamiliar with the procedure, it removes the painful bunion and realigns the bones, often using screws or plates for support. Twelve days after surgery, my surgical wrapping was removed, and I transitioned into a protective boot designed to stabilize healing tissue and allow only heel-bearing weight.
Eight days later, complications began. I experienced significant pain, swelling, discoloration, and an abnormal gait. I tried to remain patient, but the pain quickly became severe. A painful lump pushed out the side of my foot, and I could barely walk.
The day before Christmas, I returned to my surgeon’s office to have my stitches removed and was weaned from the surgical boot. When the pain and discomfort persisted, I went back a week later and was told it may have been too soon for me to become mobile. The Christmas holiday was miserable, and the pain became increasingly difficult to manage.
As the new year began, I relied on a scooter to keep all weight off my foot. Two weeks later, my surgeon’s office recommended a different boot and encouraged me to try bearing weight again, but by the end of the day my foot was swollen. A week later, I was in significant pain around the inserted hardware and could no longer bend my big toe.
A CT scan in late March revealed that the repaired bone had not healed properly. My surgeon recommended removing scar tissue and hardware, performing a bone graft, and replacing the hardware. After everything I had endured, my confidence in my surgeon had diminished. It became clear that I needed a second opinion.
By this point, four months had passed, and the thought of “starting over” with another recovery felt overwhelming. A coworker suggested reaching out to ConnectCare3, an employer-sponsored nurse navigation service.
I soon began working with a knowledgeable ConnectCare3 nurse who became the calm in my storm. She helped me prepare thoughtful questions for my second-opinion physician, kept me focused when my mind was spinning in a million directions, and offered both emotional support and medical insight during an incredibly difficult time. I proceeded with a second surgery in May—and thankfully, it was a success.
If you are facing a medical diagnosis, I highly recommend contacting ConnectCare3. Their nurses can help you understand your condition and connect you with well-qualified physicians for evaluation and treatment. Their support and guidance were truly invaluable to me.
