I have a girlfriend who has had all her toenails removed. I cringe every time she talks about it. Some she has had to have done over because they started growing back. Be sure that they get all the root of the nail. My friend said that the injections into the toe for deadening is the worse.

Old age is definitely not for the faint of heart. I find myself wondering on an almost daily basis these days why I thought it looked so easy 20 or 30 years ago. ;-)

That being said...I've seriously contemplated having the same procedure done to my left big toe but I don't think my insurance will cover the procedure. My toe was severely injured many years ago and has never completely recovered. Today I suffer from gout in this digit along with an extremely annoying growth pattern that evolves into two toe nails that I have difficulty controlling. Considering that I'm a diabetic..albeit non medicating and controlled...foot problems are always a major concern to me.

Please keep us posted of the results of your procedure. Personally...I think you've made a very wise decision and I hope all goes well tomorrow. You'll be in my thoughts.

OK..I had this done years ago. Two toes on each foot. Mine were due to ingrown toenails.

If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't have them removed. Mine could be for vanity reasons, but if you wear open toed shoes, or sandals, or like to go barefoot, you won't be doing that in public. No more toenails polished and pretty.
Right now I have a difficult time with trimming my own toenails. What I am contemplating doing is going to my foot doctor to have my toenails trimmed. As I age, I am finding my toenails do not grow as fast as they once did, so I doubt there would be too many trips in a years time. And I doubt the dr. would even have to do it, rather a nurse.

I hadn't heard of this being done for the reason you stated, but I can see why it might be a good idea. My parents always trimmed each other's toenails, and after my dad died (at age 90) my mother's feet got in bad shape and needed treatment from a podiatrist. An 81-year-old friend of mine has his nails trimmed regularly by a podiatrist. I guess it's one of the things these doctors do routinely.

Please think again about doing this, Sue. Your nails protect the tips of your toes and fingers. I have had the sides of the nails on both big toes removed, but not the whole nail, due to ingrown nails. My nails are very wide. It has been so long since I had them done in high school that you wouldn't know it to look at them. On one toe, I get a "hang nail" because they didn't get all of the root.

My parents are no longer able to do their own, or each others. Being diabetic, insurance pays for the podiatrist to cut thier nails. They go once a month.

And yes, the shots to numb the toe, are EXTREMELY painful. I was not allowed to wear closed toe shoes afterwards. One toe had to be done while school was in session, and I had to get special permission to wear sandles to school and be extremely careful in the halls, ect., so no one stepped on my toes by accident.

Tami

My son had both of his big toe nails removed because they kept getting ingrown but not just at the top but also along the outer side. It was next to impossible for him to walk when it happened. Now my Grandson seems to have the same situation. Guess part of it is hereditary (sp?). My son did have injuries to both big toes, one got stepped on during marching band practice and the other while dancing in a musical play but the doctor said that his nails were shaped to have that tendency to curl back under all along the side. He doesn't regret having it done , just had to be really careful when it was first done not to let anyone step on his feet.

Our country nurse does foot care ever other month and our senior citizens club pays for it. Also I was told that if you are over 65, foot care if free according to federal guidelines. Also if you have other health issues, and over 65 (I think), medicare will pay a podiatrist to trim them every so many months. DH is diabetic and both MC and Blue cross pay. He also examines the feet.If you are over 65 you might look into this option. Much easier that removing nails, because you still have to take care of them.

I remember my mother had one of hers removed. I dont know what the reason was anymore, it wasnt because of not being able to clip them though I know that. She said if she had to do it over again she wouldnt. It was very painful to have it done and she had a lot of pain afterwards too.

I've lost a couple of body parts through the years but did so under duress. So to answer your question. Not no but heck no! Just seeing your pics made me hurt and I have 2 screws in my big toe.

A friend of mine had all hers removed and she said she wished she wouldn't have had it done.

I had problems with ingrown toenails on both my big toes. They wanted to remove them both. I said no. So the doctor removed just the part that was ingrown. My toenails are a little narrower but still look nice and NO more ingrown toenails.

I wish you success but I know some people have their podiatrist cut their toe nails.
I had an ingrown nail and the doctor sedated it before taking it off. I felt good after it was done and went to the mall and 4 hours later the toe "woke up." I don't know which characster I looked like, Jackie Gleason, Sid Cesar well, one of them when they get hit with a hammer. I could not put a sheet over it the pain was awful. Wasn't in the mood to talk either. I used to cut my grandmother's nails. I have to give in, Sue, and stop making it worse with my story. Not fair to you. I truly hope this goes well.

I have had both my big toe nails removed...because of ingrown. It is VERY hereditary in our family! I have a great niece that was BORN with an ingrown toe nail! My toes are not pretty...but I honestly don't care, I hate shoes and live for flip flops! When I went to my endocrinologist for the first time, he said that he was glad to see that I had my nails removed...he said it was just one less thing to worry about with diabetes.

My DD had continual ingrown toenails too, we went to the Dr. to have them both cut out completly...he said to try the sides first. Her nails look really nice now, and she hasn't had any trouble with them. Hers look almost 'norm' in flip flops!

Please be sure that you see a surgeon to have it done!!! I had the first one done by a GP and he didn't get everything...I have a spot that the side grows in, PITA! The other one was done by a surgeon and he did a wonderful job! Just make sure that you let them know you want it ALL dead! I wish I would have had my one redone by the surgeon, but didn't.

It WILL be painful after! Don't make any plans for about 3 days. And keep them elevated!!!!! (don't go to the mall and walk around for hours while they are numb either...you WILL pay for it!....yep, I can say that from trial and ERROR!) :/

Wishing you best of luck. I know in this area, there is a monthly clinic that older people can go to and have their nails done....I think it is like $10.

I can go every 10 weeks for the Doctor to trim my toe nails. Medicare covers this. I am diabetic.

Sue, Please think twice about this. it just looks sooo painful. My mom and dad both go to a podiatrist to have their nails trimmed, my mom is diabetic, but my dad is not, and Medicare covers both of them.

Rita

Is going to have a pedicure every two weeks or so out of the question? I think I would try that first!

When I was a kid (long ago) I could actually bite my toenails. I've cut them ever since I can remember. I dropped a heavy can on one big toenail, it turned black, fell off and grew back. Now I get pedicures, maybe once a month to keep my toenails in check.
My cousin who is 80 has her podiatrist cut her toe nails evety few months and cut off her corns. If a doctor recommends surgery fror you, I'd do it. Too many people get toe infections, including gangrene. Good luck with the surgery!

I had a ingrown toe nail on my right big toe and had a part of it removed, vein and all but the Corrizone shot was more painful than giving birth or having a tooth removed. The needle was almost as wide as a pencil.

Anyhow it may be different for you.
Good luck

Whoa, I tried not to read this thread and I SURE AS HECK didn't look at the pictures (I'm squeamy) but I just couldn't help myself.

My 88 year old mother still gets her pedicure every so often and has the nails trimmed regularly. I think that I would opt for an occasional trip to a clinic, doctor, podiatrist before I'd have the nails removed entirely.

Oh my... that sounds so painful... Would it not be possible to just go get a pedicure every few weeks?.. they aren't that expensive and the foot and leg massage that comes along with the pedicure just feels wonderful.

I appreciate all the replies, even though most of them were on the ugh! side. lol

Nita, if I can remember I'm going to tell my doc to be sure to get all the root out!

Anne ct, have you talked with a good orthopedic surgeon about your situation? Better to know what the options are.

Deamn, since you regretted having yours done, have you considered what it might be like if you hadn't done it? As for vanity, that is not a problem with me; I haven't worn open toed shoes for ages. Or sandals either and I don't like to go barefoot. I've never painted my toenails. I know, I sound really dull, huh? So be it.

I am very much aware of the pain factor, because of all the other surgeries I've had. As for going to a podiatrist on a regular basis, I like to think in terms of solutions to a problem, rather than temporary and routine treatments.

Sandy, a baby born with a hangnail, now that is unusual. I promise not to go to the mall any time soon. My surgery will be done by my orthopedic surgeon, who did both of my knees, and a Keller Bunionectomy, which I remembered only as I was typing all this. The *KB was about 20 years ago, and I didn't even have a bunion, but did have terrific pain in that toe, and that being my accelerator foot, I just had to get it fixed He also keeps a check on my hip joints, which although they are painful at times aren't in need of surgery.

Hi, Rita. I have thought about this for a long time. I know it will be painful, but hopefully in the long run it will be beneficial. If all goes well I will have the left toe done later.

Hellion, yes, for me, going anywhere every two weeks or so, at a specified time would be a nuisance. I don't like appointments!

Jannie, maybe if I had started years ago, going to a podiatrist, it would have been better, but of course I've always thought I could take care of these things myself.

Sunshines, now really, how big was that needle? I have had so many cortisone shots, I don't even feel them any more.

Rhizo 1, I looked at your My Page. Welcome back! I've been here forever also.

I will let you all know how this has gone tomorrow, or Tuesday.

PS. In case it matters to anyone, I'm 87 years old.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: *Keller Bunionectomy

Well, as they say..."You go, girl!" Sounds like you've thought this out carefully and reviewed your options carefully. Feet can be such a pain in the....patootie.

I've got very high arches that are now beginning to cause a lot of foot pain for me. Orthotics, here I come!

87 years YOUNG, sounds like to me. Be sure to update us on how you're doing. (I'm not sure I want to see the pictures, though. Ohso squeamy.)

Hi Sue............
I will surely keep you in my prayers today......you've been thru so much, I hope this is one of your easier procedures.
You're so nice to respond to everyone individually. âÂ¥âÂÂ¥

Hope to hear from you soon.

Okay, so it isn't Monday, or Tuesday. I had to keep my foot elevated, and I couldn't quite do that at the computer. Now I'm up and around some.

The surgery was no problem at all. The doc explained exactly what he would be doing, and honestly, (Note to Nita, he said he would be taking out the ROOT !) it was not painful! Those needles must be extremely fine. We talked from time to time during the procedure; at one point I asked him if we were having fun yet. He said he was!

It took about 45 minutes, including the prep. After it was bandaged, a stretchy footy was put on my foot, and I was ready to go.

I have to stay off of the foot as much as possible for a while, and in two weeks go back to have the stitches taken out.

I guess hearing all the bad things that happen to other folks can make us leery about such things. I've said this before, I tend to use common sense and logic about making decisions and forming opinions.

I can't tell you any negatives. There weren't any.

When my daughter picked me up to take me, she brought me a pint of Edy's Mint Brownie ice cream and put it in the freezer. When we got home and I was all settled in the recliner, she brought me the ice cream and a spoon. I ate the whole thing. Probably helped with the recuperation!

I'm glad I had this done, and I definitely will have the other one done as soon as this one heals.

Sue

Glad it worked out for you Sue.

SO glad to hear from you; I was wondering how you were doing!

(Don't get mad at me, but when you said your daughter bought you a pint....I was thinking you were going to say "of whiskey". YIkes!)