I found AFAS in summer of 2016 after undergoing an open wedge osteotomy bunionectomy (left foot) by a highly ranked surgeon at Rush Univ. Unfortunately in Dec 2015. I did not have an excellent outcome by the Rush surgeon as his ratings had . Regardless of why, when the plantar plate on my other foot (right) tore due to a bunion on that foot and the fact I was continuing to have pain in my left foot from the prior surgery at Rush, I went on a serious search for an excellent foot surgeon I could trust. I found Dr. Halihan at AFAS.
I appreciated being able to get an appointment within a few weeks of when I called, the latest x-ray technology, and the latest digital foot scanning technology for orthopedic shoe inserts I did try the conservative orthopedic route but in my case had to undergo surgery. And I knew this was probably the eventual outcome, but I wanted to try.
I did have revision surgery of my left foot and new surgery on my right foot at the same time. I actually have the ability to make a comparison of surgery since the same procedures were done on my right foot by Dr. Halihan that was done on my left foot 11 months prior by Rush surgeon.
First...the nerve block. Dr. Halihan does his own blocks and they were done only at the level of my feet, below the ankles. Prior surgery the block was high up my mid thigh and my whole leg was numb. When the block wore off my large nerve had been bruised and the pain was the worst I had experienced in my life (and I have a high pain tolerance). I did not sleep for over 30 hours after surgery last year while this time, the block wore off gradually and while there was surgical pain as expected it was nothing like before. I actually slept the first night. Pain overall was far less.....I took 1/2 the pain medication and narcotics after surgery with Dr. Halihan (having both feet operated on at the same time) than last year after having just one foot operated on. Prior surgery I was cleared to walk in a knee-high surgical boot at two weeks but it was too painful to even step in the boot until day 18. This surgery, with both feet operated on, I took my first steps on day FIVE in surgical shoes...no boot. I was astounded. I was walking to the bathroom on my own on day 6. At two weeks post up I was going up and down my steps, walking to the car, walking in my kitchen! I cannot stay on my feet long or walk any long distance, but just being able to "shuffle" around getting from point A to point B for very short distances was huge! I have used the knee scooter mostly and I ride it like a bike sitting on the seat with my bum since both my feet were done. My surgical incisions look night and day different with Dr. Halihan's skillful hand than the prior foot done last year. Sutures were internal, lines well approximated and just clean and minimal. He even cleaned up the horrible scarring from prior surgery on my left. The prior surgeon only saw me once during all my post op visits while Dr. Halihan sees me each time at my post-op visit. Prior surgery I could not get my feet wet at all until six weeks. This surgery I was able to fully shower at two weeks (no submerging feet in water, just wash and rinse) using a shower chair and then dressings off and feet open to air. I can wear socks with surgical shoes and use ACE wraps for continued swelling (normal) but dressings are off and incisions are clean and dry.
If it isn't clear yet....this experience is night and day different than my prior surgery. With other surgeon, he only saw me once post-op in all my post-op visits and the PAs I highly recommend Dr. Halihan if you are searching for a surgeon. He possesses a quiet confidence in which you know he is confident in what he can do yet he is not arrogant in the least. It is the type of quiet confidence you would want in anyone that was going to surgically cut on any part of you; especially your feet where you will experience the outcome with every step you take ongoing. I also underwent multiple procedures with torn ligaments and revision and left foot and recovery far better than one foot last year.
I put off having this surgery for many years because as a 20+ year Registered Nurse I did not want to risk a negative outcome on my feet. I had heard horrible stories of bunion surgeries. After having met Dr. Halihan I wished I would have taken care of my bunions sooner. I think I can recommend him for any podiatry related issue given my experience with bunionectomy.
I plan to update my review as I progress during the months post-op. I can say with surety at this time that this experience is far better than with previous surgeon. I can also say the clinical staff who work in the back are very helpful and friendly indeed. Do not let a small office dissuade you. I went with a huge well known practice at Rush Univ with a Top Doctor and had a very poor outcome. Dr. Halihan is far superior in my experience and opinion. read more
