I've had some pain and swelling around my big toe for years now. Last year it got bad, I saw a doctor, said bone spur/hallux limitus, not bad enough for surgery yet, let's try orthotics.

And I tried orthotics, and I didn't like them, but eventually the pain decreased to the point that it wasn't interfering in my life.

Now, though, it's much worse. I'm having trouble walking enough to get through the day, forget about fun or exercise. I limp noticeably sometimes, and my other hip has started to hurt from it. I have to do something, and it really sounds like chilectomy (removing the bone spur) is the most reasonable option.

I'm scared, though. I've had surgery several times before (not on my feet), and all of them except the smallest ones involved severe uncontrolled pain. In addition, I have two jobs and two kids, the younger a toddler, and I'm worried about downtime.

My next appointment is a couple weeks away, and I want to be ready. Anyone ever have chilectomy or similar procedure? How much did it hurt, and for how long? How long until you were able to, for example, stand for an hour or two at a time?