Traveling for bunion surgery to North Texas; follow this guide to make it an easy, less stressful experience
Anytime a person is deciding if they need surgery it can be very daunting to find the right surgeon for you. Nobody wants to go to somebody with limited experience and get suboptimal results.
When it comes to bunions a casual search of the Internet can find the negative patient results, but that doesn’t have to be you.
Here at Foot And Ankle Associates Of North Texas, I specialize in Lapiplasty® bunion correction, and I am one of the most experienced surgeons in the country with this popular technique. Because of the reputation we have built, I frequently see patients seeking bunion correction from all over the county.
If you decide to travel to North Texas for your foot surgery, Dr. Steinke wants to make it as smooth and easy process as possible. This article will discuss local lodging available, where to eat shop and how to recover and travel safely before and after your surgery.
Flying into North Texas Tips
DFW Airport to Grapevine office.
DFW Airport, Dallas TX
When flying he most convenient airport to fly into is Dallas Fort Worth airport also known as DFW. This is located just 10 minutes away from my Grapevine location and approximately 25 minutes to our Keller office and the surgery center. American Airlines is the primary airline here is a hub so you should be able to travel here from just about anywhere in the United States with one direct flight.
Dallas Love Airport, Dallas TX
For those of you that fly Southwest it flies into Dallas Love field, which is approximately 25 minutes to our Grapevine office and 40 minutes to our Keller office. Once you arrive lodging will be your next stop.
Accommodations
Most procedures will be performed at Bear Creek Surgery in Keller Texas so most patients see me in my Keller location. Keller is just west of the airport between Dallas and Fort Worth. In that area the Hampton Inn and Suites is located in Keller, as well as a Courtyard by Marriott nearby just west office and surgery center.
Hampton Inn and Suites: 200 Town Center Lane, Keller, TX 76248
Courtyard by Marriot: 3001 Amador Drive, Keller, TX 76177
Where to Stock up on Essentials
If you were looking for somewhere to shop for food to stock up, Tom Thumb, grocery store in Kroger located in Keller less than 1 mile from my office and the surgery center. Kroger grocery store is also right across the street from Tom Thumb. Both are located within walking distance of the Hampton Inn and Suites.
Tom Thumb, 1000 Keller Pkwy, Keller, TX 76248
Kroger, 976 Keller Pkwy, Keller, TX 76248
Scheduling your appointment with Dr. Paul Steinke
When you make your appointment you will schedule with Dr. Paul Steinke. and the first appointment will consist of x-rays being taken by our medical assistants and a detailed history of your condition will be obtained.
Dr. Steinke will then come in to say hello, examine you and will review your x-rays to see if you are a candidate for Surgery Expectations on what your recovery will look like and how you will be able to travel back-and-forth from home to Surgery safely to reduce the risk of any complications.
Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, LLP, 816 Keller Pkwy Suite 101, Keller, TX 76248
Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas, 2421 Ira E. Wds Ave #100, Grapevine, TX 76051
Booking Surgery
After your initial evaluation, you will be contacted in several days by our surgery coordinator who will discuss with you the cost of the procedure as well as the location of procedure and together you will pick a date for your procedure that works best for you.
Is important that you come to the office approximately two days or more before the surgery for your preoperative appointment because a preoperative exam is necessary and preferred to be performed two days prior to surgery.
At your preoperative appointment you provided with appropriate FMLA paperwork, if you need it for work, a free ice pack, and a goodie bag to help you recover. We will also provide you with our specialized Lapiplasty® recovery passport. This tells you everything you need to know throughout the entire recovery process from icing elevation, pain control, weight-bearing, and all the other things are required to help you recover quickly and without anxiety. This gives instructions week by week reducing anxiety during your recovery if you are doing everything correctly.
Surgery will follow two days later and typically followup after surgery is three days after procedures.
Prescription medication
Pick up your medication the day of your pre-operative appointment. Pharmacies sometimes do not have the medication prescribed for you on hand and you don’t want to wait for the day of surgery to found out.
Local Pharmacies
Walgreens, 4324 Golden Triangle Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76244
CVS, 101 N Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Walmart Pharmacy, 5336 Golden Triangle Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Typical schedule
Schedule of visits and surgery
1) ***Pre-operative appointment 2 or three days prior to surgery (20 minutes)
2) Monday or Friday Surgery: arrive one hour prior to procedure, procedure about an hour, one hour in recovery, then head to your hotel (3 hours)
3) ***First post-op, x-rays and examination 2-3 days after procedure (15 minutes)
4) Second post-op around 10-14 days. Incision check (10 minutes) Patients usually return home after this visit.
5) Third post-op 6 weeks
6) Fourth post-op 4 months. For most out of area/state patients this is the last visit.
***Required visits and are not negotiable. Other visits can be performed by a local physician in your area.
Things to to Bring/Prepare for When You Come to Texas
1) Bring all your prescription medications with you from home.
2) Comfortable loose fitting clothes while you rest during recovery.
3) Reading material: devices, books etc for use during downtime
4) Athletic shoe for use on good foot
5) Water bottle to stay hydrated
6) Comfort foods for use at hotel
Rules for Return Travel Home
When returning home it is important to control pain, reduce swelling, and decrease risk for blood clots which can occur when traveling at altitude or not moving for long periods.
Rule #1
Elevate as much as possible. If driving sitting in back seat with foot elevated on seat or center console between front seats is best.
Rule #2
Ice frequently, at least every few hours for no more than 30 minutes each application.
Rule #3
Move. Lack of movement can induce the production of blood clots that develop in the legs. This is rare but can be life threatening if allowed to form. Taking a blood thinner like aspirin may be recommended to reduce risk. Standing up and walking in boot a few minutes every few hours on road is best, if flying walk to bathroom. Pick a seat near a restroom if possible.
Rule #4
Medication. Take you meds as recommended.
Week by Week Instructions Will be Provided
During you visit you will be provided with a Lapiplasty Passport. This is our guide for week by week instruction as well as preparation tips for best possible outcomes. This website has tons of other articles to help you prepare for your procedure.
We hope to make you surgery and travel experience the best it can possibly be and welcome you to Texas.
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