Mortons Neuroma - Pain in the Foot

Speaking from my own painful personal experience! This is my personal story of a Morton's Neuroma. You know, it is such a pain in the foot let me tell you! It is a real PITF! I now have a "foot to stand on" so to speak thanks to my foot surgery to excise that painful Morton's Neuroma! Oh, and it is not such a pretty foot after surgery as you will see from all my pictures.

It took me nearly two years, from when I was first diagnosed with the Morton's Neuroma, to finally opt for surgery. A variety of treatment was discussed, but I went the surgical route.

Julie Ann Brady Right Foot - Morton's Neuroma and Bunionectomy

During the time that I endured this painful nerve condition, I found myself less and less able to comfortably wear the many shoes that I have in my closet. I was able to comfortably wear only ballerina flats. Today, after that surgery, I can wear most of the shoes in my closet.

Let me tell you about my journey with and without and hopefully you too can experience a relief from foot pain.

PS On March 18, 2019, I removed the photo of my foot showing stitches and bruising. I got notification from Google Adsense that it was "shocking content." I'm shocked about the whole thing myself.

Please take our poll
Had any of these conditions? Which best describes your foot pain?

1. Morton's Neuroma
2. Hammer Toes
3. Bunions
4. Plantar's Wart
5. Broken Toe(s)
6. None of the above
7. Have you had foot surgery? Tell me about it!

Dealing with foot and other issues.
I am so happy that I opted for foot surgery!

By the way, isn't life sometimes quite ironic? You see, I got that Mortons Neuroma behind me and my feet were feeling pretty good! Next thing you know, those hydraulic trunk struts failed and my trunk slammed on my right hand and forearm. That was by far the MOST painful experience I have ever had when talking about body parts.

And, now? My favorite orthopedic doctor just diagnosed my hip pain as trochanteric bursitis. Can you believe that? And I thought a Morton's Neuroma was a pain! Now I literally have a pain in my right hip! Then in 2011, I had bunionectomies on my right and left feet! And I still have that surgical screw in my left foot.

"Our feet are very important to us. They carry us through life and sometimes we take them for granted. I used to wear some of the highest heels. Today, I have had a Morton's Neuroma and two bunionectomies on my feet. Treasure your feet -- or pay for it later!" --JaguarJulie

By the way, I have now had additional surgery on that same foot, but on the other side, by my GREAT toe! And, additional surgery on my left foot -- both hallux valgus corrections. I recently underwent a procedure, in my foot doctor's office, to remove the screw from my left foot. However! He couldn't get it out.

I love the internet, but not when doctors and website creators lift people's copyrighted images so that they can use them on their websites promoting Morton's Neuroma.

P.S. It's important for you to know that I am not a medical doctor. I am relaying my own personal experience with this condition. You should always consult with a physician if you have foot pain or other such maladies. -- JaguarJulie

So I knew I needed help with my foot pain!
I'd waited a really long time to get help! knew I needed a permanent fix! I did my online research and read a lot of information that seemed to contradict the FIRST podiatrist's description of the surgery!!

You see, I had thought that surgery was from the bottom of the foot. I felt that cutting the bottom of a person's foot sounded like it would take too long to heal. So, that was a big reason why I waited the two years. Thanks to the internet, you can find lots of pertinent information, including graphic pictures to give you an idea of what it is and what methods of treatment you can consider.

I had surgery on December 17, 2007 and am documenting my experience in this lenses so that other sufferers of a Morton's Neuroma will have a first-hand resource to help them. I hope my experience may be beneficial to enlighten others! I love to hear from you if you want to discuss your personal experience!

My personal experience with this malady!
Oh no, I thought -- not foot surgery!

In January 2006, I was diagnosed with a Morton's Neuroma in my initial consultation with a podiatrist.
The doctor took my history along with a couple of x-rays of my foot. He performed a manipulation of the second and third toes on my right foot. There was actually the classic "clicking" sensation with my second toe, which initially made me think I had a broken toe.

After the manipulation, the doctor was able to stimulate the "Morton's Neuroma" in that I began experiencing the foot pain that first brought me to him. It was at this first visit that surgical intervention was discussed. I opted to wait until I was prepared to proceed.

My second visit to a podiatrist
Oh no! A cortisone injection ?

Fast forward to early December 2007, nearly two years after my fist visit to a podiatrist. As the podiatrist that I had first seen had moved on to a new location, I saw the podiatrist that once shared office space with the previous doctor. Luckily, he had my records and x-rays.

It was at this visit that I was prepared, before seeing the doctor, to even have surgery the same day if possible! Yes, that's how serious I was about seeking relief from my monstrous foot pain.

Again, it was a reiteration of the previous visit and an update of my foot pain along with anything new. That day, I was offered the choice of a cortisone injection to immediately numb the pain. I opted out of that form of treatment as I did not want a temporary solution. I was given a referral to a foot specialist who performs the type of surgery I require. I scheduled an appointment for a couple days later.

My third visit to a podiatrist
What? A ligament tear and subluxation?

It's a few days later and I've gotten in to see a "foot specialist" who has done thousands of cases of Morton's Neuroma. After a couple more x-rays and the sharing of my history and symptoms, I get the news that my symptoms are not 100% classic, but rather atypical of such a diagnosis. It's thought I have a ligament tear and subluxation of the toe joint! An MRI is ordered for later that week.

An MRI of the foot!
Lie still and do not move for 30 minutes! I've been scheduled very quickly for the MRI of my right foot.
How do they prepare for this MRI? Your foot is positioned in a brace while you lay on your stomach throughout the procedure. I found this most uncomfortable as anyone who has had an MRI will tell you, the bed that you lie on is extremely hard and uncomfortable. And, being told to lie still on such a hard surface is not an easy thing to do! Well, after 30 minutes, I was happy to get up from that bed.

My fourth visit to a podiatrist
Surgery is recommended! The MRI results were interpreted ... although my symptoms were not classic Morton's Neuroma, palpitation of the foot pad, along with manipulation of my toes consistently produced the popping and clicking sounds along with a lot of foot pain.

I was given two options of treatment -- a conservative approach which involved a series of alcohol-base injections into the foot. The podiatrist told me that results were reported to be successful 50% of the time. The other option was surgery. "I'll take the surgery ... can we do it Friday?" That's what I actually said to my foot doctor, with no hesitation whatsoever. Let's get it done!

Well, the doctor was willing to have it done Friday, but the outpatient facility was booked solid. So, surgery was scheduled for the following Monday at 6:30am.

Online Resources on Morton's Neuroma

• Morton's Neuroma from Wikipedia
  Learn more about Morton's Neuroma from our favorite online free encyclopedia. You can get a pretty good overview of the science behind this foot problem.
• Morton's Neuroma from MayoClinic.com
  You get a fairly comprehensive overview. The Mayo Clinic is a reputable source for medial information. Learn more about treatment, including surgery, for this painful foot growth.
• OrthoInfo - AAOS
  Check with the AAOS.org. Their website was codeveloped by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
• WebMD
  What is Morton's neuroma,and what causes it? Morton's neuroma is a swollen or thickened nerve in the ball of your foot.

Surgery to excise that THING!
Bright and early 5:20am!

We reported to the Outpatient Facility bright and early. Many trees were killed for my paperwork! Next, we were greeted by a very friendly welcoming nurse who did the weigh-in. I was given a nice plaid hospital gown to change into and then had my vitals taken along with the insertion of the scary IV [I HATE that part!].

I met the anesthesiologist who explained what he'd be doing. I didn't know that I'd have BOTH a local in the foot and twilight. After waiting a short bit, I said goodbye to hubby and was wheeled across the room to another docking area where I was hooked up to a blood pressure monitor. I met a few more nurses and was given two injections into my IV that put me out while my foot was injected with the local. I was told that the alkaline substance for the local burns and feels like a bee stinging -- since it can be so painful, that's why you're "knocked out."

I'm pretty sure that I came to briefly after the local as I thought someone told me that they had just given me the shots in my foot.

I lost track of time as the next thing I remembered was being shown a jar with my Morton's Neuroma and being told HOW REALLY BIG it was! "So it was a Morton's Neuroma!" I think I said. I remember it being creamy yellow in color and about the size of a chickpea or garbanzo bean!

I was released by 8:30am with instructions for rest, ice packs, keeping the foot elevated, and ibuprofen for pain. A follow-up visit with my doctor was scheduled for 3 days out.

Morton's Neuroma Foot Surgery
Day after surgery. JaguarJulie is walking a wee bit better!

As you can see, my foot is pretty well bandaged so that it fits into NONE of my flat shoes or sandals. I did find a pair of hubby's all-terrain sandals that have two velcro closures ... so I'm using that for my right shoe.

The day of surgery I rested on the sofa with my foot up and iced my foot throughout the day. I believe the local hadn't worn off yet, so it felt OK. You don't realize how much you need to "walk" or use your foot until you've had foot surgery! By the end of the day, I was feeling discomfort on the underside of my foot.

The next day, my discomfort seemed to be more on the top of the foot -- perhaps the injection areas or the incision?

The second day after surgery I was actually able to put on my hubby's shoe and drive about 15 minutes to an appointment without too much discomfort.

Off your feet : A Major Ouch!
Trying to walk the first week after surgery
is pretty painful on the ball of your foot!

Six days Post-Op

My return visit to the podiatrist was 3 days after surgery when he changed my bandage. For some reason, that visit coincided with the increased discomfort from the ball of my foot when trying to walk. It's been necessary to hobble and balance on the heel of the surgical foot.

It's now 6 days since surgery -- with the assistance of my hubby -- I've got a picture of my foot from the top and sole. As you can see, the bruising isn't too bad and the swelling is now fairly limited to the ball of my foot.

Since the podiatrist changed my dressing, I've kept my foot elevated as much as possible and used ice off and on throughout the day. I was instructed by the podiatrist when he changed my dressing that I should be applying ice to the ball of the foot. So the fifth day was the longest day that my foot was "on ice."

You can see the 3 stitches which we actually removed in the BVI on a catamaran on the 13th day! Normally, stitches are removed 12-14 days after surgery.

PS I also removed this photo on March 18, 2019 because of Google Adsense saying it was "shocking content."

Going on vacation
I wouldn't recommend it.

Want to talk about some extra pain? Take a look at my swollen vacation foot! Don't do what I did. Do not plan on traveling within 10 days of surgery!

After over 4 hours on 2 planes along with a week on a 44' catamaran, I had the most swollen feet.

It was a bit uncomfortable watching my feel swell. You see, I needed to have my stitches removed before my feet got any larger.

Doctor's appointment: Six Weeks Post-Op

February 28, 2008 - Release from surgery and MRI results for other foot!

Well, I am officially released some 8 weeks after surgery for the excision of the Morton's Neuroma on my right foot. However, I had an MRI of my left foot to rule-out yet another one of those!

Results are in:
1. Intermetatarsal bursitis. No Morton's neuroma seen.
2. There are small metatarsophalangeal joint effusions diffusely.
3. First metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

Interesting enough, the MRI of my right foot didn't show one either! See my right foot? That is six weeks post op. I would say my foot is actually looking good!

Wearing the Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker

What's cool about this air walker is that it is designed to fit your left or right foot.

And, that was a good thing for me as I wore it on both my right and left feet!

I've worn the walker for my morton's neuroma and then two bunionectomies, one on each foot.

Unrelated to those surgeries, I was having extra issues with my left foot having to do with a tear in my achilles tendon and had to wear this walker for 4 weeks.

So, you see, you can get extra mileage out of that air walker!

6 Months Post-Op Morton's Neuroma Surgery
JaguarJulie's Feet Looking and Feeling Good

Do you have a Morton's Neuroma?
Please take a moment to answer our question and comment, if you like! Been diagnosed yet with one of these?

1. Yes
2. I don't know, maybe
3. No, I guess I am lucky

What does surgery cost?
Oh, all the bills haven't arrived yet, but I had previously seen that my insurance company did not initially accept the $130.00 laboratory charge for the pathology of the excised Morton's Neuroma. But, the lab has responded that they will probably write off the charge if my insurance company doesn't pay it! It has been estimated that my surgery cost ballpark $10,000.

Post-Op : 18 Months
Wow, 1-1/2 years since surgery. Time has flown by.

Take a look at the photo of my right foot. I put in the two arrows so that you can see the scar from my foot surgery. This is 18 months after that surgery.

Have you had treatment for Morton's Neuroma?

Please take a moment to answer our poll question and comment if you like! Had any of these treatments?

1. Foot rest
2. Orthopedic shoes
3. Anti-inflammatory medications
4. Corticosteroid injections
5. Surgical treatment

More Foot Surgery!

Sometimes it seems the pain will never stop in my feet. I had Morton's Neuroma surgery on December 2007.

Fast forward to April 2011 and another foot operation; i.e. a Hallux Valgus Correction on my right foot!

Have you ever experienced foot pain? Ever had foot surgery? Can you wear high heels without experiencing a pain in your foot? Drop me a line ... as I'd love to hear from you!

PS YES, I removed this photo as well on March 18, 2019.

Having Foot Surgery?

May I recommend that you get one of these! Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker - Large AW0800.

I got mine online when I knew I would be having foot surgery.

I actually have it still in my closet.

I have used it on four occasions ... Morton's neuroma surgery, bunionectomies of the right foot and then the left foot, and torn achilles tendon on the left foot! Whew. Are we done yet?

History: Morton's Neuroma : A Pain in the Foot was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 3, 2007. On July 29, 2010 this lens earned the Purple Star Award for quality content. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #255 overall. Lens #177 in the quest for Giant Squid 200 Club.

Crocs Prima Redneck Tan

Surely you have seen a traditional redneck tan? Google "redneck tan" and you will find images of many an attractive and not-so-attractive person sporting sunburns and tans with various parts of their body unburned and untanned.

Yes, technically a "redneck" tan applies to the upper body and red necks too. Today,I am sharing a new concept : redneck tans of your feet!

I didn't set out to acquire this type of tan -- it just sort of happened. In Jacksonville, Florida, the sun can be quite brutal on most days. Some days, we are cautioned that the burn index is under ten minutes or less. That's hot!

Step 1 : Me in My Crocs Prima Ballet Flats

Me in My Crocs Prima Cotton Candy Ballet Flats

I love wearing my Crocs Prima ballet flats out in the yard. If I get them dirty, not to worry! I just carry them into the shower with me and use a little scrub brush on them. Oh, and another thing! I seriously love the cool little Jibbitz big flower charms that you can add to your Crocs.

Time out for a word from our sponsor: I found a listing for Crocs Women's Prima Ballet Flats on Amazon! And, you got to have your Jibbitz Flower Charms!

Step 2 : Redneck Tan - Right Foot

Me in My Crocs Prima Ballet Flats - Right Foot Redneck Tan

Step 3 : Redneck Tan - Left Foot

Me in My Crocs Prima Ballet Flats - Left Foot Redneck Tan

Can you see it? Look closely! On each foot you can see the four little tanned spots. The Jibbitz has covered up the middle spot so there is no tanned dot there. But, what is interesting is that the two interior holes in the Crocs Primas are rather obscured by the Jibbitz large flower charms. And, yet the sun has managed to get in and tan those areas too.

Step 4 : Redneck Tan - Both Feet
 

Thank You Crocs Prima Ballet Flats for My Redneck Tan

I guess I don't really mind that I have a different kind of tan on my two feet. If you look closely at the picture, you not only see spots but some scars too! Here's another view of my two feet:

Both Feet - Post-Surgery: 1-Morton's Neuroma; 2-Bunionectomies

The Two Feet of JaguarJulie and Three Foot Surgeries
Plus a Crocs Prima Redneck Tan

By the way, you might not know this, but my feet are famous! They have been appearing worldwide thanks to the internet. My feet have been used to promote Morton's Neuroma and bunionectomies -- not necessarily for my pages. We filed a few DMCA complaints; you know I had to put my foot down finally!

P.S. I've written a lot about Crocs footwear over the years:

• February 6, 2009, blog post, "Crocs may be anti-microbial and odor resistant but they can be cute too." In that post, you get to see a picture of all the Crocs footwear in my closet!
• February 19, 2009, blog post, "Another cute wedge shoe from Crocs is the Patricia."
• March 9, 2009, blog post, "I Love Shoes With Bows Especially Crocs Audrey."
• I previously penned a Squidoo lens on YOU by Crocs too!
• Oh, and I had a few pairs of YOU by Crocs footwear for sale in my eCrater store! They were donated to the Jacksonville, Florida Goodwill in November 2015.

Before you get your foot out the door, it's another time out for a word from our sponsor: I found a listing for Crocs Women's Prima Ballet Flats on Amazon! And, you got to have your Jibbitz Flower Charms!

Kitten in a Crocs Shoe
I will bet you haven't seen anything quite as cute as a kitten in a Crocs shoe! The shoes are my Crocs Malindi leopard print slingbacks. Those Crocs held up pretty good to these six little kittens. Now that all of the kitties and their white mommy cat have been adopted into new homes, I have my shoes back ... and just a lot of memories ... like you see in my Zazzle items!

Holy Smokes > The Cost of Anesthesia

Did you know that I recently had foot surgery; i.e. a sort of bunionectomy on my left foot on July 22, 2011 which was preceded by another bunionectomy on my right foot on April 1, 2011. Oh, and that poor right foot also had Morton's Neuroma surgery on December 17, 2007. Suffice to say that I hopefully now have two good feet to stand on.

Have you taken time to actually read my two previous blog posts about this recent surgery's administration of anesthesia? Hey, before you continue here, you need to read: Are You Versed in Versed aka Midazolam, Dormicum, and Hypnovel and What a Surprise > It Was the Propofol.

I am still pretty much amazed at the PAIN of my "twilight sleep" anesthesia. The burning sensation was huge and uncomfortable and went on for probably 6 "Oh My Gods!"

So, imagine my surprise when I just opened the bill from the Anesthesia Consultants! Holy Smokes > The Cost of Anesthesia! You see, I don't recall ever seeing the cost of anesthesia with any of my previous foot surgeries ... so this is a first for me and it is quite an adjustment, considering that I surely didn't enjoy the induction of anesthesia for this last foot surgery at Center One in Jacksonville, Florida.

What does it cost for "twilight sleep" anesthesia for a one-hour foot surgery? Well, I can only go by this one bill since I have nothing to compare it to:

Anesthesia req'd by Dr. - FBS - 15019A = $920.00
Other Peripheral Nerve or Branch - FBS - 15019A = $460.00
Est. Due From Insurance = $1,380.00

As I am on my third different health insurance policy for this year, I am still meeting large out-of-pocket deductibles; not to mention that this policy is only 70%/30% coverage. I am guessing that my insurance company will NOT pay all of that $1,380.00 and that I might be coughing up a hefty payment ... hopefully not $100 for each of those 6 or so "Oh My Gods!"

That makes me stop for a moment to think about something. Remember Michael Jackson and his reputed use of Propofol? You do know that Michael Jackson also had issues with the burn of Propofol; that it is reported that other drugs were used, like Versed, to help in the administration of anesthesia. I don't claim to know all the details of the Michael Jackson case, but I do know that he was in a better position financially to afford the cost of anesthesia [for surgeries and twilight sleep] > I wonder if it cost $1,380.00 each time he wanted to sleep? Or, could it have actually cost more? Oh ... it did!

Bottomline, that seems expensive to me. You see, you've heard me talk about the burning pain of propofol ... but I haven't yet written about the first week following that surgery and how the nerve block didn't seem to last into the next day.

What a Surprise > It Was the Propofol

If you have read my previous blog post, Are You Versed in Versed aka Midazolam, Dormicum, and Hypnovel, you'd know that I experienced a severe burning sensation when an agent was introduced into my IV.  The anesthesiologist told me that she was injecting Versed and that I might have some burning sensation.  However, the most important thing she neglected to mention?  Oh, that she would be following up the Versed with Propofol.

In all my online research this past weekend, I could not find a significant amount of information on a so-called Versed burn ... I kept reading about the notorious Propofol burn. But, I didn't have Propofol ... or did I?

Yes said the nurse, from Center One, this morning who called to check up on me, after Friday's bunionectomy surgery. "Yes, that burning sensation was the Propofol."  But, my anesthesiologist didn't tell me she was injecting Propofol ... and I am wondering why she didn't tell me.

At lunch today, I did a fair amount of research on Propofol and learned a good amount about how to administer it to avoid that burn. I read about pH. On askapatient.com I also read a couple of patient experiences which sounded just like mine.

When the anethesiologist started the Propofol into my IV, I immediately felt a horrible sensation in my IV arm. I remember saying outloud 3 times to the staff in the OR-OW!OW!OW! My arm-something is wrong. --55 year old female

EXTREME pain (not just a sting) when it went in. I screamed and fussed at them and told them they could have warned me and the pain in my arm was absolutely the worst I've EVER felt-no exaggerating. --43 year old female

Diprivan [Propofol] helped me sleep when I needed it, but it ruined my career as a prominent pop star when it killed me before a major tour. --50 year old male

Ha! Not so funny on that last comment, eh?

Are You Versed in Versed aka Midazolam, Dormicum, and Hypnovel

Are you versed; i.e., do you know a lot about the benzodiazepine class drug Versed which is commonly used as the first drug for inducing a state of sedation and a definite state of amnesia? I didn't know anything about Versed. Yesterday, for the first time, I was Googling "Versa" because I thought that was the name of the drug. I am not the only person who thought it was "Versa" because I found questions about that drug spelled that way.

Yesterday afternoon, when I came back from a short rest with my left foot up on several pillows with an ice bag on my leg, I finally hooked into information on Versed, courtesy of my favorite: Google. Why the interest in Versed? Friday morning, July 22nd, I had left foot surgery at Center One in Jacksonville, FL. This wasn't my first foot surgery you know! On April 1st, I had right foot surgery -- sort of the same type of procedure, but the facility was Southpoint Outpatient Surgery.

See my right foot? That picture is from April Fools Day, April 1st -- I'll share my left foot as soon as I get pictures!  Oh, on April 1st, I had a Hallux Rigidus/Hallux Valgus Correction procedure. My foot doctor had me all prepared to receive a joint implant, but I didn't need one.  At Southpoint, I was enjoying the lovely pre-op area with the custom printed drapery with scenes direct from the tulip fields of Holland.  I got to talk with the anesthesiologist and then saw him again when I was wheeled into the operating room.  That was nice too.

HOWEVER, I never got to appreciate the operating room at Center One. Oh, yes I had surgery, but when my anesthesiologist was talking to me in the pre-op, she said they needed to give me some shots in my left foot to prepare me for surgery. AND, she was going to now inject Versed into my IV which would help me to be sedated and would create a sense of amnesia.

FOLKS! That was an understatement. The second that Versed hit my IV and started to creep up my right arm, I couldn't shut-up. "Oh My God!" that's what I had to say. And, I know I said it several times ... probably the last word after that was "in my elbow!!!" Then, from what I remember, I was quiet. I can honestly say in all the pre-op rooms I have visited in my long life, I NEVER had the type of burning sensation that I had with the Versed. I am now obviously wondering: why?

I lost about 2 hours of my visit to Center One. The next thing I recalled was waking up in the recovery room and seeing my doctor. I said HI to him, but he didn't say anything that I remember ... so I'm thinking that I must have been talkative or moaning or expressive in the OR since the Versed, but I don't remember a thing. I do remember my anesthesiologist telling me I would have a Twilight sleep although I got the breathing tube at Southpoint for the same procedure. I'm wondering why the variance from one outpatient center to another.

Gosh, I hope my writing is making some sense today. I think I'm still affected by the Versed, but I'm not sure. At first, I thought this was surely the first time I ever received Versed ... but then I got to thinking. I'll bet I have had Versed in the past, like when I had Morton's Neuroma surgery on my right foot at the outpatient surgery center on Emerson Road, near Dr. Paul Shirley's old office.  Come to think of it, I don't remember what that operating room looked like either!  And, I lost a bit of my memory there.  However, that Versed did not burn like holy heaven when it was introduced into my IV.

So ... today's question ... are you versed in Versed?  Have you ever experienced a burning in the hole that felt like it wouldn't stop?  Did you experience amnesia ... I'm sure you did.  I sure would have liked to check out that operating room as the pre-op and recovery rooms were spectacular.  I was quite impressed with the outside spectacular appearance of the Center One building.  The staff was great.  Myrna was a real gem too.  Heck, I even ran into my OLD neighbor from across the street in Deercreek, Dean [hope Chris will be calling soon.]  Maybe because I am divorced I feel more burning sensations than normal?

I am thinking this morning, that if I have to have a special pre-op appointment with my surgeon to discuss the procedure and things that I need to do ... that I surely would have liked to have a pre-op appointment or brief meeting or phone call with the anesthesiologist.  I'm not keen on drugs you know?  When my foot doctor asked me about a prescription for pain meds, I said I didn't want the typical, in demand, pain stuff.  As of today, the only pain meds that I personally have administered to myself is OTC Ibuprofen.  With that in mind, I sure would have liked the option ahead of time to say YAY or NAY to any drugs which would be administered to me for my surgery.

Have you had Versed?  Did it burn like crazy?  Did you get to see your operating room?  I've got lots of questions for my foot doctor.  I see him Monday evening.  "Hey doc, what was I like in the operating room?  Was I totally out?"  How about that Versed?