"Inadequate information after my toe joint operation"

Last year I had an operation to replace the big toe joint on my right foot with a plastic joint (toe arthroplasty), as I had a large bunion which was causing pain and affecting the way I walked up the stairs. I was given very little aftercare information. I didn't know what to expect at different times. I had to look up the operation on another hospital's website. (Recently, I attended the orthotics department at the hospital and noticed some very clear information in posters for knee replacement, hip replacement etc, but  nothing for the toe arthroplasty. Why not?)

When I saw my foot surgeon for a 12 week follow-up appointment, they said that they would prepare an information leaflet for patients. I don't know whether this has been done, but it needs to be done, and sent out to myself and other patients who have had this operation.

I had a fall in February which made my operated foot swollen and painful again. Thankfully I was able to get a T & O appointment due to the surgeon's secretary fitting me in. The physician I saw then was helpful and reassuring, and gave me another appointment for a few month's time. So I recently attended again, but saw a different physician who did not seem at all confident and whose spoken English was not very clear. I was trying to get an explanation of the state of my new joint, which was not yet satisfactory. All they wanted to know was whether I had more or less pain since the operation. This was very disappointing and a waste of my time and theirs.

I got more useful information from the  local NHS physio at the Ledbury Community Hospital, who has been very helpful and sensitive.

However, overall I am not satisfied with the level of aftercare. Nor was I warned before the operation that my new joint could take at least a year to settle. I am left with the feeling of not knowing whether it was worth it.