Of Ingrown and Toe Nail Removal (NSFW)

WARNING:
Not for the faint-hearted!

If you’re the type who is squeamish, I’d suggest that you not look at the photos above, though it might be too late! Anyway, I’ve had this problem with my big toe nail since last year when it developed an ingrown.

Onychocryptosis (also known as an “Ingrown nail,” or “Unguis incarnatus”) is a common form of nail disease. It is an often painful condition in which the nail grows so that it cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed. While ingrown nails can occur in both the nails of the hand and feet, they occur most commonly with the toenails.

When we were moving to another apartment last year, I’ve stubbed it several times in the process and when days before we went to Malaysia, I was almost about to have the ingrown operated on by doctors in the Philippines. Thankfully, it hasn’t really bothered me much while in Malaysia and Bangkok last year. Before going back to Qatar, I’ve had a manicurist try and remove the ingrown. That procedure was painful as there were no anesthesia involved but just a nail pusher and a nail cutter. It worked well as it solved my problems…for a while.

2 months ago, I’ve noticed the same pain and the ingrown was recurring. I’ve tried to “fix” it but every now and then, it becomes a problem that it’s difficult if not unbearable to wear shoes. Since we’re going on vacation again in the next 2 months, I’ve decided to see a doctor and get the problem handled by a medical practitioner.

I went to Al Ahli Hospital 2 weeks ago and visited a general practitioner who in turn, recommended me to a General Surgeon. Dr. Fawzi Jadallah looked at my toe and gave me 2 options; Toe nail removal or a more drastic operation which is more painful that the toe nail removal.  I chose the first.

4 days after, I’m lying on his medical bed with my foot being injected anesthesia. It was painful! He probably injected the area around my big toe 8-12 times with the first 5 injections painfully sharp. After gauging the my toe is numb, he started digging under the nail and eventually pulling out the nail. I didn’t dare to look as I don’t fancy seeing blood but though numb, I still have the awkward feeling that something is being removed from my toe. After probably 5 minutes, the procedure is finished!

It’s been a week since that happened and my toe is still hurting a bit, unless Mavis steps or sits on it an then it does become really painful! I still can’t wear shoes and resorts to wearing sandals in the office. Hopefully, it gets better in another week. Dr. Fawzi says that the nail will grow back in 4-6 months. By the way, I do recommend Dr. Fawzi Jadallah or as he  calls himself and well worth deserving, “The Happy Doctor”.

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