Post-Surgery, the Surgeon Says

My surgeon told me that the arthritis in the left toe was considerable, which I inferred to mean that it was worse than he expected.  He also said that they found loose fragments of bone, and that I should anticipate swelling and discomfort for up to 9 months.  Although this recovery period confirms much of what I have read online, this alarms me since the surgeon originally portrayed my case as simple and straightforward.

The surgeon also said that he drilled holes in the bone, which I understand helps encourage the growth of cartilage.