I had surgery on my big toe about 4 years ago (long story). The toenail never grew back quite right and I’m pretty sure it needs to come out now. Problem is im planning on doing IMWI, and I don’t want to have to spend more than 1 week off my feet between now and then. But I also don’t want to just hope it doesn’t get worse and end up needing it removed 3 days before the race.
Anybody had this done and what was the recovery time like? I’ve heard its really painful for about a week.
I’ve pulled off perhaps a thousand …
Shouldn’t really interfere too much with training for more than 1-2 weeks. Can cycle the next day, really. Swim in about in 3 days, running based mostly on tenderness, but figure a week. This is if done on a temporary basis. If you are in need of a matrixectomy (permanent nail removal) - add 7-10 days to the above.
But, it is generally purely elective, so do it whenever you want, assuming no acute infection/paronychia.
I’ll be at IMWI as well - be happy to take it off just after … you’ll be needing the time off then and that silly nail will be the last thing on your mind 
i had the nail of my pinky toe removed. they soak the area with some serious chemical which burns the root out, then douse the area with some sort of neutralizer - at least thats what they did for me.
it took me about a full day to really walk around - not much the pinky toe really needs to do. however, it took me a couple of weeks to run well again, as the pain was irritating enough for me to favor it, which screwed up my stride, and caused some soreness in my ankle.
for your big toe, it will probably be more of an issue, as it does more.
you dont need to completely stay off your feet - you can definitely swim, and cycling depending on your pain tolerance, but you probably shouldnt/wouldnt want to run for a week.
if you are at risk of having to do it no matter what before the race, sooner is definitely better than later.
pics upon request 
Chump-it’s interesting why it’s been 4 years but, for some reason there’s a pressing need, or need at all, to have it removed now. Is there some issue that may indeed put IMWI in jeopardy? Infection, in grown toe nail, pain of some sort, etc.?
I side with rroof having been on both sides of this procedure and feel he’s right on. That said,** if** there’s some reason why you are having this problem now and not a year ago, I’d ask my medical professional to have a look and determine my options. And I’d do it soon. Good luck
I’ve pulled off perhaps a thousand …
Just out of curiosity, how many of them were your own?
2 - but only one with local anesthesia after Boston marathon. Damn downhill running …
So I went ahead and had the damn thing removed today, nasty chemicals and all, so hopefully it won’t be back. The whole procedure went better than I expected. Ill post some sweet pics once i take the bandages off tomorrow. Pain is minimal now, though walking is akward with the toe all bandaged up.
consider yourself lucky. I had a partial removal on my big toe for an ingrown toenail. The surgeon used the ‘scrape and burn’ method (carved away nail and tissue, then scraped out and cauterized the nail bed) to get the job done. He wasn’t aggressive enough the first two times, so I got the pleasure of sitting through a third.
I had mentally blocked that entire experience out of my head until now. Thanks.