Ingrown toenail help!

I have been enduring this pain for months now, foolishly hoping it might eventually subside on its own, but it seems this condition is quite stubborn... and honestly, the discomfort has become so intense that I can't even wear anything besides flip-flops, which is driving me absolutely crazy. To be perfectly honest, I am also feeling a profound sense of dread at the thought of seeing a surgeon because... well, I am just terrified.
Does anyone perhaps have some experience with this??? What should my next steps be?

Henry Taylor7 said:I've been putting up with this for months thinking maybe it would just chill out on its own, but man, this thing is stubborn as hell... now it hurts so bad I can't wear anything but flip-flops and I'm losing my mind. Honestly, I'm terrified of seeing a surgeon because... well, I'm scared.
Anyone got experience with this??? What should I do?

Dude, get yourself to an urgent care surgical center ASAP! Based on what you're describing, that nail probably needs to come off. If you don't deal with it, things could go south fast, and you're looking at a nasty infection. At that point, you might even risk losing the whole toe...
But look, let a qualified surgeon take a look and make the call.

The actual nail removal procedure isn't painful. The worst part is honestly just getting the local anesthetic injected around the sides of your toe—it's about 3-5 mL total. That stings, but you can handle it. Once the numbness kicks in, the rest is painless. The anesthesia usually holds for about 2 hours after the procedure, so grab some heavy-duty painkillers (like 600 mg Ibuprofen) for afterward.
When you head to the hospital, make sure someone goes with you and drives you home, because you won't be able to walk properly (you'll need to take it easy for the next 2-3 days).
Seriously, get to surgery NOW!!!

Maybe they won't pull the whole nail out—sometimes they just trim back the part that's digging in. That’s how it went with me—you can barely walk for a week straight, but once that initial pain passes, things finally settle down..

The doctor mentioned she might have to remove part of my nail, which honestly sounds like a total disaster. I am just so frustrated with this!
Anyway, I really won't allow them to pull the entire nail out because it isn't like the whole thing is ingrown, man; it’s really just a small section on the left side of my left big toe, maybe even just half of it...
Thanks for all the input.

So, I mean... what's even the point of having a nail tech around?

From what I can tell, it sounds like you’re stuck with surgical removal at this point.

I went through it myself, and man, you seriously won't be able to walk for a week. For the first two days, I was limping around and basically living on Voltaren just to get by. The actual procedure isn't the painful part—it's that local anesthetic shot that really stings.

BUT ONCE IT'S DONE, THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE IT'LL JUST GROW BACK. Honestly, my best advice is to see a professional podiatrist regularly. The second you feel even a hint of discomfort, go see them; they can handle it brilliantly. I used to be a total skeptic about all this, but now? There is no way in hell I'm going back for another surgical removal.

Hang in there.

It isn't a big deal; just mention they provide digital regional anesthesia. It manages pain much more effectively than local infiltration, so bring that up... if you feel like it...
Medical professionals rule!!!!!!!!!! fkn creeps.... 😁