I was euphoric to be free of the boot a week ago, and being able to do heel lifts, however now reality set in.

In theory I can walk, but in practice it does not take me far. With such an atrophied leg walking takes a lot of concentration. I am trying to push off and roll my foot at each step so I do not hurt my hip.  So in 45 minutes I can cover maybe a kilometer before intense pain in the heel, arch etc sets in… Now that does not even cover a good grocery shopping.  So then it is back to sitting, resting, exercising. More patience required.

12 weeks after the surgery, today is the big day: finally officially I am free of the boot.

(O.K. I cheated a bit. The last few days I was wearing my shoes at home.)

I went to physio today, where they happily added “new” (we went through this in May once…) exercises to my boring routine: besides the 10 minute on the stationary bike (without boot today) I got to stand on the wobble board, move weights with my ankle…. and the big deal: try heel raises standing up. For the past 3 weeks I was doing heel raises sitting down, adding a few dictionaries the last week onto my knee, but now I got to try the dreaded heel raise with my full weight. And guess what: I did it. 20 times. NO PAIN. ??? This is not how it felt in May after the conservative treatment! Thank you Dr. G.!

The PT did the usual massage on my tendon and remarked how nicely the tendon is getting back to its normal thickness, save for the repair area, where still there is a hard knot.  But looking better every day. She worked it hard - so that feels a bit sore, a tiny bit of burning feeling.

I have not walked far yet in my 2 shoes, but the 500 m or so I did felt painless, just tight, it was rather my knees that felt wobbly, and of course I am limping. But if I go slow and concentrate,  not even much.  Barefoot is a different story.  The muscle atrophy will be a serious challange for the following months. But I am eager to get down to work.  I still can’t believe the lack of swelling. Keep checking my ankle if it has started yet. The PT allowed me to go swimming if I want, I will see her in 3 days and we will try the treadmill.

I celebrated with my faithful driver of these past times (thank you dear neighbour!) with a fine duck curry at my favourite Thai restaurant.

Hope it does not rain tomorrow and get to take my first short walk with hubby by the lake. Good week-end everyone!

So this where I stand.

Yesterday I had my 5 minute appointment with my Ortho (these guys have to look after 20 patients per hour according to the booking!)  and though he found everything fine he wants me to wear the boot another 2 weeks just for safety reasons, as it is a re-rupture…. And he does not want me to do any strengthening yet for 2 more weeks (that takes me up to week 12) and only gentle stretching.

Afterwards he suggested I wear (forgot to ask for how long, all the time?) a heel pump ankle brace thingy, I am not sure what it is. I have the prescription have to check it out at the store.

As before the surgery he said I would be in cast for 4 weeks and the boot another 4, I was extremely disappointed. I was anticipating the “freedom” as my tendon feels well, ( I actually tried a few steps in house a with the crutches the day before to see how it feels barefoot and it felt great!) and was looking forward to the next stage.  A real emotional roller coaster.  So housebound for 2 more weeks.

That is 7 months from the original injury by the time I can kick the boot. (6 months not driving. )

Not happy.

September 1st for me usually means the end of summer and start of a new year.  Normally I am full of excitement looking forward to a new routine, being the mother of school aged children.

This year it is a bit different…. especially that my eldest is going to be off to university in a few days.

This fall I will have to concentrate on myself for a change, finally getting back on my feet.  I am happy to report that  I do not need the crutches to walk around anymore. Yesterday my PT decided that gradually I can start strengthening, so I pedalled for 10 minutes in the boot. I am itching to get out of the boot, they are very cumbersome.  However I know I am safe in them, I will have to be more careful afterwards.