Your Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) and Recovery
AchillesBlog is a space that has grown over the past few months to bring together people who have injured their Achilles Tendon. You can share your injury and recovery experiences with others who are also recovering from their achilles tendon rupture (ATR).
You’ll also find valuable information about recovering from Achilles Tendon Rupture, and please feel free to contribute to our resource to help others who are on the same path to recovery.
If you think you just ruptured your Achilles tendon, (Please go see a doctor!) and please visit: Just ruptured your Achilles?
If you want to learn more about Achilles tendon rupture, treatment, and recovery, please visit this page:
Achilles Tendon Rupture Rehabilitation Protocols, Recovery Guidelines, Publications, and Studies
If you want to read about other people’s personal experiences with Achilles Tendon Rupture and Recovery, you’ll find blogs by people chronicling their injury and recovery here. If you are starting out on your recovery, then it’ll be very helpful for you to read about other people’s recovery experiences.
My ATR Recovery Chronology is here, and you’ll also see many more on the left sidebar under the title “RECOVERING FROM ATR”. Many of these blogs are on AchillesBlog, and some are blogs from elsewhere that we’ve come across.
If you want to share your Achilles Tendon Rupture story, you can create your own here.
My AchillesBlog is: http://achillesblog.com/dennis
If you want to join in on the conversations of people recovering from ATR, or want to share your story without creating a blog, then you can leave a comment anywhere on the site. It’ll show up on the main page under “Recent Comments”. Feel free to leave a note and say hi. 
If you are looking to buy things that you might need to aid in your recovery (and reviews of some of the products), check out:
Things you might need.
If you have recovered enough to be able to start home exercises and/or physical therapy, this page will be very helpful:
Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendon Rupture Recovery
You’ll also find great information from excerpts from various forum postings on: Posts worth reading
Additionally, you’ll be able to:
- Have your progress displayed (along with everyone else’s) on the site’s NYC marathon course map(Requires only a user registration to add your information)
- keep track of your recovery progress
- Widget: On your personal AchillesBlog, keep track of your recovery process graphically from the date of your surgery on a NYC marathon course map. (personal blog required)
- Widget: Keep track of how many days it has been since your surgery/injury with “Achilles Timeline” (personal blog required)
Widgets require that you have your own personal blog. If you don’t want to blog, then just create a placeholder blog and setup the widgets only. (some people are already doing this)
Dennis
Please be sure to read our disclaimer.
Brendan ruptured his achilles on Feb 26th. I think he’s the most recent one of the group.
Here is the link for his blog: Brendan’s blog
He’s contemplating on going back to work after 1 week, which I think is too early.
Hi all..
I had surgery on March 6th after tearing it on the first. Had the surgeon videotape it and will get it on Monday my first post op visit. I have access to alot of medical journals, research, etc so if anyone has any specific questions I can research for you. I am chiropractor, and hope to see patients this Monday after I get my cast on..Should be challenging. Would like to hear about your experiences as far as returning to work.
Thanks
Dr. Ross
Nancy..
sorry to hear that you have joined our club..Need to figure what tissues are causing the burning..
Is it localized or radiating??
What makes it feel better…activity, rest, a position??
Is there any swelling, redness, itching??
Let me know??
ross
thanks for your reply
the burning happens only at one spot
i usually put my hand on it and do a keigel and it seems to help
it does appear to be red when it happens but i’m not sure if it’s me pressing on it that does this…
by the way, i’m in my 8th day after surgery
i sort of going crazy being inactive and so dependent of others!
my first appointment with my surgeon is on th 26th
looking forward to this
do most people get a full on cast on their first visit?
thanks
nancy
Nancy,,
Best to be on the safe side and check with your MD.
As for the cast you will see from surfing this site and doing your research that there is not set protocol. I was in a splint for 4 days then put in a cast. Based on the protocol I will be following the cast is on for 2 weeks and then star rehab.
Do your research, ask questions and you’ll make the right educated decision for yourself.
Good Luck and let me know how it goes.
Doc Ross
Nancy -
I was in a fiberglass cast from just below the knee right after the surgery, for 2 weeks. After that, a checkup and another cast for 2 more weeks. My foot was then put into a walking boot after that.
Hi all, I just found this blog. What a great thing and a great find.
I ruptured on 2/26/08 and had surgery on 3/3/08. I’m out of the splint and into a short cast for 3 weeks. Then on to the boot. I’m glad that a lot of what I have been experiencing (mental and physical) sounds normal. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post.
It’s great to know you are not alone, otherwise known as misery loves company!
Jim
Jim, welcome! By the way, how did you find this site? I am always curious about how people arrive here.
Glad that you’ve found this place, and I hope you find the site helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions, and feel free to share your story. thanks!
dennis
when you got your second cast put on, where you able to put any weight on it or did you have to wait until you got your boot?
i can’t wait to walk again…
i’m at the end of week two…time flies when you’re lying on the couch!!
i’m addicted to csi miami
any other good shows out there?
thanks
nanc
nancy,
I was allowed to put 20-30lbs (PWB) right after I got my 3rd cast. (1st cast was in the emergency room, 2nd cast right after surgery, 3rd cast at the 2 week follow-up exam.)
I am looking forward to walking too. I love the old law & order episodes with LENNIE BRISCOE.
hope you are feeling better!
Dennis–I was googling everything Achilles injury, and found your site. Of course I was sitting on the couch with my lap top, foot up. I feel I may be a bit late to start blogging. I’m in a cast now and per MD no limits on weight. Of course I can’t put full weight on my foot. I weigh 235 and can get to about 100 pounds (on a scale) without pain.
Nancy–As for shows to watch, I just finished “The Office” on Netflix instant view. They have the first 3 seasons that you can watch on demand. Nothing like a good laugh.
Uplifting story of the day about young Carsen Main. What a great kid! (denverpost.com). I know there are lots of hoopsters in this group so enjoy (I’ve got skills!)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_8631581
johnskier - That’s a great story. I hope he gets to score too.
Jim - Hopefully you’ll get to FWB soon. It really makes a big difference.. but I have to be careful to not overdo it, and it’s really easy to forget that I need to take it slow.
Dennis..
Great…long article on everything you need to know..
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9789514284342/isbn9789514284342.pdf
Ankle feeling much better. I think it was just morning stiffness. I did 15 min on the recumbent bike today and it felt great. Did upper body workout too. I figure my only “job” now is to keep fit and keep the blood flowing to speed recovery.
Has anybody tried those cast covers for swimming?
Jim
Jim - Philip is on a vacation, and he bought a waterproof cast cover for swimming. He promised to let us know how well it works. I think he left for vacation yesterday, so we’ll hear from him in a few days probably.
thanks for your tv series advice!
love the office too , 3rd rock, entourage…no new episode though
thanks dennis for the info about the weight bearing
does anyone know when we can start cycling (stationary bike) and swimming?
the only exercise i do is wiggling my toes, hopping around, upper body exercises
week 2 going on week 3 post surgery
i’m worried about packing up the pounds…yickes!
nanc
Hi all just got out of surgery tonight around 6pm…still awake after taking one of my meds (percs). Leg is still numb so the pain has not set in yet. I can’t wait to walk…..
mike
Nancy - during the first 3 weeks I did ride the spin bike with my bad leg on a bar stool and pedaling with my good leg. Not sure I got much of a workout…I wasn’t too motivated to work hard.
Mike - good luck, I’m amazed you’re blogging.
Nancy - Let me preface by saying please consult with your doctor to confirm when he/she believes it is best for you to start biking and swimming. Everyone has a little bit different protocol.
I was able to start riding on my bike trainer at 4 weeks post op (with my injured leg in a cast). I kept it at pretty low resistance and probably half my normal rpm. I was up to about 75% rpm at a moderate resistance while in the boot from 6 weeks to 8 weeks. At about 9 nine weeks I started to ride without the boot, back down to low resistance and rpm. I will also recommend using the heel on your injured foot as you begin to cycle and slowly work up to using the ball of your foot. This will minimize the strain on the tendon.
My doctor also gave me the okay to start pool exercises at week 6. However, I canceled my gym membership awhile back so I haven’t tried any swimming yet.
ok
i guess i’ll wait til i talk to the doc
i’ve been going up and down my stairs on my “derriere” so that’
s a bit of a workout!! gosh..
5 more days until my first post op appointment
how much time off work are you guys planning/planned on taking?
and..when did you guys started driving your car again?
Nancy,
Good luck on the first post op appointment. Goes fast, they look at the incision then cast it up for 2-3 weeks. I was back to work on a part time basis in 5 days. Obviously depends on your job, I was able to have a roll-about in the office and rolled from room to room to take care of patients. It’s very exhausting so if you have an option take 2 weeks off to rest, elevate and heal. I was lucky (f you can call it that) that it was my left leg. Driving caused my foot to swell withing 15 minutes the first week but by the second no swelling.
Hope today is better than yesteday.
Doc Ross
Nancy - I took 2 weeks off of work, 1 week of full rest and then 1 week of working from home (still laying in bed and elevating). I just went back to work for my third week post op, and it was pretty tiring, but it was good for my mind to be out and about. I drove after I got my cast after 2 weeks. I tore my left like Ross though and have an automatic. Hope you have a good weekend!
nancy - I was off about 10 days and worked with wireless from home some during the first 10 days. I think I tried to do too much, however, and caught a nasty cold the week I came back. I also had to ice and elevate my leg at work. You’ll have to judge how you feel and what your work schedule will allow…but I think that if you can stay home two weeks it’s good. Even the third week I was icing and elevating on my desk. After the third week, it pretty much didn’t throb anymore. I was driving within a week…it’s my left foot so that helps. The problem would be if the car breaks down, etc. One time I had to buy gas during a blizzard and I’m crutching around the car, hoping I don’t fall, freezing my tail off. Pretty comical, really. Take care - it gets better.
I’m suffering from “castrophobia” and it has nothing to do with Cuba. This cast gives me the worst trapped claustrophobic feeling. I’m not claustrophobic either, small spaces don’t bother me. I wish I could see what’s going in in there. This is America, I should be able to pay extra to heal faster. Oh well, off to find that Zen book….
Jim
Nancy - I was back to work 5 days after surgery. I mainly have a desk job, especially during the winter, so it wasn’t too difficult going back. I was able to keep my leg elevated on a couple of boxes placed under my desk. For me it was important mentally to get back to some level of normalcy. It was much harder for me to sit around the house. I think you just need to listen to your body and do what feels right to you.
I ruptured my right AT plus I drive a standard transmission, so I was pretty screwed when it came to driving. Fortunately, my partner and my father were able to drive me to and from work. After about 6 weeks I felt tired of being a burden on them so I swapped cars with my father and drove left footed for a couple of weeks until I was out of the boot. Probably not recommended, but I only drove a short distance to and from work.
you guys are such a great help
thanks for all your stories and advice
since i teach grade one, my doctor decided to write me a 6 weeks off note, making sure i did not trip onto anybody’s little feet, toy, chair, etc. and i’m fine with this.
it’s just that you can easily get bored
for driving, i’ve got a standard, and i tore my left AT so, i’ll be patient…like for everything else
i do feel good, just can’t wait to get that first cast off and start physio soon, get moving.
have a good week end
don’t eat too much chocolate tomorrow
nanc
Brendan-
I thought I would get a boot on my first follow up. I get the cast off on 4/8. I think he changed his mind from boot to cast when I said “I can’t wait to go swimming today”. He’s protecting me from myself. My doc said I could weight bear, although I can’t get full weight on my foot yet. I have been doing the recumbent stationary bicycle for 20 min or so, and walking with crutches with as much weight is comfortable. It’s always more sore in the morning, but after the bike I can almost get to FWB with no pain whatsoever. As long as no tension is applied to the Achilles, I don’t see how a little weight bearing should be a problem.
As for how I injured it, I was warming up at a Krav Maga class. We stretched and were running across the mat and changing direction very quickly. Total non-contact injury. At this point my story is the same as everyone else’s, thought someone fell on me, mat slipped, shoe broke, etc. I then vaguely remember my toes almost touching my shin as I went down. Self diagnosed in seconds. I had been hiking for quite a few hours earlier in the day, over mostly very large smooth round rocks, so I had been on my toes for hours piror. I don’t know if this is a contributing factor or not, but seems like it could be. It was my second day back to working out after a nasty bug and 2 weeks off. I’ll save some room for others. Hang in there everyone.
Jim
4 wweks post op but can’t sign up…any help?
T Boor -
Hi, what is the problem that you are having exactly?
Hello from Amelia Island Florida !!
Sorry it took so long to give you all the update on my vacation and the review on the Dry Cast Cover.
First, I don’t know about you all, but I have now gotten ridiculously strong and capable on the crutches. We have been walking around the city, around the hotel, down to the beach with really no problems. It definitely makes me feel much better to be this mobile again.
So for the review of the Dry Cast. First I bought the half leg large version. This was my first mistake. Although, the full leg seemed too long and probably very unattractive, there is no question that it is the better choice. I have been swimming every day and today I went sea kayaking with my son. The cast cover does keep it totally dry but for a few leaks that feel more like sweat or a little moist on the top of my cast. I have realized that this is caused by the fact that with the half leg version there are only a couple inches of rubber seal above the cast. With the full leg version, there would be much more rubber seal to keep the water from seeping in. Truly this minor leaking has not been an issue as I have been wrapping the top of the cast with an ace bandage and it has been absorbing most of the moisture.
So, for the good stuff. The freedom of being able to move around and swim without the crutches has been exceptional and lightened my mood. I would recommend that once you are a couple weeks out of surgery and mobile that you get the Dry Cast and go to the local pool to at least float around for 20 to 30 minutes.
I hope all are healing well. I will check in again soon.
All the best.
PK
brendan I’m more of a wake fan, but they have had a rough year…at least I got to watch every single game this weekend! I’m trying to make a meeting tomorrow, been off the meds since Friday night. I’m guessing that week 2 and 3 is much of the same as week one? Does anyone ever fall asleep and wake up by a muscle twitch…feels like my calf wants to stretch?
mike - I’ve had the twitch the first couple weeks.. it happened a handful of times,but it finally subsided. It used to hurt, but I don’t think it does much damage to the tendon as I think the cast protects your achilles pretty well. I don’t think it’s good for the tendon though.
Philip -
Thanks for that review. I’ll have to put a link to the full leg version of the Dry Cast on the “Things you might need” section.
Glad that you are having a great time out there!
Mike
Yes, I have had the twitches. On night 4 after surgery, I was having a dream that I had to run and jump something. Well, I used my bad leg to push off and woke up bolt upright. That was not a pleasant experience. For the next few nights I was actually a bit anxious to sleep. I have had a few others, but that was the worst. I’m not allowed to have any running, jumping dreams from now on.
mike - i had the same twitches that you and the others talk of…they happened during week 1. To your other question, my week 1 was the roughest, had to keep elevated above the heart to manage…got off pain meds about day 4. Week 2 was a little better, but still laid in bed with elevation and worked on laptop. I’m finishing Week 3, and it was much better than either of the previous 2 weeks. I was back to work, getting stronger on the crutches, not having to elevate as high (still some swelling, but no throbbing).
Wow, every day gets better. I just walked about 50ft without crutches in my cast. I carried my crutches just in case. It’s not so much a walk as a plant, step. But it was a real step, not just a hop. No pain. My doc cleared me to bear as much weight as I wanted while in the cast, as my Achilles is protected from any stumble or accidental weight placed on the ball of my foot. I’m at 21 days post op. I think the occasional weight bearing really helps with the circulation.
Jim
Hi All - today was 4 weeks since post op and I went in for a cast change. My foot is now at 90 degrees and the ortho said every thing looked fine. So, there will be 2 more weeks of casting then I go into a walking boot.
Dennis - the pain and tingling you feel is very normal, it takes time for your nerves in your leg to normalize (I ruptured my other achilles 2 years ago).
herb -
Thanks, it’s good to know that I didn’t damage my tendon somehow. By the way, did you have tendinosis (tenderness, etc..) in your achilles? I am worried about my other tendon as well.
Jim -
Good to hear that you’ve made some progress. Walking gets to be much easier with the boot so hopefully you’ll get into one soon. Looks like you are good great.
Dennis - I have no tendinosis in my legs, however my ortho told me the chances of ruptureing my other tendon was very high if you had previously ruptured your other one (I just think my tendons were very thin to begin with). I don’t know it was smart of me to be on the court again, but hey I played for another 2 years before the other one blew out. I think my case is very rare to have both tendons rupture, so I hope everyone who will eventually be healed, don’t to be discouraged and go out and live life to the fullest.
Hy guys -
Michael here in NY. Had my surgery today. Doc said it went well: 45 minutes, reattached tendon to heel bone using dissolvable anchors. Am in a splint, top and bottom of foot extending to mid lower leg held in place with lots of Ace-like bandages, Doc says it makes it much easier to check the incision.
The sciatic nerve block is still working so, at the moment, my foot is still numb. The anesthesiologist said that it may last as long as 24 hours. I’ m not looking forward to it wearing off. I have the Percocet ready.
Doc and I are now having the
NWB v. WB debate. He wants 4-6 weeks of NWB. I’ve emailed him a bunch of the recent literature about early weight bearing in ATR rehab. He seemed to be underwhelmed pointing out that they were all non-US studies. I pointed out that one was Canadian and that they weren’t really off the reservation. The debate goes on, although since it’s only day one, I have a lot of NWB days ahead under all circumstances. The other issue is how soon may I swim. I am a daily fitness swimmer, and have been for 30 years. When I broke my shoulder blade in a bicycling accident a few years ago I started swimming after a week doing a one-armed crawl, I’m pushing for an immersible fiberglass and Goretex cast as soon as the wound is sufficiently heeled. Doc is worried about kicking while swimming. I have explained that I can swim perfectly well without kicking. I think I’ll bring him around.
If any of you have had experience with swimming as part of your rehab I’d love to hear from you. Also early weightbearing info would
be appreciated. Thanks to all. Michael
Michael -
Glad that your surgery went well, and take good care of yourself for the next two weeks. I had to negotiate a shorter time in a cast with my PA.. so I was able to cut it down by a week. (4 wks instead of 5 wks).
That’s as close as I could get to EWB with my doctor.
I was actually fine being in a cast for 3-4 weeks, since I really didn’t trust tendon’s strength then.
Keep us all posted on your progress, and elevate your leg all the time!
Dennis -
Thanks for the response. My first night was ok, the foot is still a little numb from the nerve block so I was able to sleep with no pain. I bought these big wedge shaped stiff foam pillows at Linen ‘n Things and they are excellent for elevating the entire leg while sleeping. It is a little odd sleeping with leg that raised but it wasn’t that big a problem. I slept better than I thought I would.
My problem will be pushing myself to get back to the office. I’m a trial lawyer (fortunately no trials on the immediate horizon) with lots of clients who need attention. Although there is a lot that I can do from home, there are many things that require being in the office down on Wall Street. My firm will provide a car service for my commute, so that won’t be an issue. I would not want to negotiate either the Metro North railroad or the NYC subways on crutches. Neither is particularly handicapped accessible. As everyone on the blog seems to be saying, I’ll play it by ear. But, that said, I’m not great at sitting around. Tom, going back to work after 5 days, is my current hero.
I’ll keep all informed.
Michael
Michael -
Glad your surgery went well. I had a nerve block too…I actually called at about 26 hours after surgery because I was still numb, and the nurse said that it could last even two days…in hindsight, I wish it had! It was like 15 minutes later, that thing wore off and it is quite a suprise, I would suggest starting on your pain meds ahead of the block wearing off! That pillow sounds pertty good..maybe you could send a link and Dennis can post it on the “things to have” page. I just used regular pillows and had a few nights where I woke up and my leg had fallen off the side of the bed…ouch! As far as the work thing, I’m right there with you…I hate to sit still. I was really anticipating going back after a week as well…but the surgery/pain/healing really sapped the energy out of me…so I was ready mentally, but it’s just more tiring than you think to crutch around during the first few weeks. I spent week 2 at home working on laptop in bed. I think Johnskier also went back fairly early, and with a weakened immune system, caught a nasty cold. Take care and let us know how things are going.
Michael - Good to hear that you’re in good spirits and that you were able to get a good night of sleep. I remember that being tough for me. Not because of any pain, but I think it was just hard to stay comfortable.
It’s a little weird now for me to read when people are going back to work. Unfortunately this blog started up about a month after my rupture, so I didn’t have a lot of good resources. I really didn’t give it much thought when I went back to work. I wasn’t in much pain, had pretty well mastered the crutches by then, and I knew that lying around the house would really affect me mentally. I’m lucky that I work in a small office and during the winter I’m mainly at my desk in front of a computer. And, unfortunately, working from home was not a real good option.
With that being said, I think it is important for everyone to assess themselves on their own. Only you know how you’re feeling. This is a serious injury and you don’t want to push things too hard. It’s good to set some goals, but don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if your body is telling you to slow down.
Great point Tom…it’s always good to continue to mention that everyone heals and deals with this injury different. I think that’s the best piece of advice…listen to your body first…it will give you the signs if you are going to fast/slow with your recovery. Hope everyone is having a good day..and if you’re not…you will tomorrow!
Hi All,
I injured myself last Tuesday, had an MRI today, and surgery is scheduled tomorrow. How much pain for the first few days? Thakfully my ex is letting me stay at her house for a few days post op.
How fast until you can actually get around a bit? My Dr. said I would be walking wiht no cast or boot in three months. Possible?
I have 4% of the tendon still atached, so he said most likely I will have my cast with my two pointed down. He said he would try to avoid, that, but don’t count on it. Any thoughts?
I am a single Dad with three kids and self employed, so this is going to be a tough go.
I go in tomorrow at 2, and operated on at 1:00.
Great blog!
Mike
Hi Mike R -
welcome to our not-so-exclusive club. I had surgery yesterday afternoon. I’m about to take my first pain pill now. I am beginning to feel some slight discomfort and was told to stay ahead of the pain if I can. I had a 97% tear. According to my doc, the surgery was the same as with a complete tear except he didn’t have to locate the loose tendon.
Good luck tomorrow. You’ll get through it as we all will. Not fun but there are lots of things that are worse.
Michael
Hi Mike R - everyone has various degrees of pain when coming out of surgery. However, I would suggest asking for a splint instead of a cast for the first 2 weeks, because your foot will be swelling up in a cast with no breathing room, and it can feel like your foot is ready to explode. I am talking from experience, I ruptured my left leg two years ago and now my right. Having the splint the second time around was so much more tolerable after surgery.
Mike R - Good luck with the surgery. Sorry you had to join the club. My recommendation is to read through all of the blogs on this site to get some expectations of the road ahead. As you’ll see, there are several different treatment and rehab protocols and no consistent level of pain.
Toes pointed down in the first cast or splint seems to be pretty common. This reduces the tension on the tendon. You’ll have to lift your knee a little higher when you crutch around, but it doesn’t take long to adjust.
3 months for walking unaided is very realistic. I started walking without the boot around week 9 and my rehab has probably been a little toward the conservative side.
mike r.
good luck tomorrow
i agree with tom regarding the splint, this is what i have and it is more comfortable to wear as you foot swells, etc.
for myself, i only had to take tylenol 3 for the first week
2nd day, lots of pain, got good painkillers and felt better
after
the side effects of some painkillers is having the runs, which can be very tricky when you’re on crutches…ha,ha
your kids will get used to it all and you’ll see how much they will help out
the two first weeks are the worst…
i’m only on week 3 and feel better…still lots ahead though
nancy
Good luck today Mike.
Has anyone else experienced a somewhat sharp pain down near where the AT meets the heel? I only feel it at certain times when I move around. I am almost 3 weeks post surgery. Thanks.
Drew
Drew -
I had that problem some years back before the ATR. It was diagnosed as bursitis in the heel.
Right now, I have been experiencing minor pains here and there around the incision at varying times. Mostly it happens when I am walking in the boot. I don’t think it’s serious, but I think it’s a good sign telling me that I need to stop and rest..
It’s probably different for your case, and if it is really bothering you, I suggest seeing the doctor.
I think getting up and moving as soon as possible after surgery is very important. I knew this would probably be the biggest challenge for me. Within 2 days I had a spot on the floor where all day I would do push-up, crunches, leg lifts, bicycle in the air while on my back, and any stretch I could think of. I was up to 150 or so push ups a day within a week, and more flexible than before the injury. I think keeping as fit as possible will make recovery that much easier. Not to mention the increased heart rate pushing more blood, oxygen, and tendon building blocks to the injury. I don’t know if there is any scientific evidence of this, but the placebo effect for me is worth every bit!
Jim
hi guys
just came back from the hospital for my first post op appointment
saw my surgeon, checked my tendon and everything seemed to be ok
washed the leg…that felt good
was sent to rehab where they gave me the option to either have a cast or a splint…i did not think twice: a splint
the OT showed me a few stretches to do to work on increasing my ROM, and my quads and all , i was happy with this
my splint puts my foot at a 70 degree angle, which was kind of weird first, to get there
i’ll keep this splint for 3 weeks, use crutches, no WB though
i guess i’m happy overall, i had written down a whole bunch of questions from what i had read on the blog for the last 3 weeks and my surgeon was able to answer them all
the plan is to start physio in 3 to 4 weeks and put me in a boot/aircast in 3 weeks.
i’m happy i bought my laptop in january, i’m sure getting good usage out of it!
nanc
Nancy -
Glad to hear that your post-op exam went smoothly. I am curious what the list of questions you had for the doctor were and what the answers were.
If you post it, I think maybe others going into their first post-op exam will find it useful as well.
Please let me know. thanks!
dennis
my questions were
was my tendon fully tared? yes
it was not a clear tear but more shredded, ugly he said
what was the condition of the tendon now? it felt nicely reattached
when will I start WB? in 3 weeks, also because of the fact that my tendon was shredded
when will physio start? in 3-4 weeks
how often will i need physio? twice a week for basically get a series of exercises/stretches
i asked about ultrasound and he said that “physios do a lot of funny things which we do not really understand” so he did not see the importance of it
what was the difference between a CAM boot and a Aircast?
they were basically the same
when will i get one: in 3 weeks
can i drive my car? yes, if it’s automatic, but be careful getting in or out of it
do i have to elevate my leg? no, it’s healed ok
can i take aspirin(it was discouraged after my sugery): YES
any natural supplements: nothing really has been fully proven to help with the healing process, he recommended having a healthy diet and eat vitamin C< helps with the collagene around the scar
can i take baths? yes sir, no danger for infections
just finished doing my first series of ROM exercises..
it feels good, i’m back in the game!
i think that’s all
hope this helps,
nanc
nancy -
thanks for posting the questions/answers. I am compiling a set of questions, and I’ll post them on the main site after it’s complete.
Hi all,
Well, 5 hours post op, and not feeling all that bad. Trust me, it’s no walk in the park, but not much worse pain than the accident. I am on one Norco, 10/325, and it doesn’t seem to be helping much.
The good news is that my cast is flat footed. I had 20% left. Dr. said more pain now flat footed, but faster rehab.
The only bad news was that they had to open me up almost 10″ , as my tendon was way up in my calf.
It doesn’t seem much worse with foot down or up, but I am definitely elevating.
I have a cast from bottom of knee with all my toes showing. At least I can rub them once in a while!
I am sure pain will be worse tomorrow, but so far, so good.
My ex is taking good care of me. I am glad we stayed friends.
Mike
Mike
Mike -
Glad the surgery went well…I don’t think anyone can claim a 10″ incision! Wow! I think Mitch was leading the pack until today..we’ll have to get a look at that if you can upload a pic after your first post op appt. It sure is good to have support/help around after the surgery, it sounds like you are in good hands. Rest up..the first few weeks are all about letting your body do it’s thing to heal the surgical area.
Putting a face to the name. Here I am goofin’ about at Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas today (I live a few minutes from here). I’m not far from the car though.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2364630139_f7568abd89_o.jpg
Jim
Jim -
Great picture!
Similar to my action shot.
http://achillesblog.com/dennis/2008/02/23/day-16-5-seconds/
I just have to add that none of that weight is going through the tendon, and it is for limited times only. I just want to be able to carry my beer to the couch myself!
Jim - The beer motivation definitely helped me ditch the crutches as soon as I got into the boot. It was extremely satisfying to walk to the kitchen, pop open a cold one, and return to the couch without spilling! Prior to that I would balance the beer bottle between my index and middle fingers while keeping my palm and other fingers on the crutch. It worked, but it wasn’t pretty.
Oh, and nice picture. Looks a lot nicer than the weather I’m dealing with.
MOM”S ROCK!!!
I was laughing so hard my foot nearly exploded. That was great. Your cover is blown Ross!
Jim
PS If I didn’t have help from my wonderful girlfriend I would be lying in a pile of pizza boxes and…well you get the idea.
I hear you Jim. If my wife weren’t here to help me, I’d have starved by now.
Can anyone tell me when the throbbing when the foot isn’t elevated stops? I am 3 weeks post-surgery in the boot with PWB. The throbbing is better than last week but still annoying.
Drew..from the various stories I have heard here..the time varies from person to person. I am 3.5 weeks post op and it’s just been the last few days when it’s been OK to keep it down for extended periods of time. I still like your choice of word, “annoying”, because that is how I would describe mine for the last week…not a painful throb like the first week after surgery…but a kind of numb/tingly feeling that goes away with elevation.
hi guys
for the beer thing..
i wear a kangaroo top(hoody) with a front zipper…stuff your bottle in there, hold your stomach muscles in….there you go!
for the throbbing, same thing as brendan
i’m exactly 3weeks post op
it’s gone better since i’ve got the cast off but still need to elevate now and then, but not has high, just on a pillow
As soon as I can I think it may be Bikram Yoga for me, at least for a while.
Hi all,
Day # 2 after surgery, and a bit more painful than I thought it would be. Yesterday I actually fell down, as my dog tripped me up going to the bathroom. It felt like I ripped out the stitches, or like I had a hot knife stuck in my ankle.
It took 3 hours to get back to only the normal pain. Scared the hell out of me. I thought I would see blood dripping out of my cast.
I am now taking one Norco every four hours, and the pain is much more manageable. I didn’t take anything yesterday until i feel.
Whoever was doing push ups after day 2, well, if I go to war, I want you with me! I don’t know how you could have pulled that off.
Thank God for my ex. She is taking great care of me. She woke me up this morning with French Toast, berries and coffee. I told her with service like this I might never leave. She answered with,”Oh yeah you are!”
Mike R -
That really sucks that you fell. I’ve stumbled a few times when I was on crutches and ended up putting weight on the cast leg.
I’ve been reading a lot about other people’s experiences with Achilles recovery, and everyone’s recovery process has been a little different.
I stayed in bed for 2 weeks with a laptop. In retrospect, I wonder if that was the right thing to do, but I haven’t had too many problems so far, so I guess I shouldn’t linger on it too much.
Glad that you have someone who can take care of you.
Look what my girlfriend made me. I was griping about how my leg always turns to the outside when lying down and elevating. She made this giant pillow that holds my leg from externally rotating. Very cool stuff. Neat desert camo butterfly pattern too.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2370430864_4b4d499e68_o.jpg
Thought you might enjoy,
Jim
jim
your girlfriend should take orders…
my boyfriend would never be able to come up with something like this!!
Jim -
You have a fantastic girlfriend! If she wants to make additional ones as a hobby and sell them on AchillesBlog, please let me know.
Dennis-
Thanks, she was flattered by the compliment. Unfortunately, she is very busy right now, I think she made it for her comfort as much as mine (to make me shut up).
I do have a suggestion for the website. I don’t know if it’s possible, but can this “Leave a Reply” box be moved to the top of the page? It’s gettin’ pretty far down there, and I am usually commenting on the last few comments. Just a thought. Otherwise the site is really great.
Thanks,
Jim
Michael-
Just to comment on your shower woes. I think I have developed a really great system. As an ER nurse, bathrooms scare me. I have seen more injured people from the bathroom than any other room in the house (don’t wash dishes either). Combine tile, water, and muscle contractions that can cause people to pass out, with all those hard sharp corners, and you have a recipe for disaster. That being said, I tried to make myself as safe as possible in there. I sit in the tub for showers. I have a water pic shower head and an extension hose so I can lay the whole thing in the bottom of the shower. As for sitting down, I sit in the tub on one of those flat rubber balance balloons, keeps me out off the floor and out of the run off. Also, because of the side I injured and where the faucet on the tub is, it’s right in my back. I got on of those $0.99 rubber balls from Target, slightly bigger than a basket ball, the kind that are always in those big metal cages, and use that as a back rest. It keeps me off of the faucet, and is soft. Next, I put a towel over the cast and set it on the edge of the tub. No worries about getting it wet.