Lethl-Bdmntn

I’m counting the days. I’m scheduled to have the second cast removed around the 23rd. I have a question; what is the technical name of the boot? I’ve been surfing the Web and I’ve found pictures (many from posts to this blog–wonderful) but so far no name for it. This is probably just boredom and anxiety combined, but I’d like some idea of quality, range of benefits based on brand.

I know driving with a boot on is unwise and I have no intention of doing so, but how is driving without the boot?

As I get more room in the cast I find myself wiggling my toes more and more. Today I realized I was pushing off with my toes while walking with the crutches. There is no pain at all and given the way my foot is restricted, I hardly believe I’m placing weight on the tendon…but still I’m wondering if this is typical. Honestly, I was actually happy that I was doing something with the foot.

Mom story alert - I stood on crutches and supervised my 9-year old as he vacuumed the hallway. He turned it off and I showed him how to release the clear canister to empty it. He proudly surveyed the contents then announced “Hey, this is the most suckage I’ve ever seen.” I walked away, balancing ever so briefly with my toes.

I’ve been looking over posts and I haven’t come across the topic of keloids when discussing the scar. A keloid is over zealous healing - the scar tissue goes beyond the wound or incision boundary thus leaving a raised slick-skinned lumpiness. I bring this up because there is a little debate about stitches vs. staples. My surgeon used staples. When they were removed I was amazed to see the clean slice he’d made. I don’t recall the little holes or how many. Essentially I wondering if others have had fewer issues with scars with staples or stitches. I’ll ask the surgeon when I return to have the cast removed. I am prone to this condition and I know there are now products on the market to reduce them. Here’s a picture, not my knee, and not gross.

Today is a national holiday, Fourth of July, but we won’t be attending any fireworks celebrations which is really pathetic because we live in the nation’s capital.  The kids aren’t that keen on going outdoors with (or without) me.  Why?  Because I’m really having a miserable time on crutches; my left knee is not 100% (ACL replacement in ‘03) and I’m terrified of re-injury.  I’m in my second cast which is almost 90 degrees…but not quite, thus I cannot put any weight on the right foot.  So the end result is that I’m awkward, fearful and not much fun to be out and about with.

It’s also slowly sinking in that these past four weeks are not the half way mark.  This “healing” is going to take time.  There has been remarkably little pain, almost no swelling, and I’ve been able to bathe as often as I want by stradling the bathtub (sorry about the image).  BUT I cannot drive, walk, or carry things.  I’m largely dependent on a my sons and husband.  When I do bump and roll down the stairs, the general condition of my house saddens me.  I keep telling myself that this is all temporary and intellectually I know this is true.   Intellectually.  Emotionally I’m frustrated because this isn’t the summer I had planned.

Bright side…I haven’t had to purchase gasoline for almost five weeks and my family is learning how to cook.  In all fairness, when I suggest specific cleaning (clean the bathrooms, launder the towels) it is done with reasonable results.  Focus on the good things.

Okay, so what I need help with is simple exercises for my abdomen and arms.  I’m dealing with too little activity.

I’m so happy this site exists.  It’s been a month and I thought I was alone.  I’ve already learned a lot.

May 31st I went to the Community Center with my family to play badminton. This was supposed to be a family activity, the sort that fosters athleticism, bonding, sharing, blah, blah, blah. In the early part of my doubles game the shuttle cleared well over my head. I didn’t attempt to return it because I didn’t want to hurt myself again. I only remember falling over what I believed was a basketball. But there were no basketball players in the gym. I felt pain in my right foot and ankle area. Everyone stopped and carried me off and over to the bleachers. [N.B. clearing debris from the court to continue play is acceptable protocol.] Ice promptly arrived and I applied it to my right ankle.

After 20 minutes I looked at the foot but saw absolutely no swelling. The pain was also manageable…but I’m no fool. Sadly I’ve put two people in the hospital through this sport. I placed my right foot on the floor, without weight, and could not feel my heeI. I then ran my hand from the back of the right heel to my lower calf, then the healthy right calf down to the heel. I returned to the suspect heel and yes, there was a gap about two inches above the heel. Badminton had done me a turn again!

Many only know it badminton from picnicking and God-awful counterfeit plastic rackets with “nylon birdies” purchased in toy stores. No. No, dear friend, this is no leisure business inserted between ribs and a lite beer. Go to this link and see BADMINTON.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmMHx4YITgs

That’s not me playing of course, but it does show a level close to what I once played. I really love this sport and my husband and sons all play in tournaments up and down the eastern and mid-Atlantic regions.

So practice ended and we stopped by the house to pick up a pair of crutches, then off to the emergency clinic. The doctor turned gray she examined me. She used the word significant at least four times. My foot was placed in a splint and I was told not to put any weight on the foot at all. She handed me a list of orthopedic surgeons. My orthopedist was on the list so I called his office and left a message.

The return call sounded like this…”ya’know an ACL brace on your left knee and a cast on your right foot is not sexy…”

June 5th I had surgery. I had sustained a complete rupture of the right Achilles’ tendon. I awoke in a cast that restricted my foot in a full en pointe position. I was not in great pain, but the cast made it clear that my summer ended that last Saturday of May. My husband looked at me and said, annoyed, no more badminton for you, this is it. I’ve shredded my miniscus and torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee, and now this. I need to take up something gentle, less dangerous.