ali39’s AchillesBlog

Not a terribly exciting post but I wanted to mark the occasion by updating - 12 weeks yesterday since I had the op. 12 weeks seems to be a significant point in the recovery process, but I remain cautious.  To recap, I had x2  injections into the R achilles before my surgery which was on 4th June. It took me about 6 weeks to get over each injection but finally surgery seemed to be my only real chance of full mobility. I do have nigging  at the back of my mind about the left achilles, its just a fact.

 The scars have healed  well. I  get quite a bit of swelling and  need to elevate quite a bit. The foot gets discoloured quite quickly when mobilising. I wear the boot outside alternating with no boot, I put it on when I need it. I can probably walk around  5 - 30  minutes with no boot, concentrating on each step and the push off which is a problem. Its inconsistent, if I do more one day I might not be able to do it for a few more days. (I would not be able to walk 30 mins more than one day in a row).

I can drive for a short distance. I can swim, I do get to the gym and use the stationary bike and elliptical. I do active ROM exercises and theraband. I stop as soon as I have pain. Travelling is a bit of a problem although it has improved slightly - I still need to elevate the leg much of the time.

This weekend is the most ‘normal’ Ive had for some time. Its good to do the ‘ordinary’ things such as to do a bit of shopping, meet a friend in town - things I took so much for granted before the injury.  Its been over 35 weeks since my mobility started to be a real problem, around 8 months.  There will be good comes out of this, there has to be to make it worth it. There were times I actually forgot what it was like to walk and stand up ‘normally’. Some things to come to terms with but I know how blessed I am to have a short term problem.

The next thing I want to do is cycle when I can.  Thanks to the community here for continued support in my recovery.

At 9.5 weeks I am back to swimming, stationary cycling (I stop as soon as I’m in pain). My question is about eccentrics post surgery. I have been encouraged to do them, but I’m apprehensive. I did read quite a bit of evidence pre surgery and did do them religiously at least 30 x3 daily. I was convinced then. But I don’t feel so confident post surgery, I stll get quite a bit of pain and swelling. I don’t feel so vulnerable in the pool. Anybody got an opinion?? Happy healing to all

….Or is there?
I have been told I won’t be back to climbing proper until about a year post surgery.
It does seem to be a small price to pay in the scheme of things.

I want to protect the graft at all cost (I had an achilles graft and reconstruction) and don’t want to risk doing anything stupid, that would be crazy. I can see winter climbing being totally out for the next season, it puts too much pressure on the achilles.
I can do other things, its just the thought of climbing keeps me going.

I know the answer deep down, I have to do the right thing and be sensible.

Anyone got any informed views, even its to say…. Ali get real, don’t even think about it ?