alice’s AchillesBlog

Most of my adult life has been spent in an OR….just not as a patient.  So I knew my Surgeon, my nurses, my anesthesia providers… and I had participated in many achilles repairs over the years. The issue was it was my achilles this time.

First Decision…Open vs. Percutaneous vs. Immobilization…..The one thing I have learned is pick your surgeon and have a conversation.  I decided on an open repair based on my lifestyle and goals. Goal…get back to work asap… Goal ….get back to my activity level…5 days at the gym and weekends mtn biking….Goal….no more dancing with 20 year olds. 

Second Decision….Spinal with Block vs. General….I vomit…lots…..so it made sense that a spinal would provide me what I needed.  After hearing the pros and cons….I decided on General Anethesia and requested a scope patch.  My CRNA also loaded me up on everything known to mankind to prevent me from retching.  It worked.  Also, I had a late evening OR slot.  I wanted to go home that night and a spinal would have landed me in a OBS bed.

Fortunately, I had a day to prep my home for my return prior to surgery.  I removed the throw rugs and the clutter.  I borrowed a walker, crutches and a shower chair.  (I never would have thought of the shower chair without this website) My husband reworked our shower so I could have a bath less the op leg.  I also made sure I had plenty of ice. That has been my best friend….ICE!

And I danced at my daughter’s wedding, then I heard the gunshot over the music.  Falling forward into my husband’s arms, I knew my achilles was gone.  Fortunately, I did not hurt.  Knowing what happens in the ER, I refused to leave a good party for an evening of waiting to do what I could do at home….ice, elevation, motrin and immobilize.

The next day I had complete range of motion, little edema, complete sensation, and little pain.  What I was missing was the important stuff….inability to bear weight on my toes.   So I spent the day icing the elevated foot and chewing Motrin. Also, I remembered that I was treated with Levaquin in December and I had partially torn my soleus years ago….not good signs. 

I arrived first thing Monday morning at the Sports Clinic for evaluation and that is when this OR nurse lost control………………