My Achilles’ Recovery - Post-op Day 3
November 28, 2015
Hi There!
I am very new to this blogging adventure, but was having a difficult time coping with my sudden inability to do anything for myself after my surgery. My goal is to see how others are doing who are in the same situation as me, laugh, learn and find tips on how I can stay motivated and positive throughout this experience. I am very thankful that “how to cope with achilles’ injury” in a google search turned up this result!
Anyhow, a little about my injury. I am NOT an athlete. I am NOT a runner. I am merely an average 25 year old who likes to try new things and stay somewhat active in life. And this is what ultimately took down my achilles’ tendon.
Since graduating university, I have loved having the extra time to try new things. Last winter, I took up cross country skiing and it was great! In the Spring, I decided that it was time to play some slo-pitch. It is a normal past time here on the prairies, so why not give it a go? Things were going okay - I was somewhat improving and getting the hang of it. But then came the day of the double-header. In the first game, the first baseman accidentally threw a ball at my head. Should have stopped there. Then in the second game as I was running from second to third base - my left leg gave out. It wasn’t painful at the time, but I really couldn’t walk anywhere!
I thought it was a sprain. Went to a walk-in doctor who diagnosed it as the same. Went to physiotherapy for 2 months with no improvements. At this point, we decided to get an ultrasound and my achilles’ tendon was 75% ruptured. 75%! My family doctor referred me to a surgeon. The tendon eventually healed, but in a lengthened position, so I had an achilles’ repair and my surgeon removed about 1.5 cm of tendon so that I could walk properly again.
That was 3 days ago. Now I have been sitting at home, non-weight bearing and my leg must be elevated 22 out of 24 hours of the day for 2 weeks! I am not coping well. It bothers me that I cannot do anything for myself, but the worst part is THE BOREDOM. It’s funny, before when I was really busy I would have done anything to have some time off, and now that I have tons of it, I can’t seem to fill it!
To everyone out there who has been in my situation: what did you do to help with the boredom? And how do you make it so your butt hurts less from sitting all day? These are my two challenges right now.
Thanks for reading!
AWT
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1. beanie | November 29th, 2015 at 1:04 am
Hey AWT, wow you really have had a rough deal to recover long and then restart! Hopefully you’re on a recovery path now that will get you back to 100%. I was lucky because I could still work at home on my laptop lying on my back with my feet up on pillows. But in those first 2 weeks after surgery I only worked about 3-4 hours a day because I was tired and uncomfortable. I’m afraid to say, I resorted to Netflix most of the time. I also spent a huge amount of time reading up on all the studies on achilles ruptures, I was (still am) obsessed to work out everything possible to try and ensure I had a good outcome. Not sure it helped, but it made me feel better. I hope you find a way to beat the boredom. It won’t last too long, you’ll be able to do more in a few weeks time!
2. Rita | November 29th, 2015 at 7:34 am
Hi, AWT. We have taken a different route to reach this point, but we’re both up to being flat out on the settee instead of dancing about being busy. With you on the whole boredom thing. If one more person suggests I make the most of all this ‘free’ (!) time by writing a novel…
If I were to take that path, the text may have to be titled something like, ‘Things I’ve carried in my bra’…or in my waistband! Porting items from one room to the next is one of my biggest challenges! Even with a backpack.
The psychological battle is just as formidable as the physical one for those of us accustomed to being relentlessly out there / active / in the thick of things.
I can relate to the aches of immobility…everyday furniture simply isn’t designed for long term comfort. I’ve found lying flat on my back with my leg piked in the air rather than propped up on cushions is much more restful than the pressure on the back of the leg and in the lower back from sitting. Also…if the arms of your sofa are conducive…lying on your front with the leg raised behind, potentially resting against the arm of your couch is very comfortable. In fact, anywhere that I can hook the leg behind me with support is delightful…standing with my leg resting behind me on a side table is lovely…likewise…in the bathroom where space is tight, the toilet with the lid closed is an ideal resting place whilst I contemplate the delight of the rubber cast cover and the shower chair.
As daft as it sounds…adult colouring books. Honestly…maybe not plural…but I promise your heart rate will plummet and you’ll focus, however briefly, on something else for a while.
3. boyboy24 | November 29th, 2015 at 10:07 am
Hi
3 months down the line with sudden onset nasty achilles tendonopathy. Still limping, lot of pain and only just now heading back to work. Difficulties in treatment mainly because GP`s disagreeing over the diagnosis which has really put me back. The psychological battle is as difficult as the physical battle as I am usually so active. Anyone out there got any advice for a 48 year recovering from a very nasty injury please?
4. Rita | November 29th, 2015 at 10:42 am
With you, boyboy. 46yr old sporty fidget…family and friends have always joked that I’m incapable of sitting still. And now, like you…I’m stationery. Less a solution, I’m afraid…and more a dose of empathy. Received wisdom seems to be: do what you’re told. Don’t push anything without the guidance of your physio / physician. Suggestions I’ve been given so far include writing a book (or blog!), learning a foreign language, brushing up on whatever your industry skill set is…and /or writing everyone else’s Christmas cards for them. Alternatively…sign up to a MOOC and keep your brain busy.
5. twinklee | November 30th, 2015 at 5:12 pm
I’m having my surgery tomorrow. Geez, I dread the down time so much!
6. awtang | November 30th, 2015 at 5:25 pm
Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone! Things have gotten a little bit better since post-op day 3. Had a bit of a breakdown on post-op day 4 but after a good cry, I seemed to be in a better mood!
Twinklee - sorry if I scared you about all of the free time you will have! Things were a bit rough in the beginning, but I seem to be getting into a routine and what do you know, I am almost a week post-op! Rita and Beanie gave some great advice in the above comments and the adult colouring book has really helped me! Good luck!