beachy12’s AchillesBlog

I truly admire your courage for going through with the surgery, and your positive attitude as well. Hope you’re doing much better now. Keep us updated. We all enjoy hearing the good news.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/10320629484/?fref=nf

Hi Beachy,
Glad to hear you are doing better. That is quite a photo of your heel! It makes me hurt to look at it! I am glad you got a new kitty…I am a cat lover too and know how much joy and comfort they give. Keep positive, I am sure your surgery will be a great success!
Michelle

Quick question, I see people talking about an ATR Facebook page/group. Can anyone send me a link, or tell me how to find it. I’d love to join. I’m kinda a Facebook junkie.

Glad you had someone near you to help. You are having a rough time of it. Do hope things improve this time round.

Dr thinks it’s a pinched nerve from the positioning on the table. I was under for 4 hours in the prone position. It’s still numb, but should resolve on its on. I had a rough weekend, I’ll try to post a detailed entry tomorrow.

We’ll be thinking of you and wishing you a successful surgery!

Hey Beachy….you said “Hopefully”…I’m with you on that one…here is to a successful surgery and issue free recovery! Big hug for you.

Hi again beachy,
(my above response sounds dis-jointed because I was having issues with the anti-spam word–cut and pasted, but some was left off)–the reason I do not have a blog-I am not that great with computers.

So, your OS trying to save your bursas makes sense; I am 52 and have no desire to play volleyball, run a marathon (or run at all) or climb Mt Everest, so I do not miss my bursas at all.

In case I wasn’t clear above, my left ankle had the same problem as my right (I just did not have any symptoms until rehabbing my right ankle-then POW! ) Swelling, pain, cant put weight on it. So I had the same surgery on the other foot. I just try to be thankful that they can fix it at all, as fixed as it can be. My ankle #1 was about 80% good 4 months after surgery, and we know it takes 6 months to a year to really be healed. So I am optimistic about my other ankle, and I just remember how painful it was before surgery, and look forward to walking my dog again. I know you will also walk without pain again! It is a long road, but what other choice do we have???? Keep us posted.
Michelle

I do not know what causes our heel spurs, haglunds, calcification of tendon at the insertion. Nor does anyone else (Dr. or website) that I have consulted, and I have been searching for answer for several years. In my case, something in my DNA or metabolism made my achilles go bad. I was a waitress for 25 years, but there are a lot of life-time waitresses who do not get this issue. (I am finished with waitressing as a 3 hour shift would kill me now. ) It is not that uncommon for both heels to be bad. I imagine my left ankle already had the issue, but my right one was worse. Pisser of it was, I only had about a week of walking and feeling good about life before my other one went bad (swollen painful, couldn’t put weight on it, etc…just like the right ankle). In both cases, a plain ol x-ray showed the calcification of achilles at the insertion; the MRI showed the extent of the micro-tears. I am happy with the outcome of surgery on ankle #1, and expect the same result with ankle #2. The rehabbing is a bi*ch, but at least we well be able to walk again. I hope for the best for your outcome and recovery. You have been through

She will only remove the bursa if it was in bad shape once she got in there. I’ve lost count of how many cortisone injections I’ve into it, so it’s probably not in good shape. Since I’m young and active she wants to leave it if possible to provide cushion. Although, if it needs to be removed, the graft should provide enough cushion and glide. I hope so. She said new X-rays seem to show my bones spurs have started rounding off some.

I spent the last couple of months hoping that it would just get better. Not willing to live like this.

What happened to you left “good” ankle? I’m so scared something going to happen to my good foot!

Hi Beachy,
Good to hear your update; I was beginning to worry about you. I had my right ankle fixed Dec 2014. I was rehabbing, walking again, “pain” free (but not discomfort free), and in April, BAM, my left ankle went bad. I had surgery on left ankle July 3 and awaiting cast removal on Monday. In both of my surgeries, they removed both bursas on each ankle. You did not mention if the Dr. was going to remove your bursas…..in my opinion, “NO bursa, NO swelling = NO pain”. It may be something you might want to talk with your OS about before your surgery. There is another person on this sight who had to have a second surgery on her ankle “mariejones98″. You are not alone in your suffering. Please keep us updated. I hope and pray your second surgery will be a great success.
Michelle

So sorry to hear you are still in pain Beachy. All the best for your surgery and a great recovery!

You have been through a rough 23 weeks post-surgery, Beachy12. Non-stop pain has got to be very wearing, both physically and mentally. I sure hope the foot & ankle specialist can figure out what’s going on and get you on a better path.

Hoping they find a solution to your pain. Let us know how the appointment goes on the 10th.

Goodluck on your next appointment Beachy12

I am 24 weeks out from repair surgery. Still cannot wear any type shoe with a back. Still cannot walk without a limp. Still in pain when walking. Heel lifts are not an option. I had an MRI Thursday, everything is connected. The found tendentious and swollen. I am so frustrated. I thought this would be a memory by know. Reading others post about similar results is so uplifting. Thank You guys for sharing.

Happy to see you again Donna..all will be well..:)

Donna-hopefully is is just a plateau and you will be feeling better soon. You have been so supportive to everyone on this site- so we are certainly in your corner. House hunting is so much fun. How exciting- enjoy!

Hey Beachy thanks for asking about my recovery. At 28 weeks I’m still challenged by hypersensitivity. Can’t wear normal shoes at all, must be sandals or open back with NO lip, had to return a pair of open back sneakers I tried due to just this little lip at the back rubbing my heel ever so slightly..UGH…so I focus on what I can do…which is not what I want to be doing! HA HA.I really miss my long walks where my body never hurt anywhere. I took up distance walking 5 years ago, day hiking some might call it ,and I can’t get past a certain mileage/speed now…talk about plateaus. Improper shoes, calf not strong enough in terms of endurance, and major cramp/tightness in the whole right side from my back down to my calf from months of physical therapy are showing up, not to mention sore knees just from normal activities like going up and down stairs…I am doing a round of medical massage to address the muscle tension & back pain and have stopped all PT other than walking as tolerated and stretching while I’m getting treated. Since my calf is not near as strong as it was I’ll still need more PT in the future…It’s been good to la

Kjjet, I’m sorry you’re still having pain, but it’s comforting to know I’m not alone at 20+ weeks with pain. I also thought I’d be much further along! PT discharged me 5 weeks ago, saying there was nothing more they could do since some of my spurs have partially regrown. My ROM is perfect, just pain in the heel with push off. This morning, I’m greatly paying for working last night (8 hours on my feet), and the heel lifts I did. I know the heel lifts put me over the edge.

Donna, I haven’t been around much either. I guess it’s good that we’re well enough to be busy! How’s your recovery going? Like I said, I’m massively paying for the heel raises I did after work, but it was worth it to see and feel my heel come off the ground ever so slightly. That’s progress, and I’ll take whatever I can get!

Hey Beachy…nice to see you. I haven’t been around much in the last few weeks just don’t have time to visit the site much anymore…but I wanted to say hey and that I’m glad to hear of the good news you could share, hang in there, I have faith that the rest will work itself out! YAY that.

Hi Beachy12, I know what you mean about the pain in the heal. I am at 23 weeks/2 days and I also have heel pain and my gait is off especially when I am not concentrating on my step. I go to PT 2-3 times a week 3 hours each time. I have started massage therapy to try and improve the range on my ankle. It takes a lot of time but the progress is very slow.

My PT is constantly telling me to take it easy and not to worry. It takes time.

After 23 weeks I thought I would be farther along. If I push it, I get pain and swelling almost instantly. Going for an ultra sound next week on both legs, now my ‘good’ leg is starting to ache in the same spot as the tear on the damaged leg. Maybe just from over use. Or I am just getting paranoid. Who knows. All I know is that you have to take it a day at a time.
Good luck.

Hope you get some answers soon and get to the source of your pain. Hopefully the specialist will be able to provide additional insight and you are back on your path to recovery.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I was away when you posted this. She was so beautiful. I also have a cat so appreciate the information. Hope you are continuing to heal on all fronts.

Hey Beachy…I love the pic of your kitty! Again, I am so sorry, it bleepity bleeps big time to lose a beloved!

I just wanted you to know I’ve stopped using the compounding cream. I developed a itchy red rash and am told after several weeks of use I’ve developed a allergic reaction. My tendon/incision is still sensitive, going to live with it for now.

Beachy,
My rupture did not require surgery. Sure it will still be painful. Thanks. I ordered a cover to use in the shower so I will bring that. Black bag will work too.

Thank you, and welcome to the site, there is so much information and support here!

I was in the boot before surgery too, and when I had to go on the beach for events, I used a black trash bag cut to fit, and wrapped it in tape. Attractive? Probably not, but my boot didn’t get sandy or wet! Boot was black, bag was black, wasn’t that noticeable and got the job done.

I will advise you that walking in sand after surgery is VERY hard and painful. I’m currently 18 weeks, and it’s still painful and hard for me, but I’m walking without the boot. Not sure if the beach you’re going to is sandy or hard packed. Here, ours is very sandy, so your foot is very unstable. I couldn’t imagine walking in the sand at 7 weeks, even in the boot. Of course if the beach is hard packed, it shouldn’t be a problem at all. Be very careful and enjoy your vacation! Happy healing!

Hi Beachy,
So sorry for your loss. I am new to this site. Have learned a lot already. I ruptured mine March 13, 2015. 3 weeks NWB cast then boot. I will be at 7 weeks when I take a much needed beach vacation. Any suggestions on how to make it pleasant and not scary? My fear is I will trash the boot walking on the beach. I will be level walking by then as all lifts will be gone. Maybe I won’t be walking on beach?

Hi Beachy,
My heart goes out to you for your lose. All of my children have four legs, and I know how much you love and must miss your kitty. Thanks for sharing the link; I am sure you have helped more than a few pet lovers.
Michelle

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I have a dog and 2 cats and my dog is always trying to lick lotion off of me. If I am prescribed some sort of compound cream I will be extra cautious thanks to this post.

I am so very sorry Beachy…to lose a beloved pet is difficult in and of itself and I can only imagine that to know it came from such a source is doubly painful. The title of your post is perfect in case anyone else is searching for info and I applaud you coming on in this time of grief to warn the rest of us. As you know I’m on a topical med also…so thanks. I have no pets but I do spend time at my boyfriends parents house and they have pets…gosh to think I was over there this weekend with sandals on and my ankle slathered in medication….I’ll be doubly careful from now on when I’m out anywhere and around animals.

Thanks for the tip on the taping…I’m going to ask her about it because we are starting Polymetric training tomorrow and have heard it will help give the area support with the start of hopping and jumping movements.

So glad you’re happy with it! I’m not sure if it’s helping yet, since I just started on Friday, but I’m hopeful!

Not sure if it would help you, but the rigid taping drastically helped my incision scar. They were only taping the bottom of my incision, since that was all that was needed to correct my inside heel drop. You can definitely tell a difference between the bottom (which was taped) and the top. The bottom is very smooth and lighter. The top is swollen, darker, and puckered. I’d definitely mention it to your PT. Kinesio and rigid taping has made a huge difference in my scar! I’ve also googled this info, and can say that it definitely works. (I wasn’t rigid taping to help the incision itself, it was just a bonus!)

Although, you wouldn’t be able to apply the compounding cream and have the taping done at the same time.

Edit: I’m also prescribed 1 gram 4 x a day. I only have a months supply, as my Dr got it comped from the compounding pharmacy. So thankful, as my insurance does not cover it, and I was denied Voltaren.

Hey Beachy…I’ve been on the compounding cream for almost 5 weeks now and I have a two month supply.

I see your medicines are to treat pain from muscle spasms and to numb from pain - GREAT…hopefully yours will work as well as mine does. I don’t think my pain is anywhere near as constant as yours has been so I only have two meds for pain just different medicines from yours and in addition I have a medicine to treat the bad scar tissue I was getting as well as something to make the scar look better.

I apply 1gram directly on the tendon 3 to 4 times a day. Mine has Gabapentin for nerve pain - Prilocaine for pain in general - Lapoic acid to break down scar tissue - pentoxoflin to help the skin absorb all the medicines - norisil which is silicon based to help the scar to heal pretty…

Overall I am very happy with it. I still get what I call “repair site tenderness” but not the intense pain flare ups I had last month. I tried going off it for a few days to see if the flare up pain came back and it did, so I know the stuff is working. The scar itself looks really good, it is less bumpy than it was…the silicone stuff is sup

Donna, how is the compounding cream you started a few weeks ago going? Helping any? I just got some Friday. Baclofen/cyclobenzaprine/ketoprofen/lidocaine

Thanks for the quick response beachy…Here’s fingers crossed to a pain free period of time for you to get some much needed pain relief! If I remember correctly you have a pretty supportive job, I too hope you have a great night!

I don’t have an answer yet as to why they’ve grown back so quickly. They usually don’t give cortisone shots if it can be avoided. I chose to have it done to help with the pain. She doesn’t inject the tendon itself, just the surrounding area. She said it can increase my chance of rupture for the first 2 weeks, which is why she put me back in the boot. Hopefully tonight goes well with work.

So did you ever find out why the bone spurs grew back so fast?…also I thought they didn’t give cortisone shots to the tendon area as it caused ruptures…please straighten me out on that beachy…and as always I admire your tenacity…you do know how to deal, remember to be good to yourself!

Quick update to say that I was discharged from PT today. Since pain is coming from bone spurs, there’s nothing else they can do. I’ll continue to do exercises at home. Cortisone shot has worked wonders, but I know that’s only temporary relief. Going to start back work tomorrow and deal with it.

Sorry to hear Beachy. I really hope you’re able to find a solution that works for you.

I just had a thought about something called heterotopic ossification. It occurs sometimes after tendons are reattached to the bone and I think doctors can treat for it after surgery with injections. Basically it is extra bone formation in the soft tissue. I am not sure if it applies to your circumstance but it could be worth an ask. Have a google first.

Geeze Beachy that sucks! Sorry it’s growing back. Let us know what your Dad’s friend says….no you’re not crazy and anyone who doesn’t live with chronic pain can’t possible “get” it…keep surrounding yourself with those who love you no matter what, that will keep your spirits up during this difficult time.

I’m looking into it. Trying to see what my insurance will cover. I’m so pissed that these spurs have grown back so damn fast! Seems like I’m back where I started.

Edit:
Just spoke with my dad, he has an orthopedic surgeon friend in GA (where I’m from, I currently live in FL). The surgeon’s wife (also his nurse) just called me and I gave her all my info. They’re going to talk it over and call me back.

Hi can you try go to other doc for 2nd opinion?