6-month Dr. Visit-Ho Hum, why did I bother?
My doc wanted me back for a 6 month checkup so I just show up for what I am not really sure. After waiting for about 20 minutes the Dr. takes a look and says all looks good and I’m set free. Wa la! That’s it, no party, no celebration, no dancing in the halls, no “you are amazing for making it this far,” nothing, nada, just a mere, “I guess you are set free.” I mean come on people I have survived 6 whole months and I have paid you all thousands of dollars and that’s it? Now don’t get me wrong here, I’m grateful for the excellent medical attention and glad to be recovered–it just seems like there should have been a bit more fan fare. Well one thing I can truly be thankful for is that my injury occurred BEFORE the government takes over the healthcare system. Yikes, that will be a scary day in America. Let’s hope is doesn’t come to that. Well, my ATR friends, thanks for all the great posts and comments–YOU all made a difference for me. Seriously, this blog was a HUGE benefit in my overall recovery. Keep up the faith, you will recover!
August 1st, 2009 at 1:35 am
Hey Bode,
Nice seeing you’re still posting. Today is my 6 months anniversary since the day I ruptured my AT playing basketball.
To celebrate, I’m going back to where I played and ruptured and play again.
My AT is feeling good and even though my left calf is one inch smaller in diameter, it’s enough to get me moving and playing. While I don’t play at the same level, I’m just enjoying the fact I can get some good exercise.
Enough about me, just wondering how you’re doing and while I do agree that going to see the Doctor is pointless, what are your plans for the next 6 months to get your left leg in shape like your right one?
Cheers,
Carl
August 1st, 2009 at 6:57 am
Body / Carl:
Did you guys consider giving basketball up since the injury? I am only 2 days post surgery, but I’m wondering if my love of tennis, basketball, etc. outweighs the risk of doing this again. I’m 49, so maybe the age has something to do with it too. I just cannot imagine going through this multiple times.
Tom
August 1st, 2009 at 8:05 am
Can you comment on the condition of your leg? Any bruising, hematomas, stiffness, flexibility comparisions, etc…?
August 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Hi Carl–You are brave to go back to basketball. As much as I love the game, I am not planning yet another come back. I think I will stick with other sports I also enjoy. I’m in the same boat with my bad AT calf being about 1 inch less than my good leg. I really need a plan. So far I’ve just been riding my bike a lot since PT ended but I really need to do some weights and toe raises, etc. to concentrate on building my calf muscle back.
Hi Tom in Georgia, Yes, I considered giving up basketball–in fact I had given it up for ten years, then went back and on my second day playing full court 5-5 after about 1 hour–pop goes the ATR. So this time around I don’t plan to return to b-ball. Good luck on your recovery–its a long journey–I recommend doing as much as you can at each stage of recovery–all the effort will pay off, but it does take daily effort.
Hi Rho-My AT is thick compared to my other AT which is very thin and flexible-lots of scar tissue. Still have a major scar with a couple of red patches. If I do a bunch of activity on my feet it still gets sore by the end of the day and every morning my AT is stiff when first walking on it. This has been basically the same for the past few months. It seems I have hit yet another plateau and I need to work harder to make improvements. Also, another funny observation is that my ATR area now curves out in the back of my leg vs. the good AT which curves in when comparing side by side. I guess it will be part of my permanent disfigurement from ATR and surgery. Mostly I don’t care how it looks but just want to regain strength and mobility.
All the best to all of you for a full recovery.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Bode,
You may still have swelling which may account for the outward curve. I am certain I still do have swelling as I can feel the difference between the two AT. I still have hematomas from aggresive PT. My orthopedist said that is due to the internal scar tissue breaking down which sounds normal. Strength will come back from using weights but the mobility is what I’m concerned about. He said that at on the average whatever state you’re at the one year mark is where you’ll be forever.
Does anyone out there have a comment on that?
I’m around the 6month mark now, and I certainly don’t feel like I can resume my sports activities. Up to one year I would say.
Rho
December 24th, 2009 at 8:47 am
if your trying to build good quality muscle then cut the running out,eat anything you want the supplements i would use,vit c,liver tablets some amino acids and always a protein drink