BP

Before my re-rupture scare, I felt really uncomfortable walking but this time its easier. But afterwards it does hurt and am still in the boot. Trouble is I was given a trolley instead of crutches so I can’t drive while I need the trolley to get to the car cos once I’m in I can’t get it in. So my goal for now is to be able to walk in the boot to the car.
By the way am I now FWB even if I’m still using the boot? I do need rests though and applying my compression wrap a lot in between walking periods.
Have a good Christmas everyone! No getting drunk and re-rupturing!

I am so pleased to see that the swelling is somewhat normal - as I am experiencing it too and was getting concerned. - At 7 weeks and 2 days post op - I am getting swelling too at the end of the day and my heel/ankle does feel warm too (inflammation?)
But sounds like you are doing good - so carry on with the same I reckon

I start with a slightly bigger foot and it grows at least a few inches over the day.
I know I need to elevate it more but I don’t.

You can try contracting your calf muscle 20 times every hour on the hour, this acts like a pump and should help to push the swelling up.

I’m very happy you posted about your swelling… because I’m 5 weeks post-op and that’s been my biggest concern. I did not expect my foot to still be swollen this far after surgery. I now wear a tight fitting tube sock. That , elevating and massaging seem to help.

Indeed you are doing well at 9 weeks.
The swelling is supposed to be normal - but if it gets double the size that I find too much… Maybe you should reduce the time you spend on your foot. Whenever you sit - elevate it. The heel does not feel warm or painful - meaning no inflammation? Too much swelling slows down the healing.

I am 10 weeks and I get swelling, too. Doc suggested and gave me an anti-embolism stocking. PT also told me that as my calf muscle became more engaged/stronger the circulation and return would improve and swelling would lessen. Also, elevation and ice work wonders. Over the last week, it has gotten much better. Now my foot/toes don’t get huge but I get a cankle. Good luck.
K.

Yeah I had the same problem with swelling until maybe 11 weeks out. Even now I’m 14 weeks out and still get a little swelling but nothing like it used to be as you describe. It will get better with time…

Hang in there. It is a mental challenge for sure.

Congrats! Jealous is an understatement.

Congratulations bprice. I get my cast off in the morning. Sounds like I will be getting the boot as well.. I plan on ditching the crutches tomorrow. I too have been cheating a bit and started light PWB at three weeks.

Well I have been PWb for about two weeks, although I wasn’t supposed to be.

Wow, you went right from the cast and crutches to FWB in one shot? Were you PWB before getting the cast off? Being able to wash your leg again is a wonderful thing. Congratulations.

Brad,

It also depends on the type of boot you get. I was given a boot where the boot they were able to adjust the angle so no insert was needed. I think they adjusted it twice before I went FWB and was at 90deg..

Joe

Hey Brad- if you go from cast to boot, the boots tend to come with some pads for your heel. I initially found, tho, that those pads weren’t enough and folded up a sock for under the pads. That ended up feeling too hard, so I bought some Dr. Scholl’s heel pad/arch support inserts (I was gellin’). That made things much more bearable. Once I got out of the boot, I transferred the inserts to my shoes - although I’ve stopped needing those anymore. Good luck, Ron

the only discomfort i felt around a month post op was from the scar, i took the doctors advise and kept it foot non-weight bearing. for some reason the doctor didn’t put me in a walking boot, i went right to a sneaker, with an orthotic. i have another appointment next week, and i’ll be sure to ask him. i found the more questions i ask the orthopedic, the more animated he becomes more in my visits.

for carrying my own coffee in the morning i’ll use a travel mug that seals up, put it in my pocket, and use my crutches to get into the living room.

Just take it slow and easy. Only real harm could come from a trip or fall where you know what foot you will slam down to try to catch your self…I get my cast off tomorrow–hoping to go to boot and a little more freedom.

BP - time to line up some things to look forward to. Needn’t be anything spectacular: friends round for beer and pizza, meal out with someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with for ages but haven’t got round to it, that sort of thing.
Go watch a game - you have a proper sporting injury and will be greeted as a hero who doesn’t let a stupid ruptured tendon keep him away.
If you view this is as a prison sentence that is exactly how it will feel. Everyone assumes you are confined to the sofa of misery - prove them wrong.
And as for upper-body workout, going out on crutches takes some beating. I’m a skinny little thing but now I have the shoulders of Michael Phelps. He wants them back.
Smoley

The month in the hard cast is the hardest. It’s when despair and boredom starts to set in.. I’m almost past my 2nd week in the hard-cast (4 weeks post surgery) and I’m going crazy as well. I still have 2 more weeks before I get switched to a boot. Now I’m just trying to stay optimistic and hope the days pass quickly.
Good luck with your recovery!

I go tomorrow to get stitches out and a new cast. I am waiting to see how long I have to keep the new cast on. Man, I sure hope it is not like 6 weeks. I am going stir crazy and it has only been 2 1/2 weeks since surgery.

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