Want me out of the boot at ten weeks - too soon!
September 18, 2008 by catnboot
When I saw the doctor yesterday (8 weeks 2 days post op) he said that I am to take the last wedge out this Sunday and the following Sunday ditch the boot for an “airtrainer” - or something like that and go to two shoes. The “trainer” is a compression sock with a wedge at the heel. Doesn’t look very supportive to me. I will be at 10 weeks at that time.
Since I a rerupture and since the rerupture occurred the last time they took me out of the boot I am scared. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. Doesn’t this seem too soon? I want to wait until 12 weeks at least. Are there bad consequences for staying in the boot too long? I just may not be a good patient — and refuse to leave the boot.
Catnboot,
Did you ask the doctor if you could stay in the boot, perhaps just during the day or when you have to go out, I cannot see any reason why you can’t but as I was in a cast for 10 weeks I’m not sure whether the boot is better or worse than a cast. I must say being in the cast for 10 weeks is a long time but you really do feel completely secure, even when you get a knock you know it is safe.
My consultant insists everyone of his patients is in a cast for 9 or 10 weeks at least. Seems everyone is different. I you feel you need the security of the boot do ask for a couple of more weeks.
Good luck
Annie
Hey there! I support you in stayin in the boot until you feel comfortable. Your Dr. has a lot of patients and he cares about them, but he doesn’t care as much about your leg as you do. So, keep doing as you are doing and take your time. I know my ortho kept saying, “oh, you can do calf raises, walk without a boot, etc.” I went a lot of what my rehab people were saying and how I was feeling. So, what my Dr. said was on one ear out the other and I went at my own pace. Hang in there! You’re doing a great job!
Just to to add my 2 cents…my doc is taking a VERY conservative approach (I’m a re-rupture and have a wound complication): I only started FWB at 11 week and he cleared me to go into two shoes after 13 weeks post-op. But it’s probably more out of concern for the wound than the tendon. I have been doing a lot of out-of-boot ROM exercises and it feels good.
I share your trepidation about this next “step” but feel that I am ready for it. At this point, I think half the battle is the mental side (at least, I hope). I agree with Kristin and suggest you take it at the pace you are comfortable with.
My doc had me in a cast for 10 weeks and the boot for another 2.5 so I don’t see any reason for you to rush. I have been 2 shoes for a week and a half now, but used my boot all weekend while out of town at my husbands ball tournament (200 teams, people everywhere), and while gardening in the back yard. better safe than sorry.