It goes like this. I was not really a couch potato: I walk, bike and hike frequently and far. I do have a desk job, so I decided to get back in shape. Around July I start working out several times a week. In September I start playing soccer and finally I quit smoking around game 1. By game five, I was having so much fun. Lungs were clearing up, legs were strong, and I could run again!
Second half, I’m getting cramping and ankles are hurting. Maybe I should sub out?
Too much fun, play harder! Thinking about subbing, but we are dominating the game. I need to cover a spot off to my right, turn directions to sprint … Pop, I’m on the ground, and that is the end of my short return to soccer.
After wild speculation about why I couldn’t put weight on my leg, some buddies took me to the ER. I am the cliche of the weekend warrior. A 30 something, once athletic guy longing for his glory days. Perhaps I shall be a less ambitious soccer player for the 2009 season.
(We won the game, by the way!)
Here are a few tidbits that I didn’t know about Achilles tendon ruptures (this injury appears to vary from case to case):
- There is a pop, but it is not necessarily loud. I heard mine go, but no-one else did.
- Some say it’s painful. I have occasional onslaughts of severe pain that go away rapidly with elevation and ice. In a week, I’ve resorted to over the counter ibuprofen once, and I’m not particularly stoic.
- Not all medical professionals can diagnosis it well - and amateurs certainly can not. Ignore your buddies on the field / court. We went through a first responder (off duty guy who happened to be near soccer field) and even triage nurse before diagnosis: My ability to wiggle my toes and only moderate pain led some astray. The doctor walked in, gave the classic Simmons test, and diagnosed. However, neither of the doctors had any doubt that the tendon is gone.
- My medical insurance pays 90% of surgery …. which I thought look good. 90% of a lot is still a lot.
Information I’m trying to hunt down.
Experiences with non -surgical recovery. The doctor recommends surgery, but it will be difficult to manage a week of uselessness + my 10% “co-insurance”.
Dealing with all the secondary pain: crutch sores and tweaked backs from picking up stuff while leaning over stuff.
How do you chase a two year old on 1 foot? There’s no chance of catching my four year old.
Logistics: How soon do people go back to work after surgery?