6 months in the books (post-surgery)
Starting out on my recovery, I had the intention of documenting on a regular basis. However, it has now been four months since my last update.
Here’s a quick recap of my timeline:
- Early August 2015: rupture, initial consultation.
- +0 weeks: surgery and gravity equinus cast.
- +3 weeks: full weight-bearing on a cast shoe.
- +4 weeks: cast removal and adjustable orthopedic boot.
- +6 weeks: reached plantigrade in orthopedic boot.
- +9 weeks: clearance for shoes.
- +11 weeks: started physical therapy (strength + stretching).
- +16 weeks: end of physical therapy sessions.
The biggest reason for my lack up updates is that after going into shoes, my progression moved to small increments. Early on, I had landmark moments coming every week, and it was worth writing about. Once I hit shoes, a sense of normality returned and my recovery slowed way down. Not complaining, though.
Now at six months post-surgery, I walk as smoothly as I did pre-rupture. However, I’m still not doing much in the running department. Despite weeks of exercises to rebuild my atrophied calf muscle, there’s not yet enough power in my recovering leg to return to jogging or basketball. That’s disappointing, but I am getting stronger and I get the feeling that I’m not far off.
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Good to hear back from you Dave. Are you able to do a single leg raise yet? You are about half way and you will be surprised how much you improve in the next 6 months. Hope it goes well for you. Continue with the eccentric strengthening exercises and walk lots of stairs and hills.
@Stuart — Yes! Thanks for the message. I’ve been working on single-leg calf raises, they are not as pretty as my good leg but getting stronger every day. I will continue with the eccentric exercises and walking!
good to hear from you Dave, we were about the same timeline as far as surgery. sounds like youre doing good, it’s great you are walking so good, jogging isn’t far behind! keep up the good work.