6-3/4 months: All Clear!
Today I had my 6th and, likely, final appointment with my OS post-ATR surgery. It was very short and rather anti-climactic, but in this case that’s a good thing. My OS had already been briefed by my PT and he did only a quick manual inspection of my Achilles and ROM for his own confirmation. He asked me if I had any concerns and, honestly, I don’t. Everything looks (and feels, and performs) good (well), and he released me without restrictions–no more asterisk on my all clear assessment! He doesn’t need to see me again–unless I want to see him. As I’ve stated before, this has been a traumatic experience for me–but one which has ended (so far) on a positive note and I feel stronger in many ways for meeting the challenge of it all. This blog has been a big part of my recovery and I’ll continue to monitor and share if I think I might be able to help someone else. My best advice to others is to be disciplined about your PT. Take care everyone–may you all come through this as well or better than me.
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Well, this is just wonderful! I’m so glad you can drop the asterix from ‘All Clear’!
I forgot to mention a couple of little things I’m still doing to help my overall recovery at this late stage–both on the advice of my PT: 1) I purchased a foam roller (the Muscle Mauler, but any kind will do) that I use daily along with my stretching–it’s like a self-massage and can be used on nearly every part of your body to loosen-up tight muscles (calves, hamstrings, IT bands, back, etc.), and 2) I now regularly (although not all the time) walk up and down the stairs backwards–it seems weird and is awkward at first, but it’s actually a very good exercise for your lower extremities–including your Achilles.
Congratulations on your recovery! I am almost there. Do not disappear from this site, as I think you have been an inspiration to many with your recovery and good insight and advice.
Very happy for you! Can’t wait until I am given the all clear from my OS! Congrats and thank you for sharing.
Excellent, and congrats!
Various kinds of walking backwards are useful and challenging exercises — way TOO challenging in early stages of recovery. I still walk backwards on hilly roads from time to time. Never tried the stairs though…
Yayhhhhhhhh how happy must you feel. Your dedication to PT has certainly paid of, how I hope I am in the same place in 1.5 months time
Congratulations David! Fantastic news indeed.