I went into see the doctor today, it’s been 2 weeks, 1 day since the surgery.
The nurse removed the cast, and I finally got to see my left heel, stitches and all. Here is a nice picture of it:
It was a relief to have the cast off since I was able to scratch regions around the incision. It’s been bugging me for a couple of days.
The nurse removed the stitches, and it was painful, but manageable. This is how it looked:
Overall my heel looked good, and luckily there was no infection in the incision area.
I waited a few more minutes and the physician’s assistant walked in. I was hoping to see the surgeon, but he was busy. The PA recommended 3 more weeks of cast in neutral position (90 degrees) allowing for about 20 - 30 lbs of weight bearing.
This is my new cast. I don’t think it’s quite 90 degrees, but close enough.
After that, I’ll be moving into a CAM boot with steadily increasing weight bearing until it’s full weight bearing with the brace in the 2 week time frame.
Normal shoes at 8 week mark.
I asked the PA about early weight bearing protocol, and he advised against it. He didn’t give me any concrete reasons why, admitting that the rupture rates are not any worse according to some reviews.
I also asked if I could go into a CAM boot right away, but he recommended that I don’t since people get tempted to take the boot off and if you get sloppy, you might hurt yourself while you have the boot off. As for the cast, it’s on for good, and from the doctors’ perspective, they can be sure that I won’t be hopping around without the boot.
I thought about it some more and decided that I didn’t feel comfortable with the strength of my achilles tendon now anyway, so I asked that I be put in a cast for 2 weeks, and then I’ll move into a CAM boot. The PA said that was a good compromise, and the nurse put on another fiberglass cast on me.
I also asked the assistant if I could see the doctor, but he said that the surgeon was in surgery, and if I really wanted to see him then I would have to wait for a while. I did see the surgeon walking around before, and he did see a few other patients, but I suppose the timing didn’t work out.
I’ll make sure that I see the doctor next time.
I guess this doctor’s recovery protocol is moderately conservative, and I am not in a cast for too long. I am happy with partial weight bearing for now.
Earlier, my friend advised me to get a copy of the Operative Report and Discharge Summary, so I asked for it. The PA said that there was no discharge summary since it was an outpatient surgery, and he was happy to make a copy of the Operative Report for me. After a couple of minutes, he handed me a copy of the Operative Report, and he also filled out my temporary handicap permit form that I brought with me.
Overall I was happy with the visit since the incision is healing nicely, and I am at the partial weight bearing stage. Two more weeks in a cast, and then I should be able to slowly walk in the CAM boot.
Apparently Krackow suture is the type of suturing that they used. I’ll have to look it up to learn a little more about it.
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19 responses so far ↓
1 Herb // Feb 27, 2008 at 1:09 am
Wow! They already put your foot in a neutral position? That’s fantastic, I hope my ortho follows the same protocol as yours. I see the ortho this friday and I believe he will only change the bandages because its only been a week, casting will come the week after. But, I’m currious to see how long he will have me in a cast, and at what angle. I do remember him telling me no weight bearing for 6 weeks, so I guess he’s also relatively conservative.
I’ve been ordered to stay at home for the next 14 days, and I’m going stir crazy! Dennis thanks again for having this website, it helps keep me sane.
2 dennis // Feb 27, 2008 at 11:54 am
Herb, I think it’s great that your doctor wants to see you after just one week. This way, if there are any complications (not likely), he can catch it right away. So you are not in a cast right now?
If so, I think he was very cautious being wary of swelling and infection. If you are in a cast right after the surgery, if there are complications and lots of swelling, then you’d be in a lot of pain and agony.
I like his approach, since it seems like he’s being cautious in case of any complications with the surgery.
3 Herb // Feb 27, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Dennis, i had my surgery on Feb. 22nd and they put me in a splint to allow for swelling. When I go in on Friday, they’ll probably change the bandages and take a look at the incision to ensure all is well. i’m really not looking forward to the cast as it is heavier and ichting may be an issue…but i’ll live.
Tom, I was also considering the percutaneous repair, but opted out because it would have been considered as a out of network expense. It sounds like you’re pretty happy so far with the outcome….glad to hear it. I was reading that no general anesthetic is required and the rehabilitation program is accelarated with this procedure. Keep us updated on your recovery, I’m curious to see if I made a mistake by not going with this procedure.
4 gtpotts // Jul 7, 2013 at 7:35 pm
I can honestly say that all of these comments are interesting and much appreciated. Sharing of these experiences helps me place a mental and physical framework around what I should be expecting and the intended timeline - although it seems to vary physician to physician.
5 gtpotts // Jul 7, 2013 at 7:47 pm
So I am a 55 year old “active” guy who tore his Achilles on June 14, 2013 playing hoops with several guys from work during our lunch hour. Same guys that I have been doing boot camps, PX90 sessions, body sculpting and kick boxing sessions with for over five years now! So now that my worst nightmare has been realized and my prognostications of “It’ll never happen to me!!” has become reality, moving forward toward full recovery is my main focus. Basketball can be done as far as
I am concerned but returning to full health and the things that I really enjoy, like golf and working out has to remain part of the equation. I had the surgery on June 27 and am scheduled to see the surgeon again on July 12th. I am hopeful that the next phase would be to have the stitches removed and then possibly be fitted into a cast or other aid with foot at 90 degrees! That may be ambitious and I know not to set myself up for disappointment! Anyway thanks to all of you guys and gals out there, I really appreciate your thoughts and guidance as I go down the recovery path! May God Bless you all !!
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12 Spine Specialist Adelaide // Jun 8, 2023 at 11:39 pm
On the 18th day after his Achilles tendon surgery, Dennis had an appointment to have his stitches removed and a new cast fitted, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey. As he entered the sterile environment of the medical facility, he felt anxious yet hopeful about the progress he had made thus far. With his leg carefully positioned, the medical professional delicately removed each stitch, taking care to ensure that the wound remained clean and free from infection.
13 Dental Crowns Willoughby // Jun 9, 2023 at 12:27 am
The new cast provided additional support and protection to his injured tendon, facilitating the healing process and reducing the risk of reinjury. Overall, this experience highlights the resilience and determination of individuals who undergo such challenging injuries, showing the power of physical and mental strength in the face of adversity.
14 Best Home Builders Brisbane // Jun 9, 2023 at 1:06 am
The entire process must have felt like a real sense of progress, as Dennis went from having open wounds on his leg to a clean and freshly-cast limb. With each milestone in his recovery, Dennis must have felt a sense of pride and relief as he moved closer and closer to optimal health and back to his normal way of life. Through his blog, readers were able to share in his triumphs, and be inspired by his resilience and determination.
15 Electrician Victoria Point // Jun 9, 2023 at 1:58 am
After undergoing surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon, Dennis eagerly awaited the day when his stitches could be removed and his cast could be changed; on the 18th day after his operation, he finally got his wish, as he made his way to the doctor’s office to have his stitches taken out and his cast replaced with a new one.
16 Luxury Homes Karrinyup // Jun 10, 2023 at 12:24 am
On Day 18 of his recovery journey after surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture, Dennis wrote a blog post about getting his stitches removed and getting a new cast fitted for his foot. In the comments section of his post, a fellow Achilles tendon rupture survivor shared their own experience, stating that they found the removal of the stitches to be quite painless, though their new cast was initially uncomfortable until they adjusted to it.
17 10kW Solar System Sydney // Jun 10, 2023 at 12:59 am
On the 18th day post-Achilles surgery, Dennis shared in his blog post on Achillesblog.com that he underwent the removal of his stitches and had a new cast put on. In the accompanying comment section, his readers expressed encouragement and support as he continued through his healing journey.
18 Electrician North Perth // Jun 10, 2023 at 1:35 am
He had been anticipating this day since his surgery and couldn’t wait to see how much progress had been made. Although the removal of the stitches was a bit uncomfortable, he was relieved to have them out. The new cast was a refreshing change from the old, worn one that he had been wearing for quite some time.
19 building inspections port stephens // Jun 10, 2023 at 7:24 am
On this blog post, the author Dennis describes his experience of removing the stitches and getting a new cast on day 18 after his Achilles tendon surgery. He goes into detail about the process and how he felt during the procedure. Dennis starts off by explaining that he was nervous about getting his stitches removed, even though he had been looking forward to it. He describes the previous weeks as “tedious” and “boring”, with very little to do besides rest and elevate his leg.
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