Jul

1

2 shoes… Freedom and swelling

July 1, 2013 | | 3 Comments

I got the ok to toss the boot at the 9 week mark, last Friday.  So nice to be able to just get up and help out again.  Still have a little limp going, but mostly doing ok except I do get quite a bit of swelling in my foot and leg by the end of the day.  I might be pushing it a bit too hard, so I will discuss this with my PT later today.  My scar took a long time to heal to the point that I was allowed to go into the water, didn’t get that until just about the 8 week mark.  I now find that swimming is really comfortable although I need to be careful not to push off.

I’m interested to hear from others about their swelling for the first week of 2 shoes.  It was such a huge relief to get off crutches, and would be just as big of one on 2 shoes if it wasn’t for the swollen foot issues.  When I wake up in the AM my feet look close to the same, but by the end of the day not so much.

Jun

5

June 5, 2013 | | 1 Comment

It has been awhile since my last update.  Recovery is going well.  Here’s a summary of my recovery.  Based on a second opinion I had the surgery on April 26th.  The surgery was bit more extensive than the surgeon expected as the tear ends on both sides were more like spaghetti and he needed to take a graph from my calf.  I was told that it was a very good thing that the surgery was done as the damage was more severe than what was thought based on the MRI.  First week post surgery was fairly painful, but got myself off the meds by day 4.  Needed to keep my leg elevated most of the time or my toes would quickly turn purple.  Did manage to go on a business trip 9 days post op.  Not the most fun, but made it through ok…  I have to give Delta airlines lots of good press, they really were helpful in working with me.

I got my staples out at week 2 and then was re-casted with foot only tilted about 10 deg down, got cast off at five week mark.  Now I’m in a walking boot with no lifts and PWB.  Started PT today and feeling pretty good.  Hopefully get to dump the crutches in the next week.  I’m so sick of the crutches as I have been on them now for almost 8 weeks.  I lost two weeks by not having surgery right away, but needed to delay due to vacation. Pain isn’t too bad now and looking forward to keep progressing through PT. Expect to be FWB by week 7.

I have been fortunate to have a surgeon (he is a friend of a co-worker) that has taken the time with me and answer all my questions.  He is well aware of all the treatment options, but has outlined a good plan tailored to me.  I won’t be playing sports for quite some time, but hopefully will be two shoes before the 10 week mark.

Jun

5

6 week update and photo

June 5, 2013 |  Tagged | 3 Comments

Zipper leg

Zipper leg at 2 weeks

Apr

27

Family vacation 2 days after injury

April 27, 2013 | | 4 Comments

1st blog…
Might be a bit long, but I will try to make it interesting and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
My name is Dick (DJ), I’m a 48 year old man with a good career, fantastic wife and two great daughters (14 and 12).  I am a sports fanatic and play everything from hoop, hockey, flag football, skiing, golf, volleyball, etc.  I live in CT and on April 12th I joined the community of ATR.  Here’s my story.
Tore my left one playing basketball at the YMCA.  Similar story to most, felt like I heard a gun shot in my head and got kicked and quickly new what it was as I have heard of others that had it happen to them.  Adding to my frustration was that I was taking the family on vacation in just two days that we had planned for 6 months and didn’t want to ruin it for them.  Plus the fact that I told my wife I wasn’t going to play that day as she didn’t want to risk me getting hurt.  Long story short the docs gave me the ok and we still went on vacation to St Thomas and made the most of it.  The kids had a great time and I made it through very well considering I was on crutches and splinted with no option to swim.   I will leave out the details of the trip that include putting my butt in the pool with my new iPhone in my pocket, the broken crutch (side note: the Kmart on St Thomas sells nice crutches for $53), and the villa we were staying at was on the 3rd and 4th floor without elevator…  all fun stories to tell that i will save for later.
Injury details:
- MRI… Complete rupture up closer to calf muscle, separation was less than 10mm
- Doctors inputs… The first ER doctor that took a look at the MRI, was hopeful as she didn’t see an obvious tear, radiologist came back with full tear, 1st orthopedic surgeon gave the a non surgical advise, based on location, amount of separation and the latest research that he was aware of.  I got a second opinion from a highly recommended sports orthopedic surgeon to take the vacation and he would see me when I got back and determine best route forward.  I also consulted with my primary doctor who happen to tear his just a year ago and did have surgery.
Actions taken…  - Splinted with toes slightly down position and no weight bearing.  upon return from trip saw second surgeon and he reviewed MRI in detail and we spent quite a bit of time on the options and chose surgical approach.  had surgery yesterday…  14 days after injury, but was the best we could do given the situation.

At home now and the nerve block is wearing off, experiencing decent amount of pain (5 or 6) and taking vicoden and elevating constantly…  going ok.  Feel bad for my wife as she is doing everything, which used to be my job:)

Sorry for long note, but I have lots to say.  Please feel free to join in on my blog…  I’m hoping that it will be a combination of sharing info, learning from each other, and maybe a laugh or two…  My goals are to fully recover as quickly and safely as possible, and to do everything to not re-injure or tear the other one.   Got to go, my wife just came in from running the dog - never thought I would miss running.

DJ


    • dj22 has completed the grueling 26.2 ATR miles to full recovery!
      Goal: 365 days from the surgery date.
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