Hi fellow ATR”rs
It has been 20 weeks and I have been traveling like a migratory bird. Two weeks ago me and two other VPs literarly circumnavigated the globe in 8.5 days for a series of meetings with employees regarding the economic crises. We figured we spent 47 hours in the air and 30 hours in airports and taxis. The change in air pressure wrecked havoc on my tendon. I would ice on the plane and every time I got to the hotel but it really was swollen and sore. I had PT the day I got back and it was only 1 cm smaller then my first trip to the PT. Took us a week to get it back to pre-trip levels. (I am still about 1.5 cm swollen on the ATR leg vs. the other).
My physician is a “let’s not push it and get you back to game ready ” so I will not start running until mid-january. He and my PT have me on a lot of calf raises, squats (no weight), heel raises, and stretches, both in a pool and out of the pool. We spend about an hour a week just walking without a limp in the pool.
I can walk, very slowly, without a limp, in the morning. By noon I am noticiably limping and by day’s end, huge limp and a lot of pain. I am thankful that I am finally out of pain all day. Next is a whole day pain free. I guess that will come soon enough.
Great site for motivation and support. Someone posted a hot/cold pack by AcuLife called 360 Therapy Brace. I called my PT and she recommends it for ease of use. She also noted that my ice pack is better because I can get it colder (she has me add lots of ice, a little water, and some rock salt to lower the freezing point).
I went to Florida (from California) last week. Back to California for 2 days, then Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and now I am visiting family in Shreveport LA before heading to California for 3 days. Then Singapore, Japan, and Australia before coming home for Thanksgiving. My wife is happy about all the frequent flier miles. She wants to use them at Christmas.
Heal well. Don’t push to hard. Keep motiviated and don’t get too down (especially you guys and gals that are in the early weeks).
Take Care
Dr. Leo
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November 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pm - Edit
Dr Leo,
Blimey !! you get around a bit - you’re not a spy are you? Tee hee. However can’t you send us all some pictures of these fab places you are visiting?
I’ve just read your post to my wife who commented about me moaning about having to travel to see friends tonight (about 10 miles!)
Cheers
Richard
November 14th, 2008 at 6:18 pm - Edit
I’m also 20 weeks post-op; I walk better, with almost no limp or pain, AFTER I get going in the AM. Strange that it is the opposite with you? Of course, I don’t overdo it; I take it downright easy. No travelling the world! Just driving a tourbus around the SF Bay is enough for me - let the travellers come to me! Today’s long walk in Muir Woods got better and better - kind of slow at first.
Mary
November 16th, 2008 at 9:47 pm - Edit
Hi Richard and Mary,
If I can figure out how to post Pictures I will. I have some beautiful shots of Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and China.
Do you know how? Do I need to add something to up load?
Mary, I wake up fine. A little stiff, but not sore at all. All are a little different. I had torn my Achilles tendon at the bottom (by my heel and up by my calf (where it spreads out and enters the muscle) so maybe that is why.
Road a stationary bike this afternoon. Felt fine and then hurting toninght.
Take care