Good morning all!
I was much relieved to have had a decent nights sleep last night and pain is much lessened now. Still really awkward adjusting to daily activities, trying to travel with a cup of coffee on one leg, large flight of stairs in the am, answering the door etc etc. Now more dwelling on the consequences of the injury and worries re recovery and whether I’ll be able to run, climb and play sports. Generally had a positive experience of treatment so far. Perhaps it helps to be in the medical profession but in some ways difficult being on the “other side”. Theatre staff were hilarious saying “you’re all ours now!!” with a smirk. Should have really asked for a video of procedure but perhaps not for the nervous, although I notice that there are some links to U tube etc on here. Quite bizarre feeling from a spinal, really get an insight into losing lower limb function and all the feelings of helplessness and vunerability. At the moment just wondering about how to handle a return to work and when to try. Feel really guilty about being away and having partners and staff working to cover me. Must say everyone has been really understanding. So grateful that I don’t have any other health probs to deal with as well. I’ve trying to work out some exercises to stay fit, perhaps press ups?, stretching etc.Must say it’s really helpful reading some of the other posts and advice, all seem really sensible. It does seem that eveyones problems and recovery times and issues are different, much as you would expect. Certainly here we use “expert patients” to help others understand their health probs and educate and support and this site is a perfect illustration of that. Anyhow the sun is shining here and the leaves are glorious on the trees today, the papers have arrived, but just how to carry them is a teaser !!.Thanks again for the messages, hope you all have a good day and make a step closer to full fitness. Regards to all.
Hi Mark, Daz here from West Midlands.
Yep, crutches, carry items, feeling guilty about work, trying to do some form of exercise and trying to get a good nights sleep……………had all those in the last two weeks.
I have purchased a pair of 5lb dumbbells to get my upper body working out a bit and also to get the blood pumping around my body. I won’t try any exercises until i have been back for my two week post op check up(tomorrow) I’ll wait to see what the consultant says about my heeling and take it from there.
As for work, well wait till you see your consultant, I feel really bad about all the work i am leaving others to try and cope with but………..your leg is more important than work and you health also, don’t rush and put your recovery back weeks.
Take you time.
I have a page on my blog for all UK ATR sufferers to leave notes on their NHS experiences and treatments, feel free to leave a post or two. You above all other may find it quite interesting.
http://achillesblog.com/dazfones/uk-atr/
Hey Dr Mark,
You were lucky to get to 46! This was going to be my swansong season for our first team, at 32 I thought it was about time to let the whippersnappers take up the reigns.
You’ll now be joining me on the sidelines, watching with a beer in hand.
Dr Mark and Jon,
Rugby Union - don’t you just love it!! - I was finished at 36 by a cruciate ligament rupture (inflicted by my own clumsy idiot of an outside centre).You’ll find it hard being this side of the white line(obviously you’ll have to drink your way through it) and it won’t be long before you find yourself saying those immortal words “well in my day”
Cheers
Richard
I was watching our side play Saturday along with all the other ‘casualties’ and we were trying to decide if we could set up a sort of paralimpic team. Between us there were me (ATR), 2 dislocated shoulders, one cruciate ligament, one groin strain and dead leg….and you’re right Rich it was horrible having to watch. Might go into coaching.
Thanks guys for the comments, yes must be middle aged crisis but at least got two scores before disaster,shame as I’m not the oldest and worked hard to get a reasonable level of fitness.the consensus is I should give up now as had a ulna collateral ligament repair at the end of last season (thumb) which cost another 6 weeks of hassle.Some unprintable comments from mates about being a #**#.Told in no uncertain terms should stick to golf?? and drinking.!!Perhaps take up something soft like American football ( ducks in anticipation)