5 Year Anniversary

Posted on May 15th, 2014 by edforman

I have no clue what made me find this site again, but I cam across it today.  That made me go back and look at my calendar and realize that I am 2 days short of 5 years since the AT rupture.  So where are we?  While the range of motion on the “bad” leg is still not 100% the same as on the “good” one, it does not impact me AT ALL.  I can run.  I can play any sport I want to play.  I can ice skate.  I have hiked up Mt. Washington.  So, for those of you in the trenches, you will be fine.

The AT is still “thicker” than the non-ruptured one and I can still feel the area through the skin that was torn (still some jagged edges on the tendon I guess).  The scar is still REALLY ugly but I blame my surgeon for that (and I don’t really care).

About 2 years ago I had a scare when, playing softball (again), something popped on my OTHER leg getting out of the batter’s box.  At first I thought Oh no, here we go again.  Then I was in denial - if I don’t get it checked, it can’t be ruptured.  Then I convinced myself that it was too high up to be the AT - must be a partial calf tear.  Thankfully, that’s what it was.  I was out of commission for 6 weeks or so, but it was not an AT rupture…

My advice to those of you dealing with this now?  WORK YOUR A$$ OF AT PT.  Get as much PT done as you possibly can and go as many times a week as you can.  The more you can get done in those first couple of months after the cast comes off, the better.  Also, even after PT, keep up weight training on your legs.  Leg presses and leg curls can really make a difference in keeping the legs strong and able to resume and maintain normal activity.

Anyone who has anything specific - please do reach out, but best of luck to all of you.

Ed

6 Comments »

It does get better

Posted on April 3rd, 2012 by edforman

It has now been over 3 years since my achilles rupture and surgery. I haven’t been on this site in well over a year - mostly because I DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT MY ACHILLES ANY MORE!! Yes, to those just starting out or rehabbing, you will get there. I lead a full active life - I run (though I have been quite delinquent lately), I play softball, I walk perfectly normally and, other than a really ugly 6 inch long incision scar and the occasional strained feeling in my calf, all is perfectly normal. I even partially tore the calf muscle last summer playing softball (same way I tore the AT) and, although there was momentary panic, I quickly determines it was higher up, not the AT, and got back to normal activity within a couple of weeks.

So, hang in there, keep rehabbing, and you will get there!!

Ed

7 Comments »

2:29:58!!!!

Posted on April 8th, 2010 by edforman

For all of you who are starting your rehab or thinking that you can’t possibly recover from this devistating injury, let me update you on my progress.

Some background - I am a 41 yr old somewhat overweight typical weekend warrior who ruptured my AT playing softball in May 2008 (some 22 months ago or so). I had never run more than 4 miles before the rupture, and, although I always enjoyed running, the tendonosis that preceded my rupture for 4 years wouldn’t allow that.

Now fastforward to a few months back - I continued running after completing physical therapy - all on a treadmill, and had this hairbrain idea to run a half-marathon. I entered the lottery for the NYC half-marathon, and was filled with both excitement and fear when I got in to the race. So March 21 was circled on my calendar.

Training went ok - got up to about 9 miles - but all on the treadmill. Even 18 months post-ATR, given all the rain and snow we had in the northeast this winter, I was afraid to run outside - one slip and who knows. Then work got busy and training took a back seat. Then, a week before the race, for the first time in my life I got back spasms and could barely walk. So, there I was on the night before the race, not knowing if I would be able to race and not having run for almost 2 weeks.

Woke up early Sunday morning to a perfect 50 degree day and decided to give it a shot. I donned my achillesblog t-shirt and headed into Manhattan. 16,000 runners lined up in Central Park and I was insanely nervous. The gun went off and off I went. I was running outdoors for the first time in over 5 years - and it was a 13.1 mile race. The first 6 miles were actually pretty ok (other than going out too fast in mile 1 and the 2 nasty hills in Central Park). Mile 7 was all about getting out of the park and seeing my wife and 2 of my kids who were waiting for me on 7th avenue as I exited the park. If I knew how to upload pics, I would upload the picture of me running towards them. Running through Times Square and seeing myself on the Jumbotron as I ran through was a hoot - and I got to mile 9 in decent shape. The last 4.1 miles were hell. I walked a lot of it - every time my calf twinged, I was afraid I would get a cramp or worse yet tear something. As I got to the last mile, I looked at my watch and realized that I was within striking distance of 2 1/2 hours - the outside range of what I was shooting for (I wanted 2:10, but would settle for 2:30). I willed my body to run the last kilometer, crossed the finish line, stopped my stopwatch, and saw 2:30:01. If I missed by one second, I was going to strangle someone. Thankfully, my official time was actually 2:29:58 - I made it! I cried tears of joy as I crossed the line and said a silent thank you to my physical therapist. The next few days were tough - joints hurt, muscles ached, but the AT felt great all the way through.

So I guess the message is that this injury, as horrible and debilitating as it is, can be a good thing. Anyone who wants to join me running my next half marathon, just let me know - hey, we can run in our AchillesBlog t shirts and raise some money for charity - any takers??

Happy healing everyone!

Ed

3 Comments »

Training for a Half-Marathon??

Posted on December 30th, 2009 by edforman

Been several months since I posted - I am now about 18 months post surgery.  I have been running (exclusively on a treadmill for now) with increasing intensity over the last few months.  I am now running about 4.5 miles at about a 9:40 pace 3x/week.  By the way, I have NEVER run this far before IN MY LIFE.  Even before my tendonosis began 5 yeas ago, I would run 2-3 miles, at most.  I am LOVING running like I have never loved exercise before!

I got this crazy thought that I would run a half-marathon.  So, today, I entered the lottery for the NYC half marathon in March.  This will mean upping the distance about 1 mile/week.

The achilles actually feels great - stiff before I stretch it and still very thick, but no pain or discomfort.  The biggest challenge is my calves.  They do tighten up from time to time and I need to ice them and stretch them a lot.  The other benefit is that I seem to have dropped about 10 pounds in the last few weeks - still want to lose 20 more…

I was going to run a 5K this Friday for my first outdoor running, but it is supposed to rain/snow and I DON’T want to risk slipping and injuring myself.

Bottom line, for all of you in the thick or rehab (or waiting to start), keep on plugging away - you WILL get there!

I am hoping my next post is the time I finished my 13.1 miles in March - am I out of mymind????

Ed

3 Comments »

Hike up Mt. Mansfield

Posted on August 26th, 2009 by edforman

Another milestone - we are vacationing in Smugglers Notch, VT this week.  My son, daughter and I signed up for a guided hike up Mt. Mansfield, highest summit in VT at 4,300 feet and change.  I have summitted five 4,000 ft peaks in my life.  The last one was Whiteface in NY, after which I started feeling the first twinges in my AT (5 yrs ago).  So this was especially meaningful to me.

We woke up in the AM to a cloudy overcast day.  My daughter promptly rolled over and went back to bed.  My son and I decided to brave the elements and go for it.  It was scheduled to be a 6 hr hike.  The ascent was much more of a cardio issue than AT issue for me, but man did it stretch that AT, calves and hammies.  The ascent included hiking up some pretty steep ski trails at Stowe.  Nasty.

We got to the shelter that was at 3,800 ft. at the tree line and the guides decided that because of the steady rain that had been falling and the 25 mph winds, we better give up on our summit plans.  Instead, they led us onto the Cliff Trail, which had the roughest terrain I have EVER experienced (and I have hiked a fair amount).  The rain made it even more treacherous.  I was so careful with each and every foothold.  I certianly had my slips and falls and have the bruises to prove it, but at the end of the day, I made it!  6 hours; over 2,200 vertical feet of climb; and the absolute most challenging hike I have ever experienced.  I was slower and more deliberate than I have ever been, but that is a good thing.

For the first time, I feel healed.  If I can do this, I can do anything- and so can all of you!

P.S. - one of the guides had an MCL replacement last year and when I told her I had an ATR all she said was, wow, I’m glad I didn’t have THAT!

Ed

5 Comments »

Preparing for my first 5K????

Posted on August 11th, 2009 by edforman

SInce I haven’t posted much recently, a brief overview.  ATR was almost 15 months ago.  Rehab was fine (well, it was long, arduoud and painful, but its always easier through the rear view mirror) until I hurt my knee about 4 months ago.  Recently was able to get back to the gym.  Now, I am a 40 year old 200+ pound (not saying how much the “+” represents) who does not look like a runner.  I have run in the past, but for the 5 years before my ATR, I had tendonosis and couldn’t really run.  Over the last year, I have been using the treadmill both for cardio and to rehab the AT.

Back in PT 9 months ago, my PT recommended alternating 1 minute runs with 1 minute brisk walks, and then slowly extending to 2 and 1, etc.  Recently, I have been comfortably doing 3 minute runs (at 6 mph) alternating with 1 minute walks (at 4 mph), covering roughly 2 miles at a pop.  In general, it feels ok, other than my calves (yes both the ATR calf and the “good” one) tightening up to a degree.  Last night a strange thing happened.  After my first “walk,” I just kept running.  3 minutes became 5.  5 minutes became 8.  I looked down at the timer on the treadmill and thought to myself, I can just go all the way to 20 minutes.  And I did!  15 minutes of consecutive running for the first time in probably 6-7 years!  Had the gym not been full, I would have raised my arms and let out a victory scream.  I settled for a smile and a subtle fist pump.

So I got to thinking - how cool would it be for me to run a race (wearing my Achillesblog t shirt OF COURSE).  I hit the internet and found a 5K run in Paramus, NJ (5 minutes away) on October 19th.  2 months to get up to 3.2 miles comfortably - should be eminently doable and a great goal.  Of course, that will mean leaving the friendly confines of the treadmill and venturing back out onto the mean streets where potholes and (GASP) hills abound.  The best part of it was when my 12 year old son asked me what I was looking at it, and when I told him, asked if he could run with me!  How great would that be!!!

So wish me luck - the soreness is not really bad at all this morning, so I guess there is hope.

I hope those of you a few months behind me can read this and take comfort in knowing that even an old, out of shape, weekend warrior can overcome this ATR thing - hang in there - you WILL get there!

Ed

2 Comments »

Crossing Home Plate!

Posted on July 20th, 2009 by edforman

This may sound a bit goofy, but yesterday was quite a milestone (14 months post ATR).  I have been playing softball all season and the tendon has felt great.  Our league permits each team to take 2 “courtesy” runners each game and, because my teammates are petrified that I will hurt myself again, I have been one of them all season.  As a result, the furthest I have gotten oon the basepaths this season is 3rd base (the one triple I hit).  Fast forward to yesterday…

Bottom of the 6th and we are up comfortable 9-3.  2 outs, bases loaded and I come up.  I line a single to right driving in 2 more.  The captain signals to me to come out for a runner but I waive him off - I figure that I am feeling good, we are up big and the game is almost over - I might as well run.  Next batter lines a gapper to left center.  I take off, round second (momentary panic as I recall popping the AT going 2d to 3rd last year), and see the 3d base coach waving me on.  I round third, and as I come towards home plate, a big smile broke out on my face.  At that point I realized that this was the first time I crossed home plate in over a year!  Somehow, it finally felt like I had made it.

I know this is a bit sappy and all, but that moment meant the world to me (never mind that my wife told me she wasn’t sure I was going to make it).  I have come home again - and it has been a LONG journey.

Yes, the AT is still tight and the calf is still not quite back to 100%, but I have officially rounded the bases.

For all of you a few steps behind me, you will cross home plate.  Its a long journey but man does it feel good to get there!!

Keep the faith!

Ed

6 Comments »

One year ago today…

Posted on May 18th, 2009 by edforman

Wow - I cannot even fathom that it was one year ago today that I felt that horrifying pop and started a journey that would define me for the next several months.  So, where are we today?

I got myself into pretty decent shape through physical therapy and elliptical/treadmill work.  Then I fell out of all those good habits.

I rejoined my softball team this spring and felt great (for the first 2 games).  Then I did something to my knee (the ATR leg) and have played the last 3 games with a knee support.  The knee is getting better, but SLOWLY.  Bottom line, the ATR is not getting in the way of my play AT ALL, other than the fact that I stretch for 30 minutes before each game and play it a little more cautiously on the basepaths.

My scar is still really ugly - 6″ long and still all red and purple.  Not having any externa, sutures (surgeon used only steristrips) made it a wide, uneven, ugly scar.  I guess leg modeling is out for me.

The AT is still tight, particularly int he morning.  My range of motion is still not 100% of my “good” leg, but pretty darned close.  The strength in my calf and quad is probably 90% plus of the “good leg.” 

All in all, I am satisfied with the recovery. 

This site was INVALUABLE to me.  It was a source of information, a source of empathy, a source of some good friends, at least one of which I expect to be a friend for life, and a great outlet during some pretty dark times.

For all of you out there behind me in the process, happy to be there for you - answer any questions, help you realize that it WILL get better, etc. 

Thank you SO much achillesblog.com and Happy Anniversary to me!

Ed

3 Comments »

Back on the Basepaths

Posted on April 19th, 2009 by edforman

It has been a long while since I have posted, but today was a monumental day for me - opening day of softball season and I PLAYED!  Not only did I play, but the ATR leg felt better than it has felt for years (recall I had tendonosis in the AT for 3 years before the tear)!  Other than taking a shoulder to the ribs (I think they are just bruised - maybe one cracked), it went great.  I spent about 30 minutes stretching before the game and was shocked at how great it felt. 
Last week, on vacation, I did 3 hikes of various levels of difficulty (including one pretty tough one that had ladders and some tough climbs.  The leg held up great there too.

So, to sum it up, 11 months after the ATR, although the AT is still stiff and tight, I finally feel fully recovered.  For all of you behind me, IT WILL HAPPEN!

Thanks to everyone on this site who made this so much easier to deal with. 

Now if I can only get these ribs healed…

E

2 Comments »

Closing in on 8 months

Posted on January 16th, 2009 by edforman

Wow - I cannot believe its been so long.  Here is the update:

I wish I could say I don’t ever notice the AT, but its not true.  Every morning those first steps are still a bit stiff.  Other than that, though, I must confess that I rarely even think about the AT.  That is a good thing.

I have been VERY lax about getting to the gym.  It is nothing more than laziness and lack of time on my part.  That is a bad thing.

Despite my promises that I would “retire” from softball, I have in fact told my team that I will be back this season.  My intention is to spend 30 minutes stretching the calf before each game and to take it EASY - take pinch runners and stick to playing 1st base.  That is, I think, a good thing.

My 6″ scar remains pretty darned ugly.  I am convinced that my surgeons were just being lazy and decided not to bother with external sutures (and just threw steristrips on the wound).  That, coupled with the wound closure issues I had, left me with a raised and VERY wide scar.  Oh well, I guess my future as a leg model is shot.  That is, a VERY good thing (my legs weren’t that great to begin with) :-)

We are headed away on vacation next week (a family-owned ranch up in the Catskills).  I am tempted to ski, but I think I will be cautious and wait.  I would feel pretty foolish if I hurt myself skiing…  Next year.

Next week is a big birthday for me (one of those birthdays that ends in “0″).  For now, it really isn’t bothering me at all - I am sure that will change.

Bottom line, for all of you out there just starting up in this marathon, keep your spirits up and keep working.  You truly get out of it what you put into it.

Ed

2 Comments »

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  • Recent Comments

  • Richard | May 24th, 2014 | 3:37 pm

    Ey up Ed,

    I’ll be 6 years in in a months time. Bad leg doing well sadly I’ve got tendonitis in the good one now desperately hoping I’m not going down the same route again.

    Good to hear you’re doing well

    Richard

  • edforman | May 23rd, 2014 | 8:17 am

    MJ - I did not do much of that - I had wound issues for a couple of months and the scarring is primarily because the surgeon decided to just steristrip the 6″ incision instead of suturing it. Laziness? In any event, the scar is about 1/4″ wide in most spots and is fading - in the grand scheme of things, who cares…

  • MJ | May 22nd, 2014 | 8:10 am

    Regarding your scarring, did you use an oils like Vitamin E or Biolage to reduce visible scarring? I’m 1 week post op and just reading blogs.

  • tatyana | May 17th, 2014 | 11:41 pm

    Hi Ed,
    Thanks for posting 5 years post op. It is good to know you can workout and play any sport again without thinking about your AT, but I hate the thought of a thicker tendon and an ugly scar. There is no way around it though, I know…

  • normofthenorth | May 15th, 2014 | 10:13 pm

    Good stuff! You may want to see my blog page on “Healing Short” so you’ll know what to watch out for. (BTW, my knee has finally responded nicely to religious quad and calf stretching.)

  • Ron | May 15th, 2014 | 2:48 pm

    Nice post\update. Good to hear that you are still competing and have not re-ruptured.

  • Richard | April 15th, 2012 | 2:41 pm

    Hello again Ed - nice to hear you’re doing well. I’m 3 years in as well. I’ve still got some residual ankle stiffness due to a long recovery in plaster. However I don’t give it much thought any more.

    All the best,

    Richard

  • beralic | April 6th, 2012 | 10:06 am

    scrap that did not read the front page well enough, didn’t send an e-mail :p

  • beralic | April 6th, 2012 | 9:58 am

    Glad to hear things are getting better, I ruptured my left achillies last December and was put on a “middle of the road” as far as I can tell UK NHS rehab protocol, been in shoes for 5 weeks now and getting stronger all the time!

    Question - I joined this site shortly after rupturing my Achilles and have been grateful for all the information and stories posted here, I would like to make my own blog with my progress (and encouragement to those on crutches still!) but can’t for the life of me see how to do it! I can’t find my “hello world” post, presumably cause it was a while ago now and there is nothing under “dashboard” in my profile?!

  • Courtney | April 4th, 2012 | 10:59 pm

    As someone early in the recovery process, your update is very helpful for me. I dream of a day when I don’t think about this injury anymore!

  • Janus | April 4th, 2012 | 5:44 pm

    Thanks for checking back in. Always good to hear from “survivors” who have returned to normal-land.

  • victorialyn12 | April 3rd, 2012 | 7:43 pm

    I’m glad to have read this, I’m only about 3 weeks in but I’m keeping positive, it’s good to know you’re still active and your Achilles is far from your mind!

  • jenniferanderson | April 3rd, 2012 | 2:22 pm

    Thanks for the words of encouragement! I’m trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a very long tunnel. Congrats on your recovery!

  • tennisjunkie | May 22nd, 2010 | 6:54 am

    Great to hear from you! Keep up the great progress… I too learned alot from this injury. Enjoy the summer.

  • Richard | April 13th, 2010 | 10:46 am

    Well done Ed.

    If you remember I was a fellow tendinitis sufferer before my rupture. I am a bit concerned that I am beginning to get some early morning soreness in my other ankle now - have you had any issues with your ‘good’ leg?

    Richard

  • josher47 | April 9th, 2010 | 8:14 pm

    Way to go Ed! I am actually signed up for my first race since my ATR, a half-marathon in May. Your post is motivating. Thank you.

  • shelley | January 29th, 2010 | 8:36 pm

    Good for you, Ed.
    That is an awesome goal to set for yourself. You can do it!

    I am also about a year and 1/2 post surgery. Nice to see someone with lofty goals.

  • annieh | December 30th, 2009 | 3:35 pm

    Well Done Ed,

    Good to see how those who started out around the same time as me are progressing. Have you done some ‘proprioception’ work, just starting to do this with my eyes closed to retrain the mind and regain some balance, it has helped a lot and given me a lot more confidence in general walking. It has taken an age to get this far and in a matter of weeks a new physiotherapist has improved my mobility in leaps and bounds.

    Let us know how the half marathon goes, Jimbo from way back is running the London marathon next year and I have sponsored him so he had better do it!

    Good Luck
    Annie

  • josher47 | December 30th, 2009 | 1:45 pm

    Good Luck, you can do it for sure.

  • bubble | September 1st, 2009 | 5:06 pm

    Congratulations! I’m very excited for you and now a little more inspired!

  • 2ndtimer | August 28th, 2009 | 8:45 am

    It was great inspiration to read your post.
    I am dreaming of going back to hike in the Rockies in the coming years. Thanks!

  • sam66 | August 27th, 2009 | 7:12 am

    Won’t let me edit my post? Was supposed to say “that’s really great”.

  • sam66 | August 27th, 2009 | 7:12 am

    Thanks really great, such a buzz - hope I’m able to do half as much next year.

  • annieh | August 27th, 2009 | 1:42 am

    Now Ed, that is just showing off!!

    Sounds a fantastic way to test out the achilles, I am so jealous of you, but a fantastic achievement. Well done.

    Annie

  • edforman | August 12th, 2009 | 6:33 am

    Thanks so much Annie - ran another 2.5 miles (roughly 4K) last night. Legs are a bit sore today but AT feels fine (a bit stiff, but that is true of every morning). I just visualize crossing that finish line (both the actual and metaphorical finish line) and can’t wait!

    Ed

  • annieh | August 12th, 2009 | 4:51 am

    Pumping my fist for you!!

    It really is special to achieve a goal.

    Best of luck with the 5K. It really doesn’t matter how far it is, it is just exciting to be able to actually think you will do it. Keep up the training.

    Annie

  • Richard | August 6th, 2009 | 1:53 pm

    Hello Ed,

    I’ve been away for a couple of weeks so just read your post - Well done, I agree it’s a long long road.

    All the best

    Richard.

  • Smish | July 24th, 2009 | 5:36 am

    What a totally cool story!!!!!! Congratulations! Loved reading this.

  • swill | July 23rd, 2009 | 4:52 pm

    what a symbolic way to know your journey has come to completion. Very “poetic” and VERY cool. Congrats.

  • trisportgirl | July 20th, 2009 | 8:44 pm

    I second that, wubfree. Keep smiling, Ed, you’re rockin’ onward.

  • wubfree | July 20th, 2009 | 7:12 pm

    Ed, Consider us there in spirit to mob you walk-off HR-style as you crossed home plate.

  • annieh | July 20th, 2009 | 2:03 pm

    Over here in the UK we know nothing about your game of softball, regardless of that your blog actually gave me the shivvers!!

    Great stuff, well done.

    Annie

  • Richard | May 20th, 2009 | 2:30 pm

    Hello Ed,
    Well done - you were always a few weeks ahead of me and I have watched your progress carefully.

    I agree about the site its lovely to feel that there’s so many folks around the world who we have talked to and kept in contact with.
    Jimbo and I met up for a beer a couple of weeks ago and even though we’d never seen each other before we had a good laugh and swapped stories.

    Keep in touch
    Richard

  • dennis | May 18th, 2009 | 8:35 pm

    edforman - Congrats on the anniversary! Please post some pictures too when you can! :) Glad that you found the site to be useful in your recovery. Hopefully you get closer and closer to 100% recovery. :)

  • tennisjunkie | May 18th, 2009 | 5:59 pm

    Happy AT anniversary Ed! A day to live in infamy, right? You have the battle scar to prove it. I am kind of surprised that you did not have stitches, but we did learn from this site that no two docs do the same things.

    I raise my glass of chardonnay to your good recovery and continued progress.

  • walshie | April 25th, 2009 | 7:03 pm

    Way to go Ed!

    I havent played yet, missed the 1st 2 games due to work..gonna play on Tuesday.

    AT feels strong..very stable…but I think I messed up my knee when I popped the AT bc it is locking up on me and swells a little. I bet I tore my miniscus (sp?) just like I did on my left knee. Feels similar.

    I swear if I have to get another surgery I will be pissed.

    Nice to hear from you too TJ!!

  • tennisjunkie | April 20th, 2009 | 6:25 pm

    Yes! I know the feeling….my first return to tennis was like going back to the scene of my crime… was quite a milestone. So your venture back to softball was BIG. Congratulations!

    Doesn’t it seem like yesterday when we were blogging about trying to travel with a boot and how to get to work? How time flies. I guess time does heal all. At least, mostly heals. I still feel some stiffness, and I am a few months ahead of you.

    Keep up the great progress. Nice to read your post!

  • Doc Ross | January 22nd, 2009 | 11:07 am

    Ed..

    Congrats on the B-day and the recovery. Proud of you for committing to playing softball. Remember you only go around once so do what you love to do.
    Have fun on vacation you definitely deserve it.
    Doc Ross

  • kkdub | January 18th, 2009 | 10:13 am

    Great Post Ed….my scar is still pretty ugly too! I’m 7 months and tight in the mornign and still just wear tennis shoes…..but almost doing normal things. Went snow shoeing yesterday and that was harder than I thought….but getting back out there.

    Have fun on vacation….hit me on the IM when back for a happy bday

  • kkdub | December 7th, 2008 | 9:37 am

    way to go Ed. Keep those sneakers on. I’ll post six months next week, and if I go to a meeting and wear heels I’m down for the “ice count” for a couple days. Luckily with winter here its all about boots and more ergo shoes for the ladies.

    Great job, get to the gym…helps with the healing. I’ve been using Mederma for my scar, I wasn’t sure what it was doing, but lately seems pretty good. I’m sure the two weeks in Hawaii and Miami in the sun didn’t help much.

    kdub

  • walshie | December 6th, 2008 | 10:17 pm

    Nice Ed!

    I was in a slight gym slump myself…sometimes you just need a week or so off…no biggie, then when you feel ready get back after it.

    Good luck!!

  • tennisjunkie | December 6th, 2008 | 7:18 pm

    Great progress Ed! Keep on posting, I am really interested in how all my buddies do post 6 months.

    I still appreciate being able to walk, carry things, take a shower, and drive. Even after all these months…

  • Jim | December 4th, 2008 | 7:33 pm

    Almost forgot,

    Here’s to charging ahead toward the finish line…

  • Jim | December 4th, 2008 | 7:31 pm

    Hello Ed,

    I just passed the 9 month mark yesterday. I remember where I was at 6 months and remembering feeling pretty normal. It’s strange, I still have these moments when I notice another improvement in my gait, posture, or strength. The realization then is that I still have a ways to go, but it’s still a great feeling. I don’t say this to be discouraging, just to let you know that it just gets better and better. One thing that has really been helping me is ‘hopping’ type exercises like jump rope and jumping jacks, along with some crossovers and side shuffling. I think one of the most difficult parts of the rehab is bringing back the fast twitch muscle in the calf. These light impact type exercises really seem to help with that.

    Great update!

    Jim

  • Richard | December 2nd, 2008 | 9:50 am

    Well done Ed,
    You’re almost ‘normal’ again. I am v interested in the lack of tendinosis/ tendinitis pain which I was also suffering with badly before rupture. I have read that rupturing and subsequent enforced rest can cure it - a positive!!

    Richard