21 Weeks - Slow and Steady Finishes the Race

Posted on October 17th, 2008 by edforman

Just figured I would pop in for a quick update.  PT continues to go well - I have not been a good boy and am only getting there 1-2x/week instead of 3x/week like I am supposed to.  As a result, I get winded and sore.  It has just been difficult to reconcile a ridiculously busy work schedule with 90 minutes of PT 3x/week.  Things are getting more sane at work so I am hoping to get one good hard push for the rest of PT.

In terms of PT, I am now jumping from a standing position onto a “box” 18″ high (which is miraculous given I don’t think I could get that far off the ground before the ATR…), doing rapid step-ups and “dot drill” jumping, lots of heel lifts, still lef presses (1 and 2 leg) and curls, of course the elliptical, etc.  Working up to running on that treadmill.  Probably 2 weeks away from taking that first run (which will be 2 minutes running, 2 minutes walking, etc.).  The morning limp lasts a shorter amount of time and is less severe.  Although the tightness is constantly there, I don’t “feel” the tendon most of the day.  I have been able to do some projects around the house involving ladders and the like with no ill effects.

In the “when it rains it pours” category, I actually got an ingrown toe nail on the ATR foot.  Thankfully, it was not too severe and that procedure is a BREEZE after going through the ATR repair!

All in all, I am finally starting to feel like I am close to putting this in the rear view mirror.  I am actually looking forward to getting to the batting cages and, am I really saying this, playing softball again in the Spring.  I will be taking it easy, trust me.  I have NEVER been able to play any sport other that all-out (I blame my type A personality) so we will see if I can make that adjustment.

The memories of focusing on the day by day recovery from the early post-surgery days are fading fast.  To all of you who are behind us in this marathon, you WILL get there.  Keep working - all the early PT work has paid off for me big-time.

Ed

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2 Responses to “21 Weeks - Slow and Steady Finishes the Race”

  1. pipemaster, on October 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am Said:

    I am at the same week Ed.

    My evolution is quite similar to yours. We almost made it!!! Good luck with softball and take it easy.

  2. walshie, on October 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am Said:

    Attaboy Ed! I remember reading your blog early on and you said you were debating about ever playing softball again…Im glad you are not going to give it up. I’m not either…but it will be quite a mental test running the bases for the 1st time.

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  • 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

  • drkpllrd | November 4th, 2008 | 3:43 pm

    Ed:

    Congrats on your progress!!!

    Overcompensation for the ATR is definitely an issue; my left hip hurts as a result of it. Another issue could be the shoes with which you walk/run. Are you running with new shoes? Did you go to a bonafide running shoe store? Did they evaluate you gait for over or under pronation?

    One of the reasons I believe I ruptured my AT was because I developed tendonitis from excessive hill running, using the same pair of shoes too long, and using the wrong type of shoes for my gait. After suffering with tendonitis for about four years, the AT could take no more and it snapped (I believe).

    Once I started running about two months ago, I noticed the same pains in heel areas of both legs/feet. I immediately went to Phadippides (here in Atlanta), a local athletic shoe store specializing in running shoes. They observed my gait and immediately told me the running shoes I was using were the absolute wrong shoes for my gait. My method for buying running shoes used to be to purchase the most expensive neutral shoes I could find. How could I go wrong? I WAS WRONG! The manager of the store recomm

    [...]
  • Doc Ross | October 30th, 2008 | 7:33 am

    Ed….
    Way to go running man. Also don’t forget to stretch before AND after running. Slow and steady with the running. Try going backwards, side to side, crossovers, and obviously forward on the treadmill. The more stress you put on the tendon in different ways the stronger it will be. Congrats on the milestone but also realize this is when the progress really slows down.

    Doc Ross

  • walshie | October 20th, 2008 | 10:51 am

    Attaboy Ed! I remember reading your blog early on and you said you were debating about ever playing softball again…Im glad you are not going to give it up. I’m not either…but it will be quite a mental test running the bases for the 1st time.

  • pipemaster | October 17th, 2008 | 11:51 am

    I am at the same week Ed.

    My evolution is quite similar to yours. We almost made it!!! Good luck with softball and take it easy.

  • hafjell | October 8th, 2008 | 7:13 pm

    So i’m not old!!!
    So this “weekend warrior” stuff might have nothing to do with the scar on the back of my leg!?!?!
    I know it’s very wrong and I feel terrible…but I enjoyed this one.

  • dennis | October 7th, 2008 | 10:49 pm

    hobblit - The recovery protocol for Elton Brand was pretty standard actually. I think the info is on the site somewhere, you can probably find it via the search on the main page.