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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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). [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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 [...]
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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
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…
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.
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…
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.)
Nice post\update. Good to hear that you are still competing and have not re-ruptured.
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
scrap that did not read the front page well enough, didn’t send an e-mail :p
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?!
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!
Thanks for checking back in. Always good to hear from “survivors” who have returned to normal-land.
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!
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!
Great to hear from you! Keep up the great progress… I too learned alot from this injury. Enjoy the summer.
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
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.
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.
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
Good Luck, you can do it for sure.
Congratulations! I’m very excited for you and now a little more inspired!
It was great inspiration to read your post.
I am dreaming of going back to hike in the Rockies in the coming years. Thanks!
Won’t let me edit my post? Was supposed to say “that’s really great”.
Thanks really great, such a buzz - hope I’m able to do half as much next year.
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
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
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
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.
What a totally cool story!!!!!! Congratulations! Loved reading this.
what a symbolic way to know your journey has come to completion. Very “poetic” and VERY cool. Congrats.
I second that, wubfree. Keep smiling, Ed, you’re rockin’ onward.
Ed, Consider us there in spirit to mob you walk-off HR-style as you crossed home plate.
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
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
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.
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.
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!!
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!
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
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
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
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!!
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…
Almost forgot,
Here’s to charging ahead toward the finish line…
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
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
