A Rupture and a Re-Rupture!
Labor Day 2010 I was playing basketball for the 1st time in almost 5 years. I was 32 years old at the time, in pretty good shape as was a mild runner (3-4 days a week running 2-3 miles). It felt like someone hurled a horseshoe into my left heel and when I felt my Achilles snap and roll up like a spring loaded rubber band, the agony began. It was a full tear. 1 week later I had the surgery. After a month on the boot I began removing the styrofoam wedges. One day I tripped on a step (NOT WEARING THE BOOT) and fell on it totally re-rupturing. A week after the 2nd tear I had the exact same surgery I’d gone through 7 weeks prior.
I am wondering if anyone else has been through this? It has now been 17 months since the 2nd surgery. I tried running and the swelling and aching are not worth trying to run. I have been biking and that seems to be very good but recently I’ve been getting mild-medium shooting pains and aches in the Achilles. Also, I fly all the time (like every week) and on flights that are over 4 hours, I have to wear compression on it because it swells SO bad. Additionally, having to cut off blood supply to the exact same incision 2 times witin 60 days, has left me with a brutal zipper scar and bruising(which is totally awesome, seriously) but my left Achilles is almost 3 times the size of my right one. I am assuming to predominantly scar tissue and the remains of synthetic collagen that has not dissolved yet.
Any thoughts or similar experiences? Stay strong!
DF
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I can sympathize with you. I re tore mine 10 weeks after first surgery. That was in Feb 2012. I’m still fighting to get well. Haven’t walked normal since Thanksgiving 2011. My status now I’m going to wound clinic trying to get my incision to close. In April I got staph in wound and had to have it cleaned out so it was opened up which was 3rd time same spot. Had stitches for 5 weeks and when they took them out incision just fell open. Now I have to pack it with different creams and silver, seaweed stuff. We’ve been trying to see if something will work. Forgot to mention I was allergic to sutures in tendon so they removed them at that time. So after 6 months 3 surgeries I have an open wound and NO REPAIR. It’s going to be a long year of crutches and wheelchair.
I have read about alot of heal pain. I had plenty of it earlier but I have been using a portable ultasound unit few minutes a day on my heal, bottom of foot and calf. I has helped alot with pain and circulation. You can purchase one on few websites average 100-150$.
OMG. That’s awful. I did have major problems with the wound after 2nd surgery but no Staph. My Dr. had me doing epsom salt and whirlpool treatments twice a day for 2 months and that closed the incision!
Also, look into a Knee Walker. Makes life MUCH more easy than a wheelchair and crutches. Most DME suppliers will have Knee Walkers you can rent ($50-$75 per month) or you can buy one for $400-$600.
Gosh, so sorry you are having all the trouble. How did you re-reputure?
DF
So sorry for the remaining troubles you’ve both had to endure…One quick note no need to purchase ultrasound machines for $100-$150, ebay has plenty for about $65, it’s where I purchased mine which I used to use 3xs a day now usually just once a day, also I use mine on the lowest setting for 30mins when I have the time as that’s when it’s most beneficial…when I don’t have much time I’ll use the more intense setting at about half the time. God Bless & heal.