Softball again!

Posted on July 7th, 2010 by george

I’ve been running for several months now — though I took the last three weeks very, very easy (no running) after tweaking my other Achilles.

It didn’t seem like a big deal, and I wasn’t concerned about a rupture — but I’ve never had tendinosis and didn’t want to start, so I took it easy.

That said, it’s better, and so tonight I joined my softball team for the first time. I’d planned to play with a group of neighbors a year ago, but the Achilles rupture/surgery changed all of that.

I planned to play this year, but hadn’t been able to get my scheduled worked out, what with travel and work.

Tonight, I played. Started out hitting as the extra player, and running carefully to first base, but ended up in the outfield after a teammate injured his knee (ouch, and I hope it isn’t serious — but we fear it is).

Long story short: I was careful, but only because of the other Achilles. Everything went fine. I was able to run and change direction, and it was only between plays that I was concerned. Once the action started, I just moved instinctively, like I wanted to. Didn’t try to explode, just to begin running and then increase my speed (speed being a relative term).

And what a strange feeling to consider the surgically repaired Achilles to be the stronger one.

I don’t know that it is — I think I was just favoring the other one when I didn’t need to — but it’s cool that I’m so confident in it.

Another milestone.

1 Comment »

Almost a year out … going well

Posted on May 24th, 2010 by george

As many others have said, it really is amazing how quickly time has passed. (Try to tell me that during those first few weeks and even months post-op, and I’d have sputtered in frustration — time did not pass quickly then).

The one-year anniversary of the rupture is coming up, and I’m almost back to normal. I sometimes forget about it, which is a pretty good indication things are going well.

I’m running, and although I had a bout of minor knee irritation, that’s pretty much gone away. I’d never had any knee issues at all, but back in December when I first started running again, 20 minutes on a soft (bouncy) treadmill with a bad (not yet normal) gait apparently irritated a bursa pad (also known as a fat pad). For weeks and weeks, the thing was an issue, which was frustrating. But the pain has gradually gone away, and has not been an issue while running or walking in months (sometimes when the knee is put in one position or another, the bursa pad reacts, but the key there? Change position).

I’ve not had any issues with the achilles. It’s fine. (I ice the achilles — and now, the knee — religiously after running, which has really helped).

I’m attempting to rebuild the calf muscles. The left calf is strong enough now, but it remains significantly smaller than the right (uninjured leg) calf. It’s a cosmetic thing but I’m working on it with calf raises.

Here’s something I recently wrote about returning to running. (It’s my day job).

Those of you who are on the road to recovery, keep it up. Time really does pass, and you do get better. You know that marathon gadget many of us are using to track our recovery? It seemed like I would never, ever get through New York City. But as I rebuild my mileage base, I’m trying to figure out when and where to run my next marathon.

Take heart: You’ll get there, and soon.

Everyone else: Thanks. Achillesblog was a fantastic resource and also a huge source of encouragement. … Celebrating others’ successes (and being inspired by them), commiserating with the occasional setback (and knowing the successes are coming).

I keep checking back in and reading, and I’ll keep doing so.

6 Comments »

“Return to Running” program

Posted on December 16th, 2009 by george

27 weeks, 5 days, 2 hours post-op, I have been cleared to begin the “return to running” program.

I’m walking w/o a limp, though it sometimes takes a step to convince myself of the Achilles’ integrity and the calf’s strength. Things have been getting better and better, and on good days it seems I could break into a run.

Now, I get to try. Sort of. I’ll start at week 3 of an 8-week program.

“Alternate walking one minute and jogging two minutes times 7 repetitions. The next day run five minutes and walk one minute times 4 repetitions.”

It accelerates gradually each week.

I’ll try it this afternoon.

UPDATE: OK, tried it, did it. … Felt weird but good. No real pain.

More important, the morning after: It feels sore — the foot/ankle, NOT the Achilles. I’ll go again today, and tomorrow, and … carefully follow the program.

What a great feeling, finally.

You’ll find this dumb, but maybe you’ll understand: I love to run, but I had put away my thoughts of running a May marathon in 2010. … So last night, after that “running” experience, those thoughts began sliding into my brain again.

I know that’s unrealistic — I find it hard to believe I could build up a mileage base — and I’m going to be very careful and follow the doctor’s program, but it was great to actually have those thoughts.

Maybe the half-marathon. … Hmmm.

5 Comments »

Question re: discomfort/pain while walking

Posted on September 14th, 2009 by george

Almost 15 weeks post-op, and three weeks in two shoes. Walking has been getting better, though slowly — it seems every couple of days, I realize I’m walking much better than I was.

Anyway, things seemed great — a couple of days ago I was walking with a push-off, and without a limp — but I fear I’ve overdone it.

There was much discomfort today. I don’t know how to describe it other than it felt vaguely painful … kind of like a mild sprain might feel. Felt as though I were stretching the thing beyond what it wanted on every stride — even when I shortened the stride significantly.

I don’t know what I expected during the rebuilding-the-walk process. Pain-free? Painful? I don’t know. So I don’t know whether I should be concerned, and back off — and what that backing off would actually consist of — or whether I should grit my teeth and go on. (Note: I’m icing as we speak).

I’d be interested in advice from you guys further along the recovery timeline. Does this experience sound like something you went through? If so … does it get better without rest?

Thoughts?

5 Comments »

Almost 12 weeks, 2 shoes, slow going

Posted on August 26th, 2009 by george

Wow, long time since I posted. Not sure anyone was waiting anxiously, but …

OK, I’ll try to keep it short.

Went to two shoes “in the house” — meaning, only when I’m at home — about three weeks ago. It was freeing, and the crutches are now long gone.

On Monday, I got clearance for two shoes everywhere, though the doc suggested I try it for a few hours a day when not at home, then gradually increase the “walking.” Considering I’d been on vacation the previous week, and thus had spend a lot of time at home — and in those two shoes — I wasn’t too keen on that idea.

So for the last two days I’ve been hobbling/limping around all day in running shoes. It feels freeing. The only real problem I’ve got going now is not pushing too fast, too hard, too soon.

I’ve been doing PT stuff on my own in the pool for a month now, and I now walk normally in the pool, complete with calf raises incorporated into each stride. This makes the limping on dry land tough to take, but I know it’s a process. I also know the tendon is gradually stretching out, bit by bit, and the calf muscles and other muscles are getting stronger, little by little, and the gait is getting better at the same pace.

I’ve got a significant lump of scar tissue near the top of the tendon that’s going to have to be dealt with. It’s painful as I get to full plantar flexion (only when weightbearing, and only on dry land — OK in the pool). The physical therapist’s ultrasound treatment helped, as have her massages, but I cannot wait for this to break up.

Overdid it some today, but I don’t think there’s going to be much of a setback (we’ll see tomorrow). The swelling is not bad at all. And ice is my good friend.

Otherwise, things are going well. I don’t see the doc until late September, and at that point he thinks he’ll clear me to use the elliptical trainer. It’s hard to see being ready to do that, but then, where was I a month ago?

Still have the goal to return to running on or before Dec. 1.

2 Comments »

Question about soreness

Posted on July 21st, 2009 by george

OK, question for anyone out there — anyone meaning someone further along the marathon course than I am:

I’m 6 weeks, 4 days post-op. I’m PWB (75 percent) progressing to FWB as able, doctor’s orders from last week (see most recent blog entry).

I’ve begun careful “walking” — hobbling — around the house w/o crutches (still in the boot, of course).

Also, “walking” — not quite as much hobbling — on one crutch when at work.

It has been going pretty well. I can see the tendon is ready for FWB, if not for stretching and real walking (even in the boot, it’s a very, very limited, tentative thing right now).

But the foot is now swelling regularly (it wasn’t swelling much at all in the last few weeks before this increased activity. Also AT is very sore, when it wasn’t before.

That’s OK, I figure.

But also, there’s a dull (not sharp) pain that occasionally occurs near the back of the heel.

I’m pretty sure it’s the Achilles. It occurs only when the foot makes initial contact with the ground. Not with any push-off (not that there’s much push-off going on).

Not all the time. But sometimes. And when it does … it has the feel of a dull sprain, or something. As though I’ve strained the thing.

Since I’m doing all of this in the boot (and believe me, we’re not talking about much activity yet), it’s unlikely the tendon has been stretched beyond its current capacity.

When I flex the foot up, down or sideways against no resistance, there’s no pain at all — even at the far outer limits of those flexes. (Which in dorsiflexion is right at 0, maybe a little better but not much).

Thoughts on the occasional dull, sprainlike pain? Again, it’s occasional, meaning … every 10th (?) time the foot makes contact. Also, it’s Day 2 or 3 of all this activity.

But the pain is real, and it’s a little (not a lot) concerning.

Anyone experienced anything like this? Thoughts? Thanks in advance …

George

8 Comments »

3rd post-op appt.: Boot to 10, time for FWB

Posted on July 15th, 2009 by george

Had my third post-op visit Tuesday morning. The doctor was pleased

They moved the boot from 30 degrees to 10, and even though I’ve been flexing the foot to what seems to be 90 degrees (zero or neutral, whatever), putting the foot into the boot at 10 was … quite a stretch.

For two days now, it has felt a little uncomfortable (although it’s much easier to get into the boot now than it was that first time).

Funny thing: The doc also noted during the exam how little swelling there was, and how the repaired tendon hasn’t gotten nearly as big as some others do (which I’m glad of, as long as he says the tendon is healing correctly, and he does).

What’s funny about it is … with the new angle, and with partial weightbearing (75 percent, or 100 percent if I can do it) … the foot has begun swelling again.

Oh, well.

The increased weight-bearing is freeing, but I’m being careful. Still scared. I’ve read all the other accounts and seen that so many of you have started weight-bearing much earlier, so probably I’d be fine. But … I’m tentative.

One side note: In the last week, I’ve begun swimming, 40 laps per workout in a 25-meter pool — all crawl, no kick. I know it has helped me regain some level of fitness. More than that, it has done wonders for my mental state.

Things are going well. I can almost taste the day the crutches drop away. Still can’t quite envision life without the boot, but I know I’ll get there fairly soon.

Also, although I haven’t blogged much, I check the main blog several times daily and read the updates. This community has been a huge help throughout this process.

No Comments »

Update: 2nd post-op, into the boot

Posted on July 2nd, 2009 by george

Had my second post-op visit on Wednesday (July 1). It was a great feeling to get the cast (no. 2) off. The incision has healed nicely. The calf has withered away to almost nothing, of course …

The doctor put me in the boot at 30 degrees plantar flexion. On July 14, at next post-op visit, we’ll change the angle; I don’t know if he’ll go all the way to 90 degrees then, but …

By then, I’ll be able to get there and beyond, I’m determined. Non-weight-bearing still — though he said I could put up to 10 percent of my body weight for balance as I crutch around.

Makes things slower, but I’m doing it with the goal of strengthening the tendon/calf.

Also, no physical therapy just yet. Not until late July, which would be almost eight weeks post-op.

However, I’ll be doing some of my own. The doc wants me to gently flex the foot up and down as far as possible a couple of times a day (using the muscles, not any external force). I’m doing so religiously already, with the goal (mentioned above) of being at 90 degrees or better when I see him again.

The boot is heavier than the cast, but it was fantastic to be able to take the thing off and just let the leg hang out. And also, to move it around. Feels like I can finally begin making some progress.

I can now swim, though no kicking yet. So finally, after more than a month of having my fitness ooze away, I can begin to recover that, too.

This doctor is clearly on the conservative end of the spectrum. But as I’ve said before, he’s really good, no question. I’ll follow his instructions. And push the envelope at the same time. If that makes sense.

The goal remains Dec. 1, running at my former pace for 1 mile. (And then, I’ll hope to accelerate the mileage, if not the pace, in relatively short order). That’s a long way off — but I’m a long, long way off from having that ability.

Wednesday was a good day. And another reminder of just how long this road is going to be.

Next milestone: Tuesday, July 14 and a new angle in the boot. How well will I be doing then with flexibility? Better than the doctor expects, I hope.

No Comments »

12 days post-op, cast off! … Oh, new cast on

Posted on June 17th, 2009 by george

Well, that was an adventure in mixed emotions.

Had my first post-op visit today with the surgeon. His assistant removed the cast, which felt fantastic. The cast was big and heavy — and had gotten bigger (actually, my calf muscle had significant atrophy — and I was more than ready to stop lugging it around.

Also, I was ready for (hoping for) a boot. Not that I expected PWB — I knew it would still be NWB — but I wanted a boot for so many reasons.

Instead …

Well, good news first. No infection. The incision looked good. It’s maybe three inches long, running vertically from just above the inside of the heel. Doesn’t look like I’ll have much of a scar - just enough of one, though.

They removed the sutures, and everything’s good.

Except, of course, for the new cast. I asked the doctor about a boot and he explained the different philosophies but said he’d rather err on the conservative side. So here I am, two more weeks.

I can’t explain how good it felt to have the leg and foot hanging free. I won’t explain how bad it felt to have the leg and foot casted again.

(Note: I trust the doc; he’s a fantastic physician and a very good man, to boot. But it was disappointing).

They’ll take the cast off again on July 1, examine the wound again. Barring complications at that time, I’ll go into a boot.

I know it’s only two weeks, but man, that was difficult. The foot was free for a moment. And then it wasn’t.

OK, an encouraging thought.The new cast is much smaller, and it seems lighter. It’s also brighter, as in bright red. The kids chose the color …

I’ll just remain patient. Somehow.

No Comments »

Getting started on the long haul

Posted on June 13th, 2009 by george

I’ve skimmed enough of others’ blogs to know I face a long road to recovery. Might as well blog occasionally about it.

I’ll probably stick to the milestones and any setbacks … but we’ll see.

First, the vitals:

I’m 40, active and fit. Ran my seventh marathon in early May, took the necessary time off to recover and resumed running, though I hadn’t gotten all the way back to  my normal intensity.

On Sunday, May 31, 2009, I was playing basketball in the street with some neighbors when I changed directions, pushed off hard with my left foot and — POP! — the Achilles tendon was torn.

It didn’t hurt, but I definitely heard the thing go. And I knew what had happened; any doubt was removed a moment later when I examined the leg and noted the soft, squishy nothingness where a tight tendon had been.

Six days later, on Friday, June 5, 2009, I underwent surgery. The surgeon had hoped to do a minimally invasive repair using the Achillon system, but upon examination in the moments before the procedure determined he’d need to do the traditional open repair.

I woke up later to find my foot numb and immobilized in a cast.

Spent the next week lying on the couch, resting and elevating, with very little activity at all.

Went stir crazy.

I’m eight days out from surgery now, feeling better and trying to stay patient. I know, I know — be patient! I will, but it’s not easy.

My first post-op appointment is Wednesday, June 17. I assume they’ll remove the cast to check the wound. I don’t know if I’ll be recasted or half-casted or splinted or given a boot.

I’m hoping for aggressive rehab protocol, but I trust the surgeon. He is the team orthopedist for a major NCAA Division I athletic department and has performed procedures on elite-level Olympic athletes.

Anyway, I’m lying on the couch, typing away — and wishing I could go for a run. Knowing I won’t, not for a long while.

No Comments »

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  • Recent Comments

  • Jonathan | July 14th, 2010 | 11:12 am

    Well my boot is officially off, I’m in two shoes and a day later I’ve gained enough strength to do some bike work and also push out some super light leg extensions, curls and presses. I’m so pumped!! Walking is a real bummer since I’m about 1/3 as fast as with the boot. I’m sure that will pick up as the weeks roll along. I’m just so stoked about what I can finally do in the gym now!!! I see now that it will likely be a very gratifying process of progression from here all the way to that 1 year milestone.

    as compelling as the surgery / non-surgery goes, I’m so glad that I went the surgery route. I couldn’t afford the extra time spent in casts. I have some weddings to photograph this upcoming August. Having already done a wedding on crutches (11 hours of pure challenge) I’m glad that I’ll be in two shoes for the work ahead in August.

  • normofthenorth | July 12th, 2010 | 12:16 pm

    Jonathan, the relationship between exercise and weight doesn’t seem to be as simple as the Physics would indicate — partly because a good workout makes you hungry! But the other benefits of activity and fitness — health and psychological — are huge. And most of us here are more active than average (which is how most of us got here). I know I can relate to what you’re saying!

  • Jonathan | July 12th, 2010 | 11:36 am

    Thanks for the follow-ups guys. I will be meeting with my surgeon tomorrow morning for the first time in 5 weeks. My progress is going well and I’m still playing it safe. I’ll be asking which exercises I will be allowed to do at this point. Swimming seems tempting, but I’m not educated about surgical wounds and water submergence. Stand-still biking or perhaps a cross-trainer would be high on my list of machines I’d like to jump onto. I remember that when I was on crutches I was actually losing weight because they were so physically demanding. Weight started getting put back on when the boot went on. I’m hungry to get back in that calorie burning mode, and walking can only do so much. :-/ Can’t wait for my meeting tomorrow! :)

  • normofthenorth | July 8th, 2010 | 11:17 am

    George, your article is terrific. We need more bloggers with serious-but-entertaining writing skills here, so don’t leave! And while I’m on the subject, I’d LOVE to recruit you to the campaign to educate everybody about the new scientific evidence indicating that the vast majority of ATR surgeries convey NO benefit and shouldn’t be done!

    Since the first of the 4 modern studies comparing the options was only published in 2007 — and since there’s no way to “recall” a surgery that’s been proven to convey no benefit, but surgical risks — it’s like turning a supertanker to change standard “operating” practice.

    I had a very successful surgical repair on my first ATR, 8 years ago, and I just barely escaped a second operation in December, when I tore the other side. (Yes, I returned to competitive volleyball, knowing the risks and accepting them willingly, even in hindsight!)

    It’s bugging me that so many people are being rushed under the knife based on old info, since disproved with careful studies, that used to be taught in every Med School (and may still be taught today, God Help Us All!!) The simple fact is that the studies

    [...]
  • normofthenorth | July 8th, 2010 | 10:35 am

    There’s no doubt that we ATR folks (and maybe especially the blogger shere!) are weird folk. One of the handiest examples is that it tickles us when some body part OTHER than our recovering AT causes us pain, or holds us back! How weird is that?

    And it’s not just you, George! I’ve found myself occasionally leaning on my left (”bad AT”) side, because my right knee sometimes bothers me — and it kind of cheered me up to notice it! Ditto when I raced a LONG sailboat race on a little Laser sailboat, the wind died during the race, and I found myself kneeling in an awkward position for way too long (esp. at 65 y.o.!). Afterwards, after I bicycled home, my knees and thighs were both KILLING me — but both my ATs were “bored”, and that tickled me, too!

    I don’t think it would tickle me quite as much if the “other” body part was my other AT — I’ve already torn it, 8 yrs ago, and had it repaired surgically, back when everybody thought that the surgery helped — but I can still relate. I think maybe 9 out of 10,000 people can relate, and most of them are here! Weird. . .

  • george | July 7th, 2010 | 10:33 pm

    Jonathan:

    Hey, thanks. You’ve probably heard this from others, but you’ll get there. Just be patient, and smart, and the rebuilding will come faster than you know.

    I played softball tonight for the first time since the injury. Felt great to be able to do it.

  • Jonathan | July 4th, 2010 | 2:00 pm

    It’s refreshing to come across a report at this stage. So many are done from my own perspective, here at week 7. Yesterday, I went out for a walk with the family, and I managed to walk 4 kilometers. I think I was actually faster back when I had the crutches, but they don’t mind slowing down for me. I used to be a bodybuilder. I was probably injured because I dropped out of the sport for 2 years and, one day, I ignorantly pushed my achilles tendon beyond its trained limit (which was next to nothing). Had I stayed in the gym I probably wouldn’t have tore it. So now, in hindsight, I regret my choices and miss my training so badly. I am hungry to do HIIT training on the cross trainer, spill some sweat, feel my heart pound, and work my lungs to their limit! Soooo…. reading your testimony at 12 months gives me something to look forward to. Seems like an eternity away. I have hope.

    Best of luck in the months ahead!

  • gailaj | December 17th, 2009 | 12:49 pm

    Congratulations, George! You are doing it the right way, gradually….the fact that you are dreaming of racing a marathon (as I also am, though not there yet) is a sign that you are “moving on” with your running life…!

    I find running (after the tendon has warmed up) easier than walking. Still have a limp while WALKING occasionally, even after ten months…..so I think for me it’s flexibility that is the issue, as usual…..Happy running!

  • george | December 17th, 2009 | 12:15 pm

    GerryR:

    Thanks! You’ll get there.

    I’ve been reading your posts. The posts from people ahead of me on the timeline have been encouraging — and sometimes frustrating, when I knew someone was also ahead of my recovery pace. Now, I read the posts from people behind me on the timeline, and I remember being where they were.

  • george | December 17th, 2009 | 12:12 pm

    atuldoc:

    It was gradual. I’ve been in two shoes for … three months? And it seemed like it took forever. I still have an occasional small limp, but it’s not much, and once I get moving it goes away.

    I probably could have run a month ago. At least, I thought so. The doctor is very conservative. I stuck with his orders. No question, the last month or so, I’ve noticed much-improved walking — in that most often I haven’t noticed my walking, or haven’t noticed the Achilles. Just walked like pre-injury, no pain, no concern, no thought about the thing.

    The limiting factor for me was and is the calf atrophy. I’ve spent time trying to rebuild the calf muscles.

    In my experience, it’s a difficult balance to achieve: Strengthening the muscles, pushing things, without overdoing it too much.

    Others probably have done a better job of that.

  • atuldoc007 | December 17th, 2009 | 9:12 am

    congrtst how much time did you take to walk properly

  • GerryR | December 16th, 2009 | 9:34 pm

    Congratulations on being able to start that. I hope to start it by the end of January after some time on a bike trainer and swimming. But, I guess I probably need to be walking without a limp first.

  • george | September 16th, 2009 | 4:56 pm

    Thanks everyone. I took your advice, took it easy, backed off. It’s a little better today and I won’t try to unleash until tomorrow (unleash meaning walk normally again). Even then I’ll be very careful and try not to overdo it.

    I’m a runner (or was before the ATR) so it’s encouraging to hear Gallaj is doing 20-milers at six months. I can’t fathom being able to do that then, but who knows?

    What’s frustrating now is reading Tri-Sports Girl — at virtually the exact same place on the recovery timeline — hiking five miles with no problem. And then doing it again the next day.

    Here I am struggling just to walk normally. But I’ll get there.

    Anyway, thanks very much for the advice and encouragement.

  • gailaj | September 15th, 2009 | 10:39 am

    Hi George - I also agree with Smish. I am 6 months since surgery, and although I am now running again (up to 20 miles for my weekly long run), I am still having some pain occasionally. A few weeks ago, when I was still very stiff and sore after a long run, I got scared so took a few days off for cross-training (stationery bike), before running again, and that seemed to help. Otherwise, I’m stretching with the night splint and occasionally icing. But like Smish says, I am also thinking that it will be a long time before it feels “normal”, if ever…..

  • 2ndtimer | September 15th, 2009 | 9:20 am

    Agree with Smish. Unfortunately it is a long process.
    You did the right thing, take a break, ice it. The push off was hard to learn for me. (I did not get far, only 7 weeks - will try again.)
    Rest today and hopefully tomorrow you will be in full form. Listen to your body….

  • Smish | September 15th, 2009 | 5:16 am

    George,
    My PT told me that if you do something that causes pain for longer that 24-36 hours, you over did. He did say to expect pain/discomfort as you get your feet under you again. So according to him, cut back a little for about a day and a half, and if you are feeling better by then then go at it again. This did happen to me and in fact I still occasionally have something like this happen and I am 7 months from my last surgery.
    I am still icing both Achilles after any activitiy and I am quite a ways out. I am wondering if it is just a new part of life. I guess it is a small price to pay for getting to go do something fun.

  • sam66 | September 15th, 2009 | 1:21 am

    I’m not quite as far along as you, a week today in 2 shoes with crutches.
    My physio said to me that it was ok to walk and stretch etc as much as I want and to expect some discomfort as everything stretches and gets used to weight and movement again, but not to cause any real pain.
    Perhaps you should check with your physio.
    Best wishes,
    Sam

  • george | August 27th, 2009 | 11:06 am

    Doing well, Sam, thanks.

    Trying to remain patient. It’s hard.

    Pool workouts are fantastic. I started swimming for cardio/fitness as soon as I went from cast to boot (no kicking, just the breaststroke). And as soon as I was cleared — after some guidance by the physical therapist in their pool — I began doing the same exercises on my own 3x weekly, too.

    It has really helped.

  • sam66 | August 27th, 2009 | 6:16 am

    Sounds like you’re doing well.
    You’re not the only person to mention walking and doing calf-raises in the swimming pool. Have yet to get to physio but will definitely ask about that. Makes sense to me to use the water to take the weight whilst stretching and working the tendon.
    Best of luck for continued improvement.

  • Tina | July 26th, 2009 | 2:50 am

    No worries George. Must admit, i’m still with the two crutches at the moment but am building my confidence every day and will hopefully be off them in a week. As its my right foot and i’m separated, i’m pretty much housebound with driving still a way off but i will try the swimming when i can.
    All the best for a speedy recovery too.
    Tina

  • george | July 25th, 2009 | 2:21 pm

    Tina:

    Thanks for the comment and the encouragement. It definitely feels better in the last few days since I started weight-bearing. No more of those twinges in the last day or two.

    Also, it feels great to finally be taking part in the recovery process. Or at least, to finally feel like I’m taking part. I know the first few weeks were important in healing, but this has been so much better.

    The freedom and mobility of the last 10 days or so has been fantastic. It seems the leg/foot/AT is getting stronger each day. No setbacks.

    The key now is to not overdo it. To find the right balance (not too slow, not too aggressive) in rehab. I’ll be cleared for P.T. at my doctor’s appointment Tuesday.

    Already, it is fantastic to have hands again — going with just one crutch and, at home, going without any crutches at all.

    One other thing: Swimming laps has been a great addition to my recovery. It has enabled me to regain some fitness, and to loosen up the foot (no kicking, but the foot gets loose anyway) — and most important, maybe, it has been very positive for my mental outlook.

    Good luck with your continued healing and re

    [...]
  • Tina | July 25th, 2009 | 2:55 am

    Hey George,
    I am 6 weeks post op today and have just started pwb in the last couple of days. I too am getting twinges in the ankle every couple of steps and a bit of swelling but have noticed that every day it gets better. It just has to get used to being used again. My doc is even more conservative than yours as i’m not allowed to start physio for another four weeks (driving might be another 6 weeks!) but has allowed me to go from 4 wedges to 2 in 2 weeks and then go flat in 2 weeks after that. All he said to do was to start bending my foot forward and back, thats it!! Must admit, was very nervous to start walking again but i am loving putting my foot on the ground and moving about easier. Good luck with the rest of your recovery.
    Tina

  • george | July 23rd, 2009 | 7:18 pm

    Shay:

    Thanks for the comment. I’m pretty sure it’s not plantar fasciitis. It was more something with the muscles low, near the back of the heel, but not the bottom of the foot. I didn’t think it wast the AT itself, though. But it wasn’t a feeling I wanted, and it was too close to the AT.

    The good news is, the pain has essentially subsided. Haven’t felt that particular one in a day or so.

    My boot doesn’t have wedges; it’s set to 10 degrees, so it’s angled. On Tuesday (7/28) it’s supposed to go to neutral.

    I’m ready for that. In a week of PWB-to-FWB, my foot has readjusted to the weight and pressure; it felt weird (not the tendon, the foot) at first.

    I’ve been swimming a bunch. No leg motion during the swims, but a little P.T. in the water (even though I haven’t begun real P.T.). It has definitely loosened up the foot each time.

    2ndtimer: Thanks for the advice. Read your entry about re-rupture: Sorry! Wow.

    I’m being careful, and will be more careful. The foot/leg gets tired and achy toward the end of the day; Yesterday and today it hasn’t seemed to swell nearly as much, so perhaps it’s getting used to the increa

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  • 2ndtimer | July 23rd, 2009 | 5:11 pm

    George,
    if you have pain and more swelling than before I would take it easy. Check with your doc or PT. If you have no pain doing theraband exercises that is normal, that is much less resistance than your full weight. When you make a step you calf muscle pulls hard on that tendon. If you over work it it and gets inflamation, it will be more prone to rerupture.

  • swill | July 23rd, 2009 | 3:50 pm

    George-
    I have the EXACT same heel thing that you describe. Google Plantar Fascitis (sp?) , because it sounds like that’s what you have. Apparently it’s common after prolonged inactivity. I also have the soreness you describe, but usually a good massage makes it feel better.

    I’m not getting much swelling, but I’m sure whatever you are getting is to be expected once weight bearing begins. Just thought you’d want to know you’re not alone.

    My boot doesn’t have any heel wedges in it, does yours? I put an orthotic in my boot that has a little arch (since the boots are total fred flintsone with flat feet), and it seems to relieve some of the heel pain. You can get some of those doctor scholls inserts, or go to heelspurs.com and order some from there. Hope this helps.

    Shay

  • george | July 21st, 2009 | 10:00 pm

    Chuck:
    Thanks for the feedback. My doc is definitely conservative in his approach to post-op. Which is OK; I’ll make do, even as I see others on this site with much more aggressive rehab protocols.
    I guess the only thing that worries me (a little) right now is the slightly strained feeling that I get — like a tweak, maybe — every 10th time I put the bad foot down while FWB or close to FWB.
    Hmmm.
    Thanks again.

  • chuckv | July 21st, 2009 | 6:00 pm

    George, It sounds like we are on the same time line. I am six weeks post op today. I was sent to PT as soon as I went from cast to boot (about two weeks). The doc took the cast off at day 11 and I won’t see him until Aug 5 for my second post op. You’ve seen your doc a lot more from the sounds of it. My PT has been giving me all of the suggestions regarding weight on bad foot. Things have progressed fairly well with no setbacks. I feel a little dull soreness and some swelling after being on my feet all day. I am pretty much FWB on both feet most of the time without crutches but with the boot. I have been practicing with no boot and crutches on the carpet. I get cocky sometimes and go without the crutches for a little stroll but I make sure I am able to grab some piece of furniture or a wall. Things feel very stable and there is no pain at all. Your PT will get you going with range of motion which will make all the difference in the world. I am not sure why your doc is waiting 8 weeks before PT. The first sessions were mostly massage and simple gentle manipulation.

    Good luck and keep moving.

    Chuck