Wow,  very thorough at Parkland Physical Therapy in Orchard Park, NY.  What’s even better my therapist Jill has gone through a severe tear and fully understood the Achilles and how this injury can bring you down.

The great thing about this is she put me through the paces and yes, it went well, but what I liked is she how she reminded me that no matter how good my injury MAY FEEL, there is still a road ahead.  I need to work hard and do my homework.  I had thought maybe of trying to get back to work in 2 more weeks, but I’m not rushing it!  There is a long way to go.

My biggest challenge right now is getting that heel-toe movement when I walk.  Well that and to remember to use my crutches not just try walking.

Ok guys, I don’t mean to be disgusting but I have a serious question and it concerns wound care.

After my cast was removed the tech put a dressing and bandage over my wound for around the office for x-rays and going from room to room.  I never thought to ask why.  My OS asked me why it was there and I told him the tech put it on but I didn’t know why.  He was cool with it but took it off.  At the end of my visit he put a large band aid over just to provide padding only. Now keep in mind I hadn’t seen my wound since the staples were removed 4 weeks ago.

Last night while taking off my sock I just had to peek behind the bandage.  OMG it looks nasty.  I believe the wound is still a bit "scabbed" for lack of a better word.  Now, I have no intention of scrubbing or rubbing it at all!  I am wondering if this is keeping the wound area feeling tight and aesthetically I want it gone.

Would a soak be out of the question?

Any suggestions?

Well mostly.  Hard cast came off today and my OS gave me some very good news.  He is happy with how I am progressing and has decided NO CAM Walker!  He has placed me in two shoes with heel lifts.  I was advised that my leg will look a bit "fatter" for a while if not forever.  I guess my competitive body building & posing days are over, hahaha.  If you know me you will agree that is not something I ever wanted to do.

Now for the real fun.  Since I am in two shoes I still need the crutches but can slowly work myself into weight bearing on my affected leg.  The tough part at first is learning to "walk" with the crutches.  I think I got it, just need to remember.

The great thing in my opinion is while seated I am almost at a neutral position just bearing the weight of my lower leg.  I am doing some slow strecthing excerises while seated and watching TV.

Well now on to 4 weeks of PT 2-3 times per week.  I have to wait to get in where I want but I can do some things on my own so I’m good.

I want to get back to work "light duty" or better but given my occupation, OS won’t release me yet.  He adcised me that after 2 full weeks of PT if I’m up for it call him up and get in earlier and we will re-evaluate things otherwise at least 4 more weeks.  At least it is 4 weeks without a hard cast and weening myself off of my crutches during that time.

Just very happy right now!

Well, 24 hours to go.  I finally get my cast removed.  Wish I could say I have kept my foot completely immobilzed but I have had a couple of slip ups where I put weight on the cast.  I also have some "wiggle" room inside the cast so I have been doing just that wiggling my foot here and there and putting some force against the inside walls.

I feel great and just want this removed and want to move on to the next step.  I know this won’t be over immediately but personally I feel that I could possibly skip the walking cast/boot.  I’d love to go to two shoes with heel lifts if I can.

We’ll see.  I’ll let you know tomorrow!