Working away on my sofa with my left leg propped up at a 45 degree angle, I can’t help but wonder how many others in the world are stuck in a similar position. It seems like I’ve been like this forever and it’s been only six days since my injury!
Elevation is used to help reduce swelling of the injured area and to promote healing. However, there’s a limit to the amount of elevation I’m prepared to do. At this point, my cast is pressing into the back of my calf, which is starting to make it feel slightly bruised. (I can’t tell if there is a bruise at this point.)
Tomorrow, I have an appointment to see my orthopaedic surgeon and to have my cast cut and re-applied. I’ll insist of having a MRI at that time. I want to be absolutely certain that my treatment is correct and that surgery isn’t an option. Sadly, my gut tells me otherwise. I suspect that I have a complete rupture and that surgery will be necessary. This is based on the fact that when I drop my leg from an elevated position, I usually experience a significant amount of pressure applied to the area just above my heal. This is the area where a few of the doctors I met (prior to the orthopaedic surgeon) had mentioned that they could feel a noticeable depression. I realize that this isn’t a sign of a complete rupture. However, coupled with the pressure I sometimes feel near the the heal of my foot, I can’t help but wonder if the orthopaedic surgeon got his initial assessment wrong.
2 responses so far ↓
screwdriver // Jul 14th 2008 at 10:55 pm
hop along ,
hey man . welcome .
my MRI revealed almost complete rapture with a few strands linking the tendon.
i had to see 2 doctors . the first wanted a conservative aproach . the second wanted surgery . i am 38 yo and very active so its a no brainer for me . i had to do surgery .an MRI will confirm your ATR and if you are going for surgery it will help doctors with the surgery .
mine raptured 6 cm from the insertion at the heel. so its a bit high .
keep yourself busy and have friends and family at home a lot as the depression is the one that will get to you .
John Bristowe // Jul 14th 2008 at 10:59 pm
Thanks, screwdriver!
To be clear: My ortho told me that they couldn’t operate even if they wanted to since - according to him - the tear occurred near or in the muscle issue.
My preference is to be cut and know that my chances of re-rupture are lower and that I’ll have a higher chance of regaining my strength. I’m surgery all-the-way if it’s warranted.
Thanks for your kind words. I’m keepin’ the faith. Totally positive. I’m even strength training my upper body! REHAB! REHAB!
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