Earlier today, I met with my orthopaedic surgeon who - based on the MRI scans I had yesterday - informed me that his original assessment was (indeed) correct; the ATR occurred very close to my calf muscle, which means that there isn’t anything that he can do. Surgery isn’t an option because you can’t stitch to muscle.
Don’t get me wrong: Part of me is happy not to have surgery. I wasn’t looking forward to having a 9″ scar down the back of my leg. Unfortunately, another part of me is a little apprehensive because I really enjoy sports and like to stay active. My biggest concern now is being able to fully recovery from this injury. This, of course, is easier said/written than done. I’ll be in a cast for the next 6-8 weeks and then there’s a good 6-8 months of physical therapy and exercise before I’m back to 95%. (According to many, 100% is impossible.)
All in all, I’m in pretty good spirits. My leg feels good and I’m able to get around pretty well with my crutches. That stated, I’ve gone ahead and ordered the iWalkFree. It cost me about $370 CAD (without shipping) and should provide me some independence around the house. I’m actually looking forward to helping my wife with vacuuming, changing our son, cutting the lawn, etc.
11 responses so far ↓
hobblit // Jul 16th 2008 at 12:35 pm
The iWalkFree looks interesting, wonder if you can rent rather than buying. Let me know how well it works.
Without surgery what’s the risk of re-rupturing?
I have a 2yr old daughter and it’s tough not being able to play with her while on crutches.
John Bristowe // Jul 16th 2008 at 1:04 pm
Not to worry; I’ll be posting a review of the iWalkFree once it arrives.
Statistically, the risk of re-rupture is higher with nonsurgical treatment as opposed to surgical treatment. Sadly, I don’t have a choice in the matter.
sanfrantourguide // Jul 16th 2008 at 2:03 pm
Sorry that you have to join our club! I am wondering about the different heights at which we rip our tendon. Mine was 4″ up, another’s here was 6″ up from the heel. So perhaps there’s a good explanation for it - that my tendon was “on the verge”, and the late night dance was the final blow. Tell us what exactly made it happen, what was the big event?
How quickly these weeks pass depend on your own state of m ind, money worries and any other parts of your life, as well as how quickly you get exasperated with life on crutches. Patience is a virtue, and reading in bed the best! On the back, leg up!!!
Mary
John Bristowe // Jul 16th 2008 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for the words of support, Mary. I’m in good spirits and I’m looking forward to getting back on my feet again.
My ortho informed me that the rupture occurred about 5″ up from the heel of my left foot. He informed me that the MRI showed damage to the tendon near the site where it joins the muscle.
My injury occurred playing soccer. It was a simple play, really. I was just chasing after a loose ball when I felt it go. That was it. I wrote about it here.
jenny // Jul 16th 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hello fellow Canadian! I also have a baby at home, a very active, crawling, laughing 10 month old who doesn’t understand why his mommy can’t play with him anymore. It has been really tough. My 13 year old daughter has had to take on the brunt of the work and our 10 year old son has to help with a lot of the housework as my husband owns a large industrial construction company and is very busy. That really sucks that you can’t have surgery to help speed things up. Do you have a full hip cast? That is what my surgeon said the non-surgical option was should I decide to go that route. I hope for your sake that you don’t. Anyway, good luck with your recovery and good luck with your little one.
John Bristowe // Jul 16th 2008 at 9:31 pm
Full hip cast?! Jesus, no!
That would destroy any shred of hope of recovery that I have left!
Right now, I have a normal cast like everyone else.
uknodger // Jul 17th 2008 at 10:50 am
Hi John, I am non-op too, nearly 3 weeks in plaster and 2nd cast on tomorrow. Conservative route was my own choice rather than the nature of the injury determining it. I would take a 95% recovery quite gladly! Maybe its time for you to take on that holding midfield role…
John Bristowe // Jul 17th 2008 at 11:00 am
Ha! No doubt! I’ll assume a style of play that suits Owen Hargreaves. He’s from Calgary too.
links for 2009-04-14 « chikajm // Apr 14th 2009 at 6:07 pm
[...] » The Less-Travelled Nonsurgical Route “Johnny Hopalong” (tags: achilles conservative) [...]
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sudhak // Sep 22nd 2009 at 4:38 pm
I ruptured my left achilles tendon after playing hoops with my 16 year old nephew. I just started week two of non-surgical option as well. I too decided not to have it (age, activity level, infection possibilities). Thing is I have to start a new job in
Vancouver in Oct 13th. The move from Toronto is going to be a drag. Good Luck John and let us I know about that funky looking crutch less device
jonkern // Sep 22nd 2009 at 6:35 pm
Can’t wait to hear how the iwalk device is to use. I am using a knee scooter and love the freedom I have but its kind of a pain getting in and out of the car.
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