Week 6 - Leg pain, Physio & New Tat
10 07 2008I’ve got a few things going on this week.
My left Achilles is still very achy from the new casting position. Sometimes just out of nowhere I will experience some random bouts of pain and tingling deep in the Achilles area (maybe it is the Achilles healing in the new stretched out position). Putting weight on the left side brings some pain, but especially if my heel is on the floor and toes are brought upwards. ie: sitting in leg straight up and off the floor. Elevation must be done with my foot outwards or inwards to avoid pain.
I am doing a pre-emptive strike and started physiotherapy on my right foot. My right side had an achy Achilles before this all happened, along with a sore muscles on the top of the foot. With all the hopping around and pressure that the right side has been burdened with for the past 6 weeks, I don’t want to end up rupturing that side too.
I saw Dr. Stoddard (one of the best sports docs around these parts) at Toronto SEMI on Monday, and had my first physio session on Tuesday. It is a bit far from my home but since I am not back to work for another 6 weeks, I figured it is worth the drive to go to a top notch sports medicine and rehab clinic. We made a plan of attack to get going on my right side, and then go full speed ahead on the left once the cast comes off. My physiotherapist has dealt with a few ruptures before so that I a huge bonus. She was extremely thorough in her assessment and treatment. Also, being an extremely active guy who wants to get back to triathlon ASAP, I’ll be seeing a podiatrist to have them examine my feet to see what triggered the ATR and what has caused my Achilles tendonitis in the past (and currently).
Being bored as heck, I figured it was time to update my tattoo collection. Got the new tat on Monday after my appointment with the doctor (with tattoo shop being right around the corner I figured why not save a trip with those high gas prices). I wanted a more sinister design but compromised with the wife and got this. The Jolly Roger. Sums up what I am feeling right now and for the next 6+ months.
By the way, don’t you love peeling dead skin off your feet? I can’t stop. Sick I know. But it has to be done. And the skin just keeps on coming. Once I get the cast off it is going to be a sad scene.
Til next time.
H
seems things are going well with you … keep it up ! love the new tattoo ,you ve got me thinking now , i have a small chinese symbol on my shoulder and have wanted another one ……. i think nows the time to do it ..will cheer me up def . off to find some designs on the web ……… take care xx
Congrats on the tattoo! Heh - I had to check for an extra little scar on one end of the crossbones.
As for the discomfort, my leg would ache more than hurt after each cast was applied (original and 2nd). I had the boot put on yesterday and I’m feeling more calf soreness, which I hope is from the additional weight it is lifting more than anything.
nerys,
With all of this sitting around you might as well go for it. We are not going swimming anytime soon.
It does make showering an extra challenge (since you have to keep it dry), worry about the casted leg, and keep your balance. Unless you have a shower chair of course. For me, it is close to my crutch so I have to be careful it does not rub.
If you get one please post. Later H.
Shiela,
Thanks for the heads up on the calf soreness. That is my next step (in 2 weeks) and didn’t really expect things to be perfect.
I like the idea of adding a little extra to the left crossbone. That would make it extra special for sure. I’m going to thing of something and add it when I get another one.
Hey Hoss, co-worker and fellow ATR. In don’t know why you had to follow in my footsteps. Thanks for telling me about this website a couple weeks ago. I check out everyone’s story but I am timid to discuss my own. This site has been so helpful and raises my spirits when I am down. I had a bad fall the other day and I was just waiting to hear the terrible pop, but everything is o.k. After reading all those re-rupture stories I was scared. However I do have a reason to celebrate because I will be getting my walking boot this coming Tuesday and I just can’t wait. Keep us all updated on your progress and I will send you those pictures soon.
Hey Ayo,
Good to hear from you…..finally.
Quit stalling and set up your page.
All of this spewing helps with the recovery process and might help someone else. You have to give me the details of your boot experience.
Later
H