16 weeks post op, and 3 weeks of P.T.
After three weeks of physical therapy, I’m feeling better each day. Feeling virtually no pain in the achilles, but still a small amount of swelling around the ankle, foot, and lower calf. The tendon has a “tickling” sensation - not uncomfortable, just “there”. I’m going to P.T. 2x a week, and also doing the exercises a few more times on the off days at the YMCA. Also swimming at home daily and doing the heel raises at varying depths in the water. I start out standing at about halfway between my chest and waist and do about 30 - 40 lifts. Then take a step towards the shallow end, and another 30 - 40 raises. By the time the water is just below waist deep, I can’t raise up. However, I’ve been doing this about 4-5 time a week, and it IS getting easier to do them. It’s just going to take a LONG time to get closer to “normal”. Small steps Baby!!!!!
Can’t wait to start taking my baby steps. Sounds like PT is going well and you are being a stellar patient. Keep up the good work. Have you set any goals? Do you think you will be snowboarding again this winter?
Comment by kellygirl — June 24, 2013 @ 11:27 am
Jack keep on going , I remember you posting issues before seems lie your finally mending
RRR
Comment by ripraproar — June 24, 2013 @ 1:13 pm
Jack, how is your walk? Any limp?
Comment by 22kelly — June 24, 2013 @ 10:32 pm
Thanks for the great comments! I’m hoping to get back on the board this winter, but in my mind I’m already visualizing standing at the top of a hill and facing that very first run - wondering if I’m going to have the leg strength for the toe / heel turns. My most immediate goal is to get some mileage under my butt on the bicycle to be able to do the Seagull Century ride the first weekend in October on the Maryland eastern shore. Have been able to get several short bike rides in (25 miles a few weeks ago) and can ride seated without any problems. I’ve tried standing out of the saddle a few times and still getting a little too much “stretch” to feel comfortable for any length of time. I still have a slight limp - sometimes noticeable to others, but I can definitely feel it in my left hip, knee, and foot. THAT will just take time. It has gotten better in the few weeks that I’ve been in 2-shoes, and walking / stretching / exercising are the name of THAT game. Progress may seem to be slow, but I’m moving a lot faster than I was when sitting around the house with a cast stuck on my leg! Wow, that was just 10 weeks ago!
Comment by Jack — June 25, 2013 @ 1:40 am
Sounds like you have a great plan! Bicycling sounds easier than snowboarding–I can only make heel turns and then fall on my butt so toe strength isn’t an issue for me
(Of course, getting upright again would be another problem.) IKWYM about the toe strength–I’m still kind of flabbergasted at how weak my toes are. I read about it all the time here but I didn’t think my toe strength would be that weak too! Honestly, you sound like you are in a great place 10 weeks post. I’m nearing 8 and no where near ready to do any kind of ride on a real bicycle–outdoors! Thanks for the update and good luck!
Comment by kellygirl — June 25, 2013 @ 1:52 am