Posted on August 31st, 2011 by jay9
Well, it’s been 18 days since the accident and 13 days since surgery. The pain has diminished a bit more with each day and I can keep my leg down for longer periods of time. Only a few more days of giving myself needles to prevent any blood clotting from the surgery….Whoooa Whooo!
I spent the first week with family as I wasn’t too sure how I would survive on my own and with the dog. The second week I headed home and with each day I am slowing learning how to survive on my own. I have to admit there are still alot of things that I am unable to do on my own, as I am still NWB (non-weight bearing)……it’s still very hard for me to ask those around me for help, as I really don’t want to be a bother to anyone but with each day as I realized I just can’t do it, I slowly start to reach out.
This morning, August 13, 2011 I had my first post-op appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon who did my actual surgery. They removed my cast, removed the staples and put me into a walking boot but still NWB for another two weeks…..my next appointment. I was expecting the staples to be unbearable when they were removed but in reality it wasn’t that bad…..just a bit of pain when they removed the ones closer to the ankle.
I requested the Dr sign a form from the Ministry of Transportation which allowed me to obtain a 3 month temporary handicap permit since I will be in this walking boot for sometime while on the road to repair. Heading back to work tomorrow after being away for 2.5 weeks…..thank goodness I have the ability to sit at work and put my foot up when need be, will see if I can last all 8 hours or have to come home early. The hardest part will be waking up so early and attempting to walk the dog before I go…….I know he can hold it if need be.
Tried grocery shopping today, it’s amazing how much you save when you can only carry a bit…….you become very picky about what you purchase since trying to balance yourself on crutches and a bag in one hand.
Well, thats enough about me…………………until my next appointment in two weeks, hopefully then I will be able to ditch the crutches and slowly begin to walk.
J 
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Posted on August 24th, 2011 by jay9
On August 14, 2011 I was playing soccer. The ball hit me in the stomach, I went to run onto it on a break away about to score when I suddenly dropped to the ground in excruciating pain. I thought someone had kicked the back of my left ankle. While lying on the ground I was told there was nobody close to me, that they heard a "pop" and I dropped to the ground screaming like a baby. Thank god, for the nurses, physio therapists and friends who were also playing who knew exactly what happened right away. They left my shoe on, used my other shin guard as support put ice in between and taped up my leg.
The ambulance attended shortly thereafter and took me to the hospital. I must have been pretty lucky cause emerg wasn’t that busy, I was taken for xrays which were negative. Since it was late, I was advised to return the next morning for an ultrasound. The results of the ultrasound indicated that I had completely torn my achilles tendon…I waited almost 4 hours in emerg waiting area before begin seen by the Dr. First he said I had torn it and would require surgery but he had to contact the Orthopedic surgeon, he returned and said NO surgery they just wanted to cast it and send me on my way with an appointment to see the Orthopedic surgeon. I advised that I already had a scheduled appt to see one on the Thursday (Aug. 18). Apparently each surgeon has a different opinion of what to do to repair it. One prefers surgery, the other just by casting. So off to home I went and hobbled around for several days.
On August 18th I returned to the hospital and saw the Orthopedic Surgeon, who advised me of my options of surgery or not. But because I am very active and what I do for a living it was suggested that I have the surgery. Before seeing the Dr, I spoke to alot of people about who had done the same thing and the options they took and the results. A weak Achilles tendon might just be hereditary in my family since now all 3 ladies have ruptured theirs, but my brother hasn’t…..makes you wonder!
I decided on having the surgery, it seemed the right thing for "ME". So on Friday August 19th, 2011 I checked into the hospital and sat around for several hours waiting for surgery. Around 6pm that night I finally had the surgery. Apparently there was about an inch and a half gap between my Achilles tendon which the Dr repaired. I was released from the hospital late Saturday.
I am now on my road to recovery. The first couple nights I had to take the percocets in order to sleep, but it is now Wednesday and trying not to take anymore drugs with the exception of some Extra Strength Tylenol. I have been taking it easy and doing alot of reading with my foot up higher than my heart, I even took the week off work but think I will return to work next week as I can only sit around doing NOTHING for so long.
The hardest part is having to depend on others for the simple things, and trying to stay positive. I must say I have the best family and friends who are willing to do anything at anytime for me and I know they will be there for the long haul. I will be the first to admit that I have cried myself to sleep a few times wondering what I am going to do and how am I going to get through this since the recovery period is so long.
My follow-up appointment is August 31st…………….I will let you know what happens then! Stay tuned
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