2nd Follow-Up: Cast off and boot on
2nd Follow-Up: Cast off and boot on
On Friday I went to the ortho for my second post-op follow up (4 weeks post-op). I finally got the cast off after wearing 4 different hard casts over the last 5 weeks. The new boot is very comfortable and has an air pump like the old Reeboks (see picture). Since my last cast was 90 degrees, this boot is also 90 degrees and I don’t need any heel lifts. It is not really any heavier than my fiberglass casts (I had been worried about that since lots of posters on achillesblog said that their boots we very heavy) but it is a lot bulkier. So I can’t wear pants with the boot so thanks to my boss for being cool with me wearing shorts in the office.
The doc said I should wear the boot all the time except for showering and bed. I was relieved since many achillesbloggers’ docs have them wearing the boot to bed. He recommended that when I have the boot off I take time to do range of motion exercises although he didn’t recommend any other than just rolling my ankle in the air (I am sure I can find some on the web). It came as a happy surprise at how good my ROM is. I really don’t see that much difference between my good and bad ankle and there is no pain. What disappointed me though is that my doc didn’t want me to start PT until after I see him again in a month. This was a surprise considering that I thought my doc had been relativelyaggressive thus far. To compound my disappointment, I got my first good look at my atrophied calf. I am an avid weightlifter (not competitive or anything) so I had always taken pride in my calves. All I can say is I have some serious rebuilding to do (see picture).
Best of all, I was able to finally wash my leg. I took a long hot bath and soaked it, took off the steri-strips and used a loofah very lightly to get some of the dead skin off my leg and feet. The incision area doesn’t look too bad I guess (see pictures). There is not much symmetry between my two heels any more but I hope it will gradually get closer over time and with therapy. So, I am looking very forward to 8/10 and my next follow-up.
DonJoy Walking Boot
4 weeks post-op calf comparison
4wk post-op heel comparison
Did the Doctor say if you’ll ever be able to play the piano again?
No piano. Said to stick to drums with the double-bass.
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