Bucking the trend.

Posted on August 28th, 2008 by jonathan9

Hi all,

I’ve just been looking at my past posts and have realised that there’s very few happy posts (including mine) during post ATR and I’ve decided to buck the trend after I met a woman last weekend who is in plaster up to her hip for 4 months!!!!

I’m feeling pretty good today, in 11 days I’ll get my cast off and be able to bath and shower without the military operation that is ‘entering the bathroom’. I’ve come to think of my cast as a friend who is protecting me from harm for my own good and is also a nice blue colour (shout out Annieh).

I know what you’re all thinking….’give me some of whatever tablets Jon is on’.  But no; looking back, this has been a tough, but positive experience. I think I’ll be just a bit calmer and patient in the way I approach things in future and probably won’t take my health for granted. I’ll also try to be a bit more helpful to those people I see dragging themselve around on crutches etc.

Keep smiling and feel free to join in,

Jon

2 Comments »

The wall…with 12 casted days to go!

Posted on August 27th, 2008 by jonathan9

I have 12 days until the cast is off and I’ll be honest I’ve had a few low moments.

Generally I’m okay about it, but my heart and brain had a fight last night over the cast……would anyone know if I cut it off now?! Fortunately I came to my senses and have to accept the the ortho knew what he was talking about and I have to keep in on for the full 6 weeks.

As a non-surgical, how long do you reckon before I can drive once the cast is off?

Take care all,

Jon

2 Comments »

Every day is a Tuesday at 3 weeks.

Posted on August 18th, 2008 by jonathan9

Morning folks,

Well I’m half way through my casting and still no change. I’m at my Tuesday stage with this cast (not at the start, not at the end and dragging by slowly hour by hour).

I think we’re due a new member too. My future cousin fell and performed a cheek ATR yesterday so I’m expecting her to log on any day now.

I’d never met anyone who’d done this before me and now they’re appearing from everywhere.

Chins up,

Jon

PS. AnnieH, if you’re reading this, wassappening at City????

3 Comments »

2 Weeks and 1 cast later…….

Posted on August 12th, 2008 by jonathan9

Hiya fellow ATRs.

Went in yesterday after 2 weeks in the initial cast (toes pointed south) and had new cast put on with foot in ‘nearly neutral position’. In this big bad blue boy for 4 weeks,  then apparently it’s straight into wedges according to the doc. Has anyone else gone the full cast->wedges route? If so what can I expect progress to be like.

Shocked to to my leg is already progressing into a Gollum-like state after only 2 weeks, dreading seeing it after another 4 weeks.

Also, just like to big-up my wife and all other friends and famile of mine and other ATRs for looking after our sorry asses while this is going on.

Ciao for now,

Jon

 

1 Comment »

Non-surgical - anyone else?

Posted on August 6th, 2008 by jonathan9

Hi all,

Is anyone non-surgical and out of their cast?

My achilles ruptured at the musculotendinous junction (high on the achilles where it starts to broaden towards the calf) and didn’t rupture right through, although deep enough.

Just wondering what the normal course of action is post cast, boot/straight to 2 shoes and cruch?

Any advice would be helpful as I feel a little in the dark over what the future holds for me and my poorly peg.

Cheers,

Jon

2 Comments »

Depressed…and with good reason.

Posted on August 4th, 2008 by jonathan9

Well today was supposed to be my last day in work before I jetted off to sunnier climes for 2 weeks R&R. Instead I am sat in work knowing that it’s going to be a few months before I can go away. 

Leg feels okay at the moment, if I wiggle my toes I can feel my achilles twitching (loosely but with no pain). I hope that is a good sign.

Can anyone advise me if, assuming my cast comes off finally 5 weeks today, I can safely book to go away at Christmas?

Hit my first wall yesterday when I was sat at home with nothing to do. Got told off by the wife for being messy and leaving the newspaper on the floor then got told off again for trying to tidy up after myself…….will it never end!

Keep smiling,

Jonathan

 

5 Comments »

Weird sensations…good or not?

Posted on August 1st, 2008 by jonathan9

Well a week has passed since I Ruptured the little fella and last night was the first night where I woke up with cramp style pain down my calf and ankle. Is this common?

Settled down once an ibuprofen was consumed.

As I sit here now (and generally) I have a constant weird tingling sensation around the spot my achilles went, it feels like someones just touching my skin with a pi over and over again. Is this normal?

Due for re-casting on 11th August. 38 days until I lose the cst completely. Is it a cert that I’ll then be booted for a few weeks after that?

Hope you’re all getting by.

Jonathan

2 Comments »

I’ll start from the beginning….

Posted on July 31st, 2008 by jonathan9

Hello to all fellow rupturees, I’m Jonathan, 32 and actively sporty…..until now!

I ruptured my achilles last Thursday, 24th July 2008 while rugby training as as per pretty much everyone else on here it went without warning. Still went to work on Friday as I could walk on it as long as I walked on my heel only. Went to A&E in the afternoon and to my surprise the told me that I’d ruptured my achilles and may require surgery..gulp!

Went back on Monday to see the consultant ortho and he decided against surgery as it ruptured quite high up (4″ from the heel base) and not all the way through.

I have 6 weeks in a cast (to be changed every 2 weeks to elevate my toes more and stretch my achilles slowly.

So there we are, I’m on crutches (don’t they look like fun when someone else is on them!) and back in work. I was signed off for over 6 weeks, but I can get a lift in to my desk job and one day of daytime TV is about all I can stand.

I’m not in pain but my arse goes numb after sitting on an office chair for an hour without moving and I look like a new-born deer trying to get around the office.

I feel this is how it’s going to be until the last cast comes off in 5 1/2 weeks.

Ciao for now,

Jonathan 

3 Comments »

Hello world!

Posted on July 31st, 2008 by jonathan9

Welcome to Achillesblog.com.

This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Following link will take you to your blog’s “command center” where you can write your posts:
http://achillesblog.com/jonathan9/wp-admin/

Be sure to fill out your city, Achilles rupture date, surgery date, etc.. (if you know it) here:
Fill out my Achilles Profile Here

When you do, you can keep track of your recovery progress and see your information on the Marathon Tracker.

Here’s more info: using Achilles Timeline Widget

Please change this post’s title to something more descriptive. Just leaving it as “Hello World” leads people to believe that you haven’t updated your first post!

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask! :)

Dennis

1 Comment »

  • Achillesblog - Updated Posts

  • Recent Comments

  • annieh | August 28th, 2008 | 2:39 pm

    Yep Jon, There is always someone who is worse than you, but at the time it is difficult to think that. We have a new ‘victim’ Angel, have you read her story, she is some fighter.

    I will always be thankful that at least I will be able to walk again even if with a bit of a limp. My next-door neighbour (and ‘red’ commented this morning how well he thought I was doing, that made me feel good.

    Visiting the sick relatives this weekend, tomorrow one who has already got metal pins in her legs from a fall years ago has damaged her knee and is on her own, so taking food over to her, Saturday 2 more relatives both of whom suffer from terrible arthitis, in the morning taking 92 year old mother-in-law for x-ray after she fell again, she broke 3 ribs in June. So I have to repay the kindness they showed to me.

    Re the ‘blues’ what a day, we had to turn the radio off on the way home from work in case we crashed.!! But Shaun Wright-Phillips is back in his proper ‘home’ so happy days

    Annie

  • Matt | August 28th, 2008 | 1:48 pm

    I second that !!!!!

  • annieh | August 27th, 2008 | 7:07 am

    Hi Jon,

    That wall keeps hitting all of us at some point. You will break through it again. I had a few days when I thought I would go mad but I had a few kind words with myself and all is now well.

    Keep the faith
    Annie

  • johnk | August 27th, 2008 | 3:52 am

    Jonathan,

    I am non-surgical , left leg, clutch foot, and was driving within 4 hours of my cast coming off.

    Just be careful as your brain has forgotton the amount of flex that is required to move the pedals.

    Johnk :)

  • sheila | August 18th, 2008 | 1:30 pm

    Hang in there, Jon. I just passed 10 wks. It seemed like just last week i was where you are. Honestly, try to make the best of your down time. Life goes by very quickly. Next thing you know, you’ll be reporting on your last PT appointment! :)

  • kkdub | August 18th, 2008 | 9:04 am

    I can relate to your “tuesday” feeling at three weeks. But one day you’ll wake up and it will be 7 weeks (like me) and think - WOW, how did I get to 7 weeks - this is pretty cool. “look ma….no crutches”. Hang in there. It DOES get better.

  • annieh | August 18th, 2008 | 8:34 am

    Jon,

    Nothing happening at City!!! Think they have forgotten how to play, and with Bojinov falling victim to achilles rupture in the warm-up looks like our season is set for disaster.

    Annie

  • lauriemac | August 12th, 2008 | 9:12 am

    Hi Jonathan

    I had my stitches out 2 weeks after op last night and was put back in a cast (white, not blue) for 1 more week. My consultant plans to put me in an Aircast boot next week with 3 wedges although he has said I can stay in a cast if I didn’t feel quite up to that move. I want to ditch the cast if I can. Everyone’s treatment seems to be different from what I can read on the forum!

    Rgds

    Laurie

  • uknodger | August 7th, 2008 | 2:38 am

    Hi… I’m non surgical, but still in cast for 3 weeks or so, then the NHS skiboot and physio.

    Co-incidentally there is a third non-op John on the site, who is well on the way to full recovery, have a look for a blog by JohnK

  • John Bristowe | August 6th, 2008 | 9:10 pm

    Hey Jon,

    Sounds like we’re in the same boat. My rupture occurred near the same location. My ortho said that non-surgical treatment was the only option.

    John

  • walshie | August 4th, 2008 | 8:16 pm

    Jonathan its ok to feel depressed, you’ve had a very serious injury. I broke down twice, the night I did it and the night after surgery. It gets better, hang in there. Sounds like cliches but its true. You’ll be up and about before you know it.

    I vacuumed the whole cottage in a cast w crutches at about 4 weeks…took a 30 minute job 2 hours to do, but I did it…and she loved the effort (my foot swelled, but not that bad). Its almost comical attempting everyday stuff/chores but if you take it really slow (whats the rush?) and lower your expectations you can still do a lot…and it kills time!

    Good luck.

  • jacksprat | August 4th, 2008 | 4:26 pm

    Just promise yourself to make up for it at Christmas. You should be OK (as long as you’re not doing the Mens Downhill or something?).
    ATR puts your life in a straight jacket and we miss all the things we took for granted before. The best thing is to forget what you cant change; just be stubborn and refuse to dwell on them. They are an itch you cant scratch.
    Think about what you do have, a Christmas holiday ahead, a wife to chat with and time to relax and ponder or plan, etc.
    I was planning lots of weekend trips that have gone out the window, I was going skiiing in early December (kiss that goodbye) and Im a singleton so if I want company I have to look in the mirror and pretend its someone else. Ive started giving the spiders names; I feel like Robinson Crusoe. But things could always be worse and I will get better. Its like a train trip - once you are on you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.

    PS. what the heck ya doin’ leavin the newspaper on the floor?

  • damacar | August 4th, 2008 | 9:58 am

    Jonathan-
    Hang in there dude! Its really rough for a while. I kept thinking that I wouldn’t be able to go to any football games. We finally got season tickets to Oregon Duck football. Season opener against Washington Huskies (arch rivals) on August 30th. I just kept thinking, how am I going to get to my seat? So, at the last Dr appt I had, I asked, as I had a view of beautiful Autzen Stadium from the 3rd floor of the Orho building….”Hey Doc? Um, I really just need to be able to walk up those stairs and up that ramp on August 30th.” He replied,”7 o’clock, baby, see you there.” It was like giving me wings!! Just set some goals. I had that one and I wanted to be able to walk in two shoes, without a limp at my personal trainers’ wedding. I was working out with him when “it” happened. Surprisingly, you’ll be really OK by week 10. Really.
    Jet off young buck!! Have a Merry Christmas!!

  • Doc Ross | August 4th, 2008 | 9:25 am

    Jonathon,

    Sorry to hear of whats going on. You will be fine to travel by Xmas. Just read some blogs to find out what everyone is doing regarding rehab and make sure you ask questions at your post op appts. As for the wife, she will be doing alot around the house for a few weeks so realize she stressing also.

    Good luck with the recovery, let us know if you have any more questions.

    Doc Ross

  • annieh | August 4th, 2008 | 5:55 am

    All been there, I ‘hit the wall’ very hard a month or so ago and today I have been out on my own, and it feels fantastic. I know how hard it is to be optimistic but you will get there, I know that for a fact.

    As for going away at Christmas I cannot see any reason why you cannot do so. Others on this site have flown whilst still in a cast so you should be OK.

    Start looking at places to go, don’t think about where you should have been going today.

    Annie

  • damacar | August 1st, 2008 | 9:13 am

    Jonathan,
    I was prescribed Valium from the ER doc because my calf was cramping in the ER. I took one when I got up, and one before I went to bed. My legs did a weird twitch/jump sometimes. BUT, I’m 12 weeks post op, FWB, two shoes, and I still get leg cramps, twitches, stinging sensation.. The valium really helped. It was a very low dose so it didn’t make me loopy or anything, in fact I couldn’t really feel anything. I don’t know of anything else that helps. ANYONE??
    Hang in there! The first month or so sucks.

  • johnk | August 1st, 2008 | 6:07 am

    Jonathan,
    I encountered the calf cramps early on also, it does settle down, just the muscle getting messages from the brain asking why the hell it isn’t working !
    Not sure what the procedure will be when you get your cast off, I was non-surgery treatment and spent a total of 10 weeks in cast before going straight to 2 shoes.

  • sheila | July 31st, 2008 | 8:40 am

    Welcome, Jonathan!

    Yes, it is interesting how many people have come along in the few months this site has been up. And the randomness of the ruptures. Seemingly normal activities and actions that so many people do w/o problems, that cause the few such a major injury.

    Lots of helpful info and good commiserating to be had here. Enjoy!

  • jonathan9 | July 31st, 2008 | 8:00 am

    Cheers Annie,
    Everyone seems to be of the opinion that it is an unavoidable injury if you are an active person and you have a weak achilles.

    I was amazed how many people were on here and it’s good to know that we can give each other support.

    Wishing you a speedy recover.

    Jonathan

  • annieh | July 31st, 2008 | 7:25 am

    Welcome Johnathan,

    Hope all goes well for you, can just picture you on your chair!!

    I put a chair beside my desk and put my leg up on that during the day, not very elegant, but better than having leg down. Kept crutching around the office to keep things moving.

    Your quite lucky not to need an operation hopefully your progress will be quicker than mine.

    We are getting more and more Brits on the site now, there were only a couple when I ‘joined’ our special club.

    Hope things go well for you.

    Annie

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