Cast away

Posted on March 12th, 2014 by jules19

First visit to the OS today two weeks after surgery.

Got seen by a nurse who took my cast off and removed the sutures which luckily didn’t hurt at all.  The wound looked okay and she seemed happy with it although it felt very strange to have the ankle unprotected after 3 weeks of being in a cast.

This reminded me that when I first went to see the OS I had asked him about the various surgical options for ATR repairs including percutaneous vs open; thinking I was clever I also mentioned some fancy technique involving buttons that I’d heard about from the registrar at ER!

He just looked at me, shook his head and said these new techniques were all b******t and that over the years he’d tried every fancy innovation that had been invented but now does his repairs exactly as they would have done it in the 1950’s; basically just slice the ankle open and sew the tendon back together….fair enough I suppose, at least he’s experienced!

After removing the stitches I was given the choice of two types of boot either an aircast with inflatable pouches ($220) or another boot with no inflation ($160), I chose the aircast as it sounded more comfortable and the nurse fitted it with 6 heel wedges.

The OS then came in to see me but didn’t even bother looking at the wound.  My progress plan is PWB over the next two weeks using two crutches and gradually moving to one.

After 2 weeks I should be FWB and crutch free.  I have to remove one heel wedge per week and go back to see the OS in 6 weeks time.  No PT until after the boot comes off in another 6 weeks.

I have a possible overseas business trip in 4 weeks so I asked about flying with the boot, he said that in general he would avoid it due to the increased risk of DVT but if I have to travel then take a daily aspirin one week before and continue for one week after the journey.

So I’m very happy to be on the next stage and the promise of being able to drive in 6 weeks time now beckons!

The boot feels okay but it’s going to take a while to build up the PWB  I think, I guess you’ll just know what feels right as you gradually increase the weight.

I’m also planning to sleep in the boot for the next few days as I don’t trust myself in the middle of the night!

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One Response to “Cast away”

  1. Ron, on March 13th, 2014 at 2:35 am Said:

    Great update and good luck.

    Have a safe trip, but be careful.
    Ron

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  • normofthenorth | March 29th, 2014 | 1:24 am

    Most airports are OK with people who need lifts on power carts. A call in advance sounds like a good idea.

  • normofthenorth | March 21st, 2014 | 11:56 pm

    It’s easy to forget how many OTHER body parts have been resting and atrophying.

  • Ron | March 13th, 2014 | 2:35 am

    Great update and good luck.

    Have a safe trip, but be careful.
    Ron

  • jules19 | March 11th, 2014 | 5:37 am

    Good tips - thanks. The stoop down seems to work for me, gives you that extra bit of stability and confidence which makes a big difference!

  • normofthenorth | March 10th, 2014 | 5:15 pm

    There are about 2.5 ways of going down stairs NWB, not counting on the behind. The easiest by far only works if youve got a good strong bannister on the same side as your injury: Hold both crutches in your other hand and use them like a single crutch. Lean hard on the bannister, and move your sound foot down a step. Repeat all the way down.
    The other two (1.5?) ways involve real crutch walking on stairs, and they both take some getting used to. The revolutionary way is explained on RyanB’s blog, complete with videos. It looks good, but I’ve never tried it.
    The standard way is a lot like crutch walking on the flat, but on stairs:
    Stand on the top step, put both crutches down one step, stoop down to lower your center of gravity to the level it’ll be on after you step down, and step down. For max safety and confidence, I find that “stoop down” very helpful. And standing tall pre-step when going UPstairs likewise. This separates the “leap of faith” step from the (miss-able) change in altitude.

    It’s a new skill, but one that can be learned.

  • terencemc | March 10th, 2014 | 8:57 am

    Yeh, the shower seat is a necessary evil for sure. The daily shower is a godsend for the mental state, or at least was for me.. the leg protector was a must as well and did its job. i don’t envy you for being in the office that quick. My pain was still raging a week post-op, so good on you for doing well. Continued good healing.

  • Mr WordPress | March 2nd, 2014 | 1:28 pm

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