Kristin’s One Footed (Now Two-Footed!) Blog

ATR rupture with MRSA and big hole - 2 years later

Hello there! Yesterday was my 2 year ATR anniversary. I tried to post then but the site was having some trouble. I’ve come a long way in these past 2 years. After I ruptured I had a 1 1/2 inch diameter hole in the base of my achilles where the staples didn’t hold. Multiple grafts and wound finally closed after 6 mths. MRSA fun and all. I’ve been enjoying getting stronger each day. I’ve been playing tennis for a long time now, but in January I began a RunnersWorld.com training program and am doing a 5K next week. I can run for 35 minutes without stopping, and I’ve NEVER been a runner. Funny that my achilles feels great running, but when I play tennis it’s that damn side to side motion that is really hard on my bad foot.  I still get deep tissue massages every so often to try and break up the scar tissue. The thing that is really helping me (at least I think so) is Bikram Yoga. It’s always been on my bucket list…so, at least 3 times a week I’m in a damn hot room (106 degrees) doing these crazy yoga poses. The heat (I think) is helping the stiffness in my ATR foot because I’m not as stiff as I used to be in my bad foot.

I’m always making sure I stretch out before tennis really well. In the winter my tennis partner and I were in the middle of a match (she ruptured her left foot 6 mths before me). And, all of a sudden she goes to hit a ball, and her other foot, her right foot, POP. Once you’ve been thru this before, unfortunately, you know what you’ve done. So, drove her home and her crutches were still in the garage so back to the beginning. I think of her when I play now…while I think that if you are going to rupture..it’s gonna happen…BUT, I’m trying to do as much as I can to prevent anything…if there’s such a thing as prevention.

This site has been so helpful during the year when I ruptured. It was the one place to turn to read advice from folks that are going through the same things. Great job Dennis! Happy healing to you all! You’ll be better soon. Patience, I’ve found, is essential. I wanted to share a pic of what my scar looks like now. It looks like hell…but, it’s been closed forever, and I’m so active, more active now than I’ve been in a long time. Have a wonderful Spring! Thanks Dennis for this great support site! -Kristin in Atlanta