Lee’s Achillies Recovery blog

Hi all

Though I would give you an update on my progress. Still only 50% WB and my balance is improving. I have had the boot off a few times at last, the wastage is bad, the circulation is no better. I am still suffering with the dreaded swelling. But today I applied some E45 moisturising lotion into my foot and calf, because I have read a few posts that recommended it. It has made an improvement, so I will continue daily with this. I massage my foot when applying, and this has helped with my circulation. My foot does not move well, its very stiff, especially my toes, so I am not going to push the WB until this improves. Had a nice weekend, managed to get into the garden, sitting watching family helping with tree topping. But on Monday, our BBQ was a laid back imitation, it came from the oven ha ha :-), and we snoozed watching a film. Nice.

Lee

Hi all

I have been out again. For a walk in the front garden this time, and a bit more weight this afternoon, 60%. Good foot feels better, after yesterday, and my ATR is feeling surprisingly better as well. Has anyone in the uk got a BBQ planned for bank holiday Monday? We are having hot dogs on the patio, Happy days.

lee

Hi everyone

Thought I should update do on my walking, well actually its more like man on the moon shuffle. I am still only at 50%,  sorry, I feel bad about this, it all feels so delicate still. one false move and snap. I am paranoid about starting again.

Anyway yesterday, I had gone for a walk in the garden with my wife, and  friend Adrian. To show off our huge cucumbers and tomatoes, my wife has green fingers, she is also a professional gardener and a natural, you should see them, we have had ten cucumbers off four plants. I had got to the end of my garden, say 50ft or so, when I noticed my good foot was not feeling to clever. My good foot AT was uncomfortable, and my calf was tingling. After a hasty retreat to the lounge, I put both my feet up on the pillows on my sofa. It took a while to calm down, and repeated, every time I have tried to walk since. But I suppose its to much to ask of my good foot, after six weeks bed rest. I will keep trying, and resting, until my strength builds. Has anyone else had the good foot problem?

I read a blog yesterday, where someone wanted to be able to make a cup of tea. Well before my wife goes to work, she makes me a large Thermos flask of hot coffee. I have it next to me for hot drinks all day. It is large enough for three and a half cups. I have also got an insulated mug, with a screw on lid, from the camping shop. its a bit tricky, and you have to move slow, but I have managed this a few time. But for individual cups, how about a small flask, and a bag to carry it into the other room. But for me the flask works really well, I have another with water in it, so my hydration is very good. I hope this gives you all Ideas, keep wiggling those toes.

Hi all

I have found a good way of exercising with a boot. Go up and down the stairs on your bum, just once for now, using your bum and both feet and hands, crab like. Surprisingly it has boosted my confidence, and makes the thought of walking easier, as well as getting over my fear of FWB and re-rupture.

Lee

Hi all.

On Monday I spoke to my Registrar, about confusion in methods of treatment. She said if you speak to five consultants, you will get five different treatments, for the same patient. Sounds about right. Dose not make sense though does it.

Lee.

Hi everyone, I now have my new airboot on, and I must say how much better it feels. I have posted a few photographs, sorry about the mobile phone quality. I will take some with my camera, and replace them as soon as I can.

Life in a boot is great, apart from the fact the wedge is thick heavy rubber, small trade off for comfort. If my foot swells up to much and I need a little more room, I can either loosen the straps off, or let some air out, but not by to much if walking. It has been stressed to me, that I must not flex my foot towards the horizontal, as at six weeks this could result in damage to the AT. The angle my boot is set at is  I think called “mid equine” not sure if that is the correct spelling, but the next setting is 90 degrees or 0 (Zero) in America. I can take the boot off, for baths, Achilles and toe massage, and most defiantly fresh air, oh that feels so good.

With my foot now at a slight angle, my Achilles is pulling on the calf, and so working again. With this new tension comes mild discomfort, this is normal, which as the days go by should lessen. I have spent the day, re acquainting my foot with the ground. only 50% load it also helps to balance. as the days go by, I will let you know how things progress in this area.

I will update more each day, I hope to sort out my photographs as well, now I understand how the blog page works, if you want to know anything, please ask, I will do my best to answer you. Sleep well, rest lots, we will walk again

I went for my six week post operation check up today. And could not believe my luck.  I saw a new registrar, a very helpful and friendly German lady Mrs Ilona kurta, I hope I have spelt your name correctly, who is in the process of recovering from her own ATR, I belive that she is at twelve weeks post operation. She was amazing, and a breath of fresh air, and understood everything That I said to her and some. Helpful to the point I had my next appointment three ours later, at another hospital, where she supervised the whole thing in her lunch break. A new air boot, and lots of very helpful advice. I will tell you more tomorrow, as I am off to bed now. What a fantastic day, I am on a high.

I am six weeks post opp now, and due to pain and swelling, still mostly in bed. My muscle wastage is getting quite bad. If I sit on the bed, and lift my right damaged ATR leg, my outer thighs looks concave, it hollows in. it was never like this before. I can almost put both my hands around my thighs, which means I  have lost at least an inch in circumference, maybe more. And all my leg muscles have gone flabby. I think it will take a fair bit of PT to get back to normal. I am pinning a lot, on my Monday appointment with my consultant. Ether a more comfortable cast, or boot. To be fair, I would be happy if everyone turns up this time. Has anyone else had a no show appointment, or NHS computer glitch?

As I am stuck in bed, limping to the bathroom is all I can manage, well without my toes going purple that is. But I am eating well. Less picking on crisps and cakes, like I normally do when I am at work. Muscle wastage aside, I have lost the best part of a stone in weight. Brilliant.