Healing well
It has been two months since my fourth surgery and things are going well. First of all, the wound healed better than after any previous surgery. That was a good sign. I now feel more glide in my tendon. I have ultrasound twice a week and that seems to be breaking down the scar tissue. The surface of the skin is still very dry, but hopefully as the scar tissue goes there will be more circulation. The muscle strength is not there yet and my leg is still spindly compared to the right leg. My physiotherapist said it will be 6 months before everything is normal again. After 20 months of this ordeal, six months feels pretty short! I initially went back to my surgeon after surgery because I had some pain and he said I have tendonitis! How do you get tendonitis when you haven’t been running, let alone walking! But I do have it — so daily stretches are necessary. Happy to hear any advice in how to heal from tendonitis.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)Fourth Time Round
I had my fourth surgery on Monday. Yikes! There was an infection that simply would not go away. It was mostly caused by permanent stitches that were used during the second surgery to repair a second rupture. Even though my surgeon took most of the permanent stitches out in the third surgery (my body was rejecting them), he had to leave three in to keep everything together. I am hoping this is the last of the surgeries and that complete recovery will now follow. The best part is that I can still walk - no crutches, no cast. I also had a fabulous surgeon and team of nurses paving the way. Happy 2014 - here’s to healing us all.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (6)One year anniversary
A few milestones have passed since my last post. One year since I tore my achilles — the first time. One year since my first surgery (I had to wait a couple of weeks). I am unfortunately not out of the woods yet. My ankle was infected at the surface and I was on anti-biotics at the beginning of August. And I believe the infection is not completely gone. My surgeon wants to do an MRI to see if there is an abscess which would require another surgery. I would like to think that this would be minor and not have me off my feet for too long. But considering everything, I don’t think I will get off so easy. Trying to stay philosophical about it all (or maybe it is denial). Anyone having similar issues? How long does it take to recover from abscess surgery? Should I be digging out my crutches which I have not used since March?
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)Single foot raises
It has been a while since my last post. I have been swimming almost every day and getting stronger after being a couch potato for 7 months. I find that there are things I cannot do for the life of me like a squat, and then one day I can just do it. I can even jump up. However, I feel like I have made little progress with the single foot raises. Does anyone have some advice on exercises that gradually help build those muscles? Clearly I don’t have those back.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (6)Swollen or Infected?
Well, I have been swimming and using a stationary bike and stretching and strengthening. Things seemed to be going well. And today my tendon hurts. The skin is swollen and red and I can’t tell if this is just a sign of overdoing it or if I have an internal infection. Anyone have experience with this? Should I go back to my surgeon tomorrow? Or do I just let it rest for a couple of days? Advice, please.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)Two shoes!
I finally made it to two shoes. After 2 weeks of doing an assortment of strengthening exercises, I walked on 2 feet today. Swam in the pool for the first time in 7 months. Swimming is the best. I am still using crutches as I walk around. And if I am in a busy place, I put the boot back on for protection. This is one slow and steady road to recovery. Thank-you for all the cheers of support and sound advice.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)Weaning off the Boot
This is the furthest I have made it so far in my 7 month odyssey. I am doing all kinds of stretches with my foot and I can feel some strength returning to my leg. I am going to be FWB soon, without a cast. Can’t wait to build up to it by “walking” in a swimming pool starting this week. I have no illusions that this is going to take time — my ligaments, tendons and muscles are all limp noodles. I took a few steps in running shoes and crutches and it felt fantastic.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)Weight bearing at Last
Saw the surgeon today and he said I could weight bear with the cast for 2 weeks and then wean myself off the cast. Can’t believe I finally made it to that stage. He even said I could go swimming because the tendon was healed. I forgot to ask if I still need to sleep with the boot. Any thoughts about that? When is it safe to stop sleeping with the boot. I am ultra cautious after having three surgeries!
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (5)Healing well
Eight weeks post third surgery and all the scabs have finally fallen off. I have one crooked scar. I still can’t do a lot of physio on the achilles — too delicate. But I feel past the post in terms of infection. I can easily move my foot to 90 degrees, so that is a step in the right direction. I am focusing on strengthening my back after using crutches now for nearly 7 months. Happy to hear any tips about relieving pain from using crutches.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)Wound Care and PT
Hi all… Lastest news is that I had the stitches out from my last surgery. Everything looks much better AND there is no more infection. I was rewarded with an air cast and my first post-surgical PT session. My foot moves really well — practically at 90 degrees. But since nothing has been easy about this whole process, it turns out that moving my achilles tendon at this point is interfering with my wound recovery. So my PT and I decided not to move the foot until my wound is completely sealed, otherwise I risk it opening and becoming infected or worse. The good part is that my partner is doing daily acupressure on my foot to prepare it for eventual weight bearing. I am loving the boot — it feels really comfortable and so much more convenient than a cast.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)