I’m free - just me!

Posted on July 23rd, 2013 by loumar747

No boot, no cane - just me! I should be shouting from the roof tops and, I am BUT I can see there’s still a lot of work to do. My physio this morning was pretty intensive and the PT says, " Now the hard work begins!"  I’m up for the challenge . One foot heel raises (both standing and lying on weight machine), two foot heel raises  - eyes closed, one leg squats, wobble board, wall stretches, glute exercises (says that the glute has atrophied which is one of the reasons  for the limp) , wobble ball (one leg)etc.  - Did all this with a muscle stimulator attached. Workout is completed with ultra sound and icing whilst in a dimly lit room. Ah…..

4 Comments »

PT Pain - The ‘owwww’ is now ‘oww’.

Posted on July 18th, 2013 by loumar747

Had another PT appointment yesterday and am happy to report that while her ‘massaging’ the glob of scar tissue on  one side of my tendon hurt it was not quite as painful as the first time around. The PT did an admirable job of trying to distract me whilst doing her stroking ‘thumbs of steel’ routine. She said it is this glob that is pulling on the tendon and causing the slight twisting. I haven’t had the courage to ask what happens if we can’t get rid of the blob. Anyway, was glad to hear that my home exercises have helped.

So, I’ve officially ditched the boot and am to walk with a cane. I actually miss the boot as it gave me more freedom - to  walk at a decent pace, to not worry about accidents, to carry objects in my hands etc. As I don’t have any pain walking, I have to remind myself to use the cane as the PT said it was important. I am only to walk for 5 to 10 minutes a day without it. To prove her point, the PT had me do a leg press with my good leg (heel off the plate) and then had me try it with the achilles leg - couldn’t even budge it. Hence, the cane and not much walking without it. However, I’m not complaining as I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and definitely don’t want to hinder my progress. But, boot, will still be at my side. I intend to wear it sometimes - feel like a baby about to lose my security blanket.

Oh forgot to mention another negative about the cane. People are so sympathetic when I clomp around in a boot. Now, when I go out I’m afraid they’ll think I’m just another ‘ oldie with a cane’. On the positive side, I can use it as a weapon!

4 Comments »

PT Pain - “Owwww”

Posted on July 15th, 2013 by loumar747

Well, I’m off to another PT appointment and am not looking forward to it. I’m trying to tell myself that I’m strong, I can endure the pain but owwww…. After reading some other blogs re: pain during physio, I felt a tad superior as up to that point my physio appointments had been rather pleasant - a few exercises, discussion re: home exercise plan and then a relaxing icing/ultra-sound. However, the last visit quickly brought me back to earth. After being reprimanded by the oh-so-young physio for not religiously adhering to my home exercise plan and virtually scaring me to death re: the repercussions of not working hard, she had me lie on my stomach and proceeded to examine the condition of the tendon as she continued to explain that without proper exercise, the scar tissue sort of hardens in a lump and other scary stuff which at the moment I can’t remember. She said my tendon is ‘twisting’ a bit which scared me even more. At that point, she began to firmly, VERY firmly, press and draw her thumbs down on either side of my tendon from about mid-calf to the heel. The pain was excruciating! When she said she’d do 100 ’strokes’, I knew there was no way I could endure that and after my squealing (well, not quite) after 10 she stopped at 30. However, boy, did she have my attention! I’ve been much more conscientious about following her regimen and so, am hoping, this will mean less pain tomorrow. I’m wincing as I type…….

5 Comments »

Adjusting to 2 shoes - SLOWLY

Posted on July 10th, 2013 by loumar747

So, I’m a week into 2 shoes but think I have probably been going a little too slowly. I have been told that I can walk around the house, using crutches, without my beloved boot. It seems, however, that I’m more in the garden, out shopping, visiting friends,etc. so my actual walking time without the boot is fairly limited yet I’m too afraid to head out without it - it’s my security blanket.

I am remembering the advice of those further along in the healing process. The common mantra seems to be ‘Go slowly and be careful.’ I may be taking that advice too much to heart but the fear of re-rupturing is always lurking in my mind. Yesterday, I ventured out to have a look at our trailer new trailer (hubby is desperate to get me out camping) and thankfully, I was wearing my boot so the jolt I got when stepping from the trailer onto uneven ground didn’t do any damage although I have had some aching in the upper calf. Had I not been wearing the boot I’m sure it would have been a re-rupture. So now I’m planning every foray into the yard with military precision - trying to foresee risks. When oh when, will it feel ’safe’? Hope I’m not being too timid.

Also having some difficulty motivating myself to complete all the exercises assigned by the PT.
1. sit/stand from a chair - 100 reps 3 to for times a day. I do 50 while the coffee’s brewing.
2. Heel raises- two hands on table 30 reps 3X - 3x a day. Accomplishing this once a day but don’t like it as the achilles on my good leg feels so tight. Fear factor again!
3. Toe tapping - I’m good at this - do it every time I have the opportunity.
4. Flex band - foot out, in, down - reps same as #2 - Think I’ve done it once.
5. Clam shells - same as #2 Got a cramp in my inner thigh while attempting this with the boot on. Rolled around clutching my leg and moaning. I hate pain! No wonder I’ve never wanted a tattoo.
6. Pool work - walking forward, backward, sideways. Haven’t made it to my friend’s pool yet. As I’m not driving yet, it seems like quite the hassle for 10 minutes. But I’m going on Fri. - I am, I AM.

Okay, now having exposed my failing grades on exercising and on my lack of general courage, I am more motivated. I AM!! I AM!!!! Hmmm - think I’ll get my book and ice my heel.

5 Comments »

2 shoes - sort of…..

Posted on July 4th, 2013 by loumar747

Well, I’m on to the next stage - 2 shoes - sort of. Was very excited to be going to my 8 week visit with the orthopedic surgeon (now, why was I referred to a surgeon when I didn’t have surgery?). Anyway, was quite disappointed with the appointment as I don’t feel he was very thorough in his answers to my questions nor to comments, nor any manual examination re: progress of the achilles healing process. He basically looked at the foot and said I could now start walking in the house without the boot utilizing crutches and to return in a month to 6 weeks. Soo… after reading other blogs I had a few questions:

1. Can I start PT? Answer: PT doesn’t really help. Maybe later.

2. Can I drive? Answer: Certainly. Just take off your boot before you start and put it back on after.

3. What kind of shoes should I wear? Will these be okay? (was wearing a Clarke sandal, no back or back strap but thick straps over foot)
Answer : Yep

I’m on an achilles rupture blog and I notice that a lot of people are getting ankle braces to wear in a shoe. Should I get one? Answer: Ankle braces don’t really help except as a reminder to your brain that you have an injured foot.

4. Should I still wear the boot at night? Answer: no

5. Can I swim? Answer: certainly

As I left he did say “Be careful.”

After this appointment, I hurried (dragging boot) to my PT (didn’t tell Dr. I had already been to therapy) and was lucky enough get in to see the PT later in the day. This visit was terrific. She had me walk (I stood there like a deer in the headlights . You mean - without the boot? Yep! I was terrified but soon was tentatively ‘walking’. It felt pretty gross and I readily agreed with the PT when she said, ( Looking pretty floppy). Anyway, she went on to examine my flexibility, strength, gait etc. , showed me numerous exercises to practise at home, explained many things such as why trying to balance on the injured foot is so difficult etc. etc. She then answered my questions.

1. Can I drive? Answer: I wouldn’t yet. You don’t have the immediate push down strength required.
2. Should I be wearing a shoe with a back? Well, that’s preferable but the sandal you’re wearing does give you quite a lot of support and it does have a slight heel.
3. Should I wear the boot at night? Answer: For a little while longer.
4. Can I swim? Answer: Going to the pool would be great but I would start out very slowly - 10 minutes the first time walking across the pool, walking backwards and sideways. You shouldn’t try to swim and flutter kicking yet.

And, remember when you’re walking without the boot to go slowly. The reason I have explained what’s happening as you walk and what you should be doing when you walk is so that you will be thinking every time you’re using that foot so you won’t turn quickly or try to walk to quickly. You are still healing and, while it’s important that we ‘wake up’ the fibers and tendon etc., we must do so with care.

I think she’s my new best friend.

So, am feeling much better and am more motivated to carry out her instructions ( including continuing to ice). Returning to my former activities still seems so farrrrr away and I still can’t quite believe that I’m in this situation but my determination for the moment is high.

Keeping the faith!!

P.S. The PT said to walk in the house with crutches as it gives the best support for a natural walk. Said to use them for a week and to bring my cane to the next appointment.

11 Comments »

Hopefully ‘2 shoes’.

Posted on June 30th, 2013 by loumar747

Getting pretty excited as I think, after my next Dr. visit on Wednesday, I’ll be in two shoes. I’ve actually become accustomed to my boot and am somewhat reluctant to let it go. I always feel so confident with it on and, actually, because it’s so darn heavy I think it’s been a good exercise tool as well. So, when I ‘ve had the occasional ‘pity party’ overeating binge which , of course, led to more guilt ridden ‘pity parties’, I’ve been able to console myself that I have expended some calories whilst lugging boot.

I do have a question even though I pretty sure of the answer but am hoping I’m wrong. Does 2 shoes really mean an actual shoe or will a Birkenstock or Keen type sandal work? I mean what kind of actual ’shoes’ does a girl wear in summer (well actually a very mature lady)?

Also, a little update on physio. After much mental work fighting internally with the ’should I’, ’shouldn’t I, contact a physio even though my Dr. said ‘not yet’, I did take the plunge and am I ever glad I did. The physio did a thorough evaluation and gave me some great advice as well as home exercises (gentle). She was concerned that the leg/foot was still so swollen and said I must ice more (20 min. every 2 hours which, of course, is nigh to impossible to fit in) as there is a finite time to get rid of accumulated fluid and I was approaching this time after which the fluid turns into a jelly-like substance and is there long term. I’ve been trying to ice, leg elevated as much as possible. She also said I was walking incorrectly which was putting a greater strain on the achilles. The Dr. had told me to walk with my booted foot turned out as it was less pressure on the achilles. The physio said, ‘I’m not sure why he would have told you that as that’s the worst thing you can do for it." So, she has me doing ’standing from a sitting position, feet fist distance apart, knees pointing over 3rd toe - 30 to 40 reps - 4 times a day. Also, gave me a few more exercises to be done with the same frequency. Also, I had been sleeping for a couple of days with my boot off after reading someone else’s blog saying they had done it with no ill effects. The physio said it’s a good idea to keep the boot on as it holds the foot in the correct position. If you sleep without it at this point in the recovery process the foot will ‘flop’ over which is not the best.  So, glad I went made the appointment even though is was $ out of pocket and, had I waited, it would have been paid for in Canada.

So, progress is being made and, while I’m a bit nervous about discarding ‘boot’, I’m anxious to get on with the healing. I’m really, really missing my summer sports and, of course, my driving! Husband is happy though. He says that with me grounded we’ve saved a lot of money!!!!

Enjoy reading everyone’s comments and am very thankful for this blog.! Happy healing everyone.

8 Comments »

What no physio?

Posted on June 13th, 2013 by loumar747

I’m happy to report that at the 5th week mark things are looking up! I had my 5th week checkup yesterday and have ditched the crutches ( in the house, to use them when I go ‘out’) and so am remarkably independent now. To be able to carry a cup of coffee from the kitchen to my favorite spot in the garden seems like heaven. Ahh such simple pleasures. About half the of the wedges were removed and I have no pain or even any feeling of tightness. So, like Kellygirl, I’m hoping that’s a good sign. Think I might even go to Ladies Night Golf tonight, ride in a cart and just take part in chipping and putting. At least it will be a bit of a ‘return’. I am , however, very disappointed as the ortho dr. said no physio yet. From what I’ve read on the newer non-surgery protocols, physio should be in effect. When questioned, the dr. just said, "No, not yet. If we’d operated you’d have been  8 weeks in a cast so think of yourself as being ahead of the game at this point.  Come back in 3 weeks." With a crowded ortho clinic, one doesn’t want to argue but I am going to talk to my physio neighbour and, if she thinks it’s okay, I’m going to make some appointments. Thoughts?

Hope this improvement in my quality of life and my progress gives hope to those more recently injured. In those dark moments, just remember, it does get better!

7 Comments »

What’s with the toes?

Posted on May 30th, 2013 by loumar747

Darn - one problem and then another. I’m still quite liking the boot except that now I have a toe problem. Well, trying to think of a delicate way to say this but am stymied -  looks as though I’m getting ‘toe rot’. I know the warmth of the boot and the toes squished together make for a difficult situation.  I am trying to spend more time on the couch with cotton ball between my toes trying to let the air flow through.  Have been applying Polysporin too. Anyone else having this trouble?

3 Comments »

Still liking the boot but……

Posted on May 28th, 2013 by loumar747

I am still loving the security of the boot along with the added freedom after those first 2 NWB weeks of face plants and awkward movements. Boot and I even make pretty good sleeping buddies. However, the weather has turned wet, windy,cold and the stark reality of the lengthy recovery time has sort of settled in with the weather. The length of recovery seems soooooo daunting. Thank goodness for this blog. Knowing that others are facing the same challenge and doing it so admirably defiinitely helps.

I have started my own self-directed exercise program - chair exercises online. I am also following a great "rehabilitation Program for Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair’ that was prepared by Banff Sport Medicine, Covenant Health, Banff Mineral Springs. I think it is excellent giving good general information for both conservative care and surgery options and outlines exercises complete with diagrams. It does state that they should be followed under the direction of a physiotherapist but as, my doctor’s protocol does not include physio til well down the road, I am following the outlined program on my own being careful to stick to the time frame outlined. It does feel good to be doing something however small. Now, if only I could magically create a new wardrobe ……..

2 Comments »

Liking the Boot!

Posted on May 24th, 2013 by loumar747

I’m liking the boot! Of course, it’s all relative but I appreciate being able to PWB as I don’t have to worry so much about doing a face plant and the ‘walking’ motion makes me feel so much more independent. Also, my poor left leg is happy not to be doing all the work !  I did quickly learn that I still have to engage and use my brain. Honestly, sometimes I think the rupture destroyed a few brain cells. I noticed that one of my hanging baskets needed watering and thought I was up to the task. Didn’t want to ask hubby as he doesn’t like the basket anyway and he was busy making dinner. So, hopped on my scooter , filled a watering can, got to the basket, stood up on one leg , ‘balanced’ with the boot, lifted the water can,  reached, started to lose balance, grabbed scooter handle forgetting control location, sent the scooter shooting forward (was on ‘rabbit’ speed), you get the picture. Was a comical sight I’m sure. Did a good job of watering my boot. Definitely scared me.  Foot throbbed a bit but generally seems okay. Self to brain ‘THINK’!

Many thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I really appreciated all the tips and have utilized many of them.I actually am amazed that we, as patients, receive no ‘practical’ info throughout this process. I think one of us should write a "Practical tips for Recovering Achilles Tendon Rupture Patients’. Anyone up for the job?

2 Comments »

« Previous Page — Next Page »

  • Achillesblog - Updated Posts

    • Check out AchillesBlog.com T-shirts.

    •   

      ATR Marathon Page

  • Recent Comments