Surgery & Post-Op, Round 2
Uncategorized March 17th, 2009I repurtured on February 26 (5 weeks, 2 days post-op; 6 wks, 5 days post ATR). I had just found this site the night before my rerup. I commented and Dennis directed me to daveleft, who was so helpful in sharing insight, information and giving warnings. I definitely plan to be much more careful this time around (I didn’t really think I was risking it last time, but that clearly was not the case.) If I had found this site sooner, and learned that people were sleeping with the boot on, I might have been less inclined to go hopping around without it!
My second surgery was scheduled for March 5. Having had a horrible experience with the Anesth. and pain meds the first time, we prepared the kids for the possibility that mommy might stay over at the hospital this time. We also decided to leave our 6 month old daughter with friends this time, so my husband definitely got less attention from the nurses & staff.
Went under the general anest. again. The anestesiologist had given me a little round patch to wear behind my ear, which was supposed to help with the naseau, but didn’t. I think I was out before we made it into the surgery room this time.
The surgery was about an hour and a half this time (only 30 minutes the first time). I awoke with naseau and alot of pain. Had the morphine drip and decided to stay the night. This was a good decision for us. Called my family around 8pm and had to hang up on my 9 year old daughter to throw-up. After that, they gave me a shot of something in my arm for the naseau, which finally worked. The bruise lasted about a week. But, I did get a good-night’s drug-induced sleep.
The doctor filled my husband and I in on the surgery, but I didn’t remember it at all the next day. So, the PA came to visit and said that the tear the 2nd time was actually below the initial tear and repair. I asked if it tore where the stitches went in to anchor the initial repair, but he said no. I’ll have to ask more about that at first post-op appt, as it doesn’t make sense to me. Why would it tear in a completely new spot? He said they were not able to get me back to neutral this time, but to Position One. He didn’t mention a percentage like everyone else mentions, but my toes are not that much pointed down.
I also had an annoying visit from the hospital PT. She came to visit me to show me how to use my crutches. I asked her if she knew this was a rerupture, and that I had had the first surgery just 5 weeks ago, and had been on crutches for 7 weeks. She said she knew but still made me get up to show her that I could use them. I asked her about the knee-walker, she had never heard of it. I asked her about the I walk free hands-free crutch, never heard of it. I asked her if she knew of any sort of sit-on scooter, so I could get around the floor with my baby. Nope. Any catalogs in her office she could look through? Nope. Thanks for the help.
The after-surgery pain was much more intense this time and I was taking the percocets for 4 days all day, and then just at night til about the first week was over.
I’m 12 days post-op and am still taking advil for the swelling, and for the knee pain at night. I have quite a bit of stiffness and pressure in my knee by the end of the day, even though I really am keeping my butt on the couch for most of the day. Not even coming to the table for dinner this time. We’ve gotten very used to eating at the coffee table.
My friends and family have responded unbelievably again, as has my husband. See my post under “It Takes a Village”.
I have my first post-op appointment tomorrow and am keeping my fingers crossed for the boot. I’ll be wearing it 24/7 this time. Wish me luck…
March 17th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
girl, glad to hear you are progressing even if slowly…take care of yourself!!!1
March 18th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Wow, it never occurred to me that I could have someone come pick up laundry… good idea!!
How could your PT not heard of a knee-walker?? Sheesh, if I had not had that, all my eating would be confined to the kitchen counter. I hope you find a different one! Mine is pretty good so far, although we’re not doing much other than moving my foot up and down, and in circles. Ho hum.
Hope you get the boot today!! And STAY IN IT!!
newleaf/tim
March 18th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
It’s not the PT I will go to - it was the Hospital “Physical Therapist”. I am now convinced her main job is to teach people how to use their crutches so that they don’t fall in the parking lot on their way out, and sue the hospital.
March 21st, 2009 at 7:11 am
Hi Marianne,
I just came upon this site. I actaully tore (complete) on 2/25. I belive a day before you.
I see that this is a 2nd go around for you. I cant even imagine that.
I am scheduled to get my stiches out Monday 3/23. And get my 4th cast. I was told I will be in a cast for 6 weeks. Then the boot. I see different schedules from cast to boot on here.
Well I want to say hello and good luck to you.
Jim (Chelmsford, MA.)
March 21st, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hey Jim, welcome to the club. Each time, I have only had 1 cast, for just 10 days the first time, 13 days the second. Ask for the boot. Early Range of Motion exercises seem to be helpful for all. I hope to post my update today with more info. Can’t say I’m “glad” to have a new ATR friend close by, but you know what I mean. Home opener in 16 days! Go Sox!
March 21st, 2009 at 7:55 am
WOW, that was a quick reply Marianne
I will check with Dr. on Monday about the boot.
Although I am happy that in short period of time I have figured out how to get around and do some things for myself. My poor wife and daughter have slaved over me. Got to a point where we had a blow out. I was just so frustrated that I couldnt do things for myself.
This week I actaully drove to my office and worked every other day. Was nice to get out. But I have to be carefull I am taking to many chances. I almost fell down the stair a few time…LOL.
The worst part about this is spring is ALMOST here and I so want to be out there running, working in the yard etc.,
Hey BTW I am picking up the book on Mike Lowell. Suppose be a good read.
June 17th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Hi Marianne,
I ruptured my Achilles May 8th, had surgery and I am about 4 weeks post-op and was just put in a boot. I am sorry about your re-rupture, that is my biggest fear right now. I hope you things go better for you this time around. Good luck with your recovery!
Chrissy
July 14th, 2015 at 8:38 am
Hi Marianne, I just had to send you a message. I was 2 days off 6 weeks of my Achilles rupture when I fell and snapped it again. That was 6 days ago and the pain is horrific. I didn’t have a good second operation and after waking up , I really thought that it was my time to leave this world. I was so afraid. Like you I was in the boot and hobbling around and now I am not allowed to put any wait on my right foot for 8 weeks. We were going on our dream holiday tomorrow and we have had to cancel. Mentally I have had to go over this all again and I am busy reassessing my whole life! I am an active and busy person with a high powered job, and somehow it doesn’t matter anymore. I wish I had read all the blogs about recovery- my boot was off when I fell, I had just showered! How stupid! This time around I am going to wear my boot for 6 months if I have to- I am so afraid of doing this again- I couldn’t let my friends and family go through this again! I hope you recover quickly and for some reason this happens - maybe to slow us down and recap on our life.