A Quick Achilles Rupture Recovery

Jan 19 2010

Some Words of Encouragement-

Posted at 2:04 pm under Uncategorized

Hello everyone. I ventured back here to see what was going on in the ATR world. I just wanted to give some positive news for people who are just starting out in this long process. I have stated in my earlier blogs that I had a great doctor and a quick recovery. I am now 3 months shy of 2 years since my achilles tore playing basketball. This sport seems to be a common theme among all of these reports.

I returned to playing basketball 8 months from my injury. I was a bit nervous, but all went well. I have now been playing 2-3 times per week for the past year plus. I also am able to run 2-3 miles and do everything that I was able to do before my injury. I have spoken to people who have blown out there knees and never recovered, so I guess the achilles was better to injure than my knees.

I guess I just wanted to say keep the faith. I know that right now it seems like you are going through hell, which you are. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You WILL return back to your old self and be able to do all of the things you love to do. I have made it and so can you. Good Luck.

10 responses so far

10 Responses to “Some Words of Encouragement-”

marykon 20 Jan 2010 at 8:22 pm 1

Thanks, it was good of you to think of all of us who are just starting out on this journey. I will do the same when I get to where you are- and I can’t wait to get there!
Jeson 22 Jan 2010 at 5:53 pm 2

Thanks for your message. I just ruptured my AT yesterday and am in a daze of pain meds and figuring out all of the logistical details of work, life, etc. Sounds like a long road.
Adrianoon 14 Mar 2010 at 12:51 pm 3

Thanks,

I’m in the 4 week after surgery. Started with a 120º Vaco boot, now with a 105º and tomorrow hope to change to 90º. Doing physio…doing some weight lifting with legs…amazing to see how much strenght you lose…but I think it’s going ok. Just wander, when did you start swimming, if you have done it? I’m a crazy sports guy and I getting crazy…just wanted to start swimming or cycle static.

Thanks,

And as you said….just be positive!!! Everything will be ok again!
GerryRon 14 Mar 2010 at 2:32 pm 4

Adriano,
If you have an indoor trainer for your bike, use it. As long as you stay on the saddle, you put virtually no strain on your Achilles or calf because there is very little flexing of the ankle. If you use clipless pedals, change one to a platform pedal to accommodate the boot.
normofthenorthon 14 Mar 2010 at 10:49 pm 5

Swimming is also low-impact, and it’s possible to do gentle walking-type exercises in a pool — starting in very deep water (= very little weight) then gradually moving shallower — in a way that doesn’t injure or threaten the AT. And swimming in the Vaco-ped/cast is supposed to be one of its selling features!

I haven’t been swimming since I tore this (my 2nd) AT, 13 weeks ago, and I didn’t rush underwater after my first one, either. But I think the “hydrotherapy” exercises could be useful both physically and psychologically — to remind a patient’s leg, body, and “soul” of the feel of walking normally without a boot. (Walking on the moon would probably work, too, but pools are closer and cheaper!)
Adrianoon 16 Mar 2010 at 6:56 am 6

Thanks guys,

I’ve started cycling today, since I’ve change to a flat (zero degrees) Vaco-ped boot. The doctor also said I can go and swim but the problem can be to reach the pool….slippery…

As soon as I remove the boot (in two weeks) I will start swimming twice a day….for now, I just cycle twice (flat terrain) a day and staying on the saddle, no rush…just for the pleasure of doing some slight sport…

Just Yesterday…Beckham…total Achilles rupture…I just wonder how long it will take him to recover…my friends challenge me to get better before him….just for the fun…

Cheer up everyone…

Adriano
normofthenorthon 16 Mar 2010 at 12:11 pm 7

Adriano, we had a few days of snow and ice here (Toronto) while I was in a boot, and I stayed right-side up. Slow pace, small steps, keep your feet together and under your C of G. Or borrow a chair with wheels to scoot to the edge of the pool? I’m sure there’s a way to do it pretty safely. Or wait 2 weeks if you prefer — but falling by the side of the pool WITHOUT the boot sounds way scarier than doing it in the boot! (Getting out of the boot does NOT mean that you’re invincible! Au contraire is closer to the truth.)

Are you using the hinge-ing feature of the VacoPed/VacoCast yet, or is it still fixed in a rigid neutral position? After 2 ATRs, I’ve had a hinged boot and a fixed one, but I’ve never seen the Vaco up close. It seems VERY high tech, like half ski boot and half The Terminator! And I love the video of the guy wringing out the liner by the side of the pool after swimming in it!
Julie Maureron 13 Jun 2010 at 8:40 pm 8

Thank you! I know this was posted months ago, but at just three weeks in I am so glad to have stumbled across this post. I have some pretty intense fears about what I will and will not be able to do once this process is finished. I can’t wait to go back and read more about your journey. Thanks for the positivity
edhdezon 18 Feb 2015 at 3:16 pm 9

Thank you for sharing, it is truly inspiring reading your blog.
office bagson 19 Sep 2020 at 3:21 am 10

much interesting blog and well written thanks for share.