mozer’s AchillesBlog

Yesterday, I had my 3 week follow up. The assistant removed both stiches and staples. Portions of the incisions are not fully closed and so we will be rotating steri-strips over the next 2 weeks. I was switched out of the post op boot and into the clunky aircast that I ‘will eventually begin walking in’. I discussed the pain I am experiencing that seems to be sural nerve related, upon examination, palpitating, etc. the doctor agreed and said the sural nerve could have been impacted, we’ll have to wait and see if it recovers. I was prescribed Neurontin, the directions have a 16 day regiment ramping up an additional capsule every 2 days for a total of 8 capsules at days 15 and 16. There were no directions as to what to do after day 16, everything I’ve read says ‘do not stop this medication suddenly’ and the doctor gave 3 refills, so I have a call in to the office for further guidance (sigh). X-Rays were taken yesterday, I’m told everything looks great. I was reminded “NWB” my OS said he understands it plays with one’s psyche but it’s absolutely critical to my Achilles that I remain NWB. No worries, I only want to do this once. I am to return in 5 weeks, hopefully to discuss beginning PWB. I spoke with a local physical therapist/rehab manager at the facility where I plan to rehab, they offer “Anodyne Therapy System” I was hoping it might be beneficial for me to improve circulation and wound healing, unfortunately the therapist said it would not help in my case. I also discussed my OS’ recovery protocol and asked his opinion, he stated if it was his foot, he would boot and protect it like a baby for 9-10 weeks before beginning any PWB. And so, while so many here advocate the faster protocols, I will follow the guidance of the OS and the PT and bide my time until my 8 week visit.
I received a copy of my operative report, the procedures performed were:
1. Right Achilles tendon debridement and repair.
2. Gastrocnemius recession.
3. Posterior calcaneal ostectomy.
4. Flexor halluces longus transfer
5. Popliteal block (also had a sciatica block - see previous post)
The OS told my boyfriend after the surgery that he had removed one of the largest bone spurs he had ever seen. This was referenced in the op report and to quote, “This patient has an enormous chunk of bone that had grown in and around the attachment part of the Achilles and particularly between the Achilles and the calcaneus itself. This bone measured 2 x 2 x 2 cm, putting tremendous pressure in and around the Achilles tendon itself.”
All in all, it’s going well, if it weren’t for the pain from the sural nerve, I would be pain free, hopefully the Neurontin will help, I understand the nerve recovers pretty slow. I’ve been back to work for almost 2 weeks, thankfully, I have a mostly sit down assignment and the knee scooter makes it practically a breeze to get around.
Now on to countdown the 35 days to the next appointment…..

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