I have been wearing the VACO for 2 weeks now PWB, I bought the Even-up and the CoolPass Liner - totally worth it, has been 90-100 degrees in MI. I started at 30 degrees locked, move to 15 degrees locked and now am at 15 degrees with flexion. I am able to move around the house slowly with no crutches and no pain, and I can move outside slowly with one crutch, and fairly quickly with 2 crutches. It ‘s nice to be able to use my hands again…somewhat.
At 24 days post-op I took the first extended trip outside of my house, for 3 days in Cincinnati. I was nervous about leaving a controlled environment, that I was finally getting along in fairly well. We traveled for my girlfriends family reunion and I was able to do more than I thought. Even though I was pushed around in a wheelchair through the Freedom Museum and the Coney Island Amusement Park. I was able to ride the carousel seated of course…and tried the Pirate boat which was fun and some kind of go fast in a circle ride which I should not have done, I also made it through 9 holes of putt putt before having to call it quits.
When we returned there was a near catastrophe at my girlfriends house. I wanted to take a shower but she did not have shower stool or any type of plastic chair so I made due with an upside down IKEA garbage can. The pictures shows what 200 pounds will do to it , landed on my butt and luckily no harm to the Achilles.
Some good things, a neighbor mowed the lawn while I was gone which was very nice to come home to and I got my first post-op haircut today.
I am able to do more in the gym and feel comfortable on the stationary bike with the boot and and seated step machine for about 15 min. so I can get some cardio in, however slowly, along with Pilates it is at least some physical exercise.
@normofthenorth I read your post about skiing at 17 weeks, I have trip planned to Telluride, CO at 6 months. The lift tickets were half off if I bought them early so I did…the goal is ski in December.
I read this blog along with the newspaper every day thanks for everyone’s posts they are very informative.