40 Days Post Op
On Tuesday November 23 i went for my second(post op) visit to the surgeon. It was 5 weeks and 5 days since my ATR was operated on. The surgeon inspected his handwork. He felt the length of the tendon and i had no soreness. My foot was also moved in all directions. He told me that the tendon had healed nicely and that my foot was at neutral. He gave me permission to remove my last heel lift in the aircast boot. He then went on to say that i could “get out of the boot” in a weeks time and move to shoes. This took me by surprise as this progression would be 9 days ahead of his aggressive protocol. I asked about a heel lift in the shoe and he said not necessary, just a comfortable pair of shoes like runners(trainers). I told him that i had not yet attempted any weight bearing out of the boot and he informed me that now i could. He also gave me the ok to start swimming which i enjoy.
As i thought about walking barefoot and in two shoes i asked the surgeon about the possibility of reinjuring the tendon. He assured me that i would have to forcibly jar the heel, falling on the front of my foot, to cause damage. He told me again that my recovery was good and that it was now all about regaining strength. I asked when i should return for a follow up and he replied that i need not unless there was a complication. Wow! His nonchalant manner instilled confidence in me.
Nevertheless, I must admit that i am wary of walking barefoot, nevermind shoes. I will do this slowly and carefully, obviously indoors and with crutches. When it comes to putting on shoes(next Tuesday) i will, at first, practice indoors. Outdoors(-25) is another story with all the snow and possibility of a slip. When i first venture outdoors in two shoes i will likely take my crutches(grips attached) for safety.
I am off to give it a go! Speedy recovery to all and take care. Paul
Filed under: Uncategorized and
Hi Paul it sounds as though are experiences are very similar. My OT nurse had a very similar nonchalant attitude. I felt like screaming with joy and she just said oh yes time to get in shoes. Good luck with your healing.
That sounds wonderful! I love reading things like this… I am 8 days post injury (non surgical)…
I’m glad things are progressing so well for you!!! Thanks for the boost!
You are soooooooo lucky I have just come back from seeing my consulatant, I am at 39 days post op today. I am not allowed to start Physio for another two weeks, no swimming and I am still in the big Vacoped walking boot and will be for several more weeks. You are doing so well, keep up the good work!
Thanks for the encouragement. I wish you all the best too. I am at my most cautious since the op. Walking for the first time barefoot with crutches and a few steps without them is worrying. I feel vulnerable and am nervous. Easy as it goes!
Hi Paul wow i must start walking without boot to,but i just can,t .Mentally it is a hugh step.I think im going to stay in this boot for life. Is your foot well pass neutral?
I know what you mean about feeling vulnerable. Everytime I take my cautious steps across the living room, my heart is literally still in my mouth. I still have tightness in my achilles and not at full dorsiflexion yet, how about you? Also since not sleeping in the boot I find I’m quite tight in the morning, but this wil no doubt improve with time, as everything does.
Enjoy the swimming, it’s really helpful. I only got a boot at around 9 weeks and to be honest didn’t get on with it very well, I found it put a strain on my knee, it was useful for being outside though I did feel more protected.
Bit by bit, day by day you will feel more comfortable and less vulnerable on your own two feet, going barefoot seems to be easier than shoes. The weather is a nuisance as it does make you more wary. Maybe get used to downtown first, I seem to remember all those walkways in Calgary centre.
Good luck - if you don’t try you’ll never know if you can do it!
Congrats to you Paul! I also know the vulnerability you feel regarding walking with no boot. My friend the Physio came by last night and even though I don’t start Physio for 2 more weeks he gave me two exercises without the boot (one at a time for me ). One was a motion exercise where I stand with my toes at a counter (for support) and move my knee forward to the cupboard. I am to do this for a couple of days then progress to moving my toes back from the wall. This exercise helps with the walking motion so when I get out of the boot in 2 weeks, I won’t walk like a penguin. The other exercise is more of a confidence booster. Stand at a counter and while holding on with one hand, close your eyes and stand on your ATR foot. Then when you can do that, let go of the counter. These are my goals for the next 2 weeks. Good luck with your next phase of recovery!