Feb

21

6 MONTH UPDATE: No more Warfarin, running, doing golf and tennis…Questions.

February 21, 2014 | | 23 Comments

Well, here I am FINALLY 6 months in, and MANY, MANY THANKS to Dennis, Norm, KellyGirl, et al…

Met with Ortho today and do not have to see him again for 3 months. He also took me off Warfarin!!! Yay!
I am now teaching golf 2x per week, SLOWLY jogging, and getting into tennis teaching shape (footwork, etc)!

I have a 3 pm standing PT appt. on Mondays for the next 3 months (or, up until necessary).

I also realized that I lost 6 weeks of rehab time because of my 2 DVT’s , and a DOUBLE incision
point not closing (It scabbed up, but I kept inadvertently knocking it off, and getting it too wet).

I do have a few questions, if you don’t mind answering:

1. How do you learn\muster up courage to jump for the first time?
2. How do you get your skin so soften up more (post ultrasound) More stretching?
3. What are the odds of re-rupturing at 6 months?

On a good note, I have not been able to drink in over 6 months, and can’t wait for the warfarin to get out
of my system so I can GET DRUNK. :-)

NOTE ON SWELLING
I love the RICE concept, but it is after the fact regarding PT, walking, sports, etc.

With that said, I found some really cheap compression socks that are fantastic.
I wear them during the day\workouts, etc. to avoid\minimize swelling while increasing blood flow in the most difficult part of the body to receive blood flow - the Achilles
area. If you have an sedentary lifestyle or sit a lot, compression socks are mandatory because when you sit, all the junk runs downward.

LINK TO SOCKS ON EBAY ($9.79 for 1 or $24 for 3) Black, white, cotton or microfiber:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121140993389?var=420154600630

Wishing everyone the best, and have a great weekend!
Ron
Moving Aggressively and Methodically Forward

Jan

23

20 Week Check-in: Finally walking normal and teaching golf…started jogging a bit.

January 23, 2014 | | 14 Comments

Thanks to Dennis, Norm and this community, things are going extremely well, but there was a setback (c’est la vie).

It’s been a while since I updated my status, but I have been checking in daily and reading posts and comments.

MY TEMP SET BACK

I had a slight setback a month ago because my incision point would not heal, so I had to stop my PT sessions (because my DPT was still pushing me hard, and that was not helping the incision point heal).

For those of you who do not know my story, my rupture was severe (gap was 9), and my scar is over 6 inches long (with DVTs, but I only lost 2 cm on my bad calf). However, as it turns out, it was just getting too wet and I was not treated correctly. Infuriated, after seeing the womb doc, I got all of their email addresses and got them all on the same page (thankfully it never got infected). With that said, don’t be afraid to speak up. I also fired my first 2 PT’s because one was too slow and the other was unenthusiastic and seemed indifferent (BMIM :-). BTW, UIC has 22 PT’s \ DPT’s - even the technicians for ultrasound, etc. are PT’s. With that said, my incision point has finally healed!

With that said, I am now back on the right track, will be off of warfarin by the end of the month, and started teaching golf again last week. I have until May to get ready for tennis classes, but I have started jogging, so I see no problem there (half of my students are 3.0+, so I have to be able to play at a 4.0 + level - minimum).

PHYSICAL THERAPY NOTES
I am working on a video of all my PT workouts, so if you want it, let me know. I will put the link up on Youtube in a week or two (need to do some editing first). It covers everything from Rom to gait, to running (and everything in-between). From week 4 and on, I also created some effectively fun exercises that my PT loved and adopted. I am also trying to get my PT to add some tips, fyi’s and do’s and don’ts. He said he would, but we’ll see. I am meeting him again next week. In the meantime, here is here is a link to my protocol with video PT examples from Youtube, and more.

STILL ON TRACK (I am finally getting my push off back!!!)

DOWN TIME WELL SPENT
On a good note, over the past 6 months, I have FINALLY had time to read the new Bernie Rhodenbarr Book by Lawrence Block, re-write two books that I initially wrote 15 years ago, dust off the bass guitar and re-write\updated a few songs from a decade ago, and am just finishing up a water color and an oil painting (something else I haven’t done in 15-20 years). Lastly, I learned a dozen or so card tricks, and with the time off, I am also in the process of redesigning my website, creating a few “playing lesson” apps for my members and much more. LINK TO SOME SAMPLES: http://www.playgolfandtennis.com/PC/index.html (I am not good at all, but I like hobbies)

On a side note, I just realized how easy my life has been up until I ruptured my Achilles. :-) I also seem to feel a remote connection to anyone who is on crutches, limping or, who is going through rehab, of any kind. I am also going to miss being treated so well when in pubic on crutches. LOL.



I hope everyone is doing well, and happy healing.
Ron
Patiently moving forward
IT NEVER GETS EASIER, YOU JUST GET BETTER - SO KEEP PUSHING - THIS IS WAR!

Will update again in the spring, where I hope to be back teaching tennis, running and jumping, again. However, at 52, no more basketball though, as much as I am going to miss shutting down, and dunking on twenty-somethings. I spent my 52nd Birthday in a Vacocast boot and crutches because of my ego - no fun. Worst BD ever. LOL. BTW, I am totally fed up with wind chill below zero and snow - enough already!

HERE IS A PIC OF MY BOY (A 3 YO golden-Akida) with a GREAT disposition. Finally started walking him again, which is therapy when he acts right. LOL.

Nov

4

My Protocol in PDF - First 12 Weeks (Final)

November 4, 2013 | | 39 Comments

Here is my UPDATED conceptual ‘Living’ Protocol in pdf format..Seeking advice (Word template avail.)

Please let me know what you think - any tips, ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.  I went to 2 shoes this week with wedge in one shoe.

Please CLICK PIC below to view a pdf of my relatively aggressive and current, living protocol - which my Ortho loved.  Go at YOUR pace!

If you would like a Word Doc of this to create you own, email me, since I could not figure out how to put the word doc up.

My protocol is based on my goal, which is to start teaching Golf again in January and Tennis in May. I am suppose to finish a DVD this spring as well. What do you think?

Thanks, good luck and wishing everyone the best,

Ron
Moving Patiently Forward!

SPECIAL THANKS TO Dennis, Norm, Superjewgrl, Kellygirl, Hillie, Nicky, Upstate and Kkirk for helping me when I first came to this blog.  You made a world of a difference - Thank you!

Oct

29

PWB to FWB and FWB to 2 SHOES? (Help…how did you do it, exactly? What to expect, tips, advice…)

October 29, 2013 | | 11 Comments

PWB to FWB and FWB to 2 SHOES? (Help…how did you do it, exactly? What to expect, tips, advice…)

Since the above key transitions take place within a month or so of each other, and our PT\Thought process is geared toward the “next step,” can anyone please tell me\us HOW you went from PWB to FWB, and then FWB to 2 Shoes. (See my examples below)

This is NOT a debate about when to start the process, that’s a protocol question.

Withstanding, any suggested aids, tips, no-no’s, etc. and, more importantly, mental thoughts (regarding nerves), would be GREATLY appreciated.

Personally, I need help making the transition to 2 shoes.  My PT does not start until week 9.

Thanks,

Ron

EXAMPLE OF SOME OF THE THINGS I DID WITH MY TRANSITIONS (Aside from my ROM, etc., work daily)

PWB: I played my guitar at 2-3 week, putting weight on my leg, went from 2 crutches to toe\foot down PWB, to full PWB with 1 crutch

FWB:    From 1 crutch to zero by standing, then  walking around a room, side to side like Frankenstein, taking baby steps forward, then around house (used Evenup to walk evenly).

2 SHOES:   ?????

Oct

27

Here are some items that may aid you in healing..hope others chime in.

October 27, 2013 | | 15 Comments

Here are a few items that may help your ATR process, and hopefully others come this community with chime in and offer more aid.

——————————————————-

Procare Evenup Shoe Balancer $27

AP Roller 5X13 Deep Tissue Massage $22

Duro-Med Ortho Bed Wedge 8X20X24 $27

Elasto Gel Ice & Hot Wrap for Foot & Ankle Pain $32

Body Rider Fan Bike + Imitation Sheepskin Padded Seat Cover $120 (was $300)

Crutcheze Black Underarm Crutch Pad and hand Grip Covers $36

Drive Medical 790 Steerable Knee Walker $230 with knee pad cover (was $600)

———————————————————————————————-
Here is the link to “Things you might need” from Dennis\this blog:   http://achillesblog.com/things-you-might-need/

ACHILLES RECOVERY ITEMS WORTH SEARCHING FOR ON AMAZON (Ebay, etc.)…..

Happy healing,

Ron

Oct

6

A Capsule of first 4-5 weeks, No op vs Op links, Op to FWB, tips, links, protocols and exercises for newbees.

October 6, 2013 | | 10 Comments

A Capsule of my first 4-5 weeks, No op vs Op links, Op to FWB, tips, links and more for newbees.

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/10/operation-and-weeks-1-to-4.pdf

anyone has any tips or comments that I can add to update this, that would be great.

I incorporated this into the NEWBEES post and it is open to change and added tips, comments and links.

UPDATED LINK TO WEEKS 6 PLUS (PROTOCOLS, EXERCISES, TIPS AND MORE)

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/2013/09/18/post-op-protocols-weeks-1-6-plus-1-20-week-protocolconcept-4-12-week-exercises-norms-no-op/

I am looking for input to make changes\additions from the community, so feel free to let me know.  The goal is to put a lot of information on one post and give newbees an idea of what to expect (although it varies from person to person).  It also gives them something to do for the first week that related to their injury. It helped me A LOT!

Wishing everyone a quick and problem free recovery.

Thanks,

Ron

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Sep

18

Newbies: If you are new to ATR…What to expect, tips, links, Protocols, Exercises…

September 18, 2013 | | 27 Comments

Newbees:  If you are new to ATR…What to expect, tips, links, Protocols, Exercises, Op and Non Op, 1st 4 weeks and more!

If you are about to have surgery or just had surgery, this post may help with trying to figure out what to expect.  I hope to build and edit this as I go along and organize it better. However, at least it will give you something to think about and\or discuss with your doctor regarding post op and non op ATR.

I am seeking the blog community input to update\change this post as we go.  I am also looking for experiences within the first 6 weeks to add to the PDF below, as well as input on the protocols themselves and YOUR experience to make updates, additions and changes.  The goal is to pull things together on the blog and make it easier for newbees to navigate, understand and heal, quickly.

FROM THE INJURY TO THE FIRST 5 WEEKS (THE INJURY, RESEARCH, WHAT TO EXPECT…)

This covers Non Op research, links and also covers the operation, first 3 days and up to the first 4 weeks + with a 6 -8 week outlook (3 pages)

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/operation-and-weeks-1-to-4.pdf

LINKS TO SOME PROTOCOLS: Talk to you Doc about is.  Any boot can be used.

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/trauma-centre-ludwigshafen.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/trauma-centre-university-hospital-marburg.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/university-ain-shams-university.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/royal-devon-and-exeter-hospital-analysis.pdf

http://AchillesBlog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/vacoped-rehab_suddsy.pdf (From Suddy’s Blog.  This used theVACOPed Gear)

POST NON OP (or No Op) PROTOCOL (Provided by Norm)

http://achillesblog.com/normofthenorth/the-non-surgical-protocol-ive-been-following (bit.ly/UWOProtocol)

This is good, but you will also want to view the Exeter 2013 updated protocol, but be careful and patient.

Check out Norm’s, Kellygirl and other No Op ATR blogs.

OTHER|ALL: http://achillesblog.com/atr-rehab-protocols/
–
CONCEPTS OF PROTOCOLS COVERING UP TO 20 WEEKS +

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/wc_vanbc_achilles_tendon_repair_protocol.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/achilles-repair-arizona.pdf

LINK TO EXERCISES (4-12 Weeks or so)

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/weeks-4-8-basic-exercises-hips-knees-etc.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/weeks-4-8-basic-exercises-other.pdf

http://www.body-dynamic.com/uploads/1/0/8/4/10848320/achilles_tendonosis.pdf

http://achillesblog.com/pgat2013/files/2013/09/achilles-tendinitis-rehab-recovery-as-well.pdf

Feel free to contact me to add\change, etc. anything here if you like.

Wishing everyone a patiently quick recovery.

Ron

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