phaedz’s AchillesBlog

So it has been a few weeks since I checked in. I have been FWB and driving since day 9 (got my stitches out day 9 and was cleared to drive and FW in my boot) in my Vacocast (no pain, no swelling) at the 4.5 week mark I put myself in an athletic shoe…I had enough of that boot. I obviously was VERY careful. I went Monday the 10th for my 6 week post op appt with my orthopedic surgeon. I walked in a nice flat type sandal with a slight wedge along the bottom. My OS came in and was just in shock…gave me the exam and had me take off both shoes and walk down the hall…stood there and shook his head. He sat down and said listen…you are 6-8 weeks ahead of patients that I do this surgery on and I am progressive in my treatment and thoughts on this. He asked what I thought the difference in my recovery was…I have to be honest I think it was 3 things…I did the hyperbaric chamber for 5 visits starting the day after my surgery, I bought a Vacocast (life saver) and I had a great doctor. I really think that things made all the difference in my recovery. Today, currently I am walking pretty normal…straight, not to the side…I have a slight limp, my calf is weak, but I make myself slow down and walk with the full motion on my foot. I do exercises at home, starting next week I will be in PT 3 times per week and I plan to try to do some walking on that AlterG treadmill to try to get my normal gait back. My OS said go ahead and really push yourself, no running until I am walking normal 100% and until I am at the 12 week mark. Otherwise all is good. Listen, we I first had this injury I cried myself to sleep for 2 nights…I could not believe that my body gave out on me like this…then reading how horrific this injuries recovery is for so many people had me scared to death. If you have this injury and are depressed (because believe me I was) do your best to get out of the funk. Pick a progressive OS, not just some foot ankle guy who is going to keep you in a cast forever…interview and find the right doctor. If you can find it and afford the treatments do the hyperbaric chamber (in my area $165 for each 1.5 hour session…I did 5 starting with the day after surgery) for sure get a script for the Vacocast…best boot ever and order it you won’t be sorry…I also got one of those knee scooter things WAY better than crutches. Lastly keep a good mental spirit about it…yes it sucks, but celebrate the small victories and things you can do. It is really easy to get down…ask for help if you need it and if you need support come here to this blog and type your heart out. People are great about lifting your spirits and offering advice. Well I think that about covers it. I don’t expect that I will be checking back in for a while so I hope everyone has the best recovery and keep healing…All the best

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