Feb 16 2011
First day of FWB walking… :)
Hello All,
Just a side note: when leaving comments (which I really like when you do) please let me know what kind of surgery you had so I can know how it relates to what the docs tell you all and such.
Anyway, Just wanted to all to know that today was my first FWB and it was kinda hard…because my left leg (one that had surgery) is so SLOW! Its like my legs are arguing with each other while I am walking. My right leg wants to go go go, while my left leg is trying to keep up…so I end up having to walk pretty slow which I guess is good for me. The boot is pretty heavy so that, I am sure, has something to do with it. Everything is still healing, but not as sore - though the muscle is because I am working it now. I also wanted to clarify something as well that deals with my length of limp/legs. It may be a good thing in my case. Anyway, here is the deal. My right leg is already longer then my left, so the boot doesn’t give me the high left leg…on the contrary, my right leg is longer, so I had to put padding into the boot so I would be even. When I go back to the doctor, if I have to continue wearing the boot that is, I will ask him for something more suitable to put in the boot as a lift. I know that when I walk in normal shoes again, I will have an insert for my left shoe…which will take care of the length issue.
So yeah…I guess I will update in a week or so when I get better at walking and in progress there. Let me know if you have any tips or suggestions for me, etc.
Thanks
G-d Bless
5 responses so far
Hi Rebeka, I’ve gone done the non surgical route as I ruptured mine performing a backflip so probably won’t be much use to you but i do like to hear how others are doing so keep posting and I wish you a speedy recovery. I can only imagine how tough it’s been for you living with this but your faith seems to have got you through it and it will continue to do so I’m sure. There are several VERY well educated people on this site who should be able to share their experiences and pass on the benefit of their vast knowledge - take care.
Hey Rebeka…I had surgery 11 weeks and 3 days ago. No worries on the SLOW leg. For me it happened at both my major milestones (first FWB in boot and first FWB in two shoes). For me, I’d say the SLOW leg caught up to about 90% speed within a week or two. At first I was annoyed that my “bad” leg was slow, but then I started thinking that it’s probably a good thing to accept the slow pace of that leg and slow the overall walk down, as it keeps you focused on watching your step and not getting to “confident” or “comfortable” and taking an unecessary spill ‘cuz you stopped paying attention. Anyway…that’s how I rationalize it so I don’t get annoyed
Keep up the positive attitude and the good healing!
Congratulations on FWB!!!! It’s quite a milestone…one to be celebrated!
Rebeka..
Just keep on walking and nuturing it….
I chose the non surgery option. Did mine on the 13th January 2011 (5 weeks into my recovery) and I have a looooooooooong way to go yet.
Best of luck with everything, onwards and upwards!!!!
Take Care
Congrats on the FWB, Rebekah! I’ve done ‘em BOTH, 8 yrs apart, surgery on the first, skipped it on the second.
Glad you’ve got your stance balanced, and it sounds as if you’re not new to that concern! Now make sure that your gait in the boot is as “normal” as possible. Specifically, make sure you’re not doing the limp with your toe out to the side. The boot is designed to let you roll straight over it, toe forward, with the boot doing the job of your AT and calf, by pushing against the front of your shin.
Most of us find that we eventually get so fast at walking in the boot that it’s another “setback” to our speed when we get into 2 shoes! You may have had the same kind of “setback” when you started walking FWB instead of crutch-walking. I sure did.
Hi Rebekah,
I ruptured my left achilles tendon 2.5 years ago. Injury was at 9am, and I was in surgery at 5pm the same day.
I spent 4 weeks none weight bearing cast, 2 weeks full weight bearing, then into a removable boot. When I received my boot I started PT. I have to say, my first step with the FWB cast was very hard. I was very hesitant. But I did it! Was nice to walk with out crutches.
I’m happy to report 2.5 years later I’m fine. No problem walking or jogging. I am still careful about jumping, etc. I’m 47 so I’m not a young man anymore. =)
Best of luck to you. Keep me posted.
Glen