Re-rupture Surgery today and Doc had to stop!!

Doc got in there and he said it was a “mess”. The graft jacket was wrapped around an almost completely reruptured tendon. He could not use sutures to reattach old tendon at all… which was the first goal. And, it looked so bad in there, he got a infection specialist on the phone mid-operation… that doc said do a bunch of cultures and sew it up for now. Gotta rule out all infection first (which we have been doing - but we want to be extra cautious about any little pockets of anything in there. NOW there will be a third surgery -when the coast is clear - to use tendon from my toe and drill a hole in ankle to hold it there. (Beckham had this too?) Then all the healing after that. My poor lower leg is already so skinny with so much atrophy!!! UGGG. The original injury happened Sept 8th 2012 - and we’re looking at this roller-Coaster continuing until MAY 2013!  IF ANYONE feels like they have it bad, hit me up.  We CAN get thru this together!! Jennifer :/ :)

4 Responses to “Re-rupture Surgery today and Doc had to stop!!”

  1. Quick summary: First rupture Sept 8th, 2012… surgery the 14th … Can’t be sure when it reruptured, but I did fall at work after being in boot one week. Wound was weeping and wouldn’t close. Finally did a MRI a week before Xmas and it showed almost a complete re-rupture. I changed docs cuz I heard great things about my new guy being the “best doc in LA” for this - the orthopedic surgeon at Cedars who’s the surgeon for Dancing with the stars cast. PLUS, first doc really seemed to miss some key things during my recovery that were red flags. Anyway surgery today and new doc cannot use any of the old tendon. It’s a mess in there and he fears infection. Next step is to rid the area of all infection working with specialist - then go for third surgery to use toe tendon and hole in ankle to hold it in place. This has been an unreal rollar coaster. It seems that almost everything that could go wrong has. Except for losing the foot or limb, thank God… But that was mentioned. :( Now, after this toe tendon business, i will be back in cast for 8 weeks and all that stuff.) I cannot believe it but I’M INTENT on coming out at the top of my game on this. I’m determined to stay positive and work hard and get back to my four days a week of yoga. I MUST. I cannot let this get me down. but it’s so hard. Right foot… so no driving and everything. Has anyone else had it this bad? This is hard. :( Jennifer

  2. Wow Jennifer, i really admire and feel for you..i send a special thought to you praying for a full recovery. I am always afraid of a rerupture. I am partial weight bearing at the moment, it is 8 weeks post op, my physio was on leave at this time but am seeing her again from next week..Your positive spirit is oozing on this site…God Bless and thanks for sharing…we are all in this together, as i say only once a person has walked through this path can he/she know how hard and challenging it is…

  3. Good luck, Jen! You’re DUE for some! I’ve never heard of “new doc cannot use any of the old tendon” before, though a fair number of people here have had surgery that added that “toe tendon” to their repaired AT (as did David Beckham).

    A bit off-topic (or not): Since my two ATRs, my ears perk up more than they used to when somebody on the News mentions that some number of people suffered “non-life-threatening injuries”. Now I always wonder if any of those are ATRs! OT1H, many people have it worse than us (yes, Jen, even YOU!); OTOH, this is a tough injury for most of us, even if the cure goes smoothly.

    Hang in, stay as positive as possible. Sounds like you’re in good hands now. And who knows, maybe you’re laying the groundwork for a big US-style malpractice suit that will set up your retirement!

  4. I also admire your positive attitude. I know that your luck is about to change and your good attitude will serve you well in your subsequent recovery. Thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes Jen.