Comments for runnerwannabe's AchillesBlog

Comment on Tendon thick - is that normal? by normofthenorth

normofthenorth — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:06:23 +0000

Be patient, but don’t follow a slow protocol!

Almost everybody who’s exercised in water during ATR Rehab — swimming and also heel-raises in deep water, walking normally while you still can’t do that on dry land, etc. — loves it. Don’t get your incision upset (or infected) if you’re post-op, but otherwise it’s highly recommended.

And Wenda, I’d be surprised if surgery WERE an option in cases of nasty adhesions like Nick’s (and maybe possibly yours, too). The problem is adhesions are primarily caused by surgery, and mostly cured non-surgically. Every time our tissues are cut — even a single layer, but especially two or more layers at once — the amazing healing and reconstruction response our bodies throw at the injury (I mean the surgery, not the ATR) causes tissues to grow in ways that are a combination of well-planned and . . . frantic. Some of those tissues grow right into and onto the adjacent layer of tissue, which is what forms an adhesion that keeps those tissues from sliding over each other. Slicing into them again just restarts the (frantic) reconstruction again. . .

Comment on Tendon thick - is that normal? by Wenda

Wenda — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:03:13 +0000

Thank you normofthenorth for responding. I’m now 10 weeks post op. Seeing my surgeon on Wednesday! I know, I am not patient. The adhesion is still prominent and painfull. They do work on it durin PT, and it is improving slightly. Today I started swimming again and one thing is sure, I’ve had three sessions of PT, but the hour in the pool did more than all three the sessions combined. If possible, I’d advise everybody to opt for the aquatic exersise. And be carefull and patient, this is a injury that takes a lot of time and patience to heal completely…no shortcuts. I think that early ROM exercises are benificial and a positive attitude combined with a healthy lifestyle helps. But patience is the key word. What also carried me through this thus far is the advise and guidance of all the peers and fellow AT warriors …thank you!

Comment on Tendon thick - is that normal? by Wenda

Wenda — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:46:42 +0000

Normofthenorth, you are spot on with the patience part. I do tend to be really impatient. Thanks for responding and reminding me! I am now at week 10 and get physio on a weekly basis. It is a really hot summer in South Africa and I decided to go for a swim today. If there is one thing I’d advise anybody to do, then it is to swim and use the water to get a good (and safe) workout. It did absolute wonders for my foot. I’ll try to do it at least 3 times a week. As for the adhesion, it is still very obvious and quite painfull. I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow and will ask him about the options(other than months of trying to treat it conservitavely)…he”ll probably also say, be patient haha! But what the heck! One thing is sure, there is no shortcut to recovery. But there are ways of making it more bareable. The fact that there’s others out there who’ve ‘been there’ is just SO comforting. Thank you for the guidance and understanding. Regards

Comment on Tendon thick - is that normal? by normofthenorth

normofthenorth — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:32:11 +0000

I hope Nick “hears” and responds, Wenda. Me, I’d be patient for now. 7 weeks is way different than Nick’s 2 years. The techniques that didn’t work for him DO break up many or most post-op adhesions (most of which are NOT caused by errant sutures), and may well work on yours. There’s a limit on aggressive approaches this early in your recovery, too.
If internal sutures are causing your problem, getting them removed is the answer. The op and the recovery are both quicker and simpler than ATR repair. GerryR’s blog here has his unusually long but successful story, including a total of FOUR surgeries.

Comment on Tendon thick - is that normal? by Wenda

Wenda — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:50:05 +0000

Hi nick, your pst was about 7 months ago regarding the adhesion of skin to tendon. I have the same problem. Have you had any success on the treatment of this? I am only 7weeks post op, but I honestly think the only option in a case like ours is surgery. It shouldn’t be a huge operation. I will be seeing my PT early next year and will discuss this option with her and let you know. I had complete rupture on left side while jump style dancing. Had percutaneous repair. I live in South Africa. The surgeons here follow a rather concervative rehab protocol. I am doing ROM exercises and massaging on my own account as well as PWB. Hope you are healing well.
Regards Wenda

Comment on Runnerwannabe is a runner once more!! by univofpittbull

univofpittbull — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:23:01 +0000

Woot! I remember reading your blogs while i was healing up. Congrats!

Comment on Runnerwannabe is a runner once more!! by toble74

toble74 — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:49:15 +0000

Congrats on your two 5K runs. Your post has been inspiring. I am in my sixth week after surgery and I cannot wait to play sports again. I have felt down some days although I feel much better now.
I also almost ruined my “good” Achilles by hopping on it. It is very sore now and I can barely move. I will have to take it easy.
Congrats again for your 2 runs and thanks for the post
Antonio

Comment on Runnerwannabe is a runner once more!! by onhiatus

onhiatus — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:52:25 +0000

Great news!! Glad you are back at it and 2 runs in a weeks seems like a perfect celebration for the year anniversary. Thanks for making my day with this post! Only 11+ more months to go!

Comment on Runnerwannabe is a runner once more!! by ali

ali — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 07:41:51 +0000

Good stuff RW, great to hear your update. Keep healing!

Comment on Runnerwannabe is a runner once more!! by gkraemer14

gkraemer14 — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:22:38 +0000

Awesome update. Keep up the great work. I’m looking forward to getting back to running also.

-GK