Hi there achilles bloggers old and new! I guess it’s been around 3 months since my last post, but it seems a lot longer. I never would have believed, 9 months ago, how little time I would spend thinking about my injury at this point…but it’s so very true.

I ruptured my left ATR dancing on my birthday in late October, and had surgery 10 days later. With the help of a fabulous partner, a very very skilled physiotherapist, and a commitment to the pilates reformer machine, I am basically fully recovered.

I can now do more calf raises on my left side than I can on my right. I am doing regular Zumba lessons and will be getting back to hip hop once I improve my leap a little…another month or so. I am doing spin classes and regularly going for long walks (I have never been a runner) and in a few weeks will be taking part in a 10km walk to raise money for our local Spina Bifida support group, as my friend had a baby a few months ago who has SB (which puts a lot of things into perspective). So I have been building up to that distance and everything feels totally fine.

I have laid off the reformer a little of late, but a recent trip to the snowfields in the south of Oz reminds me that, for the sake of my non-ruptured achilles, i should be getting back to it. I was only tobogganing with my son, but hours of trudging up the steep and slippery runs certainly told in the aching of my right achilles. The left, I am pleased to say, made not the slightest complaint! So, back to pilates to strengthen my core and take the strain of my calves and achilles…tis the way forward for me!

Great to see some of my ‘contemporaries’ have been posting their wins and progressions…it’s wonderful to be able to check in from time to time. Those just beginning on this journey, be sure to read the posts of those who are further along in their rehabilitation, for your own positivity and peace of mind, know that it gets easier, and eventually life takes over. Take your time, honour yourself, you will get there.

Best wishes to everyone with your recoveries