6 months post-op
Today is 6 months post-op for me and as it’s the New Year as well, time to reflect a little. It’s been a tough year not just because of my ATR, but other family illnesses and the death of my Grandad on December 27th. But I don’t give up easily and am hoping for a happier and healthier 2010 for all.
I can walk pretty much at my pre-injury pace and without a limp unless I’ve been sitting for a while without stretching or have been on my feet all day. I have a small amount of calf muscle returning (wahay!), but realise this would increase more quickly if I actually had time to go to the gym or do more exercise generally…perhaps when I finish my Uni course I’ll have more spare time for that…
First thing in the morning I still need a few stretches to be able to walk normally, but that’s improving too. My dorsiflexion is not amazing, but based on my uninjured leg my physio has decided it probably never was. I remember ever since a child I have always naturally walked on my toes when barefoot and physio thinks that may have contributed to a shortened achilles and perhaps made me more prone to the injury?
I can do single calf-raises with something to lightly touch to keep my balance, but can go up on the toes on the injured foot without support for a short time (see piccie below), and can stand on one leg normally for as long as I might want to (Christmas and New Year excesses apart!).
I did a small amount of light jogging, jumping and hopping at my last physio session before Christmas and may be persuaded to try a little “proper” running in the near future.
I’m now seeing my physio once a fortnight to keep tabs on things and to have painful deep massage on the tendon and calf muscle. The injured tendon is thicker than the other one and I think there may still be some internal adhesion, but the scar has healed well.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Hi Sam,
Sorry that 2009 didn’t work out so great for you.
Great progress, if I can do a single calf raise in another month (my half year mark) I will be chuffed (and amazed!).
Here’s to 2010!!
January 4th, 2010 at 4:23 am
Yes, I agree with highflyer- I will be thrilled if I am where you are at 6 months. Keep on going!
January 4th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
You have given me a benchmark to shoot for now. I am almost 6 weeks post op and currently doing the PT sessions. I find from the other bloggers that the rehab regiment in the UK is more conservative than here in the US so I think that is a pretty good achievement where you are at in your recovery. Good luck and thanks for sharing.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Thanks Chris, MaryK and shawn.
My spam word today is “celebrate” - a good positive word to take into the New Year.
Best of luck to you all with your continued recoveries.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Hi Sam.. congrats on your progress.
What stretches and excercises have you been doing in last few months to get better?
My dorsiflex is still very bad, I might need to start the massages you have been doing also.
January 5th, 2010 at 7:41 am
Hi tedb,
I had another look at your blog and see you’re a few weeks behind me. The last month has improved things for me, so I’m sure you’ll still improve.
These are stretches I’ve been doing, fairly standard ones I think:
-stretching the injured leg back whilst pushing against the wall, 3 x 30 secs, a few times a day;
- pushing the weight down through the injured leg with soft knee whilst lifting uninjured leg onto toes (ie no weight there just for balance);
- single leg bridges alternating the legs for 10-15 seconds each side, 10 reps;
- double calf raises with support, 10 reps;
- double calf raises moving to single leg with support, 10 reps;
- using a step with support either side; foot half off step and moving up and down, ie calf raises, but with heel going below edge of step - does that make sense?
I’ve also been using the wii fit to gauge weight on each leg; skiing has been good for squatting position and hula hoop.
The most painful massage my physio does is the deep stuff when I’m in the stretch with injured leg back and hands pushing against the wall. She also told me to to general sort of pulling down the heel of the foot, general massage ’round the ankle area and pressing the calf muscle of the bad leg against the knee of the other one to try to release it.
I still do some flexing and pointing of the foot in bed just before I get up trying to really push the heel out or down.
Oh, and I’ve been alternating walking on my toes and then on my heels for short periods.
Not sure how clear that all is? But hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Sam
January 6th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Great progress Sam! Your leg is looking good.
Funny you mention the automatic moves you make with your foot, I find I often circle and move my foot while sitting, as I am used to it, and it makes it feel better. It became an unconscious habit to fight stiffness.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:19 am
Hi Sam
Thanks for the info on the exercises. They sound pretty challenging. I’m about a month post op behind you, but am probably 2 months behind in terms of rehab due to a few setbacks I had.
Will try some of your exercises once my calf get stronger.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Hi Sam
I can not believe how good your achillies looks, and I cant even make out your scar, what scar. It is good to see your recovery going so well. Although you have probably completely recovered by now the weeks have passed! Did you manage to start running again? I have just started driving again, and the freedom is just brilliant. Happy days at last.
All the best to you.
Lee
January 27th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Hi Lee,
Great to hear from you again. Yes, quite pleased with the scar in many ways - it is noticeable but depends on the angle. Calf muscle is returning but ve-e-e-ry slo-o-w-ly.
Haven’t done any proper running yet, just a little bit of jogging on the spot at physio and across the school playground with kid in tow. Haven’t had time to rejoin the gym and after reading some posts on gailaj’s blog, bit dubious about using the treadmill. And didn’t fancy trying anything in the recent snow and ice. But maybe soon.
Nowhere near the same as before the injury fitness-wise, but feel back to relative normality in the everyday work/home etc.
Hope everything continues to improve for you.
Sam