Yesterday was my second post-op appt, after 2 weeks in the splint and 3 in a cast. First came the young resident ortho, who said that it was time to go to the second cast.
I asked, “Will I ever be using a walking boot in your protocol, or just casting?”
He answered that it was too soon to go to a boot, or to consider PT. He also thought that I was a model in compliance for keeping the cast in such good condition, not crumbling or cracked or wet. Here I thought that would be the minimal level of compliance, for one’s own sake? I said, “I would never take a risk and go through this again!”
He said, “YOu’d be giving all of us a lot of work if it happened again!”
Suddenly, he looked at the file, then the cast, and excused himself. He was gone for some time, then back, after consulting the senior surgeon, who had done the operation. Apparently the boss had some news: I could go straight to shoes.
I nearly fell off the exam table, after having read so much of what happens to all of you folks here.
Not to mention an enormous fear of rerupture permeating my every cell!
I asked, “Is that safe? What about a rerupture, with no protection? Not even a boot?”
“No, we don’t think you need it, although we could order it, it would take time. It’s heavy and hot, and we don’t think you need it. Of course, it used to be that everyone was kept in a cast a very long time, no matter his progress, but now the thinking has changed. You had a good tight wound, sewed up clean.” (I think that is what I heard from him!)
Unfortunately, I had not brought a shoe. I was to come again on Tuesday, bring a sports shoe, and two wedges (inserts) from Walgreen’s, to make about 5/8″ size. No need to see the doctor, go straight to the ortho tech, have cast removed, and bring the shoes.
Although of course I was thrilled at this progress, a wave of confusion hit me. It seemed I did have some say in the matter, and certainly, this website has shown me the profusion of protocols on the planet. I trusted the senior surgeon, and he has done millions of them, he said. BUT! He had not even seen the scar in these three weeks, since they did not take the cast off.
This bothersome appendage suddenly felt wonderfully secure and binding as I drove home with York.
So here’s my question to you folks: should I insist I would like to stay in a cast or boot longer, or do as he says? What would you do with such an announcement? I have until Tuesday to think about it!
Also, have any of you had doctors talk to you about your compliance? Or are we all “well-behaved”?
BTW, four new ATR’s have happened at their clinic in the last two weeks, as the surgeon said, “They come in bunches”.
5 weeks is early!!!!!!!!!! i am 7 weeks and not even in 2 shoes. I am still PWB. However, I do not have a boot-but rather a splint. Perhaps you could ask for the splint instead-it prevents your foot from dorsiflexing beyond neutral. You could check out my blog for a picture of the splint. I asked my PT about why I didn’t get a cam boot-they said it was not something they encourage for several reasons: its too hot in the summer, too heavy, and it rubs against the incision, and that they found the splint to be more effective in the healing process. You could wear shoes with this splint with an inserted heel on the appropriate shoe.
August 2, 2008 @ 7:08 amThank God for you great folks and this web site. I recently tore my right achilles in a softball game last Wednesday. I was truly depressed. However, after reading from all of you, my spirits are much higher. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge.
Bill Evans
August 2, 2008 @ 8:52 amSenior Meteorologist
WABC-TV
New York
Welcome to the site, Bill!
August 2, 2008 @ 10:54 amSpeaking as someone who has been pushing my recovery, perhaps too much at times, I’d be real worried. I’m sure you are doing great, as well as can be after 5 weeks, and your doctor is proud of you and his/her work. But I’ve already seen so many of us on this site rerupture, mostly going 2 shoes in that 5 to 10 weeks time frame, And if they think you’re good for 2 shoes, maybe you are, around the house and in safe, flat, uncluttered areas. But you know yourself, and if your leg feels adequately strong and flexible, with range of motion to walk down stairs and stuff, go for it. I’d get a boot or cam walker or something asap. I’m just past 10 weeks post op and today was my first day back on a tractor. Two 50 plus pound brakes that can and must be operated only by the right foot (my atr side of course). About 4 hours of field work, lots of stomping on the pedals. Didn’t hurt a bit, no extra swelling, feels great. Still, I’m not even close to half way recovered in terms of time, and the tendon is not close to its new full strength for 4 to 5 months post op. from what I’ve read.
August 2, 2008 @ 12:21 pmOh, and Mr. Evans, very sorry to hear of your injury, but glad you have found this site helpful already. What with this wave of atr’s why not do a news feature or 2 on this interesting and little known injury? Achilles was a man blessed by the gods, strong, deadly, and not vulnerable to any man except for that one spot . . .
August 2, 2008 @ 12:51 pmI went to two shoes at 5 weeks and was ecstatic to do so. I began swimming and walking for one hour at 5:00 am each morning. I am now at 9 weeks and my doctor says I don’t need PT; I am doing everything I would do in PT. I am now riding the stationary bike and lifting weights (mainly upper body). In fact, My ortho has authorized me to begin seated toes raises and an angled squat, which takes a lot of the stress off the ankle and calf. Also, I have lost 20 pounds and four inches on my waist since my ATR.
I say “relish going to two shoes as it is a major milestone.” Just be careful.
August 2, 2008 @ 4:59 pmA repaired achilles tendon, totally ruptured pre-surgery, is 100% healed at 6 months.
24 weeks, not 5 weeks.
Adjust accordingly.
August 2, 2008 @ 5:29 pmBill - glad to have you on board and thanks for reading my email on the air!
Hang in there - start a blog - its therapeutic!
How bout a softball charity game next season for all us achilles rupture survivors?? We could pick a worthwhile medical research charity and all wear our achillesblog t-shirts…
Stay in touch!
Ed
August 2, 2008 @ 9:10 pmEd,
Thanks! Let’s do get a game for charity next Summer just in time to blow out my other achilles! I ordered my t-shirt. I can tell by just getting my first hot bath after surgery 4 days ago that this is going to be a long process.
August 3, 2008 @ 10:33 amThat’s a wonderful idea. I will go to work on our medical unit with that idea on Monday.
Bill
August 3, 2008 @ 1:25 pmIf the surgeon didn’t see the scar before making his claim you’re fine on 2 shoes, I’d be a bit cautious. You know your own healing rate and physical fitness. As my surgeon said, we can be more aggressive but we’re only talking about a couple of weeks difference. None of us are making it to the Beijing Olympics at this point so I wouldn’t rush
August 3, 2008 @ 5:38 pmsf, I had a similar experience with my dr after the first cast and comments of how clean and good the cast looked when the next cast was removed I went to 2 shoes also. Not FWB 2 shoes but no brace just crutch to cane then walking. Dont be alarmed just take it slow and cautious. I have had no problems adjusting to 2 shoes without a boot just keep your head in it. Dont go to fast we are still a long way from back to normal. You will be much more comfortable in tennis shoes with heel pads than a boot. Congrats and good luck.
August 3, 2008 @ 8:23 pmBill - Glad that you found the site and please keep us posted on your recovery. If you plan on mentioning the site on the news, please let me know which day so that I can record it.
August 3, 2008 @ 10:12 pm