May 04 2009
Please take 5 minutes . . .
This part is not about my (or anyone else’s) achilles. In the broader blog purpose though, it may end up being about recovery.
My family got some trying news last Monday. We had Zander (now 5 months old) at the doctor to follow up on something, and Kate had also brought a short list of questions. One of the questions was about some very faint brown spots, about 7 or 8, that Zander has on different parts of his body. The Nurse Practitioner took a look at them, asking to see them all, and then she had the Pediatrician come in and do the same. He said it’s a sign of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Probably like most of you, we had never heard of this. It’s a fairly common (1 in 4,000) genetic disorder which can have a broad range of symptoms. The spots that Kate noticed (cafe-au-lait marks) are themselves harmless, but it’s a sign that there may (or may not!) be other things to come. We are now waiting for a referral to a specialist.
In an attempt to raise awareness (May is NF Awareness Month!), my request is to please check one of these links just to make yourself aware of this disorder and its effects.
Zander in his car
My achilles update:
One more appointment with the surgeon. He said the repair looks great, and muttered something like “I should do it like this all the time”. Did he try something new on me? Who knows. He said he was surprised at where I have my ball of scar tissue - it’s at the bottom of my soleus muscle, but my rupture was closer to my heel. Anyway, it’s been going down in size. Still no clearance for strengthening - he’s adamant about waiting for the 3 month mark. So I guess I keep going to physio until they tell me I’m good to go. I go back to see the doctor at the 6 month mark.
Walking is going well. No calf strength, obviously. Some irritation on the incision if I walk for a while, and a little tightness, but overall pretty good. Can’t wait for the strengthening to start at the physio.
Schmeck, Kate and Zander — wishing you the best and remaining hopeful for you as you learn more and deal with neurofibromitosis. Our neighbor’s child had it, and I’ve known of another adult to have it as well. Both have led normal, full lives. Glad to hear your tendon is recovering well.
~booklady
Such bad news for you I hope the test results are good.
I have checked out the sites, I had never heard of it either.
On the positive side our adopted son is classed as having special needs, various problems some of which are very debilitating, he is now 30 works part time and has a very good social life.
He is such a happy looking baby and I am sure you will cope with everything.
I think your achilles problem is of minor importance to you now.
Annie
Schmeck: You know my family and I are big (online) fans of Zander. He is so adorable. We will be thinking good thoughts for you guys. Please keep us updated. I spent some time on some NF web sites. I had never heard of it.
Good news that your Achilles is healing so well.
-Smish
Schmeck - thank you for sharing about Zander. Hang in there. My wife and I will keep your family in our prayers.
Seems like Achilles injuries help bring things in perspective and help to prepare us for greater trials in life.
All the best.
Matt
Schmeck,
I don’t know why but you and your family popped into my brain this morning.
How is that little boy of yours doing, I hope things are getting easier for you and him.
How are you doing, would love to know.
Annie