A Mom’s New Challenge

Two weeks down… ??? to go!

Saw the doc (and my foot) for the first time since the surgery 2 weeks ago.  That little saw they use to cut off the cast scared me a bit.  LOL.  I said to the cast tech: “Have you ever cut anyone’s leg off with that thing?”  He replied:  “Only two, but they still hired me back.”  Great sense of humour, these guys.  All the people that work at this particular clinic are so upbeat and funny.  It is like comedy hour. 

So off with the bright green cast.  My 2-year old signed (scribbled) her name and everyone else’s name in the family who wasn’t there.  How thoughtful! 

My incision was a little more crooked than I expected, but not as long.  Seems to be healing well. 

My right calf is a little smaller than my left.  I’m sure it will get even smaller after the 10 weeks in the cast.

I like putting pictures in the post.  This is fun.  I like looking at others’ pics and I was so excited about my appointment today, I thought I’d include mine too.

So today, I just flexed my foot as far back as I could on my own, probably about 75 degrees, and they re-casted me for another 2 weeks.  My 2-year old’s favourite colour is blue, so she was SO excited to see my new cast. 

I asked the doctor about my trip to Florida in November.  I was worried I would have to cancel.  But he said it should be no problem.  I should be FWB with boot, or 2-shoes by then.  So I’m happy to hear that.  Some things to look forward to.

Well, that’s the news for today.  Already looking forward to the next appointment, 2 weeks from now.  Feels like progress, although slow-going. 

Good luck everyone.

One week post-op and it actually wasn’t so bad.  Well, at first I didn’t know how I would even manage 1 day taking care of my two little ones, but everyone has been truly amazing helping me out.  My husband has tried to do some of his work from home and is here a lot, my parents are here just about every day, my brother is a big help (although he has an aversion to dirty diapers and baby spit-up) and my aunt & uncle have offered to take one shift per week.

I just have to recruit enough helpers and schedule everyone in for their shift.  Ha Ha.  I figure it will just be until I am weight bearing enough to be able to carry my baby girl around, because until then I can’t really take care of her on my own.

My Mom hooked me up!  She can get anything… She asked around and borrowed a wheelchair, a bath seat and get this…. a motorized scooter (in racecar red).

So yesterday, we were laughing till we had tears as we raced down the driveway.  My Mom pushing my 2 girls in the double stroller, my brother wheeling himself in my wheelchair and me in my power scooter.  I can only imagine what the neighbours thought!  Also played some wheelchair basketball in the driveway (with my 2 year old on her mini-hoop). 

Don’t know if I’m overdoing it.  How long are we supposed to be lying down with foot elevated?  I haven’t had too much pain, so I’ve been lucky that way.  In the evening it’s a little sore, but I elevate and it’s fine. 

Sometimes I feel like I just want to tear the cast off and do some ankle circles.  That would feel so good.  I kind of feel like my ankle is tightening up from not moving it at all. 

Well, one more week until I see the doc.  I don’t know why I’m so excited, I’m just getting a new cast put on.  But I want to see the incision and see what my foot looks like I guess.  And just to have the cast off for a short time will be great.  Hopefully the doc will tell me healing is going well.

Hi Everyone.

First I will introduce myself:

I am a 32-year-old mother of two great girls, a 2-year old and a 7-month old.  This achilles injury will definitely put a new twist to the challenges of parenting 2 young children.  The positive side of me is seeing this as an adventure and new way to prove how strong I am as a person.  At other times I am completely overwhelmed.  I am so grateful to have such a supportive husband and such helpful parents & family, so I know we will get through this.

The Injury:

I have kept fairly active throughout my pregnancies and afterwards… going to the gym mostly - running on the treadmill, aerobics, weights, etc…  So I thought my body would be able to handle a game of pick-up basketball with the current Lady Vees (my old university basketball team).  I hadn’t played basketball since 2003, so about 5 years ago.  It makes sense to me now that my achilles was unprepared for the sudden starts & stops that basketball requires.

After about an hour of playing, I just cut into the key and felt the phantom “kick”.  I thought somebody kicked me really hard in the Achilles.  But of course, no one was even near me.   After a few minutes of rolling around on the floor screaming, I calmed down and waited for the trainer.  My 2 girls were at the gym with my husband watching me play, but luckily they just happened to be out in the hallway when I went down.  I was glad my girls didn’t have to see that.

So my 2 year old held my hand as the athletic therapist broke the news - he thought a complete rupture - splinted me up and sent me to the hospital.

At emerg, the doctor took about 5 minutes and a Thompson test to confirm the complete tear.  Referred me to the Orthopedic Surgeon.

Surgery:

Was fairly straightforward, so they tell me.  My tendon was like spaghetti.  They gave me some Morphine in my IV, so I had to pump my breastmilk and throw it out so I wouldn’t pass it on to my 7-month old, who is still nursing.  Not fun pumping milk all day right after surgery, but I’m not ready to wean her yet.  So I’ve decided to stick to Tylenol only and continue to nurse my little one.   Pain is about 6/10 so tolerable.

Anyway, reading everyone’s posts has helped me a lot.  I like knowing what is in store for me regarding timelines, therapy, etc…  Sounds like my doctor is conservative compared to some, but I’ve heard really good things about him and I definitely don’t want a re-rupture, so I have complete confidence in him.

Happy healing everyone!