The Start - week 3 post op
I’m at week three post injury.
Paris’ arrow found its mark on 14th August 2008, I was warming up for kendo (I was doing some small hops back and forth). Classic case - 40yo male weekend warrior, left leg (the one not dipped in the Styx), recent increase in activity, felt like bat across back of leg then “crack” everyone heard it go. I went down like a sack of spuds, screaming WTF (the three letter acronym described in FAQ).
Got taken straight to ER, passed Thompson test, then decided to see my own othopod. He slotted me in next morning, confirmed the snap, explained pros and cons of surgery/nonsurgery (I focused on better quality healing outcome), put me on the end of his list and operated that afternoon so less than 24 hours after injury. I’ve had a backslab plaster cast for a week, then replaced with a fibreglass one for the next five weeks, crutches (forearn type), no weight bearing. Don’t know yet what happens after that.
I have not missed any work work, have leg propped on another chair with a pillow. Its not above the heart, so swells up a bit. I put it up as soon as I get home for next 12 hours. And all weekend. Hope this is ok. The Olympics was on telly, the coverage was crap. BTW I don’t have a Puritan Work Ethic (PWE), just started anew job only the week before. Sigh!
Got a shower chair and camode chair over the toilet. Got a watertight showerbag which has a rubber gasket seal around the thigh, its great.
Anyway, I’ll try posting some experiences and tips for future generations of ATR’s to find and enjoy. That’s if I can figure out blogging, its all Greek to me.
cheers
Adrian
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
ok, I’ve figured out how to edit MrWordPress’s in initial comment.
blog on!
September 4th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Adrian-
Welcome to the exclusive club. You’re a few days ahead of me, so it will be interesting to compare notes as to how we’re progressing.
This is a nasty injury, but the prople on this site are really helpful.
Take it easy,
Steve
September 4th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Welcome Adrian,
Now are you Perth Australia or Perth Scotland? Just interested. If Australia my friend has just returned after 5 weeks visiting her daughter and helping her move home (her daughter Claire runs the website This Perth Life). But if your not in Australia all that is irrelevant. Just noticed the reference to ‘antipodes’ at top of your site !!!
Anyway, take heed of all the advice on this site rest and elevation is important early weeks. You will find out lots of information on here and lots of funny stories.
So, take care and good luck
Annie
September 4th, 2008 at 2:49 am
thanks annie and steve. Yup I’m in Western Australia.
My foot elevation is not great. I’m a draftsman, I put it on a chair during the day, and as soon as I get home, lie on the couch for the rest of the night with it well up on cushions. It shrinks quite a bit by morning, but starts swelling as soon as I get up in the morning. sigh. Cant be helped, I started a new job two weeks before the snap and we are pretty overloaded.
I’m new to blogging, I’ll see if I can get the hang of it. Every little bit of info available out there helps the next wounded warrior.
cheers
Adrian
September 4th, 2008 at 3:01 am
Hi Adrian,
I was in pretty much the same boat (although non-surgical). I’m a designer for a car manufacturer and spend all day at my desk, occasionally bothering my colleagues to fetch me coffee.
I’m 6 weeks post ATR today and my cast comes off Monday, but my foot doesn’t swell at all now, but that’s probably down to the fact that the amount my leg has shrunk inside the cat.
Chin up sunshine, you’ll have highs and lows but you’ll never be short of dinner party stories after this.
Jon