stevesleftfoot

This is my first ever blog or internet posting about anything; I’m male, 52 yeas old, average size, weight etc, so here goes

Thursday 20^th November ’08.  went to the local club to play squash,  spent five minutes warming up on a cross trainer, plenty of stretches and then five minutes warm up on court.  Played for 30 – 35 minutes, (losing).  Thought some-one had opened door to squash court and banged it into the back of my left calf.  Looked round, no-one there, fell over.   I knew something was wrong, thought it may be Achilles but wasn’t sure.  Unable to put any weight on left foot and my foot/ankle felt very strange but without a lot of pain.

For some reason I just knew this was a bad thing to happen.  Decided to go straight to A&E at the local hospital Five minutes away.  My friend and squash partner dropped by off at A&E, helped me to reception and went to tell Julie (wife) what had happened.  I normally take my mobile phone everywhere I go. But not this time. Who needs a mobile on a squash court.

Booked in at A&E, after a couple of minutes a nurse came to talk to me, asked what happened etc.  Five minutes later I was wheeled into a small room and examined by a nurse who decided I had a ruptured Achilles.  A&E consultant also examined me as did a junior A&E doctor. All agreed with diagnosis.  All told me it was a bad injury and I would be unable to walk for at least six weeks. My leg was then put into plaster. I was given a pair of crutches and told to see orthopaedic specialist ASAP.

Made appointment for two days later. Orthopaedic surgeon said Achilles was ruptured but a little higher up than she normally sees, said it was a partial rupture that did not need surgery. I was a bit concerned by this as I thought surgery was best option, ‘not in your case’ I was told. Leg plastered with a strange kind of plastic plaster.  Told plaster needs to stay put for four weeks. Appointment made for 23^rd December.  Will then have new plaster for two weeks with foot at different angle, then another two weeks with foot at different angle. At least that’s the plan.

Went home. Practiced using crutches.  Stairs a bit tricky. Having a shower not easy.  Went to pub.  Quite tiring using crutches when not used to them.  Doc’ had advised drinking plenty of fluids.  No problem had a few beers, felt much better.

Now three days later.  Have made an effort to out every day for some exercise and crutches practice. Getting better with crutches, can go a bit further each day without arms getting tired.  Get round the house by hopping (do we all do that) I’m told it’s not a good idea as you can break toes if you hit the ground with leg in plaster.