So I’ve been out of my cast for 1 week and 4 days and so far it’s going much better than those first few days. After about 2 days I was able to wean myself off of the crutches, now it’s just me and my boot. For a short time I continued using my scooter during the night to go to the bathroom but I ended up returning scootie and so now those mid sleep bathroom trips are dreaded, but doable. Showering is still the same obstacle except now I’m able to get my injured leg wet and clean! I do not shower standing up. I’m too afraid to chance slipping and re-rupturing so I stick to baths and my shower chair.
I’ve been doing PT 2 x a week and I’m pretty bored with it. Range of motion seems pretty tedious but I understand it’s the foundation to strengthening. My PT is wonderful!! She is young like me, has her doctorate, and we get along quite well. She’s even got me doing upper body strengthening to occupy my time. Why not?
Other than that, my quality of life has vastly improved. It’s amazing and wonderful and so many other adjectives to be able to walk without crutches or my scootie. I don’t get around very fast, but I get around. I’ve even stopped using my disabled parking placard except in extreme cases when I’d have to walk very far to get somewhere.
I have been a little bad…. I did take about 3 steps on my own in my room (very carefully) to see what it would be like. It’s disheartening to feel how weak my leg is. My tendon feels weak and/or stiff (not sure) as well. I’m pretty scared to be out of the boot in about 4 weeks, but I’m sure I’ll feel a little better when that time comes. I just wish there was some way to strengthen my calf without really using that tendon. Anyone know of exercises that are minor but will help build your calf?
All in all, things are going well, I’m less depressed and back to being independent again. I’m eager to go back to work, but realistically I know that it won’t be until after at least a few weeks of strengthening PT. I’m HOPING for week 15 post op to “feel ready” to go back. I get worried because FMLA runs out early December and my exact position/shift at work will no longer be protected. I LOVE my job, and the thought of not getting to do it when I recover terrifies me.
6 responses so far ↓
normofthenorth // Nov 18th 2012 at 11:24 pm
Weird that the main page shows only “rupturednurse” and it doesn’t even seem to appear on this page!
Without the ATR Timeline Widget installed, it’s too much work for me to figure out exactly how long it’s been since your treatment started (op), so giving any advice about appropriate exercises, or which feelings are normal and which are cause for concern, would be too scary. All those answers change gradually with time.
rupturednurse // Nov 18th 2012 at 11:44 pm
@normofthenorth Sorry, haven’t figured out the widget just yet. I’m currently 6 weeks post op. I was taken into a boot at 5 weeks post op.
normofthenorth // Nov 19th 2012 at 1:32 am
No apology needed, RN! We’ve all got other things to do. I think the ATR Timeline widget instructions are on the Main page, and they should work first time. A few “themes” don’t show it properly, but I’m guessing yours is OK.
normofthenorth // Nov 19th 2012 at 1:38 am
And as for the schedule. . . I think you may have lost about a week on bit.ly/UWOProtocol , but that’s much quicker than too many folks hereabouts. But if you’re going to be comfy standing and walking on your feet all day at 15 weeks, it would help to keep moving on the rehab at full speed. You’ve got to stop and reverse the calf atrophy, and retrain and rebuild all the small muscles and propriocentric balance “systems”. . . and it takes work and time — and the long you’re immobile or protected, the longer it takes to get it all back. . .
rupturednurse // Nov 19th 2012 at 3:15 am
@Normofthenorth, So I’ve reviewed the protocol, and per my MD’s protocol I’ll only be doing ROM at PT until week 12 when I’m allowed to start strengthening. Forgive me if I’m not following too well. I’m unsure what I can do safely (outside of PT since there is no RX for strengthening or anything outside of ROM) that will rebuild my calf muscle. I’m in the boot all the time, I assume that is what you mean by being protected…
kkirk // Nov 19th 2012 at 1:55 pm
RN: I’m going to be on a similar protocol. Although, strength training might begin before week 12. I’m going back to PT on Wed. to get my home therapy program and I assume it will be the same exercises you are doing. I will start PWB > FWB next week. So, as far as strengthing I’m not suppose to do any for a few more weeks.
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