Tatyana’s AchillesBlog

My scar looked great while PWB, but has looked angrier and redder since I went FWB. Had the OS nurse look at it, and she said pretty normal, and looked OK. Put a bandage over the worst part, and it is doing better! I guess the boot is kind of beating it up!

I totally understand your lack of calf love. I am amazed at the amount of atrophy I have also. Very sad little calf lol. Good luck and keep up the good upper body workouts for now.

Jeff, yes, I think this is exactly what is happening. As soon as went back to work, my scar doesn’t get a break. I obviously walk more. Btw, my OS did exactly what you said, stuck a band aid on the bad end of the scar.

Nwebber, I think I will be obsessed over re-building my calf. I have never been a runner, but every time I look at my poor gastroc, I think to myself that if I want to wear skirts again, I will HAVE TO start running/jogging. Or maybe I can try those elliptical stepper machines?

Not sure that running is a great way to bring AT-affected calves back toward symmetry.
Are you wearing scar-covering socks inside the boot? Have you tried double socks? If you can get one sock rubbing on the other (or on a bandage), instead of on your sensitive scar, it will probably solve the problem.
Finally, can’t you stick your leg up on a chair while you sit at your desk? I made that work in nice restaurants, so a work desk should be easy…

Norm,
I do wear a sock inside the boot, but I certainly never thought of a double sock. Will try it next. A bandage works so far. I was actually afraid to use it, thinking I would not be able to detach it safely from the scar. But the doc said it all healed already and won’t be a problem. And yes, I completely rearranged my workstation. But my job keeps me in front of the monitor pretty much all 8hrs. I do get seriously tired keeping my leg on a side chair. It is still better though than having it on the floor for the whole day. I take the boot off and do my own PT at lunch. What do you think is the best way to build the calf back, except for the heel raises, leg presses and curls?

I’ve always been told that resistance training is what can build (or rebuild) muscle mass. Not CV exercise like running. And I think long-distance running can consume muscle.

Keep the good attitude Tatyana. I would take some gauze and fold it up for a few layers and simply stick it over the scar between the sock. That would be perfect for the day like that. Band aid’s also worked well. Aquafor is a great product to rub into your scar for softening and healing. -Rob

Thanks Rob, I will get Aquaphor and try it when I am home. Band aid works pretty well during the day while I am at work. I wish I thought of all these precautions before I went back to work. Oh well, it is my first scar and I am learning how to deal with it.