tinat702’s AchillesBlog

Night Before Surgery

This is the night before my surgery. I had surgery on October 14th 2011 to remove a Haglunds Bone Spur on my left heal.

The surgery itself lasted a little longer because my surgeon had to remove shards of bone that started growing from the bone spur into the tendon.

I have 2 plastic screws in my heel with fiber coils attaching the tendon back to my heel. The first night home from my surgery I was trying to maneuver in my crutches and ended up losing my balance and I took a step on my surgery foot to catch my balance. I felt something pull, it didn’t hurt I think because of my pain medication. I had a post surgery appointment on Monday 10/17. At that exam my Dr didn’t see any damage to the outside of the stitches. His concern was more on the inside.

Needless to say I had a follow up appoint on Monday 10/24. I had an ultrasound performed and there was some concern because there was a dark spot near one of the screws where there should be a fiber coil. The Dr’s thinking is that I may have pulled the fiber coil off the screw. He had his partner come in and give another opinion. At first they were thinking I could go back into surgery to see if the coil is unattached and see if there was any damage to the tendon.

Thankfully the decision so far is to see how the area is going to heal. I could have tendon grow into the blank area, or it could fill in with bone. The area of concern is on the side of my foot and not directly on the tendon. I did have all my stitches removed on Monday 10/24. The incisions look pretty good.

For now I am on as much bed rest as possible.

I have another appointment on Monday 11/21 to see if I can be fitted for the walking boot.

All wrapped up after surgery

Just before stitches were removed

My best friend! This Knee Walker is the best!

After about 1 year of Steroid shots, Physical Therapy, Night Boots and Orthodics…..the decision to have surgery was the easiest.

Of course the impact of being immobile for 6+ weeks wasn’t really thought out.  We were not prepared "house" wise to me not being able to get into the house due to Stairs, or into my bedroom which involved a step down and to go to the restroom which involved a step up!

It’s those little things that we have perfected along the way.  Let’s just say sometimes you literally have to crawl on your hands and knees to get where you need to go!