Post-Op update
Went to the Orthopedic surgeon on Monday and he confirmed an almost complete rupture. He suspected some of the fibers might still be intact as I still had some up / down foot strength. He asked me to go get lab work down and scheduled me for surgery at 8:45 on Tuesday (next day / yesterday).
Surgery went well, very nice hospital and staff. I opted for general anesthesia and they injected something to relax me, some anti-nausea medicine, and a narcotic before sedating me with gas.
Post-op went well and I awoke with almost no pain and a moderate amount of grogginess. They gave me a Percoset and sent me on my way. Surgery began at 10:45 a.m. and we were in the car at 2:00 p.m.
I was taking the Percoset every 4 hours but woke up this morning very nauseous, light headed, and a pounding headache. I switched to Advil and feel better but the pain is very noticeable. I might try to take a reduced dosage of Percoset.
The wound was wrapped with some type of bandage that attaches to a cooler filled with ice and water to keep the leg cool. It is also in a splint and a pressure wrap.
Wound care has been confusing. They sent us home with generic instructions other than to schedule an appointment in 10 days to remove the stitches. We called the Dr.’s office back and the nurse said to remove the bandage after 48 hours and gently wash the wound with soap and water and pat dry. She then said to put a “water proof bandaid” on the wound. I called back as that sounded fairly “casual” to me knowing that I would be in a cast in 10 days so I called back and asked about the splint. The nurse said “oh yeah, sorry, I forget to tell you to put the splint back on.” Not to be a worry wart, but I’d like to hear some input from others as to the post op wound care.
According to the Dr., I go back on 11/7/08 to have the stitches removed and a cast put on. The cast stays on for 4-6 weeks and then he’ll put me in a cam boot.
I also have a photo of the surgery that I will post as soon as I get a copy.
I ‘ll try to help out as best I can. There are many people on this site with different experiences and stories. I would suggest reading some of the blogs that are here. You may want to give this link a look http://achillesblog.com/chronology-of-achilles-rupture-to-recovery/. That’s a good place to start.
I am not far from where you are so if you like you can follow my progress and get a general idea of what’s coming next. After my surgery I was told to keep my foot elevated above my heart and to stay off my feet. I have a splint encased in a plaster cast. Given Hydrocodone and instructions to come back in two weeks to have the sutures removed .
Keep reading and posting. Good stuff here!
Comment by maestro — October 29, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Ouch! I can’t imagine taking the bandage off and washing it.. Poor guy! After surgery I was put into a splint cast , told to keep my foot elevated above my heart, while I was put on strict bed rest for 2 weeks. Be careful to keep your wound extremely clean. Apparently wound infections are really common - due to the location. Good luck!
Comment by mandy — October 29, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Ooohhhh, Don’t think you should wash your wound with soap and water, water yes but soap no, my 30 year old son has skin problems and he has been told since a small child, never ever use soap if you have the slightest graze, let alone a scar. Even the best soaps have some sort of additives in. Just stick to warm water I would also check about the band aid as well.
Otherwise, you now need plenty rest, elevate don’t take too many pain tablets either, I was told they can actually give you a headache.
Take Care
Annie
Comment by annieh — October 30, 2008 @ 10:03 am