Six weeks
Had my six week followup yesterday. On my last visit, at 3 weeks, my doctor said to continue no weight bearing and she would give me a prescription for PT at the next visit. So, I was a bit surprised when she walked into the exam room and asked a) if I was practicing my walking and b) if I started PT yet (insert rolling eyes here).
So, after we got that sorted, she said I could go ahead and start walking. I asked her if I had any restrictions and she said my added cadaver tendon and tissue wrap made it it very secure and I shouldn’t worry about anything. She said in a week or two I could put 2 heel pads in a high top sneaker and drive. Mind you, I hadn’t put my foot in the ground for 6 weeks. Anyway, that was a bit weird and scary.
When I got home last night I tried to walk but it hurt and the whole family was “encouraging” me so I just went to sleep. (Bootless. Yay!) (Before I went to sleep I looked up Kevin’s exercise sheet and did some of the exercises)
This morning, when I was alone, I tried again. I stood up, in the boot, holding the crutches for balance and walked around the house a few times. It felt great!
Today I had my first PT appointment. (I WALKED in with crutches and boot) The therapist took a lot of measurements (both feet and ankles were equal but a 4 cm difference between calves) and then did ultrasound therapy, some sort of uv light therapy ad a tissue massage. It’s amazing how exhausting having things done TO you can be!
I’m very thankful this site exists. Navigating through all this can be very confusing and it’s really helpful to see everyone else’s stories.
Glad things are going well for you, Tyty! Sounds like you’re a trooper!
Comment by Lolo — December 19, 2012 @ 1:30 am
Everybody here knows how inconsistent different surgeons are with their ATR rehab schedules — but I thought most individual surgeons were pretty consistent! Maybe not yours?
I’d start looking at the “winning” schedule of bit.ly/UWOProtocol , and start easing your way toward that schedule. Those folks started FWB at 4 weeks, no crutches, so you’re weeks behind, but don’t think about jumping ahead to their schedule — but SLIDING ahead so you gradually catch up makes perfect sense to me. . .
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Comment by normofthenorth — December 19, 2012 @ 2:42 am
Like you tyty, I started WBAT at 6.5 weeks, but I had to slowly work up to FWB (which took 2 weeks). Basically, I started the same protocol that Norm is talking about (just 4 week late) and my progression has been great. The first two weeks I was able to do in sevevn days and I think I will be close to schedule in another 3-4 weeks. My suggestion would be not to rush to FWB all at once and ease into it along with your ROM exercises. My body has responded much better with a gradual progression to “being normal”. Other than that, it sounds like you are doing great. Happy Healing.
Comment by kkirk — December 19, 2012 @ 1:14 pm
I feel like speeding things up a bit is pretty do-able. I’ve put the crutches down for short distances and will try to increase the distances slowly. The achilles feel pretty willing but my balance is another story. Maybe I need a higher “other” shoe.
Comment by Lisa — December 19, 2012 @ 4:05 pm
Getting your two “shoes” at equal height when you get to FWB is VITAL! If your stance is out of whack while you’re trying to re-teach your body how to walk normally, . . . well you do the math! In addition to learning bad compensating habits, you’ll be risking injury to hips and knees and more. Get ‘er done!
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Comment by normofthenorth — December 20, 2012 @ 1:03 am
Aye-aye, Norm!
Incidentally, your comments have needed approval the last two times but no one else’s have. I think it’s adding: “[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.” For some reason.
Comment by Lisa — December 20, 2012 @ 1:31 am
I am 6 weeks 3 days post op and a 46yo very active female. Ruptured while jump-style dancing
I live in South Africa. My surgeon instructed NWB for 8 weeks. Needless to say, I started PWB from around 4 weeks. I also convinced him to remove plaster cast at 4 weeks. He was reluctant and said I am not allowed to do any ROM or exercise of any kind. I do ROM anyway, I cannot see why not really!? I had a percutaneous repair(3 smaller horizontal incisions). I get the feeling that many surgeons just do whatever is easier and safer for their ‘track record’. Many of them also do not specialize in AT surgery so they are not ‘up to date’ with latest trends and protocols. But heck, that causes a lot of confusion doesn’t it?
Did anybody else have the percutaneous repair done?
I will see the physio therapist for the first time on jan 3.
All feels okay, accept for a adhesion to the skin of one of the incisions. It isn’t too bad and I am massaging it daily to see if I can loosen it up some. Any tips on that?
I guess we all go through the fear of re-rupture. I did the thompson test on myself and honestly, it isn’t working(positive)…but then I also read that it is very difficult to do on yourself and also isn’t always very accurate post op.
According to many PDF files it is beneficial to the healing of the tendon to start ROM earlier and actually aids in preventing re-rupture. To take supplements of magnesium, calcium and vitamin C also very good.
This is a very challenging injury. Physically, but even more so emotionally! I have to fight not to become depressed and to stay positive. But we must keep in mind that we WILL at some point recover from this. Many people over this festive season will not be so lucky. A lady I know personally was in a motor vehicle accident and was left paralyzed from the neck down. She will never recover.
May you all have a wonderful festive season and stay positive. We will all get through this!
Comment by Wenda — December 20, 2012 @ 1:36 am
Lisa, I’ve seen that message after some of my messages and some from others. I have no idea what it means, or how to avoid it. Maybe Dennis knows?
Comment by normofthenorth — December 20, 2012 @ 1:36 pm
Nice perspective, Wenda. The Sun will return, the days will get longer again!
Comment by normofthenorth — December 20, 2012 @ 1:40 pm
Wendy: First off great attitude. Also, you seemed to have done your research. I wasn’t able to start early ROM, but did so at 5 weeks and have steadily progressed from their. I posted some PDFs of ROM exercises on my blog from my PT if your interested. Happy Holidays.
Comment by kkirk — December 20, 2012 @ 9:14 pm