…rounding 1st base…POP!

Hello everybody.  I hope all of your recoveries are going well.

I went back to work Wednesday, the day after I was fitted for the walking boot/air cast.  The plan was to go in for a few hours, get a few things done and then head back home.  Well I ended up getting to the course at 7 (I’m a golf professional) and didn’t take off until after 2.  Needless to say I was exhausted.  My bad leg was sore and there was some “weeping” of the incision down towards the ankle.

Yesterday and today were a little bit better as I sat down more often and only taught a few lessons…from a bench behind the student.  I cant wait to get home and put some ice on my weary AT.

Have any of you experienced discharge from your incision after you started PWB/FWB?  A friend who is a nurse said it looked ok but if the discharge turns green it means its infected…yikes!  I hope that doesnt happen..then Im screwed.  Does neosporin(sp?) or bactine help the incision heal?

Take care,

Walshie

PS:  Driving lefty isnt as hard as I thought.  If you have a right ATR and an automatic transmission it is possible to still get around, Im just going a little slower and with a lot of caution.

I went to Mass. General today for my 2nd post-op visit.  I’m 30 days since surgery and was quite anxious to get the walking boot today.  Well Dr. Theodore, the Red Sox foot and ankle specialist who put Curt Schilling’s ankle back together this off-season, fits me for the boot and tells me to stand up, sans crutches and take a few steps.  Ahhhhh, excuse me doc?  Did you say walk?  I was not ready to ditch my trusty crutches just yet, as much as I hate ‘em.  I grabbed the crutches, just for peace of mind, and took a few steps.  The foot felt cranky and tight in the tendon and I was very very tentative.  I was able to walk the length of the 40 foot corridor after a few minutes with the aid of just one crutch.  He told me I have to take my foot out of the boot 3 x’s a day and flex and contract my foot up and down 20 reps each time.  I dont start PT for another 4 weeks.  He said I was ahead of schedule but it was still too early for therapy.  I have read most of the other ATR blogs on here and they have been very insightful and informative.  I actually was able to ask the doc some questions that these blogs brought to my attention.  Like:  Will a theraputic massage help the healing?  (Answer:  ”…not really, no…but go for it if you want.”)  Should I use ultrasound or electronic stim on the tendon?  (Answer: “…if you want to, I cannot see how it could hurt.”)  Can I rupture it again?  (Answer:  ”The tendon is repaired, it is sound.  You have to just take it slow and let the surrounding area strengthen…the boot will protect it at this stage”).I am to see him in 4 weeks for my 3rd post-op visit and then I think I’m going to be a member of the 2 shoes club again…I hope. For all my ATR friends:  Hang in there and good luck in the recovery process…like my old man told me:  ”This too will pass.”           -Walshie 

Hi everybody.  I ruptured my Achilles April 17th playing softball.  I had surgery April 28th at Mass General Hospital in Boston.  I was placed in a plaster splint for 2 weeks then fitted for another bigger cast for another 2 weeks.I am to be fitted for a walking boot on the 27th of this month.  I assume it will be only PWB but I’m not sure.  Any of you know how long after getting fitted for a boot that I can ditch the crutches?  When will I be FWB?I am excited to be able to possibly walk my dog or practice some putting and chipping at the course.  This site is great.  I wish I found it earlier!  Take care, Walshie