I also found a very good resource about anesthesia that explains
everything you need to know about anesthesia: the different types, when they are used, how they work, and the pros and cons of each of them. Achilles tendon surgery is performed with general anesthesia, so this site will familiarize you with it and hopefully remove any doubts of fears you may have, especially if this is your first time. I know it helped me a lot.
74 comments:
I had surgery on my fully ruptured achilles tendon on 03/11/08. The anestesiologist (I hope I spelled that right) persuaded me to have a spinal block, which numbed my nerves from the waist down....big mistake!!! Long story short...the surgery finished at 9:30 and I did not have enough strength in my legs to leave the hospital until 5:30. I'm not sure if it was because I received too high a doseage or because I do not take any medicine, but it took a very long time for the spinal block to wear off.
I had surgery on May 30 for a ruptured achilles tendon. I was put under using general anesthesia and given a nerve block below the knee. Excellent, I woke up feeling good with no pain. The nerve block didn't wear of until about 3:00 the next morning. I took a pain pill and went right back to sleep. Had very little pain after that. The cast comes off this Friday and I can hardly wait.
I had surgery yesterday, June 3rd. I would have to say that it went well. I also ruptured my achilles. They gave me a pain block right below my knee. It didnt wear off till today right around 1:00pm. I was beginning to think that something was going wrong. Then I started noticing my toes were tingling and I was able to move them a bit.Than off course a little pain followed. If anyone has any comments or anything they have been through that may help me, please feel free to email me at: ballinallstar22@hotmail.com. Thank you.
I had surgery on April 9th. Today I am exactly eight weeks out of surgery and my 4th week of physical therapy. I am almost walking without a limp and the therapist said that next week I should be out of the boot completely. Not bad for 8 weeks out of a complete right achilles rupture. Feel free to contact me with any questions. jonaspalmer311@yahoo.com
I tore my achilles on June 4 (playing tennis) and had surgery on June 10. I am currently in a cast which should be removed on July 21 at which time I'll get the boot :) I have a couple of questions: Did anyone have tingling in their foot (like it is asleep/ in the area around arch of foot) and does physical therapy start as soon as you go to the boot? Good luck and my the summer of 2008 fly by :)
I had surgery to repair a 100% transverse (messy) rupture on July 15th. It was outpatient surgery using a local block below the knee. They did give an IV and gas for sedation. It was completely painless. If you are facing the process, for me, it was less painful than giving blood or getting a shot from the dentist. I opted to not have a "pain pump" after the surgery. This was the best choice for me. With no meds except two tablets of Celebrex per day, no pain and no discomfort for the first two days after surgery. Actually, I have suspended all meds after post op day one. Had the surgery at 3:00PM, went home at 5:30PM with the leg block staying active until the next morning. As a 56 year old in good health, the Dr. is supportive of rapid rehab. We are planning to fit a walking boot day 7 after surgery. Lots of aggressive elevation to keep the blood flow active. I am using a lot of normal vitamins such as minerals, glucosamine, omega fatty acids, protein etc. We are looking at assisted walking in 7 days, progressive recovery for 3 months, normal activities in 6 months, normal running in 1 year. If there are any setbacks or other surprises I will post again. Send me a note if you wish.
Rich.minter_at_gmail_dot_com
Just got my MRI back after 4 weeks of dealing with my achilles. It is a full thickness tear with superimposed chronic tendonits. It addition there is diffused inflamation of all adjacent tendons. Did this 4 weeks ago playing basketball. Limped first 2 weeks and have been walking for 2 weeks without a limp, however, it is tender and stairs are a bit of a problem and cannot due a heel raise. My question is a full thickness tear the same as a rupture. Is there a chance I can rest and rehab without surgury?
Thanks, Bob
Not having surgery is an option, but it is a longer haul and the risk of re-rupture is higher. My ortho told me something about the nonsurgical option that I hadn't heard before. He said before that could be considered, an ultrasound would be done to see if the two ends could be brought together when your toes are pushed down. If they don't come together, he said surgery is the only reasonable option. I guess that makes sense. If you have been walking for four weeks, those ends may not come together so easily.
Good luck !
Hi everyone: I'm trying to choose between general vs regional anathesia. On one hand, I want to be completely out while the surgery is happening but on the other hand, the increased complications for general makes we want to suck it up and go the regional route. The regional would be through an epidural in the spine. That doesn't sound too safe either.
Anyone with comments or past experiences?
had surgery on monday,and yes i also have tingling in toes,i had a block put in place as well and gen anesthesia.going well have to be on bedrest though for 4 weeks not quit sure as too why,and i,m not sure where the incision is.i also cannot keep foot down more then 5 mins out of the hour must remain above my heart they also gave me a ice cooler that rapped around my leg from foot up.however im having heel pain not severve but enough to know i had something done.does anyone know when i will be able to walk again on it or how long will recovery take to be completley mobile again.
I just had surgery and they gave me local anesthesia. It was a breeze. She gave me some medicine into my IV and next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Surgery was around 11:15-11:30 and I was texting by 12:30 :) I would highly recommend local.
I had surgery on 16JUNE09. I am in the first week of recovery and it is killing me. I am a very active person and staying in bed and elevating my foot is just boring. But I know in tghe long run it will benifit me, if I continue to do the right thing. I hurt my self playing softball, i was coming around 3rd and I just felt a pop and it hurt like hell. I am going to do what I have to do to get back to normal, I love running and cannot wait until I can get back out there! Any tips on excersises or stuff to try and stay in shape would be appreciated, hope everyone is doing good in there recovery, and look foward to talking more as my recovery continues.
Please provide info regarding whether your surgery was performed by an orthopedic or podiatrist...
If ortho, were they specialist in foot and ankle?
Please give opinion on pain pump. I do not like to take pain medication, feeling like I exist in a haze and goofy is worse than the pain to me.
I was sitting at a picnic table and stood up to walk towards my car and 4 paces later, i felt a loud snap on my ankle. It's as if I was hit with a blunt object. I stood up with someone's assistance and when i raised my leg, my foot was dangling. I am very active and did my exercises by the book then the inevitable happened on July 3rd and rushed to the ER thereafter. I was told that i will need surgery and was referred to a podiatrist come this Monday. This blog site helped me understand what to expect and questions to ask. Thank you for all your comments. I am certain that I will go with a below the knee block and maybe a cocktail in my IV. Do you have any advices on what other else I should know?
Hi everyone. i ruptur mine a/t months ago and now i am waiting for my surgery. thinking about surgery and anesthesia is giving me goosbump in my stomech,can anyone please guide me step by step what happens after i wake up from anesthesia and till i go home?
{i am going for general anesthesia}
thanks in advance, you all are great.
I ruptured my Achilles on 7/2/09 playing softball. I had the surgery by an orhto surgeon under a general 7/9/09. Went under at 1:00pm and woke up at 2:30... was home by 4pm and was able to go to my teams softball game at 6:30 that night.... ah, no... I did not play!! Very little pain... The worst pain I have is from my ribs and I was running when this happened and I slammed down on my side! Crutches are very hard to use with the hurt side... My question is how long do most people have the hard cast on? I will get the current one off this Monday 7/20/09 but was initially told by the Dr that at this appt he will take the current off and remove the stiches and then install another hard cast for 6-8 weeks... I'm freaking out as I can't take this thing!!! I was told after that, I would start to put pressure on it... Seems awefully long before I can take a step. I'm a very healthy person and think mayne I need to ask the Dr. to see about expediting? Seems too much time before I start to use it and I'm afraid I am going to loose a tremendous amount of muscle mass in my calf and starting to stretch the tendon. This was a 100% break.. Anyone have any ideas? ckraines@roadrunner.com
I also ruptured my tendon running the bases. Mine happened on July 12th. Had surgery on the 13th. Currently in cast until August 23rd. I am definitely bored. Does anyone know how long after the cast comes off that I will be walking. I need to get back to work where I wear work boots.
I also ruptured my tendon running the bases. Mine happened on July 12th. Had surgery on the 13th. Currently in cast until August 23rd. I am definitely bored. Does anyone know how long after the cast comes off that I will be walking. I need to get back to work where I wear work boots.
I am a 49 yr old Mom who had nevr had surgery before. I was pretty nervous on what to expect. I had surgery on Wed and was completely off of pain meds on Sat. I also had the nerve block in my knee and recommend that. I also was persuaded to do the spinal block which was awesome and was strong enough to leave the clinic after a few hours in recovery. All in all doing pretty well. Getting used to the crutches is my biggest hurdle now. I am only 6 days post op and doing really well so those of you reading this and nervous it is really ok.
I am 54 and had ruptured achilles tendon on 17 July o9.Now I don't have any pain during normal walk whereas with limp & stiffness.Dr. informed that surgery is not recommended these days due to complication in future.It may take a month for the normal walk whereas i cannot run or Jump.Now I have decided not to go for a surgery.off course a little pain followed. If anyone has any comments or anything they have been through that may help me, please feel free to email me at:mohans@pricol.co.in
I am a 36-year old male who ruptured his right achilles tendon back in November 1996 while playing soccer. I had surgery one week after the tear under general anesthesia and had no complications with surgery nor did I ever feel any pain. I was in a full hip cast for a week, then the stitches were removed and a cast to the knee was put on. I was in this cast until mid-January 1997 at which point I had a knew cast every week as my foot was brought back to a neutral position. The only pain I ever really endured is when the doctor had to push against the bottom of my foot to stretch the tendon on two occassions. It was excruciating but worth it. The first week of February I was out of the cast and on my own to rehabilitate my muscles which I started by doing in a pool kicking my legs, even with 55 degree water temp in the middle of winter. I guess it could have been worse if I lived farther north than Columbia, SC. I then progressed to weights and light cardio. By July 1997 I was back to playing beach volleyball like I did when I was 18 down in Ft Lauderdale, FL. Other than a large scar and wider ankle, I have had no complications, and I have never felt limited with my range of motion or ability to play certain sports. Anyone who ruptures an achilles tendon should definitely check with their doctor about whether surgery is the best option, but either way, having a cast on for 2.5 to 3 months is the worst part about the injury. Rehabbing can take some time, but it's not hopeless. And I should know given that I have torn my right achilles, right meniscus (x2), right ACL, left meniscus and right rotator cuff. I still golf, play soccer, volleyball, workout 3 days a week, and run (on an elliptical) 15 miles a week. An achilles tear is a bump in the road, so treat this injury as you would an moment of adversity and fight through it. Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself, start rehabbing immediately when you can and get back on your feet asap.
Damien Sobieraj
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Hello everyone,
I ruptured my left Achilles tendon 2 months ago and I'm still with cast after surgery.
I don't wear the ROBOCOP boot but the doctor placed another kind of boot which won't be taken off until another month.
I ruptured it when I played basketball. I really enjoy playing it and I'm still planning to play again next year or on November for a season league.
_I want to know if I can still have the ability I had before?
_If I can still play the way I used to play before.
_What are the important care I need to follow in order to fit back in play?
_Some people told me that it could be caused by a medication I took, because I had fever one month before the rupture and had to take a couple of week off. Is this possible that some medication may cause Achilles tendon rupture?
Thank you for answering these questions. All are welcome :)
Michaël
i am a 18 year old athlete and i completly tore my achillies.
I have a tear on my Achilles tendon, not a complete rupture. Scar tissue has formed so I have a very visible bump on the back of my ankle. I have had physical therapy and have had the boot for a month, but I haven't worn it continuously. The doctor recommended surgery. Anyone have a similar problem and what was your treatment and results?
hi i had a full rupture of my achilles i am almost one week out of surgery and the pain is still there just not as bad i guess tolerable at this point... the thing about the anesthesia (dont know if i spelled that right) is this general they have to give you a breathing tube and paralyzing medications which i was not too crazy about so i got the spinal which i guess was the better way to go but just a heads up when the meds wore off after surgery i had no idea what kind of pain i was in for it was very bad and pain meds were not working for me... but i got through it and have been bed ridden and foot elevated for almost a week now with a long road ahead of me was wondering if anyone had some advice for me
I have had long standing achilles issues, did somthing to it in 1/09. Could not walk for 2 months, doc said it would take a year to heal, no x ray, no MRI. 8 mo later, unable to run, no stairs, just able to bike. 12/09, got xray, thne MRI showed tendinosis, bone spur. 2/10 had surgery to remove spur, shave back heel, remove scar tissue, reattach tendon.
Had leg block with general. Not much pain to block wore off. I cannot take percoset, etc. and was given nucyrna (sp). Worked for a day, but I broke out in hives and had crazy itching all over.
went to alleve and advil and that eliminated most of the pain. I chose to use a walker and in my zeal to get into my house I caught it in a carpet and took a header, slamming my foot down. The pain was incredible. It diminished after 8 hours and now is minimal.
I am 16 days PO. had the soft cast replaced by the fiberglass cast on the 10th. No swelling. BE RELIGIOUS about keeping your foot elevated. I was a freak about it even at night.
Have to drive back to NE from FL on 2/24. Hope I can get by with a crutch. Sick of this. Hope it takes care of the problem. How long till any of you could play tennis again?
I am a 44-year-old female. I tore my left Achilles tendon on 5/19/2010 playing Softball. It was a complete tear, fracture and edema. Had surgery to repair on 5/26. I was anxious as I am quite active, healthy, and never had surgery or any health issues prior to this. I was afraid of being 'knocked out' and never waking up... really. My anesthesiologist was really quite wonderful and came in pre-op to speak with me. I explained that I barely take an ibuprofen, and to be gentle with me. He acknowledged and explained that I would have a leg block below the knee that will numb my leg. Before the leg block they gave me a shot in my thigh to numb the area for the block. They asked me to roll over on my right side [I tore my left achilles] so that they can access the left leg easier and gave me the shot - didn't hurt. To calm me down they gave me a mild sedative via IV which I felt immediately. Quite honestly, the IV needle was more painful and uncomfortable than the entire experience because it had to be a thick needle so that the sedatives work quickly. [thank god I had 'good' veins...ouch.] When the sedative kicked in, I felt quite giddy. I remember being wheeled into the operating room where my anesthesiologist greeted me with a smile. They moved me from my bed to the operating table and asked me to lie on my stomach. They then explained that I am going to be prepped, [both legs washed and then a betadyn scrub] then the nerve block, and then the surgery. I remember not caring and slipping into a dream about being a 'rockette' only to wake up three hours later in a chair in a fiberglass cast with a nurse monitoring my vitals and asking me how I felt. I said, 'HUNGRY!' [you are not supposed to eat or drink anything pre-op, no water, nothing.] They fed me, than I sat in a recovery room for about an hour and then left. I could not feel anything below my knee. I could not feel my toes nor could I wiggle them until about 3pm the next day. It was starting to make me nervous, that I would never feel them again, but then the tingling started from the knee down, and it was recommended that I take a hydrocodone so that I wouldn't be in pain. By 9pm I was asleep [the medication knocked me out] and the day after surgery was basically, wake up - pain - pop pill - sleep. The second day, I woke up and felt like the pain was bearable, so I didn't take the pill, to see how long I could go without it. I was fine. Now the frustration of rehab. - Maria m2aria[at]optonline[dot]net
Two weeks before turning 44, I ruptured my AT after landing a kick in Taekwondo. Had surgery under general anesthesia 23 hours after rupture. Orthopedic surgeon advised that the anesthesist decides if general or spinal is best. I'm 1 week post op and in a soft cast. After 2 weeks postop, I get my stitches taken out and a hard cast put on for 4 weeks, and then I'll be in an AIR cast.
I wasn't provided with discharge instructions. I wasn't in pain so I went to work the next day. I have a desk job.
I'm fuzzy about what will happen next. Am I suppose to bear weight or not when I'm in an AIR cast? Luckily, I wasn't in pain before or after surgery. Was told I probably have a high pain tolerance. Not the case when I gave birth 5 years ago.
I'll likely go really easy after recovery. I can envision rupturing it again doing the same.
I was able to point my toes after the rupture which emerg physician thought was odd. I think I also had a complete rupture according to my GP who filled my paperwork for return to work instructions. I'm not certain, so I have lots of questions for my orthopedic surgeion when I go for my appointment to get the hard cast on July 6.
I had surgery for a fully torn AT on the the 21st of June. I received a nerve block below my knee. In my experience this was both good and bad. The good part was that after I woke up from surgery I was in a tremendous amount of pain but it would have be 3 times as bad if I didn't have the block. The bad part was it wore off around 2 am the next morning and I wished my foot was completely chopped off. The pain was immense and nearly unbearable. I started shivering it was so bad. I had to take 3 oxycodone pills to even attempt to relieve the pain. My wife sat up with me and held me for a hour until I fell asleep. I recently recovered from having back surgery due to a ruptured disc pressing against my sciatic nerve. The pain was just as intense. The only difference was there was NO amount of pain pills that would alleviate the pain from my sciatic nerve. Too late to make a long story short but by all means if you have the opportunity to receive the block get it.
I ruptured my Achilles Tendon on Tuesday after tripping over a sidewalk curb. Went to the immediate care, as I thought it was only a spain. But the doc confirmed it was the AT and immediately sent me over to an orthopedic surgeon. We scheduled surgery for me the following day. The anesthesiologist recommend a block, but deferred to the surgeon. The surgeon didn't think a block was necessary and only wanted me to have general anesthesia. They put me under, but apparently had trouble getting the air hose down my throat. So after I woke up, I found out not surgery was performed and they are rescheduling me for tomorrow (Friday). Assuming I'll be getting a block now. I have sleep apnea (which i clearly told everyone), so possibly that was the problem with the tube. Not feeling any pain now and only hope there will be minimal pain after the surgery actually occurs.
I am experiencing some of the same problems w/my achilles tendon as several on this blog. My pain started seven days after takig the antibiotic Cepro. I found there had been problems w/this side effect AFTER taking the med for only five days. Looked up info on drug mfg website and ther it was! My question is; were any of you given the option for lazer or arthroscopic (sp) surgery rather than cutting the heel? I do have swellig and problems walking on anything but soft, heel elevated type shoes.
I had a complete rupture 3 years ago this coming October 15th. It was so bad they had to use a smaller tendon on the side of my foot to aide in the repair of my Achilles. I spent about a week in a soft cast,(foot pointed) went to have the stitches removed and had the hard cast for 6 weeks (foot still pointed). Got that off and was still bruised and swollen had no movement whatsoever in my foot. It was like my ankle had been fused. 2 weeks in a boot w/ no pressure allowed.(the doctor was kind enough to take that miserable hard cast off if I promised not to walk on it) Then I started p/t. Did that for 2 months 3 times a week...had to stop to go back to work. I never did get 100% mobility back and never regained the same muscle tissue in my calf. (one calf is smaller) and I cannot/will not wear heels anymore because of the lack of mobility. (bummer) I am able use it the same as the "good" leg--run,(sort of) swim, bike. Just not as hard as I used to I think about it every day, not that I have pain still but I am just very aware NOT to do anything to have a recurrence. A month prior to the rupture I twisted my ankle bad...probably tore it which weakened it. I was hanging a curtain and stepped off the chair and POP...just the right amount of pressure on an already weak tendon. I never want to do that again. Good luck to you all in your recovery.
Had achilles tendon in 1993 with full recovery and back to active basketball tennis, softball running in about a year with no after effects. this past winter (dec. 8, 2009) ruptured the ither one playing tennis . had surgery and graft placed in ny surgeon for support od the severly torn achilles, have had major problems this time around. left the surgeon after 6 weeks with the wound site still bleeding ( no stiches or staples used to close incision). spent 5 months at the wound center with creams, pads, pressure bandages to no avail. just had an mri and found out that the graft has been rejected with puss and bleeding still occuring, have to have a second surgery in 2 weeks to clean up the infected area, take out graft and dead tissue, not looking forward to it, if anybody has gone down thsi road..let me know how it went and advice you can add.
thanks, jeff
The physio staff called twice a day to ensure you were making good progress. After I was discharged from hospital, I stayed at a holiday resort which was recommended by Dr.Venkatachalam. It was first class the manager and staffs were A1. The doctor also arranged for another doctor to visit me three times at the resort to keep an eye and the progress of my knees. I also saw our physio twice. My friend Stephen came with me to be of any help he could. It made my life and recovery so much easier, a help above any call of friendship. He will always have my thanks. My colleague was also very impressed with the way everything went. The overall cost was about a quarter of the cost of getting it done in England, and that includes the airfare. I would recommend anyone the hospital and Dr.Venkatachalam to help improve their quality of life. Keep up the good work, come up and it was a pleasure and privilege to have met you all.
Thanks for everything, I'm so glad that I spoke to you and found such a wonderful knee replacement surgery. If you need to visit this hospital then feel free here: 1.303.578.0719, info@placidway.com
Julian
I'm having surgery this coming monday on August 23, 2010. in my Achilles, doctor told me i have two choices for anesthesia, to have a spinal block which numbed my nerves from the waist down, but i do not like that idea of having a neddle on my spine, the 2nd choice was general anesthesia and a never block below the knee. any advice? janaf26@msn.com
Tore my left AT on 8/14 and surgery was perfomed on 8/19. Arrived at 7:00am, went into surgery at 9:15am and was leaving the hospital at 11:15am. Was have lunch at my favorite resturant by 11:30.
General anesthesia, definitely the best way to go. Have had no related pain but I have been icing and proping up since the surgery. Following up with my surgeon on the 9/1 to plan the next 4-6 weeks of treatment.
I was taking a form of Cipro and torn my achilles tendon. Just scheduled the surgery and am grateful for all of the anesthesia comments. I have some decisions to make. I wonder how many of us have torn achilles tendons that are antibiotic related?
Had a complete rupture and had surgery on 9/1/2010. I was given many choices for anesthesia and chose a femoral block, which numbed my right leg only. I was also given something by IV to put me in lala land. I do not remember any of the surgery and the feeling in my leg returned in about 8 hours. This worked really well for me.
Ruptured AT playing R'ball.. felt as if someone kicked my foot out from under me (weird).. Ruptured on 11/1 and went to Orto 11/2 for xray. Scheduled MRI on Thurs 11/4 and Dr visit 11/8. Surgery was added on for tues 11/9. Surgery took 1.5hrs and then on my way home in expandable cast. Elevate and NWB for 2wks. I go back Mon 11.22.10 for hard cast that i wear for 4wks. 12.22.10 I move to walking cast and partial WB for 2wks followed by FWB final 2wks. Looks like end of Jan before I'm cast free.. I'm bored stiff and self employed so it's been really tough. basically watching lots of TV, and chair bound until my next big project of going to Dr 11/22/10.
Hows it going? Hope all of you are well and recovering.
I sprained my ankle in May 2010. And whilst it was recovering, at work in late June, over a month later, I ruptured my Right Achilles Tendon, missing a step.
Had the operation after doctors mix ups and trying to be strong, thinking it will heal itself. I was in a raised heal Cam Walker(boot) for 2 weeks before the operation. Doctors couldn't decide and see if it was a full rupture or just a tear. Finally the head surgeon told me it was fully rutpured, and that is started to heal, but the gap between the ruptured ends were finger thick, 10cm. I had the option of leaving it and letting the scar tissue cure the rupture, with the 10cm gap or get it operated. I knew operation was a better choice. Scar tissue regeneration of an Achilles ruptures starts after 3 to 4 days and operation procedure isn't easy. Some patients have a gap even after the operation. Graft Jackets are used in such cases to secure strenght in natural scar tissue embodied. Everyone needs a strong achilles tendon. Its your walking tool.
Had the operation on the 1st of August 2010, over a month after the rupture. There was pain before the operation. After the operation, 1 week post, I fell on the operated leg. Thank god there was no damage, but a slight gap showed on the Ultrasound. Nothing to worry about. Stitches were fairly visible on the ultrasound, wierd looking.
1 week post operation, week that I fell on the operated leg, I was put in solid cast for 4 weeks.
Week 5 post operation, I was put in cam walker for another 3 weeks.
No weight bearing at all for 8 weeks post opertaion.
Week 8 post operation, starting to walk on the cam walker, with an 8cm raised heal. Each week, took off 2cm.
Week 12, cam walker boot off, and back in 2 shoes. No calf muscles, my leg looked F&%ked!!
Physio Therapy started. All stretches and exercises given.
The day I got out of the cam walker boot (week 12) and was in 2 shoes, I was limping, but I was back to work, climbing ladders and pushing myself to my bodys limit.
Week 15, 20% calf muscle gain and flexibility. Work as per normal. Toe raisers on the ruptured achilles, but not all the way.
Week 16, 4 months on, minor jumping. A limping running procedure and calf muscle 80%.
Week 20, 5 months on, skipping, running on the spot, jogging, full strength back at work.
Its not February 2011, 6 months post operation just passed, work is great. Achilles does hurt. Toe raisers and balance almost there. Calf muscles almost 90%. Running, skipping and its getting easier.
Takes an achilles to fully remodel with scar tissue regeneration up to 18 to 24 months post operation.
So hang in there, healing process is rewarding.
Thankds.
Hey Everyone! So today is 2/23/11 marks my 4th week 2nd day. I completed fully ruptured my left achilles tendon on Jan 22, 2011 in a bball tourney, championship game if that makes anyone feel better, it made me kind of (not really LOL) and had surgery three days later, Tues Jan 25, 2011. Ironically 7 years ago I completed fully ruptured m right achilles tendon and went thru the whole process before. 7 years later here I am with my Left achilles tendon now! I'm very forgetful and need a little help remembering the whole process. So 2 weeks after surgery I get out of my 1st cast to remove 70% of the stitches and 2 weeks later just last monday removed the 2nd cast and now am in a walking boot with help of my crutches baring weight with my left food on a 3.25" lift. Does anyone remember what kind of physical therapy you can do after you get out of the cast (remember this is the beginning of my 5th week. Any advice would help as I forgot everything.
Hey Jungle,
I tore my left achilles on Jan23/11 and had surgery on the Jan25/11. Hard cast for 2 weeks, completely immobilized. Then moved to a boot on Feb10. Surgeon told me no physical therapy, just use crutches and try and do your normal daily routine. I've been doing some back stretches (mostly lower back), some arms work and things to strengthen the t-band, mostly side and back leg lifts (without the boot on). Today I feel like I have a pinched sciatic nerve or something. Anyways, I've never done this before and was an avid runner before it happened. Also have 2 kids (6 & 9) so my life has turned upside down. I have to be NWB and using crutches for another 4 weeks and can't stand it. I would rather use a cane......I cannot believe how slow this recovery is....
@ Gina! Hey there! Hang in there! This is my 2nd time around. Today marks 5 weeks exactly from my surgery and my 1st day of actual physical therapy on my left achilles tendon! It's a pain and how somethings that we as humans take for granted are so difficult! Crazy, huh? How did u injure it? running? Are u walking in the boot at least? if so do u have a lift in your boot? I have a 3.5" lift right now and will be taking .5" off each week til it's 0 and then off the boot i go and away the crutches they go. So 4 weeks in 2 hard casts. 6-8 weeks of boot with lift and crutches total of 12 weeks on crutches it seems!
So i had surgery on my achilles february 10 2011 and im currently trying to recieve a scholarship still to play basketball next season...will i be ready to play by this upcoming fall/winter..it would be about 6 months, but im young and i plan on going A-wall with physical therapy to get my strength back...can i do it guys i wanna see what you think??????
I had surgery 7 weeks ago to repair a ruptured achilles. Did it playing paddle tennis, was put in a cam boot that day and had surgery the next. After a hard cast for 4 weeks, am back in the cam boot and have started non-weight bearing pt. Does anyone remember haviing substantial burning pains in the back of the heel? Everyone keeps telling me its the nerve "healing". I'm no stranger to pain (have been an athlete for years) but this is beginning to worry me. A call to the ortho's office said its typical and maybe to start taking vitamin B6. My ankle is still huge and swollen 7 weeks out.
i partially ruptured my Achilles on right foot while playing cricket. I am not a weekend warrior but i am very active. Well... had surgery on Feb 24 and March 7 the cast was removed and I got the plastic boot. Physio begins on March 21. I hope to start walking by mid April. I get lots of twitches for my foot and I hope I have not caused any issues to the tendon.
Well today I had few tinglings in the calf. Am not sure what that was so i will call the doctor tomorrow.
hi i had operation in spain for a complete AT rupture 1st march 2011 i was given a lumber puncture which lasted about 6hrs i was given a sedative iv during op when i woke it seemed like 5 mins i had very little real pain just discomfort i was sent home next morning approx 13hrs after op ,just took a few paracetemol for 2 days staples were removed after 10days wound looked well cast removed after 25days and boot fitted set at 90 degress was able to walk about the house gently after a few days and move foot freely but allways used boot outside so far everything good hope to be fully mobile in 3 weeks which would be 7 weeks after surgery
I ruptured my AT on December 16th of 2010 and opted for the non-surgical approach. I just turned 60 this month.
I was in a boot cast for about 11 weeks with heel wedges to keep the foot pointed down. Gradually removed the wedges starting at about week 7 and got to 90 degrees and then started physio. It was not coming along as well as I had hoped and revisited the physician, had another MRI and lo and behold the tendon is re-ruptured so now I am pretty sure I will be going for sugery in the next week or two. Will probably have a spinal block anethesia and hopefully the repair will be more permanent this time.
When I had my surgery and they put me out it took me a long time to have the strength and energy to get up and go home. Every point of my body was fighting it.
Ruptured my achillis on May 18, 2011. They operated on May 20th with a block from the knee down. Worked great. Left the hosiptal about 3 hours after surgery. No pain until the next morning when I woke up.
I haven't got a rupture but tendonitis in both legs. Had 6mths physio, plaster cast for 6wks, shock wave therapy, steriod injection and still no better. I have my hospital appointment tomorrow to discuss surgery on my worst leg - can someone give me hope? Desperate to get back running but would settle on walking the dog without tears in my eyes?
I ruptured my Achilles last night, and met with the orthopedic surgeon this morning (5/25). Surgery is scheduled for 6/02.
I'm 39 (M) and ruptured it playing b-ball (I'm fairly fit and active).
The Doc told me I would be in a cast for 2 weeks (non-weight bearing), then after the stitches come out in a cast for another two weeks, but can begin putting some weight on it at that point.
4 weeks in, he said I should be back to regular shoes and able to move around some without crutches.
Based on blog posts above, this seems overly optimistic. Has anyone had a recovery similar to the time table above?
Thanks!
Todd,
I am a 34 yr old male, about a month ago I tore my left achilles 99% of the way with the rest very shredded.
I am only 3 weeks out of surgery. I never got the hard cast. Went from soft cast directly to walking boot.
I am putting pressure on it partially by walking normal with crutch assist. I want to mention I removed my batting and wraps a week after surgery to let my leg breath! It was remarkable how fast my leg healed by doing so! I am to the point now that I never were anything on it unless im moving around.
For the past 2 weeks I have been sleeping without anything on the area, just elevated with one pillow.
I have been exercising the calf daily by flexing my toes up and down in a pillow.I also have been doing foot raises( flexion/ dorsiflexion movements).
I have been playing pool for the past week with my boot. Yesterday I even went to the beach to catch some rays and let my leg feel some sun without any bandages.
I have also been wearing both tennis shoes occasionally with my crutches for mental progress!lol
I think I am doing great so far. I believe recovery is mental and common since, if something doesn't feel right to you don't do it. If it feels right go for it with caution.
I ruptured my right achilles tendon playing basketball on June 1, 2011. Surgery on June 3, 2011. I was released way too early. Surgery at 4 pm and I was home by 7:30 pm. Once the initial meds wore off, I was in intense pain. Burning, swelling, throbbing, dull pain, sharp pain . . . you name it. I did not sleep one wink the first night and ended back up in the ER the following morning with IV meds. Went back home and it started again. Finally, I was admitted overnight for IV meds. Once the initial pain was knocked out, I've managed on oral meds. Still, it's been almost two weeks, and I still need a few meds to make it through the day and especially night. Very tired of this hard cast, and looking forward to its removal. I am very active, so the immobility is killing me. Can't wait to start PT and get this behind me. I can see where the mental piece of recovery will be fun. I already worry about my left tendon, because as you all know, I don't ever want to experience this injury again. Terrible, terrible. The initial pain was intense, but it wore off fairly quickly. It's been the post-surgical pain that has affected me most. Hope everyone heals quickly!
I ruptured my achilles 04MAY11 playing basketball. I had surgery on the 18th after some of the swelling reduced. Rupturing it wasn't very painful at all past the initial "pop". Post surgical pain was much worse. Elevation is definitely the key in the beginning. I was given percoset for the pain. It worked, but it made me nauseous. I stopped taking it after 3 days and just accepted pain as part of the recovery process. After two weeks in a soft cast, I was moved to a boot with a 2" heel lift. I use crutches to move around. Today my lift was reduced to 1". I start rehab and I'm a little apprehensive, the tendon is so tight. I guess I have the same fear everyone does; any amount of pain means re-rupture. However the doctor has encouraged me to trust his aggressive schedule. I will be in a heel-less boot in two weeks and back in a shoe another two weeks after that. There is still much rehab to be done, but to be in a shoe in a month seems like quite the arduous task.
I fully ruptured on 7-4-11, surgery 7-14-11. I had never had surgery so I was a bit freaked but all went well. Great orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist allayed my fears. Anesthesia scared me the most but perspective is good: You have a much greater statsical chance of dying on the freeway. anyway post op pain was killing me day of, now is day 2 and percoset/ibuprofen combo knocks it back pretty well. More recovery now but to anyone who is freaked about anesthesia, make sure you have a good, solid guy with great bedside manner. If you are pretty healthy anyway (I am) you will do fine. Non activity sucks as I am active but I'm also a musician so I can practice more and going to do Rosetta stone language learning. Take the injury as an opportunity to focus on something. That and do the PT prescribed, I think. This is day 2 post op hopefully I can keep the optimism up!
I'v ruptured my achilles tendon last june 7, 2011, was playing basketball, felt like i was thrown by a stone...got my surgery june 14, it lasted for 1 hour and 10 mins...im getting the local anesthesia (from spine)...during and after the surgery, it went just fine, i feel asleep when my Dr. give me the local anesthesia. The team woke me up after the sugery then i was brought to the recovery room for an hour. At 4th week, my cast was removed. It will be my 6th week this saturday, but still on cratches. Cant wait to start my therapy next week...hoping, 4-6 months from now, everything will be the same and be back playing basketball after a year.
I ruptured my Achilles on Aug 3,2011 while sparring at taekwondo. My neighbor and good friend, suggested it as a great form of exercise and way to beat work related stress. I am a 40 year old guy that was religiously active in the gym his entire adult life, however, after getting married with children I gradually packed on the typical 30 lbs that I was eager to knock off.
Crazy thing is I was just standing there doing nothing when I felt like someone hit the back of my leg with a pipe! When I struggled to stand up I knew what it was.
I live in the Akron, Ohio area and everyone I know, including several doctors, all recommended Dr Gordon Bennett. I'm glad they did, he's supposed to be the best of the best and he was very nice to deal with along the entire process. I went in for surgery today Aug 10, 2011 at 4:00 and I was rolled out of the ER by 5:00 and home by 6:00.
They went with the nerve block behind the knee. I woke up, with a little pain so the nurse upped the morphine a bit which helped. I realized as I came too that I had a soft cast on my right foot when I cane too...I didn't even realize that the surgery was finished. My mouth was bone dry and had a terrible chemical taste from the breathing tube they put down my throat.
By the time I got home I started to have a bad anxiety attack? I had surgery before with no issue, but this time I was so anxious and felt claustrophobic. My wife had never seen me like that, even after two different surgeries in the past so she became worried. I have to think it was the meds plus the itches that I can't scratch and the surreal and weird feeling of not being able to feel my leg from the calf down that did it. It did feel like the soft cast was on way TOO tight around my foot...squeezing my foot?
My wife called the doctor on call but he wasn't much help, he said there's nothing I could do, despite my doctor friends suggesting I ask for a mild sedative to take the edge off for the next day or or so,
I did find something that surprisingly offered relief to the post-op anxiety. I had downloaded a self hypnosis app for the iPhone a while back to help me get to sleep those nights when my mind was too active worrying about what I had to do at work the next day.
I laid down in bed, foot elevated and iced with iPhone and self hypnosis app at my side. I fell asleep right after listening to the stress relief app and woke up feeling just fine...funny, the self hypnosis app that I skeptically claimed was just B.S. and so boring it put me to sleep actually worked with the anxiety!
The cast still does feel entirely too tight around the arch of my foot, the nerve block is just now staring to wear, so I took a Vicodin and plan to go back to bed after I submit this post. I'll call the doctor's office tomorrow morning if the cast still feels this tight to see if there's anything they can do...
Otherwise, the plan is for me to return to the doctor in a week to remove the soft cast and switch to a boot that will be worn for 6-8 weeks. I will be able to take off the boot to take a shower and start light stretching....I can hardly wait! Then it's intense rehab to get me back the way I was.
Over all, the surgery wad not as bad as I thought...just hoping I don't freak out again about having to wear a cast for the next week LOL. I am eager to start rehab and get back to living...
If your in the Clevekand/Akron/Canton, Ohio area I highly recommend Dr. Bennett...
Update to my previous post. I had surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles on 8/10. Surgery went smooth and I had little pain, however, upon returning home that evening I quickly realized how tight the cast felt on my foot. I've had casts for other injuries before with no issue but this was so tight, perhaps due to swelling, that it felt like I was wearing a shoe two sizes too small and my foot. It got so bad that I had an anxiety attack and wanted to rip the cast off just hours after surgery.
My wife called the after hour number but the doctor on call was no help. He refused to perscribe something to ease my nerves and said to call back in the morning if I still had an issue.
To my surprise I found something that really helped get my mind off of it. I had downloaded a self hypnosis relaxation app for my iPhone a while back. I used this app more or less to help me fall asleep when active minded at bed time. I always figured the boring music and monotone narration were putting me to sleep. I put on the headphones and laid in bed listening to the relaxation app...surprisingly I quickly calmed down to the point where I dosed off.
I awoke the next morning to find that the cast was still extremely tight. We called the doctor again and the nurse suggested my wife use scissors to carefully cut a slit on the top of the cast. I didnt see how this would help since it was my foot not calf that felt discomfort. My wife called back yet again after my foot started to cramp up. She realizes I have a very high pain tolerance and if I was complaining there was really something wrong. This time I insisted that they see me. I was in the doctor's office within an hour and saw the surgeon that repaired my Achilles.
He was very understanding and quickly ordered that the cast be removed. The doctor unwrapped the bandages and took a quick look at the 2 inch incision and said it looked good. He rewrapped the foot in an Ace bandage and agreed that they wrapped the first cast too tight.
He went on to say that he didn't want me to be miserable during the long recovery process...it was a pleasant surprise when he said he was OK with me going home without the cast! He said as long as I promised to strictly keep the leg elevated and wear the boot to protect the injured area I did not need the cast.
I was sent home and told to return in 10 days for post op exam. At that time I was told that I would most likely start gentle stretching. It's only been three days since surgery, no cast, no serious pain, no issues! I keep the leg elevated and iced all day/night with only the Ace bandage and throw on the boot only when going to the bathroom or to take a shower as protection. It beats wearing that dreaded cast!
I cannot stress enough if something doesn't feel right or if you're really suffering...CALL YOUR DOCTOR! If you have to, be persistent if you're not getting the help you feel you need...its a long road to rehabilitation and as my doctor said it makes no sense for anyone to be any more miserable than they have to! Speedy recovery!
I did a complete thickness tear of the Achilles on 8/17/11. Surgery on 8/19/11. I was playing softball and thought the bat had gotten wrapped up in my legs, I ran the length awkwardly to first, each time thinking the bat was still hitting me.
I'm allergic to the local anesthetic lidocaine and had my face swell to the size of Beavis on two occasions. I told the anesthesiologist this and was told they couldn't do a local block like most surgeries have, however she didn't believe me, despite being tested at an allergist. During the surgery she accidentally spritz lidocaine from the breathing tube and I woke up with a big swollen face, but luckily otherwise alright.
My tendon was frayed and could not be reattached smoothly, so small sections had to be cut from the tendon to attach two smooth edges, then my calf muscle had to be cut and lengthen so the tendon was the correct length again, ouch...
Because I could have no local block, it hurt a good deal when initially waking up, but the pain meds hit the IV and I was just fine after that. But then I had the side effect of diminished respiration from the pain meds and had to spend the night in the hospital on oxygen.
That was actually for the better though as they got the pain med schedule worked out and I've felt very little pain since. They gave me dolotiden and percocet to go home with, but I just used the percocet as the dolotiden didn't seem to work. After a week of percocet I'm off the pain meds now and only have a feeling of tenseness regarding the Achilles.
I'm in no cast or boot or splint or anything. My doc wants me to simply keep it elevated and do as much range of motion as I can with no weight whatsoever for 6 weeks, which I find as a welcome change to my other ankle surgery. At week 6 I get a Vacoboot and can start partially weight bearing.
I'm somewhat apprehensive about doing a lot of the activities I did in the past just because of how abrupt this was...
I completely severed my Achillies tendon this past Wednesday Spetember 8, 2011. I was trying to dislodge a tire on a trailer that was rusted and gave it a kick. heard a pop and felt numb. No pain at all but I was not able to use my foot. I limped on it to a nearby truck for a ride to the hospital. I then limped into emerg. They were amazed that I could kinda walk on it. Orthopedic surgeon said it was completely severed. Waiting to have my surgery this coming Wednesday September 14th. I was given the option of leaving the severed tendon to reheal itself on its own or surgery. Apparently, studies are showing that leaving the tendon to heal on its own is the new way to go. That is crazy!!!!! I opted for surgery. At least with surgery you will know for sure that it is reattached. Good luck to everyone.
I tore my achilles tendon playing basketball July 27th, 2011 didnt think i did much but sprained my ankle. Things just didnt seem right so July 29th, 2011 I went to the ER and was referred to orthopedics were i found out my achilles was ruptured. I had surgery Oct. 6th, 2011 with general anesthesia and a nerve block below the knee. No pain and it was over with before i knew. I was placed in a cast up until Oct. 24th and now am in a walking boot, however, am still on crutches until my next docs appointment Nov. 22nd. From my experience general anesthesia and a nerve block below the knee is the best way to go. After that the most important thing would be to have patience because an achilles rupture is a long recovery and can be very stressful and depressing. If anyone has any questions u can contact me at brandonrobinson76@yahoo.com
hi i'm 45 year old woman from aberdeen Scotland who ruptured my achilles tendon playing badminton. Went to A & E that night and rupture confirmed and was given pain killers and crutches and told to come to fracture clinic the next morning. Next morning seen by consultant who said they prefer non-surgical because of the complications of surgical and was put in a hard cast for 4 weeks foot fully pointed. after 4 weeks was put in another hard cast for 2 weeks with foot slightly pointed, still no weight bearing. after 6 weeks was put into another hard cast with foot flat and still no weight bearing, for another 2 weeks. after the 8 weeks non weight bearing the cast comes off completely i think and then what? anyone one else aberdeen scotland gone through this procedure? its doing my head in hopping about on the dam crutches unable to do much!
This blog has been very informative. I appreciate the info I've been able to gleen from all of you. I'm 40 yrs old and like alot of you I tore my AT playing sports (for me it was a baseball tournament).
I officially wrecked it on Oct 29. But I didn't feel or hear anything when it went. It was like my foot just went dead and the pain was more like a bad pulled muscle. I had mentioned to my teammates that 3 days prior that it felt like someone had kicked me in the heel. According to my Doc, that was when the tearing started. I saw him 2 days later and within 30 seconds he knew it was ripped. Had surgery on Nov 4th.
Surgery itself never really bothered me. I've had 3 scope jobs on my knee and the recovery for them has been pretty quick and uncomplicated.
So I am writing this 4 days post op. Here is what I can tell you from my limited experience. I woke up in a splint wrapped in gauze. I'll be in that until I get the staples/stitches out on Nov 14th. then I am supposed to go into a walking boot. I haven't had any major pain. I haven't taken any meds, not even tylenol or advil. And I've slept normally since. I don't say this to make light of any of the bloggers. I fully expected to be in complete agony. And it appears how invasive the surgery is (ie nerve, tendon and muscle trauma) is a big determining factor in how bad the post op pain will be. Again, I can only speak for myself, the worst I've dealt with to date is pulling of the stitches (feels like someone is ripping a bandaid off) but I a simple readjustment of my foot and it goes away. Also, in the past few nights, I've experienced twitches in my foot and calf that definitely pull on the tendon and stitches but it is short lived. I've read that this is the nerves firing up as it repairs itself. Not sure how true it is, but I'll take it as a positive in recovery.
Hopefully if it goes the way the doc says, I'll be therapy within 3 weeks of surgery and should be good to go by february 2012.
Wish all of you the best in your recovery.
I ruptured my right achilles tendon on 9/25/11 and had an open repair on 10/12/11. Surgery was performed with general anesthesia and a nerve block below my right knee. Surgery was a breeze along with recovery thereafter. I was places in a surgical cast for 2 weeks with my right foot pointed. After 2 weeks I got my staples out and was placed in a fracture cast/walking boot for 3 weeks(non-wight bearing). I have been non-weight bearing for 5 weeks now. If possible, get a knee cruiser rather that use crutches 100% of the time. Anyway, I go to my surgeon 11/17/11 for follow up. All in all, my surgery and recovery times have been rather easy with very little pain.
I ruptured my right achilles tendon on 9/25/11 and had an open repair on 10/12/11. Surgery was performed with general anesthesia and a nerve block below my right knee. Surgery was a breeze along with recovery thereafter. I was places in a surgical cast for 2 weeks with my right foot pointed. After 2 weeks I got my staples out and was placed in a fracture cast/walking boot for 3 weeks(non-wight bearing). I have been non-weight bearing for 5 weeks now. If possible, get a knee cruiser rather that use crutches 100% of the time. Anyway, I go to my surgeon 11/17/11 for follow up. All in all, my surgery and recovery times have been rather easy with very little pain.
I am 76 yrs,had a complete tear in Sept/2011 playing tennis. At that time had reservations for big trip to Asia and did not want to cancel trip. Had a special foot brace made for walking and protection on trip. Was terrible, very uncomfortable. Dr. said I could have surgery when I got back. When I returned,Oct. Dr. said I could leave alone if I am not going to play tennis again. Told him I love tennis and want to play again because it was my only means to enjoyment & exercise.
He did Surgery as an out patient had blocker lft. leg.and local anesthesia.
After surgery very groggy,nauesa,hard to swallow,not bad pain just aggravating. Taking Percocet for pain. Foot was wrapped in a gross fiber cast which was removed after two weeks and replaced with Boot which is worn 24hrs each day, horrible!
Rented a kneel roller which is indispensable vs Crutches. My biggest fear was going home after surgery going up 4 steps with crutches. it was tough but made it. Had "Home therapy" come and it was well worth it. Had to learn how to best get off & on roller re: going to bathroom,washing & getting in and out chairs etc.
Felt bad for the past couple of weeks,at my age you want time to go slow now I can't wait till this over and to take a showere again! It makes you very humble. My wife is a God sent she does everything for me, very lucky to have her!
Coming up to 4th week going to see Dr., I know I will have 2 more weeks in non-weight bearing mode. After that, don't know. Hope this helps,good luck.
Charles - posted he was 76 years old, surgery Sept 2011. I am so interested in how your recovery is going? I am in the same situation (playing tennis) and not sure what to do. I hate to give up the game but I am concerned about 1 year of recovery time.
How are you doing now that it has been 6 months??
Gary
Hello! I just ruptured my Achilles tendon 6 days ago. I'm scheduled to see an ortho tomorrow morning anticipating they will tell me I need surgery. I have never gone through surgery and am having high anxiety as I am a little scared for this process. Is surgery painful? What is the easiest, safest, and most reliable way to go through repair?
Btw all of the posts above are very helpful! I would just like to put my point of view. I'm scared!!!!
I am 55 years old had completlh ruptured my AT Oct 21, 2011 jumping doube dutch. ER doctor misdiagnosed injury, so I walked around with a limp for 2 1/2 months before I Finally had surgery 1/17/12. Surgery went well. Pain afterward not too bad. Kept foot elevated 24 7 for first three days and swellng and pain was minimal. I felt the most pain, although it was temporary when I stood up and the blood rushed to the stitches. WOW! I Flexed and pointed my toes often. Still do.I think it helps. In splint for one week, then the doctor gently stretched the tendon and put me in a ROM boot. I returned to work in one week. I fell off my crutches trying to open a door, so stithes came out 2/9 instead of 2/2 as scheduled. Knee walker came and OMG,it beats the hell out of crutches. As I am still nonweight bearing, I use a wheelchair at home, and the knee walker at the office and outside. Kneewalker not good on gravel, but otherwise great and fun, on smooth floors.Still need ctutches unfortunately for stairs and small spaces. Imobility is challenging and I believe I would have lost my mind if I had to depned soley on crutches to get around. The plan is to weekly stretch the tendon 5-7degees and adjust boot accordingly until my foot is back to 90 degees doral flexion. Then I can start putting weight on the tendon and the more intense PT starts. so 6-8 weeks from surgey to weight bearing PT. I understand that it is a slow recovery. So i guess its best to go easy then to try to overachive. My mishap on the ctuches set me back one week and that is precious lost time. I try to stay upbeat and arm myself with positive affirmations. Any recovery tips are welcomed.
Sharon said
I ruptured my achilles tendon on feb 5 2012. Two days later i had surgery with general anastetic. Takes about 1 hr, stayed overnight in hospital. Came home in a semi cast which will be on 4 8 wks with the aid of crutches. My advice about the experience is be aware of the side effects that comes with the pain killers. Mine were Tylex, they make you constipated and also i had difficulty urinating which was very frustrating because you actually drink quite a lot at this time. I am almost 2 wks post op and today is my first day without pain relief. Due back to the surgeon in 6 wks time when I go to the next stage..... the BOOT.
Looking to get plenty of help from my 3 teenage boys and hubby who are also in shock with the amount of extra jobs they have to do( ha)
I hope this helps anybody who is early in recovery like me.
Take Care everyone and take it nice and slow.
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