During these initial three weeks I had the luxury of having my wife bring me breakfast to bed every day, and my parents coming over at lunchtime with tapperwares full of healthy, home cooked meals. I couldn’t have asked for better caring conditions. They were great during my whole healing process but really invaluable during this initial period.
I credit to this rigurous regime the fact that I had absolutely no problems with my scar (no infection, itch or pain) and no tendon pain. By the third week, I could feel the tendon healing nicely (the calf muscles moved slightly when slightly bending my toes down and pressing against the boot, which is a signal of the tendon doing what it is supposed to do).
During this time when boredom can set in, so make sure you have a laptop with a wireless connection (if you are an avid Internet surfer as I am) or at least an ample supply of good books and magazines.
Finally, to be able to sleep comfortably, I loosened up the bed sheets and rolled them up so that the foot could rest on the pillow without the weight of the sheets and the comforter on top of it (the boot is already heavy… you don’t need any aditional weight).
Exactly two weeks after surgery, the doctor removed my stitches (actually, they were staples). My incision was fairly large (about 6 ½” inches) so the process was not much fun. Fortunatly it was painless. I could feel the stitches being pulled out, but it didn’t hurt. The incision had healed wonderfully, undoubtedly because of my discipline regarding rest and elevation during the first two weeks. The removal of the stitches meant that I had reached one big milestone: I could start taking showers with both legs inside the bathtub, as the wound could now get wet with no problems.
101 comments:
Hi just found your blog spot and good to know so many others going thru same (yes i also found simon barratts). same as you its interesting to read how you quickly rearrange stuff like in the bathroom and bedroom to make things go alot easier - less stress - yes like you i've also taken a fall (2wks post) which hurt like anything and I wondered whether it was re-ruptured but I didnt want to go back to hospital and it seemed ok (not sore) within a couple of hours. Now Im 4 wks and starting to take splint off to stretch as advised - still cant get to 90 deg which means i cant put weight on it yet! but hoping without rushing to do so over next few weeks. Do have some swelling which I didnt expect but after reading so many others who even have swelling and stiffness after 6-12 mths I thought better about it. The other things (and there are many!) which you get stuck with when this ATR happens is the crutches and I was so sore from using them for the first week! but has since eased and also I now have better upper body strength - bonus. I live in a house with stairs and bedrooms are up and living is down! sounds awful but TV and computer and study are upstairs so I dont have to travel up and down too much! Just felt like writing to encourage others that it gets better.
regards char
Found your blog spot just after I tore my achilles tendon on August 28th. Had surgery September 4th and have been doing remarkably well so far.
Had a leg block that lasted almost 36 hours. That, with the Vicodin, resulted in almost zero pain. I expected some pain, for sure, and have been amazed how well that has been controlled.
I go in Monday, September 10th, to have this soft cast removed and my first hard one put on, I imagine.
Will be a long journey, but your blog has been wonderful. So much information and such a "reality check." Keep up the info!
Thanks again,
Paula
Char / Paula:
Glad you found encouragement reading my blog. I can assure you things do get better. I just hit the 8 month mark today and I'm doing better every day. I'm swimming and bicycling and walking normally. Still limp a bit in the morning and my injured calf is still 1 inch thinner (though working hard to put it up to par with the other one). Take care and stay positive!
Hi Paula,
Kuul, I had my diagnosis confirmed August 30th and my surgery on September 4th. Mine was a partial (almost complete) rupture that had gone chronic. I first tore in in May, and it was thought to be a muscle tear, I wish I'd know about the Thompson Test then. I retore it (again playing Softball) in August and my daughter's doctor did a Thompson Test on me when I had her in for something unrelated.
Anyway, I'm in week 9 now after 2-weeks in plaster, 3-weeks in fibreglass pointed down, and 3-weeks in fibreglass at 90 degrees. Today it's at least 3-weeks PWB in an Aircast. I suspect I've gotten off a lot lighter in terms of pain and retained flexibility compared with those suffering total ruptures.
I get to to take the cast off to do ROM exercises but we haven't started strength exercises yet. I have notice that my uninjured leg has gotten bigger and the other leg is literally 1/2 as large with its atrophying (really, since May). Don't know how long rehab is going to take but I was hoping to ski in March but may need to settle on getting back to Softball in May. (With a pinch runner?)
Cheers,
Bill
Wireless, Telecommuting and Senokot
Luckily for me, my vocation is mostly about working on a PC and on the phone. I'm generally part of project teams that only rarely every physically meet in their entirety. So, I ended up pretty much back to work after a few days. (Although I did have to decline a cutomer teleconfernce that day after the procedure when I was still fairly heavily doped.)
Having a home office where I could have my leg up helped, a lot. As well, I went out and got a wireless keyboard and mouse to accommodate needing to shift positions and be in unconventional positions for using a computer. Plus I have a wireless router in the house so that I could work off my laptop from the desk or flopped on the couch with the leg on the coffee table.
A headset with the phone let me do teleconferences and other calls.
The Senokot really refers to the first two weeks when I was still on pain meds. For me it was Percoset and that bunged me up pretty good. I didn't start the softeners until after the first bunch of days because I wasn't eating very much anyway. I should have.
For me the first three weeks were about making the major adjustments to being in a NWB cast and with crutches. I didn't leave the house much for the first week (didn't leave bed for the first day and 1/2 except for nature calls). And only after cutting down the pain med dosage to non-GA-GA levels did I venture out in the car. (Luckily it was my left leg that was hurt.) Still, I managed to get out and went to my Softball team's playoff games - we won - as well as starting to take the kids to their programs.
Like everyone else, my balance got better, my good leg got stronger, and my uppper body is bigger.
I learned to shower sitting down, and to shave standing on one leg and leaning against the counter. My colleagues became entertained by my hopping from my office to the printer or messing around the office kitchen getting a drink or coffee.
The weird stuff is not being able to go to the grocery store. (I could but I'd need to use their power cart with basket.) A compensation is that I now have a Handicap parking pass and I get the "good" parking spots when I need to hop into the mall or anywhere else with a public parking lot. Although it was weird driving into a large (unfamiliar) mall, finding that the store I wanted was on the other side of the mall, going back out and driving to the other side to shorten the distance.
Cheers,
Bill
It is only day two (post-surgery) for me. The pain is still pretty bad, but I'm trying to be optimistic. I intend to stay in bed all week with my leg elevated as I have a follow up appointment with my doctor in one week. I'm hoping that when they take the cast/splint off I have as good of luck as you did with regards to healing of the skin, etc.! I'm also paranoid of blot clots. Thanks again for your blog and for everyone's comments. I truly believe it WILL get better. For now it's very frusturating.
I am only 3o yrs old and completely ruptured my achilles back in Nov. I am 12 wks out and I am walking without my boot. I am suffering from terrible foot pain. Can anyone offer me some advice on this. It feels like I have no padding on the bottom of my foot. My PT and MD said it is due to not walking for 2 months and my muscles on the bottom of my feet are weak. They said do towel crunches and marble pick-ups. I have been walking for about 3wks now and it is really painful. I just went out and bought Dr Scholls inserts to see if the extra padding would help. Please anyone advice?
Also, I am still walking with quite a limp and going down stairs I have to swing the other leg around. I guess because I am used to being active and I am on the young side I am growing impatient. I need a little encouragment from someone who has gone thru this. When do you start walking without a limp and or getting down stairs normally?
I wanted to let everyone know about the magiacl alternative to painful crutches. I have read a few of these blogs and I understand the pain of crutches! I found a scotter called a rolleraid at kneewalkerrental.com
Go check out this site. Your insurance should cover it and you can rent them by the wk or month. I rented one for a month and it saved me. Try getting yourself a plate of food and try and crutch it by yourself to the table or living room. This little scooter makes you feel somewhat normal or independent again.
My last words of Post-op wisdom is do not get cocky with crutches on the stairs. I stumbled and put all my weight on my bad leg 1 wk after surgery. Thank god I had by boot on but I have never felt such intense pain in my life. I thought I re-ruptured it. Scoot on your but and give yourself a tricep workout getting up and down stairs. TRUST ME!
I am 3 months post-op. I did not have a complete rupture. I have now been out of the boot almost 2 weeks. What is bothering me is that I am noticing some slight tendon pain (like a light burning sensation) in normal walking - like I had with my chronic tendonitis before the surgery. I am wondering if this is normal? I cannot stand to think I have come this far and the surgery has not done the job. I am continuing with PT and will go let the doc take a look at it next week. Have any of you had this problem?
I’m new to this sight. I ruptured my right Achilles on the 2nd August 2008 and had surgery on the 18th August. My surgeon placed my leg in a semi cast with the front open to allow for swelling. On Monday the 25th August I fell in the garden placing slight weight on my bad leg. Hurt like hell at the time but today no pain at all. I was reading some of the comments on your Blog in relation to taking a fall and I’m hoping I have not done any further damage. By the way great Blog sight.
I have an appointment with my surgeon on Thursday the 28th August and hopefully the wound will have healed
Was so good to find this blog and know I'm not alone. Ruptured on August 17 pushing our pop up trailer. Blessings on you crutch walkers, I got myself a rolleraid. My PT friend is a fan of crutches for better overall conditioning...there is such a variety of ranges of recovery, I am a little frustrated not knowing which one I am, the fast or slow, but no one can tell you, I think, it has to be the process for you. I was active, swimming a mile and working as a hospital nurse, don't know if age (57) will play here. Would be interested in knowing from you who were out of work how long it took to get back...I have to book it up and down a long hall...
Hi, thank you, thank you. How good to know what other people have learnt ahead of you! Not liking to go for one-up-manship, more desperate for any ideas or anyone who has done the same, but I blew my right tendon running on the beach (mmhm not done that for quite some time, really was going for the chariots of fire moment) and 7 hours later while hopping and using crutches, blew the other one. Both complete ruptures. Had surgery within 24 hours of the first one going and am now in wheelchair 10 days later. Have picked up some reassuring and useful hints here. Thank you. I can offer one, which might already be on here, GRAB STICKS! Like the ones you can use to pick up litter. They have saved me bending and reaching and pulling muscles I didn't know I had. I think I probably use mine about 50 times a day.
Will read more now. Thanks for blogging.
Hi everyone,
I am two weeks post op and in my walking boot. I am not allowed to put any pressure yet. I will start physical therapy in week three. I feel like they are moving me quickly. My incision is healing well. The incision is more on the inside of my leg rather on the very back. Does anyone else have this? I thought the incision was right down the back of my ankle. Don't get me wrong I am happy about this because I think it is going to be easier once I start walking again. Is anyone having any burning on the incision with the boot on? This is an excellent website and it has given me a lift in my recovery. I am still not back to work. I am going to take my time. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
My incision is the same slightly on the inside. I believe this way it’s easy, if the incision is at the rear running along the Achilles I think it’s more susceptible to knocking and irritating on the boot/cast and when you are wearing shoes again.
I'm also in a Cam Walker Booty and with the burning sensation when I get it I usually elevate and ice 'feels good' I have a few gel ice packs in the freezer, there great and also mould to the shape of your leg/Achilles. I also find it sometimes depends on how you adjust/tighten the velcro straps, as this also irritates the incision area. Well after saying all that I am nearly 6 weeks post op and may have to see a plastic surgeon as my incision is not healing. There is no infection, redness or swelling but the outer skin {epidermis} had not butted together properly causing it to overlap. So now I have to go and see a Plastic Surgeon on Tuesday 30th Sep to see what the best option is.
Have a look at my blog site http://paulrachillesrupture.blogspot.com/
Hi! I am also happy to have found this blog spot. I ruptured my AT August 19th, had surgery on the 25th, and am now coming up on 4 weeks post-op. Just wanted to share with you out there, be aware of small "charlie-horse" pains after surgery. It could be a DVT (blood clot) and you need to get it checked out ASAP. I have a small one, below the knee, and am taking one aspirin a day until I go back next week for another ultrasound to make sure it has not grown or travelled. Otherwise, I am healing well and am looking forward to my first boot position adjustment. Does anyone else have tingling and numbness on the bottom of your foot? Thanks for writing and good luck to each one of you during your recovery..
numpty! you are living my most recent greatest fear! you have my sympathy and wish you the speediest recovery! you are tough, i can tell by your sense of humor. hang in there.
Hi 48yo lady! Thanks for the encouragement. I think doing 2 at once is far better than doing one in then the other 8 weeks later. Can I ask what does 'Charlie-Horse' mean? I am sorry you have a DVT - really hope it behaves itself.
I have to say I am dreading having my feet repositioned (am in casts becuase it seems that we english don't 'do' boots ... bah-humbug!) I don't think I'm particularly tough, just a stiff upperlip, what-ho chin-chin, anyone for tennis? (in approximately march 2009 or whenever normal foot function resumes ... race you to the tennis court!) Of course half a bottle of Shiraz also helps lighten the spirits! Good luck!
Want to say thank you so much for your blog. I have been searching for some good info and I certainly found it here! I am probably the oldest one here I am a 62 year old woman. I injured my tendon stepping off a walkway onto the beach. There was a large rock I did not see and caught my foot wrong. I am scheduled for surgery in a week I will be so glad to get this started. I am so thankful I found you all here I feel so much better reading all the info written. Thanks for easing my mind, what's left of it that is! I wish I could have said I had a soccer injury of basketball but noooo I have to say I did mine by stepping onto sand.......gosh, that makes me sound really old, huh. I will be checking in often keep the good advice coming!
So happy I found this site.
Jan
Hi Jan and welcome to the AT site.
Sorry to hear about your injury, but keep your chin up and before you know it you will be back walking on the beach.
It’s amazing how this injury occurs regardless of age health or fitness it could happen any time.
The first few weeks are the hardest but it does get better, just stay positive and focused.
I am now at week 8, back in 2 shoes but moving very slowly with a limp.
I spend hours surfing the net and checking out all the great Blog sites, there is plenty of information and advice out there and it’s good to know you’re not alone with this terrible injury.
Happy healing paul r
I am 14 days post op and having extreme burning and tingling on the outside of my foot. This is especially bothersome at night and it feels like my foot is on fire! Has anybody else experienced this? If so I'd appreciate advice.
Hi MamaMia,
Burning and feeling like you foot is on fire is very common. I am now 8 weeks post op and would be able to answer any questions you may have because I had a bunch. There is going to be burning for some time, just hang in there. Let me know if you have any other questions. Take care.
I am 9 weeks post op. I am able to walk barefoot around the house with no pain. Some tightness now and then, but I do keep up with my exercise. I wear high top bass boots for extra support when I leave the house. Again, tightness and some swelling which I'm told is normal.
For the first 4 weeks I was in a cast with no weight. Then I received a walking cast for 2 weeks. At 6 weeks I was put into a walking boot. Have not had any problems so far. Just the tightness and swelling I explained. I am scheduled for Therapy Tuesday. Doc says one or two more visits to therapy and the rest if p to me.
I'm told Swelling can last up to 6 months. Tightness I am not sure. Haven't asked my doc.
Grreat blog. Nice to share our stories.
Tore my Achilles tendon 3 weeks ago, with an open (long incision) surgical repair 2 1/2 weeks ago. Using a Roll-About (kneeling wide-based Razor Scooter-like), for mobility, which is more user friendly than crutches, but not without its problems. The skin of the involved knee has gotten quite irritated. I have tried a variety of knee/kneeling pads, which have not helped. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Hi all,
We are a much larger communitee than I ever expected. I am a 43 y/o scrubnurse who always had an aversion to working on the Achilles Tendon repairs. Maybe because I subconsciously knew it would one day be me! I have been dealing with acute Achilles Tendonapathy for over a year. I recently had continous partial rupures that refused to heal. Surgery became my only option. Along with the rupture issue my gastrocniemus muscle proved to be extremely tight adding to the Achilles issue. I am almost 2 weeks post-op and continue to have numbness throught my leg. The Anesthesiologist seems to think it is residual of the nerve block but I have extreme pain and acute sensation on the lateral(outside)/anterior(top) portion of my foot. I am concerned about nerve damage. Did anyone else recieve a nerve block for their surgery? Did your block seem to last forever is partial location? How long did it take to reside itself? I have not been to the doctor for my post op visit. I am still in the splint. I am unsure of the next move. The post op info the doctor gave me was based on a different procedure than was actually done. I am unsure if I will get a boot or a cast. I am hoping for the boot. The cast is a source of great anxiety for me. I am hoping the doctor will take that into consideration as well and maybe give me a boot anyway.
I also am loosing my ever loving mind not being able to do much. Crutch are quite difficult. You cannot carry anything!!
I had the nerve block but it wore off after about 24 - 36 hours. I am now 11 weeks post op and pain and swelling is almost gone. I highly reccommend renting a roller aid to get you through the next couple of months. It makes life much easier, especially trying to raise 4 children through all of this. I am now able to put weight on my foot but still use it for shopping etc. Good luck with the numbness.
Love the blog! I am 36 and ruptured my AT playing basketball. I required 3 hours of surgery which the doctor also had to take 2 tendons from my big foot as well. It is officially 3 weeks today since surgery but I am still experiencing serious tingling and burning in my foot! Is this normal? Is it normal to experience pain and needing to take painkillers?
43 yo scrubnurse here, I too have been having that tingling I am exactly 2 weeks post op. I have also had painful tingling on the top of my foot. An area they did not work on but is causing extreme pain. I would be doing great if I did not have to deal with that pain. The anesthegilogist was at my post op visit and he felt the tingling and nerve pain will go away with time. He believes it is from the nerve block they gave me. I too was using my pain pills for that but I think it only helped because I fell asleep. They prescribed a medication they give to people with chronic nerve pains like people with Fibromyalgia. A side effect is dizziness, doesn't work out well with the crutches though. This really concerns me because I had the surgery to relieve the chronic achilles problem and now I am dealing with the possibility of have a chronic nerve problem. I suppose I will just have to be patient, something I generally am not. Good luck with you tendon transfer I was scheduled for a possible transfer like you but came out not needing that much work. I hope you have success,
Hi to Scrubnurse...wondering if the tingling pain went away. Any other symptoms?(purpling of toes/foot/burning or freezer like pain/painful to touch the toes???If so, ask Dr about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(CRPS). I developed it in week 2 of being casted. I am now in week 14, am walking with the assistance of a cane, using the bike, treadmill and lots of stretching exercises and am being treated aggressively with acupunture, massage, meds, and elevation,and of course lots of physio. Take care and good luck from Laura in Canada.
I just found you blog spot and I also am glad that I have other with my surgery. I had surgery on Dec. 30th. I am not in my first cast and will go back on Jan. 19 for another cast. I am going to be nwb for till Feb. 13th.. I wish I had an exciting story to till but I fell down a staircase and I am 57 years old.. I am ready to get on with healing and walking. I saw the information in the kneewalker and wonder if it is easy to use.. I am now using a walker and wheelchair. I will continue to read this wonderful blog..Good luck to everyone. Memaw in Texas
Laura in Canada... Things are getting better. The pain is strong but not as intense as it was initially. I have spoken to many of my collegues and they all agree that is will resolve itself it just take some time. I am trying to keep a positive out look. The rulle os luck in the OR tend to not favor those who actually work in the OR. They seem to be the ones with a less than optimal outcome. I am going back to the doc on Friday the 23. I have been cheating and walking with weight on my barefoot the past couple of days. My ankle is very tight and I am anxious to start therapy but not for the pain I am sure to experience. Thanks for the suggestion. Good luck in your healing process. Scrubnurse.
hi.. it's good to see that lots of people have had an achilles rupture and after time seem to be walking and jogging again. I am one day 2 of my post op for a full rupture and apart from when i have to lower my leg (and it throbs and is painful) its not too bad apart from in certain positions where the forces put upon the cast at the top of the leg transfer down to the ankle area and causes a bit of pain. You adapt and find positions which are ok.
I'm a little worried after coming to this site, informative as it is, it's left me a little confused because alot of people seem to have a cast on for 2 weeks and then move to a boot and some are even walking with crutches around week 6 if not earlier.. Now, Ive a cast on from the knee down with my foot at an angle to reduce tension on my newly stiched tendon which makes sense, BUT, my next appointment isnt for another 4 weeks, at which point ive been told the cast is removed, the foot repointed to gently stretch the tendon, then back in cast for 1-2 weeks, after all that, i move to an air boot...
im from the UK, and HAVE had the operation, yet the post op treatment seems a bit lenghtier.. is this just how it is?
Hey folks, I posted just before my surgery and that was 7 weeks ago. I have read a lot of these blogs and they have helped me understand that a lot of what I am going through is more common than i thought. I had been nagging the doctor the damn pain, shooting pain, burning pain, pain in my toes, numb toes, pain in the arch, just the gosh darn pain. I am not a big pill taker and hate the thought of taking narcotics that are metabolized in the liver because my grandpa died of scirosis at the age of 42. All that said, I have taken the pain pills (percocet) or else I would have gotten no sleep. Now seven weeks after surgery I called the doc and told him that these shooters are getting more intense instead of less and that I can tell when someone is touching my big toe, but cannot tell where exactly on the toe they are touching. He was concerned and said this is not normal at this point and said, and I quote, "the incision looks great, the tendon is connected and looks great, there is no sign of infection, we may have gotten into trouble with the nerve block." I mean wtf doc. May have gotten into trouble, that don't help me, what do you mean got in trouble. So he has put me on Lyrica (nerve pills) to see if that eases the shooters. I took one at 5:30 today and have not had a pain for 3 hours. Since that time I have read these blogs and it sounds more common than doc thought. I would really like to know if anyone had these shooting pains and how long after surgery before they subsided. Also has anyone had confirmed nerve damage, and what were the symptoms and cures if any?
PT30: i am a physical therapist, 30 years old, and had complete rupture of my left achilles tendon 2 days ago while playing basketball. i go in for surgery tomorrow. i will keep everyone posted on my recovery and use this blog in part to keep my sanity from being inactive.
hi,
hello everyone. yeah im here for the same reason as you guys. im on my third week of the healing process and its going ok so far. i get these occasional pain pokes which feel super wierd and hurt pretty bad. but im jus waiting till feb 12 when i see the doc and he can let me know whats the update on my ankle. but i got this burning feeling here and there and the swelling is still there just not as swollen as the first few days.
just keep the foot elavated and the healing will do its part.
hope all you guys have a good recovery
ali-
Bobby, Scrubnurse here. Your story is very similiar to mine. I am about 8 weeks post op. I am wienning out of my boot and have just begun physical therapy. I still have the shooting nerve pain but mine is mostly in my last two toes. Don't get to wigged out over it. I have been told often time when you have a nerve block it can take up to a year for it all to resolve. Try to realize what a shock that was for your nerves . You probibly had a toutniquet also so your leg was squeezed pretty tight. I tried the Lyrica but I did not like the side effects. It made me very dizzy. Being a blonde I suppose I was already disadvantaged.(LOL) I have good days and bad with the shooting pains it is more at night and I have been taking Norco a less intese pain killer. I too am not a fan of narcotics. The bad days are starting to be fewer. Don't be discouraged give it time to heal. This can be a long process but it will get better. Good luck with the Lyrica.
Hi,
Great blog. I had full rupture on Jan. 27 while playing basketball. Pushed off my right foot to defend a pass and wham-o. Knew right way what had happened; limped to my car and drove a mile or so home (not a good idea). Had surgery on 30th and reclining on my couch today watching 5 hours of Springsteen on VH-1 (while reading the blog). In hard cast now. Follow-up visit in 7-10 days to check wound and get boot I presume. Given what I have heard about first two weeks, I plan on spending most of it on couch/in bed to get those tendons to repair. I go back and forth whether or not I will play basketball again. I realize that I am too close to the incident but wonder about how others feel about returning to the sport where their injury occurred.
Hello to everybody. I had my surgery 4 days ago. This blog is fantastic especially during the days leading up to the procedure. Afterward the Orthopedic said it was completely severed and twisted. For two weeks I'm in a hard cast that weighs a ton. Most of the pain has subsided except when I stand and get that blood rush to the surgical site. I have been playing basketball several times a week for many years. My left AT exploded during one last game before going home. I'm probably going to find another activity. I'm 43 and can still run and jump but it is the stopping and landing on that hard floor that caused this.
Thanks to all.
Curtis in Mad Beach
Hi it's been 17 days since my surgery. I just recently got my boot on. I was supposed to get it on last week but my foot was still pointed too far downward and it was tight. I was dissapointed because I really wanted to shower with both legs wet. I finally did today and it was scary to be out of the boot actually.
Since the surgery I have had 4 falls. Two were out of a wheelchair of all things. the darn thing just tipped me out when I leaned forward a bit. It was a cheap rental and totally not worth it. Once was on crutches about a week after surgery. That one hurt and I was worried but the pain went away quickly. The last fall was today getting tripped up on my way in from my garage. My good leg did not clear the top step all the way and down I went. I saw my boot was about to touch down and I think it did but somehow I managed to swing it behind me and I landed on my stomach and forearms. I swear I feel like the clumsiest person right now! I'm wiggling my toes and everything feels ok.
I'm thinking of getting one of those knee walkers soon. I am supposed to start PT any time now and it will be a pain to get into the building from the car on crutches. All the handicap spots are always full so I know I'd have to come early and stalk to get one.
I'm a little nervous about PT. It was a love hate relationship when I was going through PT after tearing my ACL last year. I just want to get better but at the rate I am going I am going to have to knock on wood, carry a lucky penny/rabbit's foot, say a prayer or anything else just to not fall anymore :-)
Not sure when I will be weight bearing again but my surgeon told me it will be up to me and how much pain there is when I try. Pain, not what I want to look forward to.
I love reading all the comments in this blog and any others I find. It keeps me from losing my mind to boredom!
I really think the knee walker would be great. I thought about renting one but I have only one more week before I get my cast off and the boot on. I will be able to put some weight down.. Feb 13th will be six weeks for me. I too am worried about therapy ..I torn my ACL 10 years ago...I will be going 3 times a weeks. This week I have been pulling small amounts of weight on my cast just for balance. When I do it a lot my leg will ache at night...Love this blog spot and check it everyday...Rhea S.
I had surgery on my achilles on 1/29. Had my first post-op visit today where they removed my staples and put my into the CAM boot with two heel lifts. Seems early based on all of the other articles I've read on the site. Don't have a feel for when I'll be weight bearing but seems like a good sign that I'm in a boot and able to shower only a week removed from surgery.
I am a 43yo active female- . Tore my achilles playing tennis. 45minutes into the game, would have thought I was warmed up. Returned a serve felt like a snake ran up my leg and then fell forward- (then fainted)
I got surgery 12 days ago, and get my stitches out tomorrow.
My biggest issue is driving. I have 3 kids that need to be driven to and from school & activities etc. this is killing me. You can only ask for favors for so long. My husband can do a lot, but this is terrible.
Not working out I can deal with, but not driving is killing me.
Anyone have any input on driving again. (of course it is my right achilles tendon) and I have an automatic car.
Can you drive in the boot with the wedges? driving with my left foot seems hazardous.
I too ruptured my right achilles while playing tennis and have 4 kids. It was very difficult as I wasn't allowed to drive for 7 weeks. I have a great group of friends and neighbors who helped out. I finally started driving with my left foot and it wasn't that difficult. You might have a problem with your injured foot not being elevated if you are in the car for too long. I am just over 4 months post op now and still in pain. Things are getting better but it is very frustrating not to be back to normal. Best of luck getting through the non weight baring stage, it will get easier.
A great site and thanks for all the stories. I was playing football on Jan 31st heard and felt the "POP" and had my surgery on Feb 5th. I have a few questions.
How do you know your achilles is actually healing correctly. I'm about a weak post op now and have absolutely no pain or swelling? It's almost as if nothing was even touched down there. I have all movement of my toes and no burning or stinging past the first day. Probably due to the block. In the original post the author mentions that when he pushed down on her boot she could feel her calf do some work? Has anyone tried this at week 1 post op yet? I'm trying this now and feel absolutely no movement of my calf when i put my hand insinde my splint. Obviously, with my other good leg when I push down I feel the calf twitch.
Also, what are the signs of inadequate wound healing considering we have a splint over the wound and can't see anything.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your experiences.
Thanks,
Ready-to-play
I'm 3.5 weeks after surgery. Had a ruptured achilles from playing basketball. The pain has all but gone away, but I am certainly ready to get out of this cast.
My foot/leg is casted so my foot is slightly elevated. It has been on since I came out of surgery. Next week, I get put in another cast with my foot more at a 90 degree angle. I will be in that for 3 weeks, and then a boot will follow.
I have been very consistent with elevating and resting. I also began laying on my back and stretching my leg out and back towards my face, to work the quad area, where I've already lost a ton of muscle weight. The biggest thing I can stress is patience. If you are patient, days go by much faster. Pick up a new hobby (online poker for me) or read. It is an extremely long process and not being patient can tear you to shreds.
I got my last cast off and now have a boot. I was really surprised that I could walk without the walker for a short distance. My doctor was very please with my movement . My problem now is with the ache in my back and hip. I think this is because the boot is higher than my other foot even with my shoes. I am wondering if anyone else was having this problem. I am looking forward to starting my therapy next week and get on with my life. I have been very pleased with my doctor , Jeremy Britton, so if someone needs a good doctor in the Abilene,Texas area he is the one. I am now starting my 7th week and I finally managed to be rated as an advanced spade player on pogo...life is good...wI will keep updates as a go along..Rheasue
Ready to play,
I'm in the same boat as you.
I'm 19 days out from surgery and other than some pain the first day after the block wore out, I've been pain free. I was in an open front cast for a week and have been in an Aircast since.
When I slightly move my ankle I do see very slight movement in my calf- I'm hoping this is a good sign! I'm paranoid that I've somehow done something do re-rupture it. I can't really feel the tendon- especially compared to the tendon on my normal foot. I trust this is normal?
I'll be seeing the doc in two days and I hope to get some confirmation that everything is progressing. I hope being pain free is a good sign- not a sign of something bad!
Hey Tom,,
Just got out of my appointment and all is well. I'm 12 post surgery and my calf is totally smaller due to the atrophy. He said that I'm recovering marvelously and I'll be in the fiberglass cast for 3 weeks instead of 4 like he originally planned. I'm pretty athletic and in good shape as it is and he said that should help my healing time. I'll be in a boot after the fiberglass cast comes off. He said don't worry about the twitching of the calf muscle when flexing downward. It doesn't mean much especially when you can't see much of anything because of the cast plus your calf muscle has wasted away. The healing looked great and no infection. I had the disolvable stitches. The fiberglass cast is way more comfortable as the breathability is better and lighter in weight. We all just have to have faith that time will heal the tendon. With help of a good P.T. and rehab program. We should be back being fully active in 6 months (like pre achilles rupture).
Cheers,
Ready to Play
My scooter slipped from under me and I used my bad leg to rebalance myself and put a lot of pressure on it. My achilles hurt for about a minute then resided. I'm in a fiberglass cast. The pain only lasted for about 1-2 minutes, felt like a throbbing then went away. Has anyone done this and should I be worried at all. I'm sure we've all had something like this happen. Let me know your thoughts and thanks for all the posts.
LEN
I am so happy that I found this blog. My surgery for my recent tear was 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm a 62 year old female and when I was 19, I had an accident that caused me to severe the right Achilles tendon. I have ruptured this same tendon 5 times through my life and as you can imagine, I have had several different surgical techniques through the years. This time, due to such extensive scar tissue, cadaver tissue was used. I'm doing pretty well but I do suffer from clastrophobia where the cast is concerned. I haven't heard any other bloggers talk about this and I don't want to sound like a wimp but it is a problem for me. Other than that, I am resting in bed surrounded by my computer, books and TV...guess it could be worse - ha!
Full Rupture while skiing on the morning of the 14th of February..It ruptured in my downhill ski boot !! Not good. Ski patrol loaded me into ambulance strait into the Montreal general trama center.Way painful removing the boot..Had the surgery monday the 16th and was placed into a fibreglass cast with toe slightly pointed. I will be given the air cast with heel wedges on March 11th. I thank all of you for your insights .. Im chomping at the bit to get my recovery started Im 44yrs and in excellent shape WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.
hello,
I am 7 weeks post op. I tore my achilles tendon playing badminton on Jan 13th. A day later I had surgery. I was in a fiberglass cast for 1 week. Then put into a removable boot cast with 2 inch heel wedges. It was tender and a bit swollen at first, but no real pain. At 3 weeks I started an intensive swimming program; 40 minutes a day, laps, flutter kick, whip kick, lots of underwater stretches, pedaling an imaginary bike in the deep end, walking in the water... I was able to let go of the crutches at 4 weeks, started driving as well (right foot, standard car) I removed a 1/2 inch wedge a week. In addition to swimming I use my trusty stationary bike for about 25 minutes a day. as well as the exercises from my physio. He says my mobility is awesome, I feel my ankle is getting stronger every day. I am now walking mostly without the boot cast, with a slight limp. I only use the boot cast if I need to walk fast. I am not on my feet a lot during the day. I just wanted to tell you of the success I have had with swimming; physically and mentally.
P.S. I am a fit 48.
With regards to driving are you driving with or without the boot?
I'm about in the same situation as you- I'm 5 weeks out but I feel really strong and cant walk without the boot if I'm careful. Wondering if there a risk of driving without the boot? Doesn't seem likely but.
About driving, I just started this week without the boot. I live in a small town and on highway I love my cruise control. With full wedges in the boot it was hard to drive, but as I took the wedges out and I could feel my ankle move around more in the boot it became more comfortable. My abs got a work out, because I was lifting my whole leg up and over from clutch to gas.
Good luck
Well I started driving minimally- I am not carpooling other kids, although I feel I owe everybody. I am just using my left foot- seems hazardous as my injured foot is in a boot and is in the way. The one comforting issue is that I can brake well.
I am a healthy athletic 29 year old male. I am 2 1/2 weeks post op from a full atr. My surgen said my foot was able to be @ 90 degrees post op and he put me in a walking boot with no wedges. I have no pain and I actually feel like I could just get up and walk. Now I know that is not an option but that's how I feel. I have been reading everyone's blog and I know the healing process is different for everyone, but I almost feel like there is something wrong seeing that i can wiggle my ankle side to side and up and down only 2 1/2 eweeks post op. My surgen instructed me to wiggle my ankle post op to avoid blood clots during the healing process. I have used my crutches with no weight bearing on my bad foot and I have faithfully elevated my foot to help the healing process. Can somebody please respond and tell me if my situation sounds normal. Maybe i am just getting lucky in the healing process. I fear that somehow the tendon re-ruptured, but maybe everyone has that fear post op.
I had the same fear at about the same time as you. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Here's my story:
Was in fiberglass cast for 1 week then into an AirCast walking boot. At 3 weeks was given permission to weight bear and sleep without the boot. I almost immediately ditched the crutches since I didn't experience any pain. I have really good range of motion in my foot and my tendon feels strong.
I'm at about 5 1/2 weeks now and I've pretty much stopping using the boot while walking around the house. I have a slight limp but otherwise, it feels great.
My doctor had said he'd have me out of the boot at 8 weeks but I figure as long as I'm very careful (and I am) there isn't much risk at this point given I'm only going without the boot inside of my house. I do wear the boot at all other times. For driving, I wear a sneaker and put the boot on when I leave the car.
Anyway, maybe I'm lucky and maybe I'm taking a huge risk by being in shoes after only 5 1/2 weeks but I have to say this whole experience, at least for me, hasn't been nearly as bad as I feared. I feel the mental benefit of living a relatively normal life at this point far outweighs the risk of a re-rupture.
Well it is Monday today and I go see my doctor on Thursday. I can't wait.
I am pretty sure the last time I saw him he had told me I would be able to lose the crutches at 3 weeks post op, which is Thursday. I am so excited, I just want to start my PT asap.
Well after reading a few more blogs about the speedy recovery's, I feel a little better about my situation. Atleast I now know that there are people that are actualy walking without a boot at 6 weeks.
Hi all, so glad to have found this blog, really great to read all the comments. I fully ruptured mine 2weeks ago playing netball. Had the op and due to see the consultant again next week. Everything was fine with no pain, but have been experiencing burning sensation around the wound area for the last two days. I have seen odd mentions of burning on threads here but wondered whether it was something to be expected or something to be concerned about??
I wrote my original blog on Feb. 28th which was about 2 1/2 weeks after my surgery. A week ago, I had my stitches removed and the doctor had planned on another hard cast for a few more weeks. I begged for the boot as I was getting rather bad leg cramps and wanted to be able to adjust the boot if necessary. I was told not to put weight on it until April 10th at which time the leg will be re-evaluated. As I said in my original blog, this was my 5th rupture so I really didn't know how I could manage another operation but I'm happy to say, so far, so good.
hello all,
43 year old male, ruptured my tendon on the right foot on 21 Feb, 2009, had surgery to repair on 27 Feb. I have been elevating my foot for two weeks now and look forward to Thursday when I will have the staples removed and get a boot. I was moving along pretty well until recently when I started feeling irritation along my heel; it's as though I were walking on rocks even though there is no real weight on my foot other than the foot itself. This becomes intensely painful at night, like someone driving a nail into the bottom of my foot. It gets better when I do not elevate which is why I think I don't experience it during the day because of bathroom visits, etc. Anyone with a common experience? The surgeon saw my leg on Tursday and said everything looked fine, but the pain started in earnest on Firday night. I have a call in to the surgeon, but its Saturday and I don't expect to hear anything soon. I was off the percocet, but I went back on last night. Thanks...
Your intense pain could be from the nerves at the base of your heel. These nerves run up the back of the foot to the incision site and can become quite painful as they rejuvenate (no, I'm no doctor but I have experienced the same sharp pains and this is what my doctor has told me). I don't know if that is your problem, but if it is your pain will subside in a few days.
Hi There, great site, i have beend reading it over the last few weeks,i am just beyond 3 weeks now, so heres my experience.
23rd Feb - Surgery and Cast, released from hospital the following day with strict N-W-B instructions. This proved to be the most frustrating time, you feel pretty helpless, thankfully i was able to do some work from home which kept me sane!
4th March- Returned to hospital and has my stitches removed, god they look ugly, very fierce looking,the wound is cleaned up and my foot is pushed up a bit and i have a cast on again. Strict instructions N-W-B.
18th March - Just over 3 weeks since the operation i return for my check up and the wound is examined, its ok,my foot is pushed up to walking level and i am placed back in cast and told i can start to put some weight on it, i have been doing this gradually since yesterday and have still used a crutch to keep steady, i am feeling a lot more confident now and feel i am finally on the road to recovery, i return to hospital on the 8th April to have the cast removed and to start some physio, onwards and upwards....
Hello New Friends! Had surgery on March 13 for a complete rupture. Wondering if others had this experience when the injury occured ... that of very little pain. I thought someone hit me with the force of a hammer but was helped up and could put weight on the leg without pain. Didn't cry until I found out that surgery was the only hope of ever normal foot function again (and yes I'm a girl).
Hey, thanks for putting up the site. I ruptured my left achilles tendon playing basketball 7 years ago....and ruptured my right achilles tendon 10 days ago. Really didn't want to go thru this again but, after reading about the person who's on their FIFTH rupture, I feel like a jerk for being so "woe is me". My sympathies REALLY go out to that person. Had my surgery 4 days ago...this one was alot less painful, thus far. Had pain the day after surgery and took some pain meds (percocet) that day but haven't needed any since. This is such a strange injury to avoid, it appears. Anyway, I hope everyone gets thru it okay and comes out on the other side with a fully recovered tendon. Thanks again for posting this site.
Had my Op for a total rupture 5 days ago, 10 days after being told by a French Doctor it was just a calf tear from snowboarding!!
The pain was pretty bad the first few days after the Op, i was wondering if anyone else had twitches in their calf muscle whilst asleep that is so painfull it wakes you up in sweats? Will this do any damage? I have a back cast/bandage and have got quite good movement as it has loosened since the Op. Cheers Bob
What a brilliant blog. Helpful from rupture to rehab! Could anyone tell me how long the unbearable pain lasts, please.
Much obliged
It's good to hear from others dealing w/ the same injury.
what a pain in the butt. that's for sure. there don't seem to be too many of you that have had complications from the rupture surgery. i have. my luck. and you'll be so glad it's me and not you.
in all honesty tho, this whole ordeal has presented many blessings. i have to admit. so here's my saga.
and it HAS been a saga. i tell u.
Nov. 20 rupture tendon after 6 months of tendonitis.
surgery Dec 10.
so grateful my family had talked me into staying in New Orleans for the surgery and recovery. I'm just divorced, 2 precious (and spoiled) kids (11 and 12) and 2 dogs (lab/dane mix and beagle). my brood.
i really had no idea what I was heading into. i actually thought i could handle everything myself. wrong. very difficult recovery. had trouble with pain control. morphine was like being given advil. finally switched to dilauded. some relief. my parents were amazing and i thank God for their care.
they drove me back home to charlotte after 5 weeks. incredible to see the kids and be home. upstairs on my knees and down on my butt. worked for me.
cast off in 6 weeks. scar pretty ugly, gotta say. but it is what it is. then walking w/ the boot. every week one "riser" out til boot is flat. 5th week ankle started to bleed. thot i had torn the only bit of the scar that had not healed, on the back of my ankle. had an appt w/ the doc the next week but saw his assist who put a stitch in. didn't think was infected. not red and no puss (sorry to be graphic but i want to warn people) but there was fluid from the site. the asst. thot it was lymphatic fluid. wrong.
the stitch lasted 12 hrs. but i just took care of the site til appt. w/ the doc 5 days later. bad news.
serious infection. march 10 back in surgery to open wound, clean and leave open to heal.
after 1 nite in hospital, home w/ iv for antibiotics and a "vac" to promote healing. the wound is covered w/ a foam piece and a tube place over that and taped down. the tube extends up your leg and attaches to a machine that you wear over your shoulder 24 hrs a day. a nurse comes to change the dressing every 3 days and cleans the iv. you know what? u just get used to it. seriously. and hey, i got a cast cover for my leg and enjoyed a bath every day!
i will say the kids were FREAKED. and u have to be careful the dogs don't get excited round the tubes. don't want those suckers pulled out. i also have had a precious nurse who has become such a dear friend. that's one of my many blessings.
so next turned over to chief honcho foot and ankle doc in charlotte. Hodges Davis. from new orleans. doncha know. same group of friends. i'm in good hands. he's not too pleased w/ what he sees but infection under control. takes me off the vac. yeah. now i dress the wound myself. not bad if u don't mind looking at the inside of your ankle. shocking for the lay person. but educational, i suppose. i know what the tendon looks like.
so he refers me immediately to plastic surgeon.
set to do a reverse sural artery flap and graft.
okey dokey. checked that out on the internet. hmmmm. sounds like more pain to me. gearing up for that.
surgery is april 7...then off my feet again for four weeks, non weight bearing. in 6 weeks should be able to bear weight and then we get to see how much of the tendon repair survived the infection.
and on from there.
so write if u have any questions. i'll update next week. i'll take all the prayers i can get!
Elizabeth-
woops, i meant, did u just have surgery?
it's not me it'smy hubby.He didn't have surgery, they have just put a cast on, happy the ends will meet in time, but the pain is unbearable. He is a strong guy but is almost constantly running with sweat from the pain, he has no appetite and the tears are hard to keep away it hurts him so much
Oh - i am sooo sorry for him. just relay my story to him so he can see things could even be worse!!! (my blog is the auntie mern from today)
so, here's the scoop. i assume he ruptured the tendon and they are not doing surgery or is he waiting for surgery. my situation was that i had a 9 day wait til surgery (i actually travelled to New Orleans 48 hrs. after the rupture) i was in the boot and was told i could apply some pressure which i did. i know i had darvocet and advil...and for whatever reason the pain was bearable. the pain after surgery was intense i have to admit. really intense even tho i was on morphine and then dilauded.
bottom line is your hubby does NOT have to suffer like this. seriously. this ain't the civil war. you've got to call the doc ASAP and get a prescription. he needs something stronger...hydrocodone...something to give him relief. he's OBVIOUSLY in excruciating pain. lemme know!
thanks marynel, going to doc in the morning
On the topic of pain relief, there is something called CYP2D6 deficiency that 5-10% of people have (myself included), and most don't know it. It isn't a health problem at all, in and of itself, but it can have a major impact on how your body handles certain drugs.
In particular, if you have this issue, (problem doesn't seem like the right word), oxycodone and codiene won't work for you. Those drugs need that CYP2D6 enzyme to be turned into their active form (that is, the form that relives pain).
If you think you might have this issue, let your doctor know, because it can have other effects on some other drugs you might take either now or someday.
So, if you were given oxycodone or codiene for pain and it didn't do anything, you're not crazy or a sissy, you may have CYP2D6 deficiency.
Also be aware that there are plenty of doctors out there who are unaware of this issue. Mine wasn't, and he's a very good doctor and surgeon.
Doug-
Thanks. That's so interesting and it explains a lot. I was literally in the hospital 2 days longer for the rupture surgery cuz they couldn't get the pain under control. I have been doing a bit of research in the pain control dept. before i go in for my next surgery tuesday. i'll see if my doc knows anything about this. knowing what i now know about lack of relief from the morphine, i'm hoping things are not quite as brutal this time around. we'll see.
Marynel,
Just to be sure I was clear, CYP2D6 deficiency does not effect how morphine works. In fact, that enzyme turns codeine into morphine, codeine's "active form."
I forgot to mention that tramadol is another pain drug that depends on CYP2D6 for its activation.
ahha. got it. still don't know why the morphine isn't
really effective. chemistry, i suppose. this time around i'm just gonna make sure there's a Plan B.
anyway, thanks.
Marynel,
If you were getting the morphine by mouth, (as opposed to intravenous), in the hoospital, it can be hard to predict how much of the morphine will get into your system. There are other similar drugs that are more reliably absorbed when taken orally.
Good luck!
Had surgery on Feb. 17th (5th time on the Achilles that I tore years ago. I've had my second visit to the doctor and this time I think will be the charm. The tendon was lengthened with cadaver tissue. I was hoping to be out of the boot by now but the doctor wants to take it slow (can't imagine another surgery) - so now I'll be nwb until mid May. My leg swells and the tendon, although feels strong, is tight and stiff. Hang in there everybody!!
This is better than psycho-therapy for me. I ruptured my tendon on Jan 31 and had surgery 3 days later on Feb 3. I am now 10 weeks out and going to start PT today. I am walking without the boot but with a considerable limp. I have had considerable stiffness, especially after waking up. It does tend to loosen up a bit as the day goes on with more activity. If I had to make a recommendation to anyone with the same injury is, DO EXACTLY WHAT YOUR DOC TELLS YOU. This is an injury that you can recover from if you do it right and don't try too much too soon. I will post again after my first round of PT. Good luck to everyone.
Surgery March 13 Plaster cast off April 13. Stopped my forward fall with the surgery leg April 14. Excruciating pain, very fearful I reputpured. Saw doc today and he thinks the tendon is still connected but cant tell for sure because of scar tissue and swelling. SCARED Anyone have comfort for me?
Surgery March 13 Plaster cast off April 13. Stopped my forward fall with the surgery leg April 14. Excruciating pain, very fearful I reputpured. Saw doc today and he thinks the tendon is still connected but cant tell for sure because of scar tissue and swelling. SCARED Anyone have comfort for me?
JJ, I too stepped down with my bad wheel about a week after surgery. It was wet outside and my crutch slipped out from underneath me when walking into and office building. The pain put me through the roof but I did not re-rupture the tendon. They use a very stong material to sew the tendon back together. You should definitely keep it elevated and take some pain killers.
Hi,
I ruptured my right Achilles tendon on Thurs April 16th. I am getting a 2nd opinion from a more experienced ortho surgeon on Monday, Apr 20th and if he is available later that week, I will get surgery from him.
This is a very informative and supportive blog and community. I'm trying to stay positive. A few questions:
1) Does anyone have any experience with flying in airplanes post surgery? What is the earliest period that this is possible? I have read about the potential for blood clots, but I travel a fair amount of my work.
2) I have someone who can help me during the first 2 weeks post surgery - but after that, I will be living solo. Any feedback on whether it's much easier to handle chores, bathroom, etc after 2 weeks, would be helpful.
Thanks!
2 weeks post op aren't that much different from 2 days post op except that you should be narcotics free after 2 weeks.
WHEELCHAIR helped me. I use it in my house and it enabled me to use two hands to get stuff done.
Gene,
I think you will find it difficult by yourself 2 weeks post op, I know people who have done it but it's hard because of the swelling and the fact that your foot needs to be elevated for all of the time at the beginning.
In saying that, I was living by myself for about 1 month only 4 weeks post surgery, and managed fine - crutched my way to the shops for groceries and exercise, got lifts with friends to social events and even a lift to work every morning.
Guys, thanks for the feedback so far.
I just got back from surgery tonite. The doc tells me it was a success! I had a complete tear and part of my tendon had retracted into my calf. Currently have a hard splint with a ton of Ace bandage around it. On percaset and am elevating it. i can't put any ice given the thickness of the cast.
So i'll ask the dr if I can travel on a plane in about 4 weeks.
Gene,
I had surgery on Feb 3 after a rupture on Jan 31. 10 days after my surgery I had blood clots and am currently on Coumadin. I've done a lot of research on the flying issue after surgery as I travel for my job as well. It will not be recommended because of the already lack of flow because of immobility. As the other poster said, 2-weeks post-op will still be hard getting around on your own. I ruptured my right AT so I was unable to drive for 8 weeks after surgery. Definitely get your docs advice on air travel but, coming from experience with the clots, it's nothing to mess with. Good luck and best wishes...
To the poster regarding blood clots, that is something I will have to research further. At this point, I think traveling on planes will be unlikely.
Blood clots 10 days post surgery? Is this commonplace? Do you mind sharing some stats such as age and physical shape? I'm 32 and live quite an active life - my doctor thought I would have low risk for blood clots, but now I'm a bit concerned.
Thanks again and good luck
p.s. my first day post surgery was spent just elevating the leg and doing work off of my labtop. however, it's nighttime and my leg feels super swollen against my cast! I hope the swelling subsides overnight.
Gene, I just turned 40 years old this past Sunday. I actually ruptured my tendon playing soccer. So I consider myself a very active person at 6'1" and about 205.
I've had a lot of discussions with my Orthopedic Surgeon about my experience with surgery, clots, etc. Since the veins in your lower leg are much more narrow than those in your upper leg, clots can form more easily after this type of surgery. My doctor didn't expect clots for me either. Hopefully you doc has you taking asprin to help slim the chance of clotting. You need to watch for swelling or a sensation of pressure in your calf area. Obviously, you will have pain in your lower ankle area from surgery but be conscious of the feeling you have in the actual calf. On that 10th day after surgery, I got out of bed (still with cast on) and used my crutches to head to the bathroom. Immediately there was a intense pressure in my calf that was quite painful. Called the doc and they sent me to the hospital for a Venus Doppler (sonogram) and they found the clots. I hope this helps. If something doesn't feel right, always check with your doctor. Hopefully, you won't encounter the clot situation but as a fellow Achilles Rupture patient, I would wait to fly until you are mobile on the leg.
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I'm on Aspirin twice a day, along with my Percoset. I think i'll know more when i have my post op visit in two weeks.
A fact I didn't realize for those who live in New York City - Duane reade has a home delivery service: I purchased a shower bench and a wheelchair today, all at costs that seemed lower than the surgical stores and off of Amazon
It's so nice today in NYC (Saturday) and I'm on the couch watching the NBA Playoffs.
I've tried to lower my calorie count but how much weight gain did people experience?
I'm 30 and quite active, but I feel like I'm expending a fraction of the calories I used to prior to my injury.
My pain/swelling is worse at the end of the night and when I wake up - I have been elevating it every moment I can get.
hi all,have been following this thread since december when my hubby fully ruptured his a.t.and i now feel its time for me to add my views.firstly treatment in the uk is a whole lot different than the u.s.a,so its very difficult to compare.however here,s my story.16th dec hubby had op,2weeks post op in cast,then boot for the following 6wks,BUT the day he was due to come out of hospital he was in severe pain and only his continual complaining that a on call doc order a mri scan which showed BLOOD CLOTS!THESE ARE NOT TO BE MESSED WITH(eg.flying).then injections every day(not asprin) of warfrin plus tabs and visits from medical team for a week at home.continued on warfrin for 3months.he returned to wrk as a site manager 16th feb and 2 weeks later had boot removed(whoopee he can now drive)nearly 5 months later he had no re-rupters(which is quite common)but still has a limp an after 12hrs walking around site all day who wouldnt have a limp.however we have just been given the ok from doc for him to fly,but alot of insurance companies either wanted an 90day exculsion which we can just give or will not insure you at all cos of the clots,so beware all if you intending to fly check out terms and conditions of companies as the differ and could cost you the earth if needed to claim for ANY reason!!! ivejust bought hubby some flight socks as i no i,ll still worry when we fly in a couple of weeks,but he really needs this holiday and to be honest so do i,its been a strain on us both for different reasons.by the way he was playing football for the first time in 25years when it happened(how unfortunate)he 49yrs old and needs to stop being silly(hehhe,joking).take care all.karen
Stitches are out today! It's been 2 weeks post surgery. The Dr. said the swelling was minimal and that the curvature of my foot (when hanging over the exam bed) exhibited the right tension of the tendon.
I was very focused on keeping the foot elevated the past two weeks; I think that combined with my age (32) may have helped in the recovery so far.
I'm now in a walking boot, i am still non-weight bearing in my right foot for another 3 weeks. But it'll be nice to actually wash my right leg/foot in the shower in a few days!
It was 13 weeks ago that I had surgery. I am 3 weeks into physical therapy and noticing a dramatic difference. My mobility and strength is coming back gradually. I still walk with a slight limp but that will hopefully subside in the next week or two. I am starting to see the light and it feels good. To all of you who are still in a cast or boot...take it easy and know that if you rehab the right way...you will be back to normal. Don't get down, instead be thankful that you will be able to walk as you did before. It's only a lump in your oatmeal...
Hello, Kerry here. I have recently had surgery to repair a partially torn L achilles tendon. I was playing softball when it happened, in North Eastern Alabama. I finished that game and played 2 more before we were eliminated. Kinda dumb, huh?
Surgery was on the 23rd of April, on the 11th of May got out of the splint and into a boot. Not walking, nor will I for several more weeks. Did start light PT yesterday and go 2 x's per week.
No real pain, and only missed 2 days of work, day of surgery and the Friday after. I was able to only take 2 of the Rx narcotics, which allowed me to return to work. I was set-up in a different office and not allowed into the mill.
My AT torn off my heel, did not tear in two, and not all of it was unattached.
I have not asked if I will ever be able to play again, and am afraid to ask. Also, I do not know if my employer will be happy if anything like this happens again. I was only working for them for about 8 weeks prior to surgery.
This spot will be flagged and I will be returning daily.
good luck to all.
Hello out there it was May 21st when I had my surgery. This has been the worst incident in my life I'm a 36 yr old who was playing some basketball when I fully ruptured my AT. Then after 4 days of being in a temporary splint, the splint caused a cellulitus infection because it was rubbing on my outer ankle bone. This caused my Dr. to not cast me at the one week post OP mark and also keep my leg in a splint that only covers the back of my leg which is ace bandaged on. Today is the two week mark after surgery and I'm taking antibiotics for the infection. 4 days from know I will be back to the Dr. to hopefully get a cast. I dont like the fact that I dont really have much protection around my ankle, and at night when I am just falling a sleep I get muscle spazims which make my foot twinge. The Dr. says that is not enough to damage the tendon it still lets you know its there. I also had tenderness in my lower calf only to the touch. That led the Dr. to have me get a Dopler of my leg to rule out blood clots. To anyone out there that can answer these questions: 1.) My swelling is mostly around my ankle is that common ? 2.) How would you know if you reruptured the tendon ? 3.) Has anyone else not recieved a cast right away ? Well just to add to this misery I am a cop and an out doors type of guy and this sitting around is killing me. Hope everyone has a speedy recovery. Bob G.
Bob,
I ruptured my Achilles about 4 months ago now. I am now in week 7 of physical therapy. Swelling around the ankle is very common. I still have swelling and tightness after being on the foot all day.
You would definitely know if you re-ruptured your tendon. I stepped down about a week post-op and went through the roof but luckily didn't damage anything. DO NOT PUT ANY WEIGHT ON YOUR FOOT AT THIS TIME. This injury is a pain in the arce but you have to do what the Dr. tells you and take it slow. I too, am very active and it was very difficult for me to sit at home for the first 6 weeks and not be able to do anything. I ended up with blood clots 2 weeks after surgery and am still on Coumadin for that. Pay close attention to any pain in your calf. It's better to be safe than sorry. Hang in there and read some good books.
It will get better but you must be patient...
I had surgery 5 days ago on my Achilles Tendon as I had a full rupture of the tendon while playing tennis. I am half-casted and was prescribed Vicodin and Toradol, as an anti-inflammatory. I have been resting, icing and elevating my leg for 5 days and just today noticed that the knee of my casted leg is very warm to the touch, especially when compared to my non-injured leg. I have no other pain or symptoms (besides occassional leg twitches in my injured leg). Should I be concerned about my skin temperature on my knee? Is this a sign of an infection? I can't see my incision wound since I am casted so I don't know if it's red or pussy. It doesn't feel swollen.
It was june 13,2009 I ruptured my achilles playing softball. I was at third base and picked the ball up in motion to 1st and short stop yells 3rd !! So I changed motion toward second base runner and that's when I thought someone stepped on the back of my heal. I instantly fell forward face in the dirt!! I was in slot of pain for about 20 minutes.
I had surgery June 16th and I am 9 days post op. Experiencing calf cramps, tingling infoot, hot sensations, and bottom of foot cramps up. I was put in hard cast 1wk post op. Within 24 hrs I had to go back and get cast off because it hurt so bad I had to go back on pain meds!
Doc says I can opt for cast for 3 more weeks or if I am 100 percent compliant that I don't put my foot down I can start walking boot! With crutches of course.
I was more concerned about the calf cramp. I took a muscle relaxer thinking it would help , which it did. But after looking up norflex I found the side effects stated It could cause tendon injuries!! I was mortified! I had been on norflex for about 3 weeks prior too this injury. Very healthy female and was surprised this happens to me. Statisticly this does not happen to women. That's what the doc said anyway.
Ihave great doc at domino farms sport med clinic in Michigan . I could not be happier with them. They are team USA hockey surgeons!!
I am really anxious to start PT can't wait to play ball again!
Hi everyone,
Like everyone else here, I suffered an achilles rupture on 31 May 09. This is my second time different side. I opted not to get surgery because I noticed I was not a complete rupture. I got an MRI done and confirmed it! It was a partial tear indeed, but it sure hurt when it happened, more so than the complete rupture I suffered 6 years ago. Anyhow, I got put on the boot right away with the boot poiting down 15 degree. I haven't seen a doctor since, but next week I have an appoitment as I want to know how my achilles is doing. About two weeks after the injury I almost fell down because my crutches slipped and the first thing I did was to put my bad foot down and I felt it!!! It felt the achilles strech, or whatever didn't tear. The pain was immediate, but not severe and it went away very quick. This Sunday will be a month since my injury and I'm still contemplating getting surgery. I live in Germany and would hate to be on crutches come winter. Based on a lot of your experiences, surgery will give me the best chance at recovering faster than if I let it heal on its own. Not to mention the possibility of re-rupture deminishes.
I would like to read your comments on me getting the surgury a month after the injury. My foot looks fine, I bit bigger than my other foot, but not swollen and everything seems to be in place. But again, I'm not sure if I should continue with the slow recovery process or just get the surgery. On my previous injury, I did get the surgury, but it took a while before I was on my feet. the scar healed nicely and haven't had any problems with that achilles since.
your thoughts please...
Complete rupture on June 2th playing hoops, surgery on June 5th. Tendon was rolled way up into the calf and the doc had to dig it out with his index finger. traveled from San Diego (stopover in Newark, 23 hour door to door) to Costa Rica on June 20th for a mostly month long vacation with the family. Crutched through the rainforest for almost a mile. I'm at 21 days today and am supposed to be able to put weight on it at 28 days. I might do 5% for the next 7 days. Still have lots of swelling the ebbs and flows based on elevating the leg. This blog, which I found today, is making me feel better mentally. Pain is just weakness leaving the body. Hang in there.
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