ruptured achillies and blood clot

[mesallee]

HI I ruptured my Achilles tendon on the 17/9/05 dancing at a party. Had surgery on the 22/09/05 and was put into a hard cast with toes pointed. Went back to hospital on 20/10/05 to have plaster removed and new one put on with foot in neutral position. During this visit they found that I had a deep vein blood clot in my calf, so they couldn't move my foot to neutral position. Plaster was put back on and medication started for the DVT. It’s now been nearly 4 weeks since then and I still have another week to go until I see ortho to get this plaster off. I have no idea what they have planned for me next and whether having the DVT is going to make recovery slower. I haven't been allowed to put weight on my foot at all and the muscles in that leg have shrunk heaps. Has anyone else had the added complication of a DVT?
I would love to hear from anyone about it.
im 41 and dr said it common to happen around this age.
Sally

[Unregistered]

Unfortunately you will need to stay on anti-coagulant medication for a few months which is a real pain, but it is better than getting a pulmonary embolus.

Hopefully the DVT itself won't affect the healing of the Achilles tendon which will have you back being able to play sport in about 9 months presuming everything goes well from here. It is a bad injury but with surgery you will hopefully make a full recovery.

[mesallee]

thanks for the reply . went to dr today got plaster off and im now in a cam walker. only partial weeight bearing for the next 7 weeks but starting physio today. cant move my foot much at all. so got lots of work to do.

[Mark]

Hi,

I did my Achilles Tendon 9 weeks ago playing basketball.

I was put in a cast for 2 weeks and for 6 weeks was wearing a cam walking with each week removing an incline wedge.

Last week, got rid of the boot and now I'm wearing a normal shoe, I'm seeing the physiotherapist tomorrow. Each day I'm getting more and more movement and I'm aiming to be walking fluidly by Christmas and playing again around March-May next year (knock on wood).

I found the hardest part was clearing up the wound.


Later...

[Unregistered]

hI, i WAS JUST READING ABOUT SOME EXPERIENCES THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND JUST WANTED TO ADD JUST HOW MUCH THIS INJURY EFFECTS YOUR LIFE.
I RUPTURED MY ACHILLES ALMOST 4 WEEKS AGO i HAD SURGERY AS i HAD 12 CM RETRACTION AND AT PRESENT i AM IN A FULL CAST.. THIS CAST WILL COME OFF IN ABOUT TWO MORE WEEKS..
I AM TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE ABOUT THE FUTURE AND ONLY HOPE THAT i MAY CONTINUE NOT ALL BUT MOST OF MY FITNESS EXERCISES THAT I PERFORMED BEFORE THIS INJURY. I WAS RIDING AROUND 30KM EVERY SECOND DAY AND FINISHING WITH A 5- 10KM RUN.
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS REGULAR IN ALOT OF MIDDLE AGE MEN AND WOMEN. I AM MALE 33 YEARS OLD AND WAS JUST WANDERING IF THERE WAS ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS BEEN THROUGH THIS AROUND THE SAME AGE AND RECOVERED WELL.
I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT ONCE THIS FULL CAST COME'S OFF IT WILL BE AROUND 4-6 WEEKS BEFORE I WILL BE ABLE START WALKING.
YOU REALLY DONT APPRECIATE JUST HOW LUCKY YOU ARE TO WALK UNTIL IT HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY...

[33 in socal]

I to am 33. I just ruptured mine 17 days ago playing basket ball. Mine is doing real good so far. I had surgery only 6 hoursafter the rupture. I was then put in a splint or half cast.
I went on Monday expecting to be put in full cast. But the healing is going so well esp. the wound that i lucked out and got a Walking boot with heel inserts instead.
The doctor said to gradually put weight on it and the way my is positioned in the boot, I cant hurt the tendon. and If all goes well, I be out of the boot in 6 weeks or so. Being 33 we are still young so we heal quick. Take 2000 MG of Vitamin C a doy though. i really belive that is helping me heal as fast as I am.

[Unregistered]

A bit of advice to all Pineapple, Yes pineapple has healing quailities that are unexplained. I was given this advice after knee surgery and it really helped. So when in the mood for a snack go for pineapple, weather in chunks or rings whatever it will help the healing process.

[Mark]

I'm 32 years old, and I ruptured my achilles playing basketball in October 05, taking off for a fast break.

Last time I posted a thread I just got rid of my boot & was wearing normal shoes and was aiming to walk fluidly by Christmas. I achieved this and was starting to jog just after Christmas.

My advice is to do all the re-hab/physio required, I went approximately 2-3 times a week, getting strength and range of movement back.

It's now 9 months since surgery and I'm playing basketball again.

Goodluck!

[unlucky]

HI All,

It's been a while since my last thread. I am now walking & running (after the kids) & I did my achilles on the 1/3/06. I really think that having to run around after a 2 & 4 yr old really expediated my recovery.
Now down to Physio once a fortnight, can wear flats & heels (although heels are fine when I wear them, just when I take them off I have to stretch).

Still on Warfarin for the bloody clot, but I am sure it is gone.

Took my crutches & boot back to the Physio at the hospital & said thanks - but I never want to see him again:D - he was happy with my recovery - quite surprised that I could walk on flats - being a mum that's all I wear now a days!

So I am happy with the recovery, never thought I would see this day - depression & frustration has gone, now would love to just be able to run on the treadmill again, as all muscle has turned into flab & running was my outlet!

Oh well, as I know, I will get there!

Good luck to all those who have incurred an injury, it is frustrating, but trust me, things do get better!

CYA
Sasha:p