Achilles: How soon to operate?

[ggleft]

Hello All. Last THursday April 20th, I ruptured my achilles playing footnall and went to the emergency room. The hospital referred me to an ortho and I went the next day. However, the Ortho has to take his annual "re-certification" exam and scheduled me for Wednesday. That's almost 1 week after the injury.

I've read that surgery must occur soon after the injury for it to be effective. Can someone please share your experience with this? How long did you wait to be operated? Is a week too long? Should I see another Ortho?

Thanks! Also, if anyone can comment on exactly how much weight to put on the foot that'd be great. I'm managing with crutches, but sometimes you need an extra hand so I've been kinda dragging my foot as I walk to the kitchen so I can handle stuff and live my every day life. PLs. let me know your thoughts.

THanks!~

[dbhscon@aol.com]

hi
i ruptured mine feb 17 had surgery march 3 they had to wait untill the sweling went down ,., i was in a hard cast for 2 weeks . and been in a soft cam walker cast sence then said ill have to be in this for 12 weeks ..i can finaly put 50# of weight on it this fri the 28 for two weeks then he said i can put what i can stand.. dont go back to see doc until may 25 . still have not had any physical therapy ??? told me it could take 6 to 12 months to heal .. hope this has been help full any other questions i would be glad to help .
good luck dean

[unlucky]

Hi there,
Operating straight away would be preferred, my specialst did mine that afternoon (lucky he was free). I can recommend him if you are in Sydney. He operates at the Hills Private & the Sands.
I personally wouldn't put any weight on it - although I would assume the pain would be quite intense. My achilles snapped so I really had no alternative to surgery - if yours has not totally snapped then you would have the ability to support maybe some weight. The whole process is EXTREMELY frustrating - I am 7 weeks post op & just starting to put pressure on it, although can not walk yet. I totally understand about needing to put the leg down to function, I have 2 young boys.
Anyway good luck with the surgery - I got a blood clot from going into surgery, so just be mindful of any after op pain (esp burning) although I am the first patient of my specialst who has ever had a clot, so I must be special!!

Best wishes!

[ggleft]

Thanks for your replies. I had my surgery a week the injury occurred and so far so good. Now I'm hoping I go for a quick recovery.