Hamstring Avulsion (complete tear from pelvis) [Archive]

return2play

02-10-2007, 02:31 PM

Hi, sorry about your injury,

I just read an article in J Am Acad Orthop Surg, Vol 15, No 6, June 2007, 350-355. If you can get your hands on the article, it gives a great review of all of the pertinent literature about surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsions (tearing the hamstring tendons off of the sit-bone). Here is the abstract:

Hamstring strain is common in athletes, and both diagnosis and surgical treatment of this injury are becoming more common. Nonsurgical treatment of complete ruptures has resulted in complications such as muscle weakness and sciatic neuralgia. Surgical treatment recently has been advocated to repair the complete rupture of the hamstring tendons from the ischial tuberosity. Surgical repair involves a transverse incision in the gluteal crease, protection of the sciatic nerve, mobilization of the ruptured tendons, and repair to the ischial tuberosity with the use of suture anchors. Reports in the literature of surgical treatment of proximal hamstring rupture are few, and most series have had a relatively small number of patients. Surgical repair results project 58% to 85% rate of return to function and sports activity, near normal strength, and decreased pain.

If you have a complete avulsion(tear) that has retracted 1 to 2 cm, then most of these are going to surgery. If the tear has not retracted more than that, conservative measures tend to be the better way. If I remember correctly, the sooner the tendon is repaired, the better but some of the cases were out months to years and still had good outcomes.

If you want a copy of the article, I could send it to you.

So, basically, it depends on the amount of retraction of the tendons (need to have an MRI to make that measurement.)

Good Luck!

Irish

09-10-2007, 09:59 PM

Hi,
I have rehabed a rugby union player back from a surgical repair of a complete proximal avulsion and he returned after 6 months to play international rugby. Conservative management may not return the player to the pre-injury performance levels however. There are a few case studies in the literature, mostly waterskiing injuries. Considering the level of activity required post injury would nfluence which management plan.

jpmjr

25-10-2007, 07:01 AM

Lise -- I suffered a complete hamstring avulsion (from the ischial tuberosity) on Sept. 9th and had surgery to repair the avulsion on Oct. 3rd. Surgeon said that the hamstring/tendons had retracted only about 1 cm in that time. (From what I read, more significant retraction occurs if repair surgery is delayed in terms of months.) Incision was in the line between the back of butt and top of back of leg, and only about 1 inch wide. He anchored the hamstring tendons back to the pelvic bone with 3 anchors. From what I read, the only option besides surgery for this injury is, essentially, to do nothing and hope that the scar tissue that builds up around the tendon can bridge and (sort of) re-anchor the muscle back to the hip bone. But a lot of complications can arise and scar tissue is notoriously unpredictable. In that case, you cannot ever expect a return to 100% strength in the muscle.

My doctor has prescribed -- 6 weeks on crutches post-surgery, then 3-5 months (perhaps more) of physical therapy to restrengthen the hamstring muscle. He said that, by Spring, I will be "rocking and rolling" and can return to skiing, hockey and all other sports. He said I should expect to return to 100% (or near 100%) strength and mobility.

Just wanted to let you know about my experience and what I've learned to date in dealing with this injury, as well as going through the repair surgery.

Best of luck with the recovery.

beau_zo_brehm

31-10-2007, 09:09 AM

Hey, I suffered an avulsion 3 years ago and I still experience alot of pain when I play sports. I was in 8th grade when I had the injury and they decided to treat it conservatively, but after no progress was made I had the surgery about 10 months later. My surgeon reattached the bone via a screw and reattached the tendon to the bone with staples. The screw has since been removed, and apparently everything "has healed fine". The only problem being that tendon doesn't repair with tendon tissue, but instead scar tissue. My doctor informed me that this is probably as good as it is going to get for me. If you have this injury, I urge you to have the surgery done ASAP to prevent migration of the tendon and the bone, which will result in a less successful recovery. I still experience pain even when walking or sitting, especially after intense activity. I have extreme tightness in my injured leg, and it is painful to run. Because of this injury I haven't (and possibly never will) had a healthy day of high school sports.

This injury has been an extremely depressing experience for me, and I wish those of you that have also had it the best of luck.

Beau

pedro99

05-11-2007, 06:28 AM

I am posting my experience to date so that others may benefit. I completely tore my right hamstring on 9-26-07 [Wed nite around 9:30PM] while playing men's ice hockey. I am 50-yrs old. I ended up in an awkward position of going down into a full-splits position that I couldn't get out of ... my weight and momentum are what tore the hamstrings; I was not hit by another player - just a fluke accident. In fact, I remember thinking as it was happening - "I don't do these anymore" ... felt like a giant rubberband vibrating violently in the upper-back-part-of-my-thigh .... then it just gave way .... I heard no pop. But I went down in pain when it tore off ... I asked a few of the players to try and stand me up .... but I could not stand the pain. I had them slowly drag me off the ice .... so they could play as I waited for an ambulance. Went to ER .... got a heavy dose of pain meds, given crutches and sent home. I literally did not move [used a pee bottle] from my couch for 2 1/2 days [got off couch Sat. aft for 1st time] . Huge bruise - very purple and large show-up by Sat -- covered the back of my thigh. So injury happened on a Wed nite ... following Tues AM finally went to Doc. He said I a severe hamstring injury .... like what water-skiers often get .. and referred me to a Sports Doc-specialst. He did an Ultrasound -- but said injury was too deep ... but also felt it was severe. He took X-ray and ... showed no bone fragments. Had an MRI following Wed [now 2-weeks post op] then Docs eval of MRI by end of 2nd week-post-injury. He said it showed a complete avulsion of the hamstrings w/ about a 5 to 6 inch retraction of the muscle. He recomended that I talk to a surgeon to do repair. It should be noted that this was 2 weeks post-injury; I was actually feeling pretty good and no longer using crutches/walking up and down stairs like normal. When I was told it was a complete tear I was surprised, shocked and sad all at once. I asked how could that be .... I was feeling pretty good? Doc told me ... not unusual because there was actually no more significant healing going on because I had already been thru the trauma of the injury ... and since it was completely tore off ... there was no more healing to do. He set-up appt w/surgeon - Dr. Lee Kaplan - from Univ. of Madison UW-Hospital; who also specializes in these injuries and had just performed the same type of repair operation on UW Football team's #1 receiver - Luke Swan. Luke had his surgery 9 days [Oct. 10th] prior to mine. I am now 16 days post-op [surgery was 10-19]; I actually feel great - no pain from surgery and no pain post op for which I am very grateful . I have been told that my rehab to get back to ice hockey is approx. 6 months - but of course this is an individual thing and I have to realize that I am 50 and not 20. Tommie Harris of the Chicago Bears in the NFL had his surgery in Dec. 2006 and was playing again for them this year. I play recreational men's ice hockey at least 4+ times a week and remain positive about my recovery. I would be more than happy to answer questions about anything I can help you with.

nycrunner

28-11-2007, 07:31 AM

Wanted to offer you something I've learned that might help you. I was told today that I need to get hamstring surgery to repair a torn hamstring and that the hamstring has also attached itself to the sciatic nerve which runs down the leg, and so they will seperate this attachment between the hamstring and the nerve. The pain you decribe is exactly what I feel. Maybe you can talk to another doctor about this - it doesn't sound like your pain will ever go away if the nerve is involved. If you want to do research, it's called "hamstring syndrome". All the studies I've read show very high success rates for people with hamstring surgeries returning to competetive sports, so it seems odd that you are still in pain. Good Luck!

Hey, I suffered an avulsion 3 years ago and I still experience alot of pain when I play sports. I was in 8th grade when I had the injury and they decided to treat it conservatively, but after no progress was made I had the surgery about 10 months later. My surgeon reattached the bone via a screw and reattached the tendon to the bone with staples. The screw has since been removed, and apparently everything "has healed fine". The only problem being that tendon doesn't repair with tendon tissue, but instead scar tissue. My doctor informed me that this is probably as good as it is going to get for me. If you have this injury, I urge you to have the surgery done ASAP to prevent migration of the tendon and the bone, which will result in a less successful recovery. I still experience pain even when walking or sitting, especially after intense activity. I have extreme tightness in my injured leg, and it is painful to run. Because of this injury I haven't (and possibly never will) had a healthy day of high school sports.

This injury has been an extremely depressing experience for me, and I wish those of you that have also had it the best of luck.

Beau

pedro99

14-12-2007, 08:25 AM

I am now 8 weeks post op, feeling good and anxious. Meet with my surgeon and PT today [12-13-07]; both want to stay with a conservative course of rehab. I have been in the pool for almost 3-weeks doing warm-pool-hydro therapy for approx. 40-to-45 minutes up to 6 x per week [recommended 4x per week minimum] I have been on a bike for 1-week - PT is for 10-to-15 minutes 4 to 5 x per week on stationary bike. PT in both the pool and bike is not to push yourself to cause pain - it should be pain-free and for me it is. And, I have not experienced pain from the repair - however, I do have a "sense" of where it has been re-attached. I have additional leg, abdominal and lower back exercises that are part of my PT routine that I also need to do a minimum of 4x per week. I wore a brace for 5-weeks post op. I no longer wear the brace unless I have to shovel snow. I hope to return to skating and ice hockey sometime in Feb. 2008. At least at this point I get to exercise - for 3-weeks post op I did basically nothing except for a handful of isometric exercises.

Lake girl

23-12-2007, 03:13 AM

Can anyone help me?

I was injured 2 years ago in a waterski accident. I was wrongly diagnosed and told that there was nothing to be done. I recently further injured the muscle. I had a new MRI and the specialist said that the elasticity was so far gone that surgery was impossible. I am undergoing rehabilitation for the new injury with almost no improvement. Is there any sort of replacement surgery available? I am really willing to try anything! Thank you

Hi there,
Has anyone had an avulsion of the hamstring? I have been told by GP that is will need to be surgically repaired, but cannot get in to see the surgeon for 8 weeks. If anyone has experience with a hamstring repair, I would love to know about the op, how long after the injury and the rehab.
Look forward to hearing

Lake girl

23-12-2007, 03:19 AM

I am a new member and not very good with computers! I might be posting this twice! I had a complete avulsion of the hamstring 2 years ago. I was, unfortunately, misdiagnosed and was told nothing could be done. A few weeks ago I further injured my leg. A new MRI was done and the specialist said that the old injury had caused so much scar tissue and had so little elasticity that there was nothing to be done. I am undergoing rehab for the new injury with little success. I would love to know if there is any hope of a replacement or artificial transplant? Does anyone have advice? Thank you!

mals

17-04-2008, 10:04 AM

My son is 14 and he just had surgery yesterday to repair a hamstring avulsion. We're now struggling with the braces. What have others done post-op to immoblize the hamstring - braces? bedrest? Thanks in advance!

pedro99

19-04-2008, 02:50 AM

Hi.

It has now been 6-months post surgery to the day since I had my right hamstring repaired. I have returned to playing ice hockey again - and almost at the level I was at prior to my injury (I am at better than 90%). I expect to be at or close to 100% within the next month or 2.

I have been very pleased with the rehab and can't say enough positive things about working closely with my surgeon and physical therapist. I started skating but with restrictions about mid-Feb (2008); I was under strict guidelines not to push-off hard and absolutely no burst accelerations. No slapshots or to try and do difficult shots or manuveurs.

Over the next 2 months I have continued to skate and play ice hockey approximately 4 times per week. I also continued work in the gym/rehab center to strengthen my repaired hamstring. I have yet to experience any significant pain or discomfort from the repaired hamstring. I have been very pleased with the level of intensity of exercising and skating that I have been able to perform.

The only thing I have yet to do is to shoot a hard slapshot; although I feel that I would have no problem doing it - I just have no real desire to. I skate with full confidence and do not think about my injury when I skate; I am very comfortable skating and playing again and have no problems with skating/turning in any direction - fowards or backwards.

My final stages (the next month) of rehab is for incorporating harder skating and burst acceleration, and sustaining higher speeds. I have been able to achieve burst acceleration and harder skating with no problem; and have successfully skated after and beat other players for the puck and skated on breakaways.

I hope this helps keep others feeling positive about working hard on their rehab for a hamstring avulsion. I have also heard that Luke Swan (football injury) has done well with his rehab too. I was told that my recovery-rehab would be 4-to-6 months back on the ice and playing again; and that is what it has been.

Rod

22-04-2008, 12:20 AM

Pedro99 and others,

I had my (partial) rupture of April 3rd. It was very painful. I was alone and out of town, and all I managed to do was climb into bed and collapse for the night. Next day I was able to browse for answers on the Net, and I was afriad that it was a rupture based on what I saw. I decided to visit with an ortopedist in Aventura Hospital in FL (that is where I was), who was really no good and misdiagnosed it as not a rupture. He asl owanted to start PT right away, a bad move as i understand now. Back home, I visited a specialist in Sports Medicine, M. Krauss, who did a superb job at examining the injury and correctly diagnosing it. The MRI later confirmed: two gone, one still attached.

He referred me to to P. Sallay, a surgeon in Indy who is one of the experts in this type of surgery. I was operated exactly two weeks after the injury happened. It was done with Titanium anchors and sutures to the muscle, which is pulled toward the anchors. Up to now, am extremely happy with the treatment. I am trying to stay in bed as much as possilble. When up, I use crutches and a harness. I do feel considerable stiffness in the lower part of the hamstring. It is hard to be confined to bed, but I am afraid of damaging the repair or hamstring by moving too much. It would be great if Pedro99 could offer some specific advice on the first week to 10 days after surgery. Did you feel some stiffness of the hamstring as well? How long were you immobilized?

My sports are yoga, tennis and running. In the future, I will comment on my performance here so people can have another view from a patient. Pedro's has been helpful to me. For those academically inclined, there are papers describing the surgery and its results. It was reassuring to see that my doctor had published his experience with surgery in academic journals.

aspenjohnson

11-07-2008, 01:31 PM

I just spent 45 minutes with a reply and got logged out and lost it - "dohhh"

I'm a 39 year old male and I had a near complete avulsion of the semitendinosus hamstring while waterskiing on June 9th, 2008. It was reattached on July 3rd - 24 days post injury. It was 11cm avulsed, so a second incision down the leg was needed (a few inches long), in addition to the typical higher incision following the buttocks.

The post surgical pain has been minimal - especially compaired to the initial injury. I only needed 3 pain pills and I am 8 days post surgery. Discomfort is more in numbness and limitaions, and the brace itself. Knee brace set at 60 degress.

The one thing that I wish I was better prepared to deal with, is the thing that no one wants to talk about: evacuation procedures. First of all, the incision along the crease of the buttocks is very close and vulberable to the evacuation area - know what I mean? Fecal matter in a wound could be awful! Trying not to extend the injured leg or put any pressure on it, while trying to sit on the toilet, is next to impossible, and the pain is nearly unbearable. The entire process is awkward, messy, painful, and unavoidable.

I got a raised toilet seat from physical therapy before I had surgery, but realized that it was going to be even less stable and didn't allow me to sit and evacuate on just the one cheek, so I never used it. Best suggestion I have is - just do it! Don't wait until you are constipated (pain pills will constipate, so get some mild laxatives). Also, wiping and cleaning up is easier once you are standing - have plenty of anti bacterial baby wipes on hand, and plan your showers for afterward.

I am completely off my feet until Monday - staples and sutures removed 11 days post op, and we'll see what the doc says then. No weight bearing for a couple of more weeks at least, I am expecting. Six weeks post op until I can start physical thereapy is what he said before. I would love to have the brace off as soon as possible, but wonder what the risk is to injuring the repair.

Quick recovery everyone,

Vince from Colorado

Randy

04-08-2008, 12:50 AM

I just had surgery on Thursday July 31st. I'm in a brace and have been restricted not to put any weight on my leg. I’m spending most of my time trying to get comfortable in bed. Today, I took my bandages off and have about a 12 inch scar. I didn't think that it would be quite that long. Post op pain as been moderate to severe, controlled by about 8 500mg vicodin a day. I have been eating extremely light because with the pain and the brace I don't really care to tackle the toilet. Purchased a rubber ring and hope that it will help when the need arises. I retracted one of the hamstrings 4 months ago and finally, after seeing 8 physicians, one felt he was up to the task at hand. The pain I experience prior to the surgery was disabling. I fortunately have my own business, but could only work about 5 hours with a few Vicodins on board. I know what you all have been through and wish you all the best. Still not sure why I have such a long scar.

aspenjohnson

04-08-2008, 01:38 AM

Hey Randy,

Sorry to hear about the injury/surgery. I am now 1 month post surgery. This has been a trying experience. I suspect that the length of your incision is due to the further avulsion of the muscle. I had a second incision that I wasn't expecting, and that is because they couldn't retrieve the little bugger. They also couldn't re-attach it at the ischial spot, so re-attached it to another muscle half way up the leg. If your incisions are anything like mine, the bathroom ring won't do you any good. The ring would have just gotten in the way. Like I said in my post, the best thing to do is just get it over with. If you have your brace on, you're not going to hurt anything, but expect some pain! BTW, at about 2 weeks I could tolerate the pain and well, going number 2 feels like I've been doing it my whole life - lol.

I was told orignally that I wouldn't be able to start P/T for 6 weeks, but got the go ahead after 3. The first session was painful but fine, and felt good just to be out of the brace. I had a lot of knee pain which surprised me, but that was because the knee doesn't like to be imobile that long. My second P/T session was a bit intense and they really stretched things out. I had some bruising and swelling from it and checked with the doc who said it was some micro tears, and to just back off a bit on pushing myself. I also tried full weight bearing/walking after getting it stretched out, and caused some more microtears and bruising. After one week of P/T, I am laid up again with little activity - mostly fearful of further injury, although they say that I am past the point of easily doing that - bar a fall and full extension. Lesson learned - don't push recovery too fast!

Keep us posted at your recovery Randy and good luck. Hollar back with any questions.

Cheers,

Vince from Aspen

aspenjohnson

04-08-2008, 01:42 AM

In case you didn't know Randy, those Vicodin will stop you up really bad - make sure and take some laxatives before things get out of control!!!!!!

Vince

Randy

04-08-2008, 03:32 AM

thanks vince, I've been on them for months now, and take an overcounter med that works fine. I'm looking forward to the next few days, when in theory, I'll be completely off all pain medications, except ibuprofen.
did you have this procedure, and if so how long was the incision? I didn't think it would be 12 inches.

Randy

04-08-2008, 03:39 AM

aspenjohnson

04-08-2008, 04:47 AM

I'm not exactly sure why, but my Doc also had me stop the ibuprofen after 7 days - he said it was important to let the natural swelling/healing occur - just might want to check with your doc on that. I can take tylenol extra strength, but haven't taken anything except a couple of aspirins since 10 days out. Lot's of water though (and I hate drinking water) to help hydrate the muscles. Also after initial healing of the incisions (once they take the stitches and staples out), you want to keep the incisions moist, but don't start putting a bunch of stuff on them. Don't be scared to get them wet, and a little bit of baby oil is alright, or something with no perfumes, etc., but watch out for a bunch of the miracle scar creams and what not. Staying hydrated will probablly help that as well.

Cheers,

Vince

Randy

05-08-2008, 05:19 PM

day 6
The pain has decreased some, but still on vicodin. I have a lot of swelling that is giving me some concern. I ve been putting a lot of ice on the area but that doesn't seem to help. Also, I have elivated the leg.
Randy

aspenjohnson

05-08-2008, 11:23 PM

Hang in there Randy - Ice is good, but honestly didn't help me a lot either with the swelling - don't use heat at this point.

Better than all the treatment out there, I bought myself a PS3!!! I can kick butt at Metal Gear Solid 4 now - grin. I am 33 days post-op, and this morning was the first morning I woke up without pain.

Set little goals Randy - next for you is probablly getting your staples/stitches out. I had mine out at 10 days. One of the things that bothered me the most was areas of numbness behind the knee, and had a weird pattern that moved up the back of my leg. That is slowly getting better.

Randy, have you been getting out of bed much? I got out of bed and hobbled around for about 5minutes every hour just to remind my body that my leg was still there. Just make sure and keep the brace on. I left mine on in bed as well, as per the doctor, but would loosen it just to let it breathe every once in a while. About 5 days out, I took it off once for the whole day, and really regretted it - It hurt soooooo bad the next day.

Have you managed to shower or take a bath? Showering is best at this point - you don't want to soak in warm water. My first shower, I wrapped the brace in a garbage bag, although I could have gotten it wet, I didn't want to. By the end of the first week, I took the brace off to shower, but was extremely careful.

Keep us posted Randy,

Vince

Amy R

06-08-2008, 08:10 PM

Vince:
Just saw your other post, and now know that you did have the procedure. thanks for the advise. I have read that the Drs, usually try to use 3 anchors to attach the tendon to the tuberosity. My dr was able to use one anchor, and told my wife that there wasn't room for any others.

I've already put the blow up ring in the box and will have my wife return it this week. I will try to keep everyone posted on a daily bases on my progress. I hope it will be helpful since it is a rare procedure. My Dr. even said, we will both learn as we go.

I had a waterskiing accident 5 days ago. The bruising and swelling make it look like i was beaten with a baseball bat. I went to the ER and the doc said it was just a strain (after x-ray) i then went to my internist who sent me for MRI - I am unable to lay on my stomach and lift my leg, I can not sit on the injured side, have numbness down my leg... I am assuming that I will need surgery - how long does the procedure take? Does it require a stay in the hospital or is it day surgery? I work on my feet - and according to postings I have read I will be on crutches for quite awhile - how long?

Randy

06-08-2008, 11:29 PM

Day 7
Pain a little better. Had an ultra sound yesterday to make sure I didn't have deep vein thrombosis; showering every other day without much problem. The big issue for me is getting my clothing on. This morning it took me 15 minutes, and after I was done, felt that I had stretched my stitches and was sweating like I had run a marathon. For some reason most of the pain is located at my foot and calf and the area of the surgery.
Vince: appreciate your input. You’ve had a tough month. I was happy to hear that you’re starting to become pain free.
Amy: was the MRI positive for a detached hamstring. If so, you need to find a surgeon in your area that his done the procedure. It’s not one that is done every day. Google “Sulley and hamstring”. He’s done a lot of research and is a sports surgeon in Indianapolis. The surgeon that did my procedure had done only one prior to mine.
The surgery takes from one to two and a half hours depending on the nerve involvement. Mine took two hours. It was an outpatient procedure.

Randy

06-08-2008, 11:37 PM

Vince:
I too try to get out of bed on an hourly basis, using my crutches. Mainly going to the restroom or to the kitchen to get water. I have decreased the amount of vicodin. Yestesterday I had 6, 500 mg. I only take the brace off when I shower. I'll get my staples out on the 11th.

Again, thanks for your help and suggestions

aspenjohnson

07-08-2008, 12:04 AM

Amy,

My surgery was fairly quick - about 5 1/2 hours total in the hospital. Make sure and check with your insurance company - after my surgery, they informed me that if I could have had it done at an outpatient clinic, it would have been much cheaper. As far as recovery time, that depends on a lot of different things.

I think the average recommended for post op are: 4-6 weeks before you can start physical therapy (the brace will probably be taken off at this time). Then 4-6 weeks of physical therapy, during which time they will ween you first down to one crutch (I'm there right now at 5 weeks post-op), and then ween you to a cane (going to request that today). I am honestly hoping for myself to be almost finished with physical therapy by the end of next week.

You should be "walking" somewhat normal in 8-12 weeks. Full return to activity is averaged at about 6 months from everything I read. If you're like me, you may never have the desire to waterski again - lol.

I am trying to make my initial recovery in 6 weeks total - but my repair didn't go as planned, and they re-attached my muscle half way up the leg to another muscle instead of the ischial spot, because it had avulsed too far and the scar tissue it formed needed to be removed, so it wouldn't reach. This will mean slightly less strenth in the end, but a faster recovery for me.

For me, probably the most limiting thing was that I could stand on the crutches or lie down, but I couldn't sit up in a chair for the first 4 weeks post-op. Makes it harder to pass the time when you can't sit up for company, or to watch a movie, or go out to eat.

This is all my situation, and things I have read - you may have totally different times and pains and recovery. There is a fine line between babying the injury and pushing it too far for recovery - don't do something stupid (like I almost did) to set yourself back even further. And one fo the biggest things is don't put the surgery off too long. Everyone recommends the sooner the better. Also, get multiple opinions, especially if your doc says they want to treat it conservatively. You should also get a referral to an Orthopaedic Specialist in sports medicine. This injury is rare enough that the other docs will have heard of it, but may not know exact treatment and severity.

Good luck with everything Amy, and keep us posted!!

Vince

aspenjohnson

07-08-2008, 12:12 AM

Hey Randy,

Sounds like you're doing okay at this point. I just realized that you didn't tell us how you did your injury. Hope it was something exciting. I keep wanting to make up a story about mine, instead of "my waterski tip caught the wake and jerked my leg out". I was teaching a group of kids with autism how to waterski at the time though! Of course I probably scared the crap out of them - grin.

Vince

Randy

07-08-2008, 07:43 AM

Vince:
Having a not so great day, do to my limitations in mobility, and realizing I have a long way to go. In sum, feeling sorry for myself.
I believe the major tear happened playing racquetball, but the straw that broke the camel’s back was pulling on my heavy desk to check on my WiFi connection. That’s when it popped, and I felt immediate pain. The reason for the four month delay was that the MRI showed stage 1 avasular neurosis AVN. I recreational scuba dive, and the physician’s believe that the deep dives caused the AVN. One factor was that I had just come back from a drive in Ixtapa, when my symptoms increased in severity. Anyway, it took them 4 months to rule out the AVN as a cause of the hip and leg pain.
Tomorrow’s another day, and I’m confident that it will be a good one. Again I appreciate the advice.
Randy

Amy R

07-08-2008, 08:20 PM

well, sadly, I predicted right. I have a cmplete avulsion of my hamstring on my left leg. The surgery is scheduled for today 8/7 at 1:30pm. I am lucky to be located in Boston, and to have the medical resources that comes along with that. I am going to Mass General, i was a bit wary when the surgeon pointed out how rare of an injury this is. That it has only been treated surgically for 5 years. I am scared to death - more about the recovery than the actual surgery itself. I am very active and the thought of being layed up in a supine (?) posistion is unfathomable. I would appreciate any feedback of how people dealt with this aspect. I am horrible about asking others to do for me....

Randy

08-08-2008, 01:06 AM

Amy: sorry to hear about the diagnosis, and upcoming surgery. I'm only 8 days out, so can't be of much help, except to say that for the most part you’ll be in bed, with your leg elevated and in a brace. You'll be able to get around with crutches, but it is fatiguing. Going to the restroom is extremely difficult, but you’ll find your own solutions that will work for you in your home. Vince (a member of this board) told me that none of the bathroom gadgets will work, and he’s right. You just have to tough it out.
This morning, I woke up at 5:00 in mild-moderate pain. I started the day with a 500 mg Vicodin. Since then, I’ve been working, with the use of my computer, paying office bills, and talking with clients on the telephone, all from my bed. I had to get some information from my home office, and pulled myself out of bed, with the assistance of my crutches, and hobbled into my office. Remember, you absolutely can’t put any weight on the injured leg!
Sitting in my office chair was difficult, and I could only do it for about 15 minutes.
It’s now eleven o’clock and I’m back in bed, with a cold ice pack I retrieved from the frig. Yesterday, I increased my pain when I attempted to put some shorts on. It took me 15 minutes, and when I was finished, sweat was dripping from my forehead like I had just worked out for thirty minutes. I hope I didn’t do any harm. So, be very careful!
The only thing I can say about this experience is that I don’t ever what to be in this situation again. It would appear that this rare injury haunts individuals who have an active lifestyle. To get through it, you need to say calm, and act deliberate in every problem that arises. You’ll think about all the things you’re missing out on, but reflect on activities you’ll do after the brace comes off. That’s what I’m doing. I had tickets to the White Sox Boston game this weekend in Chicago. I’m bummed, but I’m trying to look at all the positives in a bad situation.
I wish you all the best, and hope that your surgery is a success!

aspenjohnson

08-08-2008, 03:06 PM

Randy and Amy,

Randy - I guess that's why I gave up racketball a few years back - grin. I am sorry that you had a rough day. I had quite a few, but the good news is that the time has really flown by. I managed to walk around town today and really felt like pushing myself. I am just 35 days out (which is a horrible amount of time at first, but not so bad when you think about the gain from having the surgery and how long it could have been). And this may sound like distasteful advice, but ask your wife not to help you out much, and it will get you over the feeling sorry for yourself thing much faster. I went through a lot of that, but am single and really didn't want my friends around to pandor to me, so it made me realize fairly quickly that we only have ourselves and my job was to get better. Heck, I went so far as to pretend that I would always be like this, and to start coping now. I work with people with disabilities, so at least I had some incite at the power it takes to be self sufficient. Just remembering that I was on my way to healing, whereas a lot of people out there aren't, was enough. If nothing else, you'll get through it, because you have no choice (that helped too).

Amy: Great luck with the surgery today. By the time you read this, you'll have started the countdown. A lot of the same things apply to you, that I just told Randy. You sound a little like me in wanting to be independent. I truly pushed people away - had friends and family that wanted to take time off work and help me out, etc., but I told all of them to make that same kind of effort when I was back on my feet, so I could enjoy the time with them. Let all of that be a motivator for you. I did a lot of meditation honestly. Went through a lot of self pity. Whined that even though I pushed everyone away, my friends and family weren't there. And I have managed to recover at about twice the speed because of it all.

As far as something to pass the time: For the first week, it wasn't comfortable to even sit up enough to play with the computer much. I had a PS3 and when I was up for it, it was entertaining. I downloaded a ton of movies from the 'net, and read a lot of books, and even managed to get some work done. The day after surgery, since I didn't have anyone else, I managed to get my own food, drink, bandage check, etc. I was very careful not to take any "fall" risks, but I didn't baby myself either.

Both of you, I wish the best of luck!!! Positive thoughts everybody - we're at a point of no return, so just set you next goal - boo boo be all better before you know it - grin.

Cheers,

Vince

Randy

09-08-2008, 08:51 AM

Can you email me a copy of that article. Thanks randy

LJM

10-08-2008, 04:54 AM

Hi all,
Finally registered to reply. Amy, small world, I too live around the Boston area. Had hamstring repair surgery 2 weeks ago at NE Baptist for a waterskiing injury I had 2 weeks before. Took 2 weeks to basically demand a MRI from local doctors...friend at Baptist got me in there and here I am 2 weeks post op. Once my surgeon saw the MRI, told her I run daily, waterski daily and snow ski...no doubt best result surgery. I am so glad I had it done but was flipped out leading up to it. Stupid accident trying to spray kids on a dock.
Lost my balance and my ski did not release. We all know how that felt! I am managing ok. I do have 4 young boys...which is a challenge, but I got some help at the house. I am in a newport brace..so no sitting but can stand and lay down propped by pillows. Got a raised toilet seat with handicapp rails. its not easy but am figuring it out. Saw Dr. and she wants me to start bearing weight. The brace stays on for 4 weeks, then pt 2x each week building back up. She says I will be running in 6 mos. I am just thrilled that they fix these now..she has done 20 and that is alot. Also with women she has researched alot of these injuries and has found that even more than men,women get very little resuls with pt without the repair. I have complete faith in this team of doctors and would at Mass General as well. Even though I have the green light for weight bearing I am petrfied so am going very slow I am a bit obsessive about water on the floor since I dont want to fall! Thank u to everyone on this forum. This has been invaluable to me.

LJM

10-08-2008, 05:03 AM

Randy,

Last night I thought the RedSox were going to win in a clutch against the WhiteSox until Delcarmen gave up the home run. That hurt my hamstring.

Amy R

10-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Thanks for all of the kind sentiments and advice. I had my surgery on Thursday. Apparently I was a local star as the OR was quite crowded with residents watching. As ou all know we are quite a unique bunch to have sustained this injury. In fact one of my nurses with 30 yrs experience had never even seen it much less the custom made brace that they made for me. I was expecting to get home Friday, but there was no possible way I could have. The pain i had wasoff the charts. Moraphine was like a pat on the back...They finally gave me Diluted ann Toridal - Toridal is a miracle drug but they would only give it me for 24 hours. It is a super stregth Motrin...which doesnt promote healing but it certainly took the edge off.
I just had some friends stop by ughhhhh -= more later
Amy R

hula

10-08-2008, 10:24 AM

I just discovered your site and find it so helpful.
After a fall on concrete on July 3, 08 I was finally diagnosed with a complete proximal avulsion of my right hamstring. The avulsion was 100 % with a 2 centimeter separation.
I had surgery on July 25 so I am only 2 weeks post op. I live in Los Angeles and I believe that my surgeon was good, but I have so many questions. The pain is intense and I had large hematomas all over my thigh running down my leg. The questions that I would love help with are the following. Right after surgery, my doctor said I could walk around
without crutches as long as the pain was not too bad. So, I thought walkiing would be good for my recovery and I walked in my house and 4 blocks outside. The pain became so intense that I ended up back in his office after about 5 days. He then said rest for awhie, and then then try to walk without full weight bearing, using a walking. I stayed in bed for 2 days except for trips to the bathroom etc. The pain is very intense the moment my leg touches the ground and I keep wondering if I am doing more harm than good. After reading your site, I was surprised that I was told I could walk aroung the next day. By the way, the pain was so intense after walking around, that I ended up in the emergency room at UCLA and was hospitalized overnight.
My doctor was out of town so an emergency room doctor looked at me.

Also, I read that most of you are wearing a brace. I have none and wondered what kind of brace
you are wearing?

Before surgery, I played tennis 5 to 6 times per week and considered myself a very fit female. Exercise has always been an important part of my life. At this point, I feel weak,
in pain, and as several of you mentioned, the mere act of putting clothes on makes me sweat.
I would love to hear from those of you who are willing to give me advice, info or words of hope.
Thank you,
Hula

aspenjohnson

10-08-2008, 10:45 AM

Hula,

Very sorry that you are in so much pain. I am a little surprised that you weren't in a brace as well. Even in a brace, my re-attachment was vulnerable, and I pushed it too far and did some minor but painful re-tearing. Be careful of the "this must be good for me" attitude - rest is a good thing for the first few weeks at least. I was instructed NO WEIGHT BEARING (even toe weight) for the initial recovery and am walking ahead of schedule just now at 5 weeks. I asked early on if it would just be painful to do so, or if it could hurt the repair, and my doc and PT said that until the scar tissue has time to attach, I would run the risk of ripping it all apart again. Of course, my repair ended up being muscle to muscle because they couldn't re-connect it to the ischial spot with bone sutures.

I then got a little paranoid about thinking maybe I've already ripped it back apart. I was told that even though I was overdoing it a bit and causing some micro-tears, that I would definitely know if it came undone - similar to the original injury. New bruising is a sign that you are doing too much. Although, 2 weeks of PT has caused some bruising that they said was minimal and a necessary evil.

I don't know if I answered any questions for you, but in my opinion, it's time for a second opinion!

Keeps us posted,

Vince

hula

10-08-2008, 10:51 AM

Could you tell me about the brace? I had a complete avulsion of my right hamstring. It separated 2 centimeters from my pelvic bone. On July 23, the surgeon re connected the
3 muscles (actually the tendons attached to the muscles) of the hamstring to my pelvic bone. The incision is 8.5 centimeters at the crease of my buttocks. Is this the same surgery?
Hurts like nothing else I have ever experienced. Cannot sit up, stretch out my leg or put full weight bearing. My doctor said it was fine to walk around right after surgery and even suggested walks outside of a couple of blocks. I did that right away and suffered tremendously and am now practically tied to my bed with ice and 2 Maltese dogs thrown on me when I get too cold.

I am hoping my surgeon is directing me in the right direction, but I know this is new territory for most of us and them. I live in Los Angeles and my Dr. did the surgery in an outpatient surgical center in Beverly Hills. The surgery lasted 1 1/2 hours and I was sent home, in my opinion much too soon. I went in to shock in the car on the way home and stopped breathing
but I was lucky that the person driving me home was a friend who is a retired physician so he revived me.

Any info and advice is desperately needed.

Thanks,
Hula

aspenjohnson

10-08-2008, 11:05 AM

Hula,

My surgery experience was very similar. Very quick and rushed out of the hospital very soon - although, I had a very slow heart rate and breathing directly after as well, and they kept me for a couple of hours.

My first brace was a locked brace set at 50 degrees and went from my ankle to my groin. It ended up being the wrong size and cut into me and cut off circulation, so I went to my doc 5 days post-op and requested a new one. At this stage they let me have a much smaller one that was more of a knee brace, that they locked at 60 degrees. Very specific instructions not to take either off for a while. I did take it off for one day and it killed me. After two weeks, I got the go ahead to take it off every once in a while, but I tried not to push it.

I am curious about why your doc thinks that the repair alone without healing, is good enough to withstand weight and all, without re-injury. My understanding is that although the repair is sturdy, it would be tragic (and not that difficult) if you were to extend the leg and snap the hamstring at this stage. They were most worried about this while I was hobbling around and possibly falling - which I still feel I could do easily - I am using just a cane at this point, and feel pretty good.

Cheers,

Vince

hula

10-08-2008, 11:35 AM

Hi Vince,
Thank you for your quick reply. I find myself hovering over this computer (in bed of course) waiting for a reply. At this moment in time, it feels like my lifeline since I cannot talk to anyone else about this injury because no one has heard of it.

I wonder why I have no brace.
After reading your advice as well as the comments made by others on this site, I have decided to take it easy and stay in bed until I talk to my doctor on Monday. My body clearly told me that the walking was too painful. My goal is to heal completely. It makes me very apprehensive to think that I might have done damage or could do damage by walking around. I must admit that I went to the market today with a friend driving me, and the pain was so bad that I regretted being outside. It has only been 14 days since the surgery.

May I ask you in which state you had your surgery? How did you locate a surgeon that was familiar with this type of surgery?

By the way, is anyone else going crazy staying in bed and missing your "other life?"

Hula

Randy

11-08-2008, 01:25 AM

Day 11
Tomorrow I see my surgeon for the first time since the surgery.
The only thing positive I can say about my situation is that I haven’t missed a white sox game all week. However, I wish I’d missed yesterday’s game.
Today I’ve decided to go drug free. The hip stills aches, and for some reason I have calf and ankle pain, but I’m just going to deal with it. The bathroom is still a big obstacle for me. Also, I’m still getting fatigued after about 10 minutes on my crutches, with my foot turning blue. But, surprisingly, I ‘m getting use to the brace.
Hula: I’m really surprised by your physicians therapeutic plan; allowing you to weight bear and not putting you in a brace. I’ve read some abstracts on this subject and if I were you, I’d be scheduling a 2nd opinion right now! I would discuss this with your friend, the retired physician.
Amy: glad to hear you’re out of the hospital. Hope the pain subsides!
LJM: It sounds Iike you and I had our surgeries about the same time, and both will be forced to watch and cheer for our favorite teams from our bedrooms, rather than the stadium.
Vince: Glad to hear that you’re getting stronger, day by day.
I too appreciate this discussion board and all who are participating. It’s very helpful, and comforting to know that others are experiencing similar problems and are overcoming adversity. It’s nice to know that many are getting a semblance of their life back in 6 weeks. And for those who still have pain and disability, it helps in the realization that there is a chance for a bad result, and the need to prepare for such an event.
Best Regards:
Randy

Randy

11-08-2008, 04:28 AM

LJM

11-08-2008, 05:55 AM

Hula,
I was a bit of a fanatic searching for the right doc. Even though I am no professional athlete by any stretch, I wanted their doctors. I got there eventually by calling anyone I knew in the medical field and trying to get in.I live outside of Boston. I got in to the group and hospital for the Boston Celtics. My surgeon explained that she has an interest in this particular injury, especially with women, and has done a lot of research. She has done 20repairs with good results.
It bothers me that you are not in a brace. Did the doc say that the surgery went extremely well and you would be back in good form in 6 mos? I cannot believe you went into shock on the way home. I went home by ambulance because I was not allowed to sit in the car. I was 23 hours in the hospital. Came out of surgery in a locked brace from my stomach to my knee. I cannot sit, but I can lay down and stand up. I wear skirts over my brace.. I cannot take a shower because I am not allowed to take the brace off for 5 seconds. I went home with crutches with toe bearing weight. I saw her 10 days post op and she said to start gradually bearing weight at my comfort level. I am living on the first floor to avoid stairs at her suggestion. She will see me in three weeks (the brace stays on for 4weeks total). On the 27th, I see her to remove the brace, I start PT that week with specific orders written by her and I will be followed by her for about 5 months.
I guess I don't mind being laid up because I am looking 6 mos down the road where hopefully I will be back to running again and being active. I was told the rehab hurts, but not to the point of severe pain and partial tears. I am amazed that you sat in a car and actually went to a store. I haven't left the house for 12 days. If I didn't have family, I would have one of those supermarket home delivery services. It will be good for you to talk to your doctor on Monday, there must be a reason for your intructions. I would ask all the questions: How did he/she dertermine rehab for this rare surgery...how many has he/she done...after researching, why no brace...was it a perfect repair (strenght, etc.) how many anchors in ishial...did you say it was retracted 2.0cmm Mine was 1.5 which is a whole lot better than others at 3-5. Good luck and get delivery!

Randy

11-08-2008, 07:13 AM

LJM:
LJM
I concure with your suggestions.
It's interesting to read about the directions people receive for their physician concerning this injury and surgery. My hamstring was retracted 3 cmm. This was the physicians 2nd procedure. He didn't tell me that I couldn't go home in a car, but I had done my research and was taken home in the back of an SUV. I'm allowed to take my brace off for showers "only." My brace is set a 40 degrees.
I'm 11 days out, and see the physician tomorrow.
I wish I had a more seasoned MD to handle this. Thanks god for this board!!!

hula

11-08-2008, 01:48 PM

Thank you all for your info. Of course, at this point I am feeling very concerned. I will see my doctor tomorrow and ask him many questions.
For the woman who posted the helpful response about your Doctor who has done 20 of these surgeries, may I have her name? Does anyone have any sites that they can direct me to for research so that I may bring it to my doctor? He is easy to talk to and I am hoping to direct him to some sights or other physicians so he can better take care of me.
At this point I don't think it would be beneficial to me to switch Docs ( I don't know of any here) but I would like to have my Dr. consult with another physician or at least read more about the after care. I am shocked that I have no brace and that he told me it was okay to take walks! As I mentioned, when I walked after a few days post op, I had such intense pain and swelling that I was back in his office. Something is wrong here and I would like to be an informed participant in my recovery.
Thank you to all of you who have responded to me. It has been so valuable. I hope your recovery is as pain free as possible.
Hula

hula

11-08-2008, 11:49 PM

Hi Everyone,
Can anyone give me the name of their doctor and/or some reference sites to look at on the web?
I need to talk to my doctor today and I am desperate to give him some information. He is the Doc
who told me to walk outside as much as possible only days after my surgery and also did not make mention of a brace.
I believe he is a talented surgeon, but perhaps is not familiar with the ater care or the seriousness of keeping still. I am talking to him today and would love any info as soon as possible.
thank you,
hula

hula

11-08-2008, 11:54 PM

Hi Everyone,
I need help. Can anyone give me the name of their Doctor that they felt was well informed about their procedure. I would also like any reference cites on the web that I can direct my doc to. He is the surgeon that told me to walk outside several block only a couple of days after surgery and I have no brace. I feel like I am going backwards with the healing.
I believe that he is a good surgeon but is unaware of the aftercare. I will talk to him soon and I would like to direct him to places for info and a physician familiar with this surgery to consult with.
I am desperate!
thank you,
hula

LJM

12-08-2008, 12:15 AM

Hi Hula,

My doctor is Dr. Suzanne Miller, Boston Sports and Shoulder Center and New England Baptisit Hospital. Her number is 781-890-2133 in Waltham. She also works in Chestnut Hill at 617-264-1100. I believe she is in Waltham on Monday's. Her surgical assistant is Elizabeth Toomey. You will get to Dr. Miller by asking for Elizabeth, unless it is your doctor who calls to consult with Dr. Miller. He justs needs to say he wants to consult with her on the hamstring avulsion surgery. Her most recent patient referred him. If I am allowed on this site to give my name, I am happy to do so for a reference. Or what the heck, just say the McCarthy case. Good luck Hula, hopefully your doctor will call Dr. Miller. She is terrific. Her partner is the chief of orthopedics at NE Baptist Hospital.

Randy

12-08-2008, 12:52 AM

I'm seeing my physican as well today. It will be interesting to see where we go from here.

LJM: did your physician give you written instructions after the procedure. If so, I would appreciate a copy. Thanks
Randy

LJM

12-08-2008, 01:54 AM

Hi Randy,
I got discharge instructions from the hospital. Don't know how I could copy you. Special Instructions are:i Hip spica brace at all times , no hip flexion. o 2 degree 0 flexion, patient safe with assistive devise(crutches) on level surfaces (TDBD) touch down weight bearing.
Do not change dressing until seen in office. See Dr. Miller in 7-10 days. Which I did, she gave verbal intructions to begin full weight bearing without crutches, still on level surface..see her in 3 weeks to remove the brace. Hope this helps. I do feel good, hardly any pain and I use no crutches during the day..I practice walking. I am like the tin man with no bend of the knee. My leg is completley straight from the waist down. Your retraction was further down than mine at 3cmm. Could be why instructions are differnet if they are. I have gone up a few stairs to get from here to Dctrs office which was ok. I sort of as straight as possible got into a car with the seat all the way back and my legs propped on pillows, like I was laying down. It was a fine ride with a demerol. No real need for pain manangement since, I get a little sore at night. Was told no ibuprofen after surgery and to take 1 asprin a day. Extra strength tylenol is fine.

scott h

12-08-2008, 01:57 AM

Randy

12-08-2008, 04:09 AM

Scott:
I could do the same activities after my avulsion. However, after one month started to have disabling pain to my hip and leg. I've been told that if there isn't nerve involvment after it heals, surgery is more elective. I'd get a 2nd opinion before I made a decison. However, without surgery your leg will not be as strong. Good Luck

Randy

12-08-2008, 04:27 AM

LJM
Day 12
I appreciate your reply. Unfortunately, during the appointment today, my surgeon did not release me to any weight being. He wants to wait another month. So, I guess my business will suffer without me for that period of time. I may be able to sit in a car in a few weeks.
Unlike you I still have a moderate amount of pain. However, I’m proud to say that I have decreased my narcotic intake to three to four 500mg vicodins.
They took out the 28 staples today, which indicate progress; but it seems to be at a snail’s pace.
Happy that you’re doing so much better! I’m confident that I’ll be much improved after another week or so. Even with the moderate pain, I'm much better than before the surgery.

hula

12-08-2008, 05:14 AM

First of all, I want to thank each of you who have given such quick responses to me this morning and all of the information regarding your physician's name and more. Thank you!

Now I would like to try to give something back. Regarding the person who feels fine and wonders if he should have surgery. My pain started to go away as well. HOWEVER, there are many new reesearch articles, and one that was just released in June 08 that says the recovery without surgery has a very poor outcome. The pain goes away, but the strength in the leg weakens over time and you will have diminished strength and loss of flexibility. As the hamstring heals without surgery, the scar tissue forms which is more rigid, therefore causing the loss of flexibility of the leg. Also, since the hamstring runs right next to the sciatic nerve, without surgery, there is more risk of the scar tissue impinging on the sciatic nerve and causing permanant sciatic nerve pain.
If you need the citing on the article, I will locate it for you later. But of course, as with most of us, I am working from my bed so it will take a little while to locate.

But from all the latest research, surgery should be performed to be able to have a good outcome

LJM

12-08-2008, 07:00 AM

Randy: I think your doctor sounds good! Your retraction was farther down the leg than mine, so it makes sense that he is keeping you off it longer. Bummer I know but better off in the long run.

Hula: Hope your appt went well. I read that same article and was amazed at how recent it was.

Sam: I was told if all three tendons are off the bone, its surgery. Hate to say it but surgery is the way to go with this...If you are any kind of an active person, you will want this. People end up going to surgery after months of pt that is not effective. I can only speak for myself, but this was something I did not want to be dealing with for 1 year or 2 or 3. Your decision, but get some other opinions from the sports medicine surgeons. Good luck!

aspenjohnson

12-08-2008, 07:41 AM

Everybody,

Just got back from my 7th PT appointment (38 days post-op) - darn near ready to be off the cane as well. The healing really seems to accelerate once you're out of the brace! Drove a clutch for over 9 hours this weekend - sore, but I did the trip.

Scott - I continued hiking (Rocky Mountains are home), biking, driving, and working after my injury - the pain was almost non existent 1 week after the injury, but as everyone else has said - the research shows that you can be a lot worse off by not getting the surgery done. I had 4 opinions from highly experienced Orthopaedic Surgeons - all had done this surgery a number of times, and since I am from Aspen, my surgeon had done this procedure on a number of Olympic skiers. The initial recovery is awful, but every study suggests that the outcome is much better than just physical therapy.

Sorry Randy that you're taking a bit longer to heal - you'll hit that curve though and it'll be all down hill.

Keep us posted everyone else!

Cheers,

Vince

scott h

13-08-2008, 03:15 AM

Thanks for all the comments. Sounds like surgery might be the way to go. Tomorrow is my first PT, I have worked with the Therapist in the past and really value her opinon so I will give it a month. I walked over two miles today and my lower back is sore. I figure it is because I am favoring the bad leg. I was hoping that my avulsion is not as bad as some, who knows.

aspenjohnson

13-08-2008, 03:58 AM

Scott,

Just one more piece of advice - activity and therapy will most likely cause further avulsion (it did in my case). Then you run greater risks of a less successful repair and more difficult recovery. I am still more than a little bummed that my muscle could no longer reach the ischial spot and had to be re-attached half way up the leg. This was from continuing to work for 9 days after the surgery, at which point the first MRI showed 11cm avulsion. Once they actually performed the surgery a few weeks later and me continuing to hike and work, there was too much scar tissue and the muscle avulsed further down my leg. Just make sure you get all the information you can and make the best decision for you! And realize that an avulsion is a detachment and unless it scars into place right where it's at, there is continued risk of further avulsion.

Vince

Randy

13-08-2008, 03:59 AM

Vince:
It’s great to hear that you are doing so well. Soon, you'll be out there on the water, making waves!! I'm having a fairly good day, but still spending most of my time on the Posturepedic. This morning UPS dropped off a small package at our front door. By the time I opened the door the driver was long gone. For about 5 minutes, I stood at the doorway staring at the package, trying for figure out a way to get it in my grasp. Needless to say , it’s still on the doorstep.
However, I did pickup a new client this morning. Spoke with her via telephone conference call, and told her that "I'm not only an attorney for the injured, I’m injured as well." I may use this as my new advertizing slogan.
Again, appreciate all your feedback and suggestions.

aspenjohnson

13-08-2008, 04:06 AM

Hey Randy,

I like the slogan (angle). I am laughing because I had the same thing happen a few days after surgery with the UPS package. I knew it was a care package with awesome magazines and junk food, so I braved it!!! I ended up getting outside - getting ahold of it somehow and chucking it into the house, where I proceded to kick it with the crutch to my bed. It was well worth the struggle - grin!

How's everyone else doing? There were enough of us waterskiing this summer! I am actually thinking about going on the 23rd for my birthday weekend, but I'll definitely be the captain!!! The thought of actually getting on waterski's again at this point makes me cringe something awful!!!

Vince

leggybird

13-08-2008, 05:11 AM

Hi
I had a waterskiing accident 7-19-08. The MRI revealed a hamstring avulsion. My doctor recommends surgery. I can run up and down stairs. I can run on the level. I put up a soffit on my front porch over the weekend, up and down a ladder saturday and sunday. My leg is a little sore but I am not in that much pain. I do not want surgery. I just got back from the doc, I am trying PT three times a week for a month then i will have to see the doc again. You people out there that have had the hamstring avulsion where you in a lot of pain after three weeks from the accident? I can pretty much move any way I want. Thanks
scott h

Hi Scott,

Just wondering how your injury has progressed? I have a hamstring avualion (also from a water skiing accident) which happened abroad,over a week ago. Im 27 and a very fit athletic person who has been advised that i would stand more chance at a better recovery with an operation. I am also a part time model so do not want an unsightly scar as a result of surgery but think its a small price to pay to not be impaired in anyway physically. As im sure you are aware it is a very rare hamstring injury and consultants i have spoken to seem to have no experience with this kind of injury. Are you now opting for surgery? please update me on your condition-much appreaciated x

LJM

14-08-2008, 02:29 AM

Vince,

It is sooo good to hear this good news from you! I think that you are the furthest along here. The fact that you can shift gears in a car is very encouraging. It also seems as though your retraction was off the charts. I am doing well, was standing a bit too much yesterday so am laying (literally) low today.

I did get a chuckle out of Randy's comments. One has to keep a sense of humor here. I find myself dropping things all day long, mostly when I am alone, and sigh saying "oh well". Its also amazing what you can do with crutches. They are good for threatening 4 young boys getting out of hand..but I can't chase them which has been very good for them.

Every day is one day forward! Hope everyone is doing well.

hula

14-08-2008, 12:01 PM

Hi Everyone,
I don't know how I would endure lying in bed day after day without this website. I laughed about the UPS package. I got one of those grabber things on an aluminum pole to help me pick up things that fall off of my bed . It works pretty well for some things. But right after surgery and even now, I can't bend or move to dress myself so I used the grabber to pick up my undergarments and tried to lasso them on....no such luck. My caregiver came in as I was attempting this and couldn't believe it. Well, you can imagine the look on her face. It sure helps to have a sense of humor.

It has been very humbling to sit while someone dries my feet after a shower Afand
dresses me. After years of playing tennis most mornings before work, this is quite a change.

Update: Everyone's information was extremely helpful for me (remember me...I am the one who walked
around my neighborhood right after surgery because my doctor said it would be good for me.) I paged my doctor on Thursday morning and had a long talk. I told him all about the info from the website. He basically agreed with all of it and has now told me no weight bearing, no sitting and basically to stay in bed and let this heal. I cannot tell you how much better I am feeling. Walking around immediately after surgery put me in such intense pain (as well as in intensive care at UCLA for 2 days) I feel much better and have accepted my life in bed for the time being. It takes getting used to, but that is where this site
is so helpful.

I hope each of you are recovery at a good pace.

Randy

15-08-2008, 01:18 AM

Hi again:
It has been two weeks two post hamstring surgery. I’m still having moderate pain in the area of the surgical field, and for some reason, pain in calf and ankle. Yesterday, a colleague of mine brought lunch, and I sat in my home office chair conversing with him for about forty-five minutes until I could not tolerate the pain anymore. I ended up increasing the dosage of my pain medication. Is this normal?

On the positive side, I'm now able to put about 4 hours of work in using remote access to my work computer. Also, my Westie, Austin keeps me company, and refuses to leave my side. Even before the surgery I had a pet nanny come to the house at noon to let my dogs. (I also have a Norfolk terrier) Now, she has to use treats to get Austin to come out of my bedroom, because of his reluctance to leave. My puppies, friends, and this message board make this difficult experience more tolerable.
Randy

aspenjohnson

15-08-2008, 01:46 AM

Hey Randy,

Gotta love the dogs! Don't worry too much about the calf and ankle pain. I had that also, and still do a little - PT told me that it was normal. At two weeks out, I couldn't sit for long either - no one understands how limiting that makes life! I am just now feeling like I "might" be able to sit through a movie. Friends wanted to go to see Dark Knight last week, but I bailed out since it's 2:45!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW everyone, the Doc and many others told me that PT was going to be the hardest, and although it's painful, it is such a relief to be out of the brace and bed, it's quite tollerable!

Vince

scott h

16-08-2008, 01:58 AM

Leggybird
I am getting around pretty good still favoring the hamstring and walking with a limp that I have no control over. I had my first PT on Wednesday, that went well we started off slow with some streching of different muscle groups and 6 minutes on the bike. My PT person said I lost some muscle tone already, we are working on getting that back. I am 52 and do not plan on waterskiing again or doing any other real aggresive sports. My goal is to be able to carry a 60# backpack up hill for a couple of miles with out any problem. I plan trying a 50# pack on some stairs the first week in september. My next doctor appointment is 9/10/08.

I have to think what happened before the MRI, an injury like what I have would not have been treated with surgery. I know a guy I work with did the same thing 8 years ago and never went to the Doctor and he is fine, although he is not as active as I am. I guess every injury is a bit different and each person will heal different. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

What do you plan on doing?
scott

LJM

16-08-2008, 10:34 AM

Hi everybody,

Sounds like we are all progressing and I think we should plan a trip in one year to go waterskiing. I may be crazy but I miss it. We ski everyday here. ( south coast of Mass. in a bay). I walk out to my deck and cheer my friends on who are still out there skiing when the weather permits. Last week my 9 year old "dropped a ski" and is slalom skiing. Everyone asks me if I am going to ski again and I say yeah!, But truthfully I don't know if when the time comes, I will have the guts.
Leggy bird: about the modeling thing..you can't really see the insision. It is right under the buttock cheek. In fact, the surgeon showed my husband when we went for the 10 day post op. I couldn't see it, but she made sure he was cool with it!
AspenJohnson, exactly how painful is the PT..is it uncomfortable or feels more like your leg is broken. I am trying to mentally prepare for this since I am a closet big baby.

Hula, you sound great! I am so glad you are doing better. I had the undergarment thing going on too. A few times I have managed to get them on with the crutches. I tell my friends these ridiculous issues and it makes for good fun.

Keep up the healing pace!

Randy

17-08-2008, 04:13 AM

Regarding the incision: mine is 12 inches from about 4 inches above my buttock cheek, vertically down to the upper part of my thigh. So I guess it depends on the surgeon, his skill level and location of the retracted hamstring. I was told that my hamstring was attached to the nerve so the surgeon had to open up the surgical field to prevent inadvertent damage to the sciatic nerve. I wish my incision was like LJM. I guess my derrière modeling gigs are over. Damn!
Randy

hula

17-08-2008, 10:33 AM

Hi Everyone,
Just checking in here. I am at the 3 week mark post surgery. I am feeling much better, no meds for pain in over a week but I am wondering what to expect next I am still home bound and my doctor says to use a walker and not put full weightbearing. I agree, because if I forget to use my walker, my leg hurts. I still can't bend and do most things and have hired help for me and mostly my two dogs.

I would love to know of people's progress after 3 weeks.

Leggybird: I had a complete avulsion: nothing was left attached. But the incsion is 8.5 centimeters at the crease of the buttocks. It's thick right now, but it will go down in size. One would really have to be
in an odd position looking up from the floor to see the scar. Don't let this part scare you away from surgery.

How are the rest of you doing? I am not even a waterskier. I am a tennis player, but I fell on something as I was walking to the bank.

Hula

Eyeguy

18-08-2008, 12:50 PM

Scott h:

I too had an avulsion during a waterskiing accident, mine was on July 25th. I had extreme pain, the worst I have ever experienced! My MRI shows complete avulsion of 2 of the 3 tendons of the ham string. I was told to just get PT and I would get 90% of my strength back! WHen I say the MRI though, I knew it had to be reattached in order to have a chance to be 100% healed again. Anyway, yours doesn't sound as serious with your level of function without pain. If you are able to do everything you want and need to do without pain, then I am not sure surgery would benefit you. Hope this helps.

scott h

19-08-2008, 01:57 AM

I am four weeks sence my avulson. I had PT on friday that was my second one and it went well. She had me on a bike and all kinds of streches and strength exercises. Yesterday I played 18 holes of golf I did take a cart, my game did not improve, I thought maybe I would get lucky and slow my swing I got my 106. My butt was little sore thats about it. This morning I feel fine. I still have a slight limp seems like that is going away. I have PT again tonight, at least with the PT I have benchmarked my intial range of motion and strength so we will see in a couple of weeks. I read the MRI report, did not understand everything and it sounded terrible so I plan on getting a second opinion. The report said I have almost a complete avulsion 5 to 6 cm and there are just a few fibers holding on. I am not ruling surgery out we will see.

hula

19-08-2008, 05:39 AM

Hi,
My doctor is in Mexico for a week so I am on my own. I am 22 days post surgery after the re attachment for a complete avulsion of the right hamstring. I am feeling better, but of course still limited: using a walker, spending all of my time in my new "bed-office."
I really want to get my car washed and put gas in it. Probably just cabin fever to get out of the house. My car is automatic but of course my right leg is the involved leg. I tried to drive once and it was way to early because just getting in and out of my car hurt tremendously and using the pedal involved my hamstring which was painful. But all of that
was about 10 days after surgery and now it is 22 days after surgery.

Have any of you gotten the okay to drive yet? I would love to hear back from some of you as to your status and any infor from your doctor.

Thanks

LJM

20-08-2008, 06:35 AM

Hi Hula,

I am 21 days post surgery. I still have my brace on until the 27th. That will 4 weeks in which time I think I can drive. I would not push it and I would wait 4 weeks min. Just my opinion . See what others have to say.

hula

20-08-2008, 12:44 PM

LJM,
Thanks so much for your reply. You have been quite helpful to me personally and once again you came through. I think driving is premature but I was hoping that perhaps I was wrong. Body cues win
out over intellect once again!
Hope you are doing well. I had not realized that we were at about the same place.
Hula

Gosox2008

22-08-2008, 06:01 AM

Hi all,

First thing I have to say is that this forum has been a life saver. I read all 9 pages last night after my orthopedic surgeon strongly suggested surgery to repair a complete hamstring avulsion (all tendons) with 7 cm retraction. I am a 26 year old male. The injury occurred 18 days ago while I was water skiing (surprise surprise). Pain was bad for the first few days but I am feeling pretty good right now, but I am opting for the surgery because of a strong concern for potential sciatic nerve aggravation and the strength in my leg is pretty weak. My surgeon in upstate NY has only performed two of these surgeries and although I trust her, she said I did not need a brace, which worries me a little bit. I just spoke to her over the phone telling her I would like to be conservative and a brace might make me feel more comfortable (after reading this forum). She said she would put me in a brace at 90 degrees if I had waited a while but since we are doing the surgery within a month that I don't need one. After telling her a brace would make me feel more comfortable, she said it would not be a knee brace, but one that wraps around my waist and goes down my thigh. Does anyone have experience with this type of brace? Any tips or suggestions? Does anyone with a similar situation have a picture of the brace they are in?

Thanks again everyone and I hope all of you have a speedy recovery.

Matt

hula

22-08-2008, 11:05 AM

Hi Matt,
I too had a complete avulsion. After reading this site, I asked my surgeon why I was not in a brace after my surgery.
He has done about 41 of these surgeries. I did not know that and questioned him a million times.
Basically this is what he explained. They have done quite a bit of research measuring the stress on the hamstring post op WITH a brace and WITHOUT a brace. The outcome is identical in terms of stress on the hamstring. However, the new theory, according a recent conference as well as his experience is that no brace is better because the injured leg will have some mobility and will not atrophy as much.

I did not have any brace and was quite nervous about it. I am now 27 days post op and I am healing quite nicely. I had a complete avulsion with all three hamsting muscles separated from the pelvic
bone. The first week or two after the surgery is very hard. Prepare yourself with the proper help around your house and try to stay in bed and do not sit up. But now, it is amazing how I have turned the corner and I am actually sitting at my computer typing this. This is the first time I am sitting up, and it will be short, but I have no pain. So trust your doctor and know that there is an end in sight.
My doctor has never used a brace and has had good outcomes.
Good luck to you.
Hula

bobsback

22-08-2008, 03:22 PM

Just over two weeks ago I completely ruptured this muscle whilst waterskiing. I am a 43 yr old reasonably fit but over weight. I used to compete in slalom.
The pain was intense & I was taken by ambulance to the ER. X rayed then told to hop along home!
After two weeks I had an MRI. I had a huge blood clot of 30cm x 7.5cm and a complete tendon rupture that had retracted some way (far more than 6cm).
Initially my surgeon was going to leave both the blood and the tendon alone but after some further research he elected to drain & repair. With titanium sutures he has reattached the tendon to the ischium (2 anchor points). My leg is fully extended and no brace however I need to avoid any weight bearing for some time. The stitches will be removed 9 days post operation.
The only complication has been some extensive swelling of both my upper and lower leg. Pain has been minimal.
My surgeon has been excellent in his approach at all times.
I'll update as time goes on.

Gosox2008

23-08-2008, 12:58 AM

Hula and company,

Thanks for the information about the brace, you have been very very helpful.

Does anyone have any tips for pre-operation as far as practicing certain exercises, eating certain foods, or buying anything to make the first week or two more comfortable?

Thanks again,

Matt

LJM

25-08-2008, 03:39 AM

Hi Matt,

I am almost 4 weeks post op and feeling pretty good. I had my surgery 2 1/2 weeks after my accident. The repair went well and I am in the brace that your doctor has described. May not be necessary, I was not given the option. I think for me I have felt very secure having it on and protected by any unwanted movement. My biggest fear these last weeks have been falling, but even if that had happened, the brace would have helped. I would suggest a raised toilet seat, and lots of take out, unless you have a really good cook handy. I didn't do anything special pre-op except get a pedicure! Oh and I took a valium because I was a wreck the day before.
I get this brace off on Wed and begin PT on Friday of this week. Yeah!!!
Best of luck
LJM

hula

25-08-2008, 01:49 PM

Hi Matt,
It sounds like you will be fine with a brace or without. Now you have feedback from two good experiences: one with a brace and one without.

I have some pointers for before your surgery. I purchased 2 very large gel ice packs. They were life savers. As soon as one got warm, I could switch to another. I bought them at CVS pharmacy in a box on the shelf. They look very simple but sell for $30 each.
I was shocked at the price, but they were and still are well worth it.

The other thing that was a life saver in addition to the raised toilet seat (also at CVS pharmacy) is a portable commode. This I purchased from a medical supply store. It is a free standing toilet with arm rails that you can put right near your bed. When you need to use the bathroom, each step counts, and having this right by your bed will be appreciated by your body. A bed pan won't work because you cannot sit or put pressure on the surgical site. With the commode toilet, you can grab the rails, and virtually sit on the
"good cheek" and protect the other side. Make sure you have a good friend or a strong wall supporting one side so you don't tip over. I was always worried I would flip the entire thing over (since I was balanced on one cheek) so I would have a girlfriend brace one side. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be writing this kind of email. I am even laughing now as I write "good cheek".

Oh, and this brings up the last suggestion: you have to have a sense of humor or you will
go crazy. The pain and frustration of the immediate change in lifestyle can be frustrating. I almost lost it a few times, and then my 6 lb Maltese would try to guard me and keep the care giver away, and I would break out in laughter. Anything...as long as you can laugh.

This isn't an easy road but I am 4 weeks post op and I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck,
Hula

hula

25-08-2008, 01:53 PM

Hi,
Can someone please tell me when they were able to drive an automatic car?

My surgeon was terrific but is lacking in post op information and is very hard to reach.

I would really appreciate hearing from people.

Thanks,
Hula

hula

28-08-2008, 01:31 PM

Hey,
Where is everybody? Are you okay?

LJM

28-08-2008, 11:46 PM

Hi Hula and everyone,

Things are great! Had my 4 week post op appt yesterday. Said goodbye to the brace...yeah!!! Trying to sit and walk normally which could take a week or so. It does hurt but thats okay. I start PT tomorrow. I am in such a good mood. I drove to Starbucks this morning, you would have thought I won the lottery. There is a light...so everyone hang in there! In the end...it is all worth it. I can already see 5 mos down the road and running! Going to watch my kids waterski, their hamstrings are only 11 and 9 years old!

bobsback

31-08-2008, 05:45 AM

Now nearly 2 weeks post surgery. Had the staples out of both incisions & healing well. Now atrting to weight bear to 50%. That for another 2 weeks then towards 100%. PT starts next week. Swelling was quite bad but with the help of a compression sock & with raising the leg it has gone right down. Still sore at times. With no pain killers I have a feeling of "twanging" in the leg. Just slight but it is there. Also the leg just above the knee is very hard (maybe a small heamatoma?) and still inflamed.
Surgeon is happy with it & is hopeful that I can reurn to work approx 6 weeks post op (airline pilot so I sit down alot!).
Potty training is getting better as pain gets better. Still using crutches but have never had the leg restrained. Surgeon assures me that the tendon is held fast by the titanium screws & sutures.
I feel that things will feel much better once the swelling has come down.
Good luck to everyone out there!:)

Gosox2008

01-09-2008, 11:57 AM

Hi Everyone,

I had my surgery last Thursday (8/28) and I have completed 3 days of recovery. I have to say that everything so far has been going quite well. The surgeon said everything went as planned and so far the recovery has too. Pain has been somewhat minimal with the help of some painkillers and getting around on crutches so far hasn't been too bad. The only concern I am having right now it some numbness around the incision (about 5 inches long down my leg). I am happy to report that there is no numbness going down my leg, only near the actual entry point from surgery. I think this might be helping quite a bit with the pain, but was curious to see if anyone else has experienced this and for how long?

Feeling good for now, I will keep everyone updated. For anyone who is on the fence about getting the procedure done, it really isn't as bad as I had prepared myself for. Hopefully down the road it will really pay off. I was really impressed with my surgeon, so if anyone needs a recommendation in NY state let me know. I don't even have any stitches or staples that many have discussed, they are all internal plastic surgery stitches that will dissolve.

Hope everyone is doing okay.

Matt

hula

10-09-2008, 05:00 AM

Hi Everyone,
I am 6 weeks post op for my complete avulsion of the hamstring. My surgery was July 25 and my injury was July 3rd. After a very rocky few weeks after the surgery, I am happy to report that I am doing quite well. How is everyone doing? I would love to hear feedback from others.
Hula

bobsback

11-09-2008, 01:20 AM

Hi Hula & all!

It's now 3 weeks post operation. Today was the first day I walked without crutches. My physio is extremely pleased with the progress. He has seen these injuries before as he deals with alot of professional sportmen. He told me 6-8 months to heal for soemeone who makes their living from a sport but about a year for a has been like me. However I expect (with his approval) to snow ski in march 2009.
I still have a largish blood clot in the muscle area but it is breaking up with all the massage & physio. 3 x a week at the moment. I am spending 40 mins a day in the pool doing stationary cycling & walking and once I have finished I ice pack the leg for 15 mins. This seems to help no end.
At week 4 post surgery the physio is going to bring in, slowly, some resistance work but his words are "slowly, slowly". I hope that I may be back to work in the next 3-4 weeks before I go cabin crazy!
Good luck to all out there!

Junebug

15-09-2008, 11:16 AM

Hi all: I just read every post in this thread and hope that someone reading these posts has had some experience with my injury. Happily, all who have so far posted had minimal time between injury and surgery. I likely experienced this injury over a decade ago. I won't go into how often I explained that it seemed that something tore or popped, yet no one came up with a proper diagnosis. Instead, because I also had a lumbar disk issue, the pain was ascribed to that. I had periods of low pain and during those times, I just got tired of doctors and just lived with it. Probably, if I had been more assertive, I would have had found out what was wrong.

Now, over the intervening years, the almost completely detached hamstring (most of the hamstring is attached to a bone fragment that was broken completely from the ischial tuberosity with a small portion of the hamstring still attached to the pelvis) has caused my hip to be unstable. This, in turn, causes it to "float" up and torque forward putting much pressure on the SI joint and lumbar spine. It also causes my right leg (the injured leg) to be shorter than my left. All this combines to cause severe pain in my SI joint and my lumbar spine. In addition, I have severe tendonitis in the gluteal tendons making it difficult to walk.

Two weeks ago, acting on a suspicion expressed by a doctor using ultrasound to give me a cortisone shot (for what was thought to be bursitis) that I may have a tendon tear, I demanded an MRI which was followed by another MRI with contrast and xrays which clearly showed the floating bone fragment with the hamstring attached.

The sports doctor I'm seeing wants to see if physical therapy will help. I agreed since I wanted to digest this news and so some research.

I have no weakness in the injured leg, just severe pain with sitting along with all the tendonitis and associated pain and damage to adjoining joints.

Yikes! I'm an active 57 year old who is too young to be sliding into a permanent disability if it can be avoided!

I'm so encouraged by all your positive reports of recovery following your surgeries. Perhaps, in your offline discussions, you've come across a story like mine (many years of suffering with the injury) and what was done (surgery or ?)

LJM

16-09-2008, 04:16 AM

Junebug,

Wow that is something. I know that repairs are often done well after the injury. In some cases 2-3 years. I would search for a surgeon that has done alot of repairs and ask them, Where do you live?

For me, I have been brace free for 3 weeks and have PT 2x each week. My biggest issue is sitting. It hurts! PT is very slow, but hopefully will pay off! Anyone else having a sitting issue post op?

Thanks!

Junebug

17-09-2008, 03:58 AM

LJM: I'm a Colorado girl, Denver area. I have a sports injury doctor now, but I don't know his history with this type of injury. I'm still trying to digest the news. I will certainly be asking a lot of questions as we go along. But, if anyone has had a good experience with this issue here in Colorado, I'd love to hear about it.

I'm sorry to hear about the sitting part. I hope it gets better very soon.

Greggo

19-09-2008, 06:40 AM

Hi everybody, my first log in here. I had noted this forum and came across it right before (the night before!) I elected to have surgery to repair my right hamstring avulsion. I could not log in right away but made the decision to have the surgery, and now that I am "among the living" again, I wanted to tell my story. I am thinking of creating a blog about this whole thing.....
I sustained the injury Aug 17, and had the surgery Sept 11 (last Thurs); --about 24 days after the injury. The injury was sustained while waterskiing, when I ventured outside the wake...to pick up speed with centrifugal force from the boat.....and I must have dipped the right tip of the ski into the water. I went down, and "knew" something was not right when I surfaced. I could tense up my left leg, but not my right--it just felt flabby and useless. I got onto the boat, and when walking on shore, I noticed a lack of "control" with the right foot--It would go where I told it to, but not in a controlled fashion like the left leg. I am a 53 yr old male, who runs, skis (both water and snow), sails, scuba dives, kayaks, and hikes a lot whenever I can, so I am in reasonably good fitness. The next day I went light bicycling, and even kayaking. I thought I had badly sprained or hyperextended the muscle. I went to an ER doc (3 days later after I got home from vaca), who did not suspect an avulsion either. By then the MASSIVE bruise caused a few raised eyebrows in the ER ("look at this impressive bruise!"). The advice was to keep ice on it, elevation, etc., and follow up with the family physician. A complete avulsion was not suspected, and I did not even know what a complete avulsion was at this point so I was not about to suspect it--even though waterskiing should have raised a red flag. I did just a few minutes of internet research then and noted my concerns to a running buddy of mine who runs marathons--he recommended his sports physician (who has completed 18 marathons and a few ironmans...) I went to see him and he wanted to rule it out right away. In fact, he said I had to have an MRI (like, TOMORROW). This was all happening quickly for me--I said, "tomorrow??" He reiterated that it is important to get it diagnosed right away, as surgery could be an option but there is a window of opportunity to do it (SURGERY?). I have never had surgery in my life; I have sustained all kinds of minor injuries, but this was clearly starting to all seem unreal. I got the MRI (long story about that, it took 3 for them to get it right--but then avulsions are RARE so again it helps to be an advocate of your own health as you work thru the system...). The MRI was Fri pm before labor day weekend...I saw the sports surgeon (orthopedic) Tues after Labor day, and we discussed the pros and cons of surgery. At this point I was against it, but in the ensuing week he and I worked the hamstrings hard in PT to see what I thought. One option was to let it "fuse" to the local fascia, and not fix it. There would be some deterioration in my activities, from what I was used to. The hamstring had retracted 6.5 cm, so the PT said at best I would have maybe 70% strength. I worked them all week, and consulted everybody I knew, and came to the conclusion I would do the surgery. I suspect the surgeon let me come to my own conclusion this way, and I am a little grateful for that. I am a runner--and I did not want to give up the chance to regain its function. If my age were 73 it might be different....Surgery was terrifying to me, but I did it --and here I am 1 week out to help share my (and gain from your) experiences. I am a first time contributer to this kind of forum, so let me know if I am in the wrong place or anything. I will give you some more details as I can--in the meantime, I am on crutches with a cat collar around my ankle, which is holding my leg up in the back with a dog leash attached to that!!! And I am typing this while sitting on the left cheek of my butt! I look forward to learning and sharing lot here..
Greggo

hula

19-09-2008, 09:42 AM

Hi Everyone,
I had surgery for a complete avulsion on July 25. At first it was very painful and I was limited to staying in bed. My doctor does not believe in the brace. After a lot of skepticism about the entire process of healing I would now like to share some things.
At 7 1/2 weeks my healing has made an incredible shift. I stayed in bed, with physical therapy ONLY in bed, NO Weight bearing. I rested a lot and let my body heal. I could not sit and had a lot of pain and felt many times like I would never heal. Discouragement lingered in every corner of my bedroom.

At 7 1/2 weeks, I am walking with no aides, sitting and pretty much on my way to recovery. I am a tennis player but am not ready to play tennis. I happened to get lucky because the doctor that I knew (he did knee and hip surgeries on about 20 different tennis players that I know) happens to have done 43 surgeries for complete avulsions. I am amazed at my recovery and the healing of the surgical site. With the exception of using ice nightly, I am pretty much pain free and going about my life (without sports, that will come soon.)

For Junebug, I live in Los Angeles and he is from Cedars Sinai Medical Hospital. It might be worth your time to contact him. Let me know.

Hope all of your are healing nicely.

Hula

Greggo

19-09-2008, 11:20 PM

I have this home-made contraption, consisting of a cat collar around my ankle, and a dog leash wrapped around my waste--attached to the ankle collar in order to hold it up. I just can't stay in bed--All I do is shift back and forth, trying to relieve various pressure points on one leg or the other. I am now 8 days post op, and I have been trying to get myself vertical as much as possible, and went outside for a crutch walk around the block. Do you think that is ok? The doc says just not to "overdo it", but that is very subjective. I am a person who is always doing something, and now I cant even wipe up things or keep up with the house. My Job? I try not even to think about that---I just started a new job in June, so this is not going over well I am sure--I am a hospital pharmacist so am on my feet, doing a lot of tasks and need both mobility and use of both my hands.......which is ironic because the job I left for this was office-based where I basically sat in a cube all day...oh well....
My bedroom is a mess, with all kinds of Runners World, Bicycling, Outside, Backpacking mags all around...I think I read them all! Trying to sit on my left "cheek" is a challenge and I have this fear of "popping" the repair--I don't want to decondition to the point where I am atrophied totally, so I have some very light dumbells I work upper body with--
Either I am pushing too hard or I am ok with this. The pre-op consideration vs post-op reality is really worlds apart!! I guess it will be a long road back......
Greg

Junebug

21-09-2008, 12:14 AM

Hula: May I have the name of your doctor? I would indeed like to contact him/her...California is not that far away from Colorado (at least in distance ;) )

ange

30-09-2008, 02:14 PM

Hi June

I had this injury in November 2002 and had no surgery but similar ongoing symptoms to those you describe. Gradually over two years I regained function, but I deal with ongoing pain, particularly from sitting. I had an MRI at the time which confirmed a complete avulsion, but my surgeon said as I wasn't a professional athlete (!) it was unnecessary and the outcomes were the same.

I have been basically managing pain, my latest and successful method is just to ignore it. I get osteopathy every few months to put my body back into alignment, as I favour my other leg. Its been a lonely injury for me here in New Zealand - apart from some very nice friendly waterskiers, most people in or out of the health profession had not come across it. I'm 48 now, and looking here to see if there is any new ideas or therapy for people like us. Pretty much any time I've had anyone try and work directly on the injury site - massage or physio - I've ended up in more pain. I'm really pleased i have good function, I can walk well, but I've had to stop snow skiiing, tennis and anything that risks reinjury. Hope to hear back, ange

[QUOTE=Junebug;28044]Hi all: I just read every post in this thread and hope that someone reading these posts has had some experience with my injury. Happily, all who have so far posted had minimal time between injury and surgery. I likely experienced this injury over a decade ago. I won't go into how often I explained that it seemed that something tore or popped, yet no one came up with a proper diagnosis. Instead, because I also had a lumbar disk issue, the pain was ascribed to that. I had periods of low pain and during those times, I just got tired of doctors and just lived with it. Probably, if I had been more assertive, I would have had found out what was wrong.

hula

01-10-2008, 12:43 PM

Hi,
I had surgery for a complete avulsion on July 25. My surgeon is very experienced with these surgeries and I am progressing faster than I had expected.

His name is Dr. Jason Snibbe: 310 659-2910. Feel free to use my name as a referral:
Ailene.

Good luck and please let me know if you talk with him.

hula

I Fell

01-10-2008, 02:25 PM

Hello All,

So glad I found this site. I fell backwards 9 days ago and have a complete avulsion 2cm retraction. My GP ordered an MRI right away and I have already seen one Sports Medicine Doctor. He said that I could go either way, surgery or just PT but referred me to another doc to explore the surgery option. I am 61 and in good condition (expect for the hamstring) I do a lot of hiking and walking in the woods. Not a runner but bike and use the treadmill for aerobic exercise.

Reading what everyone has to share about their experience will help me ask questions when I have my appointment on Friday. I don't have a lot of pain and pretty good mobility. Leg is still swollen but the black and blueness is almost gone. Sounds like the recovery is more painful than the injury. Still trying to decide what to do. If you have any references that you can point me to I would appreciate it.

Hope your recovery progresses speedily. Be Well

Greggo

02-10-2008, 10:47 AM

I am 53 yrs old, and also hike, bike, and run, etc. Regarding hiking, a hamstring avulsion would be mainly deleterious to hiking downhill- slopes-there is some loss of control due to how the hamstrings work with the quads (muscles at front of leg). Sports requiring agility suffer the most. I believe biking would not suffer greatly, as I did a lot of biking before I opted for surgical repair. If you opt for surgery please know that it is a long road back, in my opinion--at least 6 mo, and the first 2-4 wks can be difficult to do normal activities of daily living, and painful. I am 3 weeks from surgery (sept 11) and still have lots of neuropathic-type pain. Still on crutches, and I had a 90 degree flexion splint for the 1st two weeks. I think I made the right decision, because my goal is to be able to enjoy activities at near the same level as before. Make sure you find a surgeon who has done this operation before. A complete avulsion is rare, and you are not likely to find anyone who has done dozens of these--a few, if any, is the norm. You are lucky that you know the correct diagnosis, as many of these (as mine almost was) are missed. Good luck!

I Fell

03-10-2008, 12:12 AM

Thanks for your expierence. Lack of downhill control would not be good. How is it stepping up on to and over stuff??? I am going to see the surgeon tomorrow. He must have expierence because he has written a paper on this in the Journal of the Americam Academy of Orthopaeadic Surgery. It's 13 days since I fell and right now not much hurts and the swelling has gone. Not even taking any pain meds. Not sure of all the consequences of not having it fixed.

Heal well!

Junebug

03-10-2008, 05:44 AM

Hula: Thanks for the referral.

Ange: You have an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity? A hamstring avulsion is rare, but, after much research, I believe an avulsion fracture is even more rare. My sympathies. It leaves doctors fumbling to look as though they know what they're talking about when few have even seen this type of injury. Even then, it's ususally in teens due the fragility of their growth plate in that area. As for therapy, I'm still evaluating my options. I have a really good team of physical therapists who believe they can draw on the redundancy of the surrounding muscles to stabilize the hip and, therefore, my gait. Which, of course, then eliminates the tendonitis and lower back pain. Whew...so much to digest. And, it may work now when I'm 57, but what about when I'm 97? I heal better now and my bones are stronger. But, I don't want to undertake unnecessary surgery especially after almost 3 years. It's likely there's a lot of scar tissue to deal with. If I think about the enormity of it all, I could easily become paralyzed with indecision. :eek:

Junebug

03-10-2008, 06:09 AM

Darn, somehow my last post didn't...so I'll try again.

Hula: Thanks for getting back with the referral. I really appreciate it.

Ange: So you have an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity, too? My sympathies. A hamstring avulsion is rare, but an avulsion fracture is apparently even more rare. It occurs mostly in teen athletes (their grown plates aren't fully formed.) In my recent experience, this injury makes doctors fumble to appear as though they know what they're talking about when it's likely they've never, ever seen this type of injury.

It was a very discouraging almost 3 year journey to this diagnosis. I'm still evaluating my options. And now, after almost three years, there are more complications: scar tissue enveloping the sciatic nerve, lower back and SI joint involvement due to the unstable hip, etc. I have a really great team of physical therapists who believe they can draw upon the built-in redundancy of the muscles in this area to strengthen and stabilize the hip to avoid surgery.

It's getting some better (yea!) but, even if it alleviates the pain now when I'm 57, will I still be able to keep the area stable when I'm 97? And, I'll heal better now and my bones are denser.... Too much to consider! :eek:

I understand about the chronic pain and the exasperation with the inability of the medical providers to actually provide relief. I've been engaged and disengaged with this injury. I would get so tired of repeating the symptoms, doing the exercises, dealing with doctors and PTs who couldn't figure it out and I would lose interest, etc. So I would give up for awhile until I couldn't stand the pain anymore and would feel as though I was spiraling down to disability. Then I would get serious about it again. Luckily, now that I have a real, honest-to-goodness diagnosis, I can decide what I want to do with it. No more mystery.

I see my doctor next week and I have Hula's referral and another from my primary care doctor. It's an epic journey.

Good luck to all of you...good healing, good medical support, peace with decisions.

Vollmer

03-10-2008, 07:53 AM

Hey everyone. Like all you, I had a complete tear on August 23. I had a ton!!!! of bruising as well as swelling. I was able to walk (although barely) and began to recover. My roommate works at a hospital and informed a colleague of his about my injury. She suggested I go see a specialist about it, and well...i did. He told me the bad news after I had my MRI, and I had my surgery on Sept. 15. I had my first check up this morning (2 1/2 weeks post op) and my doctor is informing me that I need to stay non-weight bearing, as well as avoid sitting up, for another 4 weeks. It seems like this is a little longer than the rest of you have been instructed. I have my knee in a brace at 30 degree and still have slight pain (in my butt) if I don't take meds for 10-12 hours. I have also developed pain in my knee over the last few nights (my doctor told me today that this is from not flexing my knee at all).

I Fell....I have heard nothing good about long term side effects from this injury. Severe morbidity.

Greggo

04-10-2008, 10:30 PM

Stepping up and over things was do-able, but there was a tendency to favor the affected leg and I noticed the "good" left leg was doing all the heavy lifting and taking the brunt of things. It is something I may have become accustomed to, over time, but just not the same. In my case, the proximal hamstring tendon had retracted about 6.5 cm from the ischeal tuberosity, which is a fairly large distance I believe. Initially I went to a surgeon here, for a consultation, and he had me work with a Physical Therapist (PT) first for a week, giving it a good workout--he wanted me to push it hard that week, in order to see what I thought about the relative level of activity I might expect. Then, he scheduled me for a follow up appt 1 week later, to see how I felt about it and if I definitely wanted to opt for surgery. Granted, a week is not a long time but it gave me at least a relative level of familiarity with what I could expect out of this leg. (He made the appt for surgery anyway, in order to reserve the room and have it on the schedule, thinking that if I wanted to change my mind after I worked with PT, we could always cancel) I was terrified of surgery, never had surgey at all, and wanted no part of it--so I said yes, I will work with it and do everything I can to avoid it. ....So I worked with PT, and the therapist said with the amt of retraction with this avulsive tear, I could probably only expect to achieve about 70% strength at best in the affected leg, and I would still have to work a lot with PT to obtain good results. During this week I really thought about it, and talked to others (whose unanimous opinion was "have the surgery"..[yes, easy for them to say!]). I worked with my leg as directed, and I came to the opinion that I should have the surgery--which was a huge decision for me, and even surprising considering my feeling about surgery in general, but I felt the "writing was on the wall"--i.e., I was not ready to accept the level of functioning that I would likely obtain. Had I been in my late 70s or 80s, perhaps I would feel differently, but being 53 and quite active, I was not ready to write it off. Every journal article I read concluded that surgery (the earlier the better) is usually the best option and a good recovery could be expected. I hike also, and I remember hiking down the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon (and back, after going to the plateau overlooking the Colo river). A great hike, and one to severely test the hamstrings for sure! I thought of that and wanted to be able to do it again someday--and that was just another vote for doing surgery. Plus, even if I did NOT have surgery, I would STILL be working with PT, so that was a given in any case. And, there was too much chance of lingering disability and pain in the future with it--So why not let my self have the chance, while I can, and opt for surgery? And the window of opportunity is only here now since just a few weeks had passed. So I met with the surgeon and he did it the next day. In retrospect, I think he was giving me the time to come around to the decision myself--and I was grateful for that. I am now 3 wks post op, and the pain (just incisional pain, not deep muscular or gnawing pain--in fact, it is just annoying and should resolve) is lessening, and I have started to wean off crutches--I am to work with PT starting next week. Seems pretty aggressive but I agree with his plan-- I think there could be issues with non use of the leg. The first few weeks is to preserve the repair and not stress the hamstring. My surgeon said I had good tendinous strands to re-attach, and he showed me the film of the pelvis which indicates 5 (yes five) small stainless steel anchors in the bone! So overall I feel I am on the road back--to hiking down the canyon again. By the way, there is an athelete, University of Wisc Luke Swan--he suffered the same injury, and came back to try out with the Kansas City Chiefs in NFL football league--he has a web site that is interesting, put Luke Swan in your browser to find his site. I emailed him and he was nice enuf to reply. Interesting. Best of luck, I will stay with this forum during my recovery to chime in.
Greggo

Greggo

04-10-2008, 10:45 PM

I have found a huge variance in post-op recovery plans. It seems your surgeon is being very conservative; in my case I am to wean off crutches after my 2 wk apt. Now at 3 wks, I still use them but am to be "weight bearing as tolerated". I cannot imagine going another 4 wks in the contraction I had. And sitting up? I can and did that all the time--I just make sure the thigh is in the same plane as my upper body--i.e., not bent too much. I did have knee pain, and in fact, when the surgeon told me to release the 90 degree flexion splint, (after 2 wks), I could not straighten my knee out! that was disconcerting, however after a few days I was able to get it down and can now flex it a little. I DO NOT put stress on the hamstring, and he said do not lift leg up or do ANYTHING to flex it. I went back to work this week, and sit on a pillow. I will start to drive soon. As a long-time ---long distance runner I have a good idea of how my body reacts and am in tune with it, so perhaps he is recognizing this. I can send you my PT plan if you like. Overall, in my case, I think there can be non-use problems vs being over conservative, however he said he was really pleased with my particular repair so it is very individualized. Very Important: Do whatever your surgeon advises; I am only writing of my experience here. We all have different circumstances so his clinical judgement is paramount. Best to all!
Greggo

I Fell

05-10-2008, 12:45 AM

Greggo and all

Greggo I have been on the Bright Angle Trail to the plateau. I also would like to return. What a neat place.

I met with the surgeon yesterday. He has expierence with the operation and is the team physician for a major league baseball team. He explained everything about the options of doing nothing and having the surgery. He said that I could go either way. I had good strength without pain upon examination but the uncertainty of the results of doing nothing scared me. With the information gathered from all of your experience I was better prepared for the doctor with questions. The doctor didn't push the surgical option which I appreciated but made the decision harder. I scheduled the operation to reserve the room but told him I may cancel. It was a hard decision because two weeks after I fell, I feel pretty good with not enough pain to even take Tylenol. The swelling is gone and I am moving around pretty good. After consultation with my family doctor who knows my lifestyle and reading all the pages here over again, I have come to the conclusion that the surgery is the best choice for me.

The surgery is scheduled for Monday. I am apprehensive but looking forward to getting it over and the recovery on the way. I'll be in a hip brace and crutches for 6 weeks. The brace keeps the hip within a 15 to 30 degree range. Toe touch weight for the first 10 to 14 days. Then 25% for the next 3 weeks. PT starts at week 2.

I'll pass on my experiences and continue to look here to hear of yours.

Heal well.

Vollmer

05-10-2008, 10:56 AM

Greggo..thanks for the reply. I noticed that my surgeon has decided to take a rather conservative route with my recovery and I will follow his lead. He told me at my first post-op appointment that I would be able to at least take my brace off while I was laying down to relax my knee. I took it off to take a shower, and have had it off sporadically while awake. I am noticing though how difficult it is to move my lower leg and feel that even if I wanted to move along with PT, I would not be able to. I do not go back to see my surgeon for another 4 weeks, and I am going to play it by ear as to whether or not I feel comfortable enough to sit up in maybe 2 weeks. My hamstring was completely torn off, and was retracted about 9 cm. The operation ended up taking longer than he had expected because my muscle had begun to form scar tissue to my sciatic nerve and he had to dissect it off, which is making me think that has something to do with him taking longer for recoup. I am no longer having sharp pains on the incision, but still have dull pain in what feels like my pelvis, as well as some swelling behind my knee. I noticed that in the three weeks of immobility, my "bad" leg has also lost alot of weight, which I assumed, but I am nervous about how much more I could lose in the next 4 weeks.

Thanks for the responses everyone. It is good to know everyone else's experiences, just to have an idea of what to expect. Good luck all.

Vollmer

05-10-2008, 10:58 AM

Greggo...I would definitely like to see your PT plan. Knowing what to expect would be nice. My email is voll0085@umn.edu. Thanks for your help!

I Fell

09-10-2008, 02:41 AM

Day 2 after the surgery. Hardly any pain. Dealing with the brace and crutches. Rehab to start in 10 days.

leggybird

10-10-2008, 11:00 AM

Hey fellow invalids, i hope your all well considering..................

Well i had my surgery for a hamstring avulsion (2cm,no bone dettachment) approx 6 weeks ago now and had 3 anchors in my bone and the hamstring re-attached onto the anchors. I was told i would be in a leg brace for 4 weeks, then 6 weeks and now the 6 weeks is up they say they will leave me in it for 8 weeks (they seem to chop and change their minds). The brace was at (90 o) for first 4 weeks, then put to (45 o) for two weeks and has just been set to (20 o) for a further two weeks and they will then "consider" removing the brace. The idea of it is to gradually stretch the hamstring back and i am amazed that reading other peoples stories that some of you have had no brace at all?...surely until it forms scar tissue to reattach itself the hamstring would be pulled back off again without a brace to prevent extending the leg to far until its started to heal?

It was very difficult for the first 2 weeks, i couldnt shower or bath due to the stitches and had to strip wash and going to the toilet was near impossible (whilst its a subject we dont like to approach,if youre unfortunate enough to have this surgery,you will appreciate this advice) the first time after surgery is near impossible when you have the soreness and tightness of stitches in your backside, and i would recommend a mild laxative!Another issue is that being on crutches, you cant carry anything,something as simple as a cup of tea,unloading plates from the dishwasher ect, but its amazing how quickly i learnt to adapt to my situation and after a week of lying in bed, the soreness eased a little, i tended to shuffle about on my knee's alot and had a long strapped bag hooked over my head to carry laundry to the washing machine ect.

Anyway, after 6 weeks in a brace,i could put my foot on the floor, i tried to take a step and could bear no weight on my braced leg, 5 days later im limping but can walk fine though my knee is a little painful from being locked in the same position for weeks.

I have been told i can start physio but do nothing involving resistance or to put strain on the hamstring (so basically a physio can do bugger all until im out the brace, i have had one session and (like everyone)he is lacking in experience of this injury and is unsure of what exercises he can give me at this stage!

Whilst the pain of the injury is unbearable, the pain from surgery is mild but uncomfortable.

leggybird

10-10-2008, 11:10 AM

Im just wondering if anyone can give me advice on what types of exercise they were doing with their p/t approx 6 weeks post op. My surgeon doesnt seem to know/hasnt made it very clear and seems to be being overly cautious compared to what ive read on this forum about people having physio at just 4 weeks post op. I dont want to start to early and strain/damage the newly formed tissue,with anything to strenuous but nobody seems to have a clue and everytime i visit the hospital, a different consultant tells me something different to the last!

many thanks.

leggybird

10-10-2008, 11:28 AM

Hi Vollymer

I seem to be at the same stage as you. I have read this sight and was wondering myself why i seem to of been braced longer than other people based of their shared experiences. I had 4 weeks at 90 degree's, then 2 weeks at 45 degree's and have just been set to 20 degree's for another 2 weeks (that will be 8 weks in total and then they still arnt sure if they will take this damn thing off

After 5 weeks and the brace at 45 o, i could actually put my foot to the floor to walk around and even drive my car (though when i saw my surgeon last week he told me i should be bearing no weight on it at all for the first 6 weeks, then after only slight gentle weight. Well, as you can imagine, as soon as i discovered i could walk a little step after 4-5 weeks, my crutches got tossed to the side after weeks of frustration, but i think its in our interest to bear as little weight as poss to prevent any strain on the new tissue for as long as poss. And i guess a little longer in the brace is good in the long run, i know if i wasnt restricted by this thing then i would be over doing it and prob causing myself re-injury!

I Fell

11-10-2008, 12:06 AM

Hi Leggybird,

I must have a different brace. I am locked at 15 degrees. From the knee down I can swing my leg. Toe touch weight bearing for balance only while on crutches. I will then go to 25% weight bearing next Friday for 3 weeks. I am 4 days post surgery and have no pain at the site, I have 5 asorbable anchors. I can remove the brace today to shower which I am apprehensive about doing. Next Friday after seeing the surgeon I will start PT for at least 10 weeks. Lose the crutches and brace at the end of 6 weeks with full weight bearing at that time. I have 13 steps from the downstairs to the upstairs. Starting to be able to do them pretty good. I found that if I shorten on of the crutches it makes it eaasier.

Heal well

I Fell

11-10-2008, 12:30 AM

Here is what I am scheduled for rehab. The first phase of rehabilitation consists of toe-touch weight bearing for 10 to 14 days, with advancement to 25% weight bearing for the next 3 weeks. This allows slight hip and knee flexion, taking care to prevent any stress on the tendon repair. Passive range of motion of the knee and hip is begun at week 2, and gentle active range of motion is initiated by
week 4. The brace is discontinued by week

The second phase starts with full weight bearing at week 6 and normal gait training. Passive and active
ranges of motion are progressed, and aquatherapy is introduced. Isotonic exercises are begun within a limited range of motion, avoiding the termina ranges of motion. Core pelvic 60° of knee flexion is performed at 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the final phase of rehabilitation begins with the initiation
of dry land jogging.

Hope this helps.

Vollmer

11-10-2008, 04:49 AM

LeggyBird-
My doctor is confident that I will take the brace off at 6 weeks, and begin to slowly weight bear on my leg. I had the brace at 30 degrees and it has not changed. My first post-op appointment with the doctor was 2 1/2 weeks post op (17 days). He removed the stitches and said my x-ray revealed that everything was going well. i had been experiencing some rather intense pain in my knee, so he said I was allowed to take off the brace to shower, and if I'm laying in bed, but that it would be best to leave it on if at all possible, and especially when I sleep.
I have not put any weight what-so-ever on the leg yet, and have only a couple times used my leg as a balance when going to the bathroom. I feel as though my leg is recovering, but am afraid to revolt from my doctors requests (seeing as he is the doctor:D ). Good luck.

Vollmer

11-10-2008, 04:51 AM

I am now just about 4 weeks post op, and while the area around my incision is still tender, the pain has for all intensive purposes, subsided. The area behind my knee though, and just above seems to be causing me some problems. It is very tender and behind my knee especially is swollen. Anyone have any info on this, or a similar situation?? Thanks for the help!

leggybird

11-10-2008, 07:17 AM

Thanks for all your feedback guys

vollymer re: your knee, mine is the same and where my knee has been locked in the same position for weeks, my knee hurts more than the actual incision itself (which feels tender and bruised but isnt painful)...................my knee feels like it has seized in this position,but hopefully as the brace comes off and my leg straightens then it should ease. I have never had great knees anyway and have always suffered with stiff knee joints from years of sport so the brace hasnt helped!!!!Its also tender at the back of my knee its slightly swollen and pulls slightly but i think this is my hamstring as it has gradually been stretched in the brace but is still quite tight, tho its hard to tell if its this or my knee. I had quite extensive bruising for the first 3 weeks post op from lying in the same position and presure points but this has now eased as ive become more mobile.

I was also advised to massage the scar at least twice a day and i was being gentle as i didnt want to disrupt anything in that area, but i have been advised to get right in there and give it a good firm massage. This is very essential to break down lumpy scar tissue and will aviod it being overly tight upon healing and stop the scar on your outer skin sticking internally to tissue. It may fell bruised and like youve been kicked in the ass by a horse but its very important this is done, if you havent been advised so already!

leggybird

11-10-2008, 07:21 AM

A cat collar and a dog lead!did u accidently go to the vets instead of the hospital?

I Fell

11-10-2008, 10:44 AM

All my stitches are internal. The wound was closed in layers. Theifinal closure was done with Steri Strips which will just fall off. I was just told to change the dressing every 2 days and to keep it clean and dry. I have no swelling from the operation. Still have some black and blue from the original injury. Nothing was even mentioned about ice and so far there has been no need.

Chevyman

14-10-2008, 08:14 AM

Let me start by saying that have enjoied reading all of your post and have learned a lot. As a matter of fact I had diagnosed myself before I even went to the Orthopedic surgeon.

My injury happened on July, 12th while water skiing, suprize! I had to have my sixteen year old daughter drive me to the er, and get this when they said the wait will be three hours, she left me, said mom will be here shortly. Long story short, ER doc x-rayed it and said strain go home and start therapy. Did that for two months and seemed to be doing okay but noticed that I had to concentrate to straighten right foot. Two months after injury felt a knot in my mid-thigh area. Went back to pt and they said muscle was knotted up and they need to get aggressive with it and really started massaging it and used ultra sound therapy, so I thought they knew what they were doing. That was a Tuesday. The next Monday I was invited to play in a golf tournament and it did not hurt so I thought what the heck, had'nt played in two month so I will give it a go. First swing, when I transfered my weight to my right side, my leg just kind of lost control. That has never happened before, almost missed the ball, that has happened before but its been a long time, so I immediatly know something was wrong.

I am fortunate that I am friends with a major college team orthopedic surgeon, I know, I should have called him sooner, he took one look at it and said avulsion and sent me to get MRI. MRI shows that I pulled two tendons off the bone and they are retracted 7cm. Wanted to schedule surgery for the 21st but I wanted to go to parents weekend for my son's freshman year in college so my surgery is scheduled for the 28th.

Good luck to everybody here with your recovery and I will join in the discussion and keep you posted! Any advice will be appreciated!

Greggo

15-10-2008, 09:07 AM

Hi everybody,
I will be at 5 wks post op Thurs 16 Oct. I have started Physical therapy, and here is my regimen, from the beginning just after surgery:
Weeks 1-2: 2 wks of non weight-bearing, with patient in knee flexion and hip extension. Passive range of motion of the knee and hip begin at week 2
Week 2: Weight bearing as tolerated with crutches
Weeks 3: Gait training
Week 4: Gentle AROM (active range of motion?) begun at week 4
Week 6: Shuttle press, heel slide, full weight bearing. Gait training, normal gait as goal. Passive and Active ROM are progressed. Aqua therapy is introduced, if applicable. Isotonic Exercises are begun with limited ROM, avoiding terminal ROM (range of motion). Core pelvic strength training and closed chain ex's initiated (I don't know what that means--I will ask my Phys therapist tomorrow).
Week 8: Isotonic strength training is progressed, Dynamic training is advanced. Hamstring resistance is introduced. Gentle hamstring stretching.
Week 10: Dry land jogging. Sport-specific activities are continued, return to sport permitted when involved side is 80% of uninvolved side through isokinetic testing TYPICALLy 3-6 MONTHS.

I think My Physical therapist is good, he worked with the Columbus Crew for 5 yrs (soccer team), and said he has seen these types of injuries before and has worked with them. He explained that the first phase is (1) protect the repair (2 wks with my leg tied up behind me, etc). Then, (2) gentle strengthening in order to (3) get ready for the real work that begins from week 6 on. So far, I am doing ok. I use crutches a lot but I am off of them a lot also. Its funny, I am not quite ready to really get rid of them, kind of like a security blanket.

I also had some knee pain, swelling, etc., and I was really glad when the 90 degree harness came off and I could lower my knee (at week 2).
Yes, Leggybird, ;)I too thought I was in a veterinary hospital--I should have known when the nurses kept patting my head and said "....thats a GOOD boy!!"
I will write more tomorrow after my PT appt. I can actually feel the hamstring "firing" when I do some of the initial exercises!!
the best to all--hang in there!!
Greg

ventued

15-10-2008, 01:37 PM

Hello All:

Thank you all for the insights that have been posted on this "rare" injury. I was water skiing 26 months ago when I felt the "pop", followed the next day with a bruise from my butt to the bottom of my foot. After 6 weeks on crutches and 13 weeks of PT, I started to run again. I ran my first half marathon in April of last year and thought my slower time was a result of another year of age (I'm now 52). I trained more and ran the NY Marathon last November very slowly with a bunch of pain and tightness. This year after my 4th half marathon I was close to immobile so I went to another sports injury specialist who recommended surgery for my 10cm of scar tissue. I had a 2nd opinion by a Dr who also recommended surgery. I was on the fence until yesterday when I went to my chiropractor (who had been treating me with ultra-sound all along) who also said I should have it repaired. Now my decision is made and I will be scheduling the surgery tomorrow morning hopefully for sometime in December. I've taken note of all the comments posted thus far, but will welcome insights to living with a hip brace and 90 degree knee brace. How do you sleep? Use the toilet? Sit? Etc.? I know you all can offer some practical advice. Thanks in advance!

I Fell

15-10-2008, 01:40 PM

One week post op and I feel great and pain free but just can't do much with the braces and crutches. The bathroom adventure is well a pain in the a$$. Doctor on Fridayand PT next week. My plan as posted above seens similar to yours. I can't wait to get started.

I Fell

16-10-2008, 04:40 AM

Ventued Sorry to hear that it took so long to get a proper diagnosis. I have a different brace than most seem to have Mine is around my waist with a rod running down the leg and attached to a piece wrapped around my leg above the knee. Hip is locked at 15 degrees but from the knee down is free. Sleeping isn't too bad with this set up. The bathroom is another story. After reading here I got a portable commode that sits above the toilet. It has hand rails to help sitting down and getting up. A raised seat wouldn't be as useful. Have plenty of wipes handy. I found paper towels more useful to start than tissue.

Heal well

leggybird

16-10-2008, 07:26 AM

hi \ventued

What type of hamstring injury did u have? A complete Avulsion?

This is why i pushed for surgery from the start with my injury as it is not uncommon for people years down the line to have to end up having surgery in the end.

It depends if they put you in a hip or leg brace (both do the same job) but leg brace is more comfortable. For the first two weeks it is very uncomfortable. I tended to sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs but after a few weeks you may feel bruises from lying in the same position. Because you cannot get the stitches wet, i tended to lean forwards over the bath and just put one leg into the bath and used the detachable showerhead over my bath to wash (but if you dont have one of these over your bath i would get yourself one of those hoses that attaches onto the taps as you wont be able to have a bath or get in a shower cubicle) but this may only be manageable a week or so after surgery depending on how sore the stitches are when you move.

Hello All:

Thank you all for the insights that have been posted on this "rare" injury. I was water skiing 26 months ago when I felt the "pop", followed the next day with a bruise from my butt to the bottom of my foot. After 6 weeks on crutches and 13 weeks of PT, I started to run again. I ran my first half marathon in April of last year and thought my slower time was a result of another year of age (I'm now 52). I trained more and ran the NY Marathon last November very slowly with a bunch of pain and tightness. This year after my 4th half marathon I was close to immobile so I went to another sports injury specialist who recommended surgery for my 10cm of scar tissue. I had a 2nd opinion by a Dr who also recommended surgery. I was on the fence until yesterday when I went to my chiropractor (who had been treating me with ultra-sound all along) who also said I should have it repaired. Now my decision is made and I will be scheduling the surgery tomorrow morning hopefully for sometime in December. I've taken note of all the comments posted thus far, but will welcome insights to living with a hip brace and 90 degree knee brace. How do you sleep? Use the toilet? Sit? Etc.? I know you all can offer some practical advice. Thanks in advance!

leggybird

16-10-2008, 07:57 AM

Hi Greggo, thanks for info on p/t. Can i just ask what type of injury did u have? You seem to be weight bearing very quickly, was it a complete avulsion of all 3?. I think this forum is quite confusing for people who read up on it as there is a vast difference in rehabilitation for detachment of just one on the 3 hamstrings. For anybody reading this forum, there are different methods/recovery timescales for a complete avulsion (pulling all 3 hamstrings off the iscial tuberosity) to maybe just pulling one or two. I have detached all 3 of them but no bone fragment has come away with them, so i have 3 anchors in my bone and they have been reattached onto that.

I Fell

16-10-2008, 08:00 AM

Greggo

16-10-2008, 11:45 AM

Hi ventued, I was at the point you are at approx 5 wks ago, when I had the option to continue with PT, and have no surgery, ---or schedule surgery and get this thing fixed. I am also a runner, and ironically I was considering runnng the Austin Marathon next spring (would have been my first marathon) when the waterskiing injury ended that!! During my initial evaluation with PT they told me that I could have some type of non-descript pain at a later date, and they could not give me a good idea of what my functioning would be without surgery--but it would not be the same again, ever. Best estimate was perhaps 70% of pre-injury strength. So... I opted for the surgery and am now 5 wks post OR. I think you are making the right decision. I had the affected leg tied up behind me at a 90 deg angle for 2 wks, which was a challenge...but doable. If you have read the posts you know some of my history here. I too usually slept with a pillow between my legs, and sometimes felt like I would flip myself back and forth from side to side all night like a pancake. I had a shower stool that I propped my injured leg on while standing on the good leg when I was in the shower.
Leggybird: I had a complete avulsion, but not a bony avulsion--the bone was intact. I have 5 stainless anchors in the ischeal tuberosity where the tendons are attached. I will get some more info from my surgeon, but I was under impression that two of the muscles have a common insertion point, and one of them is just lateral to that. In any regards, I tore the whole complex off!! At PT today, I was on a stationary recumbent bicycle for 10 minutes! Did that ever feel good--then I did a series of 11 exercises. These are just very gentle with no weight or strain, just trying to get the hamstrings to "fire" a little. I am weight bearing as tolerated (which is pretty much), and it is recommended I use one crutch only now, with no crutches starting next week (wk 6). I have to watch I DO NOT slip or fall, which could be catastrophic at this point. But so far so good. Talk to you all later,
Greg

ventued

17-10-2008, 10:08 AM

Hi All:

Thanks for the practical suggestions and your comments. My list now has on it a portable toilet and a shower stool - and with Christmas coming I'm all set. My surgery is set for 12/15 so if any other thoughts/suggestions, etc. come up, please post them. I'll be getting my brace fitted a couple of weeks beforehand and pass on any suggestions they may have as well.

For those who asked, I have a complete avulsion that has about 10cm of retraction. A bunch of scar tissue is there and it seems it's continuing to grow (or so says my naturalist chiropractor who has been treating it with ultra sound and still recommended I go through surgery). My surgeon said he may need to graft a tendon if my muscle isn't elastic enough. No matter how you look at it, I'll still be better off than the donor. (yikes!)

Greg: I'm optimistic that this is all going to work out for me, so I'll be applying to run the NY marathon in November of 2009. I'm figuring that my 20 week training program will need to begin the end of June. I'll have the 6 weeks in a brace bringing me to the start of February. From February until June I'll have PT going and should be able to log at least a couple of miles a week, so I'm set. I'm also told recovery is quicker if you have something to focus on, so would you care to join me and run a couple of miles at a marathon in solidarity? (If you're focused on Austin being your first one, I'll apply to that for February 2010.)

Chevyman - sorry that you're now one of us. Good luck with your surgery and quick healing! (Don't regret going to parents' weekend -the years go by too fast - just as they do while the kids are growing up. I have one in college and one in law school - I used to let them come in before me at half marathons, now at mile 3 they say "see ya".)

Vollmer

17-10-2008, 12:23 PM

Glad to hear everyone is recovering well. This website/forum has been a big help to me, not only in giving wonderful advice about what to have handy to ease the complications that arise from one leg bounded, but also to know that others are going through the same thing and coming out alive and well on the other end. The long recovery process is rather dark when just beginning.

To All: I have a complete avulsion of the semimembranosus muscle from the ischium. My muscle was retracted 8 1/2 cm and started to attatch itself to my sciatic nerve with scar tissue. I now have 2 titanium anchors in my ischium. The anchors were tied to my tendon holding it in place on the bone. I was told no weight bearing/no sitting up for 6 weeks. I hope this gives a clear answer to folks.

I am getting so anxious to move around more! I feel myself spending more and more time outside, using my crutches out of bed. It is really too bad I am not allowed to sit up, as I would love to get back to work, even if sitting at a desk would be my fortune. Good luck to all!

Chevyman

18-10-2008, 06:32 AM

I'm getting really excited now. I just got my brace! Wo hoo! It is basically a knee brace, one like you see after acl surgery. They told me the doctor is going to put it at a 45* angle for three weeks, then reduce the angle and see how I feel. They did say that I can take it off when I take a shower and from what I've read on here a shower chair sounds like a good idea!

I have a qestion for those of you that have already had the surgery. Is the incision site below the butt cheek? This brace rides high on my leg so I am scared it is going to hit the incision.

Ventued, thanks for the encouragement! Good luck to you as well. I'm really looking forward to parents' weekend next week but am nervous about the surgery two days later! I will let you know how it goes.

Greg, sorry you did not get to run the Austin marathon. Austin was the last marathon I ran-- back in 1998! From what I've heard the course went back to the harder, hilly one! Hope you get to do it in 2010. I have retired to just running 10'ks and might do a half again after I heal.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories so us newbies can see what lies ahead! Heal quick everybody!

I Fell

18-10-2008, 07:32 AM

Chevyman,
My incision is in the crease just below the butt cheek. I have a different type brace that attaches above the knee and then around the waist connected by a rod that keeps the hip at a 15 degree angle. I can bend my leg at the knee.

My surgery took 2 hours and I have not had any pain. My doctor had me stay overnight in the hospital but reading here it appears some go right home. It is interesting to see the different treatments for the same injury.

I am glad that I had the operation. Now it's just a matter of time to return to normal. You'll be just fine.

Heal well.

I Fell

18-10-2008, 07:38 AM

Vollmer,

This forum has been a great help to me also. I was lucky in that I had an MRI right away and decided on the operation before I had a lot of scar tissue form. I can at least sit up in my brace.

I had my first post op visit and the incision has healed nicely with no signs of infection. I was told that I could go from Toe Touch Weight Bearing on my crutches to 25%. Doctor said use a bathroom scale to get an idea of what that feels like. 40 lbs in my case.

I had no pain when he moved my leg without the brace. I start therapy on Monday.

I will be spending more time outside next week. The internet is a great diversion.

Heal Well

Vollmer

18-10-2008, 08:10 AM

I fell,
I had my MRI about 3 weeks post op, and my surgery 4 weeks. I didn't really take any consideration to my injury before I met with the specialist and definitely didn't take it easy after it had occured (until of course I was told I would be having surgery). I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the scaring or not. I have touched my leg to the ground a couple of times, and put slight pressure on my toes, but I can still feel it through the entire leg so I always quickly stop!

My leg doesn't have much pain when I move it, unless I try and straighten it completely. I can then really feel it in the tendons behind my knee.

I HAVE to get outside at least a couple times a day. I walk around the yard and stay up for 10-15 min. before laying back down. Standing on one leg gets quite tiring.....quickly...lol.

Chevyman,
My scar is about 8-9 inches long. 3 inches of it or so are on my butt cheek. My brace is just a knee brace which starts about 3 inches above my ankle and continues about half way up my thigh. It sits about 3 inches south of my scar. The brace is actually causing most of my problems right now..the straps seem to push into my leg if I lay in the wrong position, and the general rubbing of the skin. My surgery lasted about 2 1/2 hours (this was longer than expected because of my muscle binding to my sciatic nerve) and I was released a couple hours after that. My surgery was scheduled for 7 am and I was out around 12:30 pm. The only complication I had was going to the bathroom for the first time following surgery. They put about a liter and half of fluid in me during the surgery, then I had 2 cans of sprite while in recovery, then drank probably another liter of water in the afternoon. I ALMOST went to the ER because my bladder was hurting so bad, but I managed to push a little out before really going about an hour or two later than evening. Kinda scary at first, and I'm sorry if that's a bit too graphic for some. Good luck!

Greggo

19-10-2008, 05:46 AM

I had PT on Wed 15 Oct, with 10 min on stationary semi-recumbent bicycle--Just to "get the blood flowing" per PT. No resistance, just gently motion that mainly works the quads anyway. After warming up, I do a series of 11 exercises (first week it was 6, then 11, and now 14) where I tighten my quads (which locks knee) and lift the affected leg 8-12 inches. First I lay on back, lift it up, then lay on side, lift it up, then on my stomach, lift it up, etc. I do some gluteal sets and adductor sets to strengthen accessory muscles too, and some calf exercises which don't have anything to do with the hamstring really but part of the whole picture that works together. Various configurations, various ways of stretching. Vollmer, since you asked I will email you the exact protocol for a look--I have not sent yet because it keeps changing every week!.

Each time I see the PT (I go 3 x a week) he adds a few more things to do. For instance, today I "march in place" ...very slowly, for about 20 repetitions, bringing my knee up as far as I can. The last few times I did the same thing but was lying on my back. I even do a few "mini squats" where I stand on floor and squat down JUST A LITTLE. So you see, very slowly progressing where I ask the hamstrings to do just a little more. Right now, he says I am ONLY gently stretching the muscle, "waking it up", getting it to fire again. As this progresses, he will start to slowly add weight to my ankle, for example, to actually start the strengthening. That won't happen until after week 6. The unaffected leg is so used to taking the load that I still transfer most of the load to it, and the PT could see that right away--so now I must try to transfer just a LITTLE back to the affected leg. I know what you guys mean about getting up and going on the crutches. It was killing me staying home 2 wks on them, in the knee sling. Only so much "Jerry Springer" shows I could tolerate......When I finally felt well enuf, I put on a pair of padded-gel bicycle gloves, grabbed a water bottle, and went outside for "crutch walks" around the neighborhood! I probably went a few miles, people must have thought I was crazy, but at least I got the heart going a little and broke a sweat. I did this 2-3 times. They told me that blood flow to the area is crucial to healing. Make sure you have ok from your doc before you do this! My advice was "just don't over do it!". With the leg in a sling it was all on the unaffected leg. With time my upper body strength got much better.

Ventued, I think that is a fantastic idea, do you really think we could run a marathon after this?? That would be a great goal to set. Perhaps we can find out if anybody else with this injury has recovered to do it. If we can't do that, at least a 10 K somewhere in conjunction with one. Austin will be too early for me, so perhaps the NYC marathon Nov 09 is just about right. I am learning its all about goals and attitude to get thru this--I find now I look forward to going to the rec center to do the PT, etc. My early goal is to do a 5 K about March/April (?).

By the way, my incision was right where the "cheek line" is....right in or just below the crease. Stitches removed, and only steri-strips now. Its like clear duct tape. When the strips fall off, they won't replace them. I still have some numbness, and pain when I sit on a chair a certain way (just about any way)--not really acute shooting pain, but just an uneasiness sensation of pressure, that I am sitting on something (which of course I am). That will take a LONG time to go away, and the PT said its because this injury is problematic because we are constantly sitting on it, moving around, etc. I am so used to it, it has become more annoying than really painful. I work I set on a pillow, and use only 1 crutch now. At week six (this thurs) I think they will tell me to toss the crutches...maybe. The exchange here is a great support and I have learned so much
till later,
Greg

Chevyman

21-10-2008, 03:54 AM

Wow! This forum is great. Thanks everbody for answering my question. Hope everybody's recovery is going well. I am ready to get mine started, only about a week to go!

ventued

21-10-2008, 05:55 AM

Hi All:

As mentioned earlier, my surgery isn't until 12/15. I'll be out of the country 11/13-11/29 so I figured it can wait until I return after having waited over 2 years already. That said, I appreciate your descriptions, progress, etc. I'm also encouraged by what I'm hearing and believe me, I thinking of nothing but happy thoughts for all of you.

Greggo, as far as a marathon goes, my surgeon told me I can expect between 80-90% of the strength of my good leg after the op and PT - if all goes well (of course there's no money back guarantee from my doc - if anyone has one, please let me know :-). Right now I'm at about 60% and this year I ran 4 half marathons. Last year I ran the full NY Marathon - but it was a bit tough on some of the hills and that's with my muscle held with scar tissue. Considering that I'm expecting improvement from doing this, I'm still holding a marathon as a goal. I'll look forward to having you join me. They have a lottery for entry (unless you do some fund raising). If you're not picked after three entries, you're guaranteed a spot. I wasn't picked for this year so next year will be my second attempt (after successfully being selected my first time). I'd encourage you to enter both for the sake of having a goal, and because it may end up being a three year process before you get in. If you think you'll be ready next November and you're not selected for NY, Philadelphia has one the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It's a bit flatter than NY (but the route isn't as much fun and certainly not the same crowd level pulling for you).

Happy healing to all.

Ed

I Fell

27-10-2008, 11:52 AM

Cheyyman Good luck. Soon it will be all recovery.

Chevyman

28-10-2008, 11:50 PM

I fell,

Thanks! The day is finally here. I have just finsihed up a few things at the office and am on my way to the hospital. Thanks to everybody that has been through this for the advice. Next time I post it will be with a post op report!

I Fell

29-10-2008, 12:48 AM

Hope everything went well and are as pain free as I have been. Three weeks yesterday from my operation, PT is going well and I can now put 50% of my weight on my leg. Makes it a lot easier to get around on the crutches. Using a normal walking motion now rather than move the injured leg forward then move the good one up. Less than 3 weeks now to go in the brace. Time is going quickly.

Heal well.

Chevyman

30-10-2008, 09:33 AM

Since I am bored laying in bed I thought I would share with everyone how my surgery day went. It started out normal but as we are filling out paper work my surgeon's nurse pops in and says that my orders have changed from day surgey to stay in for overnight observation and pain management. This kind of scared me but also made me think I would get better dugs! Little did I know what was coming next!

As I mentioned in one of my earlier post, my surgeon is the orthopaedic surgeon for a major university athletic department. To my surprize, he has never had to perform this procedure before, but he is a friend and I have the utmost confidence in him. In addition to knowing him, I also requested another friend to do my anesthisia, as it turns out, this anesthetist works closely with my surgeon and the athletic department as well. When he came in to discuss my anesthisia options with me he mentioned a nerve block in addition to general. He said they have been having good luck with nerve blocks for extremities surgery. After more discussion though, he said that there are too many nerves in the leg and that would probably not work. Then he dropped the surprise on me! They wanted to do an epidural on me! My first reaction was "I'm not having a baby" but they convinced me to do it. Glad I did!

The surgery itself went well but took longer than expected, 3 hours, because my tendons and scar tissue were wrapped around the sciatic nerve. He said, it took two hours to isolate the nerve and then one hour to re-attach them. Since this was my surgeon's first time to do this procedure he had a medical photographer photograph the surgery. He is going to share the information with the trainors and other surgeons he works with. I have 18 bright color photographs of it! It is amazing to see how he untangled the nerve and isolated it. Then he installed 5mm anchors and basically made a pulley using the anchors and some small cables. In the pictures you see the muscles just being pulled back into place. He had to bend my leg back almost to my hip to get the muscle to release. With that he then only got one of my tendons far enough back on its own. The other one had to be attached using a cadaver achillies tendon to make it reach. Yikes!

I don't know if it was the epidural or not but I have been pain free to this point. When this stuff wears off I'm sure the pain and discomfort will increase but so far so good. The only thing that really bothers me is, what many have mentioned, that I can't sit up.

Ventued, I don't know what your surgeon and anesthesiologist think but the epidural seemed to work pretty good for me!

Thats all I can type for now. I will update more later. Heal well everybody!

I Fell

31-10-2008, 07:58 AM

Chevyman
Glad things went well. When the anestiaologist came in they aske what I wanted to have general or epidural. As they were telling me the pros and cons of each the surgeon came in and said I was having general. I stayed in overnight for pain management and observation but I knew that going in. I needed no pain management as I had no pain. Took 2 Tylenol that night in the hospiyal and that's it.
Next morning I went to crutch training to learn how to use the crutches, get in and out of the car, up the steps and on the toilet. Then it was home. I am glad that with the type brace my surgeon used I can sit up, lie on my back, stomach. or either side.

If you are lucky like me you won't have any pain or swelling.

Heal well

Chevyman

01-11-2008, 07:46 AM

I fell, Wish mine would have been as pain free as yours. I have had a little pain due to the amount of retraction and sciatic involvement. My doctor has me on Toridal 3 x daily and then lortab(hydrocodine) as needed for additional pain. Other than the first day, and to sleep, I have not had to take the lortabs very much. This is good because all the meds have me so clogged up that I am getting uncomfortable! I know, tmi, but everybody needs to prepare for that aspect of it. I went to mobility training as well but they did not teach me how to use the bathroom. Seems like it is going to be hard but just one of those things you get done on your own.

I had myself prepared for the worst so I would say to this point it has gone better than expected. Thanks!!! To be continued!

I Fell

02-11-2008, 12:21 AM

Chevyman
I too was prepared for the worst and other than the restriction of the brace and crutches I feel great. The doctor said that the PT could take the brace off now for better ROM trerapy but I have to weare it for 16 more days. Still all passive ROM at this point. The time has gone quickly.

Plenty of Baby Wipes for the bathroom.

Heal well.

ventued

02-11-2008, 02:01 PM

Many more thanks to all who have recently posted. My surgeon said the worst part of this is recovery in the brace and the associated discomfort. I feel more at ease with what you all have posted and now will definitely add baby wipes to my "wish list".

Chevyman, good job and glad to hear it's going as well as can be expected. My doc said that he's having a hand surgeon as part of his team to take care of the nerve work which he thinks may be a bit of a challenge. I'm fortunate to have someone who has done this a number of times and I'm hoping he lives up to his reputation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NY. Apparently, he's done this on a bunch of folks from some of the NY area sports teams - of course this isn't them it's ME.

Greggo - I'm still going to shoot for the NY Marathon next year. Fallback will be Philly distance run (1/2 marathon). As I typed that I realized I shouldn't even consider a 1/2 so I'm keeping the goal of NY next year with the Philly run being a training run for the big show. I truly hope you will join me - everyone else is welcome as well!

Cheers and good luck to all.

Vollmer

03-11-2008, 01:03 PM

Chevyman-
I too was propositioned with an epidural because I had been congested the day of, and a few days prior to the operation. I did not feel like spending more time than I needed in the hospital, so I went with the general anesthesia (I have never had problems before so I figured I was safe). Using the toilet for the first week or two is quite a pain. I was rather backed up from the pills and had a tough time going comfortably, and made a bit of a mess a couple times (rather embarrassing and demeaning). I would love to see some of those pictures if you get a hold of them btw. My doctor sent me the transcriptions of my operation which were a treat to read..lol.

I am now 7 weeks post-op, and was given the OK to begin weaning off my crutches. I have pretty much given up on using them for around the house walking, but have been taking it easy still none-the-less. I have only been using them the past few days for trips to the grocery store. I start physical therapy on Wednesday 11/5 (which will be 7 weeks and 2 days post-op). I am being told I will begin exclusively with a stationary bike. I have a follow-up with my surgeon in 2 months.

I am also going back to work tomorrow (11/3) for the first time since the operation. I am excited to get back to the real world, but at the same time, I have enjoyed waking up at 10 am. :)

Glad to hear everyone is doing well and no major problems have been arising.

Chevyman

06-11-2008, 04:06 AM

Howdy everybody. One week down and 5 more to go before some relief. My doctor does want me to start very light rom rehab this week. Can't remove brace or even sit up yet but feeling okay. Does anybody have any pain when they try to roll over at night or flex the hamstring by accident? I seem to at times.

Vollmer, I tried to attach pictures and it wont let me or I can't figure it out. I will be glad to email them to you if you want.

Ventued, sounds like a good idea having a nerve doctor on the team. Good luck!

Good healing everybody.

I Fell

06-11-2008, 06:01 AM

Chevyman

I have a different brace than you do. My hip is locked at a 15% angle but below the knee is mobile. There is no way to accidently stretch the hamstring in this brace. I can sit with it on but it is a little awkward as the hip won't bend and the upper part rides up into the rib cage but it is manageable. the lack of pain is almost scary. I am in my 5th week and can put 50% of my weight on the leg now. Makes it a lot easier to get around on the crutches. Monday I start with full weight for a week and then the brace is done. So far PT has just been passive range of motion two days a week with some bent knee leg raises at home every day. Once the brace is off I will start active range of motion and strengthening exercises three days a week. I posted my therapy protocol here a week or to back. Neat that you have pictures. This paper was written by the surgeon that did my operation. There is a picture of the brace on page 19

http://jdc.jefferson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=orthofp

Heal well.

Vollmer

06-11-2008, 01:08 PM

Chevyman-
The only "rehab" I was told to do while in bed, was to slightly flex my toes and ankle. I think it was more to ensure blood flow to the area though. I was told to do this 10-15 times, every hour, for the first 2 weeks.

voll0085@umn.edu

I would LOVE to see the photos!!

I had my first phys. therapy today. All the activity I did was to ride a stationary bike, with almost no resistence for 5 minutes. I was also given a variety of stretches, and some strengthening moves to perform to gain strength in the other parts of my leg. My knee, and just above my knee is still swollen though, and the only source of any pain.

Chevyman

08-11-2008, 08:00 AM

I fell, I looked at your brace. That is a lot different than mine, seems like it would be better for sitting but worse for sleeping. I do like the fact that you can't accidently strain your hamstring. I am so scared that I am going to blow mine again if I screw up.

Voll, I tried to send you the pics. did you get them?

Tonight is going to be really hard. Its our hi school football teams last game of the year and my daughter and wife have to be there, daughter is on drill team, so I am home alone all afternoon and evening! Thank god for Direct tv!

Have a great weekend everybody!

I Fell

08-11-2008, 08:27 AM

Chevyman

Actually it's not bad for sleeping. It's very secure as far as protecting the repair. I was at the doctor today5 weeks post op. Nothing hurt as he worked the leg abd pressed on the muscles and incision. He is pleased with the progress. I can now put 100% weight on my injured leg. Still in the brace of course but the crutches are more for balance now than to take weight off the leg. Around the house I only have to use one crutch but outside I still need to use two. I am now allowed to take the brace off if I am sitting in a chair for some period of time or lying in bed awake. Still have to wear it sleeping. 2 more weeks until I am done with it and the crutches. PT goes from 2 days a week to 3 days a week after next week and I will start active range pf motion exercises. All in all the time has gone quickly so far and being pain free has been a blessing. Keep a positive attitude.

Heal well.

Vollmer

09-11-2008, 05:33 AM

Chevyman-
Thanks for the pictures. I have to be honest though, I can't really figure out what's going on in all of them? Did he give you a transcription of what each picture is showing?

Jennyg28

11-11-2008, 05:25 AM

Hi everyone. My name is Jenny and I am writing on behalf of my mom. She fell during a tennis game last Saturday. She wasn't in too much pain at first but it got worse over the next few days. On Thursday we went for an MRI and found out today that she she has torn the muscle away from the bone. She now has to go for surgery..which i see many of you have done already.

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good doctor to perform this surgery in the NYC/Long Island area.

My mom is totally freaking out about this...but i think once I show her this forum it will be very helpful and inspirational to her.

Thanks so much

Jenny

I Fell

11-11-2008, 07:41 AM

Hi Jenny!

Sorry to hear about your Mom. My operation was painless and I have had no pain since. I'm in the Philadelphia area but I'm sure there are surgeons in your area. Look toward sports medicine orthopedic specialists to find someone that has some expierence. My surgeon wrote this parer on this type injury and I am really pleased with the way he did things compared to some of the other methods I have read here. http://jdc.jefferson.edu/cgi/viewcon...ontext=orthofp
He is the surgeon for the Philadelphia Phillies.

I am really glad I had the operation and the time has gone quickly. It's been 5 weeks since my operation and I am almost done with the brace and crutches.

This forum has been a great help. Make sure that your mom reads it. Hope she makes out as well as I have.

Chevyman

11-11-2008, 09:47 AM

Sorry to hear about your mom as well. The great thing is she caught it early so it will be a much easier repair. I think I read somewhere on this forum about a doctor in your area. Tell your mom to read this forum it really helps, like I fell said.

Voll, My doctor explained the pictures the first morning after surgery so I don't really know what I'm looking at either. All I remember is the first two sets of pics are him installing the anchors and then is isolating the nerve. Then the next set is him pulling the hamstring into place. Tomorrow is first day of rom rehab!

Have a great week everybody!

Jennyg28

11-11-2008, 12:48 PM

Thanks so much for getting back to me so fast.
Is there any way you can get me the contact information for your doctor in Philly.
We aren't too far from there...worse comes to worse.

I will be sure to read over the forum and get as much information as I can.

Thanks again and I hope you are feeling better

Jennyg28

11-11-2008, 12:49 PM

And Chevyman...who did your surgery and where???

Thanks

I Fell

12-11-2008, 02:38 AM

Jenny

Seems like the link I just posted doesn't work and I can't seem to be able to edit it. The link I posted on page 15 post number 148 works. Take a look at that one.

Chevyman

12-11-2008, 05:24 AM

Jenny,

My surgery took place in Texas so I don't think that will help you much. Just make sure your mom gets a Orthopaedic surgeon that is a sports injury specialist. Ventued, on this forum, I think is having his surgery in the NY area. His surgery is not until December but maybe he can share his doc's info with you. Tell mom good luck and we will offer any advice we can. Good luck!!

Greggo

12-11-2008, 07:26 AM

Hey everybody, just checking in. I will be 9 weeks post op Thurs 13 Nov. I am heavy into Physical Therapy, going 3 times a week. My therapist is trying to make me the athlete I never was! It is incredible what he has me doing, squats, lunges with weights, all kinds of stretches, etc. etc. He says I am about 4 weeks ahead of schedule, and the strength is coming back well. I have been doing the stationary bike, and now an eliptical trainer (like a stair-stepper). Last nite, I progressed to a mini trampoline, where I actually "jogged" a little on it! It was great to get that going. I have absolutely NO pain, just a little numbness in certain parts of the leg.

I look back at those first days after the surgery--it has only been 9 weeks but what a difference! I find that I am very careful about my footing in whatever I do, going down steps, on wet surfaces, etc...and probably always will be now. The PT guy says I am at the stage where I may "think" I can do just about anything,...but DON'T do it YET--i.e., get the strength and flexibility up which will be about 10-12 weeks. I think I will be in better shape than I was before this happened (at least my legs). I really want to do a 5K, then 10K, and yes, perhaps the marathon next fall--it think I need that goal out there so I am in if anybody else wants to join! Patience is key now.
Hang in there everybody!!
Greggo

I Fell

12-11-2008, 08:44 AM

Glad thins are going well Greggo. I am at 5 weeks and still pain free. Last night we worked every muscle in the leg for the first time. The PT felt the hamstrings work like they should. I go from 2 days a week therapy to 3 days starting next week. I was told to be very careful that I don't slip and reinjure it this winter. They said come spring I will be ready for anythhing.

Heal well.

DougB

20-11-2008, 01:11 AM

Hi All,

Not much of blogger but just wanted to let you know that this discussion group has been helpful in considering my surgical options.

Much like Greggo's reaction and eventual decision, I think this will be the best for the long term.

I have a hamsting avulsion of 2/3 of the tendons with a thin 3rd one still attached. Retraction of the 2 avulsed tendons are between 4-5 cm.

To all considering, there is a great article on Hanmstring ruptures by Cohen and Bradley (2007) from Thomas Jefferson Univeristy. "Acute Proximal Hamstring Rupture."

They are the first ones (that I've seen) to offer some guidelines on whether to have surgery or not.

Briefly:

If one tendon is avulsed: don't have it.
If two tendon's have avulsed less then 2cm: don't have it
If two tendon's have avulsed greater then 2cm and you are less then 50 yrs old/active: have the surgey.
All three tendons avulsed: have the surgery.

Much more info in the paper.

Moving forward, my biggest concern is the hip brace some of you are wearing.

How bad is it? Any suggestions on dealing with the discomfort, sitting/sleeping etc?

Thanks to all who have posted. Looks like the recovery is long but manageable...

Doug.

I Fell

20-11-2008, 07:58 AM

There is a link to the paper Doug refers to on page 15 post 148.

Doug

Dr. Cohen did my surgery and I am really glad I had it done. No problems and no pain from it. You get used to the brace. You can sit and can sleep in any position although on my back or side with the brace leg down was the most comfortable. Things are progressing exactly as laid out in the paper. I am out of the brace on Friday. Rehab is progressing well and I am up to 15 minutes on the bike.

I seems to me that this brace is more comfortable than the others described with the leg bent at 90 degrees where you can't sit down.

Good luck. Heal well.

jack 75

20-11-2008, 04:55 PM

G'Day To All !
This is all new to me, and I am not sure if I am in the right area.
Can anyone give me a bit of advice re what to do.
Last June I slipped on a banana skin in a carpark and the result is.
In the medial aspect of the thigh at the ischial tuberosity, there is a hypoechoic area with an area of irregular echotexture. Overall this measures approx. 5 x 1.6 cm and the area is consistent with an avulsion of the semitendinosus or a tear at its orign and associated haematoma formation. there is a thin rim of fluid tracking more inferiorly but only 2mm in thickness (The result of an ultrasound ) I had physio 3 times was then referred to a Ortho Surgeon, he just said there was nothing he could do, as they generally do not re attatch to the bone. it will probably get better in 1/3/6 months, thank you that is $137.
Well it is now 5 months I still walk with a slight limp cannot even start to run and find it very hard to walk up an incline. To make things worse I am the drum major of a pipe band and have had to pull out of a few parades because of this. Can anyone out there give me any info on what to do to fix the leg ??
Thanks Jack

I Fell

21-11-2008, 12:20 AM

Hello JacK,

From reading all the posts it seems that many times a complete avulsion is miss diagnosed. Not sure if it will show up on an ultra-sound. It is best to get an MRI. That will show if the tendons are avulsed or not.

Goood luck. Heal well.

Greggo

24-11-2008, 03:10 AM

Hi folks,
Just wanted to chime in on some of the recent posts. Regarding the paper that gave recommendations on whether to have the surgery or not, I think it has to be individualized and it is hard to generalize based on specific traits. My surgeon asked specific questions like what my activity level was, what I like/or hope to do in the future, etc. I just turned 54 but I run more, bike more, hike, etc etc than most people half my age, in addition to many other active sports. That has to be taken into account! From my reading most experts recommend surgery in general, after considering the specific patient's circumstances.

I know I am extremely glad I had the surgery, as I am now 10 wks post OR and have no limp, and even started on the treadmill last week. I first start at 2 min warm up rapid walking, then go to 5 min jog at about 10 min/mile pace, then slow down for a 2 min cool down. That will continue for a few more weeks, then gradually incr mileage and times.No pain or discomfort, or limp at all!! I do this AFTER about 20 min on elliptical stepper or stationary bike. Following this warm up routine, I go into specific strengthing exercises. So far, so good. I know what my leg felt like before the surgery, and I would not be happy in the long term with that. Like I said before, if you are going to go thru Phys therapy anyway, might as well make it count and do it post-surgery! It is hard the first few weeks, but worth it in the long run. I have a goal of a 10 K in the spring...then maybe the NYC marathon in fall???? Put a goal out there to get you thru the hard times. Heal well--
Greggo

DougB

24-11-2008, 04:04 AM

...To all...

I agree with Greggo. After summarizing the "guidelines" in the above article I want to make sure that everyone does their own research.

I am not a doctor and in no way suggesting anyone rely solely on the article.

I used it in conversation with my Doctor who actually found a more recent article from 08 and discussed what was best for me.

Best of luck to all...do your research.

ventued

01-12-2008, 12:39 PM

Hi Jenny (and everyone else):

I just got back from a few weeks in Europe prior to my surgery on 12/15 so sorry for the delay in response. I will be having my surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NY. If you're interested in more of the specifics, doctors, etc., please let me know and I'll send you my direct email address.

As far as who needs what; I agree with the other posters that it's a very personal decision that needs to be made in conjunction with a professional who you can trust. In my case, I was injured over two years ago and treated with 6 weeks of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) followed by about 6 months of PT. That was enough to get me up and running. Since then I've run a couple marathons and a bunch of half marathons and along with training for the events have logged over 2000 miles. However I began having a difficult time once I hit about 10 miles into a run. Also, the scar tissue has been significantly building up. That combined with severe cramps when I bend my knee led me to another opinion.

I had two more opinions and also had my GP review the reports with all suggesting that I go for the surgery as it fits within my lifestyle. I also figured I'd rather do it now at 52 years of age than to need it at 75. The one who pushed me over the edge was my chiropractor who had been treating the scar tissue with ultrasound. When she (a natural healing physician) suggested I go for surgery, I knew it was the thing to do. I'll let you know if I feel the same sometime after 12/15 when I'm in rehab.

Greggo - I'm still going to focus on the NY marathon next November - it's why I'm doing this after all. Glad to hear you're almost back in the saddle.

Greggo

03-12-2008, 09:43 AM

Hi Ventued,
Good to hear from you. Ever since you mentioned the NY Marathon, I have been obsessed with it--can I actually do it? A good book to read is Haruki Murakami’s book "What I think about when I think about running". It has a good section on the NY Marathon. What a training committment! However, that is what I (and I think others) need right now--be positive, look forward. I am at 12 weeks post OR now, and I will see the surgeon tomorrow 7 am. The PT is going well, and the PT therapist says the recovery "is a marathon, not a sprint......"....so my short term goal is still 5K/10K in Spring (after strengthening exercises all winter)...then perhaps the 26.2. Hope you are all doing well out there. If you are like me, there are other challenges right now in my life....challenges and disappointments...and yes, this is yet another challenge on top of everything else--but, strangely, I feel more positive about this situation than anything else right now. Go figure. Hang in there everybody. Whether your goal is to run a marathon or take a long walk without pain/disability, know that there are people in the same or similar situations. Take care,
Greggo

Greggo

13-12-2008, 02:54 AM

Hi all,
Hope the healing is going ok. I've been sick all week so I am behind in PT. I think I can feel the muscle tensing up, or getting a little stiff, so I hope to get to the gym this weekend to get going again. I follow up with the Phy therapist in 3 wks, so it is pretty much up to me now. 3 mo after the surgery and I am still paying the bills. Just glad I had the insurance at the time to cover most of it....Might be interesting to compare the costs of this thing--
Heal well,

ventued

15-12-2008, 08:10 AM

Hi All:

Greggo - take care of yourself and feel better. It's good incentive to keep going when you're able to feel things tighten up after stopping for a few days.

Tomorrow is my surgery. This week brought all the pre-op stuff on Monday. I met with the hand surgeon (who will be moving my sciatic nerve), then an MRI, followed by a meeting with the rheumatologist (who will be tending to me in the hospital post-op). After that was a meeting with my surgeon and his assistant physician and then blood work, EKG, chest x-ray, uninanalysis. Finally the day ended after getting fitted for my leg brace.

Today is "cleansing day". Flushing out my system just as a precaution should an incision go where it doesn't belong. Clear liquids only after the flush kit. (The nurse didn't laugh when I told her I'll drink vodka instead of bourbon.)

I don't know what the total tab will be, but I can tell you that so far the surgeon has billed me $465 for the initial consultation. The rheumatologist fee so far has been $400. My medical plan has handled the remainder so far. The two docs above are out of plan so I'm 70% covered. The remainder are all in plan, so I'm hoping it's taken care of. I'll let you know in the long run.

Tomorrow I need to be at the hospital at 5:45am, meaning a 4:00am train into town. I can't wait for the anesthesia to get some rest. I'm guessing I'll be out of touch for a few days, but I'll give an update when I'm able to.

In the meantime - good healing to all.

Ed

Greggo

20-12-2008, 07:43 AM

I trust the surgery went well and you are recovering at home. The first few days were a little painful, but mostly it was getting used to the contraption I had to take the strain off the hamstring. Also, the numbness I experienced was disorienting. It sounds like you had quite a surgical team working with you.
I am up to 16 min on the treadmill now, at just a sub 9 min/mile pace. I hope to break 20 min on it by next week. They tell me to take it slow, not push it yet.
Heal well,

LJM

21-12-2008, 12:50 AM

Hi Everyone,

It has been awhile since I have been "online". I am 5 months post op on Dec 27th. I had a complete avulsion of my left hamstring. It was repaired at The Baptist Hospital in Boston by Dr. Suzanne Miller. I am here to report that I feel great! I had my last PT appt last week, am running 25-30 Min 3x a week and using a stationary bike for 30 min in between. My rehab was PT 2x each week beginning 4 weeks after surgery. I started very slowly and was built up with squats, step-ups, weights, and stretching. My only fear at this point is falling. I live in NE and it can be so icy. My family is already tired of me saying, "I can't fall!'.. No skiing this winter per surgeons orders, so I am now the maid of my family while they ski every weekend. Have bought recipe books. I am thrilled I had the surgery, I agonized over the decison and got a thousand opinions. Most of which said have the surgery. Hope everyone is healing nicely. No falls please!

LJM

ventued

21-12-2008, 04:23 AM

Hi All:

Surgery was Monday morning and took about 3 hours. My sciatic was encapsulated in scar tissue and was the most delicate part of the procedure. The hand doctor said he removed all of the scarring and the nerve seems to be intact. The muscle had three different endings – one was still attached normally, one was attached by a tendon that had lengthened about 2 inches and one was detached. He took the excess from muscle two and tied up number three with it, while shortening the excess to normalize it.

Recovery in the hospital brought on an unplanned complication - a touch of viral pneumonia. Of course being in the leg contraption made breathing difficult with the virus, but the skilled team kept me comfortable and some strong drugs kicked the crap out of the pneumonia and I was able to return home yesterday.

They ordered a hospital bed for me so I can hang out in the family room. I’ve figured out how to get myself into 4 varied positions to mix it up a bit. They also gave me some seat extenders and a bunch of pillows that remind me of packing peanuts around me.

Now I’m wrestling with the mind games and weird dreams. Last night the star of my dream – me- had no legs and it scarred the daylights out of me when I awoke. Another dream had me in a mist that kept me from breathing. It’s probably from all the drugs in my system. Any insights will be helpful here.

Thanks for the updates Greggo and LJM. Glad to hear of the treadmill progress and of the success experienced thus far. I have a bunch of good recipes if you want a few, LJM.

Continue to heal well.

Chevyman

24-12-2008, 03:09 AM

Seasons Greetings Everyone!

Sorry I have not updated everyone in the last few weeks but I have been kind of bummed at my progress. I am eight weeks in and think I am finally turning the corner and can see progress, though subtle. I have been really bothered by scar tissue and loss of feeling at the surgical sight. I basically can't feel from the incision to the top, of the underside, of my knee. The scar tissue it is like a golf ball under my skin, so I am basically sitting on it all day. The good news is that I have regained control of my foot again, it no longer lists to the right, it goes straight! Yea!

Pt is going well. They are using ultrasound and massage to try and break up the scar tissue but it is a slow process. I can finally do some cardio again because they just let me get back on the elyptical machine. This is great news because I am feeling so out of shape. They are letting me lift hard with my quad again but I am still taking it very slow with the hamstring. My hamstring is still so tight and they won't let me stretch it yet! It is still hard to put on my socks! I am just so glad to be active again and finally seeing progress!!

Heal well everybody!!

Merry Christmas!!

ventued

31-12-2008, 04:13 AM

Hi All:

Well, the weird dreams have stopped and I'm on the road to recovery. After 2 weeks I still can't do too much on my own because of the brace, but I have learned that eating while standing is the way to go when the only alternative is to eat on one's side.

Yesterday the staples were removed which was another milestone toward recovery. I'm gong to see the surgeon on 1/28 when I'm hoping the brace will come off. Just 4 more weeks!

Day to day living has been a bit better than last week. The pneumonia is totally gone so breathing is good. The pillow supports are now routine and I am now accustomed to the bathroom with brace situation. My brother-in-law made me a great custom desk that keeps things at bay while on my back in the hospital bed. It makes using a PC easy and is ergonomic. He will share the design plans with anyone who may need a similar device - let me know.

I'm now in the process of trying to select a PT once my brace comes off. Any suggestions in what to look for and/or what to ask?

Keep healing and have a happy, healthy new year!

Jessica Litwak

03-01-2009, 07:59 PM

I am a new member and need help. In early November during a Yoga teacher training I went into a pose heard a loud pop and fell. It took weeks for my insurance to approve an MRI ( I have lousy insurance) when they finally did it showed a complete avulasion of the hamstring from the ischial tuberosity- only one tiny muscle fiber remained. and the muscle had retracted down the leg. Two surgeons have refused to operate because I am 50 years old and they claim the surgery does not work and the risks are too high. It is now nine weeks since the injury occurred.
I have seen six doctors, taken seven different pain medications including a six day intensive pack or oral steroids , tried acupuncture three times , tried massage treatments, ice and heat, physical therapy, purchased a TENS machine and tried three courses of expensive topical Chinese herbs. I am in such intense pain I can't function.I cannot stand at the stove to cook I cannot sit up to write, watch a movie, eat dinner, or drive. I am on crutches but being off the leg seems to make no difference as I am in terrible pain just lying in my bed.
I am in pain 24/7 and I have no concrete options for healing. I have extremely low spirits and decreasing hope. I am a single 50 year old mother with no way to go out and teach the workshops I need to make a living as a freelance teacher.
I have been looking for a doctor or alternative healer who is going to follow my case, Help me find answers, guide me towards options, take the time and stick with me until some relief or cure is found.
I am getting more and more desperate and I think all the drugs I have taken may be causing the depression to increase.
Does anyone know a good doctor in NYC who might help me? And/or have some helpful/hopeful words of wisdom or advice. I feel pretty isolated.
THANKS!
Jessica

Jessica Litwak

04-01-2009, 01:27 AM

J would love to get any sspecifics- doctors names articles to read etc. NIne weeks ago I had a complete rupture of the hamstring off the bone and two surgeons have refused to operated. The pain keeps getting worse I have been unable to function in my life and I have been on seven different pain medications. Nothing is wroking and I'm getting desperate. I would love some advice- I am in New York City.
New to this thread. Thanks so much for any help .
All My Best,
Jessica

ventued

04-01-2009, 04:11 AM

Hi Jessica:

I had my surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NY. The hospital handles only orthopedic surgeries and does a wonderful job. Take a look at their web site (www.hss.edu) and the doctor finder. (My surgeon was Dr. Robert Marx.) Good luck!

ventued

04-01-2009, 04:15 AM

Hi Jessica:

I don't know if my last reply posted or not. I had my surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery (exclusively orthopedic surgery). My doctor was Dr. Robert Marx. I highly recommend the hospital and the doctor. Check out the web site www.hss.edu

Let me know if you want to have an off-line chat about it and I'll send my email address.

Greggo

05-01-2009, 08:00 AM

I ran outside today, the first since my hamstring avulsion surgery in Sept. A foggy, drizzly day, temp in mid 40s--just perfect--distance only about 2 miles. I am still working on hamstring strength, and now trying to get the cardio functioning again. The leg was fine after the run, but I can sure tell I am de-conditioned. My goal is to keep strengthing at the gym 3 x week, and work in running also, between treadmill and outside when weather permitting. Chevyman, I know what you mean about treading litely around ice, and I find myself super paranoid when large dogs are around me too, for fear of them jumping up on me. Its funny how hyper sensitive you become to surroundings, for example I am careful when turning corners around desks, etc, and seem to have a second sense of where things are in proximity to the hamstring injury site--nothing taken for granted anymore! I cringe at the thought of any ballistic movement involving the leg.
Jessica, I think there are some who are in the NYC area that may help you re: surgeons, etc. What kind of injury did you suffer that surgeons are turning it down?

I hope all is well--
greggo

Jessica Litwak

05-01-2009, 08:59 AM

Hi Greggo,
Thanks for responding.
On November 4th I was in an intensive yoga workshop, heard a terrible pop and fell. It was misdiagnosed (by three doctors) but finally since the pain continued to worsen, the insurance company approved an MRI and it showed I have a complete hamstring avulsion (from the ischial tuberosity) and the tendon had already retracted down the leg. I saw two surgeons who said they would not operate, one said he thinks the surgery doesn't work and is too dangerous, the other said he would have operated if I had come to him at the beginning but now it was "chronic" not "acute" and besides I am not "young and athletic" (I am a 50 year old yoga practitioner) any way they sent me to pain management and I have been on seven (not kidding) different drugs. I am getting very depressed and none of the docs or physical therapists I've spoke to have ever worked with "anything this bad" Any leads would be a HUGE help. Did you have surgery or did it heal on its own?
All My Best,
Jessica

DougB

06-01-2009, 06:10 AM

Jessica,

It is a rare injury and most doctors have not seen such an injury let alone perform a surgical repair.

Perhaps you can find the article within this thread regarding hamstring avulsion surgery and consult a doctor with the technicques in hand.

There has to be someone in NYC who will do it.

I found a doctor through recommendations here in Charlotte, NC who had done 4 prior to me. That said we both went over the recent research and determined what was best for me and how the surgery was to be performed.

Thr surgey itself is not that complicated...the recovery is a test of mental strength if you have the brace from hip to toe. No pain just a very limiting brace.

I was more than impressed with my Dr and his staff (link below) if you would consider having it done it in another city. Or perhaps call and ask for a reference in your area might be a better way.

http://orthocarolina.com/physician_directory/physician_detail.cfm/staff_id/65

Just finished my 6 weeks last friday and had my first day of rehab today.

Good Luck.
Doug.

ventued

06-01-2009, 07:42 AM

Hi Jessica:

I tried to post a reply yesterday, but it apparently didn't show up. I had surgery on 12/15 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NY on E. 70 th St. My surgeon was Dr. R. Marx. I'd suggest you look at the hospital (www.hss.edu) and check out the doctor.

If you'd like to contact me directly for more information, please do so.

Greggo - Way to go. NY marathon is just around the corner. Tomorrow marks the halfway point in my brace. I'm looking forward to it coming off on 1/28 and to start PT soon thereafter.

Happy Healing!

I Fell

08-01-2009, 12:05 AM

Hi All.
Hope everuone is healing well. Just an update. I finished formal PT on 12/19. I have 80 % on my strength back already. Cleared for all activities. Just don't do anything stupid the PT said. Going to the gym 3 days a week to continue to build the leg back up. Treadmill for 40 minutes at a 3% grade and 15 mph on the bike for 30 minutes. Recovery went so well that I can hardly believe it. Like Chevyman and Greggo, ice and snow are a concern. Fortunately so far there hasn't been hardly any here. in Phila.

Heal well, Ned

I Fell

08-01-2009, 12:22 AM

Hi Jessica,

Don't let them tell you age is a problem. I'm 61, active and couldn't imagine not being abe to continue my normal activities. My doctor uses a different brace than others and starts PT 2 weeks after the operation with the brace still on. He wrote a paper on this type of injury in 2007. Hopefully this link will work. Very informative.

http://jdc.jefferson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=orthofp

I have had excellent results. It is true that the sooner it is done the better but Ventued had his operation 2 years after his injury so don't let them tell you you waited too long.

This forum has lots of good information and support.

Heal well.

Jessica Litwak

08-01-2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks so much.
Trying to get an appointment with Marx at HSS. The receptionist is a bit of gate keeper. Since two surgeons have said no, (neither of them believe in this surgery and not sure they've ever done it) she didn't even want to give me a consult. But my pain management Doc called and hopefully I'll get in there next week. It is so encouraging to hear all of your progress and patience. After nine weeks of living with this pain and immobility and fear, six weeks in a brace sounds great- I know it's hard but at least you're on the road to something wonderful. I hope I can find a doctor to do this. Then I'll just have to come up with a way to pay for it as it seems I have the lousiest insurance in NY.
Thanks again for your response and encouragement and reading material.
All My Best,
Jessica

ventued

15-01-2009, 01:10 AM

Hello All:

I figured I'd give an update to break up the day. I'm 2/3 of the way to having this brace come off and to start PT. The brace has been somewhat uncomfortable as it is totally restricting. About all I can so is lie down or stand on one leg with crutches.

Any pain is mainly at the incision site where the healing has the skin pulling, so it's like having a huge paper cut on the back of my leg. My surgeon didn't follow the bottom of my butt cheek as some others did, rather he made a vertical incision from the base of my butt downward about 6-8 inches long. This was to get at the scar tissue a bit easier. I also am aware of a dull soreness at the site of the anchor. Those who have experienced the injury can probably understand that interior pain that's exacerbated when sitting. Although I'm not sitting, when I move the wrong way I can notice it.

I found a physical therapist through some searching. He's not had direct exposure with this injury, but he's worked on similar hamstring stuff. His clients include the US Olympic Rowing Team so I'm assuming there's some credibility there.

Jessica, were you able to get an appointment with the doctor?

I hope everyone is healing well! (Greggo, entry to the NY marathon starts in February - looking forward to meeting you there.)

Ed

Chevyman

17-01-2009, 06:16 AM

Hi Everybody! I am happy to report that Monday will be my last day of rehab. I am already doing much harder workouts on my own than they are doing at rehab. I also see my doctor on Tuesday, exactly 12 weeks since surgery, and he is suppose to release me.

I still have the numbness in my leg but it is getting better. The scar tissue is also going down, it no longer feels like I am sitting on a golf ball. The muscle definition has returned to my quad but the hamstring is still pretty weak, since my accident happened way back in July, I guess that can be expected. My workouts are going great. I ran on the treadmill for the first time this week, only one mile but its a start! I have been doing the elyptical trying to get my cardio conditioning back and its starting to come around. Its going to be nice to start adding runs to my workouts again. I can do just about any exersize I want but am still not doing any explosive moves with my leg yet. I don't want to go through this again so I am going to take my time getting the hamstring back in shape.

Glad to hear everybody's recovery is going well. Jessica, sorry to here you joined our exclusive club. You definitely need to find a surgeon and have it repaired, don't let them tell you otherwise.

I finally got the pictures of my surgery on my work computer, I am going to try and post them on here for all to see. If it works, the first set is the tendon stump and the doctor trying to isolate my sciatic nerve. The next set is him pulling the hamstring back in place and tying it off.

Good luck to all!

Greggo

20-01-2009, 03:03 AM

Chevyman, interesting pictures. Thanks for sharing. I too am running a little, but it is a little difficult here in the midwest with the snow and ice. I belong to a gym where I tried the treadmill, but all I seem to do on that is watch the clock timer and try to stay just enuf focused not to fall off. I now run on a track above the gymnasium that is a lot more like running outside; it is about 13 laps to the mile. I did the work out with the hamstring then ran 2.5 miles, my max mileage thus far. It is amazing to me how far I have de-conditioned, cardio wise. Anyway, I tell myself that the efforts put forth during these dark days of January will pay dividends in the Spring, so keep it up to all.
Regards,
Greg

ventued

20-01-2009, 03:36 AM

Hi:

Thanks for sharing the photos Chevyman. I looked back at your postings and am encouraged by the progress you've made in the last 6 weeks or so - going from just gaining some foot control to now running! Congratulations!

I want to thank everyone for their postings. It's been helping me through this and there's a certain solidarity that I sense within our "exclusive club".

I have only 9 more days in this brace (I hope) and I can't wait to get it off. Now it's become a nuisance, but the light's at the end of the tunnel.

Take care and heal well.

Ed

LJM

22-01-2009, 03:46 AM

Hi Jessica,

LJM here. 48 year old. Had a hamstring avulsion July 11th. Surgery on July 26th. Am now running 4 1/2 miles! I feel great! A friend of our family happens to be a orthopedic surgeon in NYC. He specializes in Sports Medicine, and HE is the one who told me to have the surgery. His name is Dr. Andrew Haas. If you want me to call him, I will be happy to. He is really good and I know he will see you anytime. FYI, I am in Boston.

Chevyman

22-01-2009, 09:37 AM

Hang in there Ed! It starts getting better fast when you can take the brace off.

Great news! The doctor release me the other day and he said I am doing so well that I can go on my guys ski trip on Feb 13, snow that is no more water skiing for me. That will be 15 weeks post surgery! I thought I was going to have to miss this trip for the first time in 5 years. I am going to take it real easy groomed blues and greens, no blacks or bumps this year.

Heal well Everybody.

ventued

29-01-2009, 08:48 AM

Well Chevyman, skiing with the guys - isn't that just drinking anyway? (only joking) Enjoy and be careful.

Today my brace came off. What a shock that was! It was on for 6 weeks so there was noticeable atrophy and a great deal of stiffness. Also, the brace had cut into my shin, so I have a wound in that spot. The next 2 weeks is for me to get the knee moving and to do some getting used to not having the brace on. PT is scheduled to start the following week.

I just got out of my first shower since surgery, so I'm a happy camper. I'm now also able to sit in a chair - another of life's pleasure to celebrate! I'm optimistic that this will all fall into place in the near future.

I also heard that Jessica was able to get an appointment with my surgeon - she can fill us in if she's still looking at this site.

Until next time - happy healing to all.

Ed

PS - I've attached a photo of my leg in the brace.

Jay M

05-02-2009, 01:13 AM

Hello all,
My name is Jay and recently had an ackward fall on the ice in Pittsburgh. I heard a pop and instantly knew that I did something serious. :eek: I went to my doctor within a few days and pressured him for an MRI. Fortunately, against protest he did order it and the resluts were not pretty. I almost completely avulsed all of my hamstring muscles off of the ishial tuberosity. Apparently, I only have a few strands of my semitendinosous remaining intact. I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and expect that I will need surgery. From all the information that I found on here, it looks like I'm going to be in for a rough ride. :( Well, if anyone has any good advice to make the ride a little less bumby, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jay

ventued

05-02-2009, 05:49 AM

Hi Jay:

Sorry to hear about your mishap, but I do welcome you into our "exclusive club". I can offer up some advice, being the "junior member" of the circle (my surgery was on 12/15). The thing that kept me most sane was knowing that just about everyone who participated on this site ended up much better than they were. Just rereading the postings is helpful to see that.

It's been helpful to me to set a goal - mine is to run the NY Marathon this coming November. I am a distance runner and I really needed to focus on that. I also kept telling myself that I was the one to choose surgery - I did it so I can comfortably run again. (My injury was two years prior and since that time I ran one full and 6 half marathons; logging in about 2000 miles - all with the muscle held on by scar tissue.)

Also, you need to be prepared to let others take care of you. I'm 7 weeks post op and I still need someone to help me put on my shoes and socks (today was a big deal - I put on my jeans by myself). I'm told I'll need crutches for another 5 or so weeks.

As far as day to day living goes - I found it helpful to have a hospital bed in my family room with lots and lots of pillows to support me and ease the pain of the scar (someone referred to it as sitting on a golf ball). I also needed a toilet seat extender and don't forget the baby wipes - everything is more challenging.

Finally, make sure you know what type of brace you'll be in and for how long. I have a photo of mine posted earlier and I was in it for 6 weeks. It came over my hips to prevent me from bending at the waist which meant I could not sit - only lie down and stand on crutches - with my knee at 90 degrees constantly. That made reading nearly impossible (try to hold a book/paper over your head when lying down - it only works for a few minutes at a time and the lighting is rough unless it's under you). It also made eating challenging (either on my side with straws necessary to drink or standing on one leg with crutches - my preferred option).

Keeping involved in this blog is also helpful to maintain sanity.

I wish you all the best and let us know how you do!

Ed

Jay M

05-02-2009, 06:59 AM

Ventued,
Thank you so much for the information and responding so quickly. I did see the pictures of the brace that most people have been wearing after this surgery. Someone had posted a very informative medical journal article that I read and was surprised to find out that my surgeon was the co-author of the article (Dr. James Bradley). It also showed a brace quite different than the "standard fare". It limits hip flexion to 15-30 degrees, but it appears that the knee will be extended. I hope this is the brace that I will be wearing, because having the knee flexed to 90 degrees will be extremely difficult and obviously quite uncomfortable. It's weird how so many patients have different orthotics... Some don't even wear a brace after surgury.
Wow! NY marathon? I give you runners a lot of credit. I'm in (or at least was) fairly good shape and have had difficulty running 5 miles let alone 20+ miles. My goal would to get back into martial arts again, but I know I'm a long way from that. I will absolutely keep blogging here, perhaps it will keep me sane for the next few months.

Thanks again and I'll keep you guys informed!

Jay

I Fell

05-02-2009, 03:00 PM

Jay,

I was the one that posted the article. Dr Bradley's co-author operated on me in October. Everything went just as described in the paper. I was really lucky in that I had no pain whatsoever after the operation or throughout PT. Didn't even need Tylenol let alone the pain killers I was prescribed. Results were excellent and I had 80% strength back in less than 3 months. Way ahead of schedule. I'm back to normal activities and going to the gym 3 - 5 times a week to continue strengthening the leg. I have no problem running several miles or biking.

While not comfortable the brace is a lot less restrictive than the one Ventued was in. You can sit and are able to sleep in any position you want. Also the knee does not stiffen up and the lower leg does not atrophy. PT starts with the brace on at the end of 2 weeks and progresses rapidly I am glad I had the operation and really I glad I had this kind of brace.

I was allowed to take the brace off only long enough to shower after the 2nd week. I got a shower chair which made me feel a little more stable. I also got a portable commode that I placed over the toilet as recommended by others on here. I found the arms on the chair were a great help. Wipes are your friend.

I hope your operation and recovery goes as smoothly as mine did. These doctors seem to have a good method for this type of repair. I read all the posts on here and the information and support really helped.

I hope everyone else is doing well.

Heal well.

Jay M

06-02-2009, 03:08 AM

I Fell,
Thank you so much for the information. I just returned from seeing Dr. Bradley and am a little bummed out he can't do the surgery until next Friday. I was really hoping to get this show on the road. I read that article a few times and am quite impressed with the technique and especially the brace. I am a physical therapist assistant and actually thought it was good even from a clinical reading standpoint. I actually made copies of the article and gave it to my co-workers to read as well. The PTs I work with have over 100 years of experience in PT between them and none of them have ever treated someone with this injury. So, apparently , we are a rare breed... Haha. It sounds like you have done quite well with the surgery and are on your way back to a normal life. That is great news! My journey is just beginning, but hopefully it will end as well as yours has. I do have a question for you, though. The brace doesn't limited knee flexion at all, so did you fel comfortable intitially flexing your knee? I find it so weird that the other braces (like Ed's) keep the knee in flexion. Believe me, I'm not complaining, but just curious. I actually will get the brace a few days before surgery to "practice" with. Another curious thing is that they are going to take me home in an ambulance. That should really confuse the neighbors... Haha. Did you have to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery? I take it you are from or are around Philly if Dr. Cohen did your surgery. If you are, sorry abouth the Eagles. I was hoping it was going to be the Steelers and the Eagles in the superbowl. Talk to you later.

Thanks again,

Jay

I Fell

06-02-2009, 04:02 AM

I saw Dr Cohen on a Friday and he operated on Monday. First time I saw the brace other than in the paper was when I woke with it on my leg. I would have liked to have had it to practice a few days but not enough to delay the operation. I had no problem with flexing the knee. I was apprehensive about taking the brace off to get a shower.

I stayed overnight for observation and pain management but the only pain was being there and not being able to sleep because of people checking on me. I went home in the car before lunch the next day.

Dr Cohen gave the PT a set of instructions to follow which pretty much matched what is in the paper. I am back to all normal activities. Both the Doctor and PT have told me to be very careful in the snow and ice and I have been very cautious and after hearing of your fall I will be even more so.

If the Eagles didn't win I'm glad Pittsburgh did. When the Steelers lost to Philadelphia this year. It was Dr. Cohen that walked Roethlisberger off the field when he got injured.

Use your waiting time to get comfortable with the brace and practice with the crutches. I hope your results are as good as mine.

Heal well .

Jay M

06-02-2009, 09:56 AM

I guess the good thing is by the time I will be at the same point as you in rehab, there won't be any more snow or ice... I hope. Did you have a complete avulsion of all three muscles? Wow, Dr. Cohen was who walked off Big Ben? That's cool... I guess Dr. Bradley is the ortho doctor for the Steelers, cuz every wall had a signed picture of players. If I hadn't been in so much pain, I would have liked to look around. The PT protocol that was in the paper was a little vague on a few topics. Maybe, you could help clarify them. It said that at week 2, PROM of the hip and knee was started. Do you know how much range of motion is allowed at this point?... I'm guessing its at the patients tolerance to pain, but not sure. Did Cohen give PT a more detailed protocol than what was in the paper? If so, I hope that Bradley will give me the same thing, because I will probably have a PT friend do at least my initial PT until I am full weight bearing. Well, good thing we live in PA, huh? It seems like they are on top of things. Thanks for the information... This blog is really turning out to be quite helpful.

Thanks,

Jay

I Fell

06-02-2009, 11:28 AM

All 3 tendons avulsed. PROM was with the brace on and I never felt any pain. Dr. Cohen set me up with the director of the Rehab center. Not too much more on the sheet he gave to the PT but I know that he did talk to him. I'll look and see if I have a copy.and maybe i can scan it and send it to you.

Jay M

06-02-2009, 01:11 PM

Thanks... I really appreciate it. Like I said, I may have a friend do my initial PT at home. Any info would be appreciated. That way I can spare the co-payment and the cold/icy trip. Well, at least I did this at a good time of the year. Hopefully by spring, I can go golfing without too much pain. If they initially did PROM with the brace on, that answers my range of motion question anyway. 30 degrees hip flexion and to pain tolerance with knee flexion.

Talk to you later,

Jay

I Fell

12-02-2009, 02:54 PM

Jay,

Good luck Friday. I haven't forgotten about the rehab schedule. I have to hook up a scanner. I hope your surgery goes as well as mine did.

Heal Well

Jay M

13-02-2009, 01:44 AM

I Fell,
Thanks... I really appreciate it. I will post after the surgery how everything went. Hopefully, it will go as well as your did.

Jay

Jay M

15-02-2009, 06:17 AM

Hello all,

Well, I had my surgery and I think all went well. I was in and am still in a tremedous amount of pain, though. Hopefully, it will resolve soon. Still trying to find the best and most comfortable position in and out of bed. I am having a lot of pain at the ishial tuberosity area when I move and am hoping its more incisional pain rather than pain from the re-attachment site. I don't want anything to jeopordize the surgery. Probably would have benefited from staying in the hospital overnight. A hospital bed would have been much better than my livingroom couch. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing ok.

Take care,

Jay

I Fell

15-02-2009, 01:08 PM

Jay,
Glad the operation went well. I guess I got lucky in the no pain department. For me the worse thing about the surgery was the night I spent in the hospital. I was able to crutch my way upstairs the day i came home. Stayed upstairs for about a week and then made daily trips down stairs for dinner. I will get better. Hang in there. Read, listen to soothing music and surf the web. The time will go quick.

Heal well.

Greggo

16-02-2009, 06:45 AM

Hi everybody,
I had my last visit to the ortho surgeon last week, I am now a little over 5 months out. He said I can do "anything I feel comfortable doing...", and only need to return if I have a problem or issue. My last visit to the PT is in 2 weeks; he will likely also release me from further visits. I have to admit I am a little burned out going to the rec center all the time, and running 'round and 'round the inside track...but I know it will pay dividends in spring/summer. Only recently has the snow/ice melted here, and now with some constant recent rains the roads and paths are too flooded to take it outside yet. The surgeon said the 10K in May and even Marathon (if I do the ground work for it) is within realm of possibility. I gave him a copy of my workout routine and I think he was pleased. To those new here; that is the key--first protect the injury as best you can in the days/weeks post-op, then do the rehab work religiously when the surgeon says it is time--The PT guy I had is great and knew when to push me; that will make all the difference. It seems like a long road, but you will get there. Till later take care everybody and be careful--
Greggo

ventued

18-02-2009, 02:04 AM

Hi Everyone:

I'm now 9 weeks post op and one week into PT. Within the last week I am now able to walk a few steps on my own, although my balance is not quite what it should be as of yet. I'm very optimistic now that PT is underway and I'm pleased with my therapist. He's never had experience with this specific injury, but he's done other hamstring work. He is the therapist for the US Olympic Rowing Team as well as Princeton U's rowing team, so I feel as though I'm in good hands. He also runs, so he knows what I'm like as well as how confined I've been. I told him I want to run a fall marathon and he said I should be able to do so if I follow his program -so I'm thrilled.

Greggo - let me know if you're going to register for the lottery for the NY marathon. I plan to submit my name as soon as they begin to accept entries. The web site says it will be in mid-February, although as of today it's not up and running.

Continue to heal, strengthen, have fun and be safe!

Ed

Jay M

18-02-2009, 07:56 AM

Hello All,
Well... I'm 5 days post-op and am feeling a little better. I was able to get a little sleep last night, which made a huge difference. I have found as much as I would like to sleep in bed, inclined on the couch seems to work better. The brace sort of makes it a little difficult to side-lie, which is typically how I sleep. I am allowed to take a shower today, but will wait a few more days just to be cautious. Ed and Greggo, I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you guys. I will start PT in a little over a week. I'm looking forward to getting started with that. Well... Just wanted to give an update. I will talk to you guys later.

Jay

I Fell

22-02-2009, 12:17 AM

Jay,
I sent you a message through here. Just in case you didn't see it, I need an email address to send you the PT schedule. Hope all is going well.

sk8rmom

25-02-2009, 07:51 AM

Hi there all - I just found this forum. I'm a 48 yo female in Texas, USA. Freakish skateboard accident 3 weeks ago - did the splits going UPHILL. Yikes - initial pain so bad I threw up on my husband's shoes (but that's okay - we're all old punks). Diagnosis is complete avulsion at ischial tuberosity, surgery scheduled 2 weeks from now. What kind of bracing did you have post-surgery? Can you bend at the waist (i.e., sit on the john?). I'm sure my surgeon will answer this question and more, but I'd like to get a sense of the actual real-world inconvenience factor from folks who've lived it.

Thanks in advance!

Jay M

27-02-2009, 07:29 AM

Hello all,
Well, I had my 1st surgeon's visit since surgery and my 1st PT session this week. The surgeon said that everything was looking good and said I will not have to see him again for 6 weeks. The PT initiated PROM of my hip and knee with the brace off. This made me a little nervous, but I trust him since he has treated many hamstring avulsion cases before. He was able to get my hip flexion to 80 degrees before I started to feel an uncomfortable pull. In addition, I started initiating PROM knee using a strap. Friday will mark two weeks and I'll be allowed to put 25% of my weight on the leg. I'm having a little bit of tingling in the foot when bearing weight through the leg. I hope this is because I haven't been bearing weight on the leg for two weeks. Anyone else have this sensation? Well, I just wanted to give an update to everyone. I hope everyone is healing well and enjoying the last few weeks of winter. For me, I'll be glad when spring is here and won't have to worry about slipping on the white stuff! Maybe, I'll move to Florida next year!

Take care,
Jay

ventued

27-02-2009, 11:03 AM

Hi Jay:

I'm envious of both your surgery and your speedy entry into PT. There's something to be said of a correct diagnosis and a quick repair (and I'm guessing youth added into the equation) My surgery was over two years post injury, so the muscle was held on by scar tissue which also pulled in my sciatic. That said, it was Braceland for six weeks followed by two weeks of nothing but bending my knee. PT began 8 weeks post op for me. The good news is that after 3 weeks of PT I am at 80% ROM and am able to put full weight on the leg. I'm now working on strengthening the leg and improving my balance. Today I signed up for the NYC Marathon lottery so I have a goal to focus on.

It sounds like you've had some peaks and valleys, but overall, you're doing great. Keep up the good work!

Ed

I Fell

27-02-2009, 02:06 PM

Hi Jay,
Glad things are progressing well. It appears that your PT is a little more agressive than mine was. I
started PT 2 weeks post op like you but my initial PT was PROM for hip and knee with the brace on. I moved to 25% weight bearing after my 2 week consult with the surgeon. I had no tingling. I am back to all normal activity with no pain and the same degree of flexibility as my other leg.

Heal well

I Fell

27-02-2009, 02:14 PM

Ed
Glad you are doing well. It's graet you have the NYM as a goal. While I never was a distance runner I have no problem doing a 5 mile areobic workout on the treadmill and that was 12 weeks after the operation. You will come back quickly now.

Heal well

Jay M

27-02-2009, 11:52 PM

Ed,
You are very right. A speedy and correct diagnosis makes all the difference. Any scar tissue will definitly complicate things. Fortunately in my case, I knew what I did immediately and pressed my doc for an MRI ASAP. In addition, having a orthopedic surgeon who has done a lot of these also makes a difference. However, it sounds like you are well on your way now. I am still amazed that you were able to run marathons void of a hamstring! I really don't think that I could have done that. I had difficulty walking let alone running. I do feel very fortunate that I have the brace that I do. Although, it can still be a pain in the ass, it appears to be a lot more managable than the others. Hang in there, Ed... Soon this will all be a bad memory and you will be well on your way to winning the NYM!

Take care,
Jay

Jay M

01-03-2009, 07:44 AM

Sk8rmom,
Sorry about your injury. The good news is that you received a correct diagnosis soon after your injury. That makes a huge difference, since scar tissue can be very problematic down the road. I just had the surgery about two weeks ago and can tell you a little about what to expect. First of all, there is a wide array of different rehab protocols after surgery. So, your surgeon may have a totally different approach than mine. For me, after surgery I was fitted with a brace that went around my waist and went down to my knee. The hip is locked at 30 degrees of flexion and the knee has no limitations. However, other braces used by surgeons will have the knee locked at 90 degrees with the hip locked at 30 degrees. I really hope that your sugeon uses the one that I have because it is considerably more comfortable and manageable. You will likely be unable to bear weight on the leg for a period of time determined by your surgeon. PT is another component of rehab that will vary greatly among surgeo protocols. I would ask about all these questions before surgery to prepare yourself. I would be lying if I said it has been easy since surgery. However, a few tips I got n this site has been hugely valuable. First, a raised toilet seat helped me out a lot. Since your brace will likely lock your hip at 30 degrees, going on a regular toilet is very difficult. In addition, the inscision location makes going to the bathroom quite difficult. Baby wipes will become your best friend. Advice I obtaned from the good people here. I was also lucky enough to get a shower chair, which has been a valuable tool. Even to place near the bathroom sink to get washed up. There is an excellent article by Dr. Cohen and Dr. Bradley from Tomas Jefferson University, linked on this forum, which spells out exactly how the surgery will go. I strongly recommend reading it. Unfortunately, as I already said, the rehab protocol might be different for you based on your surgeons perspective. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Bradley operate on me. Well, I hope this was helpful and I'll look back in the forum to find the actual link for that article. Keeping involved with this forum has helped me out a lot through the process. Good luck with the surgery and I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,
Jay

Jay M

01-03-2009, 07:53 AM

Sk8trmom,
The article is located on posting #147 provided by my friend I fell. He also was lucky enough to have on of theses surgeons operate on him. I hope this is helpful for you.

Regards,

Jay

Hannah

12-03-2009, 05:40 AM

I am so glad I found this forum. What I am really interested in is info about the logistics of life with the brace and crutches:
Did you all spend time the first week or two in a regular bed, or have a hospital bed?
Special pillows, like wedges? Did you buy them? I thought I saw one post say the hospital sent her home with pillows.
How did you deal with stairs? My bedroom is upstairs - should I plan on relocating downstairs for a while?
Any special implements that were useful? Like grabbers to help put on clothes or pick things up?
Any good adjustable bedside tables, or not really necessary?
Anybody find a good setup for using a laptop in bed?
Medically my case is unique. My injury occurred 43 years ago, when I was 16, doing gymnastics. In those days, treatment was 2 weeks of bed rest and then 6 weeks of crutches. The tendon reattached fine, but as I eventually discovered, with a bony hook at insertion. I might have been fine if it were not for a career as a professional dancer (abandoned as pain appeared) and a continuing very active lifestyle, always working around the pain. It has gotten worse in recent years, and current MRI shows a bone chip actually encased in the tendon. Lord knows what other bone & other debris they will find when they go in. They will be peeling my tendon off the ischial tuberosity, cleaning out whatever they find, and reattaching, so I will be starting to heal as though it were a fresh injury.
So you guys are all kind of lucky that your injuries occurred in these days of reattachment surgery!

floridalin

12-03-2009, 12:06 PM

I've been told I need surgery for a complete avulsion of my right hamstring, but I'm having trouble finding a surgeon who has done this before. I'm in Florida. Anyone have any suggestions?

Jay M

12-03-2009, 12:54 PM

Hannah,
Wow! Your situation is unique. Well, I'm 4 weeks post-surgery and can give you some advice. First of all, Having support/help at home is going to be extremely important. Simple things quickly become very difficult. This is probably the most important aspect for the first few weeks. I had limited support at home and prepared by buying lots of microwavable disposable plates and bowls and foods that can be microwaved. I actually made lots of stuff and froze it in tupperware, so I could simply pop it in the microwave. In addition, buy lots of baby wipes. They will be your best friend for the duration. As far as equipment goes. I borrowed a portable toilet that I placed over the regular toilet. If you were only able to get one piece of equiment, this would certainly be the most important. Try to get one that has the ability to raise the height. The higher the better. The chair arms will make getting up and down much easier and less painful. I also was lucky enough to get a shower bench, which I kept near the bathroom sink to get washed up. Also, when I was finally able to shower it became very helpful. I did have a grabber and it did help as well. If you drop anything on the floor, it will almost be impossible to pick up without a grabber. As far as a hospital bed goes... I didn't have one and have been sleeping on my livingroom couch. This has been very difficult for me. I usually sleep on my side and had to learn to sleep semi-sitting up. I do have lots of pillows, which I have found helpful. Depending on how you sleep will determine what setup will work best for you. I did buy portable tray tables, which was a great investment. You can strategically place these where you will be spending most of your time. Hopefully, its your left leg that you are getting corrected because this will certainly help with the ability to drive when they eventually unlock your brace. My guess is, youwon't be driving for at least 5-6 weeks anyway. Another very important aspect is what type of brace they will be giving you after surgery. It appears that the standard fare is a hard plastic brace that goes from your hip to your toes. The brace has your knee locked at 90 degrees and your hip locked between 0-30 degrees. I had a much less cumbersome brace, that locks my hip so I cannot bend beyond 30 degrees of hip flexion. My brace didn't limit knee flexion, which has been a life-saver. Hopefully, you will be getting the type that I had. Unfortunately, most people get the first one I mentioned. The inscision is literally a real pain in the ass. There is no great way to put this, but the inscision is located in a very bad place, which makes s(h)itting very difficult and painful.
Hopefully, you will find this information helpful. I a lot of the advice I received from this forum. A lot was also trial and error. Keeping involved with this forum has also helped. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. If I cannot help you, maybe someone else on here can.

Good luck,

Jay

Jay M

12-03-2009, 01:13 PM

Floridalin,
I'm from PA and really don't know of anyone good in FL to recommend to you. My advice would be to try and find a good outpatient PT facility before the surgery and ask if they have heard of who in the area is the best at this particular surgery. This injury is very rare and most PT's will rarely if ever treat such an injury. So, I would recommend going to a well established/large PT facility. What part of Florida are you from? I used to live in Tampa. The reason I ask is because another option is to try and go to the local professional Football/Baseball/Hockey team's orthopedic surgeon. Often times, these surgeons also treat the general public as well. My surgeon is the Pittsburgh Steeler's orthopedic guy. Its more likely that these surgeons will have done this type of surgey before. You definitly want someone who has done the surgey before. Well, I hope this information is helpful. Sorry I don't know of anyone specific in FL.

Good luck,

Jay

Hannah

18-03-2009, 05:15 AM

How are you all using your computers post-op? Just laying your laptops on top of your braced lap? Or bedside-tables? Do they even work if you're in the full-length style brace? I won't know for sure until April 1 what I'll be in, but I am trying to make as many advance preparations as possible

Jay M

18-03-2009, 06:29 AM

Hannah,
I can only speak for the brace that I'm in, but the way I was able to use my laptop was sitting on a reclined couch with a few pillows on my lap and the computer on the pillows. If you have the other brace, I would imagine you would use the laptop while side-lying. Perhaps, some of the other people on the site could give you better tips in regards to the other brace. So, you'll be seeing the dr. on April Fool's day? Don't feel bad, I had my surgery on Friday the 13th! Haha... Sometimes a little comedy does help. Seriously, good luck seeing the dr.
While I'm online, I might as well provide an update. I will be full-weight bearing this Friday and will have my brace removed the following Friday. My therapy has been going very well. I have started riding the recumbant bike for 7 minutes and have started light active ROM and a few light resistive exercises. My knee flexion is almost completely normal and I'm able to easily flex my hip to 90 degrees with assistance of the PT. My brace was unlocked to 90 degrees hip flexion last week and this has helped tremendously. Now I can shower more regularly and have even begun driving, again! Its difficult to get into and out of my car, but worth it. I'm still having some pain (inscisional pain and pain behind my knee with knee extension). Every day seems to be a little better, though. Happy St. Patricks day to everyone and heal well.

Jay

I Fell

21-03-2009, 12:33 AM

Jay,
Glad you are doing well. My brace stayed locked the whole time. Couldn't drive until it came off but I had no problem getting in and out of the car. Progress really came quick for me once the brace came off. I was so lucky that i didn't have any pain at all. I keept waiting for things to hurt.

Hannah,

I hope you have the type of brace that Jay and I had. It seems like iy is a lot easier to deal with.and gets the rehab process going a lot sooner. Take a copy of the paper by Dr. Cohen and Dr. Bradley with you when you go to see the doctor and ask him if you can have that type of brace.

Before I left the hospital, I was in overnight for pain management but i had none at all from the operation, they taught me how to go up and down stairs on the crutches. I pretty much stayed upstairs for the first two weeks. My wife stayed home from work the first week and my son was here the second week. After that I would go up and down as needed. The only bathroom in the house is upstairs so I would stay upstairs until lunch time and then stay downstairs until I needed to use the bathroom. The stairs got easier as I could bear more weight each week. With the full brace it might be more difficult or impossible to use the stairs. Maybe someone that had that type of barce will chime in. I used the laptop lying on my side, sitting in bed with a bed tray from Walmart and on my lap in a chair. The PC was certainly helpful in passing the time. With rehab starting for me at 2 weeks the time went quickly and now it is all just a memory.

Heal well.

ventued

22-03-2009, 08:05 AM

Hi All:

I'm now about 3 months post op (6 weeks post brace and 4 weeks into PT) and visiting at PT 3 times a week. I'm able to walk without crutches and am actually walking on a treadmill under the guidance of my therapist. Things are going well in general - getting into and out of a car is still a bit uncomfortable for me and I still need to sit on a pillow.

As far the bad brace goes - that photo a few pages back is of me. It was very uncomfortable in general. I had a hospital bed because I was unable to sit in that the brace over my hips just about under my ribs and the 90 degree position of my knee. All I could do was lie down with lots of pillows or stand on crutches. I eat standing up as it was easier than eating lying down. I made it up 16 steps a night and down 16 steps every morning (I had the hospital bed on the first floor but didn't want to sleep there - just to change the scenery). Going up with the crutches wasn't too bad - one step at a time. Going down took some practice - I needed to go down sideways because going forward caught my leg on the step above. The other issue with the brace was that it cut into my shin and once removed it revealed a bad sore (I'm still a bit scabbed after 6 weeks). I agree with everything else that was said about toilet seat, baby wipes and help from others (not to mention freezing food in anticipation).

The major thing about this is to take advantage of the support given through this site - the sponsor is truly an angel! Also focus on why you're doing it and look forward to the results. My injury was 2.5 years prior to the surgery, so I know what it's like to have scar tissue. Be prepared for soreness (not pain, but intense soreness) at the site of scar removal. After all it will be tender and blood will be travelling where it hasn't in quite some time. Also a few sensations that you'll be unaccustomed to when the nerves start to fire up. It's not bad - just different.

Keep us informed and I'll be checking in to see if I can help.

Great going to both Jay and I Fell! Progress sounds wonderful! Good luck Hannah!

Ed

ventued

22-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Hannah:

I forgot to mention that my brother-in-law made me an angled desk that sat across the bars of my hospital bed. It was the only way that I was able to use my laptop with the brace. I can send you plans for it (or photos) if you're interested. I found it to be a lifesaver.

Ed

Hannah

23-03-2009, 09:40 AM

Yes thank you Ed, I would love photos of the desk - I have a feeling given the extent of the potential repair, the fact that I'll be at HSS, what one surgeon mentioned, and my advaced age, hah!, I'll probably luck out and get the full brace treatment. But I am hoping I also get PRP (platelet enriched plasma), which could speed the healing and improve the hope of a good outcome.

I Fell

23-03-2009, 10:44 PM

Hannah,

Don't be concerned about your age. I'm 61 and had excellent results. It sounds like your an active person and the overall strength in your legs going in will will help in the rehab process. It's worth a shot to ask the surgeon about the kind of brace Jay and I had. It still immobilizes the repair but makes life a lot easier and rehab starts sooner.

Ed,

Glad you are doiung well. Things really progress quickly after the 5th - 6th week of rehab. You are well on your way to the marathon.

Heal well

Greggo

25-03-2009, 07:55 AM

Hey everyone,
Hope everyone is healing well. The weather has changed here and now I am getting out running on roads/trails instead of goin round and round on the inside track! I can do 4 miles, and... this weekend will go to 6. Still go to the gym for hamstring-specific exercises also. No problems with the hamstring, feels good. I still have an area of relative "numbness", but I think it is dissipating. I am now a little over 6 months (surgery 9/11/08 for complete hamstring avulsion suffered Aug 18 waterskiing). I have been out of this forum for awhile so will read back aways to catch up. I've said it before..the PT can be a long and lonely process, but it is the key to recovery. Stay positive all-will check in later---
Greggo

ventued

26-03-2009, 11:07 AM

Greggo,

Wonderful news - 4 miles going on 6 - way too cool! I'm up to .5 on the treadmill - but it's a start. The NY marathon is taking applications - I put mine in just after the brace came off - if I'm accepted, I'll be running. I hope you're considering it.

Hannah,

I'll take a photo of the desk this weekend and post it. I see you'll be at HSS for surgery, so I'm guessing you're in the NY area. I'm in Princeton and if you're anywhere close to here, I'll give you the desk now that I"m done with it. I also get back into town for follow-ups and business from time-to-time. Let me know.

Ed

Hannah

29-03-2009, 09:38 AM

I look forward to seeing pictures - I don't think a handoff will work, I am on Long Island, not NJ. I will be seeing surgeon this Wed - I am using Dr. Russell Warren - & hopefully getting details & firm dates. I'll keep you posted on appointment dates in the unlikely case we end up there on the same day.

ventued

30-03-2009, 04:09 AM

Hi Hannah:

Here are a few photos of the desk. The "legs" fit on the inside of the bed rails and the white bracket rested on top of the rails. As you can see the laptop screen sort of points downward for readability while the keyboard was resting on an angle to allow for comfortable typing. If you need clearer photos of other angles, let me know.

Good luck at your next Dr. visit.

Ed

Jay M

08-04-2009, 02:28 AM

Hello all!
Just wanted to provide an update. I saw my surgeon for my 8 week post-op visit. He was very pleased with my progress. In fact, he said that I was actually ahead of schedule. He gave me the OK to return to work on a light-duty basis. Physical therapy is progressing very well. Started walking at the gym on off days from PT. I've been walking around the track for about 45 minutes. I still have a little pain behind my knee, but it has been improving slowly. Its hard to believe that its been 8 weeks, since surgery. I wanted to pass along an exercise, which really activates the hamstring and can be done within a few weeks of surgery. It is an isometric exercise, so it is a lot safer to do than the typical isotonic exercise. While lying on your back place a therapy ball (preferably a slightly smaller one than you would sit on) under the foot and thigh of the involved extremity. Press down and slightly curl on the ball towards your buttocks and hold the contraction for about 8 seconds. This really activates the hamstring. You can place your hand on your hamstring and feel it contract. A re-assuring feeling after surgery to know its attached and working! I started this exercise about 4 weeks after surgery. Please, ask your PT if they are OK with this exercise before starting, since every case is different. I also want to wish everyone a happy Easter holiday!

Heal well,
Jay

I Fell

11-04-2009, 08:16 AM

jay,

Glad everything is going well. I had my 6 month checkup and I am done. Everything is working the way it was supposed to. Actually it's been that way since week 10. Your'e almost there.

Heal well

floridalin

12-04-2009, 07:47 AM

Yeah! I finally found a surgeon who would do my surgery. Actually, it was the first one I saw. When I was finally diagnosed it was already 5 weeks post injury. That doctor referred me to a local orthopedic surgeon, telling me I needed surgey. When I went to this surgeon, he told me he had never done this surgery before and didn't want to. He wanted to put me on PT and see what happened. I showed him a copy of the papers I found on the internet (thanks to Jay M for pointing me that way). He was visibly shocked to read that the average age of the patients in one of the studies was 42. He expected it to be maybe 30, he said. Everything I read about this said that surgery should be done within the first 2.4 months for the best outcome, so I didn't settle for his oppinion. I called every surgeon in Florida who accepted my insurance plan and all but 1 of them said they'd never done it and didn't want to. I found 1 surgeon in Sarasota who had done it, but it was a few years ago and the patient was an MVP for a major league baseball team. He said that the guy walked on it right after surgery. I found that hard to believe and from that and a few other things he said, I'm willing to bet that he wasn't the one who followed up after surgery. He basically said that since I wasn't in my 20's and either aspiring to be or already was a professional athelete, that I should try to learn to live with my condition. I found this to be the general view with all surgeons I talked to here in Florida. My condition was severe with foot drop, causing me to lock my leg and drag it along when walking with a cane. My foot was cold all the time and I had a constant tingling in my toes. I wasn't getting any better, in fact I had started getting worse. I had already forgotten what it was to sit on anything except my left butt (my injury was on the right side). I also had a huge, painful mass in the back of my thigh.

One night about a week or 2 after my visit, my first surgeon called me at home. He said he had reconsidered and agreed that I needed surgery and he was willing to do it. I was apprehensive, but my other alternative was to relocate to another town for a while and that was not feasible for me. He told me his collegue who would assist in the operation had fellowshipped with a surgeon in Miami who had done the surgery. He had seen it done. This, along with the fact that he, a surgeon, called me at home to tell me he was wrong, made me comfortable enough to go ahead with it.

I had the surgery on 4/2. Immediately upon waking up, I noticed that my foot was not cold and not tingling. I could also feel tension on my knee...something I hadn't felt since the injury happened on 2/8. I'm on 6 weeks on crutches with no weight bearing, no sitting, with a brace that goes around my hips and down my thigh to my knee. It's set at 25 degrees. I find this a huge hinderance but a huge comfort at the same time. It keeps me out of trouble. My pain is managable with pain medication. Twice I have gone too long without it and I do not recommend doing this. It takes awhile before you get back on top of it. I'm wondering, how long does the surgery pain last? I have no PT until the brace comes off, with the exception of circling my feet/ankles to prevent blood clots. I had a physical therapist come to my home and show my cargivers and I what I could do and more importantly, what not to do, regarding. He gave me helpful "hands on" tips for getting up and down and using the bathroom. That was a big help, if for no other reason but peace of mind.

I thank God I found this blog before the surgery. I especially love my grabber thing. Without it I would already be insane! Also, being prepared for the potty issues was a major help. I can't imagine coming home from surgery and have to figure that out. I'm couch bound. This makes it easier to get up and prevents my husband from accidentally hurting me while he's asleep. Another helpful thing is the cane I walked with before surgery. It provides me with "another leg" for getting up. I've also found it helpful to put the handle end under my left foot and pull myself up enough to grab the back of the couch and get my left leg on the floor without compromising my right leg. At first I didn't do this and got myself into some really absurd positions (dangerous for the surgery, too). I'm sure I looked pretty ridiculous, as well.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone who has posted on this blog. It has been the #1 major help in my getting through this. Also, to all those who have been told, like me, that they are too old, don't give up. You don't have to live with this. You do have to be persistant, educated and armed with copies of the case studies.

I'm not an athelete, but I do compete with my body. It's called a job. I have to be able to at least walk up stairs and navigate uneven terrain without falling down. As it was, strong wind would cause me to fall. Forget walking up stairs. My husband and I have some property in the mountains of North Carolina where we want to build our dream house and retire some day. I wasn't willing to let that go, 'ya know? Now, although I'm still hurting, at least I'm on a path to recovery. There is an end to this and it's in front of me.

The pictures of the desk thing from Ventued are inspiring. I'm trying to convince my husband that he needs to build me one. Wish me luck!

Happy Healing everyone! Happy Easter, too.

Floridalin

I Fell

12-04-2009, 02:55 PM

Floridalin,

You're on the way. I was 61 when I had my surgery and at 6 months after I do everything I did before the fall. I can't comment on the pain as unbelievably i had none after the operation. Didn't even need Tylenol. I kept waiting for it to hurt but it never did, Sounds like you have the kind of brace Jay and I had. I can't imagine the full leg kind with the leg bent. Our PT started 2 weeks after the operation. First with the brace on and then with it off. You may want to show the surgeon the PT schedule in Dr Cohen and Bradley's paper Progress came quickly after the 5th week. Work hard at PT and expect that you will get good results.

Heal well

Hannah

13-04-2009, 01:30 AM

Floridalin - sounds like you are doing well. I will be having my surgery on 4/21. I will also be couchbound, and am busy assembling my living room as the best-stocked invalid home you can imagine. I imagine the pain can be very variable from case to case - I personally am trying to be mentally prepared for up to a month of it, based on wrist surgery I've had, shoulder surgeries my son has had etc. My philosophy is if it hurts, take painkillers. It will eventually stop.
Have you been able to shower yet? I bought myself these "plastic bag pants" that I plan to cut one leg off of which I figured should be good for showering in the brace:

http://www.nydancewear.com/index.cfm?&npageid=14&nproductid=531&nmodmode19=show_detail&nstartcatid=142

Ed: Thanks for the pictures - I am going to have the shorter brace (didn't even have to ask). I won't have a hospital bed - I'm using my incredibly comfortable couch, so I am hoping I can manage with pillows, lap desks, etc. Although as I write this I am thinking I may see If I can reinforce and modify an old over-the-bed table my mother just gave me....another project for my final week.

Hannah

13-04-2009, 07:50 AM

I am setting up my living room for my own stay on the couch. I was wondering which side you are finding it easier to face - with the braced leg out (towards the front of the couch), or in (towards the back cushions)?

Hannah

floridalin

13-04-2009, 11:00 AM

Hi, Hannah.

I found the best way was with the braced leg out. That way I had more control over how I "land", since we can't sit. Also, when getting up, it's been helpful to have a foot stool close to the couch to get my braced leg on before I put my good leg down. That way I can manuever the stitches off the couch before I start moving around to get up.

Hope this helps.

Do you know when your surgery is yet?

floridalin

Hannah

14-04-2009, 01:21 AM

Ed: Thanks for the pictures - my mother just found an old over-the-bed table that I can reinforce & modify. I won't be having a hospital bed - fortunately I am getting the shorter brace (didn't even have to ask!). I will be taking up residence on my very comfortable living room couch. I gather the brace determination is not just surgeon preference, several factors about each individual injury, & how much immobilization is required, figure in the decision - I know my surgeon has used both kinds.

Floridalin: Surgery is 4/21. Thanks for the advice - now I know where to put the TV etc. I had sort of figured out a footstool would help when I experimented with pretending I had the brace on.
Have you showered yet? I bought myself these ballet dancers "sauna pants" & plan to cut off a leg:

http://www.nydancewear.com/index.cfm?&npageid=14&nproductid=531&nmodmode19=show_detail&nstartcatid=142

It sounds like you are doing well - I fully anticipate at least 3-4 weeks of needing painkillers, based on my previous wrist surgery, my son's shoulder surgeries, etc. I have also been told I will not have PT until the brace comes off for good at 6 weeks, although I will begin weightbearing earlier. I have a feeling this is subject to change at the 3-week followup. Again I think each indidual case will have a slightly different protocol, depending on what they saw when they poked around, and how the patient seems to be healing post-surgery. I do hope I can get a home visit like you described - did insurance cover it?
Hannah

Hannah

14-04-2009, 01:25 AM

I bet the major league baseball player was Ken Griffey Jr, who had the surgery in summer 2004. Far from walking on it the next day, he was out for the balance of the season and still not 100% in spring 2005!

Jay M

14-04-2009, 09:01 AM

Floridalin,
Congratulations on finding someone to do the surgery. I figured you might have a little difficulty finding a surgeon. It's a really rare injury and many surgeons have never done it before. Its sounds like you are on your way! Another great device that I forgot to mention is called a sock aid. If you have an occupational therapist visiting, ask about it. Your insurance may not cover it but its worth its weight in gold. Basically, its a short half tubed device with a rope attached. You put the sock around the tube and put your foot in it and pull up. It almost magically puts your sock on with no problem. I mention this because its the one thing 8 weeks after surgery that I cannot do. Its frustrating and embarrasing to constantly ask someone to put your socks on.

Hannah,
Hopefully, you are lucky enough to have a reclining couch. This is probably the most comfortable and functional way to sit on the couch (In a reclined position). Its also easier to get up because you dont have to twist your body to get your good leg on the ground. Believe me, the less friction on the butt, the better. You would simply use your strong leg to push the recliner down and use the armrest and crutch to stand up. I actually slept on the couch in this position and felt relativly comfortable. However, if you have the "less than desirable brace" this may not work for you. By the way, the brace that I used was made by Elizur. and it was basically a hip abduction brace. Maybe with a little bit of convincing your surgeon will be willing to allow you to use it if, (s)he was planning on the other one. I agree with I Fell, I cannot even imagine how much more uncomfortable the other one is. Well, I hope that your surgery goes well, and we'll all be keeping our fingers crossed for you.

Take care,

Jay

floridalin

14-04-2009, 11:49 AM

Thanks, Jay. Your suggestions are always helpful and welcome. You are so right about the brace. Even the couch would have been immpossible with the brace that involves the knee as well as the hip.

Hannah, Jay's right about the couch. I do wish I had a reclining couch. It would solve the problem of the pillows always shifting and always sliding down as well as the getting up dilema would be easier. Also, I have started putting surgical tape on my left elbow because it provides leverage against the couch so much that it was getting kind of a rug burn. Although I don't think I would be getting nearlly as good of a core muscle workout as I am with the couch :)

A sense of humor is essential as well.

Better yet would be one of those recliners designed for people who can't sit down or stand up without help (sound familiar?). They come up to meet the person who then backs up against the chair and it does the same movement when when the person is getting out. Ever seen one? They are expensive, though, so it's on my "wish list".

I happen to be lucky enough to have a husband and a daughter that take care of everything, including the socks. I am amazed, but they seem to be quite happy to do it, too. I'm so fortunate in that regard. I'll keep the sock tube in mind in case this gets to be old to them later on. You know, I thought I'd be good at this because I had so much practice before surgery (after the injury). There is no comparrison between this and the initial injury, except that it involves the same leg. With the surgery I'm being so careful that I don't do anything that disturbs the repair and I am far more limited in movement. Everything takes at least twice as long as before it and there are a lot more things I can't do by myself now. Again, I"m so thankful I found this blog. I would have been totally unprepared without it.

Let's have a round of applause for our caregivers!

Linnyt

Hannah

14-04-2009, 11:10 PM

I have posted a few messages that haven't appeared, so I'm crossing my fingers this one does -
Floridalin - it does sound like you are doing well.
Ed - thanks for the pictures. I have modified and reinforced an old over-the-bed table my mother found & I think it will work.
I am glad to report that I will have the short brace, and I didn't even have to ask. I know my surgeon has used both, so I think a number of factors, like maybe the extent of trauma to the hamstring muscle?, go into determining that choice, as well as the PT protocol.

floridalin

15-04-2009, 11:29 AM

Hi, Hannah.

I'll be thinking of you on the 21st. I'm sure it'll go smooth and you'll be on the road to recovery.

I think I'm doing pretty well. I have good days and bad days, like with any other surgery. I wish I was as lucky as "I fell" with the pain. I agree with you, if it hurts, take a pill.

My surgical site is primarily paper stitches with one long regular suture they called a running stitch. I got the running stitch out and the paper sutures replaced one week after surgery and was told I could shower. I did this with much help from my husband. I found it intimidating to get into the bathtub and quite painfull as well; not in my pelvis or hamstring, but in my calf just below my knee. I have no idea why, except I haven't been using it a whole lot. I don't have a shower chair, but I'm going to get one. I would be a whole lot more safe. I wish I had a walk in shower.

The home PT & nurse care is covered by my insurance, but it counts against the total # of 60 PT related visits allowed per 12 months. I decided to keep it to a minimum to save it for the real PT.

I had a new development today. I developed a rash under the plastic insert in the front of my brace. It was detatchable, so I took it off. It's only purpose is to protect my skin from the velcro belts. I think I might have been allergic to it, because I don't have the rash anywhere else, and I've been cleaning under the brace with Antibacterial wipes at least once a day, in addition to washing/showers.

My brace has padded inserts, kind of like cloth covered sponges that attach with velcro, for comfort. The guy that fitted me for it told me they can be hand washed and that I could get replacements. I'm going to get another set so I can wash one while wearing the other. I wish I'd gotten them when I got the brace. Sweating under the brace is inevitable.

I bet you're right about Griffey. The Cincinatti Reds Spring training camp is in Sarasota, FL. That's where that surgeon's practice is.

It sounds like you are really prepared for this thing. I don't think being prepared for this can be overdone. More is better, even if you don't end up using it.

Floridalin

ventued

15-04-2009, 11:37 AM

Hi All:

It sounds like things are falling into place for all. I'm starting to build up some strength in my leg after about 8 weeks in PT. My range of motion is great and I can do a lot of things which I couldn't think of a few weeks ago. I walked a mile and reported that to my PT who said, "that's great, just 25 more to go". I'm reminded of the saying, "The longest journey begins with the first step." I was cleared to play golf (not that it matters - I'm working under a new contract that calls for me to be on site at my client's location). I'm still optimistic that I will be able to run a marathon in the fall. My progress seems to be surprising a number of folks. My next doctor appointment is May 11th, so I'm thinking that's when I'll press for some running.

I'm so glad that all have contributed to this site. It seems that at each point, there are two to three people who are in discovery, preparing for surgery and/or recovering. I share everyone's sentiments that this site is truly a blessing for all who have had an avulsion of the hamstring (funny how we all know what that means - think back a year and "who woulda thunk it?"

As some of the "alumni" continue to contribute , I will continue to monitor the site and be here for support of all who are "in process". Heal well fellow patients!

Jay M

17-04-2009, 07:29 AM

Ventued,
It sounds like things are going well for you! Just in time for the great weather ahead! I hope that your doc clears you start running, so you can start to prepare for the marathon in the fall. My doc said I can't even think about golf until I see him again in June... However, I can start running next week. I'm not sure I completely feel ready to start running, but we'll see. I'd happily trade you my "OK" to start running for your "OK" to start golfing... Haha! I just started to use the eleptical running machine, which is a great transition from walking to running, because of its non-impact movement. Anyway, I'm happy to hear things are going well for you!

Take care,

Jay

beau_zo_brehm

19-04-2009, 01:43 PM

This has to be one of the stupidest muscular injuries in existence. I originally posted on the first page in 2007. I was originally injured on September 13, 2004 as a 13 year old playing football. The injury was a proximal rupture of the hamstring plus an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity of about 2 cm. I just recently turned 18 and finished my last high school track season. Due to this injury I can say that I never had a day of high school sports where my injured leg didn't give me pain, which considerably sucked fun away from the whole experience. I would say that my leg feels about 90-95% but I'm not sure that last 5-10% of recovery is attainable. Chronic issues include inability to drive a car for more than 20 or so minutes without hamstring pain, considerable tightness in repaired hamstring, mild pain from any type of hamstring contraction. I think some of my chronic pain could have been reduced if I would have had the surgery immediately instead of 10 months after the initial injury. Unfortunately anyone reading this thread has probably already suffered the injury, but if you haven't then my best advice is to avoid it like the plague. Dynamic hamstring stretches, static hip flexor stretches (if hip flexor tightness is an issue), and proper dynamic warm-up before doing sporting activites is a must.

If anyone has any successful rehab stories that would be great and I would love to hear them, along with what kind of rehab protocool was performed. Best of luck to anyone who has suffered this horrible injury.

Jay M

19-04-2009, 11:48 PM

Beau_zo_brehm,
You may be right about the fact that having the surgery, so long after the injury may be the culprit. Also, you may also want to consider the fact the you injuried yourself at one of the fastest growth periods of one's life. Perhaps, you grew faster than the repair could heal and the tightness is partially because of this. Since scar tissue is far less pliable than muscle this would have contributed to the pain and tightness. Since, having surgery later than the advised 2-3 month window, you would have a lot of scar tissue formation. In addition, the sciatic nerve may be in contact with some of the scar tissue or even slightly encases, which would explain pain after prolonged sitting. I certainly am not a doctor, but this seems like a reasonable explanation for some of the issues you mentioned. Being a therapist has provided me with some insight into this injury, but my personal exerience and all the research I've done on it since, has been been much more insightful. I hope that you continue to heal and do attain that additional 5-10%. good luck and congratulations with graduating high school.

Take care,

Jay