Achilles rupture surgery - support group

[WROBZEUS]

7 weeks post-op tomorrow. Physio starting next week, I'll report back on any interesting French angles. Ho hum. Meanwhile, two mysteries - anyone?

1. I have an "S" shaped scar where the operation on my AT was done. The specialist who changed the plaster had never seen one like it either. I wonder if it has anything to do with the way the operation was done? Further observation: now the plaster is out of the way I can run my fingers along the repaired tendon and there is a notable dip in the middle, or perhaps the adjacent parts are swollen, compared to the other leg it could be either.

2. Sometimes its hard to tell if we're all talking about the same injury. Granted I had a complete rupture but the tests and things were a bit of a formality. I have never had an AT problem and even I could tell immediately that the thing had gone. As soon as it went, I was helpless. There was no way I could have walked or even stood up - I have no idea how anyone manages to walk around, drive etc for weeks before an operation or even before being diagnosed, yet there are many such stories on these pages. DavidG, is your AT partial or what - or are you just a triple hard case?

I went down hard too. My scare is straight. Your 7 weeks out and starting physio, I am 6 weeks out and have been in physio for 4 week. I went to sports medicine specialist (live in the US) and they are very aggressive here. I was in a cast for only 2 weeks. I'm walking in a sneaker now with a slight limp. My range of motion is almost 100% already. They will not keep you immobilized very long here. the Dr. want the scare tissue broken up asap so the chance of retear is very low. Stat show early mobility reduces the rate from over 10% to less than 2%- here I am 4 weeks post op %.

[AmiS]

Anje
Sorry should have read your post properly!

Ami

[WROBZEUS]

rexhepi,
The thinkness may be an issue although I can not tell you why. My physical therapist said that my tendon looked excellent as it was the same size as my good one. I believe it has to do with scar tissue. I had my surgery 1 day before yours. My surgeon told me 12 weeks to 100%, although I have been told this was optimistic. I play golf and ice hockey. I will resume golf in 1 month and hockey in too, although I guess running is much more demanding that skating. I have been in rehab for 4 weeks and I am walking in sneakers without any assistance. I rehab very hard, do exercises at least 4 times a day. Swelling sometime persist, but it is always in my ankle. I use hot water soaks to relive, move it as much as you can and as often as you can to keep the tendon loose. good luck

[AmiS]

Day 60 update

I've now been doing physio for 2 weeks. My right foot was, unsurprisingly, very stiff the first day out of the cast and the exercises moving it around were a challenge in the first week. I'd often feel pretty sore at the end of the day. This last week has been much better with my foot much more comfortable with the exercises. The physio started doing ultrasound and this seems to make a great deal of difference to the tendon. My foot almost feels normal afterwards! I?ve started to raise my heel when seated and push the foot back, also when seated, but it tends to stiffen when it straightens up. I do my exercises 4 times a day as much as possible - I'm pretty dedicated.

I?ve started to get a little worried that I won?t meet my target ? getting the boot off by my next consultant meeting on 24 August. I've got two wedges in my aircast boot. My physio assures me that I?m on target as to removing them and he has taken it a little slowly due to the six week delay in getting me on the operating table. I read a lot on this and other forums of people out of their boots by week 8, which makes me wonder, but then I remember how this all started. We?ll see how things go.

Keep positive everyone.

Ami

[David G1]

Had a problem logging in so re logged in

Christina..Deck chair with wheels. Laid back approach to life; like it why get stressed about this thing.

Mark F/Anje...BK Equinnus LW. Correct plastered today, non bearing foot pointing downwards.

Peteb...Triple hard case. Absolutely, I have fears of flying, heights, doctors, hospitals and needles. Give me a ruptured AT anyday. See AMIS post 371....I did have pain an swelling for about 3 days then it sort of went, it was when the heal slipped off the back of my flip flop did it hurt; electric shock treatment. It is strange that I have not suffered more. even the consultant was scratching his head.


WROBZEUS. I like the sound of your treatment and your attitude towards it. I have a theory about being in plaster too long, could possibly work the other way and weaken what you already have. Back in 3 months minimum seems very fast.

Just be careful with your rehab, so many people on this site have re ruptured, now that would really be depressing.


All
I had my cast on today, can just about balance on my toes for light support, but really need to keep the pressure off. Not quite sure what to do now, should I spend alot of time wriggling and scratching my toes or rest the AT completely. All the questions arrive in your head as soon as you leave the hospital gate.

The plaster was very nice and gave it to me straight no weight bearing and no rulers, I was even offered a variety of colours of plaster. I thought going into a business meeting with a bright green plaster might be little over the top, so I went with the traditional colour. Also you can't see the signatures on it if its too dark.

Finally got home hop, hop, hop, tink, tink, tink... I think my other achillies is going to pop at this rate. Ordered the waterproof. Fridge is full of healthy food, just sit through I suppose and explain 95 times to people what the plaster's for.

Was the greek god namesake an awkward sneaky, unpredictable, sadistic, misleading volatile character who had it for middle aged people! Any mythology experts out there?

[David G1]

AmiS

3 1/2 weeks of rehab, you should make it. You will be surprised from now on, as your confidence is regaining. I recommend excercises in the pool if you can and an expander you can hook on to your foot.

Good luck

[AmiS]

David
You are right - the confidence is returning albeit slowly. I'll keep on the exercises. I haven't asked about the hydrotherapy but I will.

Keep the weight off the cast, but I think it will be all but impossible to put any weight on it.
Don't think about itching - that's when it happens.....

I would recommend getting lifts to parties. Everyone wants to know how you got the injury! Great one for chatting to new people, who always frown and give words of sympathy. Downside is it does get a bit tedious repeating yourself.

Oh well - guess you can't have it both ways!

Ami

[peteb]

DavidG-1 - the original Achillees story comes I believe from Homer's Iliad, I suppose it should be required reading for us lot here. I "read" it fairly painlessly a few years ago on an audiobook on a long car journey. It is not very nice. I don't think it would even get a certificate if it came out today.

this "1" thing - i don't know, reminds me of your namesake Mr Bowie who decided at some point he wanted to be called Boh-ee instead of Baw-ee, maybe this is a change of image to go with the lime green plaster?

[Anje]

David

How long is your plaster on for, when do you go back for assesment?

I don't think you will put on extra weight, most don't seem to, in fact I think you should eat lots of protein to help the healing process, does anybody else know about this.

Anje

[David G1]

3 weeks plaster, now down to 2 1/2 weeks, due to my 2 day delay and the consultant only seems to work Fridays?? (lucky consultant, I would have chosen Weds myself; long weekend) I like my consultant he said I only had a partial rupture when the doctors and radiographer said I had a full rupture; top bloke. If he's right he gets a case of wine... if he's wrong a kick in the back of the ankle!

17 Aug 07 for assessment. Managed to knock off a sixth of the time and its only been in plaster 1 day. I agree with Wrobzeus, plaster should not be on too long

Right novelty has worn off now! time to sneek to the off licence to get some beers.

'1' thing is cos it was the first thing that came into my head and I didn't want to have retell my story. my password was logged out and the system wouldn't reset my password bla bla bla. Not sure what this ba w-e-e thing means... you watch that french wine now pete