Cari's Achilles Tendon Update

Hey everyone!  I finally have an update on my Achilles tendon rupture recovery.  It has now been 11 days since surgery.  I saw the surgeon today and got my first peak at the injury site.  They removed the heavy, itchy splint that had been driving me crazy for days.  It felt wonderful!    Everything appears to be healing very well.  There is very little swelling or bruising and it felt great to move my foot around a little.  The atrophy is clearly visible, but that is to be expected.  I have been placed in a removable splint that I can take off whenever I want and now have permission to do range of motion exercises.  I begin physical therapy this week! 

Unfortunately, I have not been cleared to drive.  This means that I am pretty much homebound for 10 more days.  My next visit to the doctor will be October 8th.  At that time, the stitches will be removed and I will get a walking boot.  Hooray…No more crutches!  And that also means I get driving privileges.  Until then, it’s just more of the same…rest, ice, elevation, and whatever I can find to pass the time. 

Here are some pictures from today’s doctor visit. 

Comments

[Sheri]

OMG!! You are a trooper. It is amazing how quick atrophy sets in. I am glad to hear you are doing well.

[Mike in L.A.]

"Healing very well," YAAAAY!

Hope you're not going stir crazy...

[David in , Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK]

I'm really looking forward to your next post, I ruptured my achilles just under a month after you did yours and had my operation on October 7th. Just got my removable plaster on last friday so am eager to hear how much progress you have made since your last post. It has been really interesting reading about your experience.

Hope your recovering well

Thanks
Dave

[Jon Ham]

Dave,
Cari is doing well, although she has had a few setbacks with the incision healing. We'll post an update in the next day or two.
How are you doing? We wish you well in your recovery!
Jon

[Dave, Newcastle, UK]

Hi Jon

Thanks for your response. I Hope Cari's wound heals soon, It sounds really sore and nasty!

I wasn't due back at the hospital until 6th November, however I made an earlier appointment for tomorrow because it sounds like I have a similar issue to Cari (eg the bottom of the incision just above the heel has been rubbing on the foot brace and causing me a lot of discomfort... the only way i can explain is that it feels like a really bad blister!)

I just hope that it is not infected like cari's!! I don't think my wife could handle me being like this for any longer, I'm driving her nuts as I'm quite a sporty person and hate been cooked up inside!!

Again thanks for all the great information and I wish Cari all the best, hopefully we'll both be up and about by xmas!!!

cheers
dave

[Jon Ham]

Yes, her's looked similar to a blister at first, and last time (monday) she went to the doctor the surgeon just cut the whole "blistered" part out with a knife. He gave her antibiotics, then sent her to the wound clinic.
I suggest you get on it ASAP! You want to avoid it getting worse. Oh, and I feel your wife's Pain :)
Good Luck Dave! Xmas is coming soon.
Jon

[Ed Shanaphy]

I ruptured my achilles almost 100% 8 years ago. Do the physical therapy - my calf is still slightly smaller than the other, non-injured. And treat your good achilles with care and attention - mine has pain and I hope I don't do it ever again!

[AstrologyReadings]

Hi, great blog. Keep up the good work!