Posted , 6 users are following.
I have had my pre op today so I am expecting a date very soon.
Could you be as kind as to tell me what equipment you were given/bought to aid your recovery. I will be having a ripped achilies tendon repair with no WB up to 12 weeks. GULP.
I am happy to buy the aids myself to ease the burden in the NHS just a little so I need to know what helps and what doesn't. Thank you Denise
0 likes, 15 replies
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gill65215 denise130366
Posted
Sorry I can't help here Denise as I didn't have surgery. Mine was left too long. But very best wishes for a complete success, even if it does take a time. Gill
Nikky8 denise130366
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Sorry to hear you need to h
Nikky8 denise130366
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Hi Denise
Sorry to hear you need this op. I too had tendon transfers and foot reconstruction surgery on both my feet on the NHS .
I was appointed a clinical nurse specialist who got me in contact with the appliance dept.
A physiotherapist contacted me by phone and asked the relevant questions and on my return from hospital after surgery I was given a walking frame, crutches, bath board,toilet surround , perching stool which on my opinion was a lifeline in the kitchen and to just sit in.
In fact while you are in hospital a physiotherapist will come and access your needs and organise your equipment needed to return with you .
It's taken me 2 and a half years to walk again and it was the hardest thing Ive had to do.
Good luck and If you need any advise, do drop me a line .
Nikky
denise130366 Nikky8
Posted
I'm NOT slating the NHS in any shape or form (I work for them so know its tough) but I am a tad surprised as to the lack of info provided to me about the process. As soon as I get my op date I'll be on the phone. Did you have both feet done at once? I 100% don't want the op BUT I must if I want to take my dog a lovely long walk ever again.
Nikky8
Posted
Hi Denise
Your consultant has a secretary. Call and ask to speak to him/her. Tell them you want to know who yr clinical nurse specialist is and take it from there.
With the NHS, one has to ask for everything.
You have paid for all this so make sure you get what you need. Once you get your operation date they should get you in contact or tell you who your CNS is and if not then call them.
I had one foot at a time done. It wasent possible to do both as my recovery would have been longer n harder. First op on my r foot in june2014 and my l foot in Nov 2015.
Do keep me posted with your journey😊
Nikky
Rob9700 denise130366
Posted
Denise,
I am so sorry to hear that you have a torn achilles. I ruptured my achilles on 29 July and had surgery on 2 August. Here are some of the things that have helped me:
several pairs of good over-the-calf compression socks. These help with swelling which will be a persistent problem for many weeks (check out others who have posted to this site). I still wear my compression socks every day (still some swelling).
Several ice packs. Walgreens has some that are just the right size for wrapping around your ankle. They have a blue pouch that the ice pack goes in, and a strapo with velcro. Keep ice on your ankle as frequently as you can. It does help with swelling. Get a couple for the office as well. Some will be in the freezer while you are using others. The ones I am (still) using are Walgreens hot and cold multipurpose wrap.
ergonomic crutches. I used some called "mobilegs." They are around $150 or so online, but they are very adjustable, and way easier on the rest of your body, arms, shoulders, and hands than the "free" ones.
a small messenger bag that you can throw over your shoulder to carry stuff in while you are on crutches. You can't carry anything in your hands while you are on crutches!
If the doc does not give you a referral for physical therapy, ask for it. A good physical therapist can really help push you along the path to recovery. They will also have some ideas about things like therabands and other little exercise aids you can use at home or at the office.
This is one of the most common athletic injuries. The recovery is kind of slow, and there are setbacks along the way. But you WILL recover and be back to your activities. Keep positive, keep checking out the postings at this site. I wish you all the best for a complete and speedy recovery.
denise130366 Rob9700
Posted
Thank you so much Rob for your reply. I'm dreading the op BUT I must do it. It'll be tough but I'm a strong stubbon woman so I'll get there.
chris13067 denise130366
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Hi Denise
Sorry you are faced with this prospect! All good advice given so far but one thing not mentioned so far is a knee scooter. You can rent them for about £12 a week which isn't cheap but was invaluable. I rented mine from a company in Taunton, can't remember their name at the moment but really good service. It allows you to do simple things like carry a cup of tea from the kitchen to the sofa and just gives you a break from crutches. Well worth it in my opinion.
Good luck with the op,i went conservative and am happy with the outcome 11 months later.
Chris
Rob9700 chris13067
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denise130366 Rob9700
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I'll dig my old school (night school) bag out as its got a good handle on and will fit plenty in. Good idea. Thank you
denise130366 chris13067
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Hi Chris. Would the scooter be OK if I'm plastered right up to my knee?
chris13067 denise130366
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You would need enough gap between the top of the plaster and knee to test on the pad. I was fine on the scooter with my support boot on. Might be worth checking to see how high it will be? It was brilliant for me because i live in a bungalow and could move around my home as fast as normal. They are very manoeuvrable and you can take them to the shops or even outside to get some fresh air. The company I hired from are called Stride On by the way. Good luck! Chris
jodytoffee denise130366
Posted
First couple of weeks are quite tough as it can be quite painful to move about.
You are basically on crutches and can do very little for yourself.
The best thing I purchased was a medical chair for the shower and a limbo cover for my cast, at least that way you can wash yourself easily!
Good luck with the operation and more importantly hope you have a not too lengthy recovery.
denise130366 jodytoffee
Posted
thuynh7 denise130366
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get an iwalk 2.0, it's brilliant, will cost about 150, but you can resell it on ebay once done. or you could get it from ebay. i used it and it was amazing, total game changer.