Achilles' tendon surgery tomorrow for full rupture and no idea how long I'll be off work?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Ruptured my AT two weeks ago playing squash. All the usual symptoms although not as painful as my previous calf tear - although now I'm starting to realise it's much more serious. And not a quick return to sport
I'm in for surgery tomorrow morning and having read loads over the last fortnight, still not sure what the immediate post op advice is. It seems everyone has a slightly different experience.
I'm a self employed graphic designer and eager to know when I can sit at a desk again and do some work to keep the wheels turning.
Should I be lying down with foot elevated above heart for first few days or much longer?
Really appreciate any advice from other who have gone through the same journey...
Cheers
Kris
0 likes, 13 replies
tim50stroud kris65506
Posted
kris65506 tim50stroud
Posted
Unfortunately it's no longer on drawing boards (happy old days) although it'll be much easier to have mac on my lap
Glad to hear you're healing well...
stephen15408 kris65506
Posted
kris65506 stephen15408
Posted
For anyone else going for full rupture surgery... I'm just back home from my op which was at 9am this morning. Woke up in the ward feeling fine, just a bit tired and not too sore (2 out of 10). Told the surgery took 1.5 hours and all went well. I've got plastercast on for two weeks then in to the dreaded boot for a while...
I had the choice of surgery or conservative, and having read various opposing opinions I decided surgery. I want to get back to racket sports (eventually), and hope this may prove to be a bit stronger and also get me out the boot quicker - I'll keep you posted to see if it turns out that way.
Off for first nights sleep - post op...
stephen15408 kris65506
Posted
kris65506
Posted
Sitting in the sunshine with leg up reading Sunday papers - this bit's not so bad.
Finding it tough having to keep the ankle elevated all the time. Even up to brush my teeth and the swelling returns in five mins. Can't believe how much I'm missing even being able to walk around on crutches for a while. Any ideas on how long before I could go for a 20 minute walk (NWB) on crutches?
Also anyone with knowledge on when I could safely and legally drive my auto car? It's my left AT that's bust, so theoretically should be ok on short journeys? Direct line were fine with me driving pre surgey in boot, but not sure how insurance view it post op?
On a positive note, the plaster cast is MUCH more comfortable than the boot. Best enjoy it while I can
First time I've ever engaged in an online 'community' and can't thank everyone enough for the help its been already, even though I've just started the road to recovery.
Nikky8 kris65506
Posted
Firstly , welcome to this site. It's been a lifeline for me having had complex reconstructive surgery on both my feet. First op in June 2014 n left foot was done Nov 2015.
I've had tendon transfers as one of the procedures.
Walking with crutches is pretty hard work especially for anything more then 15 mins in my experience.
Pay careful attention to your lower back as with nwb, we lose our core strength .
The main problem we all face is the swelling.
As long as there is swelling, we have to rest n raise the limb. It's an indication that we aren't ready to take that next step of slowly strengthening our limb or trying to walk .
That is when most people find the swelling is at its worse and the first 2weeks post surgery or trauma.
I hear your frustrations as with keeping elevated...again that too make sure you support the whole leg from thigh to foot and try to get up once every 2 hrs.
I was nwb for 4 months with both feet and the swelling was very different in both.
R foot stayed swollen for 13 months....l foot only 5 months! Why? I put it down to different surgeons and how much the nerves and tendons were moved during surgery.
I can't see why driving an automatic car would cause you problems after all most people use only their r foot and not both feet . I would get consent from your insurers.
Totally agree about plaster being more comfy! Hated that boot!
Eat well too...certainly works wonders with the healing process.
Slowly does it is the way forward .
Focus on when life is back to normal and not on how you are going to get thru this as that was my biggest problem with my first op. It didn't help that I was so negative and down.
Pleased to say I have a very supportive partner n family and that Im eternally grateful to them as support is key too.
I'm walking now 😊almost pain free !
Last hurdle is building strength up as muscle wastage occurs almost immediately.
Gd luck n chin up! You will be back to normal in a few months
Nikky
kris65506 Nikky8
Posted
Thanks for supportive advice. Sounds like you had quite a time of it! Glad to hear you seem to be on the other side and active again.
I think I need to accept a couple of weeks rest following surgery and hope swelling settles. Just spent 9 months rehab on a knee injury (other leg) and keen to avoid losing muscle as much as possible. Looks like sitter leg raises till I can get back to longer on crutches.
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences as it's a real help to hear from like minded people.
Hope you're our enjoying a well earned walk in Sunday sunshine
tim50stroud kris65506
Posted
kris65506 tim50stroud
Posted
Did you have the choice of surgery and choose otherwise? Seems to be so many varied opinions on the best route.
I'm going to try a couple of hours a day in the office with leg up on desk to see how I get on. Desperate to avoid turning on daytime tv!
stephen15408 kris65506
Posted
tim50stroud kris65506
Posted
kris65506
Posted
Really scary to even think of a re-rupture! Thanks for the reminder though as the very thought of it should help me be more patient and let it rest over properly.
At least I'm feeling lucky it's been sunny ever since my AT rupture which means I can chill outside. I've got the best tanned leg and a half in town!