Here's a look at the boot that I will wear for the next 8-weeks. It's a Donjoy. Ohh...what a joy! It's similar to casting, but I can take it off to clean my lower leg. If you look at the sides of the boot, there are dials on each side. These dials will slowly take my foot from a 22.6-degree plantar flexion position to 90-degrees for weight bearing. Currently, I have to wait 4-weeks before bearing any weight on the leg. So...I'm either on crutches (upstairs in the house) or using the Roll-a-Bout (downstairs and outside) to get around. I can't wait to start bearing some weight!I relatively pain free now, and have reduced my ibuprofen intake to 400 mg twice a day. My nerve endings are coming back from the surgery with shooting hot pains around my foot or ankle. I still keep it elevated as the pain increases when the foot is down. I'm not icing as frequently, but will ice it in the evening. The evening hours seem to be the worst. Probably from a long day of Playstation 2, surfing the web, studying for a class, napping, etc.
August 15th: Rupture Day
August 15th: Surgery
August 26th: 1st visit to the doc and I get the boot
September 16th: 2nd visit scheduled.
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2 comments:
I am 12 days post rupture and starting to go stir crazy about the lack of exercise. Is there anything you did for a cardio workout? I have been told I can't put any weight on my foot for 10 more weeks. For now upper body weights and sit ups is all I can do. I too am a runner but ruptured while playing tennis. I have 4 children at home ages 18 months up to 9. I'm going to continue reading the rest of your posts, thanks for the info.
Hi mammamia.
Very sorry to hear about your Achilles rupture. Luckily, there is plenty of support out there from others going through the same injury. I...like you...have surfed several blogs and websites looking for help when it comes to the long road of recovery with this type of injury. I hate to say it, but you just joined...what I feel...is an exclusive club!
As far as cardio...I did nothing for the first couple of weeks. I just wanted to keep my leg up and iced. Plus, I didn't want to risk another rupture, so I took it easy. Once I was in the boot, I started back with upperbody and abs. That's all I could do. I actually hated to see people running outdoors...it drove me crazy! It still drives me nuts!
When the doctor gave me approval for weight bearing in the boot, I immediately started riding an indoor bicycle very slowly with the boot on. That was my start back into the cardio world. I'm now on my mountain bike taking it easy on paved trails, but I'm out of the boot and can wear my cycling shoes.
I gained 9 pounds over the course of the injury, but I should shed them pretty quickly when my body gets used to the cardio demands again.
You have 4-children. You're a runner and a tennis player. Although it will take time, you will get back in shape just like you did after having your children. Although this injury is very tough mentally, you will make it through. Once physical therapy starts and you begin to take your first steps again, you're smile will light up the room.
Hang in there mamma!
csco
P.S. look at getting a knee scooter. It helps tremendously around the house and the outdoors. Pushing that and walking on crutches kept some of my cardio alive.
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