I started my 11th week. There's a sense of joy and a bit of sadness. I'm elated to enter week 11 as my progress continues to get better. I'm a bit sad as my PT comes to an end. No more three days a week, because I start light duty at work on the 4th. I do have access to a good workout area at work, and I plan to utilize that 4-days a week; I'm just on my own for the exercises. I have a pretty good idea on what do to, but there's no therapist there to direct my movements.
Week 10 showed a bit of a plateau, but that's to be expected with the enormous gains coming off of non-weight bearing several weeks ago. My limp is beginning to disappear, and my normal gait is returning. I ran a mile, and only walked twice. My run is still a bit strange as the muscles of my foot and calf return. I can push up on my toes with both feet, just my left foot, but nothing yet on just my right foot. Again, my brain fires the signal at the foot, but there's nothing; no strength at all.
I talked to my physical therapist about running. He was surprised because the doc said "no pushing off." I told him that was 3-weeks ago, and things are changing rapidly. My conservative therapist decided that it was time to ramp up the exercises by making them a bit more challenging. That's what I wanted from day one! He called my doc who gave the approval to get more aggressive with treatment. But...no more physical therapy. Bummer. I might be able to see him once a week over the next 6-weeks, but that's to be determined with my work schedule. My PT wants me to start on a treadmill wearing my fire helmet and carrying a tool that I use for work. He says I need to start building up the strength in my neck and back as well as my legs to prepare for the return to full duty. Sounds fun!...and I'll start on Tuesday! To return to full duty, I have to go through some fairly major physical testing to get approval from the department's physician. I'll probably work on those specific tasks to get back as soon as possible.
I'm going to start back with a milder version of Crossfit, as this was my workout of choice prior to getting injured. I'll take it slow and steady, and be very cautious about pushing off with power until I can push up on the toes of my right foot.
I see my doc on the 18th, and will have a good understanding upon my return to full active duty.
I miss being a fireman. Although, this small taste of retirement has been nice too!
Happy Halloween
12 years ago
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2 comments:
Hi c sco,
So your back to work on light duties, how did your first day go?
I'm still doing 4 hours per day office work but its driving me mad I can't wait to get back out onto the road especially with the silly season approaching Christmas and New Year.
Progress is getting better, calf and legs are getting stronger but with ROM and swelling it changes from day to day.
Some days I can walk with a normal gait and then the next day I'm back to a limp. It gets very frustrating at times, just when you think you are improving and then wham, pain and swelling. So I lay off it for a few day elevate and ice and then start all over again. I get most of the pain and swelling around my ankle area and usually disappear when I elevate and ice. Reading some of the other blogs it seem a common occurrence to get swelling and slight pain around ankle area and sometimes its on going for up to a year.
I’ve got a heap of questions to ask my Doc at my next appointment on the 17th Nov. I'm beginning to think he must have cut off about 2 inches of my tendon it feels so bloody tight.
I'm still doing hydrotherapy. I’ve progressed to single leg calf raises and walking lunges. It’s amazing how the buoyancy of the water gives you a bit of confidence; because once I’m on dry land I can only just manage double leg calf raises.
So you ran a mile "I’m impressed" and the Crossfit seems like an awesome work out!!!!!
Week 11 yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Happy Healing paul r
Hey paul r...
My first week back to work was a bit dull, but a nice change to the recovery routine. I too am frustrated with the tightness and swelling. Like you, some days I have no problems and other days I need to hit the pain meds! I talked to a couple of "Achilles Survivors" and they said it can take up to a year as you stated. I guess I'll just put up with it for a year and continue to work out!
I hope you have good news at your Doctor's appt. I see my doc on the 18th. I'll then have a predicted date for a return to full duty.
Happy Healing back to you!
csco
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