95 days, saw the doc today...

It's been awhile since I've seen my doctor, but today was the day. I was hoping to get released, but after testing my weak foot, he said, "another 4-weeks." Yikes!...light duty...filing papers and answering the phone at work for another 4-weeks! I need a beer...and I need it fast!

My range of motion is excellent, but the strength in my calf and foot are still very weak. I'm ahead of schedule, but still need some more work to get back to 100%. My doc told me I need to be 100% to do the job that I do...and I have to agree. I have some pain first thing in the morning when I step on the foot, and my foot gets tired around 4 in the afternoon. It's still the pad under my big toe that hurts the most. I tend to roll my foot to the outside to keep off the big toe. My doc said to concentrate on keeping equal pressure and make sure I'm pushing off with my toes to get stronger. Also, the scar tissue is massively thick. I no longer have an ankle, and probably never will again. The scar tends to get annoying near the end of the day as well, or from rubbing in my work boots.

I ask the doctor, "So...this injury pretty much takes 16 to 18-weeks to heal?" He said, "Yes." "That's the typical time frame." I knew that going into the appointment, I just thought maybe....just maybe...I'd be released. But...that's why he's a doctor and I'm a fireman. He knows best.

So now I work on strengthening the foot and lower leg over the next 4-weeks. He told me to be prepared to be released for full duty at that time. That's the 16th of December. Hopefully I'm back on the job for my first 48-hour shift on the 19th. Just a week before Christmas. Wow!

One cool thing....he prescribed Chiropractic care because of the limping and wearing the boot caused my back to get out of alignment. That will be a nice change because the Chiropractor that I use does massage as well. Yep...massage! That's a nice break from the reality of an Achilles tendon injury! Something to think about for those of you going through this injury...getting a good Chiropractor to keep you adjusted and happy!

See you at Week 14.