Thursday, November 14, 2024
Recovery Milestone Day # 1… splint removal!
Following my surgery to reattach my ruptured Achilles tendon, our first circled calendar date was Thursday, November 14th… the day my post-surgical applied splint and wrap would be removed and replaced with a more ‘permanent’ cast.
My wife drives us to the appointment that happens to be on the far west side of town. I must say I am one very anxious passenger.
Upon arrival, I crutch my way to through the parking lot, over to the elevator, and finally to the second-floor location. I check in and nervously sit down.
I hear my name called right at the appointment time, and I navigate my way to the exam room. The assistant comes into the room… a very pleasant lady possessing a very wide smile, a skip in her step, and a good sense of humor.
All are appreciated.
First things first… removal of my splint. No pain in the process, but I manage a grimace anyway. For the first time in 2-weeks, I see my right ankle.
Stitches.
Lots of bruising.
A little swelling still remains, and what appears to be an “L”-shaped incision on the back side to the base of my right ankle.
Time to remove my stitches. My technician’s tone changes to a serious one… politely letting me know this will likely hurt.
It did. A lot.
I find myself requesting if there is a spare ‘bullet’ for me to bite on or at least a shot of “Jack Daniels” available. Unfortunately, neither are.
Once the stitches are removed, the PA comes in and reviews the handiwork and healing progress. He smiles… letting me know everything looks great.
He advises that the next step will be a full cast for 2-3 weeks followed by a ‘full-time’ boot.
On his way out of the room, he pauses… turns back toward me and asks what my exercise of choice is.
With a confident smile, I say ‘RUNNING’!
He immediately responds: Depending upon your recovery, you’ll be back to light running in 4 months and then build from there. Have patience and follow your physical therapy plan.
I smile!
Four months? Just 4 months? The last thing I heard was 5-6 months. A faster recovery? Even if just a month ‘faster’… I’ll take it.
Next step: Crutch my way over to the cast room.
Something new for me: They don’t normally use a plaster-type cast for my type of injury. It’s fiberglass now. I’m asked if I have a color preference for my cast. I wasn’t expecting that question… and my tech gives me a choice of about 8 different colors.
For those that truly know me, there is only one color choice me… Christmas Kelly Green!
Cast complete.
Final instructions given.
See you in 2-weeks.
Unfortunately, exactly 2-weeks out is Thanksgiving Day. Obviously, a no-work day either for the Holiday itself or the day after. The negotiator in me asks if I can show up the day before and have my cast removed and new boot applied.
My PA smiles, and politely says ‘NO!’.
“Have patience” he utters.
I have a feeling the phrase ‘Have Patience!’ will be a reoccurring one.
Next date circled: Tuesday, December 3rd. And it’s only November 14th now.
Patience.
Let’s chat! Email: RupturedRunner@gmail.com
Ruptured Runner 
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