Today’s the day… I hope!
It’s now exactly 10-weeks post-surgery to re-attach my ruptured Achilles tendon. Today is FINALLY the day I meet with my orthopedic surgeon to check on my progress and ‘HOPEFULLY’ get released from the boot.
First, I meet with the PA. She’s a very pleasant 30-something young lady.
How am I doing, she asks. Do I have any pain? Please take off your shoe and let’s look at the foot.
Next… Roll over on my stomach.
She gently squeezes my Achilles tendon area. My foot properly moves in the direction expected. An emphatic ‘That’s good!’ is uttered.
She next holds on to my foot and requests that I hold press/push as hard as I can with my foot against her hand. She then compares that force with the same action on my ‘good, i.e. non-surgical’ foot.
Another emphatic ‘ALL GOOD!’ is said.
Finally, she asks if I’m experiencing any pain. I say no. ‘Even better!’ she responds.
The start of a large smile appears on my face.
I return to a normal sit-up position, and she asks me if I have any questions. And I do.
How’s my progress compared with an average similar case? (I’m right on plan!)
What can I do at the gym? (Weights, core, upper body, etc.)
What activities must I avoid? (At this moment: No running or jumping. Be careful on stairs and only take a full step and not a partial ‘half-foot’ type step.)
Any advice? (Continue to be patient. The most problems we’ve seen in recovery is when someone tries to start running or be too aggressive too early. You will not return to full ability running until 7-9 months post… while partial ‘physical therapy’ supervised limited running won’t start until 4-5 months post.)
I patiently listen to all… and then say ‘I’ve have worked too hard to mess up anything now. I will follow ALL instructions.’
With my wife in attendance, I know she will make certain I follow-through on this promise.
There’s just 1 final task to accomplish before the appointment ends. Planning for the best outcome, I decided to bring a right shoe… in the anticipated event I am released from my boot.
In walks my orthopedic surgeon… he reviews my results and where I currently stand… and then says… ‘Let me ask you, are you done wearing your boot?’
It was a question he didn’t have to ask twice… “YES!!!” was my immediate answer.
‘You are released from the boot! But FOLLOW ALL PT instructions. Keep up the good work!’
I immediately spot a trash can in the room… and while looking at this trash can and then glancing at my surgeon, I ask a simple, ‘May I?’.
He knows what I’m referring to and gently responds, ‘You may.’
GOOD RIDDANCE!
Let’s talk! Feel free to email me at RupturedRunner@gmail.com.
Ruptured Runner 
Leave a comment