Saturday, June 2, 2012

Achilles Update - Day 25 Post Op

It has been a while since I provided a general update on the achilles. To use a lame phrase: "The tendon is mendin'."

Here are some highlights:
1) I can now put weight on the foot while it is securely in the boot.  This allows me to move around (very awkwardly) without crutches.  I refer to it as my "pimp limp."  This is awesome because it allows me to carry things in my hands.  I still require crutches for any type of outdoor walking or other distances but I am now a little less worthless...  so that is a win.  I do not put any weight in any fashion on the foot when it is not in the boot.
2) I have been sleeping without my boot.  Not sure if I should be doing this but I am a pretty carcass-like sleeper and I see it as pretty low risk.  I must add that I sleep with the boot on whenever a certain someone who has starfish-like sleeping habits is around.  Can't risk one of her thrashing tentacles lashing out on my vulnerable tendon.
3) I flew to Louisville last night and am about to fly back to Baltimore in a bit (friggin 4 hour delay).  Didn't want to travel but had some things that I thought were best to do in person.  Though flying is a big no-no due to possible blood clots, the doctor said I should be OK as long as I take baby aspirin to thin the blood a bit.  I also make it a point to keep my foot constantly moving during the flight to keep blood flowing.  I will also be sure to consume a nice T&T on the plane to help the blood thinning process...  Doctor's orders.
4) Tuesday I get to take out another wedge in the boot.  Per the doctor, my goal is to remove a wedge every two weeks so this is right on schedule.  I did a quick check with a wedge out earlier this week to see if I was close and I was almost there.  This is a good sign.  I have been working the ankle out a couple times a day. It is still pretty tight but I think I am right on schedule.
5) When I got my surgery, the surgeon noted that my tear was higher than usual.  Reading online seems to imply that this is a good thing as there is more healing blood flow closer to the muscle.  Not putting much stock into this but hoping that it aids the recovery timeline.
6) Here is a picture of my hairy Kate Moss calf.  It has atrophied even further...  or my left calf is growing larger due to the extra workload.  Regardless, my legs are more asymmetrical than ever.  I feel like a girl who has a D-cup boob and a A-cup boob.  It just doesn't look right.  Gonna take a bit to get my calves back to roughly equivalent sizes I am sure.


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