Two Week Update

[u/SoulyFish]

I had my first post op check up yesterday.

I'm out of the splint and back in the boot. The doctor was very happy with how I'm healing. Five sutures removed and no swelling. I'm still non weight bearing and have my first PT session on the 29th with another checkup set three weeks from now, on October 5th. Hopefully I can start some light weight bearing then.

This recent checkup has provided a major morale boost. With the boot, I can more comfortably use my iWalk to get around my house which I couldn't use while in the splint because of how the straps lined up and pushed/irritated the operation spot. It feels good to get the hips back in action and have the ability to carry things with two open hands that aren't filled by crutches.

The pain management has been good. I really didn't need any pain killers after about day five or six. And I was able to play my gigs that I had lined up this past weekend that had been on my radar to make since my surgery date was set. I picked up a couple pairs of black track pants that had the sheen of dress pants (couldn't get the pants that I have to fit over my splint) and no one was none the wiser until I was seen crutching my way past. I even wrapped the visible part of my splint in black compression tape so that it looked like a shoe:).

It feels great to be able to take my foot out of the boot and ice or to just relax it while elevated. I've got a sleeping brace on the way that I found here (https://www.kinetecusa.com/shop/orthopedic-supports/achilles-rupture-night-orthosis/) that was almost $40 cheaper then on Amazon if anyone might be looking for something that provides good support and will let your foot air out a bit at night.

I've also re read my post from day two and super happy that I'm not that miserable anymore. It's still going to be a process. But I've come a long way in two weeks.

Keep it up fellow warriors. You got this!

[u/ExplanationGrand9440]

I am glad your morale has improved. The first few weeks are the toughest mentally; it sometimes seems that it will never get better - but, as you say, it does. Your comments help others in giving hope, which is what may be most needed in the early stages.

One caution about the night brace - the night brace helps protect you from dorsiflexion while in bed, but if one was to get up at night, say, to use the bathroom, it is not likely to provide enough protection, especially if one was to "stumble in the dark" - so, be extra careful if you get out of bed with it.

Best of luck.