By way of background, I ruptured my right Achilles in January 2009 (35 at the time) playing football and had a successful recovery. Was in a cast for two weeks, then the boot for another four. Walking normally soon after that and in the gym, etc by about 4 months. Probably never got 100% of the strength back but about 90% and enough for me. Was very happy to ditch the crutches but kept the boot which was handy as…
On 11 July (two and a half years since first atr) went and snapped my LEFT Achilles. Was playing tennis this time. When it happened initial thought was that someone had hit a tennis ball and it had hit my ankle but a fraction of a second later I immediately knew what I had done. Was very depressed knowing what I had done and knowing exactly how long it takes (albeit I know my last recovery was on the shorter side).
Three and a half weeks on and have had the surgery (the next day with the same surgeon I used last time - I had to say whilst repeat business shows I was happy with what he did last time, I was not pleased to be seeing him again). Again, cast for 2 weeks and now fwb in the boot with one wedge which I think can probably come out now but I am seeing the surgeon on Wednesday so will leave it for him to confirm.
Few thoughts having had this experience twice:
- the first time I ruptured I stupidly walked on it for about a week. I knew it was something serious but was in denial - lesson learnt the second time and got it sorted immediately. This meant the surgery was much easier and neater.
- first time I was also naive about recovery and not until the day of the surgery did I acknowledge I would have to have time off work (genuinely thought that it would be cut me open, stitch me up and off I walk in the boot). If I had taken a bit of a look at a site like this I would have been better placed but was a bit of a lacking in the doctors who assume a bit too much about the common sense of a patient like me. The shock of knowing how long recovery is can be pretty upsetting but I think short targets are useful (eg I will be in the boot in 2 weeks, I will be walking at 3 weeks and I will loose the boot by week 6). longer term targets are also useful to keep us going. My first one was to be skiing the next year and this time it is to be quicker and better than last time. It is important that these are realistic though as depressing to keep missing your targets.
- whilst we all have plenty of time to research in the 1st few weeks and knowledge is power, everyone’s case is different so do not take anyone else’s story or guidance as your protocol. When you mention to anyone that you have ruptured your Achilles, they or someone they know also did that and was walking normally in 2 weeks or never walked again. Everyone loves to exagerate or pretend they know more than they do. You have to learn to listen to the right people.
- whilst my Achilles probably had a weakness, I didn’t properly stretch, etc when I ruptured the second time. Massive lesson learnt (even if it took two ruptures to instill), if I do get back to sports this will be my mantra. All people reading this approaching activities, please listen to the physios. They do know what they are talking about. Whilst there are always cases of rerupture, there always has to be a balance of quality of life vs precaution. Don’t give up the things you love but use the knowledge you gain to prevent it happening again (yes, a lesson I should have learnt the first time).
Anyway, more than enough from me for now. Wish everyone out there a speedy and successful recovery.