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Achilles Tendon Surgery - Fox with a busted wheel

Fox Chapel Lion II

Fox Chapel Lion II

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Oct 26, 2011
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Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.
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Not being a smart-@ss, but did you blow out your Achilles by stepping off a step wrong at the stadium?

People I know who have had it went through a fairly lengthy process. Scooter for 2 - 2 1/2 months, then a boot for another couple of months. His injury occurred over Thanksgiving weekend, and just removed the boot. Still limited on what he can do.

Best wishes.....

OL
 
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OhioLion said:
Not being a smart-@ss, but did you blow out your Achilles by stepping off a step wrong at the stadium?

People I know who have had it went through a fairly lengthy process. Scooter for 2 - 2 1/2 months, then a boot for another couple of months. His injury occurred over Thanksgiving weekend, and just removed the boot. Still limited on what he can do.

Best wishes.....

OL
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Thanks OL. No - I had a strain which was being treated with PT. Infinitesimal progress. Then two weeks ago, I semi-tripped, sudden movement with my L foot planted, and it went. Leg hurt like a bastige for about half an hour, very weak, no power. The pain went away gradually.

I can walk, but stairs are tough. Going down is worse than going up. All things considered I did all right on Saturday, but it needs fixed. Recovery time is slow because the tendon does not have a good blood supply.

No cast for me, already have the Bledsoe boot. Practicing with crutches.
 
Get a second and 3rd opinion. My best friend is an sports medicine ortho who is highly regarded in the north east. A friend of ours had his Achilles replaced (different doc than my friend) and was a disaster, mostly due to infection.

We were discussing Achilles surgery amongst ourselves and he was throwing out some interesting stats regarding surgery vs non surgery. He said if it was him and he tore his, he would not get the surgery at age 45, but would at age 21.
 
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Blew mine out playing basketball about 7 years ago. Still had a small piece connected but was told it looked like strands of spaghetti. I was in one cast for 2 weeks and then another for 6 weeks. After that came the walking boot. I managed to get out of the boot a few weeks early. Every night I elevated the leg, massaged the surgery area and did basic movement; up and down toe points and rolled my foot like a clock with what little muscle I had left.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...

First off, I have not had this surgery. A friend of mine did. Was a long slow recovery.

Secondly, I commend you for attending the game with that type of injury. You are either a true fan or have a serious tailgating problem ;) in either case I wish you well and a speedy recovery !
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Ouch. No idea what to tell you. I don't know anyone who has had it. Complete or partial tear? Sorry to hear it.
 
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demlion said:
Ouch. No idea what to tell you. I don't know anyone who has had it. Complete or partial tear? Sorry to hear it.
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I think there is a little tiny bit left. There is a foot movement I can do weakly that if it was complete, you can't do at all.

Goal is to walk normally, tramp through the woods, climb oil tanks and railroad cars on the job, play golf all day. Surgery should work very well. Not interested in running any 40's - just drinking them.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
I think there is a little tiny bit left. There is a foot movement I can do weakly that if it was complete, you can't do at all.

Goal is to walk normally, tramp through the woods, climb oil tanks and railroad cars on the job, play golf all day. Surgery should work very well. Not interested in running any 40's - just drinking them.
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The walking normally part is going to take a long time. The rest won't be impossible, just not as easy as before for a while. You will be told no running, jumping or open heeled shoes for a considerable amount of time after you get out of the boot. If you're like me it's going to be a PITA because you'll feel fine and want to test it but you can't . It's a little frustrating, but stick to the rehab they prescribe.

I should also add that you'll probably be given a cocktail of drugs after the surgery. Usually, anti inflammatory, pain killer and Valium :confused:. I asked why I needed the Valium on top of everything else, the nurse laughed and told me not to take it one day and see what happens. Turns out it keeps you from having muscle spasms. I woke up the next morning after not taking it and my leg was vibrating inside of the cast like a cell phone. Good times.
 
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I had the dreaded rotator cuff surgery in September. My recovery is nearly complete and I would call it a total success. If you had asked me 6 weeks ago, I would’ve hedged on calling it a success. I truly busted my ass with rehab and exercise.

Keep the faith during your recovery. I think your point about blood flow is important and why you will have your patience tested.
 
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Sorry to hear this. Gonna be a long, slow recovery If I were in that situation, I would do all I can to aid in the healing process and stimulate better circulation.... massages, heat treatments, nutritional supplements(beet juice?) warm water soaks. Talk to some PT experts, holistic drs, . Do a lot of upper body exercises as anything that stimulates your metabolism will speed the healing process.....thats why athletes often heal faster than expected. And continue therapy long after you feel you are back to 100%....will reduce arthritic affects.

Of course clear that with your doc. And if you have any other medical issues, all that must be considered.

Best of luck and be patient. The worst thing would be to push the envelop too much and re-injure it.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Didn’t undergo that surgery, but i do know it’ll take a lot of rehab, it’s success for you matters less about the job the surgeon does and more about your commitment to PT/rehab, and either way it’d likely impact your career as an Olympic sprinter.

The last part was me being a smartie (sorry), but the earlier two are things people can’t hear enough at this stage.

Best of luck to you, Fox.
 
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FCL, what is the surgery going to do? Stretch the torn ends together and stich em together? Harvest some tendon meat from some other part of you body and make a patch?
 
Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...

He's got a foot.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
I think there is a little tiny bit left. There is a foot movement I can do weakly that if it was complete, you can't do at all.

Goal is to walk normally, tramp through the woods, climb oil tanks and railroad cars on the job, play golf all day. Surgery should work very well. Not interested in running any 40's - just drinking them.
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Don’t worry. TOM McA will recruit board members to supply you with transportation up the stadium steps. Any volunteers??
40843_ml_m.jpg
 
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demlion said:
FCL, what is the surgery going to do? Stretch the torn ends together and stich em together? Harvest some tendon meat from some other part of you body and make a patch?
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Basically, yes. If it's beyond repair they stick a horse tendon in there or something. I hope it's from one of the nags I lost money on.
 
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Ahhh, the "40 year old's disease" as they told me when I ruptured mine about 8 years ago. Was playing 3rd base at a company softball game and had hurt my right foot the week before, so I pushed off my left to charge a pop-up and the rest is history. When I went down I told everyone I was sure it was my achilles because of the pop it made and the left fielder said "That was you? I heard it where I was standing."

I had surgery to reattach the tendon, cast and crutches for about six weeks, walking boot for another 6-8 weeks and then three months of PT. None of it was especially painful but more of an inconvenience. I do not envy you the next few months. At least you should be in decent shape for football season?! Although I have had no issues with it in a while I did retire from softball since I don't want to go through that again. Hope everything goes well!
 
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On the better side, my father who is in his early 70's tore his Achilles a few years ago playing softball. Doctor said he would likely never play again and would be lucky to get back close to 75-80% of where he was. He was walking around fine in about 6 months. In a year, other then not being able to jump as high as he used to and have some occasional stiffness, he felt fine and had 90%+ mobility back. Two years later, he is back playing softball all the time and essentially never much thinks about it anymore.
 
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I tore mine about 30 years ago. I made a sudden movement playing indoor coed soccer. Sudden very sharp pain like someone swung a bat at my Achilles. I managed on crutches until my out-patient surgery. I don't recall any significant pain before and after surgery. I was on crutches for a period, then walking boot. I've since forgotten many details. Eventually back to normal. No PT was prescribed, and in retrospect, that puzzles me, because a well-respected ortho clinic in NoVA did the surgery. As a result my impacted calf muscle atrophied some and never went back to normal. My advice, then, is to take your PT seriously.
 
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ILLINOISLION said:
Sorry it’s not something as painless and as easily recoverable from as my total knee replacement.

My only recommendation is that you find the best rehab organization and follow their guidance as if it were your religion.

GOOD LUCK!
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This is VERY good advice. Also, I would add that not all rehab (pt) places are the same. After my total knee replacement last may I did most of my pt here in CO. It was excellent and there attitude and goal is to get you back on the mountain which they will never admit to the insurance company. Fantastic attention to detail. On my return to MD I completed my rehab and it was terrible in comparison. Totally different attitude and goal. Choose wisely and do the work.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey buddy! Glad you are home and I hope you are on the quick road to recovery sir!

And, by the way, the locals renamed the place: Death Valley Hospital.

;-)

;):);););):)
 
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I blew out my left Achilles playing soccer in Sept 2015 (Age 46 at time). Full tear...walked on it for two days thinking it was just a strain. Learned quickly that Achilles does not do much for you other than allow you to jump; you can actually walk normally without too much pain. Although doctor did remark at my tolerance threshold being higher than most.

Had surgery four days after injury occurred. Six weeks in full hard cast. Six weeks in walking boot that I could remove a few times a day but was recommended to leave it on as much as possible. Had physical therapy multiple times a week while I was in walking boot Then more three months of physical therapy. I was pretty mobile after 15 weeks and would say fully recovered in 5-6 months.

My biggest advice is to do as much physical therapy for as long as you can afford the time and money. I still have a small amount of scar tissue build up that I think would have been gone had I kept continuing to get treatment.
 
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At the age of 44, I partially tore my left calf playing 3rd base in softball. After about two months of rest, I came back playing again. After a game, my right Achilles felt sore, but never felt a pop. The pain didn’t go away so I went to the doctor. It never healed correctly and my doctor said that it was a partial tear (had an acorn size knot on the tendon). After weeks in a boot and PT, it felt a little better but only about 80%. I then went to an ankle specialist who put me in a flex boot while sleeping. That didn’t work either. Two years later, I still have pain after playing or exercising. I considered surgery two years prior but felt at 80 % I could just deal with it in few more competitive years I had left. Now I am rethinking that decision. At 46, I would like to continue playing, so I may sacrifice a year of recovery to lose the pain and limitations.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I am not familiar with the surgery, but I am familiar with Ohio Valley Hospital. You will be in good hands. All the best.
 
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Fox Chapel Lion II said:
Just got home from the orthopedist. Surgery Friday at Ohio Valley Hospital in The Rocks (@TheGLOV).

I can walk (drag my left leg, doesn't hurt). The Stadium steps were tough on Saturday.

Anyone undergo this surgery? Any idea of what to expect?

Interested in what all the surgeons and Nobel Laureates in Medicine on the McAndrew Board have to offer. Thanks!
Click to expand...
My son (mid 20's) had the surgery from a basketball injury about a year ago Feb. Took about 3 months or so to really get back from the injury. It takes longer than what people might try and tell you.
 
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Completely tore mine 6 years ago. Agree with everyone saying following the docs advice and PT schedule otherwise you may never walk the same again. The only different thing I could tell you is that post surgery, ask if they will provide you a nerve block to take home. You will avoid the drug cocktail for the pain. Mine worked like a charm.
 
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zubrus1 said:
Completely tore mine 6 years ago. Agree with everyone saying following the docs advice and PT schedule otherwise you may never walk the same again. The only different thing I could tell you is that post surgery, ask if they will provide you a nerve block to take home. You will avoid the drug cocktail for the pain. Mine worked like a charm.
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A nerve block is an injection procedure, what do you mean "a nerve block to take home"?
 
Well now that you bring up the subject. I was 39 when I ruptured my first achilles playing platform tennis. My partner was an orthopedic surgeon so a day later he did the surgery.10 years later I was playing basketball with yet another orthopedic surgeon, ran down the court after tip-off and crumpled to the floor with a rupture of the other Achilles. So this Dr. did my surgery. The casting was done differently as the first Dr. put my leg in a full cast. The second cast was below the knee. Both rehabs were difficult, and I hesitate to bring this up, but...I had a pulmonary embolism after the second surgery which nearly took me out. So as another poster stated above keep as active with your leg as possible to keep the blood flowing. The good news is that although I don't compete in sports where running is involved both legs are fine, although most likely you will experience some muscle atrophy, most of which can be restored during rehab.
My daughter played high school basketball and volleyball, and when examined by her school physician he asked her if anyone in her family had experienced achilles problems, because hers were very tight and she should make sure to stretch before playing her sports.
 
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I completely tore mine 2 and a half years ago. They replaced it with a tendon from the bottom of the foot. No weight bearing for 6 weeks, crutches or a scooter, then 4 more weeks in a boot. After that, it came along pretty quickly with no long term problems. And yes, you can move your foot all around without the Achilles. Doctor said 25% of Achilles ruptures go undiagnosed because you can still walk pretty well and move your foot all around.
 
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After reading through this thread, it validates the following adage, "A little exercise won't kill you, but why take a chance?"

Hope all goes well FC.
 
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