The story so far:
- Had Tendon Surgery, 2weeks after ATR
- Two weeks “holiday” at home, very little movement, very much elevation, crutches and Moonboot at 30degrees dorsi.
- Two weeks crutches and boot allowing -15 degrees dorsi (upward) to 45 degrees plantar (downward). Still NWB.
Today the Dr increased my boot range to 0 degrees plantar and said those magic words, “You can walk!” … With boot on, for four more weeks. It feels like a real milestone! Freedom! Independence! Stairs!
I asked about the operation. Dr said “The tendon break looks like two horse tails, lots of strands… Want to see pictures of the surgery?” Ok! (It wasn’t me, but the same procedure)
(Continue reading if you dare) So I saw videos of the incision, about 1-2cm crossways. Then they insert a T-shaped tool under the skin, around one end of the tendon. A long needle is used to draw a thread in a line through the skin, tool and tendon and out the other side of the skin. This is repeated with other threads, several times. Then the tool is pulled out, drawing the threads with it while the thread ends disappear through the skin (that explains the scabby dots I reported in an earlier blog message). The same happens on the other side of the tendon, and the thread ends are pulled and tied together. How interesting, but I was glad I was knocked out. There were photos of the long incision method too, much more gruesome!
If you read this far, I’ve got some questions for you…
Now I can exercise on a stationary bike only - started looking for a “bike trainer” to use my bike. Any recommendations?
I noticed others have Physio at this stage, what does that involve?