Achilles Tendon Rupture FULL TIMELINE | From rupture to recovery with surgery - Part 19
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 02. 2023
- ⏰ Download a PDF of my FULL recovery timeline for free on my website:
www.helloimalexa.com/my-achil...
This is it folks! A video sharing my FULL timeline from rupture to recovery. This is the exact video I would have been looking for back when I ruptured my achilles so I'm hopeful my story and this timeline can be helpful for you on your recovery journey.
💪 Achilles Tendon Rupture pre-op and post-op product recs:
www.amazon.com/shop/helloimal...
🎥 Watch videos from the whole series
My Achilles Tendon Rupture story: • My Achilles Tendon Rup...
👨⚕️ If you're in San Diego, I can't recommend Dr. Murphy enough!
www.murphysportsmedicine.com
xo,
-A
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
FAQ ✨
Name: Alexa
Where I’m from: Wisconsin → San Francisco → San Diego
About: I’m a designer! I live, breath, and value design. My background is in Graphic Design and digital Product Design and I’ve worked at a number of tech startups as a Product Designer as well as for larger industry leading tech companies such as Yelp and Zendesk. I’m currently a Senior Product Designer at Zendesk on the growth and monetization team.
Myers-briggs: ENFJ
Education: BFA, Graphic Design
Access my favorite free and low-cost resources on getting started in design:
www.helloimalexa.com/design-r...
Alexa’s digital guide to help get you started in Product Design:
www.helloimalexa.com/store/p/...
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
SOCIALS ☀️
Instagram: / hello_imalexa
Twitter: / hello_imalexa
Website: www.helloimalexa.com/
Newsletter: helloimalexa.ck.page/50b06b7246
Book 1:1 time with me! Career conversations, portfolio reviews, etc
superpeer.com/hello_imalexa
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
REMOTE DESIGN JOBS 👩💻
Looking for your next job? Check out my job board for a curated list of the best remote focused roles in Product Design, UX Research, Content Design, and Design Ops
helloimalexa.pallet.xyz/
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
MY GEAR 📷
Camera: Canon EOS 70D
Teleprompter: Parrot Teleprompter 2
Lights: GoDox and NiceFoto
Microphone: Rode VideoMic Pro+
Editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Shop my tech gear: www.amazon.com/shop/helloimalexa
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
PARTNERSHIPS🔥
Let me know if you have any questions about the programs below:
$1,000 off of Springboard’s UI/UX Design Career Track
Use my code at checkout: HelloAlexaSB1000
Quick link to UI/UX course: bit.ly/3AQfGwM
$1,000 off UX Design Career Track
Use my code at checkout: HelloAlexaSB1000
Quick Link to UX course: bit.ly/3s2PZoE
-
Designlab teaches in-demand UX/UI design skills in an async format with a focus on 1-on-1 mentorship and hands-on projects.
If you already have experience in visual design, apply to UX Academy: designlab.pxf.io/Or4DKK Otherwise, try their foundational course.
Get $100 off when you enroll in UX Academy Foundations: designlab.pxf.io/c/2321116/17...
• Design 101: designlab.pxf.io/LX4Lm3
• UI Design: designlab.pxf.io/xkQK53
• UX Research & Strategy: designlab.pxf.io/xkQd0O
• UX: Interaction Design: designlab.pxf.io/9gOobQ
• Data-Driven Design | $100 discount: designlab.pxf.io/c/2321116/17...
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
CONTACT 💌
Serious business inquiries only: hi@helloimalexa.com
Disclaimer: Some links included in this page are affiliate links. That said, I only recommend products or services which I know, trust, and think are valuable for the community. If you purchase a product or service with one of these links, I may receive a small commission on this sale but this is at no additional cost to you. The earnings support me and my work so I can continue to provide you with great content and resources.
#achillestendonrupture #postop
This was SO helpful!! I tore mine yesterday and had surgery this after.. glad to see you was able to get back to your routine.. gives me hope
Thank you Alexa. Appreciate you getting back to me.
Achilles rupture is casually known as the "kiss of death" for an athlete. It's amazing to see you talking so cheerfully about it.
It's such a tough injury 🥲 Thank you!
Great video. Thanks. Im about to embark on this journey
Congrats on everything! Your journey aided me through my own injury 💪
Awe thank you! And I'm so glad to hear.
Thank you so much for these videos! I ruptured my achilles two months ago and have been regularly watching the videos that correspond to my timeline. Very informative!
Awe so glad to hear!! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Thanks for the wonderful video. 1st week Post surgery. Really anxious on the recovery pathway
You're so welcome! It's a lot but gets better in time. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Hi Alexa
Thank you so much for doing these videos I’ve literally spent all morning watching them. I’m going into surgery in 2 days after rupturing my AH yesterday. I spent the first few hours in tears at how this was going to affect the next 6 months and like you I’m very active and gutted how immobile I was going to be.
But your videos made me feel so much better. I now know what to expect. Brought nearly everything you’ve spoke about as I live alone. Thank you so much ❤
Aweee shoot, you're SO welcome 🥲 I hope everything goes well with your recovery and feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat through anything!
You’ve def helped me during my journey! Week 19 post op 🤙🏻
Oh yay!! So glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know 🥲💪
Just tore mine on Jan 22nd playing basketball. You tore yours in a January as well and seeing your timeline gave me a lot of encouragement as my timeline will be similar (I hope!).
I haven’t decided yet if I want to return to basketball, but I love to run and had just started a training goal of 10 miles as my goal for the year.
Thanks for documenting this and bringing some positivity to this topic. There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there, and it’s nice to see someone working through it with a positive outlook.
Ohh yes very similar timing then! I'm really so glad to hear it and feel free to reach out if any questions come up along the way! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Thank you for this video! Have surgery on Friday and am looking forward get started with recovery as soon as possible. Ruptured my achilles playing basketball almost the same day as you (2024) and seeing your calendar dates was super helpful as that gives me a rough idea for my calendar this year. I love basketball and hope to get back to it someday, but I will working hard to get back into shape so that I can continue as a volunteer firefighter in my small town. Thanks again, take care!
Oh wow that's wild about the timing! So glad the calendar view was helpful for you too. Looks like you've got multiple things to look forward to with recovering. Wishing you the best with it and feel free to reach out if you want to chat through anything 💪
thanks for the insight. completely ruptured my left Achilles over a week ago - set for surgery tomorrow in Annapolis, MD. Very active & I drive a manual VW sooo my car, hooping shoes & life as I know it is at a standstill. My hi tech planted aquarium gets most of my attention these days. these growing pains. I appreciate you sharing your journey & congrats to you & yours. Many blessings 🤞🏾
You're so welcome! I hope your surgery went well. The recovery is a long one but you can definitely get back into it once you give it the right amount of time and work. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
This video is amazing… I just tore my Achilles last week.. also playing basketball. I’m going to use this video as inspiration
So glad to hear you enjoyed the video!! Good luck with your recovery 💪
I ruptured my Achilles tendon, June 8, 2023. I got into surgery on June 28 and apparently right before I got knocked out from the medication to go into surgery I asked my surgeon if she could add on a few inches to either legs for some height. 😂 the blessing in disguise from this injury was having so much time off from my two jobs. I don’t remember last time I had so much free time and it was absolutely amazing other than being injured. It made me think a lot about what I want to do in my life and it actually caused me to change my career path.
omg! LOL that's hilarious. And so glad to hear you got that time to think and do what's best for you 😍
That's amazing turning something like this into a blessing. I'm going into surgery today and I am actually thinning about using the time off to do the same and enjoy some time off from my jobs as well. Might recover into a new career as well 😂
Hi Alexa, Thank you for this. I just had my surgery last week. I completely tore my right achilles playing basketball. I am really happy for you, I hope I can do the same.
You're so welcome! In time, it does get better 💪 Make sure your medical team knows your goals. Wishing you a smooth recovery!
Thank you very much. Our stories are eerily similar. I also injured myself at around 8pm after a month of playing soccer after I had not done so in 3 years.
I had a friend drive me to a bus station near my house and then I only had to walk less than half a mile. I had my surgery the next morning but for me the pain is unbearable. They’ve been pumping pain medication into my IV and as I’m typing, this is my first morning after the op. Hopefully it gets better. Thanks for sharing your story.
Oh wow that is wild! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. Appreciate you sharing your story as well and it's great to hear you got things fixed up right away. It will get better - wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Very informative, appreciative of you sharing your story. I’m a very active person and I tore my Achilles July 2023 playing basketball also. I’m currently about 7 weeks post op. It’s been very challenging and I’m looking forward to crushing the road to recovery. Congratulations on the wedding and baby!
Of course! Glad my story is helpful for you to hear and that you're feeling good about everything, all things considered. Appreciate the well wishes! And best of luck in your recovery 💪
Thank you so much. Just tore my achilles last night. This is helpful. Feeling sad, but hopeful that I’ll be back on the court again.
You're so welcome 🫶 Wishing you a smooth recovery as well!
Thanks for this video. I too have recently ruptured my achilles tendon, but being in the UK, am staggered at the effort that was required for you to get treatment. The NHS isn't perfect, but I was back home from the ER in a cast within 3 hours. I had an automatic referral and a week later was scanned and booted (thankfully no surgery). My follow-up appointments were also automatic. Well done for being so organised.
Sooo wild, right?! It felt like it took me sooo long to get in for surgery and I was being very on top of it 🥵 Glad you enjoyed and found my video helpful!
Thank you so much as somebody who likely tore their Achilles playing basketball, kind of the same way that you did with the weekend warrior kind of mentality, it’s reassuring to know that people make it back to the court and aspire to be back in the game shape. Hope to join you soon! Congratulations on the baby!
Awe thank you so much!! Sending you well wishes for a smooth recovery and to be able to get back out on the court again soon 💪
U fine girl
Thank you for sharing your journey. I've enjoyed seeing your progress to recovery, and I wish you and your family all the best. As for me, I had achilles surgery on April 11, 2023 in Boise Idaho. I did not have a specific tear/damage date, but instead years and years of competitive running in high school and college, followed by more running, lots of walking, and a lot of not so good care for my legs. I'm 68, so a rather different situation. While overdoing it, hiking in a trails challenge in the mountains next to Boise, wearing ill-fitting custom orthotics, I started having even more noticeable issues. About a year before my surgery I had tried physical therapy without much progress, so I had the Tenex procedure to try and repair the achilles. After more PT, I was not progressing much and elected to go for surgery. So on April 11, I had the surgery. In my case I had the option for a longer acting nerve block so my pain was very light for 3 days after surgery. After that I was taking either oxycodone or tramadol occasionally which helped against the pain, but caused some unsteadiness. The meds plus the crutches led to me falling in the bathroom, just getting off balance and landing on my left side. I scraped my elbow, and after a couple days had pain on my left side due to a rib bruise. My swelling is significantly more than yours. In addition to achilles repair I had a fascia procedure on the calf about six inches higher that should help my calf flexibility as I recover (once it's healed up). I'm at four weeks now and have a long way to go also. Again, thanks for sharing your story, and blessings to you and your family. Alan
Oh wow! Sounds like quite the journey… thanks for sharing your story too, Alan. Wishing you a smoother recovery here on out 💪 Take care!
just tore mine about two weeks ago and so thanks for sharing!
This was wholesome, Glad you got the other side!
Thanks for sharing! I ruptured my achilles 8 days ago playing soccer and like you I plan on playing again. I had my surgery this morning. Fun fact I also work in tech so it's pretty cool I ran into your video. I appreciate your video while I know every recovery is different I appreciate the broad view of knowing what to potentially expect!
Awe thanks so much for letting me know! So great you were able to get surgery right away. Wishing you a smooth recovery and hope you're able to get out and play soccer again this year 💪
How is your Achilles now?
Thank you so much for making all of these videos about your recovery journey! I ruptured my left Achilles on April 27th and had surgery May 7th. Your videos have been so helpful to watch!
You're so, so welcome!! Best of luck with your recovery 💪
Tore mine this past Sunday playing basketball. Had surgery on Wednesday. You videos have been super informative. Thank you.
Awe dang, well wishing you a smooth recovery! Glad to hear the videos have been helpful, sending you well wishes for surgery day 💪
What! you are so lucky. I tore mine on Friday, it's now the following Friday and I don't even have my MRI until Monday. Lord knows when I will get surgery....this waiting is horrible!
Thank you Alexa! I'm just over 4 months since injury, I chose non-operative route, but still seeking guidance as so many ups + downs. Just found your videos - have been so helpful!! Knowing this is the natural recovery + not to get discouraged. Love your attitude!!!
Aweee thank you! I am so glad they can still be helpful for you too 🙂
How is your Achilles now?
How's it now?
Thank you for this video! I am 2 days post OP, so still very much in the thick of it. It is so good to see a full recovery timeline to help me plan and to give me something to look forward to. Good luck with your pregnancy and birth!
So glad to hear it!! And good luck to you as well 💪
Thank you! I have two young kids who are deeply unimpressed with mum being out of action 😉. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.
Very helpful, I’m two weeks post op!
Haven't had a chance to watch this yet - but I just had this happen to me 2 days ago and am crushed. Had to take a few days off work even though I work remote because of how devastated I am.
I'm trying to stay positive, and really focusing on the future but it's hard. Thanks for sharing this - I'm looking forward to watching your series.
Awe I am so, so sorry. It is pretty devastating at first, I feel that. You can comeback from this injury though and get back into whatever it is that you want. Just make sure your medical and PT team are aware of your goals from the beginning. Wishing you the best 💪
@@HelloImAlexa Thank you so much. Watched this whole thing - can’t say i didn’t cry a few times… definitely not an easy journey but seeing you go through it is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this.
@@DuggsTube Absolutely!
Just tore mine feb 9th, had surgery feb 21st. Will never forget the sound of that pop when it happened. When it happens, you just know. Just in denial. Hope this pain goes away post op soon. Heard u say u we’re off it by the 3rd day. Really hoping for the same. Stay blessed
Yeahhh, it seemed pretty clear to me as well 😣 Hope you start to feel better soon as well. Good luck, you got this!
Currently a few hours post op and watching your video. I’ve never been an athlete so hopefully once I get to the PT part it’s not too hard 😅. Thanks for the detailed video.
Awe you're so welcome!! Glad it was helpful and hope your recovery goes smoothly
How is your Achilles now?
The timeline of this video has really helped me with my recovery goals. I’ve partially ruptured my achillies and just come off my boot! Due to see my physio next week for my first session 🙂🤲🏽
yay soo glad to hear!!
Did you have surgery?
Thanks for these videos! I’m a former athlete and PE major and made it all the way to age 73 without injury! Over Christmas 2023, tripped and fell off of an inside step wearing flipflops! I’m 73 and ruptured my Achilles tendon!! Had surgery Jan. 26, 2024. Doing good and waiting on PT.
Oh wow!! Sheesh what an interesting way to rupture it. Glad you made it so long without injury though! That's great haha. Glad you enjoyed the videos :)
Haglund's deformity repair plus Achilles debridement 10/10/23. Splint 3 weeks, cast 3 weeks with the knee scooter. Boot today 11/22 but only 25% weight bearing with crutches😪. Of course I am 62 and not in athlete shape 😅. Glad you had a smooth journey ... Hoping to lose the boot by 1/1/24! Like the calendar idea! Definately going to document my milestones better so I feel less stuck!
Great summary! You recovered so fast, congrats on that. I'm at 7 weeks now.
Thank you so much! Wishing you a smooth recovery as well 💪
Craig, how did you find things at the 7 week mark? I'm just getting started, but really hoping that I'll be able to walk somewhat normal through my workplace without a boot. Did you find that to be the case?
@@zach3505 Hey! At week 7, I was still in a hard boot, and it was hard to get around. Walking a bunch hurt my heel, that I remember. About week 9, I transitioned from the soft boot to no boot, and I used a walking stick for about two weeks, and that helped a bunch. At about week 11, I started walking with no walking stick, and just a little limp. Be sure to keep massaging the incision and doing all the PT exercises. I did several rounds of walking in a warm pool, and that was a huge help!
well here i am with a ruptured Achilles tendon. just got my MRI done today. i cant believe this is going to take so much time to heal.
ahhh yes, it is a long recovery but it does get better in time. Sending you good vibes for a smooth recovery 💪
Thanks for the video! I ruptured my Achilles this past Sunday and am going to have surgery tomorrow(4 days after the rupture). Watching this video gave me a little piece of mind that better days are ahead, so thanks!
woooa 4 days later that's so awesome! Glad my video could help you 🙂 Wishing you the best!
Same here I get mine this Monday
Tore my Achilles playing tennis 2 weeks ago and about to have surgery this Friday. Really glad I came upon your videos as it help ease my thoughts on how recovery will be. Thank you!
You're so welcome!! My friend tore her achilles playing tennis as well - ah so brutal. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Tore mine in 2010 3 months to walk 6 months to jog 12 months to run 18 months to pain free everything
I tore my Achilles playing competitive tennis last week!
How is your Achilles now?
Thank you so much for sharing! I tore achilles on May 2nd playing basketball just like you. I'm getting my surgery tomorrow (exactly two weeks after injury). I made it to the final round interview for a job I really want. It's next week but I'm worried that the injury will affect my application. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal since it's gonna be a desk job but the job is in Europe (I'm from the states). Hopefully they will be okay with giving me 7-8 weeks so I can heal fast like you!
Hi there! Hope surgery has gone well for you 💪 Are you not currently located there? Yeah that's reallllly tough timing. Make sure to find yourself a good PT in the location you're moving to work with once you do move. Wishing you a smooth recovery and let us know how it shapes out if you do plan to move after you're able to walk again!
How did it go?
i just re tore my left achilles for the second time, i first tore it 2 years ago and it never healed properly! it’s a hard road and i think knowing what’s coming is making it harder to deal with, but this video gives me some hope that it can get better for good this time
Damn twice shit I’m over here going crazy just over my first 1…. Well what ever you did just take it easy an yea I hope it heels right for you to
Awe dang… well I'm so glad to hear it's helpful! Sending you well wishes for a good recovery and I hope it heals properly this time 💪
Great video! I re ruptured my Achilles about 3 months after the first surgery. Just had the second surgery a couple of days ago…it’s absolutely demoralizing to say the least. Thanks for sharing!
Ohhh jezee, so sorry to hear that, so tough. Hope this time around goes much smoother 💪
@@HelloImAlexa thank you
I ruptured my left Achilles playing rec volleyball when I was 28 and got pregnant with my first baby during my recovery as well! I just ruptured my right Achilles trying to get back into rec volleyball 3 babies later. I’ve been training to get back to playing again but wish I did more to prevent injury. It’s the most frustrating healing process.
ommmmg 🥺 I'm so sorry to hear. But thank you so much for sharing! This sounds exactly like my next number of years focused on growing our family. I plan to do a bunch of PT before getting back into playing again because I am worried my legs wont be strong enough.
Thank you for the vid. Partially ruptured my Achilles on March 7th playing basketball, surgery March 8th. No boot, just a cast... Live and work in China. PT now, everything is stiff... tough time.
Awe dang, well wishing you a smooth recovery and glad the videos have been helpful! Partial tear should be a quicker recovery hopefully 🤞
Thank you !
Really appreciate the video! Exact same thing happens to me just a week ago. Also playing adult rec league basketball in San Diego
Woooa haha - And of course!! Man it’s tough, hope your recovery goes well though 💪
Hi ,thanks for sharing ,I'm 60 decided to try n keep fit with walking football, 20 minutes in ,n right Achilles ruptured 😢, 10 weeks in ,still in boot ,then physio ,biggest thing for me is boredom ,I like gardening ,diy , and depression and of course lack of income ,but trying to keep focused ,all the best to every one ❤
Awe I'm so sorry to hear it. Yeah I hope you're able to stay focused on recovery from this point on! Sending well wishes your way 💪
I tore my Achilles on May 6 of this year, playing soccer. I’ve been playing my whole year as well, college and everything.
How is your Achilles now?
Thanks for this video. I tore my Achilles 10 years ago playing soccer and it was never quite 100% despite lots of PT (turns out it healed but stretched so I can't run or even walk normally) so I finally decided to have surgery on it at age 40 as it was getting depressing not playing the sport I have loved all of my life. This upcoming Monday is my 2 week post-op so I am hoping I can get to at least partial weight bearing soon. It gets really frustrating being in bed or on the couch all day, trying to use the bathroom etc. I'm currently in bed with my foot propped up watching this.
Your video is inspiring because it shows there is some light at the end of the tunnel; things will get better. I am glad you are doing as well as you are
Awe wow, well thank you for sharing your story as well! Did you get surgery when the initial injury happened? Or just this second time around? Hoping the recovery goes smoothly and you’re able to get back out there! Would love to hear how things go for yah
Hey how are you doing now. I tore my Achilles 3.5 weeks and get surgery on Wednesday ..... I'm wondering if I waited to late or if it's perfect timing because I don't want it to heal long
i never comment on youtube lol but had to thank you for posting this video! i'm 33, have been an athlete all my life and i just tore my achilles 5 days ago (playing pickleball of all things 😫). i've been feeling so crushed about all my ruined summer plans and not being able to be active. i also just hate being stuck in a boot. it helps to know there's some hope that by fall i'll at least be walking on my own and that by next summer i'll be back to myself #fingerscrossed. also congratulations on the baby (i assume s/he is here by now?)! i'm an OBGYN and i know how tough pregnancy can be so props for growing a human in the midst of recovering from such a big injury!
Aweee of course! Thanks for commenting and letting me know 🥲 I totally feel you, I was there. Make sure you advocate for yourself as an athlete with your medical team and physical therapist! You'll be back at in no time, I'm sure.
And thank you -- my little man is here, 8 weeks old today; I can't believe it! We'll be getting him basketball ready here in no time hehe
Sending you well wishes for a smoother recovery!
I tore mine April 30 playing pickle ball too. I’m 6 weeks post op, just got my cast off today after a month of having it on. Good luck in your recovery!
@@jasonford2861 aaaagh it's the worst isn't it??? i ended up getting the surgery 2.5 weeks ago. i'm now out of the cast and in a boot but still non-weightbearing. hoping i'll get the all clear to start walking in the boot by this time next week! good luck with your recovery too!
Tx for the info 🎉
My inspiration. Everyone else’s journey has been so discouraging. Telling me I won’t even walk for 6months. I know everyone is different but thank you for sharing! I had a full rupture, my surgery was March 14. lol sooo it’s been not even 2 weeks yet.
Awe! Well sooo glad I could help provide some different perspective. It's a tough injury for sure but you'll get through it day by day. Sending well wishes your way - sounds like you got surgery asap which I think helps! 💪
Not true at all! Unfortunately at 38 yrs old I just ruptured my right achilles after doing my left one about 10 years earlier. I had my surgery on March 1st, was ok to start walking in a boot after 2 weeks. Started taking small walks around the house (bathroom kitchen etc) full weight bearing and NO BOOT. I plan to be back playing at 6 months not just walking. You're body is stronger then you think. It's a mentality thing. Be strong, you'll be fine before you know it!
@@HelloImAlexa yes I did! I learned about tendons from slicing my hand. I tore it 2/27. I can slowly walk today without crutches. Even though last Friday I slipped and I was devastated thinking I ruined it. I’ll find out today lol.
@@IsmaelMosqueda-fr7fn that’s amazing ! I’m just a few weeks behind you! I can walk without my boot but idk if I’m supposed to lol. I’ve just done small steps in my bedroom, well my house.
@@JasNicole88 ahhh I had a tiny slip as well as I was approving 7 weeks post op. It was quite scary but it ended up being okay. Hoping the same worked out for you!
HI Alexa, thank you so much for doing these videos. There are so well done with lot of details. I am fully tore my achilles from playing badminton, went through surgery and at my week 3 postOp, trying to decide if I should consult a PT or a CAT. I just want to let you know that your videos are fun to watch. This weekend warrior from Toronto just spent 4-5 hours watching your videos over and over again :) . They are super helpful and now I can picture myself the weeks and months ahead and work on my game plan to get back sport (swimming, golfing, running and may be in a year back to badminton). Thank you so much again !
I also tore my Achilles playing badminton, one week in right now, non weight bearing. Do you know if it’s fine to remove the air cast for showering the affected leg?
@@lifelog6540 as per my surgeon’s instructions, I kept the air cast on during the shower and bought from AMZN a boot cover (size XL) to cover it. I only showed without it at week 5 postOp
@@lifelog6540 If you had surgery and you are one week PosOp, I think it is too risky to remove the air cast in the shower. In my case, I showed with the cast cover up until he PosOp week 4, I removed the aircast, inspected the cut line and decided that it is safe to clean my leg. Also I sit the shower stool while showing
Awe thank you so much for this message!! I'm sooo glad to hear my videos have been so helpful for you. Hope you're recovery has been going well already and you get start getting back into some level of activity soon. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat anything along the way!
Thanks for your story. I’m 47 and decided to get back into a co-ed basketball league after not playing for over 10 years (since I had kids) . Did a quick cut and felt the pop immediately. Went to the ER the night it happened and they were able to see a partial tear on an ultrasound. Have my appt. With ortho on Monday. So bummed this may be the end of my basketball comeback, lol.
Oh jeeeze 🥵 a partial tear may mean a much shorter recovery!! Would love to hear how that goes for you. I’m in the beginning stages of having kids and growing our family but reallllly hoping to get back into game play once these years pass. Definitely need to be careful about it though!
Thank you so much for this video and all the helpful information you provided!
I ruptured my left achilles tendon playing tennis 5 nights ago, went to the ER where I had an x-ray done and got put in a splint, MRI 2 days ago, and surgery yesterday. Am now in a cast for 2.5 weeks and no weight bearing. The boot is next.
The day or two leading up to the surgery was the worst. Not because of physical pain, but because of the whirldwind of emotions. It's so hard to not get lost in the "what if" scenarios.
The injury itself and the whole process just feels so stupid. It's crazy to me how jogging from one side of the court to the other could lead to such a serious injury. One minute I was jogging casually in a straight line and the next minute my leg drops out from underneath me and there was a loud pop. It felt like a pothole opened up in the floor beneath my leg, like I fell straight down a few inches.
I'm not sure if it happened because I wasn't used to running this much, or because I wear zero-drop barefoot style shoes, or a combination of both. It'd be helpful to me if I had this answer because then I would know how to prevent it from happening again.
Thanks again for sharing your story to remind others that we are not alone!
You're so welcome! I share the same sentiment - it seems so silly and stupid that one simple movement that I've always done led to the injury… and I want nothing more than to make sure it doesnt happen again. I've been in a lull with working out since I just had a baby but I plan to work with a physical therapist again before getting back into playing basketball to make sure my body is strong enough and prevent further injury. Thanks for sharing your story as well! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
I tore my Achilles last week playing competitive tennis so I know your pain!
How is yours now?
@dnangel4277 sorry to hear that! It's one heck of an injury. The first 2 months were especially challenging just due to limitations in mobility and the ability to care for myself. I'm 11 weeks post op now and have had lots of improvement over the past few weeks. I'm now fully weight bearing in regular shoes and am able to walk 5,000 steps per day. I've still got a limp, still can't do explosive movements, and have other limitations, but I feel like I'm past the worst of it and am happy with the progress made so far.
Sounds like you did everything right. I ruptured mine about 13 years ago. I had surgery and started riding my bicycle with caste a few days afterwards. After a month a I removed the cast because it smelled so bad and was tired of it. The doctor gave me a boot after that I wore for 5 mins. Long term I don’t have full strength plantarflexion which sucks since I run a lot. But apart from being a little slower and less springy on my right foot have had no issues. Before the accident my right leg was much stronger than my left so they are pretty even now.
Great inspiring video for my recovery starting 4/2/23
So glad to hear! And best of luck 👏
This is so helpful, thank you! Ruptured my achilles two days ago and am getting married in 3 months so I'm heading over to your other video right after this 😅.
Woooa what timing!! Yes you're so welcome, hope you get to a good spot in time for your wedding as well 💪
Hearing about your first week makes me appriciate living in a country with free health care soo much.
When I tore my achilles I was x-rayed and MR’d within 5 hours after tearing it.
Doctor decided to go with conservative treatment and I was in a cast about 7 hours after the injury. After 15 days in the cast I went back to the hospital and got checked out and got the boot for my foot which I wore for 6 weeks.
I used my insurance for physical theraphy since I have X amount off sessions included anyways.
In total I have spent very little out off pocket due to the injury. Had to buy blood thinners and pay a deductible sum which is about 30 dollars for the first round at the hospital. The crutches and boot are mine to keep If I want to .
Yeah, wow super interesting!! Thanks for sharing your story
So you didn’t get surgery for your Achilles?
I Recieved no scan or Mri and its been 4 months , I live in the uk
Thanks for the video. I injured mine last week. Went to Ortho today and they did x-rays. No bone issues. They scheduled surgery for next week even tho I haven’t had a MRI yet. Hope to get that this week. Just want the imaging confirmation before going the surgical route
Awe so glad they’re helpful! Def get those results back if you need that reassurance before surgery. Wishing you a smooth recovery!
This video is so perfectly timed and really gives me hope for my recovery. I ruptured my Achilles while playing volleyball on April 19th and my surgery is schedule for tomorrow April 28th. I’m 25, I’ve been playing volleyball for 15 years, played collegiate volleyball, and was playing competitively as an adult twice a week. I definitely chose the surgical route because I wanna get back into playing at that level and have the same physical ability after the year plus mark. Your story definitely gives me so much hope that it is possible. Thank you for sharing this recovery video! Also congratulation on the newest member of your family! I’d imagine the baby is here by now considerate what you said in your video 💕
Awe thank you so much for this message! Means so much to me. Thanks for sharing your story as well. Wishing you a smooth recovery so you can get back to playing volleyball 💪 And thank you for the congrats! Our little man is here and we are so in love with him. Can't wait for the day we can all play basketball together 🥲
Ahh so exciting! Soon to be little baller coming through 🏀⛹️
Thank you for your kind words! I’m one week post op right now and watching many peoples vlogs (your week by week videos included ☺️) for some good super early and easy ROM training I can do when I get my cast off on Tuesday 💪🏾
Hi Ariana!! Your comment stuck out to me because I to tore my Achilles playing volleyball! Like you, I’m 27, college athlete, rec league, played multiple times a week, and my surgery was actually a day before yours! Just wanted to share in case you ever needed anyone to support you along your road to recovery! Best of luck, we got this!!
@@haydray hi Haley! Super sucks that this has happened to you too, but I’m also glad to have another Volleyballer who’s going through what I’m going through and can relate! I’m here for you too girl and I so appreciate the love and support! We’re gonna get through this to get back on the court!
Good luck I’ve just ruptured mine too hope all you have good healthy recoveries xx
I’m 11 days post op but the protocol I have seems to be more aggressive. They start with PT next week when I get in the boot. Also, California is crazy. I didn’t require imaging outside of X-ray and a foot and ankle specialist exam to schedule surgery. Ruptured on Sunday night and surgery on Wednesday morning. Thanks for sharing your journey. Truly uplifting. I’ve watch every video.
Yeah I found a lot of people were working with a PT earlier on than me too but then I also went from non-weight bearing to full weight bearing (with boot) and I think that's due to ROM I was doing at home.
And omg - I had a feeling there may have been something about my insurance or living in CA which was making my imagining situation more difficult than what I was seeing online 😅
I'm so glad you enjoyed the series and have found it helpful! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
I started my PT 2 weeks after my surgery
@@dariosalgado6480 nice! yeah I'd say from what I've heard from most people it's more common to work with a PT earlier on in the recovery process vs doing at home exercises like I did. I was unable to drive though so I actually liked this approach!
I’m 2 weeks post op and no PT yet. Only due to insurance issues. Good to know it’s okay to heal during this time. But what can I be doing at home now for ROM? I can wiggle my toes but how do you get past that fear to move it at all? I’m so nervous to do anything without a professional watching me…
39 year old here post op day zero! Playing softball Saturday running for a pop fly after not really playing for a while. I knew what I did immediately, it was late and everything was closed so I drove myself to the er. Complete tear confirmed on ultrasound, no associated fracture. I got an orthopedic surgeon referral that day, called them Monday morning and saw them Monday afternoon. Cleared and assessed for surgery. Had a PARS today, Tuesday, will be in a split for 2 weeks then go from there.
Just ruptured my Achilles during my baseball game running the bases and got surgery asap i go this Tuesday to see when I can get put in a boot and start PT this was very much needed thank you
Dang, well that's awesome you were able to get surgery right away! Hope recovery has been going well 💪
@@HelloImAlexa it’s been good I’m going today to schedule my first pt appointment but I’m actually recovering really fast I’m in a boot already and I can put my heel almost completely on the ground already! But this video definitely helped me give myself hope and motivation to push through
i did mine 15 years ago,it was not treated for 7 weeks,then i had operation,in boot for 14 weeks ect,now i dont think about it,i got my leg back and its strong,100 mile bike rides ect.
watched your videos throughout my recovery. im 5 mos post op in PT doing a lot of agility work now ! these videos helped motivate me a ton.
Awe thanks so much for sharing!! Means so much to me. Wishing you the best with your agility work and beyond 💪
How is your Achilles now?
Ruptured my achilles playing Pickleball 9 January, surgery 16 January. My surgeon has a much more conservative approach. I just went to 25% Weight Bearing progression per week at 6 weeks. I still have to wear wedges in the boot, removing one every other week. I also started PT at 6 weeks. The plan is to be out of boot at 12 weeks. I am 63, which probably requires a more conservative slow go approach. The biggest challenge is the uneven gait from the boot and wedges. Even with an elevated athletic shoe ( NB More v4) and Procare shoe lift still have an uneven gait. I ordered the Evenup that has 3 adjustment levels, with this and the 1st wedge coming out next week. I should be balanced shortly. Love your videos. They have been informative and inspirational. Thank you.
Awe thank you so, so much! Glad you enjoyed the videos and thanks for sharing your story with the community as well! I'm sure it will be helpful for some to hear. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
How is your Achilles now?
@dnangel4277 Achilles recovery is progressing. I am lifting, walking in the AM and riding my bike. Achilles/Ankle is tight in the AM. Strength is about 75%. It is a tough and long road to recovery. Probably do close to 100 calf raises every day plus stretch 3-5x daily.
Thank you for asking. Are you going tbru the same thing?
@@MrCox2121 that’s great to hear!
I tore my Achilles last Saturday playing tennis comp but still need to see a specialist.
@dnangel4277 Hang in there. It is a long slog back. For me, the first 6 weeks were the toughest because of the immobility. Get some good books to read. Once you come out of the boot. The improvements are steady with an occasional setback. I describe as two steps forward with occasional step back. Age and nature of injury will drive your Doctors treatment strategy and plan. Just trust the plan and don't try to rush it. Stay positive. @helloImAlexa was a positive model. Good Luck
Great video. Congrats on the smooth recovery. My job requires me to walk around a decent amount. Did you find that you could walk in shoes fairly easily around the 8 week mark?
Thank you! Ahh, let's see. I found learning to walk again quite difficult actually… At week 8 I was walking around again very slowly and carefully. It wasn't until 1-1.5 months later that I remember feeling a lot better about walking again like I had pre-injury. If you need to walk around a lot for you job, you may want to consider wearing the boot during that time. Definitely consult with your doctor about it first though. Hope that helps!
I tore my (M43) achilles tendon on may 15th, and had my surgery on may 19th. It was minimally invasive, I could leave the hospital after two nights. Physical Therapy started around one week post OP, and I'm at 0° now, taking my first steps without my ortho-shoe (only at home and very carefully).
En que porcentaje de ruptura tuviste el tendón yo tengo del 30 al 40 y mañana programo mi cirugía
Was it the speed bridge surgery ?
Hi, Thanks for providing a great breakdown of your journey. I am 1 week into a full rupture myself. So this is going to be useful for my milestones. I added your transcript from the video into ChatGPT and asked it to break it down into a shorter list to easily follow. Adding it here below incase you or someone else finds its useful. 😉
Week 0: January 18, 2022
Tore right Achilles tendon playing basketball.
Late evening injury, likely around 8 PM.
Decided to wait until the next morning to seek professional help.
Week 0: January 19, 2022
Called Murphy's Sports Medicine Center for an appointment.
Appointment scheduled for January 21st.
Attempted to see primary care doctor but couldn't get Imaging work done.
Week 0: January 21, 2022
Appointment with Dr. Murphy.
Confirmed Achilles rupture.
Received referral for MRI.
Scheduled surgery for February 1st.
Week 1: January 24, 2022
Underwent MRI.
Week 2: February 1, 2022
Surgery to repair Achilles tendon.
Started non-weight-bearing phase.
Week 2: February 3, 2022
First seated shower post-surgery.
Week 2: February 9, 2022
First post-operation follow-up.
Started light range of motion exercises.
Week 3: February 14, 2022
Stitches removed.
Week 4: February 28, 2022
Approved to begin weight-bearing with boot.
Attempted walking with boot.
Week 5: March 7, 2022
First standing shower without boot.
Week 6: March 21, 2022
Approved to start walking without boot.
Cleared to drive.
Started sleeping without boot.
Week 7: March 28, 2022
First physical therapy appointment.
Week 7: March 30, 2022
Started standstill bike workouts.
Week 10: April 30, 2022
Took first short walk on the beach post-injury.
Week 16: June 6, 2022
Cleared for bike rides on the street and hiking.
Week 17: June 19, 2022
First outdoor bike ride.
Week 26: July 24, 2022
First pilates class.
Week 30: August 3, 2022
Cleared to start jogging again.
Week 32: August 28, 2022
Consistently running for 10 minutes straight.
Week 52: January 18, 2023
One year since the injury, celebrated by shooting hoops.
Week 52: February 1, 2023
One year post-op anniversary.
wooooa so cool! haha thanks for sharing. Wishing you a smooth recovery as well 💪
I'm sorry to hear it took so long for you to get surgery. I tore my achilles 4/29 at noon and was in a semi-cast at 4pm (i went straight to the walk-in clinic). We made an appointment for monday at 7am MRI and orthopedic consult at 10:30am with the MRI results. It does not take 2d to get MRI results the compute time should only be maybe half an hour to produce results. So I had a walking cast by noontime on Monday 5/1, which was within 48h of injury. No matter what kind of tear it's important to get surgery or a ballerina boot asap while the wound is still bleeding to promote stem cells and healing. if you tell them your appointments are for achilles tendon rupture it becomes a very high priority appointment.
Woooa thanks for sharing your story! Are you referring to internal bleeding? Cause there was no visible bleeding for my injury -- just want to clarify because I have spoken people who have had open wounds too which is a totally different situation to my own.
And like I said in the video, the timeline I was on was relevant to how the medical practices and insurance works where I live. I understand it is very different in other places and even other places in the states. I also decided to find a sports medicine doctor and not go through a hospital and I'm sure that changed some things as well.
Again thanks for sharing your story with everyone here! Super interesting.
@@HelloImAlexa I definitely had some yellow areas (from bruises dissipating) a few days after my tendon ruptured. Nothing on the first day but I saw it on the 3rd or 4th day when I took off my cast.
Thanks for your video my surgery is next week.
Of course, and best of luck!
How did it go?
@@dnangel4277 Surgery was successful…I’m about 2 months in recovery and started PT about a week and half ago. PT has definitely made leaps and bounds. Actually walking with a slight limp but getting better.
Thank you Alexa your videos give me some comfort and hope,ruptured my Achilles playing cricket and had my operation yesterday the pains quit intense at the moment but hoping to make a swift recovery,
On a side note my 7 year old son severed his Achilles in January by kicking through a glass door and had the op as well so we’re currently both on crutches (what are the chances) 😅
Omg!! Sheesh that is wild. Hope it’s not too difficult at home but at least you can be in it together 😅
I’m now 10 months post op. I ruptured it on a Saturday afternoon. They did the MRI that evening and had surgery on Monday morning. They casted my leg all the way up to my thigh for 2 weeks. I later learned that my rupture occurred higher up than most so maybe that’s why they did it. It sucked to be in a full cast and use a wheelchair. After the cast was removed I got a boot and still wasn’t allowed to weight bear. My recovery seemed forever long. I had to wear the boot for 2 months and wasn’t allowed to start PT until after it was removed. I’m still going to PT but today the doctor said healing was really good and no more check ups. I was surprised by that. I don’t have full strength but it’s getting there. Occasionally my leg hurts but I think I’m old 😅.
Your videos helped me a lot.
Oh I should mention I’m from California (SD, too) but all this happened in South Korea.
Thanks for sharing your full story here!! That's so wild how quickly you were able to get imaging work done and surgery. Being in a cast like that though must have been brutal. It's so interesting just hearing the different protocol between locations - I wonder how it may have changed if you were still in Cali (knowing your tear also happened really high up your leg. Sending good vibes for the rest of your recovery. Keep us posted on how things go!
How is your Achilles now?
@@dnangel4277 great! PT helped. I can run and do normal activities now. I’m 15 months post op now.
@@aprilknutson2809 that’s great news!
Tore my achilles (partially) playing basketball as well, December 23rd 2023. It stinks! My ortho wanted to be more conservative so I didn't have surgery and it's so interesting to see how different the timeline is! I am currently on week 15 and still in a boot but FWB and doing PT. My ortho is hopeful I'll be out of the boot and in a normal shoe again by the end of the month and I'm so ready for that but also so scared to start walking without the boot!
So interesting! I agree. I was realllllly hoping mine was a partial tear back when it happened. Hope the recovery hasn't been too bad! Still nerve-racking nonetheless!
Tore mine 2 weeks ago And had surgery after 5 days I am on urgent care list.So devastating specially when your are play sports.I play basketball but On this happen might everything’s change.Thank you so much to your video very interesting
You're so welcome! Sorry to hear, hope your recovery goes smoothly and you get back into playing if that's ultimately what you want.
We have very similar stories thus far, mine is near the beginning. Also 30, also played basketball in college, also ruptured mine playing basketball. My first follow up after surgery is tomorrow, the past 2 weeks have been crutches and seated showers. Looking forward to getting the boot on as I hate the cast/splint. Thanks for sharing!
Woooa that's wild! It was SO nice getting back into the boot. Glad you enjoyed the video - wishing you the best with your recovery as well 💪
I just ruptured my Achilles Feb 22 2023. Still waiting for surgery due to i didn’t have insurance. In the process of still getting it. I’m a barber and yoga teacher and fearful I won’t be able to cut or teach for a while :/ barbering is my source of income and I’m in school rn as well. Unfortunately I don’t have income rn thank God for my tax return but that’ll only help for a couple months . Hoping surgery is soon and I have a fast recovery. Unfortunately I was born w osteogenesis Imperfecta.. this is about the 33rd break , I’ve never experienced a tear in the tendon though so this is new. I have a prescribed boot on rn .
Awe dang, well definitely sending well wishes your way and I'm hoping you're able to get surgery soon. Right after surgery there's a bit of time where you're bed ridden but if you work with your doctor they can probably help clarify what's expected post-surgery and how quickly you'd be able to get back to work.
68 year old ruptured achilles on 9/1/22 playing pickleball. Surgery 9/8. Walked Augusta all 18 at 2023 Masters. Walked 18 at Whistling Straights early May. Walked 9 out of 10 days in Scotland / Ireland golf trip towards end of May. Hiked Grand Canyon, down and out Over 3 days in Oct 2023. No issues on any of these trips. Do the rehab religiously and you will be fine. Not nearly as devastating as I assumed it would be when it happened. Good luck
Amazing! Thanks for sharing 🔥
I tore mine 1 1/2 ago. I’m 45 years old. I had a 1/4 inch gap that they stitched then anchored to my heel with wires&screws. They had to cut a “v” in the upper portion of the tendon near the muscle belly. I didn’t have insurance so I just paid for the surgery then didn’t go through proper rehab bc $$$. I bought an iwalk device and continued to work my job and tried doing my own rehab at home - which I didn’t do well. I’m just starting to hoop again, but just shooting around. I really suck now and outta shape. I’m rededicating myself to getting in shape so I can really play again. Good luck to any of you recovering from this!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Hey there!! I am so happy to have stumbled across your videos. I feel like we’re very similar in terms of lifestyle, I look forward to watching more of your journey! Currently about a week and a half post op from surgery.
Like you I have a bachelorette trip around 6 weeks post op. I was just curious how that went for you and if you did a lot of walking, was it bothersome?
Also, how was recovery with pregnancy? Originally we had planned to try sometime within summer but I’m nervous that may be too much for my body to handle.
Thank you so much for being an inspiration!
yay!! glad the videos have been helpful :) Totally a lot in common 😅
I felt totally comfortable and fine at 6 week walking around on my boot. I felt very protected in it and had no issues. With recovering during pregnancy it was also fine -- I was glad I was able to get to the point where I was running during my first and second trimester so I was able to stay active. I ran 2-3 times a week. The only weird thing that happened is that I think my scar got bigger and more noticeable because of all the extra blood flow in my legs. My scar was doing really well and then all of a sudden it was pretty noticeable and kind of bulging -- it's more of a theory but it seems very likely. I got pretty swollen during pregnancy during second and third trimester.
Hope that helps and good luck with everything!! Wishing you the best ✨
@@HelloImAlexa thank you so much!! I really appreciate it
This video was recommended to me because I follow news on Aaron Rodgers Achilles rupture. Im a New York Jets fan. Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in September and is trying to return to playing football this month. He had what's called a Speed bridge surgery.
Love your videos! When you were finally weight bearing in the boot was it pretty painful for you? I’m week 2 and weight bearing per my doctor and it’s pretty unbearable. Hoping as the days go by it’ll get better.
Thank you!! The first 1.5 months I was walking without my boot was very painful. I found walking with the boot to be fairly smooth and not uncomfortable. Hope that helps and good luck!!
Excellent video for people to get an idea of what to expect from their own recovery👍
Question for all those that had surgery - did you experience heel pain?
I'm 15 weeks post op but had to go back to work after only 5 weeks (chef in my own restaurant) and I've been having intermittent throbbing pain in my heel this whole time🤷
Thanks
Thank you!! I personally haven't felt the throbbing heel pain, hopefully someone else sees this and can offer some insights. Hope it gets better soon 💪
Yes I have sore heels, like you physical job (plumber). Went back to work 9 weeks post op. At week 12 now and I'm seeing an improvement, though I have being putting in a lot of rehab with exercises. My physio says that once calf strength returns this should fully subside. Because calf strength is weaker we have tendency to walk more on our heels than on the mid sole/ball of our foot.
Did you need to wear a walking boot?
@dnangel4277 yes for 7 and a half weeks or so
I have a torn Achilles more than fifty percent tear, it happened from someone shooting an airball and it hitting my Achilles while picking up my rebound. Ive been in a cast for three weeks and now am in a boot, i hope i can walk again to full potential.
Awe, I'm so sorry to hear! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Did you have surgery?
Hi Alexa, thanks for sharing your journey to recovery! It's been super helpful and informative.
I have a few followup questions:
1. Did you have any symptoms before your incident? (maybe sore achilles, tight calfs, tendonitis) I'm just scared that an injury like just happens out of nowhere.
2. Looking back what are some things you could have done to prevent this? (maybe flexibility and mobility exercise + strengthening workout)
3. Going forward what do think you'll do to prevent this from happening again?
Thanks in advance for the help and please continue to make these kind of videos
Hi! So, so glad to hear 🙂 Some thoughts below:
1. No… no symptoms at all which was why it was so frustrating for me when it happened. From my understanding, the older you get, just the more likely you are to get this injury.
2. I think I should have been stretching more and better before games. Also from my understaffing, targeted strengthening should also help with preventative. Strengthening of calf muscle area; stretching of achilles area
3. I plan to methodically stretch before each game, both sides. And I plan to do more targeted strengthening of my calves / legs
Let me know what you think and if you have any other questions!
no symptoms here as well. so i am really surprised how it happened. i guess its usually a 40-60 age thing. most people in that age get it.
@@TheBigDaddyClub turned 40 in June...tore mine last Friday night. I'm now one week post injury and still haven't gotten in for an MRI. Monday can't come soon enough...
Thank you for this video! Gives me some ideas on when I'll be able to do certain activities.
I'm 28, have played volleyball competitively my whole life, and ruptured my Achilles playing in a rec league on March 19. I had surgery on March 28th and just passed my 6 week post-op milestone. Just had my first few steps in shoes yesterday, but haven't worked up the courage to try a standing shower yet!
It's nice to see/read a woman's healing journey through this. A lot of stuff online focuses on men, since it's way more common to rupture as a male. My doctor repeatedly told me how "this shouldn't have happened to me" given my gender and physical activity level.
Did you take any supplements while you were healing? I've been taking Vitamin C and Marine Collagen since surgery.
Awe and thanks for sharing your story as well! I mostly found examples of men sharing their story online as well so I'm glad to hear you're resonating with my series 🙂
I did not end up taking any supplements while healing so I can't share any more on that.
Wishing you a smooth recovery and hope you can get back into playing volleyball if thats what you want!
How is your Achilles now?
Thank you so much for your detailed videos as I have found them quite helpful. Our floor plan is similar to yours and before seeing your vid I set up our place the same way you did w/ the scooter downstairs & the crutches upstairs which validated (ha!) what I did and the first night crawled up the stairs as well. I like the idea of taking the scooter out around the neighborhood too!!
I just did mine, a full rupture, on 12/3 playing old man football doing an out pattern. Feeling like someone kicked me, I turned around to give the stink eye to the guy on me but he wasn't there and I knew immediately what it was. I'm 62 and play softball 3x's/wk, football sundays during fb season, and surf in between as I live in North County, SD and if it's flat jog (which I find boring).
Anyway, I just had surgery yesterday but I had the Aaron Rodgers (nfl qb)/Cam Akers (nfl rb) Achilles midsubstance speedbridge method so I was wondering if there is anyone out there that has gone through this process that's not a professional athlete to get an idea of what my realistic expectations could be as opposed to returning to play nfl in 4 months/5 months respectfully. I go in next wed. for my post op appt. and will definitely be asking this question as well as many others.
The nerve block is waning this afternoon so here comes the oxy. I also have a bemer which is a bio electro magnetic energy regulator which improves blood flow, removes toxins, provides energy.
Thank you so much again for all this vital information you provided and hope you don't mind me reaching out to people on your platform.
You're so welcome!! Glad they have been helpful. Gotta do what you gotta do to get around the house 😅
I don't know for certain but I'm almost positive I got the midsubstance speedbridge method done for my surgery as well just based on what my scars look like and since I went to a really good sports medicine doctor in the area. Of course, I already shared my timeline of recovery and my doctor was definitely more aggressive with early weigh bearing than I've seen shared from others. If I didn't get pregnant during my recovery I think I was set to try and get back into game play maybe 9-10 months post-op. I definitely got nervous about re-injury though and could have seen myself wanting to wait closer to 11-12 months post-op to give it a go. I know age may play a difference in speed of recovery as well though so hopefully someone else can chime in here that is closer in age to you with their experience
I'm so happy you're sharing your story here and hope some others can chime in as well! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
@@HelloImAlexa So here I am at day 5 post op and similar to you the discomfort really subsided yesterday (day 4) which I'm definitely stoked about in that sleeping w/ the boot is not as bad. Btw, that's the other thing where all they did post op, I assume, was bandage up the surgical area, then wrap the area up to below my knee w/ an ace bandage and put it in a boot with the toes pointed down.
Coincidentally, not that its a good thing, I forgot to mention that I had shoulder surgery with Dr. Murphy in Oct. 2014 where I blew out my shoulder with full thickness tears of my supraspinatus & infraspinatus tendons but that's another story!!
@@bradcoutin6569 oh wow, you mean Dr. Murphy here in San Diego?! Small world for sure. Hope you're healing up well and feeling better esp. as we near the holidays!
Hi Alexa. Thank you for sharing your journey. What type of walking boot did you use? The one you have on in your videos looks much taller than the one in your Amazon list.
You’re so welcome!! The boot on Amazon is the boot I used prior to seeing my surgeon. My Achilles boot was prescribed to me and I received it through my doctor and my insurance paid for it. I have no idea how you might find one without going through a doctor. Hope that clears things up!
Thanks for the video! Stopping @ 13 mins bcuz I have a pt, but I'll be back maybe w/ ?s. I stopped playing soccer for 4 yrs: ankle injuries then stopped for yrs. April 16th, 23 Sunday 1st time back playing full Achilles rupture. I thought was my ankle, but quickly realized it wasn't. I diagnosed myself a few mins later, since anatomically nothing else was there. Decided I will do surgery, but still divided about surgery vs none. If I could go back I'd start therapy right away and not wait on the VA for weeks for further instructions.
Awe dang, well yeah feel free to reach out if you want to chat anything through!
@@HelloImAlexa Thank you. I had sx May 15th, then 3 wks soft cast, 3 weeks hard cast. I'm curious to see if I can walk with my boot 3 weeks post op, so maybe I can self shorten my hard cast time;-( Regardless I would have loved to clean the leg 10-14 days post op vs 3 weeks. Nice to see you recovered well.
@@dr.olakunleadegbileassocia9959 Ahh dang, yeah that's a lot of cast time 😣 Well I'm hoping things go well for you with the rest of your recovery!
Thanks for sharing. For me is only week 4, way to go.....
Of course! Def a long way to go but just take things day by day and you'll get there. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
I am really pleased to see your recovery calendar as it is much aggressive than most I see on other cases. Really happy to see you recovered too.
14 weeks after surgery and I am still walking with a limp. Also, the bottom of my foot around the heel area be in so much pain. I just started walking without my boot going on 4 weeks. I’m just ready to walk normal again.
Sending good vibes your way! 💪
Great video
Beautiful woman...
All the best
Thank you Alexa! This has been very helpful! Appreciate it. I’m around 14 weeks post op. I feel like I am already running out of PT sessions. My insurance covers 30 PT sessions. They did say if doctor requests additional sessions. They will extend them. Was that the same case for you? I think I will also need PT for a few more months as I cannot run or jump yet. Still walking in pain now and then . Would appreciate your inputs. Thank you
I didnt have the same limitations with PT + insurance. I definitely did way more than 30 sessions -- I was going twice a week starting around 8 weeks (2 months) post-op until around 5 months post-op where I took a break while I was traveling. If you don't think you've hit your goals yet then I definitely recommend extending / requesting for more sessions. I plan to see a PT again once I am no longer pregnant and want to get back into playing basketball again. Hope that helps!
@@HelloImAlexa thanks so much for replying and congrats on your pregnancy! 🎉Hope it all goes well. I’m still in pain even I just walk and sometimes at rest. So I really would love to have more sessions. My goal is to get back to dancing so this would help a lot. So glad to know you did not have limitations with PT sessions . I am hoping if my doc requests additional the insurance will approve. Fingers crossed . But all the best and hope you are able to get back to basketball and kill it!👊🏾
@@001happyfeet Awe love that - yes make sure your doctor and PT know your goals so they can help support you and work with insurance to get you more sessions 💪
God bless you
Just started PT had surgery from an 85% tare … playing basketball
I’m looking to all your videos my question is After week 4 you start walking on the boot ?? Any pain?? I’m trying to walk on my boot but feels weird and little pain ….. my question is to see if I’m on the right pad or 😢
That's right I was walking around week 4 in the boot. I don't remember having any pain from walking but when I would take my boot off for ROM exercises I do remember that being painful (not in a an unbearable way - just in a way like I am moving my foot again and it's learning to move again properly). If you are worried about it hurting too much or being painful - definitely recommend asking your doctor what they think!
Thank you, the video is very informative. I am now 8 weeks post op and I'm walking fully without the boot for 8 days now. But while walking the Achilles feels very stiff and stretched, there isn't enough length and flexibility for it to feel relaxed. So its painful while walking and also at the end of the day the leg is really swollen all the time. While you were walking for the first few weeks (april for you) did your ankle had enough flexibility to stand up with your leg straight and beneath you? Was it painful? When did you reach a point where you felt comfortable walking and woth no pain? Was your ankle swollen also? Thank You for the video, Alexa!
Glad you found the video informative! Walking was very painful at the beginning and it took me a good 1-1.5 months if I am remembering correctly - to feel like I could walk normally again without it hurting. If your leg is getting swollen then perhaps try icing? This didn't happen to me too much, I remember once in particular when it did and I iced it to help with swelling. After about 1-1.5 months of PT I remember it getting better so I guess I could safely say 2 months later I was feeling in a much better place with walking. Hope that helps! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪
Hey Alexa question, I am almost a year post op as well. Do you still experience soreness in your ankle-achilles area? Like when you dorsiflex?
I recently just played basketball for the first time last week, and experienced some calf soreness for around a week.
Hmm I wouldn't say it feels sore but still a bit stiff in dorsiflex. Did the soreness go down after the week? I'd assume it would just be related to using that muscle again after not using it for a while but if you're unsure def ask your doctor!
I continue to come back to your videos. 26 years of age. Ruptured my Achilles on the 14th of March hoopin. Drove home on it. Got surgery 24th of March. Have my 2nd post op tomorrow. Also noticed you had a Milwaukee brewers hat on? Any Milwaukee ties?
Dang, can't believe you drove home on it! Glad you've been coming back to the videos I hope they have been helpful. And yes! I grew up in Milwaukee 😊
@@HelloImAlexa No freaking way. Me too born and raised. Family still live there.
They really have been helpful. Thank you.
@@DrippingInStyle Small world always! And yes of course, your so welcome :)
How is your Achilles now?
Hi! I was just wondering where you got your little leverage for your shoe when you were walking with your boot
hello! It's there's a link for it in the Amazon list in the video description -- it's called the EVENup. Hope that helps :)