How I'm doing

Lately, I have been getting messages and e-mails from friends and family asking how I am doing. My answer is -- EXCELLENT!!

Back on April 21st, I tore my achilles tendon while skateboarding. That weekend, before I saw my Orthopedic doctor, I thought my summer of outdoor activities was shot. Every article I read about tore achilles tendons made me believe that I'd be laid-up until September and still in therapy at Halloween. But that's not the case.

I was extremely lucky to have such a fantastic doctor. He's my age and an avid cyclist as well. When he asked me if I wanted to have the tendon surgical mended I asked what he'd do. He told me that surgery has risks but would make the tendon 4 to 8% stronger. However, for cycling, jogging, hiking and most other "weekend warrior" activities, letting the tendon heal by itself would be fine. So, I was put in a hard cast for 4 weeks, then should have worn a removable "orthopedic boot" for 6 weeks after that. After 4 weeks in the "boot" I began physical therapy & my doctor gave me the okay to ride on flat-land... I never put the boot back on (don't tell my doc).

When I saw my doctor on July 20th, he was amazed at my progress. The muscles on the injured leg were building up and I was walking with just a slight limp. He believes the pre-injury condition of my leg and non-smoking/healthy lifestyle were key in my recovery. I went back to therapy for 2 more weeks and as of August 3rd, have regained 100% flexibilty in my right leg.

Turns out that cycling was the best therapy, I could ride for hours without any discomfort and had only minimal swelling afterwards. Other than some tightness after a prolonged period of sitting, my gait is nearly normal again. I feel very fortunate to have healed so quickly, it could have been much worse. On Saturday, while shopping in Target, I ran into a young guy (25 or so) who tore his achilles in January. The tendon was slow to heal and had formed a rather painful lump where it reconnected. The chap was still wearing a "Boot" and only had 40% flexibilty.

So, I have to say that I'm thankful for all the great treatment from the folks at Sharp Rees-Steely and really appreciate all the words of encouragement from my friends...AND thanks to everyone who shuttled me around, brought coffee and tea to my desk, carried my lunch from the kitchen and put up with my griping.

And for now, I can put up with the teasing of my cycling partners -- "looks like you have legs from two different people" and "are you part white and part mexican...you have two different colored legs"