Achilles Tendon Rupture | 12 weeks post-op check in - Part 13

Just a quick update today so share how things are going 12 weeks post op for my Achilles Tendon rupture.
Let me know if you have any questions!
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#achillestendonrupture #roadtorecovery #12weekspostop

[@elianagomez24]

I’m freaking out about my upcoming surgery 😭😭😭Your videos are getting me through it . Thank you

[@matthewmeans5951]

Your videos have been a godsend. Thanks for sharing. I am 8 weeks post op and these have allowed me to keep a positive outlook on the healing process.

[@HelloImAlexa]

I'm soooo happy to hear it!!

[@kayla5488]

You’re videos have really helped me through my daughters rupture. She is 12 weeks this week and we have watched your video for inspiration.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Awe I’m so happy to hear it!! 🫶

[@laurajayne1979]

You do not know how much your videos have helped me!! I've been so worried that the pain I feel when walking post 8 weeks without the boot means my op hasn't worked or whatever but to hear you still had pain walking 3 months post op is so reassuring, thank you 🙏

[@HelloImAlexa]

Awe yay! yeah it has been a rollercoaster of pain that's for sure 😅 I'm soooo glad to hear my videos have been helpful!

[@michaellwan6118]

Feel like a stabbing pain😥

[@laurajayne1979]

@@michaellwan6118 yep!! Exactly that!

[@MrGarciaR23]

Did you have pain only on your achillies or anywhere else?. Im wondering because I dont have any pain on my achillies but I do have pain under my ankle bone on the outside of my foot

[@MrGarciaR23]

​@Michael lwan did you have the stabbing pain on the achillies or next to it? I'm wondering because I have stabbing sharp pain as well but under my ankle bone on the outside of my foot.

[@Kiki-cw5uf]

You got this! I’m 23 weeks post op. A little over a month ago I’ve started to jog, do karaoke exercise and ladders at PT. I’ve also started shooting the basketball around. Week 16 is definitely going to be another big milestone as you’ll see even more progress! Good luck!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Ahhh thank you so much!! Even just over the last few days I feel like my progress has increased significantly. Hoping ill be doing similar exercises in a few weeks 💪 Thanks for sharing!

[@jrossbiggestfan]

Just hit 12 weeks post-op myself...thanks for sharing your journey!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Oh amazing!! you're so welcome 💪

[@hebrewhammer8571]

These are helping me so much. Thank you. I have surgery Wednesday. I’m a mess mentally

[@HelloImAlexa]

awe so happy to hear it. Hope surgery goes smoothly. Take it easy on yourself!

[@mikehaas2598]

Thank you for posting all the videos. I ruptured my Achilles skateboarding and just had surgery yesterday. I know my timeline might be different but it helps to see hope on the horizon.

[@HelloImAlexa]

You're so welcome! It's so tough ahh. Sending you well wishes for a smooth recovery 💪

[@DSW334]

I’m 13 weeks from my Achilles repair surgery and I can’t walk near as well as you. But I am out of a boot to a shoe with a heel lift. I really have to warm up and massage to feel okay walking. I miss walking regularly oh so much

[@HelloImAlexa]

everyone's recovery is different, keep it up and I'm sure it will get easier 💪

[@peace1729]

New too your channel I ruptured my Achilles two years ago playing basketball… Let me say this I still have swelling still and when it gets cold 🥶 it gets stiff like a piece of wood.. I Haven’t played basketball anymore I use too be fast on my feet I don even run anymore because I be very sore I’m just glad too be able too walk ..I had too have shock therapy too wake my nerves back up in my feet but you gone be ok your very beautiful

[@kluna1000]

2 days post op here. Thanks for sharing!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Good luck with your recovery!!

[@gbengaadeboyejo3763]

Good luck

[@surajchavan5428]

Thank you for video, your videos giving motivation to those peoples who are really suffering from that ❤

[@HelloImAlexa]

You’re so welcome!!

[@LyricoolTV]

12 Weeks currently.. about the same place you are in this video. Rapper / boxer.... actually did a show on crutches in the beginning lol. Oh the journey. Thank you for the videos.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Dannng super impressive! Haha gotta keep doing your thing I love it. Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos!! Good luck on with the rest of your recovery

[@raykellfoster8461]

Thanks for the thoughts and experience. I am 1 week post op today and these vids are motivating 😅

[@HelloImAlexa]

You’re so welcome!! So glad to hear it 💪

[@karaoke888]

I will be 12 weeks post-op myself next week. I start PT next week too. Been wearing the CAM walking boot the last 7 weeks and a full cast 4 week prior to that. Looking forward to getting out of the boot.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Oh wow that's a lot of time in a boot/cast! Good luck starting PT - it was tough for me at the beginning but def all worth it 💪

[@sakinaw1]

Thanks Alexa your videos are awesome and very helpful. It was reassuring that some of the things I am doing in day 10 are in line with some of your suggestions. I also have a trip coming up 3 weeks after the injury so thanks for some of the travel trips. Thanks again for the excellent information.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Yay -- I'm so glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know it was so helpful 🙂 Wishing you a smooth recovery and I hope you enjoy the trip !

[@THABOMB98126]

I love your videos! They are so inspiring. I’m 2 months post op. Do you remember when it was when you were able to walk “normal” without a limp?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Awe so glad to hear! It was definitely before my wedding so I think about 1-1.5 months after I got my boot off

[@apples9577]

Alexa! I am exactly in my 12 weeks mark after surgery. I want to ask you when you started feeling almost normal ..was it 6 or 8 or 12 months mark? My podiatrist Saud usually one would have only 80 percent strength permanently..and it is rare to be perfectly normal even one year mark..what do you think? Thank you for your answer...congratulations on your wedding and lovely marriage 🥰

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hello! Congrats on reaching week 12 💪 I've always been told that I should be able to get back to my strength and game play prior to injury. I'd say around months 7-8 I was feeling more normal but it's really hard to say for me because I got pregnant and was experiencing a lot of physical body changes (starting around month 6-7). Hope that's somewhat helpful! And thanks for the congratulations 🙂

[@ethanvuong2555]

Thank you for the videos!! They are very helpful as I’m recovering from the injury. Were you able to start taking long walks at week 12?

[@HelloImAlexa]

You're so welcome!! Let's see… Yeah I'd say about a month after I was walking on my own without the boot I could take a good 30 min walk and not feel too sore after. So maybe 12-14 weeks? You'll definitely start to notice when you're achilles strengthens and see for yourself. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪 LMK if you have any other Q's!

[@Carlos-li1md]

Glad your recovery is going well. I’m on 2nd week Post op, just trying to be prepared for whats coming. Would it be good to wear any kind of braces for Achilles support of was it recommended not to wear anything after you take off boot and begin walking?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there, and thank you! Once I started walking, no, I didn't wear anything for support, nor was it recommended to me. I think at the point you are walking, you really need to begin training your tendon again so that means strengthening it and walking on it helps with that. That said, it's very important to be careful when you start walking on it without the boot as it is still healing. After about a month of PT I could feel my process and you start to get more and more comfortable. Hope that helps! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪

[@Carlos-li1md]

@@HelloImAlexa makes sense, I agree, you need to begin strengthening it. Thank you for taking the time. 💪🏽

[@j.h.5487]

Hi! Thank you for these videos. I’m 2 months post op. Do you have walking shoe recs?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I have a video in this series where I share the different shoes I bought! Something comfortable that doesn't bother than back of your leg where the surgery happens is definitely best.

[@vydiiamohan]

Alexa, your videos are really reassuring. What procedure did you have for tendon reconstruction? Is it FHL Tendon Transfer or VY Plasty?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! So glad to hear that :) Based on the incisions I have, I believe this is the type of surgery I got: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKK0i6ijZa1psJY

[@ajaykumara7158]

Welcome back me from india

[@tracylewis9725]

Just hit 12 weeks...Just starting 2 walk myself..I am having alot of swelling. Wondering if u experienced this?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmmm, I do remember some swelling here and there that I was able to get down using ice. Nothing that was cause for concern. I'd start with ice and if it doesn't work, def ask your doctor! Good luck 💪

[@cajuncrawfishboil3099]

Alexa. How did you shower right after surgery? Since it’s the non weight bearing stage. Did you sit on a plastic stool? This is the thing I’m worried about the most. Not sure how to balance. I have the plastic bag thing from Amazon so I’m not worried about the wet part. Thx for advice 😀

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! Yes I essentially sat in the shower for quite a while (I share exact timing in my timeline video). We already had a shower stool at home so I used that. I love the one we have (it's wooden) and linked in my amazon store I believe. Hope that helps! Showers were definitely necessary one the splint came off 😅

[@markgoldstein8692]

Hi Alexa ( I bet you could curse Google) . Anyway, I am getting a lot of reassurance and good info from your videos. I am 7 weeks post-op but my PT has been only 15 minutes at a time- mostly just wiggling my tows. An hour sounds great, should they be doing more when I have more time behind me?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there, so glad my videos are helpful for you! I'm not sure to be honest since I am not a doctor or PT. Throughout my recovery I was just following their order and what they told me to do. There's both value in working the muscle but also rest. I recommend asking your doctor or PT what they think if you should increase your activity level. Wishing you the best!

[@Johnny206]

Show off! Jk good stuff. I’m 7 weeks out and it’s so hard to walk in boot! Hope I can walk like that by 12 weeks!

[@Rizeebullz]

Hey Alexa! Thanks for the vids, you’re such an inspiration! I’m at 6.5 weeks post-op and it seems like I have a similar timeline to yours. Surgeon told me to ditch the boot at 5 weeks- have been walking in running shoes for a week and a half now. I have a slight limp from fear of rolling through my foot but I think it’s getting better. I’m just scared that despite being cleared, things might be moving too fast and as an athlete I don’t want to push myself too hard despite really wanting to hah. Anyway, I figured you might relate. Any advice on this phase/ mentally pushing through but knowing the right amount?! Thanks! 😊

[@HelloImAlexa]

Heyyy so glad to hear they're helpful! I definitely remember the limp; for me I remember I really couldn't control it - I had to learn to walk again with the guidance of my PT. From what I've gathered, I think the latest research is pointing towards early weigh bearing being a better approach to get back to your activity level before the injury - so as an athlete ditching the boot early should help move you along! Its a painful and tough process at each step (learning to walk again was really painful for me at times at PT) but as long as you are working closely with doctor and PT I don't think you should be worried about what the "right" amount is. Don't try anything "new" on your own - work with your care team to get you to that next step. Of course, follow you intuition! If you're out for a long walk and think you need to rest your leg, error on the side of that approach. Slow but steady! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪

[@Rizeebullz]

@@HelloImAlexa thank you! That definitely makes sense. Thankful for you this holiday season and congratulations on all you’ve achieved this year! 😊

[@HelloImAlexa]

@@Rizeebullz Awe thank you so much. means a lot!

[@773group]

Since this video was made over a year ago, I wanted to ask if you feel back to 100% now after your surgery? I just had my surgery a week ago and I’m not sure what to expect.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! I am back to walking and jogging again etc, but I had a baby this past April so I haven't gotten back into playing basketball competitively yet. My injured leg does feel more stiff than my non-injured leg does but I think it's on me now to be stretching it more. Hope that helps!

[@CountIstVanTeleki]

I am 5 weeks post op and shocked at lack of leg muscle. Major visible difference in injured leg and non injured leg. Did your muscle return and how long does it take?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Yeah it's wild how fast it depletes. My muscle is back and equal to my other again but I don't remember how long it took. At least 2 months after starting PT because that's when I remember being able to walk more normally again but it was probably even a bit more after that. Hope that's helpful!

[@CountIstVanTeleki]

@@HelloImAlexa glad to hear it returned! Looking forward to that day for myself. Thank you for your reply

[@luisfernandez5789]

I'm almost 12 weeks post op. Ive been walking around without a boot for 3 weeks but I havent started PT yet because my wound hasn't completely scarred. Did you notice any issues with your wound taking long to be able to completely dry up and heal?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! Oh shoot, hmmm no I didnt have this issue 😣 Sorry to hear you're dealing with that!

[@vernettawright8555]

I ruptured my Achilles back in March. Initially went the non surgical route. Fell two months later and reruptured it again. I’m almost 1 week post operative. Can you tell me how wide was your rupture? My initial rupture was 5cm. Just curious. Thanks for your videos!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Ugh… I'm so sorry to hear that 😣 But glad you're enjoying the videos! Hmm, I actually have no idea how wide the rupture was. I just know it was a full tear, so it completely separated.

[@georgekollitiris6393]

Hello Alexa! We talked weeks before for achilles in one of your video's in KZbin! Can I ask you something.. I watched your video in week 12.although you are walking fine.. You told in the video that It hurts.. I'm in the same situation now.. In week 11..and I'm walking normal but it hurts in the bottom of achilles from from the left side.. Was it the same?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! Hmm, I really don't remember exactly where it was hurting since it was a while ago -- so sorry 😣

[@ELholton]

Hi Alexa! When did your heel stop hurting from the drill holes?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmmmm, honestly I still get a little bit of sharp pain in my heels. My doctor said it should stop after 12 months - I forget exactly how long maybe 14-16 months post-op. It's not unbearable just if I move it in a specific way. Also I got some blisters on one of the scars on my heel which was somewhat painful / tricky to deal with. Just had it deal with it like I would any other blister. Still not ideal 🤷‍♀️

[@viphongoesoutside]

Hello! I had a trip planned around when I hit the 12 week mark. I’m on 2 weeks now with the boot and no weight on it. My trip had a lot of walking planned. What do you think about that? Thanks for the videos!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmmm, I'm not sure you'll be able to comfortable walk long distances at that point. For me, from weeks 8-14 I was learning how to walk again and it was quite uncomfortable at first. Maybe since you'll be at two weeks you'll have been practicing for about a month at that point but it was quite tough for me at the beginning. Most importantly, I wouldn't stress it too much, maybe talk shorter walks if you can, I don't think you'd necessary be ready for hiking or anything like that. Best to also check in with your PT or doctor to see what they think and make sure they know your goals! Wishing you the best 💪

[@viphongoesoutside]

@@HelloImAlexa thanks for the reply!!

[@Chosenoneeee96]

Hey how are you doing ? I’m in week 12 post op Achilles surgery .. how long should I keep car rides at ? Can I travel long distance?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hi there! It's definitely going to depend on what you're comfortable with and how your leg holds up while driving. If it feels fatigued at all, I don't think your doctor would recommend you to drive at that point. Keep car rides short at the beginning until you gain the proper about of strength back. Best of luck!

[@jacoba0030]

I just reached 12 wks post op. ROM is about the as yours at that time. Did you still have pain at 12 wks? I’m having a lot of burning and spasms.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Congrats on hitting this milestone! Around this time, I found had a lot of heavy pain in my leg when I would lay down for bed. I think it was due to blood flow - the only thing that would help is putting my leg off the bed for a little bit and I found it relieved the pain. I don't really remember spasms as much as just stiffness with walking and the pain of learning to walk again… hope that helps!

[@dcleve1970]

When the doctor says u can put a sock on finally...did yours say u can put a sock on instead of the ace wrap?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Oh hmm, once I was out of my splint is when I started using my sock. I used both the wrap and the sock for a while though - esp. when my stitches were still in, I kept it protected but used the sock as a barrier between my foot and the boot. Hope that helps!

[@ebonyerin2879]

How long did you wear your EvenUp? Was it worth buying?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I was only walking with my boot for about 3 weeks but it was definitely worth it to have something to bring your other foot up to the same level. I was pretty much able to get around and do stuff on my own with it. Without, I think it would be harder to walk and you could risk your body compensating for the imbalance in other ways. I wanted to get it to try it out for this series of videos but if this were to happy to me again, I'd just buy platform tennis shoes and just use those since they will last longer. The EVENup was not very expensive though so that option may be better for some in the case as well. Hope that helps!

[@MrGarciaR23]

Did you have pain anywhere else besides your achillies? I'm wondering because I dont have pain there but I do have pain on the outside of my foot right under the ankle bone

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmmm it's been quite a while since this point in my injury so i'm not too sure. I did experience some sharp pain on the right side towards my heel if I moved my foot in a specific way -- but it sounds like you're describing something else

[@ahsanabassi3683]

Did you have pain after 1 year of Achilles tendon surgery , i ruptured my Achilles tendon and i am in the 11 week post up , but doctor didn't give me walking boot i had a cast about 6 week , bu i still i am not walking

[@HelloImAlexa]

No pain after a year! There’s diff protocols that doctors may follow so that sounds totally normal too

[@andyvaldez212]

I just tore mine on Friday.... how long before I can stand on two feet more less? mine was also playing basketball

[@HelloImAlexa]

Oh nooo, wishing you a smooth recovery! I was able to start walking without the boot around the 7 week mark but I've found that the timing does differ between people, their use case, and their doctor's protocol.

[@rachelwest1642]

Hey Alexa how are you doing now?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I'm doing good! I'm planning to film an update this weekend so be on the lookout :)

[@plengrongpi8241]

How many days after surgiry?can walking?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I recommend watching my full timeline video! All details to my milestones are there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jau8qKN6qbWep6s

[@sathyajeevan5417]

Hi Alexa I am at 13th week post still I feel pain while I am walking is this normal?

[@HelloImAlexa]

There's been a lot of pain and stiffness throughout this injury, even at 7 months post op I feel pain and soreness still so I think yes, definitely normal, esp. at 13 weeks!

[@AkhmosReAmun]

Iam at the end of 11 weeks post op...is is normal to still have pain come and go just when sitting? I can walk...just started my physo....it feel pretty stiff at times

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmmm I dont quite remember exactly but it's definitely normal for it to hurt through out recovery and feel very stiff. If you just started physo it's probably related to working it out again! Definitely ask your care team if you're concerned at all.

[@AkhmosReAmun]

@@HelloImAlexa Thank you....your insight and experience with this injury is very helpful....question....how long did it take before you were active again in sports? Are you still active and do you deal with any pain or stiffness now?

[@HelloImAlexa]

@@AkhmosReAmun Make sure to check out my full timeline video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jau8qKN6qbWep6s I chat more about where I'm at with being active again in sports there

[@AkhmosReAmun]

@@HelloImAlexa will do thank you

[@ezazahammed5191]

How much gap when it was torn

[@HelloImAlexa]

I don't know exactly but it was fully ruptured. In one of my earlier videos as well as my "Full timeline" video you can find a photo of my MRI results if that's interesting to you.

[@ezazahammed5191]

@@HelloImAlexa thnks. Was your calf muscle very lose as well as weak after surgery?

[@HelloImAlexa]

@@ezazahammed5191 yeah that is very typical

[@ezazahammed5191]

@@HelloImAlexa thanks mam . I am from India and you're?

[@ezazahammed5191]

@@HelloImAlexa are you running now if yes then how long daily?

[@surajchavan5428]

Hiii...can you tell me when did you start full weight bearing on your injured leg🦵?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I have a full timeline you can check out in a link the description of my videos but basically I was full weight bearing at 7 weeks post op and was completely non weight bearing before that. Hope that helps!

[@surajchavan5428]

@@HelloImAlexa Thank you so much Alexa ... for your reply ❤️I am now 8 weeks post op ..and my weight bearing is 50% on going on injured leg ...my physio advised me to increase 10% weight per week...