Achilles Tendon Rupture | Surgery and post op - Part 4

By now you know I chose the surgery route to recover from my achilles tendon rupture. In this video I'm sharing how surgery went once I was at the surgery center and how things went in the post op room and once I got home.
Questions? Leave them for me in the comments.
Watch the next video in this series: • Achilles Tendon Ruptur...
Watch my Achilles Tendon Rupture video series: • My Achilles Tendon Rup...
xo,
-A
Achilles Tendon Rupture post-op recs:
Long socks: amzn.to/3GlmCDu
Leg raise pillow: amzn.to/3ISKeAG
Shower bench: amzn.to/3o7Ll7O
Cast protector: amzn.to/3AMNgnC
Knee scooter: amzn.to/32PlsCs
Knee scooter cover: amzn.to/3s9fmWb
Lap desk: amzn.to/3rdxyyB
Pads for crutches: amzn.to/3oj6a01
Fanny pack: shop.lululemon...
Ginger beer: drinkreeds.com
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💪 Achilles Tendon Rupture pre-op and post-op recs:
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My Achilles Tendon Rupture story: • My Achilles Tendon Rup...
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[@StylezMajorMusic]

Going in for my surgery tomorrow, full rupture playing 3x3 basketball,loud pop but luckily no pain. I live in Portland and im getting treated by the nba blazers doctors. Very grateful I have access to this care, your videos have been informative, thank you.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Dannnng, yeah I remember that sound too. Sounds like you've got a sick setup with your surgeon! Hope your surgery went well today and so glad to hear you've found my videos helpful 🙂

[@StylezMajorMusic]

@@HelloImAlexa yep just got home, surgery went well. Now on the road to recovery! That was my first surgery so was quite the experience. How long after surgery did you start walking on it?

[@mattymaradona9202]

Hi Alexa, I had my surgery 2 days ago, and so far pain isn’t significant, hopefully that’s not just down to the pain killers I’m taking! Just want to say thank you for your posts, very helpful and gives an idea of what to maybe expect in the coming weeks\months. From a lad in Ireland

[@HelloImAlexa]

Heyyyy! Awe, so glad to hear it. You're a few days in now so hopefully things are still going smoothly for you. Wishing you the best on your recovery 💪

[@jeffreymiller9706]

Hope you're doing well now. Keep on smiling!

[@SoupyBK]

I had surgery this past thrusday. So far, things have gone closley to how you described. If anyone is curious the nerve blocker for pain is no joke! Take your pain med, and muscle relaxers as soon as you get home so that you can have what you need. I recieved mine somewhere around 12pm I started experiencing intense pain around midnight. By then it was too late and I had to double my dosage lol I do not recommend doing that! It took until Friday evening for the pain to subside and as of Saturday morning I no longer have taken any pain med or muscle relaxer. I suffer from migraines, and felt feverish most of the day Saturday, I did a virtual visit and the NP told me it was okay to take something for it. I live alone so one of my cousins came to stay with me for the surgery, and the day after that was very helpful due to dizziness etc, but day 3 she left and I already have most of the things that were recommended to purchase from Amazon. The scooter is THE BEST! I am moving around on it downstairs where my livingroom and kitchen are and I use my crutches upstairs. Be sure to get the shower protector for your wound/splint/cast/boot. I ordered the thigh length one just to make sure I covered the maajority of my leg. It's not expensive, but you can opt for the knee length. This is the second time I've torn an achilles. I tore my right achilles 12 years ago, had surgery but the process was a little different for instance that time it was a month until I had surgery (because of follow ups, holidays, and testing) vs this time I tore it on Thursday night went directly to the ER, saw a surgeon Friday afternoon, they diagnosed gave me a boot and scheduled my surgery for this past Thursday. I was in a cast after surgery this time I was wrapped in a splint. I recieved a nerve blocker this time, the last time I did not, so i was given Vicodin to take instead of this massive pill I took. I also wore that cast for 3 weeks, had stitches removed, then given a splint for 2 more weeks, then was into a boot. I have learned this is possibly because they used a graft to repair my right tendon which is not as common anymore. I say all of this to say the process to me was a little scary because I immediately thought I was not going to be able to move around, but following most of these videos I've found a way to feel good about it, and I'm not confined. My surgeon even recommended the scooter for post op getting around the house etc... so I was impressed. I also was about to throw all my tennis racquets in the trash but I see plenty of people go back to their sports, and I like to play so I decided to find braces to help, and ways to build the strength back up following physical therapy ( orangetheory offers a row class which builds core and legs).

[@HelloImAlexa]

Thanks so much for sharing!! Phew, two achilles tears is no joke. I'm definitely nervous about that now, not gonna lie. Sounds like you're on the up and hope recovery is going well!

[@samboar2283]

Hi Alexa- What kind of procedure did they used to fix your Achilles? Thanks

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hey Sam! I actually am not sure the exact kind of procedure and wouldn't want to say the wrong thing. What I do know is that I had two small incisions on the sides of my heel and one longer incision up my leg that's about three fingers (side by side) in length. My doctor said in the past the incision up the leg used to be much larger but now it's much smaller. I hope that's helpful!

[@samboar2283]

@@HelloImAlexa thanks for replying! I had Achilles surgery three weeks ago too. My doctor said he used the Krakow technique to repair my tendon. My incision is a bit different than yours, as I don’t have the two small incision on my heel as you do, just one 10” long incision. Just started light PT this week. I hope your recovery goes well going forward!

[@HelloImAlexa]

@@samboar2283 Oh hmm yeah, it sounds like we've had a bit of a different procedure then. I'll need to follow up and ask now because I am curious. My doctor started having me do range of motion exercises about 8 days post op and I've been doing that for the last 3 weeks and hoping between week 4-5 I can start working with a PT buut still TBD. Sounds like you're on your way as well! Wishing you the best of luck in your recovery 💪

[@HelloImAlexa]

Okay following up! I think this is the procure I got. Found this video super interesting so thought I’d share: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKK0i6ijZa1psJY

[@samboar2283]

@@HelloImAlexa thank you for taking the time to find this info. I am still working at my PT appointments on increasing the weight bearing on my injured leg (about 40% now). I saw the that you are already walking in a boot. It looks like we are on different paths when it comes to rehab and the type of procedure has a lot to do with it. I hope you have a full recovery!

[@WashingtonTeaL]

Hi Alexa, thanks for the videos. I am having Achilles Tendon Replacement Surgery (Chronic) next week . I blew my Achilles out in the summer but made didn't tell my surgeon because I was scheduled to have total knee replacement in the fall. Anyways, this will be my 10th surgery, 9th being put under, and I fret it will be the worst yet being no weight bearing for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for your videos.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Sheeesh -- sounds tough 🥵 So glad my videos could be helpful for you! I hope everything goes smoothly with the latest surgery!

[@MatthewEncina]

Hope you get better and back in action soon!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Thanks so much Matthew! I super appreciate it 💫

[@alittlepinkfish]

your throat felt scratchy upon waking because of the tube down your windpipe during general anesthesia

[@HelloImAlexa]

😮

[@hebrewhammer8571]

What kind of pain medicine did they prescribe you?

[@HelloImAlexa]

I dont remember exactly, sorry!

[@georgiageocachinggirls2168]

I really have enjoyed your videos during the recovery of my surgery. I am currently 8 weeks post op You are an inspiration! Thank you for doing this.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Awe thank you 🥲 Means so much!!

[@ajaykumara7158]

Thank you Alexa for sharing which is caring for others very motivating

[@robbrown2429]

I’m glad I found your channel. I ruptured my Achilles back on 30 March and I finally am getting surgery on 25 April and watching your videos has given me a good head start on what to expect. Thanks for posting your recovery!

[@HelloImAlexa]

Oh you're so welcome!! Best of luck 💪

[@SY-jd5rz]

Hi Alexa! Glad your surgery and recovery went well. I also have a surgery next Monday and wanted to ask which surgery technique was used for your surgery. My doctor told me it will be minimally invasive but not sure whether it is speed bridge or jig.

[@HelloImAlexa]

I don't know exactly what I got but I do have two incisions on my heel and then one small scar going up my ankle area where the achilles is. Hope that helps!

[@1521CeCe]

3 days out post op. Yes, first couple of days after the numbness wore off, was very painful. My tip is stay on top of ur meds. I actually set my timer w/ notes (type of med) since it was two different meds. Hardest part was going to the bathroom. Getting up & down on one leg.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Great advice!

[@Brwnsugaa45677]

Hello, I am SO thankful I found your videos! I recently tore my Achilles playing ball as well, and am 3 days post opp repair. So far I’ve been struggling with elevating my foot because I can feel the pressure on my Achilles. It aches a lot. Sometimes my calf also feels like it gets real tense, and ends up twitching. Sometimes I feel my Achilles get tense too. I’m just curious if this is all normal? I’m waiting for post op to get better 😢

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hiii so glad my videos have been helpful! Are you taking any prescribed pain medication? If you're in a lot of pain I would definitely recommend contacting the doctor so they can guide yo through it. I personally don't remember dealing with pain like that but that doesn't mean it's not normal. Sending good vibes your way ✨

[@christinek8745]

This is very helpful. My surgery is tomorrow. I want boba milk tea after the surgery tomorrow. :) I am scared.

[@HelloImAlexa]

Make sure you get that lined up then! 🥲 I was so happy after mine lol. I was nervous as well but you'll get through it! Wishing you a smooth recovery 💪

[@christinek8745]

Thanks

[@jalenl4920]

Thanks so much for these videos. I just had my surgery today and in too much pain to sleep lol. It feels good to know what the other side of all this can look like 😊

[@HelloImAlexa]

You're so welcome!! It gets better, just hang in there 🙂 Wishing you a smooth recovery!

[@brittneylancaster8750]

For surgery are you on your stomach or back ?

[@HelloImAlexa]

Hmm, I was put under so I'm not entirely sure. When I feel asleep I was on my back so I assume I was kept that way 🤷‍♀️

[@ashleyranae09]

My surgery is on Thursday, and my surgeon told me that you are sedated on your back, and then they flip you over for the surgery and flip you back when you’re done.

[@HelloImAlexa]

@@ashleyranae09 Ohhh interesting! I mean that makes sense considering the placement of the injury -- kinda funny to think about. Anyway, thanks for clarifying for us!

[@brittneylancaster8750]

@@ashleyranae09 that’s what I was thinking

[@RaisingHarpers]

Thx so much for sharing your journey. I started my journey today with surgery. They told me they stick a tube in your throat due to laying on your side or stomach during surgery. It's to make sure your sirway is suffiecient. They do turn/move you. That may be why your throat felt that way. ​@HelloImAlexa