Torn Achilles Tendon Surgery?

[AKL_Megs]

I am posting this for my DMom.

My DM has a torn achilles tendon and apparently, accoring to her and what her doctor has told her, her tear is so bad that she would need bone taken from her hip to make a new heel?

Has anyone ever heard of this procedure? I've been looking on Google to no avail.

My DM is in constant pain, and she has a hard time walking most days, but she is afraid to have the surgery because she doesn't want to be in a cast for "6 months". I told her she would be relieved of the pain, but she won't budge. I think she needs to do it, even if it DOES mean being in a cast for 6 months, because I hate to see her limited in how far she can walk, and in constant pain.

If anyone has any stories about surgery for a torn achilles tendon, please share so I can pass them on to my DM. Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

OUCH!!!!! This is probably one of the worst injuries ever. 6 months in a cast is pretty unrealistic but 3 months isn't. It will get to the point where she may NOT be able to do the surgery because of scaring and what not. I think maybe it would help if someone when to the orthopedic surgeon with her to get full information about the expected recovery period, write it all down so everyone has the correct information. It could be that the surgeon said 6 month recovery-which would include PT after the fact and she took that to mean 6 months in a cast.

If she does get a cast--get her one of those walker/leg rest things instead of crutches.

 

[kellyg403]

I can't tell you anything about the surgery but I can tell you about an achilles tendon tear. DH tore his about 5 years ago playing adult basketball. When speaking to the dr. it came to light that 'age' plays a very big factor in these types of surgery. DH opted to 'not' have the surgery because the age made it impossible for the dr to say/garuntee that he would be better than he would be if he healed normally.

If she is having the surgery to relieve the pain, please make sure that you both are asking the right questions to the dr. There is a possiblity that the pain will always be there, the injury will never heal as well as you hope etc. as with any surgery.

My dh is pain free with the tear healed. He does have to be careful jumping off his truck and such because now he is in a situation it could tear again. He does a scar tissue lump on the back of his heel. But he has full movement in his foot and leg.

Kelly