Last Thursday I blew out my achilles tendon (complete rupture) playing racquetball.  Surgery set for Monday, followed by 8 weeks of immobility, then months of PT. 

In the blink of an eye, two canoe trips cancelled.  Just glad I got my "big" trip earlier this month.

Anyone have experience with this injury?  Thoughts, advice, perspective are welcome. 

prouboy

My trip partner blew out his Achilles playing flag football. His first surgery was an attempt to repair the Achilles, the surgery did not hold and he re-injured the tendon 3  months later. He then had a second surgery where the removed a tendon from his foot.

That said he was planning on going on a trip 6 months after the 1rst surgery, until he re-injured the tendon. There was nothing to indicate that he was not going to be able to go. With injury he backed out. He had the second surgery in September and he did go on the trip the next year (In late August).

He took it slow and carried a ski pole, but never used it. By the end of the trip he even carried the canoe and a pack on a couple of portages. (We single portage) The only other change he made is switching to a hiking boot, from a wet shoe.

My buddy was 32 at the time of his injury,

Sorry to hear of your injury, Mike.  Prayers as you have surgery and begin PT.

We'll be thinking of you and awaiting an update.

Sorry to hear about the injury, Mike. One of my tripping partners just had the same injury--playing racquetball--and had to cancel this year.

I have a tendonosis in one of my Achilles, and I have to be constantly aware of what I'm doing to make sure I don't have further injury. It's a pain indeed.

Best  wishes in getting back out there.

Sorry to hear the news, Mike.  I know if that ever happened to me I'd be devastated, as I'm sure you are.  I'll pray not only for the docs to fix you up right but also for you to keep a positive spirit throughout the rehab.