Cast Off - Physical Therapy On

After six weeks in a cast, Robert finally got the blasted thing taken off. He is officially free of casts, God willing:). Notice how excited Robert is in this picture. Let me tell you why...from past experiences of ruptured Achilles tendons, Robert had to use a mechanism to push his foot back to 90 degrees. Initially, at the doctor's appt. Robert didn't say much. He was too busy mentally preparing himself for the pain of pushing his already TIGHT foot to 90 degrees.

When the doctor did his evaluation he determined that Robert didn't have to use the mechanism!!! What a sigh of relief! Instead, it is Robert's responsibility to bring his foot back to 90 degrees in two weeks with the assistance of me and his determination! He is still on crutches but look at the smile on his face! What a relief!



Even though Robert had a short cast on he still suffered extensive muscle atrophy in his lower limb muscles. Take a look at that chicken leg! No worries he is on the road to recovery and building muscle! Bring it on physical therapy!

Achilles Tendon Tear Part II

Robert and I have had an interesting year so far. My darling husband ruptured his left Achilles tendon this year playing soccer! Those who already know, Robert ruptured his right Achilles tendon back in 2007 playing soccer. Fortunately, this tendon tear wasn't as severe as his first tendon tear. Regardless of the severity, we still have to overcome quite a few challenges on a daily basis.





I thought this was a really cute picture. Two of my three boys are in cones and casts. Aluche developed a rash due to the nature of his dry skin. He would lick himself until he was raw. I put the cone on him and he would stay in company with Robert. I think he was angry with me:). Either way, I thought this was a really cute picture.



Robert and I are extremely fortunate and blessed because the situation could have been a lot worst! We thank God for the wonderful doctors Houston has to offer. We are thankful that we live in a one story home versus living on the third floor of an apartment complex. Finally, we are thankful that one of our cars is automatic versus having standard vehicles.

Needless to say, Robert has retired the game of soccer, again:|.

Next step, physical therapy...

Achilles Tendon Tear Part I

In 2007, Robert ruptured his Achilles tendon at the muscle. The end result was severe trauma on the muscle and the tendon. When Robert woke up from his surgery he noticed that his cast was all the way to his hip! He was in and out of a cast for more than 2 months.



After the cast comes off then comes rehab! Rehab was extremely painful and mentally challenging. Robert's cast restricted his foot at an angle greater than 100 degrees for 2 months! Part of the rehab process was to bring his foot back to 90 degrees and restrict it at that angle with another cast for an extended period of time. The pain of bringing the foot back to 90 degrees was painful to watch. I can't imagine how it felt.

Below is a picture of the little mechanism that Robert had to put his foot on and press with his body weight until he achieved a 90 degree angle. At one point, his body weight wasn't enough to bring his foot to 90 degrees. The physical therapist had to add her body weight with Robert's body weight and together they pushed down! The end result was Robert passing out due to the pain. It took Robert two weeks to bring his foot back to 90 degrees. The first week he was able to bring it to 95 degrees and the following week he was able to bring it to 90 degrees.