Today I have been given the OK to get back on the exercise bike - albeit at minimal resistance and for short periods. Everyone seems to be amazed at the speed of my recovery, me most of all. It is only 4 weeks ago today that they took the plaster off.

I had a visit with the head of rehabilitation at the hospital on Friday and started formal rehab yesterday. I have also visited the Podiartry Clinic today who is also monitoring my progress. He was stunned that I could already walk (limp) in bare feet without crutches. Not advisable full time yet, but the simple fact that I can, was considered remarkable.

I ended up buying a pair of Nike shoes with the air pocket. I tried the Asics Gel shoes (thanks Tennpar) but they were too firm under the heel where I still have some swelling. One of the crutches has been discarded full time and as things stand, the other will be gone by Xmas.

Still quite a lot of inflammation from the middle of the shin height down to the heel, but even this is beginning to go down quite quickly now. Overall, I am delighted by the progress I am making and who knows, maybe the 'challenge' will be back on. After all, they have all said that getting out walking and cycling is the best form of rehab.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Tuesday 13th of December 2022 12:14:50 PM

Brilliant news, Bob.

And well done to your Spanish hospital and rehabilitation experts
Really uplifting to hear it's going so well
(Ps I didnt want to actually recommend them coz I've no idea about actual medical conditions but I love Nike Air shoes and gave found they really help for aching hips, or back, or anything where you want to reduce impact. So good choice, I reckon)

Bob in Spain wrote:

---

Today I have been given the OK to get back on the exercise bike - albeit at minimal resistance and for short periods. Everyone seems to be amazed at the speed of my recovery, me most of all. It is only 4 weeks ago today that they took the plaster off.

I had a visit with the head of rehabilitation at the hospital on Friday and started formal rehab yesterday. I have also visited the Podiartry Clinic today who is also monitoring my progress. He was stunned that I could already walk (limp) in bare feet without crutches. Not advisable full time yet, but the simple fact that I can, was considered remarkable.

I ended up buying a pair of Nike shoes with the air pocket. I tried the Asics Gel shoes (thanks Tennpar) but they were too firm under the heel where I still have some swelling. One of the crutches has been discarded full time and as things stand, the other will be gone by Xmas.

Still quite a lot of inflammation from the middle of the shin height down to the heel, but even this is beginning to go down quite quickly now. Overall, I am delighted by the progress I am making and who knows, maybe the 'challenge' will be back on. After all, they have all said that getting out walking and cycling is the best form of rehab.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Tuesday 13th of December 2022 12:14:50 PM

---

 So good to hear this news - well done on your progress and perserverance

Just had my latest check up with the surgeon. He is delighted with the progress of the achilles - as am I.

There is still a long way to go before the tendon is back to full strength, but his advice is now ...

... dump the crutches and walk, walk, walk.

For those who don't follow me on Twitter, I decided to go for my challenge after all. The doctor's advice was walk a lot and cycle a lot, so why not turn a few months rehab into a positive. In January I am support 'Andy's Man Club', a men's suicide prevention charity.

Three weeks in. Walking and gym are going well. Fallen a bit behind on the cycling but that doesn't worry me. I can still only cycle in fairly short bursts but as the weeks and months go on, I can increase the level and catch up.

Had some good news yesterday. Went back to see the surgeon for his monthly check up after the surgery. He is now happy that the tendon has healed and he doesn't need to see me again. So now it's just a case of strengthening and bringing down the remaining swelling. But all in all, my leg is well on the mend.