Another interruption to the program...
 

After being hobbled for a week, I finally was able to find a doctor who is willing to make an appointment. Turns out I have a bone spur on the rear of my left heel that the doctor thinks is slowly tearing apart my Achilles tendon :mad: . The doctor says surgery is needed to get the spur before the tendon is severed, causing a much longer recovery time.

Any of y'all been through this? There were several aspects of the proposed job that I didn't like (warning to the squeamish - good time to switch to another post...)

The doctor proposes to "repin" the achilles tendon to the heel bone using pins. Is this necessary?

Also, the doctor proposes to have cadaver parts on hand in case the tendon needs partial replacement. How often is this necessary, and do the chances of needing this increase the longer I postpone the surgery?

Finally, since the doctor didn't know (or want to say), is there any method by which this surgery can be avoided or postponed without further damage to the tendon?

I'm just beginning research on this, but I thought this might be a useful source of prior experience.

Thanks (and Happy Easter)! :)

If you have a bone spur, then it will shred your Achilles tendon. If you want, do get a second opinion, though. Anytime you have doubts, there is always that option. It sounds like you are dealing with a very careful surgeon though, IMHO.

As to the chance of having to have partial repair of the tendon....

Best thing I can say is that it's statistically significant enough to have the parts on hand and yes, if the spur is shredding the tendon, then the damage is progressive and chronic. It will only get worse.

Hi Denver! A Happy Easter to you & yours! I hope y'all's health is better than mine. Best wishes to you and the rest of the 50+ers.

Far

Thanks, Tom - pretty much what I suspected. I've got a second opinion already scheduled (This will be only the second surgery in my life, and I'm eager to have sufficient info before deciding). The spot on the heel (and subsequent pain) prevents all exercise and any but the most slow, careful, and deliberate walking. I've already switched to shoes with no backs (commonly called "clogs") to avoid rubbing the tender heel.

Were the alternative not worse, I'd pass completely on getting older :p