Posterior tibial tendon repair/recovery time
I have a torn posterior tibial tendon. It was torn about 10 years ago. I am scheduled to have surgery Dec. 14, 2007.
The repair will include tendon transfer, bone graft, pins and possible scraping of arthritis from a joint.
I am a self employed bricklayer. My job includes heavy lifting, walking on uneven ground, climing up and down scaffold and all the other enjoyable things bricklayers get to do.
I told my surgeon I have 3 months maximum to recover from this surgery. He told me that would be a minimum but it could be done.
I am 57 years old, in very good condition and heal very fast.
Has anybody else had this surgery and returned to a labor intensive type occupation in this time frame.
From what I read this is not enough time to recover. I don't want to start working and end up more crippled than I already am.
I just can't afford anymore time off than 3 months.
I'am thinking about cancelling the surgery for now.
Comments
I had surgery to repair posterior tibialis torn tendon, 7/1/08. I am in a splint/cast, but for only 2wks. and then to go to boot for 4 wks., and then orthotics and PT.
Are all doctors the same in treatment of posterior tibialis tendon tears? I have had a sharp pain with ambulation since January and was told to just wear a soft brace and then orthotics for the past 4 months. It was not improving and actually seemed to be getting worse. I went back to doctor and found tear had increased in size and it was inside my tendon, with lumps around it.
Why is it that doctors don't do surgery, which is most successful, I think, right away instead of making the patients suffer with more pain and possible damage?
I want to know my chances for a full recovery and how long can I expect it to be? Should I stay nonwt. bearing longer than 2wks. before going partial with a boot?
I get down lying on the couch watching summer go by and wish this would have been taken care of at the beginning of my complaint, but then maybe all doctors want to treat tendon tears conservatively??
For the people that are post surgery, how is it going? Are you back to normal activities and gait normal?
I appreciate your comments and words of wisdom.
Jean
Joined: 2007-11-20