Heading into the holidays and getting emergency surgery are two things you should do your best NOT to combine. I probably could have told you that before my ruptured Achilles tendon, but now that I am 6 days post-operation, and already weaned off the opiate pain killers I recommend against injuries that need surgery, stick to light first-aid for a much more enjoyable experience.
Emergency Surgery for a Ruptured Achilles Tendon
1 day after injury
You don’t realize how much mobility is a critical part of your life until you lose it. Since my ruptured Achilles tendon, it’s hard to put into words just how exhausting it all is. I still take the daily maximum of Ibuprofen and spend 99% of my day on the couch with my leg elevated. One leg has to stay off the ground at all times. Really touching any object with that leg can send pain and fear of reinjury through me; it doesn’t always, but as Pavlov’s random response shows that is almost worse. So when I need to get up for the bathroom I use both arms and my good leg to get off the couch. Just maneuvering around the pillows and hoisting myself up onto crutches is tough.
4 days after injury
I keep the crutches to go to the bathroom, lean them on a wall while I brace myself with a hand on the sink and another on the toilet… You get the idea. Then I repeat the exercise backwards and make it to the couch trying to figure out how moving only 20 feet completely wrecks me. I half collapse from exhaustion and have to catch my breath before I can set the pillows up and finagle my way into a “comfortable” position.
I wish I could say I was exaggerating.
Seeing Life Through Limited Mobility
My injury has opened my eyes to all of the hindrances people with mobility issues face. People like my mom, who has struggled with mobility for well over a decade. But, despite her struggle, she taught me by her example. Even when she has to pause a slow walk just to catch her breath; she’s got a smirk on her face and laughs, “just leave me! I’ll make it eventually!” She takes each step in stride, even daring to try cross-country skiing on one of her recent trips to visit me in Alaska. We decided there was enough snow that if she fell she’d be okay and strapped her in. Her most furious laughter came when she did in fact fall into a few feet of snow! I tumbled in with her while trying my darndest to get her upright. It is moments like recovering from this surgery that I am grateful for all that my mom has taught me, and for reminding me that she can finally beat me in a race!
Losing the ability to walk, to navigate stairs, to carry things around the house, to have the energy to do my job; losing all of these things has forced me to slow down. I realize how fortunate I am for all of the family and friends who showed up when we needed them most. For those who continue to cook meals for us, come over to help Emmalynn when I can’t even stand enough to change a diaper; let alone keep up with her or put her to bed in her crib. I am continually saying thank you, and each time I mean it from the bottom of my heart!
1 week after injury
Grateful for Family Support
I also realize how grateful I am that Emmalynn is such a unicorn; she’s an incredible toddler with a lovely demeanor. Sure, she was telling Elizabeth “no sleep!” today before bed; but she is happy to bring a book, puzzle, or a toy to me on the couch. She even started propping her leg up like mine when we eat dinner! It’s adorable. Today she was fussy about brushing her teeth so I convinced her to come give me a hug and promptly held her upside down while Elizabeth scrubbed her pearly whites. We all laughed in a big puddle on the couch.
Post Operation Helping Brush Emmalynn’s teeth
Now that I’ve had surgery, we have more clarity and guidance. It was unnerving NOT knowing what happened or how long I would be incapacitated for. The exact recovery timeline is still unfolding but I go back to the surgeon in two weeks to get the sutures out and will have a better picture of what my 2026 will look like. I know it will be a few more weeks before I am adding any weight to my injured leg. But the main thing that I am worried about now is how I will support Elizabeth in her third trimester. What my mobility will look like when our baby arrives?
But those are worries for future Mike.
Reflections on a Ruptured Achilles Tendon
So, why did I write this? First and foremost, I find journaling to be cathartic. It helps me process what I experience, form long-lasting memories, and heal. I am writing this one to share my story of a ruptured Achilles tendon and bring levity to a difficult situation. I want to remember the joy on Emmalynn’s face when we did a puzzle on the couch. I want to remember the kindness and generosity of everyone who helped. I want to remember that no matter what happens, we will get through this, together!
Thank you again to Elizabeth and our massive community of support.
Check out more stories from me here.
