Knife or Scalpel, the choice is yours, but the mere utterance of the word scalpel has me reaching for my head, the thought of being scalped sends a shiver up my spine!
A little while back I wrote about an Achilles tendon issue I was having in my left foot.
This has been a longer term problem, my Achilles Heel literally, that has plagued my training, at times, and climbing on other occasions. It has certainly become worse recently.
A course of treatment using PRP injections has been moderately successful, but not fixed the problem.
As it stands presently it needs to be resolved ahead of my climbing expedition to Nepal in November for two reasons, firstly I cannot achieve the level of training I need to undertake, and secondly, and most importantly, it will compromise my climbing ability, with a potential flow on effect to others.
So the surgeon has booked me in for next Thursday to treat the affected area, by scrapping the bone, and “cleaning up” the tendon area. This involves a partial detachment of the Achilles tendon. The procedure on the right ankle is very straight forward; they simply chisel off the spurs which may have been caused by a sky diving mishap from a few years back!
You can get the download on that little misadventure in “Butt your Bum’s Broken“.
And you can see from my clinical description of the problem that I’m no medico, but I’m working on the principle that the bigger the medical words, the bigger the doctor’s bill.
In all fairness though, he could have at least waited until I had left the clinic before upgrading his vacation flight to the South of France from cattle class to first class…
But I’m digressing!
Having two legs out of action at the same time will literally see me flat out on my back for at least for a couple of weeks, before I become more mobile once again.
Whilst not ideal to have both done at the same time from a recovery perspective, it will at least give me the best chance of making the expedition to Nepal in November.
At this time I have put the expedition to the back of my mind as I need to have this resolved before giving it any more thought. Although my surgeon is confident I can recover quickly and get back to training. We are hoping for a full 4 months of intense training.
Now I know that sounds disappointing and it may not come to pass, but if it does I am simply viewing it as another step in the climb towards the world’s highest peaks. So rest assured I won’t be beating myself up about it…that would just be a waste of time and energy!
There is only one way – forward; and only one speed setting – go!
I told TomO I am buying one of those little bells you see in the Manor Houses, so I can give it a ring when I need something!
Like on Downton Abbey.
Crikey, not that I watch Downton Abbey (fair dinkum, I’ve opened a can of worms for myself, haven’t I)
I think I read about it on the back of a cereal box…(you do believe me, don’t you – no?)
Okay I watch Downton Abbey, but only every episode!
But back to TomO, his eyes rolled, and Janet chirped in with “in your dreams Baz, in your dreams”…
I’m sure they’ll take good care of me though and I’ll keep you all posted!
In the meantime, if all else fails, just remain out of control and see what develops!
This approach seems to work well for us, well mostly, broken butt’s aside!
XPLORE - Out & About 
I’m finally catching up on the news, Baz.. I was shocked to hear you’d had surgery, so had to scroll back and find out where it all began. That has got to be painful. I will read forward now…
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All good and well on the way to recovery…
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I would just like to say that I leave you alone for a few weeks and look what happens… I really should read my friends’ blogs on a more regular basis.
Now, for the humor that your post brought to mind… a friend from high school took up triathlons and ironmans a few years ago. Right out of the gate, he ruptured his Achilles tendon. The sucker just went to hell in a painful hand basket. Of course, the doctor told him it was surgery. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Gerson (pronounced kind of like Harrison) was fine with the idea of surgery. What had him completely dejected was the fact he couldn’t watch his own surgery. He finally came up with a plan B. He brought his digital camera in with him on the day of surgery and begged, threatened, or conned (I’m not sure which) the surgeon into taking photos throughout the surgery. Then he posted them on FB. 🙂 I might just be the only female who found a fileted heel to be interesting and not gross–and having known Gerson for twenty years I thought it was hilariously fitting, too. The remarks were hysterical! So was the cast up to his hip to keep his entire leg stationary because his wife ratted him out to the surgeon, telling the ortho that Gerry (not Jerry, but Harry) wouldn’t stay off of his feet even with a short cast and doctor’s orders. The college professor was outsmarted by his wife and surgeon. Sweet success. 🙂
Just remember no matter how crazy he sounds, the doctor really does know what he’s talking about. And make sure you tell Janet and TomO you love them as they try to help you out around the house!
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Well firstly, very much appreciate the team looking after me!!!
And funny you talk about pictures, because I saw the Doc yesterday and asked him did he have any TomO ad I could look at. Only ones from the endoscopy, but I was actually looking forward to seeing the achilles opened up…
Only wish I had have asked him to take a couple of shots.. Strewth, pictures that is, not drinks.
But yes, doing everything I am being told to do, too much at stake not to!
And, be good, hey! 🙂
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I wish you a speedy recovery for your surgery Thursday! I’ll be sending good vibes your way!!!
You will be back up and at it in no time!!!
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Thankyou…I’m confident!
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Baz, I love how you view a setback like this injury. You’re such a fit (and determined) man that I have no doubt you’ll be back on the mountains in no time. I hope it goes well!
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thanks for that…just another step is how I see it! I’m confident all will be well go well, as it is fairly straight forward! (fingers crossed!) 😉
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Baz, I’m a PT… Listen to your body and follow your rehab and you will be fine by November!! I’m pulling for you!
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Thank you very much for your thoughts. I’m very confident, and hard as it might be to “sit on the bench” that is exactly what I’ll be doing. I have been seeing my sport doctor for years and he has guided me through a number of injuries very successfully. I am hoping it will be right by November, but it will be what it will be, fingers crossed. And once again, thanks…! 🙂 Baz…
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Good luck Baz! Think about how nice it will be not to have to battle this nagging injury any longer!
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oh absolutely, I’m quite relaxed about it and looking forward to it…
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Ger ‘er done. I’m an arm chair climber on Mt. Everest. Every book has climbers leaving those who can’t finish….
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It often gets a bad wrap…
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I hope nothing comes between you and your dreams, I’ve been there. But if it does right now, I know it will only be a matter of time before you are back out there. Heal your cranky ankle and enjoy the short rest 🙂
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Thankyou. I’m very confident all will be well…
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That really was a brutal description! I think I have just developed a limp in sympathy for you:)) Best of luck and see you back here soon. Downton Abbey is a ‘cure all’ too…
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Thankyou…oh don’t worry, I won’t be going away! 😉
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That’s great to hear! Good luck for Thursday 🙂
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i’ll be sending good thoughts…btw…am i the only person who as never seen downtown abbey???
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Thanks BG, probably!
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Don’t worry, I’ve never seen it either. My aunty is obsessed with Downton. I didn’t realise it was so popular outside of the UK until Baz mentioned it!
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Feel better soon!
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I will, having the operation next week, and this will resolve the problem…fairly straightfoward (hopefully!) 🙂
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Fingers crossed!
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Urghhh, I feel your pain. My advice is to set some ‘down time recovery’ goals and stock up box sets! Best of luck with keeping your sanity 🙂
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Oh, don’t worry, I’m quite insane in any case, so no problems on that count…and thanks 😉
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Good luck Baz 🙂
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Thanks. I’m very confident this will resolve a long term problem that has niggled and nobled me at different times.
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I hope you have a speedy recovery
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Thankyou, having it done next Thursday….
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