So sorry to hear it - wishing you a speedy recovery. Surgery always puts up warning flags to me, but I'm a baby when it comes to medical treatment. And I have no experience with that sort of injury. I know this sounds weird but I wonder if eating stewed meat (cooked with the bones) would be helpful during the healing process. Seems like I've heard that it's good to have the nutrition of bone marrow, etc. when your body is trying to heal itself. If you're a meat eater of course.

At least you were doing something fun when it happened. I've never even tried skateboarding! I hope DD will help take care of you since you were being such an excellent mom.

Oh, no! Big hugs to you, Kelly, and wishes for a speedy recovery!!

Thanks, Everyone! I'm hopefully getting a second opinion tomorrow. I have no doubt that the Orthopedist I saw yesterday believes that surgery is the right option but I've read several studies that show there is no real advantage in terms of strength and mobility in surgical vs. non-surgical approaches at the one year mark. Of course, the conservative dresser that I am translates to all other areas of my life and I want the least invasive solution. I hope I can get a pass on the fashion front. I've realized that I have two pairs of non-gear shorts that I can get over my cast! LOL! Dresses are a no go because I have to crawl up and down the stairs for now. Ah, and my shoes are going to wear unevenly now too. Arghh!

@Astrid: Thanks for sharing your experience. It gives me hope in the non-surgical approach!

Oh No, Kelly! I hope the non surgical route is a viable option for you. I missed your shoulder injury - you've had quite a time of it, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry, Kelly!!! I know how active you are. Maybe you can still do upper body weights or do boxing moves with the upper body. Sending you lots of good thoughts for a swift and complete recovery.

Bleah! How awful. Sounds like you've armed yourself with lots of information. A second opinion is good. Don't be pushed into something that does not feel right for you.

Ugh I'm so sorry. No specific advice, just be deligent in your PT.

Oh no! I am sooo soory to hear this. I think you should choose whatever you feel is best (no doublt there are varying opinions but you know yourself the best) and getting another opinion makes a lot of sense. Sending hugs and wishes for quick (as possible) healing.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry that you are injured! And sounds like you're in for a long recovery process. I wish you all the best! Thank goodness for shorts weather, huh??

Oh, kelly! I'm so sorry to hear this. I think you are being wise to get a second opinion. Please keep us posted. You are in my thoughts.

The two docs I know that ruptured their achilles went with non-invasive approach as well. One of my classmates, though, went for the surgery because he is a high-performance athlete.

I hope you feel better soon, it is a long road

I am so sorry. I hope you heal fast.
( Pain pain go away, come again another day)

Oh Kelly, this is not fun at all!
No advice on the tendon, just sending you hugs and healing thoughts!

Yuck! I'm so sorry...that's just plain rotten luck. No words of wisdom, but I think it's smart to get a second opinion. Wishing you all the best and the speediest of recoveries you can possibly have!

Oh poor dear Kelly! Good heavens, I'm so sorry. It sounds like a good idea to get a second opinion from a well respected doctor in this field. All your cute shoes will wait patiently, just take good care and follow doctors orders. Be careful crawling up and down the stairs...that can't be fun!

Ah, here's the explanation. Girl, that MAJORLY SUCKS. I am so, so, so sorry.

Oh, now I get it, and you have my sympathies! Neither choice is perfect, but I hope you can do what necessary to let it heal properly. . .

Skateboarding, huh? I was about your age when downhill skiing, and suddenly had the realization that if I went 'down', things weren't as resilient as they used to be. Later that winter I tried snowboarding, and went down with a THUD! Didn't break anything, but carried a pillow to sit on for 2-3 weeks, and definitely took some of the wind out of my sails.

Anyway, you might view skateboarding in a new light next year!

Thanks, sarah x 2! "Majorly sucks" is an understatement! On the plus side, I really liked my second Orthopedist. He was very professional and didn't try to sway me either way. He's had patients go both routes with success but admitted that the majority opt for surgery. The protocol he follows is more conservative than I would like to try but I feel like he is at least supportive of the non-surgical approach--I didn't feel bullied at all. So, today I will debut my new cast/fashion accessory for my trip to the DMV to get my temporary handicap placard! I'm going to try the grocery store too (maybe.)

I'm amazed at how tiring it is to lug myself around--I've never been on crutches. I don't know how people less fit than me manage (and I'm not even that fit anymore.) Geez. Everything takes SO much longer. Just making my coffee in the morning is an endurance event--balance to get the milk out of the fridge, slide the coffee cup down the island, plant and pivot to move it to the counter where the coffee maker is, plant and pivot to move it back to the island so I can pivot to get it to the table. Everything is like this! What an eye opening experience. And poor Davey, he's a bit traumatized too!

Thanks for reading if you got this far!

@MNSara: Yes, I felt that way with snowboarding too. Way too much work. I don't think I'll be skateboarding again. ever. But can I tell you, the skateboards these days are SO fast and flippin' smooth compared to the old days!

Am late to this thread and rushed - just sending hugs and healing love to you - at least you have strong shoulders to bear your weight as you hop around.

@Una: Lol! Just this morning, DD said I think your shoulders are getting wider, Mom!

kellygirl, we live in a third-floor unit. Clomp clomp clomp. (Once he was even able to go back to work.) His arms probably did get stronger. The muscles on his injured leg atrophied quite a bit. But you know he's back to normal now!

Oh, I just went back and read your longer post. So now I'll bitch (humorously) about how I had to help him into and out of the shower, be there to make sure he wouldn't slip when getting out (hubs bought one of these plastic things like a shower cap to keep the cast from getting wet).

My husband just said you should (or could, I would say) use your downtime to take online courses or doing something to keep you occupied. I have no idea if you even have downtime! I'm just passing it along

Lol! Does your hubs know how lucky he is? I've had to figure out how to do most of this stuff on my own. I finally have a use for the oversized jacuzzi tub in the master bath (I've been cursing that thing since we moved in 14 years ago but now find it very useful.) Our shower has a big step and no hand holds so the shower is out for me. DH is very wise--but not much down time for me yet. It's taken me all day to get my Disabled placard from the DMV, get gas, grocery shop and put stuff away. Carpool--again--in a few minutes. I also have to make time for Words with Friends, my current read and play with kitty =^^=. Maybe I will have more time next week--after I figure out how to be more quick and efficient!

Thanks, Mochi! So glad to hear the your husband is back to normal

Kelly, I am also late to the thread. I am soooo sorry to hear this. Crutches are not fun. Please keep us posted.

XXXXXOOOOOO

Thanks, Isabel. From what I've read, the crutches are going to be the easy part

Oh! So that's what happened, that's awful D: Sorry to hear about this Kelly. Definitely be diligent with the PT and your heel will thank you in the future. Sending well wishes and hugs your way!

(Poor Davey! My cat would be scarred if either of us came home with crutches, he's terrified of everything. For example: I've been home sick with a cough, and he's refusing to even be in the same room as me.)

Thanks, Aida! Fingers crossed the tendon heals okay.

I think Davey had adjusted. He's taken to dropping down and rolling onto his back every time I start walking with my crutches. He's like a big old speed bump. I'm afraid I'm going to trip over him one of these days!

Oh boy. I think that anything muscular has got to be a nightmare. Especially so close to the shoulder injury. I really am so sorry. It is hard not to feel defeated. You are a strong woman and you are in good shape. There is no real good advice, just try to get through each day. If you need anything, pls pm.

XXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOO

Hah Kelly! My cat would do that to, as that is his "attack stance". Very tricksy of him, as his soft squishy belly is soooo fun to rub, but in that pose all the pointy ends are up