Firstly, thank you all for your kind comments about the injury. Honestly, I was overwhelmed.
To answer some questions in bulk – yes, that was a deer staring at me. Can’t you see it grinning? Yes, the demi-john is full of gin (summer fruits mix). Yes, my legs are scary – however they have beaten Kriss Akabusi (on one occasion!)
This is the last post about the injury except perhaps to update on progress every now and again. I’ll get back to the outdoors posts -from indoors (if you see what I mean) next time.
The treatment plan is to keep the foot in plaster for 2-weeks. It’s got to be elevated at all times and no pressure on the foot. The foot was angled downwards with toes pointing to the floor before the plaster was put on (that smarted) so it’s almost impossible to put the foot down anyway.
Every two weeks the foot will be lifted, re-positioned (looking forward to that) and re-plastered until on the sixth week it will be in its normal position. At this time or shortly after it should be able to bear weight and then the physiotherapy can be started.
I found a Mountain Bike forum which charted the same injury for two of its members and found some very useful information. The worst fear is a re-rupture, which actually happened to one of the members. Unfortunately, this is a pretty common occurrence. The message put across was not to rush things, take it easy and don’t start your activity too soon. It’s only after 9 months (!) that you can safely carry out intensive activity. I think wandering in the woods won’t count as intensive activity, but I’m still going to have to be extremely careful walking up hills on uneven ground, carrying weight and of course slipping and stumbling.
The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body. It is prone to damage because of the stresses and strains put on it. I’m not surprised if my previous years of intensive track and field competition haven’t weakened it somewhat. Unfortunately, this is an injury which probably takes the longest time to heal.
So what have I been doing? As the swelling subsided, the pain got a bit worse, but it seems ok now. I don’t really like taking tablets but found that Paracetamol and Ibrobrufen taken together is a very effective pain-killer (as recommended by the hospital.)
I’ve started to exercise the rest of my body (no use letting the rest of it waste away) but no ‘shrafting projects as yet except the odd bit of knife sharpening. I’ve been looking at leather work stuff, but I’m not sure how to go about it. I’m going to have to seek advice from the leatherwork gurus on the forums.
Getting around is a pain but already I’ve adapted by thinking like you do in the outdoors. The key is to be organised. I’ve got a shoulder bag to put all the things I normally leave laying about the house (phone, book, pipe, lighter, sweets.) I also make a flask of tea in the morning (saves spilling cups when hopping about!) Mrs P didn’t allow me to set up a Trangia in the lounge. Lunchtime sandwiches are also stored in the shoulder bag.
I can see this is injury is going to be expensive. I’ve already bought knife on Ebay since being off. It’s just a comfort purchase to make me feel better – you know how it is 
All the best,
Pablo.
Tags: general
Welcome.
This is the home of Woodlife. You will find links to Pablos Woodlife (blog) the Woodlife Social Network (forum) and Woodlife Trails (courses) all on this page.
Well take it easy, hope you have a swift and successful recovery. Keep us updated on your Bushcraft activities be they indoors or out.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Pablo, as a much respected member we have opted to hold the November tribe meet round your gaff, just so you dont miss out.
See you there.
Hope you make speedy progress Pablo and we can find a way to get you out when you’re ready. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to popping in here to read the tutorials you’re going to write………
Hi Pablo, cannot understand why you cannot set up the trangia in the lounge???? For goodness sake be careful going on E Bay, dangerous place, you can end up spending cash. Having spent months myself laid up I know the frustration you must feel. Take it easy though and hang in there. Plan future projects. Keep us all posted on how you are doing. Dawn
Hi Pablo.
Yep, us mountain bikers (or Ex-MBR’s) have our uses some times. Like I said thats how I ripped mine out. Dont forget the ankle support for later and DO AS YOU ARE TOLD, TAKE IT EASY. If you push it you will regret it, make sure it heals fully.
All the very best mate and look after yourself.
Mind you, can we expect a post every day now?
your loss our gain. 
By the by Pablo, I have some photos over on my blog pages. They are down loaded from actual photos so it may be easier to double left click to view them better. Please feel free to drop in. Dawn.
Sounds like you’re trying to speed up the healing through retail therapy. I though that only worked for women!!?
Maybe you could include some training sessions through setting up the trangia in the lounge after all, thereby being chased all over the house by Mrs.P?
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you a very speedy recovery.
Pablo, you have all of my best wishes for a complete and rapid recovery. May your glass ever be full.
Karl, maybe Pablo is trying to get in touch with his feminine side by indulging in retail therapy!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????
heres hoping for speedy recovery mate drew
Haven’t been in the blog lately, it was a shock to know about the accident. I wish you a fast recovery, and good shopping on the web.
Wishing you all the best and speedy recovery.
BTW, Ebay is addictive but can be a good source for gear.
Have a speedy recovery Pablo
very nice knife…perhaps a few additions to the sheath would be a usefull project..firesteel..maybe..
Hi Pablo sorry to hear about your ankle. Hope your back on your feet soon. Pardon the pun.
Sean
hey Pablo….ouch! Just had some new kit arrive today and I though of Woodlife when I saw it. So there is a bit of bling in the post to you to cheer you up! It will save you having to get up to switch the light on…..
Watch the Paracetamol it can be bad for the liver especially when taken with alcohol. Good luck get better soon.