Hannah’s Achilles Recovery

Hi folks,

As many of you know, I ruptured my achilles a few weeks ago - the longest & strongest tendon in our bodies. If you or someone you know has had this injury, then you *know* how wildly difficult it is to cope with - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually… my recovery prognosis, should all go according to plan, is: 12 weeks of transitioning slowly back to full weight bearing/walking and using regular shoes with a heel lift. Plus, 12 weeks until I can drive (it’s my right foot). After that, the average recovery period (close to 95% return to strength & mobility) with intensive PT, is roughly 9-12 months.

One of the hardest parts about this injury is that I do not have a choice in asking for help. I am currently in my total-non-weight-bearing phase (2+ weeks). I live up a flight and a half of (outside) stairs. Things like laundry, taking the garbage out, and vacuuming have to be done by others. Things like showering and navigating my tiny apartment have all the sudden become incredibly inaccessible and draining. If you know me, you know a Summer without bicycling will be devastating. But, I should be able to swim in a month or so depending on wound healing, so that is a joy I am looking forward to. My view of ableism is forever changed and has humbled me. This injury has already changed me in ways I could not fathom. I have felt deep love & care from so many. I am filled with gratitude every day, and it has also been a rollercoaster, to say the least. The cost of copays, deductibles (thanks American medical system) has been draining to my bank account, let alone the accumulation of assistive devices & supplies I’ve had to acquire along the way.

I had my surgery yesterday to repair the 5cm gap (space between the achilles rupture). So far, so good. However, yesterday I experienced a rather abrupt & unexpected loss of support. I won’t go into too many details, but this support person was unfortunately my primary appointment person, since I can’t drive. I live in West Seattle and my orthopedic appointments are in Ballard/Wallingford. A Lyft or Uber is $100 round trip, minimum. My PT, while closer in proximity, will be around $85/session (2x/week). Since I’ve already been feeling tapped out financially, having this loss of support was an unpleasant blow for a multitude of reasons. Thankfully I am still able to see therapy clients, as I do mostly remote work. Though I have had to pause in-person sessions and have lost a decent amount of income in the process.

So, here I am humbly widening my radius of asking for help. I understand money is tight for most, but literally anything will be helpful. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.

Lastly, this injury is wildly isolating, as I can’t get up and go anywhere for a while. I’ve noticed it activating some COVID isolation “PTSD.” That being said, even if it’s been a while, please feel free to reach out and catch up - whether or not you are able to contribute. This of course is all happening on the wake of my birthday and Summer - yay! While I am working to get creative & make the best of it, this adds an extra sting.

With deep gratitude,

Hannah