I started back to work 2 weeks ago with restrictions for light duty only. No climbing, extended periods of walking, extended time standing, or lifting over 15 pounds. It's nice to be back to work and see all my wonderful co-workers, but it has been harder on my legs than I had hoped. I'm getting very frustrated at my continued limitations. I'm ready for the pain to go away and get back to my regular life.
My legs are tender to the touch and bolts of pain shoot through my legs anytime my legs get close enough to something that puts any kind of real pressure on them. Even stubbing my toe causes pain in my calves (not to mention what happens if I put my foot down with any kind of authority at all). Walking and standing the small amount that I do at work does tend to make my calves sore, especially walking the next day.
My next follow-up appointment with my doctor isn't until June 10. I'm interested in finding out if what I'm experiencing is considered normal. I'm losing patience with my recovery (or lack of it).
Hello Dawn. I hope you have fully recovered . I've been recently diagnosed with CECS and it's all still very new to me. I can't do the activities I like and am in the midst of waiting for my custom-made orthotics. The doctor hasn't recommended surgery but the numbness i have in my leg is not going away at all. I also have muscle herniation in both legs. Would like to know more about your recovery. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn. Thank you for taking the time to create this blog and for posting on this rarely posted about subject matter. I was just diagnosed with this after attempting to treat what I've been told were shin splints since high school. Basically, it hurt so bad back then, I just stopped trying to do anything, like running, at all.
ReplyDeleteOf course, now I'm overweight and would like to lose around 40 lbs. so recently, I've been trying to get back in shape and have joined a beginner's running class to see if I could learn better running skills as I had it in my head that I would love to just be able to run an entire 5k. That was my (first) goal. Then came the pain.
Finally coming across your blog and Sam's blog has helped fill in some information in a more 'user friendly' manner.
Anyway - I've been blogging about my own journey here:
http://www.gottobeme.com
http://www.getoffthecouchandfinish.com
Thank you, again.
~ H
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI am scheduled to have surgery for CECS on January 10, 2012. I also have kids ages 7 and 4 so I am worried about keeping up with them. Can you tell me how long you were on the crutches? How long do you think it will be before I can resume full care of my kids? Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.
How are you feeling now post-surgery?
ReplyDeleteI had surgery in 3 compartments in 2009. Had success and no symptoms - until this past week. Started doing a bootcamp class a month ago and am now feeling tightness in my left calf that is lasting longer and longer... thinking maybe I should contact my MD. Any folks have any experience with reoccurrence? Thanks for the blog - very helpful!
I had surgery in 2003, although the Doctor only cut open the anterior compartment. In my experiences, the surgery made my condition worse. I did not feel any relief and still struggle on a daily basis with the burning. I was a runner and miss it terribly. I converted to biking and have had some success, but still on sustained climbs I will have a full "attack" and have to stop. I really struggle to get my heart rate up anymore, b/c my legs give out beforehand. I contemplate having the surgery again every year, but I fear I could also lose biking.
DeleteOn a brighter note, I worked with a physical therapist this past year and have reduced my daily level of pain, which definitely boost overall mood and morale. She has focused on strengthening my glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core to essentially by-pass the use of my shins.
Thank you Dawn for this blog. I have been living with compartment syndrome for twelve years now. I often feel alone in the battle b/c all the literature says the surgery is highly successful. It was not successful for me and I have found very little information on what to do when the surgery does not work and is it worth trying it again. Best wishes to you.
DeleteHello Tiffany, I have also tried the surgery on both legs and it did not work. I realize it has been a long time since you made your comment but I was wondering if you ever found a solution to CECS. Thankyou, if anyone has found a solution to this problem please email me at alecwycoff@yahoo.com
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