I finished a 4 mile walk today profoundly grateful for being able to take a walk, climb steps, even break into a sprint if I want to – and still be able to walk the next day. 18 months ago, this was not possible.
Daily life today:
- 10000 steps a day, minimum. My hip flexors and psoas on both sides may need deep tissue release every other day, but my Achilles is rock solid. Even a couple months ago, I still needed to stretch the Achilles frequently. Not so much the case today. Though, I probably should make it more of a habit.
- No pain or stiffness walking uphill. No twinges or sudden tearing pain if I break into a sprint.
- No swelling, no more twinges, no issues with any of my shoes.
- Wellbutrin was an absolute life saver for s.a.d. – I may wean off for spring and summer, as I’m feeling like me again, but if I do, I’ll be starting it the last week of September again.
- The dog is happier.
- I am happier.
- No regrets. Well, maybe one. Not doing the surgery sooner.
Haglunds Recovery 
Thank you so much for your blog. I am in the 7th month of recovery with pain at times and swelling most of the time still and have had a minor setback in the last few weeks when I did too much, but there is hope on the horizon! I can walk 3 miles but pay the price if any elevation is involved. Still not able to wear a closed back shoe except for tennis shoes as it rubs against the swollen area where the incision is. I hope this, too, will subside. Just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement and helping me to know I have done the right thing.
I still had a good bit of pain after activity and some swelling at 7 months out as well. I remember on vacation 8 months out, I made the mistake of doing a lot of walking in flip flops and Sperrys, and distinctly remember a mini golf outing on a hilly course during which I was miserable with pain. I thought I should have been fully recovered by then! It really floored me that full recovery really proved to take a year. Even so, I was a year out in November and have seen even more improvements to flexibility in the last couple of months. Hang in there! It gets better.
Thank you so much!!! My doctor says I am ahead of the timeline, but had nothing to compare it to except for your posts. So very helpful.