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[Ceno]

My problem isn't an injury. I have what is called spastic paraplegia. Basically my calf muscles have contracted to the point that I can no longer walk flat on the ground. I had recently began treatment with botox injections and splinting. Now it has only been about 5 days since I've been wearing the splints. I have them on between 6-8 hrs a day. (usually when I sleep). So far I haven't noticed anything. No pain or discomfort, no feeling that the splint or injections are working at all. I understand that it takes time for things to happen but I have my doubts whether it's going to work.

The other alternative would be sugery via tendon lengthening. Now the actual procedure I'm not worried about. I was told by a specialist that it will stretch me out. The problem lies in cosmetic changes. I'm worried that if it comes down to needing surgery, what my legs will look like when it's done. I'm worried that I will have these scrawny legs with tiny contracted muscles near the tops of my calfs. Will my muscles actually elongate or return to normal size again? The 2 types of surgeries I've found were achilles tendon lengthening and something called Gastrocnemius Recession. (I'm not sure exactly what the latter involves as I was unable to find alot of information about it.)

I tried to search the internet for "before & after" photos from common surgeries and it's not as easy as I thought. Of the few I did find I was not overly happy what I saw. It was even more difficult to find information on the surgery itself. Most of what I found was written in a way that you'd need to be a doctor to understand it.

I need to find some real information on this procedure that is actually understandable by the common person. I want to make sure I know exactly how this surgery works, what the outcomes will be, cosmetic and functional etc. I know I could probably get some information from the surgeon that does this procedure but I would like to do my own research at home as well. If anyone here might have some insight on this procedure I would be very appreciated to read your comments. Thanks.

Edited by Ceno, 26 March 2007 - 05:44 AM.

[Ceno]

Update:

Well after trying botox and splinting to stretch my right ankle tendon for 2 1/2 months I haven't noticed any change. I was told it could take 7 months or more but I just don't have that kind of time. Not to mention one splint alone is $375/mo rental. 6-8 hours a day stretching is an obscene amount of time which I just don't have after work and anything else I need to do during the day.

I've set up my surgery date for mid July or end of August depending when my surgeon goes on holidays. After my appointment I had today he is very confident it will turn out just fine. There is 6 months in between each operation so I've decided to get my right ankle done first. (been contracted for almost 8 years.). My left ankle has only been contracted for 2 1/2 yrs. During that time I'm going to splint my left leg and if all goes well with stretching I might not need surgery on my left.

I suppose the only thing I'm not looking forward to is all the time in a cast. 6 weeks and then I'll be in a boot brace for however long needed so I can walk. I'm a little nervous but at the same time hopeful that I will be able to walk normally again. I haven't walked flat on the ground for almost a decade, I'm excited to know I'll be able to soon

Edited by Ceno, 07 June 2007 - 06:39 AM.