I have had both my achilles tendons operated on, the left one 9 years ago and the right in January of this year. I was up and walking the next day. Had crutches but didn't use them after the 3rd day. I had a week off work, mainly to get over the anaethestic .I do sit down nearly all day though. I did have problems though, due to the fact a stitch was left in and my ankle got infected. I also wasn't given any physio until a month ago after complaining to my GP I still had a slight pain. I think I was discharged too early from outpatients. I have been having the physio and am almost fine now.