http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ ACL Repair Forum: Recent Posts en Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:35:05 +0000 http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-670 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:44:26 +0000 KgM 670@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Glad to see everyone seems to be doing relatively well at the moment. Find a way to ice it kickit, especially if your are on your feet a lot. My knee gets really stiff too, whether it is straight or bent for any extended period of time. I try to keep it moving as much as possible thoughout the day. Standing up all day can't be good- I feel for ya.</p> <p>I'm now 28 days post op and feel like I am having one of my best days yet. I was walking a realtively long distance (maybe 300 yards total) while at work today almost without a limp. That was a really good feeling, even had two folks comment about the lack of a limp. I think ultrsound, messaging and muscle relaxers has been the difference maker with the hami issues I was/am having. I may be speaking too soon but it seems that the pain I was having may be starting to regress.</p> <p>Still in the post op brace but no need for crutches now for a couple of weeks. I hope to get relieved of the brace at my next doc visit 8/10. I'm FEEL like I'm almost ready to get back in the gym and start doing some additional PT on my own (more than leg lifts and heel slides). My upper body is obviously bored as well. Two PT visits per week seems like not enough, even with the work I'm doing at home. I guess I am just impatient.</p> <p>I'm NOT looking forward to the 5-12 weeek mark where progress seems to stand still. I've read plenty of people mentioned this time period being that way... its tough b/c I think I feed really well off of seeing progress. I've read that at 12 weeks most people are getting ready to lightly jog- if so, is this with a functional brace? Does anyone know the scoop on the whole custom brace subject- when? pros vs cons? Helpful during 3-6 month recovery? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=127#post-669 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:23:19 +0000 KgM 669@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I've been getting ultra sound and massages on this area at therapy since this happened and it seems to be helping a lot. The doctor also prescribed muscle relaxers which may be helping as well. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-668 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:31:14 +0000 kickit023 668@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>So I am now 26 days post op. When I went to the PT on day 21 I was at 125 degree ROM with full extension still. However, I'm away for work, so I'm doing PT on my own. Unconformable my work is requiring me to be standing for long periods of time. My leg get stiff and swollen and a lot more sore than it has been recently. Very frustrating. I really wish I had my ice cooling unit, but it wouldn't fit in my suitcase. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=127#post-667 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:28:25 +0000 kickit023 667@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I had something very similar. I still do and I'm now 25 days post-op. I told my PT about it and explained it feels like I pulled my hamstring. He said since I had my hamstring used as part of the reconstruction and I could pinpoint where the pain was and he said that is where they would have taken it from, that I shouldn't be too concerned and just treat it like I would a pulled hamstring. Lots of rest. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-666 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:31:33 +0000 nightowl0903 666@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Today, I was able to go full circle in forward motion on the bike. It was only for 5 minutes and low speed (max rpm 20). But, it was a confidence builder. When I go back on Friday, I expect to go for 10 minutes. Squid and Ronek, knowing your experiences and progress gives me hope that I am not that far behind. The swelling is going down as is the pain. I am hoping to be off crutches completely in a week to 10 days.</p> <p>Thanks for your sharing your experiences.</p> <p>GLTA </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-665 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:03:28 +0000 ronek 665@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Squid is so right, Going backwards on the bike is way easier at first and it gives you the confidence to push forward. I will be three weeks tomorrow and got to 120 degrees yesterday and am biking about 15 minutes a day. I am still pretty swollen but I guess ice and time are the only constants. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-664 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:03:02 +0000 Squid Kid 664@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Nightowl,</p> <p>Have you tried going backwards on the stationary bike? When I started on a little pedal machine, my PT told me to try going backwards when I couldn't get a full rotation going forwards. He couldn't explain it either, but he said that for some people, it's just easier that way. It took a few tries before I built up the confidence to do full rotations going forwards because I thought my knee was going to explode from the pressure. When it's ready, your knee will work, and no, it won't explode. I went from a miserable 70 degree bend to 135 within a couple weeks. For some people, it just takes a little longer for the swelling to go down. Ice, stretch and do your leg lifts, as boring as they may seem. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-663 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:29:55 +0000 nightowl0903 663@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks ago today. Compared to the rest of the posters here, my progress is relatively slow. I got on the stationary bike yesterday and could only go half circle. My ROM is still limited (about 100 degrees) and I have some swelling and pain. I am not pushing it too hard with the fear that it might damage the inside. The healing from outside looks relatively good. I am hoping that ROM will be complete in a week or so. Tomorrow, I hope to go full rotation on the bike. I am not discouraged at all considering my age (56) and steady progress with therapy. I hope I can improve my ROM and gain some strength soon. Overall, I am pleased that my doctor and the gradual improvement with motion. Once the pain diminishes some more, I can go harder on the exercise routines.<br /> GLTA. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-662 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:43:32 +0000 ronek 662@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I am now 15 days post and was cleared to jump on the bike yesterday. I was able to get full rotation and rode for about 10 minutes. I am able to get to 110 degrees and can straighten the leg completely. I iced for a half hour after and it was a little sore but nothing major. Well now it has swollen up and I am now concerned it is going to keep up this pattern. Two steps forward one step back. Seems to be what is happening to most people on this thread. All I can figure out to do is stay positive and keep pushing. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=127#post-661 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:59:11 +0000 Squid Kid 661@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>KgM,<br /> I'm at 11 months post op, also with a hamstring autograft. Try not to worry too much and ice, ice, ICE! I don't know how hard the road is for someone that had the patella autograft, but the hamstring is a looooong recovery. I'm still struggling to strengthen my hamstring up. I remember feeling very uncomfortable, especially in the morning and just before bed up until about 3 months post op. I made sure to do my stretches first thing in the morning and that seemed to help loosen things up. Ask your PT for some good hammie stretches. Last month I ended up with a Moderate Hamstring Strain on my surgical leg. I rushed through my stretches before working out and suffered for it. I went to see my surgeon because I was freaked out and he told me to take it easy for a few weeks, ice and stretch. My strain was on the outside of my hamstring and he explained that he took part of my hamstring from the inside of my leg. Because that was still weak, I strained the outer part.<br /> I also remember feeling like I took a few steps backwards during my recovery. From weeks 5 to about 12, it felt like I was making absolutely no progress. It's frustrating, but you just have to stick it out and not overdo it. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=127#post-660 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:25:24 +0000 KgM 660@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I am 3 weeks post-op, off crutches, still in the post op brace. Was doing okay and then ran into a problem yesterday. My hamstring just behind my knee got very tender and swollen. And everytime I extedned my leg or “energized” my hami I would feel a horrible very localized burning sensation, very painful. It stopped me in my tracks each time it happened.</p> <p>I happen to have PT last night and they could easily see it was inflammed and very tight. They seemed a little concerned about it actually, especially since I was doing well prior. They worked on it during the entire PT. Still very painful… hopefully its nothing to worry about.</p> <p>Anyone experienced this before? It does not help mentally that I had a hamstring autograft… </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-659 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:23:03 +0000 KgM 659@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I ran into a problem yesterday. My hamstring just behind my knee got very tender and swollen. And everytime I extedned my leg or “energized” my hami I would feel a horrible very localized burning sensation, very painful. It stopped me in my tracks each time it happened.</p> <p>I happen to have PT last night and they could easily see it was inflammed and very tight. They seemed a little concerned about it actually, especially since I was doing very well prior. They worked on it during the entire PT. Still very painful… hopefully its nothing to worry about.</p> <p>Anyone experienced this before? It does not help mentally that I had a hamstring autograft… </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-658 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:12:05 +0000 nightowl0903 658@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Its day 10 PO for me now and I had a follow up visit with my doctor to remove my staples. He was going to remove every other one and he went ahead to remove all. He was pleased with the healing. He also measured my flexion which stands at 95 degrees, so he said I don't need the CPM machine any more. He wanted me to apply more pressure on the knee while bending even if it hurt. He suggested that I take valium as a muscle relaxant.<br /> Overall, he was quite pleased with the progress and wanted me to continue wearing the brace and use the crutch. My next appt is little over a month away. My goal is to reach 120 degree bend within the next week. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-657 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:10:45 +0000 KgM 657@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I was shocked when my doc said that "CPM's are a thing of the past for ACL reconstruction". From what I've read and even from freinds who have experienced this the CPM is an integral part of recovery, especially in the first few weeks. It is absolutely wild at the different approaches from the docs about this recovery.</p> <p>Yesterday my hamstring began burning like crazy. It literally feels like someone has a match lite behind my knee, particularly when I bend or extend my leg. Anyone else had this going on? It is not only painful but scary as well since I had a hamstring autograft. It has me walking all kinds of weird ways to avoid causing my hamstring to pull... not good. Today I am trying a tightly wrapped ace wrap around my hami, hoping some support will help. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-656 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:01:12 +0000 nightowl0903 656@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Every doctor is different. I started PT on day 2 (day after surgery) and today (day 9), I have full extension and 85 degrees bend. I was hoping for more at this stage, but I suppose my age has a lot to do with it. I have been using the CPM machine 6 hrs a day with setting of 100 degrees max. My doctor wants me to continue crutches for 2 weeks at least. I use one crutch although I could walk without it. The bulky leg brace makes my leg very tired especially if I walk a lot. I find it very stifling. My quads are getting stronger as I am doing more difficult exercises than before. I still use my pain meds (vicodine), otherwise its very hard to use the machine.</p> <p>Thanks everyone for the updates. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=118#post-655 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:06:54 +0000 kickit023 655@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I'm 19 days out of surgery now and was told I"m not allowed to do any kicking if I go to the pool as that kick motion is not good. I was able to take a shower 5 days after surgery.I had taken one bath, but had kept my knee out of the water. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-654 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:05:19 +0000 kickit023 654@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I cannot do any kicking in the pool, so no PT. However, he said I"m fine to swim laps, just no kicking. I love to swim, so this was good news as the breast-stroke without legs is a great upper body workout.<br /> I still struggle with the bike, as getting that fixed knee to bend that much is quite a challenge, whoever, I find usually after a few minutes it starts loosening up. It's crazy the different ways each therapist and doctor approaches an ACL injury. I showed up to PT on day 5 and was told they usually start a day earlier and that I should have started to get off the crutches. So after that I was down to one crutch for a couple of days and that was it. On Day 7, no more crutches. I still have trouble going down stairs as the leg just doesn't feel strong enough yet, but I can go upstairs. It's frustrating because I just want it to be done. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-653 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:31:58 +0000 KgM 653@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Welcome kickit. I'm jealous of your recovery already! Just yesterday I got on the stationary bike for the first time and it was a challenge. It sounds like you are doing very well. </p> <p>I've inquired about the pool as well. Has the pool for you been cleared for summertime lounging or have they recommended it as a form of PT? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-652 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0000 kickit023 652@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I had surgery 7/2/10. I'm 35 and was playing soccer twice a week on two competitive soccer teams. I had a complete tear of my ACL and had a allograft &#38; autograph (cadaver and hamstring). I am now 18 days out and have 0-120 degree range of motion. Today is a tough day though. It's a lot more sore than it was yesterday, but yesterday I did do a pretty long PT session. I've been cleared to do flat service biking and was told today by my doctor I can enjoy the pool, just no kicking. What's interesting is to hear how different each person's experience is and how different instructions from doctor's are. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-651 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:15:54 +0000 ronek 651@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>There are a lot of different protoclols regarding the use of a brace. I just met with my surgeon this morning to remove the staples and he was really encouraged by my range of motion and progression in the last 12 days. I am happy that he choses not to brace most of his patients post op but I guess you have to dance with the one that brought you. I was braced for my first ACL and was miserable for six weeks and I recall the atrophy I had to deal with. Not so bad this time around, but the road is long. Great to hear about your progress so I can benchmark my own recovery. Good luck and look forward to hearing more. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=114#post-650 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:59:22 +0000 nightowl0903 650@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I made a typo when entering my age. I am actually 56 instead of 58 which makes me feel you might retract your statement. lol. I have abused my knees for many years playing, and running on hard surfaces and not taking precautions. I played competitive soccer in college and re-discovered my love for the game 4-5 years ago when a friend asked me to practice because they were short a defensive player for a tournament. I did and the rest as they is history. I kept playing against younger players and some very skilled. Last December, I blocked a close range goal attempt with a header and i had a mild concussion. I was carried off the field and didn't return. I played one more match after that and it might have been my final soccer match. I jog, and play tennis year round. I tore my ACL partially playing tennis in early May and it made my knee unstable. It resulted in an awkward landing coming down the stairs one night in late May which tore my meniscus pretty badly. It was very painful and made me regret my cavalier attitude toward life over the years. After consulting with couple of surgeons, I decided to go ahead and get the procedure done. I hope, in the end it all pays off. I am willing to endure the pain in the mean time. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=114#post-649 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:35:13 +0000 KgM 649@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Glad to hear all is going well. Most of my details are in the other forum topic we are chatting in. You can't ever go wrong with trusting your doctor! After all, if we don't trust them then we are all in a world of hurt!</p> <p>You are my hero playing soccer at 58! I played soccer for 13 years when i was younger and loved it. Now I'm so out of shape (compared to the old days) its almost embarressing. Hopefully I'll be able to get it all back in shape during this recovery. </p> <p>However, my primary goals are golf and snow skiing... 6 months from now: Colorado here I come! (hopefully) </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-648 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:59 +0000 KgM 648@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the responses ronek and nightowl. We are definately all in the same boat. I am 28 year old and I had a hami autograft. It seems the allograft is more proinent from what I've read on this site.</p> <p>I guess I am with yall as well in regards to pushing hard for rehab and the "no pain no gain" attitude. I am ahead of you both by 1 week and 2 weeks post op so it will be good to try to ensure I am keeping up with you both in regards to progress. My ROM seems to be pretty good (I need to get it measured tonight at PT) at just under three weeks post op and my mobility is steadily improving. I have a slight limp but not too bad. I work during the day (sales desk job for oil and gas) so I am unable to rehab and ice until I get home at night. But I typically hit it pretty for a couple hours while watching TV at night when I'm not at PT (2 or 3 per week).</p> <p>Lots of varying instructions from surgeons it seems in reading about people's treatment. Some folks are incouraged to stay on srutches for weeks while I was encouraged to get off ASAP. I went down to one crutch after about 5 or 6 days and without any for the first time 12 days post op. Also, varying dr. theories of post op support as well. Some people do not have to wear a post op brace at all while I am stuck in one for a minimum 6 weeks. What about you guys? I keep wondering if I would be screwing up to stop wearing it? The brace and I are not exactly friends. Maybe if it weren't so huge I could deal a little better... I guess I just like bitching about it.</p> <p>Look forward to more posts... take care. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=119#post-647 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:31:26 +0000 jagcat 647@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>From what I've read, yes that's a risk I'm willing to take right now. I've also researched where the outcome is better if you get the scar tissue removed sooner rather than later, as is the case with you. I'm only 3+ months post-op and I should be starting to jog but that's not happening. I can't even walk without feeling the impingement. I'm hoping this resolves the issue. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=118#post-646 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:24:28 +0000 chicago Real Estate 646@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>They make waterproof bandages....look at your local drug store. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=16#post-645 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:23:05 +0000 chicago Real Estate 645@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>You should ask your doctor about resuming exercise after surgery.</p> <p>Common sense tells me that you should avoid increasing abdominal pressure for some time. Therefore, you really need to avoid poses like cobra (bhujangasana), locust (shalabhasana) and bow (danurasana). Be careful with forward bending, too. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=119#post-644 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:21:43 +0000 chicago Real Estate 644@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>i had scar tissue removed 2 yrs after my 1st surgery and it was a mistake for me. it helped pain for about 2 months but then it filled more where the 1st scar tissue was plus it made more scars from the surgery to take it out. now i have all the 1st scar tissue back plus more pressing nerves where it was good before that surgery. if i could i would go back to not to do it. sad </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=76#post-643 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:20:24 +0000 chicago Real Estate 643@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Although we can't supply the names of vulvovaginal specialist you might try calling some of the larger hospitals in your area and ask their Gyn dept. if they can recommend someone who specializes in vulvovaginal pain. Check your phone book for doctors who treat vestibulitis call them and ask if they have experience whith this condition. Hope this helps. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=114#post-642 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:06:07 +0000 nightowl0903 642@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for your input, but its a bit too late. I had ACL reconstruction surgery with allograft and significant removal of meniscus on 7-13-10. The doc said that although the ACL had not ruptured, it had stretched beyond the point of restoring and healing to its original strength. So, he went ahead and replaced it with achilles tendon. This was the 2nd doctor and the first one said unequivocally that ACL reconstruction with my own hamstring was the only choice.</p> <p>I'm on day 7 now and walking without a crutch and drove today for 15 mins. My doctor assures me that my knee will stronger than ever and I should be able to play tennis or soccer in six months.</p> <p>I trusted his judgment and so far happy with my decision. I talked to another patient of his who had the same procedure done 2 years ago. She is very happy with the outcome. She is much younger than me (may be 40 or so). Did you use autograft or allograft? When did you have the surgery? How is the recovery so far?</p> <p>TIA. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-641 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:44:57 +0000 nightowl0903 641@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I had my ACL reconstruction on 7-13-10 with allograft. I also had significant removal of meniscus and shaving of cartlidge tissues. Today I walked without a crutch for the first time and drove my car for about 15 mins. I can walk with a limp and I'm extremely careful with steps or slope. I had 4 sessions of PT already. The pain is beginning to dissipate slowly. I am working hard to build my quads. My extension is almost full and I can bend about 92 degrees. I am happy with my progress. So, for those just starting the rehab process, cheer up. Things do improve and if its a slow progress, don't despair. It will be well worth the wait. Thats how I'm approaching this. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-640 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:24:01 +0000 ronek 640@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Kgm-</p> <p>I had my ACL repaired on my left knee on July 8th, so as of today I am 11 days post op. This is the second time I have had my ACL repaired on this knee. I feel like I am pretty lucky as of right now. Besides the repair my surgeon did a small meniscus repair, took out some bone spurs and removed a screw from my previous surgery. As they had previously used my patella tendon I had an allograph this thime around.</p> <p>I have had two rehab sessions and can straighten my knee completely and bend it to 100 degrees as of this morning. I can walk with a limp as of now but have been utilizing one crutch throughtout the day as my leg gets tired. I use that cryocuff like crazy and have been icing about 4-6 hours a day with 30 on 30 off, I usually go to sleep with it on and it has really been a help. I finally get the staples out tomorrow.</p> <p>Since I have been through this before, though a while ago, I know that quad strenghth and straitening your leg are the two most important pieces, and yes it hurts! Keep working, it will get better.....yet slowly. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=126#post-639 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:55:02 +0000 KgM 639@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Anyone else have a similar surgery date? It's great to hear the stories and suggestions of those who have been here before. It would also be cool to track progress with someone with a close repair date.</p> <p>I look forward to hearing back and venting with a fellow gimp... </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=125#post-638 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:37:08 +0000 KgM 638@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>This seems consistent to treatment I have received before. The cortisone will hide the pain fairly well, so wait to see if the pain comes back after a few weeks when it has worn off. You may want to keep your knee compressed as if treating a sprain for support and to keep swelling down. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=125#post-637 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:06:46 +0000 Texas1661 637@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I’m 7 months post-op (patellar tendon autograft) and jogging along when suddenly my knee buckles and every additional step I feel joint instability. The days following my knee continues to buckle and I have a sharp pain in my shin. My Ortho says the ACL seems intact but I may have torn my meniscus or scar tissue may be impeding the joint. The Ortho gave me a shot of cortisone to reduce the swelling and told me to come back in 2 weeks for a closer look. Does this seem like an appropriate response by my Ortho? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=124#post-636 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:40:42 +0000 jojo915 636@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I started in PT two days after the surgery, but wasn't going regularly (3x/week) until about 10 days-2 weeks out I think. The first week or so I was doing lots of straight leg raises whil laying on my back as well as on each side. Also, quad sets where you just try to tighten your quad muscles and hold it. And calf raises. And wall slides. And I think that was pretty much it for the first week... hope that helps! </p>