http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ ACL Repair Forum: Recent Posts en Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:11:18 +0000 http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=77#post-385 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:24:09 +0000 DavidMann1987 385@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>A year ago I had a complete ACL reconstruction using a cadaver's ligament. I knew that the healing time would take longer but that the chance of it lasting longer would be the benefit to it. So I opted to have the cadaver's.</p> <p>I followed all of the Doctor's orders and I went to all of my physical therapy appointments. When the PT released me (5-6 months after surgery) he told me I could return to working out normally but with limitation. I returned to my normal workout routine (squats and such - weight lifting and jogging lightly). Everything has seemed fine.</p> <p>I am now enrolling in the Sheriff's academy and it has been a full year since my ACL reconstruction. I have been running more and been trying to stay in good shape for the boot camp. My knee however has been getting pain in it every so often... the front of my knee and the back part of my leg as well.. nothing major - it does not impede any activities, and it does not look swollen at all. It seems as if it is just irritated.</p> <p>My Ortho DR that did the surgery took a look at me only 2 months ago and fully released me as well saying I was 100% recovered and my muscle balance and strength in the leg was great.</p> <p>What could be possible reasons for this pain/ache every so often - after exercise and such?? Is it just not used to it quite yet? Or is there something else possibly wrong with it?? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=76#post-384 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:59:35 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 384@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Absolutely...but confirm with your doctor or PT. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=76#post-383 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:30:20 +0000 shana 383@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I was walking in my apartment and my knee felt like it gave out. Gave out is the wrong word for it...slipped maybe is a better way to describe it. Maybe I just stretched my knee. Could this feeling also be due to the fact that the muscles surrounding my knee aren't as strong as they once were? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=76#post-382 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:22:27 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 382@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>It is possible but it should not tear easily? In other words, you would have to do something really extreme for this to happen...even at 6 weeks post op!</p> <p>What did you do to make you think you tore your new graft?</p> <p>I would see my doctor for ease of mind and he can easily tell if your knee is loose. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=76#post-381 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:01:28 +0000 shana 381@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Is it possible to retear your graft 6 weeks after surgery and not realize it since it hasn't revascularized yet? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=75#post-380 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:20:07 +0000 Peter 380@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I recommend seeing multiple surgeons in the Boston area. </p> <p>I met three surgeons. The first recommended that I research my graft choice on my own. The second recommended an allograft and the use of a CPM machine. The third recommended a patellar tendon autograft and no CPM machine, and aggressive PT beginning 2 days after the procedure. I went with the third surgeon and am very happy with my decision.</p> <p>The bottom line is that different approaches work better for different people. I went with the surgeon who seemed most experienced and very considerate of what worked best for me based on my individual goals and personality. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=75#post-379 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:50:09 +0000 Sockpuppet 379@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Hopkinton, MA </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=75#post-378 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:28:09 +0000 Peter 378@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Where do you live? </p> <p>My advice is to see multiple surgeons and discuss the different graft sources. I was surprised at the array of responses from different docs. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=75#post-377 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:33:52 +0000 Sockpuppet 377@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I am a bit over 2 weeks post injury now: tore MCL, LCL, Postereo lateral quadrant and Meniscus . Ruptured ACL. They are not sure about the integrity of the PCL. Thats the bad news. Good new is I have reached most of my pre surgical goals and I can walk and as of today drive. PT told me I could be on a bike by next week. </p> <p>I have tried very hard to remain positive (not easy) But I have (i'm told) an outstanding surgeon who understands and has experience with the surgery I need. That being said my consult isn't till march 23rd so I have little idea what my surgery and recovery will entail </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=74#post-376 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:26:05 +0000 Peter 376@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I don't know about you guys, but at 5 weeks post-op I'm starting to get stir crazy with the lack of cardio. I've been lifting weights but that's really not enough to keep me busy. </p> <p>At 5 weeks, I can't jog or run, no yoga, and I can do the exercise bike at low resistance. Some people have suggested mat-based Pilates to work on core strength. Has anyone found other ways to stay in shape?</p> <p>How about longer term? Are there any runners out there with plans for getting back into shape (or not falling out of shape)? I'm tempted to buy a racing bike for once I hit the 5-6 month mark. Does that seem reasonable? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=73#post-375 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:22:49 +0000 Trudee 375@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Sharing my story in case it helps anyone out there. Female, 41, active with karate, tri, crossfit. First time - ACL hamstring graft Dec 2003. Screw popped out front so had that removed a year after. Second time - allograft Feb 2010. MRI said bucket handle tear in meniscus folded over, but ACL looked in tact. Went in and ACL was so loose it wasn't doing anything, probably why meniscus tore, had to widen old tunnels and added a new one. 30% meniscus removed, couldn't repair it. Allograft because of my age, not healthy knees, lots of scarring.</p> <p>PREOP - bought super big sweats (it was snowing) and soft shorts a size bigger than usual. Remembered from the last time that the brace goes almost up to my groin (I'm short). </p> <p>DAY 1 - Had a nerve block, lasted a little less that 24 hours, so was pretty good, didn't even feel like I needed pain pills. Took a Percocet every 4-6 hours because I knew the nerve block would wear off. Took a half an antinausea pill every 8 hrs. Could flex the quad and lift leg. Constant ice, no CPM. Parked on couch. </p> <p>DAY 2 - Nerve block wore off! One Percocet every 4 hours to keep the pain at a level 4/5. Took half hour to kick in, could tell last half hour when it was wearing off. Took colace to keep things moving. Loved my baggy shorts because pain pills were giving me a tummy ache. Could barely flex quad, couldn't lift leg. Constant ice on couch.</p> <p>DAY 3 - changed dressings, thought I could work on the couch with my laptop on my lap but very dizzy from pain pills and couldn't think at all or even comprehend emails I was reading. until day 4. Pain was definitely better then Day 2, maybe a 3/4 with Percocet. Switched to Tylenol at midnight so I could work. Dr said no ibuprofen. Pain was definitely higher, 5/6ish, hard to sleep. Started doing 3 sets of 10, quad flex, extensions, leg lifts, wall slides. Constant ice on couch. Took a bath in a couple inches water with leg wrapped in saran wrap propped on edge of tub, didn't feel like I could stand up for a shower.</p> <p>DAY 4 - added Advil in between Tylenol doses. Worked on couch with laptop on my lap. Still doing exercises. Pretty good day. Able to eat at the table (got off the couch!). Took a bath with knee bent a little so it didn't get wet.</p> <p>DAY 5 - worked at table with leg on chair and ice machine. Slept in my bed with ice machine. I took off my ACE bandage and used only a TED hose, big mistake, woke up with leg throbbing, put back on ACE bandage. Did exercises. Took a bath again, did my wall slides in the tub :)</p> <p>DAY 6 - dumb move, thought I could drive (left leg ACL). I could get in the car. Tested it going a mile each way and it was tough but okay, then did a 15 mile drive (taking my son to practice). Had to drive home, ended up crying because of pain (from leg hanging down while seated). Back to Percocet and cried until it kicked in. Did exercises pre adventure, then stopped. Back on the couch, no bath, just survival.</p> <p>DAY 7 - back to Tylenol/Advil at 3am. Working at my desk with ice machine today. Back to exercises. Can bear more weight on crutches. Pain about a 3. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-374 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:20:09 +0000 Peter 374@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Mike, I know you're frustruated with your progress but it sounds like you're improving significantly. If it makes you feel better, take comfort in the fact that you're still moving up the curve so to speak. I've temporarily plateaued at the moment; I worked hard on the flexion/extension in the beginning and now have to maintain the status quo for a month until the graft heals more, at which point I can accellerate strength training. Unfortunately, without any measurable improvement physically it is difficult to maintain a good attitude. </p> <p>Good luck with the streets in Boston today. It was messy in NYC. I'm trying to not think about the missed opportunity to snowboard in VT this weekend . . . grrrr. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-373 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:25:08 +0000 MikeM 373@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Hello all,</p> <p>I am glad to hear that everyone is going so well. Here is my update. I am almost 5 weeks out and have pt twice a week. I am still in a locked brace, but think I can ditch the crutches. I live in Boston, so there is a lot of city crutching around. I use them so people get out of my way and so I get a seat on the subway. My ROM is hovering at 100 and my extension is very good. My knee is still pretty swollen, but the swelling in the leg is almost gone. I still, however, have a lot of pain. I can tell if I have been out and about. I have to say, I am getting a little frustrated, but know that, overall, I am on the downhill (and this was a ski injury) from where I started. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-372 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:03:22 +0000 Peter 372@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the info. Perhaps I can be somewhat more liberal with walking down the stairs and in general. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-371 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:58:54 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 371@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>No, not wedding style anymore. I should have stated this but I have going down the stairs normally for a week now. Up has never been a problem ever since my flexion was over 90-100 degrees. My gait is not 100% normal yet because I am still guarded on the extension. My dr says this is mostly just because I have been conditioned to walk like this pre op. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-370 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:56:15 +0000 snowman24 370@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>im like 6 weeks out. ive been going up and down stairs not using the handrail for about 4 weeks already. ive been walking with no limp for about 2 or 3 weeks. also i do the bike on 13 resistance for about 15 mins, is this too much becuase i wasnt told to do it at a low resistance becuase im doing my pt at home to save visits for when i can run and such </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-369 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:30:37 +0000 Peter 369@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I think the numbness in the knee is just a typical consequence of surgery. I had my left orbital repaired about 6 years ago and still have some numbness in my face. Not a big deal at all and it's worn off a bit. </p> <p>As for the stairs, are you going up/down "wedding style"? How is everyone walking without crutches? I really want to get back to my normal gait but the quad feels weak . . . </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-368 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:06:44 +0000 shana 368@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I will be 4 weeks out this Thursday. Last time the PT checked I was at -2 to 120 ROM. My goal is to get to<br /> -3 to 135 ROM. My doctor had very specific instructions to not let me start on the bike until week 5. Right now I am doing isometric strengthening.</p> <p>I've been off crutches for 1.5 weeks now and am still in the large ACL brace, scheduled to begin using the smaller one in about a week.</p> <p>I still have numbness at the main incision site (allograft). </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-367 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:42:56 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 367@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Resistance is still fairly light to moderate and I was told to get to my target heart rate and stay there. It is boring at times but my knee always feels great when I finish. Also, have been doing weighted sled squats but my PT has been limiting my range to 60 degrees to protect the new acl. The thing that really amazes me is that I can go up and down stairs with zero handrail support and no pain.</p> <p>Yeah, I have the numbness too on the lateral side of the incision...no big deal though. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-366 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:58:25 +0000 Peter 366@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>At what level of resistance do you ride the stationary bike? An hour sounds great but I want to get the heart beating again - unfortunately they've limited me to low speed/low resistance. </p> <p>As for tightness in the patella tendon - no, I haven't felt anything unusual. However, I do have numbness around the graft site. I don't expect this to change for at least 12 months, if at all. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-365 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:51:32 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 365@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Your progress is very similar to mine and I am 5 weeks post op (left knee ipsilateral B-PT-B auto):</p> <p>--My ROM is -1 to 125.<br /> --I have been off crutches completely since day 10 but I live in Phoenix, AZ...population is very spread out.<br /> --I have been riding the stationary bike for three weeks now...about an hour each day.<br /> --The heat is mostly gone but it is still slightly present and my doctor said this is part of the metabolic healing process.</p> <p>Did you, or do you still have, tightness in the graft-side patella tendon area? I still a little tightness on the lateral side of the tendon. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=72#post-364 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:23:12 +0000 Peter 364@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Hey everyone, I'm 4 weeks out tomorrow (B-PT-B autograft) and here's where I am with recovery: </p> <p>- I can bend to 120 degrees<br /> - I can walk without the crutches (still use one as a deterrent because I live in NYC). I still have a slight bend in the leg and we're working on that in PT.<br /> - Doc advised me that the primary goal is to "get the heat out" of the right knee.<br /> - I'm cleared to return to the gym for weight training and mild cardio on the exercise bike. </p> <p>How is everyone doing? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-363 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:43:11 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 363@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Numbness around and to the lateral side of the incision is very normal and expected. The subcutaneous nerves (also called superficial nerves) are severed during the incision. It may or may not go away with time...like months to years. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-362 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:10:28 +0000 shana 362@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I am numbe around my incision site even though I had an allograft. My therapist is stretching me and I do stretch every day as well. I have my one month post-op visit this Wednesday so I will mention it to him then. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=45#post-361 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:43:42 +0000 Dafco 361@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Hi Doug and wpgirlpr, I hope you are both doing well post-op . I am so sorry that I did not read you posts earlier. I wish we received email when someone wrote. I have not visited this site for some time now. I am back to work full time so I am not at the computer like I was during recovery. I am now almost 5 months post-op and my knee feels great. My doc wants me to wait one more month until I play soccer or any other cutting sports but my knee feels stable and strong with my allograft. </p> <p>DOUG- I hope you felt good with whatever decision you made re : graft. I know it must have been hard because I agonized over it for months. I went with allograft mainly because of my age and healing ( 43 y/o) but i think it's a hard decision because both auto and allografts are good options. The surgeons argue about it all the time in their conferences. Now the allografts are so much stronger than they used to be because of the way in which they are now sterilized does not breakdown the tissue very much.<br /> As far as jiu-jitsu, when you return depends on how your doc feels. At your age prob sooner than 6 months. The best way to get back to it is to of course work on obtaining full ROM esp extension, stength and balance is critical. Also, practice the jiu-jitsu moves at a less intense level</p> <p>wpgirlpr- now you are one month post-op I am sure you have full ext. I hope you are doing well! I am sure as a professional athlete they will have to work on slowing you down!</p> <p>Good luck to you both. I am am thrilled at this point abouthow my knee feels. I was not always so optimistic. If you work hard without overdoing it, you will feel the same! </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-360 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:32:06 +0000 Peter 360@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I'm numb around the graft site (also B-PT-B from the same knee). I'm about 3.5 weeks out and the only pain I experience is bending during PT. </p> <p>Shana, is your therapist stretching your hamstring? They stretch mine on both legs at the end of every other session. </p> <p>Snowman, is this a sensation in your foot? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-359 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:38:24 +0000 snowman24 359@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>i have a weird sensation at the end of my stride when i walk, does anyone else feel this too or is it just me </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-358 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:32:01 +0000 ssowada@cox.net 358@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>You should ask your doctor.</p> <p>I am 4 weeks post op and I have not had any real pain since shortly after week one post op. However, my graft was B-PT-B from the same knee...so I initially had pain in the area you described but it was because that was the location where my new ACL was harvested. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=71#post-357 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:33:01 +0000 shana 357@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I had acl repair with allograft 3 weeks ago. I have this odd pain about 3 inches below my knee and 3 inches to the right. The physical therapist says it's due to a tight hamstring muscle.</p> <p>Anyone else have that kind of pain? </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=70#post-356 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:44:50 +0000 snowman24 356@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>those look legit, i might have to buy them too lol. my ankle weights are only like 5 lbs and they are way too light for me a t this point </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=69#post-355 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:20:07 +0000 Xandr 355@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Peter -</p> <p>Yea, my insurance covers PT, but after the surgery. I've been doing stuff on my own so far. Like I said, the basics that they set you up with at the ER. But I started this week going back to the gym doing stuff. I worked on calves, hamstrings, and quads yesterday with light weight. I didn't think about wall squats, that's a good idea. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=70#post-354 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:51:58 +0000 Peter 354@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I am looking to buy some ankle weights for rehab. Any recommendations? I was looking at these:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/TKO-220AS-Individual-Rehab-Weight/dp/B0007ZF54Y/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/TKO-220AS-Individual-Rehab-Weight/dp/B0007ZF54Y/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1</a> </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=68#post-353 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:50:47 +0000 Peter 353@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>I used an Ace Neoprene brace after my injury (but before surgery). It didn't provide sufficient support. I would ask your physical therapist or doc as Mike suggested. </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=68#post-352 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:14:03 +0000 MikeM 352@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Try to get your doctor is write a script for you (if you haven't already). That would be the easiest way. If not, check out this site: <a href="http://www.braceshop.com/." rel="nofollow">http://www.braceshop.com/.</a> </p> http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=69#post-351 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:54:50 +0000 Peter 351@http://www.acl-repair.com/bbpress/ <p>Hey Xandr, welcome to the forum. I had surgery three weeks ago. </p> <p>Do you have insurance, and if so does it cover physical therapy? If so I would recommend starting PT as soon as possible. If not, I would recommend leg lifts (preferably with ankle weights) and wall squats to start out. </p>