posted Jul-17-2006 10:09 PM              

I have decided to have ACL reconstruction (hamstring tendon) and go into surgery on Thursday. I was wondering if anyone out there chose to stay awake - or at least loopy and sedated, rather than the general anestesia and being put to sleep.

The marathon I had planned on running has a half marathon. This is about 5 months away... does anyone think that if I started running again in 2 months that I may have a chance to at least run in it and finish? Also, any soccer, tennis or basketball (pivot sports) players out there that can give me some idea of how long it took to get back out and play competetively? I know I must be patient, just curious.

My overall goal is to run in the marathon (Charlotte, NC - I'm in Raleigh) by December 2007 and to play in a soccer tournament in July of 2007.

Thanks and I am enjoying reading the posts.
Good inspiration!

[This message has been edited by SoccerPlayer8 (edited Jul-17-2006).]

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posted Jul-17-2006 11:43 PM            

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posted Jul-18-2006 08:29 AM               

Goodluck to u for ur surgery..i also had my acl reconstructed on june 22 06 ( hamstring tendon } I tore my acl doing taekwondo....i dont run marathons but do run on the treadmill 5 miles a day / 5days a week.Like deluxe horse hitter said i also didnt have any choice as far as sedation went ,i was also put under general anesthesia , my surgery went off pretty well ,woke up to no pain at all...was feeling really great after i woke up and thru out the day after my surgery BUT the next day was the worse,had no pain at all coz i was advised to take the pain killers prescribed around the clock but i had nausea and tht also very bad one..loll...it was from the anesthesia as it was wearing off..so as a precaution pls ask ur doc to prescribe somthing for nausea incase u need it..i also passed out in the restroom tht day....besides tht day...everything has been going grt....i have started my PT....and am really enjoying it...have already started biking...the exercises ur doc tells u to do after the surgery at home..u shud do them ..i did and the first day i went for my PT my range of motion was already upto 127....{ thts grt according to my pt..loll}abt ur running ..i am not sure if u'll b able to run in two months but then only ur PT can tell u tht...and yep u really need to b patient and take one day at a time...

U take care and pls let us know how u doing after ur surgery and how did it go.....all the best once again.

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posted Jul-18-2006 10:40 AM            

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posted Jul-18-2006 11:09 AM               

As far as running a half marathon 2 months after surgery. I would talk to your PT guys and listen to them. I highly doubt you will be able to run a half marathon in that short of time. I had my surgery on Dec 21 and it was 5 weeks after my surgery that the PT's put me on a treadmill. But, it was for only shorts periods and they had me hanging onto the rails. The PT's said they have never seen anyone recover as quickly as I have. Even with my quick recovery I wasn't even close to being able to run a half marathon. It's a slow process and you don't want to re-injure that ACL. I didn't run a half marathon until Memorial Day weekend. I think you should re-think the half marathon and wait until you have totally recovered from this surgery. Let us know how it goes.
Tell us how it went.

Hi skypenny!

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posted Jul-20-2006 12:49 PM            

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posted Jul-20-2006 05:41 PM               

Generally I'm really pleased I had the surgery done , I couldn't do any running beforehand and was constantly having problems with the knee 'slipping', same as you describe Marycrow. I think I've been quite lucky with my recovery going so well .I think someone else posted about going into surgery fitter than ever before, I just wanted to add that I was the same and I'm sure it was a major help to my recovery. The surgery itself was 'keyhole' , I had exercises given to me to start doing same day basically and my pt had me back on the exercycle after 10 days even though I was still on crutches.

Its reassuring to read that alot of people say their knee just doesnt feel the same I have been struggling with it not feeling 'right' .. I still avoid things that might reinjure it but did do a three hour hike over some pretty steep trails just recently which was fine.

Does anyone have issues with leg length discrepancy post surgery . I think it is a result of having the original injury undiagnosed and not treated for nearly two years, during that time I was still doing tri's and kept up wrestling ( which is how I injured it in the first place). I seem to have less flexibility in general in that leg , not just the knee , probably from unconsiously 'protecting' knee all the time. I find that if I dont exercise , particularly cycling , for a week or so my knee actually feels worse like it has less strength, has anyone else experienced this?

On the bright side I am running 20k a week building up to half marathon ( off road even ) in October, and don't have any problems as long as I keep it slow. Have been using the Maffetone method also on this site and 'touch wood' it works really well . Have also done alot of cycling, and have posted several PB in races over the last few months.

Good luck to you all post and pre surgery , its definetly a long grind but well worth it .

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posted Jul-22-2006 04:39 PM            

My PT keeps telling me that I'll soon experience a sharp decline in strength, mobility, and stability. She showed me a graph that illustrated a period of growth followed by a sharp decline before rebounding. Had any of you experienced this after the surgery? If so what can I expect? I feel like I'm making great progress, but when I confessed to the PT that I was not using my crutches all the time at home she freaked a little. Now she has me paranoid. LOL!!
Anyhoo, I hope all is good with everyone. You all are real spirit boosters!!!!!!!!

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posted Jul-25-2006 10:44 AM               

Skypenny! Things are great here just the normal stuff with my training. The heat and humidity are slowing me up but, before we know it fall will be here. Yep, I've got a fall marathon earmarked. I'm going to Detroit on October 29. I really didn't want to do this one but I need to re-qualify and I always run well here. I have alot of support here. My coaches biggest thing was, I know the course, it's in my hometown, I can sleep in my own bed, eat my own food and I'm familar with the weather. I have done Detroit twice before and was kinda bummed with the descion at first. I'm okay with it now. It will be fun to do my comeback race at home in the presence of my running partners and my VERY supportive husband! If I have a bad day (which I really don't think I will) I have two backup marathons (Philly or Memphis). I'm also doing a 50k trail ultra September 8. This will be used as training we walk up the hills and it's sopposed to be fun. I'm looking forward to it!!! How is your foot issue?? Keep in touch! If you want you can e-mail me, I enjoy talking to you!!

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posted Jul-25-2006 02:54 PM            

I just have a few thoughts relating to the previous replies...

I've heard of the decline in the strength of the ACL repair that was mentioned before...i've learned that it occurs when the vasculature that 'grows' after surgery (in order to repair and heal the damaged caused by such a surgery) declines, therefore decreasing the blood supply to the ACL. at this time the ACL is more vulnerable to reinjury until the muscles as well as the ligaments strengthen. Although i've heard of this, i didn't notice it in my ACL. I used crutches for about a day after surgery. Then i simply waddled around in the knee imobilizer. If i were to leave the house, i would bring the crutches just in case i felt weak or something. (luckily i wasn't too busy at the time of my surgery!!)

I had my surgery at the beginning of Jan 06, so I am almost 7 months out. A few weeks ago, i began playing basketball once a week with my college team. It's on a smaller court, so there isn't as much running involved, but consequently there is more pivoting! I've played in 3 games so far. I've found that i am unable to do everything that i could before (and believe me i knew that would happen!) For instance, i'm not strong enough to drive to the hoop, but i can shoot, run, play defense, slide...with no problems so far. After each game i ICE ICE ICE! it's sometimes sore the next day, but that's expected. I also do excercises to strengthen my quads/hamstrings and jog 3x a week when weather permits. So although i'm no where close to normal, I am happy so far with my recovery, and i'll keep you guys updated on how the season in the winter goes!

i do have one question/comment...
I had the hamstring graft, so i have a 2" scar on the inner side underneath my kneecap where they harvested the muscle. Does anyone notice that the scar aches after excercise or simply sitting in the same position for a period of time? My knee/ACL itselft feels fine, but the scar actually hurts! Any thoughts?

Thanks a bunch! And GOOD LUCK to everyone, especially those training for marathons! (something i could NEVER do! )

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posted Jul-25-2006 11:17 PM            

My PTA keeps after me to use my crutches with my brace "locked out" whenever I walk. I can hobble around without either so I asked her why it was so important and she said it had to do with proper gate and that it was important to develop it correctly. I still fudge on using the crutches and brace at home, but I don't take any chances when I'm out and about.

Every time I log on and read the post for this thread I get more and more inspired. You turn on the t.v. and see war and destruction and it can really bum you out, you log onto these forums and see that there are people striving to help one another and sharing a positive message and it lifts you up.
Anyhoo, I'll get off my soapbox for now. Tomorrow is my first follow up appointment with my doctor. I'm hoping to get my 15 staples removed, how bad is that gonna hurt?

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posted Jul-26-2006 01:35 PM            

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posted Jul-27-2006 01:45 PM               

Good luck. take the time you need; you don't want to do this twice.

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posted Jul-28-2006 03:52 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Deluxehorsehitter:
[B
A few questions:
How strong will my knee be when it's fully healed?
What should I expect as far as stability?
Once I'm able to start running again do I need to wear a protective brace?
I used to run trails and gravel roads a lot, will this be a no-no?
Will there be a time when my knee will feel like it used to?
I'm really afraid that every pain and twinge will play mind games with me, what sensations are normal on the way to recovery?

Anyhoo, thanks for all of the informative posts! You guys are truly inspiring!!!

[/B]

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I can't speak for everyone but this has been my experience:

1) My knee's pretty strong now that it has been years since it healed. Initially the knee won't be 100% shortly after recovery, rehab and healing. It takes time to regain strength but take it slow and gradually. Don't rush it. It will happen in due time most of the time. Even though the knee won't bounce back lickity split at full strength, you can make it stronger with diligence and patience. Patience is the key.

2) My knee's very stable. However, in order to maintain that stability, I'm very careful. I try very hard not to be clumsy, clutzy, accident prone, trip, fall, twist, stop-on-a-dime, step off a step or curb wrong, you get the idea. Also, I don't over do it with exercise. I exercise every other day to give the knee a rest or I'll cross-train moderatin; nothing hardcore otherwise the knee will protest, rebel and all that exercise will backfire which defeats the purpose of staying fit in the first place.

3) My OS (orthopedic surgeon) didn't give me the go-ahead for running until 6 mos-post op and even then he said, don't over do it and incorporate some walking into that routine for weeks, months if need be. Also, no killer miles and super long distances. You can still stay in shape without running/exercising yourself into the ground. I wore my custom knee brace for several weeks and eventually ditched the brace altogether. It's in storage now. I might use it for easy, flat snow skiing someday --maybe. Anyway, after running/walking/exercising, I always do the RICE thing. I ice with lots of bags of frozen peas or corn while elevating the knee, leg, foot. I do this for 30 mins while watching TV, reading, resting. Helps keep the swelling down and no swelling means more ROM (range of motion) and less pain.

4) Trails and dirt's better than asphalt/cement. My OS advised this but again, no hardcore over doing it mileage. Moderation! I don't run everyday, only every OTHER day to give the knee a rest. Unfortunately as a woman, I avoid deserted, isolated trails, parks, track and the like since I run so early in the morning. I run on asphalt in my neighborhood for a couple of easy miles and my knee's fine. Again, I don't over do it. I'm toned, fit, trim 'n slim, dropped a lot of weight, dieted wisely, drinking water all without killing my knee in the process.

5) My knee feels like the one I was born with but it didn't feel that way until a few years after post-op. Everyone's different; maybe yours will feel like your good knee sooner than mine did. Months to a year post-op was touch 'n go for me. My knee didn't feel 100% then but it does now. I think because I never over did it. I exercise but know when to stop before overuse injuries rears its ugly head.

6) No mind games here. Sometimes I had minor discomfort if I twisted or tweaked my knee suddenly but 99.9% of them I think before I attempt to move "wrong." As long as I don't rush into anything when I'm walking or running, I'm OK. I think more before I move suddenly or unwisely. Again, as long as you're careful and exercise smart w/o over doing it, you should be able to keep the pain at bay. The only time I ever had pain was when I became over ambitious and pushed the envelope. I'd run too much, run 2 days in a row, didn't rest, didn't ice when the knee hurt or swelled, stood on my feet too long, walked too much on an outing all day/part of night, or didn't take it easy when I should've. When I take care of the knee with the respect it deserves, the knee's kind to me and rewards me with no pain. When I get sloppy with my moves or over do it then the knee gets mad and it hurts but nothing excruciating. Just pain reminders to back off and cut back on any strenuous activity.

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posted Jul-28-2006 11:31 PM            

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posted Jul-29-2006 12:41 PM            

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posted Aug-01-2006 11:05 AM            

Skypenny-
How is it going with you? I'm working on my "monster quads"! Lot's of contractions for now, supposed to move up to the next level at physical therapy today.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

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posted Aug-01-2006 02:05 PM               

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posted Aug-01-2006 02:26 PM               

Are you doing a donor, hamstring or patella for your ACL? I had a cadaver and healed quickly! I have also been told that it really helped that my legs were in such excellant shape prior to the surgery.It's been 7 months since my surgery and I'm back up to running 50 miles a week. And I'm 41 years old!
Just hang in there and let us know how the surgery goes.

Hi skypenny!

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posted Aug-01-2006 04:33 PM               

I am quite impressed with the 50 miles per week! That’s quite a bit of running! How do you get that many miles in? Do you have one really long run every week?

Again, thanks for the input, and I will let you know how the surgery goes.

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posted Aug-01-2006 10:30 PM            

Keep the faith!!!

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posted Aug-02-2006 05:56 PM               

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posted Aug-05-2006 10:20 PM            

Good luck!!

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posted Aug-07-2006 02:30 PM               

I started PT 2 weeks post-op, and was riding the stationary bike the next week. The PT okayed a gentle jog at 2 months post-op. Let me say that i had a very aggressive PT and Doc. Both were very familiar with wakeboarding and running, which is what i had to get back into, ASAP. Anyway, so, it wasnt anytihng big, but I started running to and from the PT (bout 2 miles round trip-3 days a week).

My muscle density dropped dramatically in the injured leg, and here i am, nearly 3 years later, and i am still strengthening. It had a lot to do with waiting 3 months before surgery though.

OSnitro: I had the same graft as you, and I have the same scar. It aches too. The severed all the nerve endings, so I cant feel an area about 5" X 10" tot he outside of my shin, and I know exactly where they pulled the graft from because when i work it too much, I can feel it. Everyonce in awhile, especially after over doing it, it gets really tender and achey. I usually do ice and massage, and in a day or so, it feels better.

Good luck everyone!

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posted Aug-07-2006 03:26 PM            

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