| Author |
Topic: Coming Back after ACL Surgery ? |
srunnergirl
Member |
 posted Sep-07-2006 01:12 PM
   
Skypenny -
How soon did you get into the pool? I have my apt. with the OS tomorrow and am hoping he will give me the green light to swim (I'm still in the learning phase - can barely make one length of the pool doing the front crawl) and start taking weight lifting classes. I have a lot of difficulty with the whole "weight" issue and have terrible fears of gaining weight. I can't believe the amount of muscle I've lost in nearly 4 weeks. It's really kind of devastating. I have a very hard time looking down at my legs and NOT seeing the muscles that I worked so hard to get. Now I only see flab and cellulite. I can hardly stand to wear my shorts, which is a big reason I want to ditch the brace ASAP – so I can cover them with pants.
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niana
Member |
posted Sep-07-2006 02:52 PM
Srunner girl ,u know i am exactly like u...i had my surgery june 22..acl reconstruction....i was very very scared of gaining wt too..i have been active all my life n have never had wt gain issues...i like skypenny have hired a personal trainer at the gym....and am working out 3 days with him..upper body....which i did before the injury too...but now its like am totally focused on it..have not gained a pound since surgery...am still going for therapy 3 days a week ...and also riding the bike n doing the elliptical for like and hr every day 5 days a week.....i also felt exactly like u during the first few weeks of surgery..but u know wot..IT ONLY GET BETTER WITH TIME.....take one day at a time and do not lose hope..keep on working at it..even i feel so much flabby...am 40 yrs old...never been this flabby in my entire life....but for all of us....skypenny is such an inspiration...if she can do it.....we all can too....i read somewhere....some have success because they r destined to but most of them have success becoz they r determined to and we r one of them....
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-08-2006 10:34 AM
Hi all. I had the meniscus repair also so it is definitely a longer come-back than "just" the ACL - Regarding swimming - I think I started in the pool about a month after my surgery. I didn't really "swim" at first. Would leave my brace next to teh pool and woudl just sort of hang onto the side or onto a kick board and gently moved my leg around. (Actually, with the titanium brace I had I coudl have worn it in the pool.) Ask your doc. if you can do that. Then as I got stronger and increased ROM, I did flutter kicks using the kick board and then aqua jogging (nevr really got the hang of that - couldn't work up a sweat) - then eventually built back up to a mile of freestyle when I can make the time. But it was a long long time before I could do the breastroke. Now I am a fish again. What also helped A LOT was the jacuzzi at my club. Just putting those jets next to the injury site was really therapeuitc. Also, if your gym has a steam room - I found that to be the best environment for laying back and gently trying to get my leg bent further and further. Regarding muscle atrophy - I NEVER thought I would have a matching set of legs again. My left leg was skinny with no calf muscle. It took a while and I worked hard at it - but it's back now (I have on a short skirt today and my legs match.) But it is about 1/4 inch smaller in the thigh but you can't tell and it feels OK. Keep on going !
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srunnergirl
Member |
posted Sep-08-2006 03:17 PM
Well, just by way of update, I went to see my OS this morning. I am nearly 4 weeks post-surgery now. My ROM is 135º/2 º and I’ve stopped using both crutches and just walking with my brace. I’ve been in PT twice a week. I’ve mentioned before that my OS is pretty conservative. Anyway, he was not really happy with me today. His instructions were to NOT put weight on my leg until 3 weeks after surgery and at that point be able to bend at 90 º. My PT thought differently and had me putting as much weight as I could stand the first day of therapy. He says I am waaaay ahead of the game and that I need to slow it down. He cut me down to one day of PT. Says I can wean my leg from the brace over the next week or two, and over the next 2-3 weeks work up to riding the bike for 30 minutes. My knee is still pretty swollen and wants me to continue icing it twice a day and TO BE PATIENT. So, there’s a huge difference in doctors and how they treat the same injury. I will do my best to follow his advice, but it’s hard because it seems that other people are so much more active and using the elliptical, swim and bike for long periods of time. It’s just his opinion that a slow recovery brings better results.
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-09-2006 03:38 PM
Srunnergirl, Sounds like I should have gone to your surgeon and you should have gone to mine!! Isn't it hard to know to whom to listen? I am so looking forward to this being behind me. I did call my OS yesterday about moving my appointment from the 26th to next week. The gal in appointments listened to me very nicely about my situation and my PT's suggestion about a dynasplint. She came back on the phone with a more direct and aggressive tone of voice saying she could move my appointment forward a little bit but that I'd better work really hard between now and then. I told her to keep the appointment the same (26th) and that "for the record, I want you to know that I will work really hard and that I have been since day 1" We got to talking a bit about wanting a really good day, and then I suggested needing a nap which she decided was a definite need, but then I said I could not take one because I had to go exercise! Niana, Thank you for your great quote about those who are destined and those who are determined! Love it! It ia amazing to me how little things like that really make a difference for me right now. A friend of mine just brought over some small decorative magnetic tiles from the Hallmark store that each have a letter on them. She spelled out s-t-r-e-n-g-t-h for me to put on my fridge. Yes. It will help me make a difference. Those little reminders and motivators. I am off to do some chores around the house. I really like being crutch free. I can carry some things and do a few others (still want the boys to keep pitching in, so I don't take on too much, but it still feels great!) I hope you are all having a great day. We can do this!
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-14-2006 10:02 PM
Question: Have you experienced leg exhaustion that has lasted the whole day into the next? My PT workouts changed on Monday (and therefore my home ones, too) adding more strength along with all the others to promote ROM. However, I experienced yesterday this weird exhaustion only in my affected leg. All else felt fine, but I have been really wanting to rest. Forgot to tell my PT that this am and am now feeling it again. Should I push through this or rest?
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Deluxehorsehitter
Member |
posted Sep-15-2006 11:05 AM
Hi everyone!!Finally! Took forever to get my dsl reconnected. How is everyone doing?
I've been progressing really well. I'm up to a fast walk on the treadmill, got a new brace, had my strength tested on a cybex machine(right on track), went back to work(work at a prison and climbing lots of stairs every night). Feeling very optimistic. Everyone stay safe and healthy.
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-15-2006 11:17 PM
Deluxehorsehitter,
I am glad to read your note again. I, too, was very gald to have found this site and wanted to hear how you are progressing. I had my ACL reconstructed with hamstring graft and one meniscus repaired on 7/21. My PT told me this week (just past the 7th week) that these next few weeks the graft is at its weakest. The things he told me to watch out for are cutting movements, unpaved or uneven ground, throw rugs...anything that might tweak my knee if I stumble, etc. he told me to continue doing all my other exercises, but do not over do with running (I am far from that, since I have been crutchless only since last Thursday!), but I am walking a lot and using the recombent bike a great deal. I don't know if what he said is related to the decrease in strength yours mentioned, but maybe it does explain it. I am glad you are optimistic and able to walk fast. You are 11 days ahead of me, so that is something I will look forward to. Can I ask about your range of motion?
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Deluxehorsehitter
Member |
posted Sep-16-2006 07:27 PM
AuntFeffie-
Glad to hear from you! What a great site, huh?! I've learned so much from this link, but the peace of mind is what's best. Knowing that others have the same concerns and have been where I am now is comforting.My range of motion is normal. My measurements are "within range" and are very close to my noninjured leg. I do feel that when I stand I'm not getting full extension, but that could be in my mind. I had my strength tested and my injured leg is at 71% compared to my noninjured leg.
Your PT is right, at the stage you have at be careful of twisting or sudden stops! Wear your brace! Can't stress that enough, mine has saved me more than once. Just when you least expect it you step on a toy or into a rut in the yard and your heart skips a few beats and you see your progress flash before your eyes. LOL!
Hope all goes well for you! Stay positive and motivated and safe. Got to chase our toddler around the house now. Best wishes to everyone.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2006 09:12 AM
Hi everyone - I am so glad people found this site. I am very happy about everyone's progess. This might l encourage you - I ran 21 yesterday (slow but steady) - no lie ! I am looking to run my 5th marathon end of October - but my 1st one on a fully reconstructed knee. I wonder how my leg will hold up (that last six miles ...) I am convinced that the key is strong quads and hams. I also wanted to remind you of this - your new ACL isn't connected to your brain . Seriously. That is why you wear the brace - so your knee knows its place (literally). After I finally got my brace off - I stumbled repeatedy - looked liek a drunken sailor. So don't rush it to tak the brace off. Doc. told me that sometimes new ACL will reconnect with the brain - but it can take 2 years. In the meantime, the quads/hams support your knee and your body figures out where your knee belongs in space. Keep doing those leg lifts ! Peace and love to all.
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2006 11:22 AM
CONGRATS SKYPENNY!!!!! Awesome! You will do just fine on race day! Let us know how you do. I'm back on the injured list and sitting on the bench once again. I did not injured my knee. I had an accident on my road bike in late July and ended up fracturing my Lessor Trachnator. I had 3 weeks of doing absolutely nothing. The 3 weeks passed slowly, but I went back for my appoint and now that it's healing I am able to bike, swim and do the elliptical. I've been swimming like a fish. So no marathon for me until spring. I'm bummed but I'll really be ready by spring. I also agree with Skypenny, everyone keep doing those leg lifts!! They really do help!
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Deluxehorsehitter
Member |
posted Sep-18-2006 12:22 PM
SKYPENNY, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!!!!
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-18-2006 11:28 PM
Absolutely!! Just when I thought of slacking off "just a wee bit", I will be sure to continue those leg lifts. I did increase my mile pace to 20min per mile!! This is a 10 min per mile decrease from a week ago just off crutches! Funny in comparison to your fantastic marathon preparation, but I am so inspired by your sharing. I am determined to get back myself. Thank you for the admonishment re: the brace and those lifts. And thank you so much for starting this community, SkyPenny.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-19-2006 09:44 AM
Rojewski !!! WHAT HAPPENED !!! What is a Lessor Trachnator anyway ?? I am major league bummed out for you - you were coming back so fast and strong from the ACL and you were so psyched about your fall marathon. MAJOR BUMMER ! I have thought of you on my long runs and was looking forward to RR and comparing notes after our marathons. Are you back in PT ? The DL is a lonely place to be. But it sounds like you have a good attitude (as usual) and that you are focusing on swim/bike. I am cautiously optimisitc about my marathon - I have a very modest expectation - no PR, just a sub 5 finish on a totally reconstructed knee, with no pain. (discomfort is OK.) That last 6 miles ... scary ....Send me some good vibes and I will do the same for you. I am really sorry you are sidelined again.
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pusher7
Member |
posted Sep-19-2006 07:12 PM
The "LT" is part of the ball at the top of the hip bone; the femur.
Skypenny and Rojewski,
What a godsend! Thank you Skypenny for starting this! I've been asking the same thing, "Who out there has had ACL replacement and gone back to running?" I'm 42 and don't want to stop doing the enjoyable things in life. I run, water ski, snow ski, bike, and enjoy the outdoors and hands on things of life. It is also very important in my line of work to be able to run now and then. Reading your conversations has been great, in just one sitting!
As I said, I'm 42 for one more week. I started running in high school after school and learned to like it over many years. Now it's a part of who I am. It also keeps my body in check.
You have made it realistic goal, to be able to run again!!!!
This last May I tore my ACL and medial meniscus on the job. It was not an issue until a week later when I tried to run during a workout. WOW! I went from eight minute miles to less then ten and couldn't even get an eighth of a mile down the road. It was disappointing because I had just changed up my runs to slower than 8min at 3 and 4 miles and was working on distances of 5 and 6 miles. I would alternate distance and speed workouts and try to keep up my speed every now and again.
After a while I got around fine with the kids, and at work. It was only a miracle nothing bad happened prior to surgery date. I gave up working out and felt fine in Aug when I went in for surgery.
I got a cadaver ligament and meniscus scrape. The next day I was in PT and the day after that too. The next week I was on PT Mon, Wed, Fri. Which bring us to today.
I'm three weeks out and going insane!@!! It feels like 8 weeks.
I'm doing great. I can get full range (136), but that last ten HURT! Extension is good and only needs minimal warm up and stretch to get past zero and into negative.
I'm up and down stairs. I drive. I swim a quarter mile. I do incline leg press (PT warns me to keep it below half my body weight). I do stationary bike 20 minutes and can lower the seat to 4. I sleep without the brace. And I get around pretty much all day now without the couch pulling me in.
Daily PT is key!!!! Without it, range and strength would go down quickly or leave me limping.
My normal routine of yard work, house work (remodel, construction, decor, improvement), my real job (firefighter/paramedic), and play running and working out; is so OFF, I'm going crazy!!
It's nice to hear about the light at the end of the tunnel!!
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-20-2006 04:09 PM
SkyPenny,
Your L is located on the inside of your thigh up high in the hip area its a small bone that connects the muscle from your pelvis to your femur. I had an accident with my bike. I forgot to unclip one foot and shifted my weight to the unclipped foot and went down. I actually laughed about "well, I got that over with" (my first fall). My dr. said when I fell I twisted so hard and fast that when the muscle went to tear away it took the bone with it. After I fell I still got up dusted off, examined the small scapes on my knee and elbow and continued biking 15 more miles. I had NO PAIN until 3-4 days later and then it felt as if I strained a muscle in my upper inside thigh. The pain progressivly got worse. In order to run I was taking motrin and that would take the pain away enough for me to run. 2 weeks after my fall I ran 13 miles but, woke up the next morning hardly able to walk! I called my O.S. but they said they couldn't get me in for 3 weeks!!! I told them you don't understand!!! I ended up calling my PT and he was able to pull strings and get me in to see the O.S. 5 days later. I had a fear that I had a stress fracture, I could hardly walk and I couldn't hop on that leg at all. After an x-ray it was pretty clear what the problem was. There were tears and lots of disappointment but, I'm over it now and looking forward to a VERY strong spring. I have started spinning and I'm really enjoying that. Swimming has now become a favorite, too bad I didn't do that after my knee surgery! So I'll let you know when I have picked a spring marathon. I might go to Cleveland but, I'm also eyeing a small marathon in Athens OH. I absolutely want to hear all about your fall marathon!!!!! PLEASE!!! you could send me an e-mail personally if you want too. I enjoy talking to you. This thread is huge, we have alot of people who have joined us! Keep up the good work everyone! You all are doing great!
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-22-2006 08:32 AM
Has anyone heard of another who went through surgery for tears to the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament)? I have an acquaintence who is leaning toward surgery for these injuries but has heard that recovery is about 75%. He is leaning toward the surgery, because right now his knee is quite unstable and not strong. I thought I would ask you all.Want to let you know that I had a good PT appointment yesterday and have made some progress in my ROM! Started out the session at 3 and 114, ending the session with 2 and 117. This is quite an improvement, I think, from my last measurement. I am stiff today, but more hopeful. I do have may OS appointment on Tuesday and am glad that my husband is going with me. I will work hard until then and be sure I go there warmed up. Regardless of the "need to please", for the first time the other night, I felt like I was walking normally on the treadmill, that all the rehab I am doing is starting to work toward real function. During PT yesterday and some of the exercises (especially those leg lifts), I thought of you all on here and how hard you all are working to get back, too, the successes and the struggles, and I was motivated to continue and work very hard. Same with last night during my second session at home when I really want to go to bed. I am grateful for your sharing. I know I am slower in getting back my rom than others, and that has been a struggle for me mentally, but I am hopeful. I had a much more minor knee surgery 20 years ago and needed to have scar tissue removed 3 months later having stopped rom at 90. So I am way ahead of that. Apparently I scar quickly. I hope that I can continue making progress on my own. Thank you for sharing. Skypenny, your running sharing is actually making me thinking myself....marathon some day?! Then I slow myself down a bit and work toward my goal of 15 minute mile walking and actually do a mile. Baby steps!
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Phatdaze
Member |
posted Sep-25-2006 02:24 PM
After having ACL replacement surgery in Feb 2003, I began training for and running in marathons, finishing my first marathon in June 2005. I've posted some information that may be helpful at https://home.comcast.net/~mikeutt/wsb/index.html
After my injury, I waited 10 days before visiting a Dr. in hopes the pain and swelling would disappear, unfortunately I had completely torn my ACL and partially torn my MCL. If you are considering this surgery, consult an experienced orthopaedic knee surgeon who has worked with athletic injuries similar to yours. I'll be running my fourth marathon on Oct.1st and hope to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-25-2006 03:00 PM
Rojewski - what is you offline e-mail ? I am on the DL again - I could not even finish my 12 miler yesterday - it hurts now to walk - I swear it sounds like that thing you have. I am completely freaked out. Mayeb it's just a bad groin pull ?? I don't want to fill up the ACL post with this. (ACL by the way feels fine but I can't help wondering if all these new injuries are related to that trauma...) help ..... skyp.
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-25-2006 04:03 PM
Skypenny,NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my personal e-mail is bprojewski@sbcglobal.net
PLEASE e-mail me!!!! We can talk
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srunnergirl
Member |
posted Sep-25-2006 04:37 PM
Skypenny - My heart literally sank when I read your posting. I hope you recover fast and soon. I am thinking about you. Good luck.
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-25-2006 04:41 PM
Skypenny, I am so sad to hear about your new injury. These types of things can very well be related to previous work. Please keep the thread posted on your condition. I will be praying for you.My measurements today for my PT letter to take to the OS tomorrow are 2 and 120! I still need to get those last 2 degrees, but as least I did not go backwards. The knee felt still over the weekend. The progress I am making on my flexion encourages me that my heard work has not allowed scar tissue to build up after all. Asked my PT about the treadmill and working on speed or endurance. He said that it is still for gait only. So, I will continue to use the bike for endurance and be patient on the treadmill. I know that that is important, but I feel myself mentally becoming a rehabbing athlete rather than a patient and that makes me want to get moving!
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srunnergirl
Member |
posted Sep-26-2006 05:32 PM
I am now just over 6 weeks post surgery. Yesterday I started working out again. I did the elliptical for 20 minutes and did weights. Today I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and weights. My ROM as of last Thursday was 140 degrees. My physical therapist has told me no more stretching my knee and to strictly work on gaining my muscle back, since my OS told me I was too far ahead in my recovery process. I feel so good being able to do SOMETHING physical again. I'm going to have my husband hook my road bike up to our trainer and start using that at home also. Last weekend I met a 50 some-year-old guy that is 4 months post surgery for ACL recon. He never ran prior to surgery, but actually started running on the TM last week. I wish that was me. My OS still says no running for 6 months, and my husband was at that appointment, so anytime I bring up starting to run at 4 months I get a long, long lecture. Guess I'll see how it goes.
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kpoppers
unregistered |
posted Sep-28-2006 12:01 AM
Hey everyone,
I just found your forum and it has been extemely helpful, and I want to thankyou all!! I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus this summer. After finaly finding out the problem I had surgury on the 12 of this month (hamstring gft). I am an avid runner, and am afraid I will never be 100% again. Is this true? Being a captain of the Cross Country team it has been extremly difficult to sit out senior year  Do you think I can come back for track (sprinter) in the spring? All of your stories have given me hope, thanks and best of luck to you all!
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AuntFeffie
Member |
posted Sep-28-2006 08:57 AM
Be careful, SRunnerGirl. You are entering the weeks when your graft is at its weakest as it adjusts to becoming a ligament (so my PT and OS have told me). Reinjury can happen if you push too hard. I know it is difficult to go slowly...even SkyPenny at 5 months (if I remember correctly) injured her MCL at 5 months by going too quickly. We will be glad at the 8 month mark and beyond that we did what we could but did not let impatience push us beyond. You encourage me by your ROM and desire. KPoppers. Stay with your PT and rehab and let him/her guide you back to 100%. That may be in the spring, but don't risk reinjury. The folks on this site have great personal insight. Keep us posted on your progress, and remember that we are all different, so your PT and OS are your best source of feedback for you personally. We will give you encouragement and share our experiences. What a hard way to spend your senior year, but taking good care of yourself now will allow you to get back to sports. MY OS appointment went well on Tuesday. My focus this next month is to complete ROM and develop greater strength. No treadmill except for gait work, so running is still not an option for me, but the bike is fast becoming my very good friend. I need to keep doing those leg lifts!!!
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