| Author |
Topic: Coming Back after ACL Surgery ? |
skypenny
Cool Runner |
 posted Jan-24-2006 02:54 PM
  
Who out there there has had ACL replacement and gone back to running ? (I used to run a lot.) Surgery was last May - ham graft, medial meniscus repair and partial lateral menisectomy. Reinjured MCL in Sept. from coming back too fast. Now I am back on treadmill again (walk/run - short increments.) I do lots of PT and lots of cross training so still quite strong and in OK shape. But I need some encouragement - or else a reality check. Would like to get back to double digit runs on the weekends and my annual marathon. PT thinks bad idea. I have not really run any serious miles since my injury last February.(Also, I am kind of scared to run outside because I might fall and rip my leg up again....) What's your story ?
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alexg843
Member |
posted Jan-29-2006 05:38 AM
I had my ACL (achielles allo) and lateral and medial meniscus(removed) done Nov 9, 05. I also had injury to my MCL but no repair done to it. My injury happened in June in a motocross accident. I've been running since Jan 9. I've been only running no more than 20 minutes at 7-7.5 on the treadmill. I am gradually taking it up in time. I will say that I do feel my knee when I run. Its not real painful but its not like my other knee. My PT says it normal and it will pass. Also I noticed that the speed I am running seems to be the most comfortable. If I run slower or faster it hurts. I just make sure to ice it after I am done. The more I run the less I feel it over time.
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first timer
Cool Runner |
posted Jan-29-2006 06:55 AM
I had an ACL replacement on Aug 17/05 and ended up getting a blot clot in my lung and because of this started physio almost a month late. After alot of hard work I have come back to be able to run. My OS told me that running wasn't a good idea, but I decided that I would like to prove him wrong. He is not athletic, but he is into sports medicine. The icy conditions of winter really hurt. There were days that I would go out walking only to slip and hyper extend my knee. I was very frustrating! But this winter has become more mild and there has not been too much snow. Start off slow and give yourself plenty of recovery time. I was also told to make sure that I strengthened my quads for better knee stability. I recently purchased a neoprene brace from a brace specialty company. It is very snug and there are steel hinges on either side of the brace and wrap around velcro straps to keep it in place. I love to wear it running and would never run without it. My hated wearing my other ACL brace. It was too big and bulky and I had to wear it on top of my pants and it kept slipping out of place. You should look for the same type of neoprene brace that I have.http://www.kneeshop.com/neoprene.htm I also agree with alexg843, about the more running that you do the less you feel it over time. It continues to get easier, but my rest days are very important to me. Good luck to you.
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Jan-30-2006 04:23 PM
I just had an ACL replacement on Dec 21 with a cadaver ligament. My recovery has been incredible! I went into the surgery probably fitter than I have ever been and I honostly think that helped me out greatly! Anyway, post surgery my ortho and I discussed having very agressive PT. My PT's are in my orhto's office and they discussed my case prior to me getting there. Within 24 hours of surgery I had exercises sent home with me to begin bending my knee as much as was tolorable. I worked diligently on these home exercises. By 2 weeks after the surgery I thought I would go insane and was falling into a deep depression because of the lack of exercise. My PT's had me on a bike 2.5 weeks after surgery. I have been biking like crazy!! My PT has been going exceptionally well and even the PT's have been amazed at my progress! Last Wednesday which was 5 weeks post surgery I was released to the eliptical and some VERY light EASY jogging on the treadmill only until April. I only do this jogging every other day for now. I'm having some aching and the back of my knee is sore but, my PT's and dr. said this is all very normal and it will pass in time. Icing helps, I have no swelling at all. Skypenny thanks for putting me at ease prior to my surgery and so far "Yes" it was worth it!!
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Jan-31-2006 09:47 AM
Whoa! Rojewski - that is quite thecomback! You must be in yotu twenties...unlike Skypenny. Question - did you also trash your cartilege and your MCL? Were you a heavy miles runner ? How many miles are you up to now ? I am very encouraged by your recovery. I am up to 2 miles (super slow) (in addition to lots of cross traing) but maybe there is hope for me to run another marahton by next year
(PS - I am glad I encouraged you : ) )
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Jan-31-2006 11:15 AM
Hey SkyPenny, Nope I'm 40 soon to be 41 in April. Yes, I'd say I was a heavy miles runner I ran the Philly marathon with the torn ACL and yes, torn cartlidge. My knee had finally had enough at mile 19 and I walked, limped and tried to run just to make it to the finish line. I was up to 55 miles a week at that point. The ortho while in there replaced the ACL, fixed the torn cartidge and said the MCL looked fine. I'm up to 1.25 miles every other day right now and I have chosen to take it slow. I don't plan to run a marathon until MAYBE fall Detroit in October but, I know that I'm running Disney in January. I want to re-build and be strong when I run my next marathon. The first time they put me on the treadmill I was just grins from ear to ear!! Yes, I'm running slower than I normally do but, I know it will get better. I'm also cross training like a mad women!! Bike and eliptical and I throw weights in there here and there. Trust me, I have even amazed my PT's.Do you go to PT?? What do they have you doing? THey just added lateral slides to my regimin of things to do. I also went out and bought a bunch of things so I could rehab on non-rehab days. I have PT 3 days a week still until Feb. 21st and then I see my Ortho. again. Keep your chin up better days will be here before you know it. I'm just thankful that it's during the winter so by spring I'll be so ready to run outside again. Right now I'm just happy to be doing 1.25 miles!!!! If you need more cheering up let me know, I'd be happy to. Or if you want to talk or compare notes, you can always e-mail me!!!! It will get better!!!!
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Jan-31-2006 03:48 PM
That is great roejewski. I was in PT for eleven months. I started right after my injury (Feb. 05) and rehabbed my leg for surgery (May '05) then started post-op rehab 2 weeks after surgery - "graduated" in October, then reinjured my leg on the treadmill (MCL grade 1 sprain) and was back in for almost 3 months. I just graduated again. You are lucky your MCL is OK. It allegedly "heals on its own" but mine is still weak. My ACL is fine - a little stiff (I was a hamstring graft) and most of my cartilege was repaired (LUCKY ME). a little removed. I can share TONS of PT exercises with you. I think I will eventually be a better runner because of all the weights and machines I do now. Last month I started back again on the treadmill - I am up to about 30 minutes - combo walk/run as my leg allows. Not too fast. Yet. My goal was a half this March but that was before reinjury. Now I am thinking a fall marathon if my leg continues to improve like this. I will see.
Did you gain weight from not running? I gained about 7 lbs. Maybe 2 is muscle ....
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-01-2006 03:38 PM
Hey SkyPenny,
How the heck did you get your insurance to cover that much PT? My insurance only covers 60 days of PT a year. By the way how did you injury your MCL on the treadmill? My PT has me doing alot of strengthening exercises. Anyway, weight gain. This is my biggest concern!!! I have not really gained any weight yet (knock on wood). SInce I began running I lost 70 pounds and I don't want to go back to that person ever again. 7 pounds isn't bad and once you get back to a regimn it will come off. I'm a little bummed because I can't eat the way I did when I was running high miles and still losing weight. Hopefully we'll both be back and training for a marathon soon. I'm bummed because I'm missing Boston, but it will always be there. I did it last year. What kind of cross training do you do? How much time do you spend on them?
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-03-2006 11:18 AM
I have a really great insurance - Tufts - I never really needed it before the ski accident and I am very happy with the coverage. I did have some hassles with the extra PT coverage the first injury, but I'm a lawyer and I have a big mouth so I got what I needed. The reinjury was no problem getting another 10 weeks PT - because it was a whole new injury. MCL was totally severed in the accident and I think it was still healing when I started running again. In hindsight, I came back too fast - I was up to 15mpw at 5mos. post-op. Doc. said that the new ACL (hamstring) doesn't send messages to your brain for about 2 years , so your knee doesn't really know where it is - so it can twist in wierd ways (hence, the brace for pivot sports) and an already weak MCL can just give out. Still, it was a weird injury - MCL on a treadmill ?
I work out at least 5 hours a week - often more. I figure that's the equivalent of running 30-plus miles a week, in terms of time. I use weights for my arms, ab-work with a ball, leg presses (lots) and quad machine, elliptical, bike, swim - and now back on treadmill. I keep a work-out log (used ot be a running log). I started running when I was 20 years old but didn't start big miles until my 40s. Distance runnig completely changed my life. Boston was my first marathon. (2001). Dublin was my latest (2004). I was supposed to run Portland in 05, but then this happened.
Your weight loss story is great. I am always fighting ten pounds unless I am running 50-plus mieles a week. .
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-13-2006 04:02 PM
Hey SkyPenny,How are you doing?? Just thought I would check up on you.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-13-2006 04:22 PM
Hi. I am doing OK. I just had my nine month post-op check-up and doc says it looks great. In between my gym routine, I ran 7 miles this week, over 3 days, on the treadmill. I wanted to do more but made myself take it slowly. That's the most miles since the re-injury. Knee feels a little twingey but I think I am overly conscious of it. Really need to drop the extra 10 I put on after the surgery - I can feel it when I run (and when I snap my jeans. ) . How is your knee doing?
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-13-2006 04:42 PM
I am grins from ear to ear!!! My runs are getting better and better every couple of days! I did 3 miles Saturday and THis morning, I'm up for 3.5 miles tomorrow morning. Luckily I have a coach to keep me in check with my runs. If I didn't have him I know I would be going full tilt! The soreness is pretty much gone and I'm back to running without constantly thinking about my knee. This morning at the gym I ran and was watching the t.v. and listening to the music and most improtantly enjoying my run!!!!I I go to the dr. next Tuesday for another check up so we'll see where I'm at. I haven't gained any weight but I can tell things aren't fitting as well as they did when I was running higher miles.
It sounds like things are progressing well for you! Awesome!! Keep up the good work!!! You're an attorney?Soon we'll both be back on track and racing again. I can't wait!!!!
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-14-2006 10:15 AM
That's great. I am encouraged by your progress- I can't believe you only had the surgery a few montha ago. Wow. What does your coach do for you ? I wish I had a coach. I forget - what kind of graft did you have ? I sort of feel like a bionic person now that I have a reconstructed knee. Just this morning I was walking to work from the train (for months I could not do this walk - about 3/4 mile - so I really appreciate it now.) and I realized my leg actauly felt almost NORMAL. Are you running outside yet? We have too much ice and I want to wait until I am up to 3 miles.
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-22-2006 12:56 PM
Hey Skypenny,I just thought I would let you know that my dr. released me yesterday! He also said that I can run outside but to use common sense i.e. ice, snow, etc.... He also said to build up slowly going back outside. I will go to PT two days a week for the next month just for precautionary reasons. You asked what my coach does for me. Lots fo things, he sets up my schedule, gets me ready for whatever race I have comming up and mentally prepares me. He's online and whenever I have a question for him he is there within hours with an answer. I don't have to worry any more about how many miles do I need to put in this week, it's written down for me. Right now I keep him busy keeping me under control, so I don't go crazy running more miles than I should and re-injuring myself. I ran 3.75 mile yesterday and felt great! How's your running going? How many miles are you up to now? How are you feeling?
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Feb-23-2006 03:17 PM
Hi Rojewski. I ran 4 miles yesterday on the TM and I feel great today (and I just swam a mile, so I feel even better.) Tomorrow I am going to run 4.5. I really feel like I turned the corner - but the half I had planned on running mid-March is definitely not going to happen. My MCL is still a little twingey so I am not running 2 days in a row. My legs are so strong from all the PT exercises. I miss running outside but because I have been more or less side-lined for almost a year, I don't have the conditioning I used to have to handle freezing cold outdoor runs (which I used to love). So I will wait until a gorgeous day in the mid-50s and will go out then. A good excuse to buy some new shoes. I like the Asics Gel - lots of cushion for recovering knees.
(PS- how did you find e-coach and how much $$ is it ?)
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kkressenberg
Member |
posted Mar-07-2006 02:31 PM
I tore my ACL in a farm accident (OK, got run over by a cow). and had an autograft (patellar) and medial menisectomy 10/06/2005. Also had some MCL tears but no repair there.My surgeon was a little cautious, and frankly I didn't feel like running for months, though I did well in PT, got full range of motion quickly, and enjoyed low-impact stuff like exercycle. I also had some staples to fix graft that had to later come out. Anyway, today I'm running 4 miles 3 or 4 times a week and hiking on other days, and just started adding big hills. It feels pretty good, but hard to say how much of soreness/stiffness is due to knee vs just out of shape. The main thing is there is definitely "noise" and a feeling of "stuff" in there that is new. To someone else's point who posted - it's not a "normal" knee anymore. PS, I just turned 51 in Jan. But my OS says this is OK, may diminish over time, and even with no meniscus he doesn't recommend any reduction or change in activities. He says getting arthritis involves a host of other variables they don't fully understand.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-08-2006 09:40 AM
kkress - it's great that you started up this chain again. Welcome to the ACL club ! Patellar graft is supposed to be the longest to recover from - but also the strongest - it's what the NFL guys get. Anyway, as a 'city kid' I actually think it is totaly cool that you got run over by a cow. Too bad the cow trashed your knee. (Me? I was skiing in terrain I had no business to be in.) When the injury first happened, the first orho doc (I went through 3 before I found one I liked) told me it would be 9 months at the earliest tha I felt "normal" again. I secretly didn't believe him - it seemed like such a long time. I just passed the 9 month mark - and he was right. Now I am almost up to 6 miles on TM and can work up to a respectable 8mm. Also, all that weird "noise" you describe (I had a lot of it ) has really really diminished. Walking doesn't hurt at all anymore. I have hope. My challenge now is to not come back too fast. I am hopig to run a fall '06 marathon.
Hey roejewski how you doing ?
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gplsoccer
Member |
posted Mar-08-2006 12:50 PM
Hi,
I see you've received a lot of responses. I hope this has helped. I figured I'd join in. I had ACL surgery back in 99, with scar tissue removal in 2001. I never ran a marathon until AFTER my surgery. Do not be afraid to log the miles. What you do need to be most careful of is keeping that leg strong, and flexible. Those are the most important. Also, pay attention to the areas you now lack because of the surgery. We all know nothing is quite like it used to be. For example, my hip flexor on the affected side tends to be really tight, so I have to make certain to keep it extra stretched. Good luck. You'll be back.gplsoccer
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marycrow
Member |
posted Mar-14-2006 02:07 PM
Greetings runners--I'm new to this forum, but am writing about my pending ACL reconstruction. I was hit by a car 4 weeks ago, lucky I guess that the ACL tear (and MCL sprain) is the worst of it, however I finally BQed and was raring to go. For a while I was optimistic that I could still run Boston, but my knee is very unstable and a few times when it has "given out" while running, it has really hurt. So I don't think 26 miles is a good idea. Which makes me want to get the surgery soon so that I can be ready for next year. I just don't know whether to go with a patella or hamstring graft. Thoughts? Also, how quickly after the surgery are you at least mobile and able to go to work. I live in NYC, and have to be able to get on the subway. Thanks for any insights!
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2006 03:38 PM
I am really sorry you got hit. You asked for advice so here goes - I would definitely get the surgery even though it is a real bear to climb back from. If you don't get it - you run a 75% increased chance of ripping your precious cartilege later on because your knee will always be unstable. And you will have a hard time skiing or hiking. You can run w/o an ACL - but good luck running w/ no cartilege. I had my surgery in early May '05. For 2 weeks you lay in bed in a weird leg machine and take pain killers and watch movies. Then you go back to PT and work on your shrunken up leg.(OUCH!) I was on cruthes or cane for a while but could navigate subway (most people are nice.) At 6 weeks you feel like you are making progress - then again at 10 weeks. It's 3 steps forward, one step back. I was back on the treadmill (little increments) by 10 weeks. I reinjured my MCL at 5 mos. for coming back too fast. To be honest - I think the big milestone is 9 months post op. - I just passed it and I can walk w/o pain; can run to catch a bus and am up to 6 miles at a time outside at a decent clip. But I am 50 yrs. old - so you will come back quicker if younger. And I had cartilege repair too, which was in and of itself a major deal. I did a ton of research on the grafts and I went with hamstring. Cruise around the net - there is a ton of info. on it. Cadaver creeped me out and patellar is a longer come-back adn a bigger scar. BQ - congrats - but I would be reluctant to run on a sprained MCL and ripped ACL. Write back if you need more info or advice. Good luck.
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2006 03:50 PM
Hi Marycrow!I just had ACL surgery December 21. I had a cadaver ligiment put in instead of the Hamstring or Patella tendon. The surgery went well, I was off the pain medication in 2 days. I was back to work 5 days after my surgery and getting around as good as you can on crutches. 7 days after the surgery my doctor said I could start weaning off the cructches. By that night I was motoring around without cructches! I started PT Jan 4, 3 times a week. Within 2 weeks they put me on the bike. Once I got the clearence to ride the bike I was off to the gym. Just so that you know I have had a remarkable recovery! Within 5 weeks of my surgery my doctor had me on the treadmill and running again! It wasn't alot, actually just a tease but it felt so good to run again. I am now 12 weeks post surgery and up to running 5 miles again. So, I would look into the cadaver option. I have not regretted it one bit and found that I have recovered much faster, than the old traditional way. I still go to PT 2 days a week until the end of the month. Look at all of your options. After my surgery I focused on getting to PT. I have taken PT very seriously and did the exercises they asked me to do at home. This was my only form of exercise after my surgery and I looked forward to my PT days! Also, prior to my surgery I was in the best shape I have ever been in and I really think that helped for a fast recovery. If you need support or have any other questions I would be glad to help you out! Good luck with your surgery.
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janel25
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-20-2006 06:02 AM
You are all amazing. I tore my Cartlidge October 04 only to discover after the MRI that I had a ruptured ACL from an old netball injury. Knee was always a little bit unstable but no problems til the torn Cartlidge. Had surgery on the cartlidge but the chicken in my opted not to have the reconstruction. Due to a young family, A shift work husband and no family support. I have been running since July 05 no problems with the knee at all. I am not good at lateral movement srequired for basketball etc. But no having this operation has not affected anything else I do. I am training for my first HM as when I was laid up with the bad leg all I wanted to was run and have set my self this challenge for July 06 Gold Coast Marathon Australia. I admire all of you that have had the rescontruction and returned to running. cheers Janelle
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marycrow
Member |
posted Mar-29-2006 04:22 PM
Thank you all for the helpful responses. There isn't much out there for runners with ACL tears. As my OS said, it's not a runner's injury. It sounds like you were all relatively pleased with your choices. Janelle, I so wish I could just skip the operation--I could live the rest of my life without skiing--but for whatever reason (probably meniscus damage, which has now been diagnosed as well), my knee is unstable--and unpredictable. I ran the Brooklyn 1/2 marathon 2 weeks ago (20 minutes slower than last year) and had no problem (except my other leg hurts, I'm sure from over-compensating for the ginger treatment I give the ACL-less one). And then, I'll be strolling along and walk off a curb and practically fall into the street. And when it gives out it hurts like hell, and of course it does more damage. I'm still deciding between hamstring and allograft. I want to recover as fast as possible (while I'm 46 and age works against me, I'm in better shape than I was at 26 so I'm hoping that works for me), though I think the PT is pretty prescriptive. I thought the reason you couldn't run for 3 months was because the graft needed to, well, graft, more than the pain getting in the way? It's encouraging to hear about running in 2 months. How long are you in the brace?
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-30-2006 11:03 AM
marycrow - the only thing you can count on with time is that it will pass. When I was injured and on crutches it seemed like I would always be that way. Fast forward - less than a year later - I just came back from a 7mile run along the waterfront and then I swam a half mile. I feel SO great. I have so much appreciation that I can run again. Everything I went through with my leg (ACL reconstruction and simultaneous microfracture surgery for meniscus repair) is as if it is from another life - and I am a better athlete now for all the PT and all the non-running exercises I do to keep my leg strong. It sounds like your leg is really shaky - but it is a big choice to get the surgery (I felt like I had no choice my knee was so trashed, event though the first ortho I went to recommmened that I should live with the the injury because I was over 40. (!!!!) ) If you get the surgery - reach out to us and we will help you through it - and it will pass. Guaranteed.
(hi roejewski)
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rojewski
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-30-2006 11:30 AM
Hi SkyPenny!!!!Sounds like you're feeling great!!! Awesome!!! I'm feeling great also, and today was my last day of PT (Kinda sad, I'm going to miss them). I'm running well and you said it right. I too am running stronger than before and it's only been 3 months. I ran 6 strong miles this morning. I'm so glad I had the surgery now. I still have some soreness but, it's very tolerable. Do you have any races planned? MaryCrow, if you need support or help answering questions we are always here! I would seriously consider the surgery. I can't believe how stable and strong my knee feels now. My PT's were wonderful people too. They taught me some very helpful things while I was there, that I know I will continue to use.
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