Sunday, March 8, 2009

10 Months post ACL surgery

Well, its been almost a couple months since I last posted here and around 10 months since my surgery and since i started this blog. It appears that this blog is helping out a lot of people. I see a lot of comments being posted and a lot of people offering advice as well. Good luck to everyone who is having their knees operated on. Its not the end of the world. Remember to stick with your physio program and you'll be fine. Hopefully you will find some helpful information as you navigate through this blog.

An update on me, I ran my first post ACL surgery 5 km race last weekend. I finished at a time of 21 minutes and 48 seconds. I placed 3rd in my age group (35-39) and 19th overall out of about 400 people. Not too shabby. I did feel a bit of the "Jumper's Knee" discomfort for a couple days after the race but all in all it felt good. I have already signed up for another 5 km race in Toronto for April 4th. I'm currently running distances of about 3.5 to 5km for my training and concentrating on speed more than anything.

I also started playing squash again today for the first time in years. I didn't go all out but the knee felt stable which is a good sign.

That's it for this post. Feel free to continue to leave comments or questions and I'll try my best at responded to all of them. I'll also try to post something new from time to time.

34 comments:

  1. I am preparing for acl repair after tearing the acl and mcl hiking. I saw in your first blog you were mowing the yard around week 5. I have a relatively active job and was told I could return to it 4 weeks post surgery. I was afraid the orthopod was being too optimistic but maybe not.

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  2. Hi Steve,
    It is great to read about your 5k race. I am 4 weeks post surgery and cautiously incorporating some yoga stretches into my PT. Anyone have any idea when it would be reasonable to expect to start a v. basic Ashtanga practice?

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  3. I am so glad I found your blog. I am 35 year old male whose played soccer his whole life. Unfortunately, my right knee was blown in a dirty slide tackle by a defender. anyway, i fully tore my right acl and have a patella tendon graft used to fix same. What i was really looking for in your blog (and found), was something regarding the pain below my knee (jumpers knee). this has not been formally diagnosed by my doctor, but it is quite painful and hampers my ability to run. I am at 16 weeks and can cycle with no apparent problems and my swimming is pretty solid. The running, which has always been my bread and butter, has no returned anywhere near its full capacity.

    My question or concern has been whether I should have just had a cadaver tendon used, which would have greatly reduced my recovery period, and avoided this "jumpers knee" situation. what do you think? thanks again for doing this blog. great stuff and very informative.

    Jake

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  4. I think the jumpers knee thing is hit and miss. I had my left knee done in 1999 and had no signs of jumper's knee. I think its a small % of people actually develop it. We were just the unlucky ones i guess. I think in one of my posts i explained how to massage the patella tendon to help get better blood flow through it. I really found that helped quite a bit. Just do it every chance you get.
    Steve

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  5. Hello. I am 12 weeks post-surgery and have found your job really useful - what a great resource for others like me going through the same thing. What I completely agree with is that you make some progress and then plateau for a bit, when you feel it's not getting better at all. I found your blog really encouraging though and it's great to hear about your run - it gives me hope so thank you! Emily

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  6. Hi,
    Twisted my left knee skiing and doctor suspects damaged ACL and menisci tear. Having MRI to confirm next week and whatever happens after that I'm hopingto be back inline skating in the autumn and skiing next year

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  7. Steve,
    Ditto to what everyone else has said, great blog. This week will be my 2 year mark from ACL surgery. I had the hamstring graft, surgery and everything went great but I was a little disappointed with my Physical Therapy. It got me back to functioning and walking fine, but my ACL repaired leg is still smaller than my non-repaired leg and I have pretty decent pain and stiffness the following day after any sports, basketball, flag football, softball. I don't know if I started playing too early (softball 6 months after & slowly added other sports) or if I just didn't do intense enough rehab in general for having an active lifestyle. You seem pretty informed and educated so I thought I'd ask your opinion on whether I should go back to the Dr or just put everything on hold and focus on rehabbing more intensely for a while to see if there is improvement. I appreciate any thoughts.
    Adam

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  8. Hey Adam. I would at least go back to your therapist and see if they have any advice for you and yes, focus on rehabbing it. You may need to hit the gym a bit to build that leg up. It may not be strong enough. (Im no professional though, just my opinion). Good Luck.

    To Anonymous, 6 months should be the least amount of time you should expect to be off for. Don't worry so much about when you're going to get back to your regular routine. Concentrate on your rehab!

    Good luck to everyone and thanks for the comments. Great to see the blog is helping people out.

    Take Care
    Steve

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  9. Hi all,

    I have a very annoying problem - I had a knee injury (twisted while playing b-ball 2yrs ago) and two surgeries since then. I had the last one (revision of ACL) just 8 wks ago.

    Now the SAME problem re-appeared. Next day after exercising LEG-ROLL (you sit and straighten your legs (90degrees to 0) while sitting with weight is at your ancles) my knee hurts AGAIN the same way it did before the surgery. Really sharp pain inside of the knee in a specific angle (between 50-70 degrees) and loss of strength. This pain (from previous experience) appears either doing this leg-roll or almost any activity which requires putting more strength on bended knee - e.g. snowboarding, kitsurfing (this is the reason why i went for the 2nd surgery - to get rid of this pain). The pain lasts for several weeks even and either does not disapper (always a little pain + knee very weak) or re-appears everytime i do either leg-roll (small weights too) or any of the mentioned sports activities.

    Now really scared why this pain is back when the knee should now be OK, ACL reconstructed again and stable (knee feels stable, but doc said after examining it that there is some laxity, though said its normal especially given the fact the knee had already one ACL reconstruction done).

    What could cause this pain? Why only this specific angle? Is this a known problem? How do i get rid of it? Will it go away as my rehab progresses?

    I discussed with my physio therapy guy and he's said that its caused by friction and is due to my leg-muscle weakness. I however worry that it might be something else. I just dont like the fact that it hurts THE VERY SAME WAY as before this surgery.

    Let me know your thoughts please or will be very grateful if you can point me to different sources.

    Thanks a lot,
    Daniel

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  10. Hi Ive only read the first to weeks of your blog as I myself am currently only in week 1. I left a comment in that entry but thought I might get some answers here quicker. Basically I had little pain the first 4 days and so was taking oxycodone (30 )once every 4 hours ( regular dosage). On day 5 I went to sleep with no pills woke up with excruciating pain. Since then ive continued takiing 2 ive had my doctor reluctantly write me another perscription but only half the amount thi s time. I have lost my appetite, have trouble urinating and feel extra pain if I dont take the pills on schedule. Im scared that I have become dependent on this drug. So im wondering what meds others are using, what side effects your experienced and how your coping with the pain. P.S im doing this entry on iphone and am under the drug and have no spellcheck hopefully its readable.

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  11. I am one year post surgery and still can't flex my knee fully--I used to bring my ankle to my butt to stretch my quads but can't do that yet. Also I am having knee pain if I run more that 3-4 miles. I used to run 10-20 miles on long runs. I am 53 years old and had cadaver ligament replacement. would apreciate comments.

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  12. Hi, my 17 yr old daughter just hurt her knee playing varstiy basketball this Sunday. She heard a "pop". We just came back from the MRI today so I won't know for 1-2 days what's up. I've been reading alot online and wondered what everyone thought about the different kind of grafts. Now I found something called double-bundle ACL reconstruction...any comments or suggestions? We are in northern Califoria so if you know of any excellent surgeons that would help too. Thanks

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  13. Dr Freddie Fu from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center deveoped this procedure. You can check with UPMC Medical Center for all the info on this particular surgery;

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  14. I had acl surgery one year ago and still am having alot of pain in my knee. Have had it drained a few times. Unable to extend knee from sitting position do to the pain which worries me. I have done PT as prescribed - go so far until popliteal cyst swells and becomes to painful to continue. My PT says it should be removed but my OS won't do it. I have pain under my kneecap too. My OS doesn't seem to concerned. I actually when to my last appointment with a cane do to my knee pain. Could I have damaged my knee more severely than what I was treated for? Not a happy camper. I am so frustrated. I just want my old life back. It's been a hell of a year.
    IRISHWOLF

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  15. Hey Steve,
    Although I just found your blog a few days ago, reading the entries has been a great help because I feel I am in a bit of a static period right now in regards to my ACL rehab and gains made. It's nice to see how you chart your recovery because it gives me something to look forward to down the line

    Anyways, I am a bit new to “blogging” so I guess this question is open to you and the crowd. I am an active 26 year old male 15 weeks post ACL patella graft surgery and I still have pain behind my knee if I sit for too long. I do not feel the pain while sitting until I stand up and begin to walk. The pain then lingers for a bit until I "walk it off". Anyone else experience this? Also, though my range of motion and strength are coming back, I still have pain in my upper calf muscle when I attempt to bring my heel towards my back for a quad stretch. The pain in the calf muscle, not the knee area, seems to be holding me back from bending any further. Both my orthopedic and PT say it's normal but it’s always reassuring to hear from others who have had or have the same problems. Thanks for listening everyone and good luck with your rehabs.

    Ryan

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  16. I had ACL surgery 13 months ago. Everything was going great. I was running 2-3 miles at a time on the treadmill and even started playing softball again. Just three days ago I woke up with a littl discomfort in the knee. Nothing serious just some pain here and there. Three days later I couldn't walk. Yesterday, Mothers day, I went golfing with family. I took my first swing at the ball and fell to the ground. I don't know what happened. There was no incident that I can remember that would have resulted in this injury. I can only walk now as long as i keep my leg straight. I have a dr's app't on thursday of this week to find out what happened. MAJOR set back for me and especially my fiance that has to deal with it all, again. I never realized how difficult it was when i had my original surgery until the thought of going through it again came to life. It's good to talk about it here. Any Advice?

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  17. Can't say i have any advice. Best to wait and get a professional opinion on it. Maybe its something other than your ACL?? I don't know. Good luck.

    Steve

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  18. Philly-did you have an allograft or an autograft for your surgery? It will be interesting to hear what your doctor has said. My daughter is one week into her surgery, we go back this afternoon for her post op check-up. Good-luck I hope it's not anything that requires surgery.

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  19. Ryan I have the same pains as you and am similarily concerned. Let me know if you find out anything.

    Alexis

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  20. Hey all, I'm having acl surgery 2mrw and was wondering how soon ppl were putting weight on their knee. I broke my schaphoid bone in my hand and am in a cast so I won't be able to use 2 crutches. My doc doesn't seem to have a problem with this. Was anyone able to bear weight and how soon?

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  21. i have a quetsion: Why do orthopedics interpret MRI’s different?
    I popped my left inward and then popped back into place, i iced it for 7 days+motrin every 4hrs+ always elevated (7dys). Went to get an MRI cause i already had an ACL reconstruction on my right knee before so i knew something was wrong.
    First orthopedic told me ACL was torn completely and needed surgery, but second orthopedic said that MRI could be wrong and that i need a few weeks to heal it with light exercise and no operation needed. Both doctors saw the MRI but had different interpretations WHY? So who do i trust? The older doctor that said no operation, or the young one saying that i need the expensive ACL operation?

    ps: I am 37 in ok shape and play soccer twice a week and want to continue playing, hurting was on the inside part+back part of the knee. Both orthopedic did the pulling and pushing test of the leg also.

    thank you for any help.

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  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  23. I have a question. I had Acl reconstructive surgery and its been about a year and 11days, my surgery and rehab went all well. I'm a football player and before my I was running 4.5 40yd and now I don't know my speed has never been the same. I was wondering if i would get it back or is it a permanent thing?
    my email is MiguelFernandez176@yahoo.com
    Thank you very much

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  24. Miguel,

    Takes two years to fully recover from this surgery. Look at Donnovan Mcnabb for example. In the mean time, just keep your body tuned to football play and practice but take it easy. Keep lifting weights but use more reps, stick to good form during your plyometrics exercises, keep the weight off of you and keep doing your PT stretches and exercises at home (very important). It will come back to you with time, dedication, and practice. Just set simple milestones a long the way.

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  25. This is obviously a great recovery! Good job! I just ran 5km post op for the first time since my surgery 4 months ago. Here is a video of me finally being able to run after ACL surgery http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/06/3-tips-for-running-after-acl-surgery-4-month-update/

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  26. I'm 2 years (almost to the day) on from an ACL operation using my hamstring to graft from. I still get intermittent sharp pain for no apparent reason and temporary swelling occasionally if I try to jump or run(high impact type stuff). In addition I get crap in my rear thigh muscle if its at less then 90 degrees and I go to stand. Has anyone else experienced this and do they know if this is normal or do do I seek medical advice?

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  27. Hi My Name is Lyndsey, I had reconstructive surgery on my ACL using my hamstring graft in 1 Aug 2010(10 months ago)and also had surgery on the cartilage six weeks prior to it(June 2010). I still cannot bend my knee past 130 degrees? When i do try it by doing the quadricep stretch i get a sharp pain across the front and both sides of my left knee? Is this common or unusual please help :)

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  28. hi my name is tony im 7 months post op and i still am having stiffness in the middle and the side of my knee....my knee feels very strong and when i run i can cutt and everthing just fine but when it comes to bending my knee it is painfull..as an ex wrestler im always down on my knees back on my feet so its important that i can touch my heel to my butt comfortably, and i havent been able to do that, and also when i keep my knee bent for awhile. when i go to straighten it there is stiff pain tryin to straighten it out like im forcing it to be straight all the time..my questions are these...how long will it take for me to get full rang of motion to where i can touch my heel to my ass...and what exercises should i do..so i can get out on the mat faster..thanks p.s awesome site!

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  29. Hey Tony. Dont worry so much about getting your heel to your ass. It will get there. Concentrate more about getting a good stretch in the quad muscle when you're doing that stretch. That is more important. its been about 3 years for me since i last went through this rehab but i remember there was some nagging pain for a while. Could be arthristis? im not sure, not a dr. But just keep exercising it and keep that as part of your lifestyle to keep yourself in shape. My knee feels great now! I have since "retired" from competitive sports but still remain active running, biking and rollerblading. Im so glad you and other people are finding this little blog helpful. Best of luck to you in the rest of your recovery!

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  30. Hi Tony, I am currently 7 months post op from acl reconstruction and am still unable to touch my heel to my butt. I about 2 1/2 inches away still. Are you there yet? I feel great and very strong. I can run, exercise, and play some sports again, I just can't get my heel to my butt!
    ~Vivian

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  31. I am 8 months post op and just got back to playing basketball today. today while doing a sprint my knee buckled a little than slid back into place. it wasnt much pain but it was definitely a big scare for me. Should i be concern? Any one have this problem before? any advice would be so helpful.

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  32. I wrecked my motorcycle at 50 mph stunting and hit the road and rolled about 150 ft. I has surgery 2 months later on July 20 2011. I tore my acl mcl and lcl. All replace by the aloe synthetic implant. The doc has me on opana 20 mg and roxicodone 15 mg and the pain is still very imence. Any sugestions on how to cope with it or any other meds that would help me more

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  33. Hi lyndsey

    don't worry. Im sure its fine now. just like everything...time is a healer :)

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