ACL REPAIR....1/19/09

[Woodlandclown]

NOt my point of view.
I think ACL patients should for the most part stay in bed during the first week.
Its not working on the computer, its getting to work, parking in the garage, walking into the office building, walking to the water cooler, etc that isn't such a good idea.

exactly--it was hard enough to get up and go to the bathroom. speaking of that, make sure you read the link i put up earlier ;-)

[co skier]

am I being realistic thinking I can go back to work the next day? I don't have to do much....sit around on a computer basically.

my .02 as a recovering gimp..

I would plan on taking that whole week off and go back on the following Monday. I had acl reconstruction (same knee patellar graft) on wednesday and only took off until the following Monday. Even though I wan't on painkillers by the time I went back to work, my energy was still low (a whole day was TOUGH!). My OS and PT were amazed at how fast I recovered, but I don't think I could have worked the day after.

IMO you should try to get the swelling down (and heat) and both will require a lot of back time with ice and super elevation.

[finbar]

Likewise, having just witnessed ACL recovery 1st hand unless you can work from home with a laptop I cannot imagine going to work immediately after the procedure.

[SkiBrain]

Ditto the last few comments. Also had same knee patellar recon and thought the week after my surgery would be good for reading articles and getting some writing done for a couple of papers (I'm an academic) while "resting" at home. Unfortunately, the drugs with their accompanying drowsiness and nausea, or pain and general discomfort I felt made it difficult to be alert enough and really concentrate on anything. I ended up taking almost a week off to relax, watch a lot of TV, nap, and wean myself off the heavy-duty pain meds as quickly as I could. Definitely plan on not working for at least a few days after surgery, but think the rest depends on how mentally taxing your work is and how well you're able to get around with crutches. I found that a bit tiring and tricky, and think it's also good to avoid situations where you risk re-injuring yourself due to a fall or something.

Even after going back to work, which involves spending most of my time in front of a computer, I had to put in shorter days for a bit because my knee would start to ache after sitting on a chair for a while. Changing positions from bent to straight and vice-versa would help, but the pain would eventually get to me and I'd really want to just go home to rest on the couch with the leg elevated and iced.

[punch]

Gottlieb from that office did mine a few years back, straight cadaver, IMO best knee surgeon the world. I had a severely torn meniscus as well, he spent hours in there pulling it back, putting in some stitches, and it all came out better than new. I was full weight bearing after surgery, but had a hard time walking for about a month. Pulled my hamstring during accelerated rehab about 3 weeks out, and couldn't work for like 4 months (carpenter though). I would seriously consider plain old cadaver graft. My surgeon said it would cut the healing time down because it was causing no new wounds. I believed him, had no problems, and watched several of my friends get plain hamstring grafts, same time, have worse recovery, and have follow up surgery for cleaning. 4 people, in same study group, I was the only cadaver, only one who didn't go for 2nd surgery.

[montanaskier]

My last weekend before the big day. Goin to Winter Park on Sat night for dinner with friends. Big ole seafood feast at my place on Sunday night. Next week is gonna suck.

[Woodlandclown]

Next week is gonna suck.

yes, it will! good luck!

[finbar]

Good luck and don't forget to stock up on ice unless you have an industrial strength ice maker at home because you'll be going through lots of it in the first week.

[CG]

Good luck tomorrow

[Steven S. Dallas]

Good luck tomorrow! Get off the heavy painkillers and into PT as quickly as you can. Just doing quad sets and straight leg lifts starting day 1 after surgery will get you up and steady on your feet in no time. I was skiing less than 8 months post-replacement with no pain or issues at all; you'll be fine too.

Opinions are like assholes.... Most of them are just plain wrong.

That doesn't make sense.

[drmark]

I've been misquoted.

I usually say:

Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. And most of them are wrong.

This truth is something I am certain of.

[Steven S. Dallas]

I just don't see how a butthole can be wrong. I believe the expression is "Opinions are like assholes-everyone has one, and everyone's stinks except yours."

Once again, Dr. Mark's sterling sense of humor comes through.

[splat]

I usually say "If I want to hear from an asshole, I'll fart."

[Moss-Back]

Monday VIBES for Montanaskier.

Be Strong...Heal Strong!

++++++

.

[montanagirl]

Good luck and speedy recovery!

[montanaskier]

at home chilling today. Surgery went well, didn't get home til midnight. Did decide to go to sleep, the other option required a shot in my spine, possible cathatar, and longer time before I could go home.

I get sick when I stand up, so really quick trips to the bathroom have been in order. Working moving my ankle and some knee bending, not too much pain medicine yet, we'll see how I do.

Thanks for all the vibes I really appreciate it.

[Bradj1]

++++Good vibes+++++++++++

My date for surgery is 1/23/09. Wish me luck.

Thanks for all of the tips from everyone!

[montanaskier]

good luck mang, so far so good. My nerve block is wearing off now and I can definately feel it now. After the swearing in, I think I'll go to sleep.

[finbar]

Good luck with your recovery !

[montanaskier]

so took some percocet last night to help me sleep, opposite effect on me, I haven't slept in almost 24 hours. Fuck am I tired. Haven't had a deuce yet, I think the laxatives are soon. PT is set for Friday and also my follow up with the Dr. is set for next week. Just crutches so far, hoping to get some sleep and maybe tomorrow is a turning point kinda day.

[FiveLarge]

Day 3 was the real be-atch for me - though, that's when the leg infection was really getting in motion (didn't know it at the time). Actually felt sweet day of (surgery in the morning - that nerve block was clutch). Don't freak out if the exercises are tough - heel slides were real difficult, and I had nominal range of motion initially. Couldn't do a straight leg raise for a couple weeks at least. It'll come - it's a slow process - don't rush it right now. Keep the ice going and that CPM (if you got one) going.

[montanaskier]

I have my first PT appointment tomorrow morning, not looking forward to it at all! Funny now that I thought I could go back to work the next day, hahaha. I might try to get to work sometime this weekend and if not then Monday. I took a shower last night for the first time, it was BRUTAL. Very emotional after anything that takes lots of effort. Still not sleeping real well. Haven't had many pain killers today so far. I also just took my first crap since before the surgery, whew that felt better!

[TNKen]

A little more advice. Don't go to PT without a driver. Premedicate before you go.

[montanaskier]

just got home from my first PT visit. I did premedicate and that helped for sure. My straight leg flex was 10 and my bent was 90. No idea if that is good or not but she said it was pretty good. Despite the pain, it felt good to bend my knee and put some pressure on it. Going back to work on Monday and I hope to be off the heavy duty meds by then. Also gonna take some sleeping meds tonight, I haven't slept in 3 days!

Felt good to be up and about, today was both happy in the fact that felt like I started the road back and bad in the fact that I realize how far I have to go. Oh well, it's a start. Time to try and sleep!

[SkiBrain]

I have my first PT appointment tomorrow morning, not looking forward to it at all! Funny now that I thought I could go back to work the next day, hahaha. I might try to get to work sometime this weekend and if not then Monday. I took a shower last night for the first time, it was BRUTAL. Very emotional after anything that takes lots of effort. Still not sleeping real well. Haven't had many pain killers today so far. I also just took my first crap since before the surgery, whew that felt better!

We told you so

Glad you're doing OK and sounds like the recovery is going normally so far. I found the first week or two to be the worst. Hope you get a good night's sleep soon and keep us posted.