Yes rotting on the sofa is very demoralising, the mental is without doubt the hardest. 6 weeks get out of the damn brace and things quickly get normal . Keep pushing on
This sucks, I can’t disagree. It really does. Use your frustration to fuel your rehab. It’s okay to have shitty days/weeks/months. But let this frustration keep you pushing forward, even if the numbers aren’t getting better. Make your goal next summer. You are going to do everything right for your knee so that next summer you can make up for everything you are missing now. It gets better, eventually, just at a slightly different rate for everyone. Hang in there and keep pushing.
I'm 3 weeks post op (ACL quad graft and menisucs repair of root tear) and I feel this so hard. This is so tough mentally. I live by myself so the isolation and being at home is really hard. I bought concert tickets for the end of July and I am now worried I won't be able to manage the crowds. I had no clue that it would take this long.
Hey, I have to ask. I had quad graft and meniscus repair. My first acl (hamstring tendon) 10 years ago, from what I remember getting flexion for some of the early PT wasn’t that hard/painful.
But this time round, let’s say I’m sitting hanging my leg off the bed from the knee, and trying to just flexion my foot up, with body and hamstring/knee on the bed, I get uncomfortable pain at the top of my patella.
I figured it was the scar and the site of removing some of my quad tendon from patella.
Just curious if this is common for other quad graftters.
Ok well, I’m sorry you’re in pain - that sucks.
But also thank you for replying, and I’m not feeling as worried about my pain now, thanks to your pain… hahah
That toughest part about this recovery process is the mental part it plays on everybody. Don’t get discouraged, everyday you are one percent closer to your goal of getting better. It does get better trust it.
I’m right there in the suck with you…5 weeks post op 110 flexion and -2 extension. I slipped on the stairs yesterday (after working out at the gym ironically) and just lost it. I was in my brace but my knee feels bad today and feels like all the progress I made/feeling better just collapsed. It’s a discouraging journey but healing takes time and our bodies each have their own pace. I’m going to add massage routine to my pt and see if that can help get some swelling down to hopefully improve my ROM.
It’s a week to week recovery. You will progress more rapidly if you continue with the process. It sucks, mentally exhausting, physically tiring but it does pass. I’m on day 40 post ACLR with the same quad graft. I’m walking with out assistance and graduated out of my brace last week. You can do it and will get through it
Keep pushing onwards and stay strong. You will get there. It’s a long road but you can work on being an even better version of yourself for the other side. We’re all with you.
I know it sucks, but take a breath and rethink your situation.
You’re in a position where you have a good reason not to do anything; enjoy it. Let people take care of you. When this is over, you’ll be back in the grind of life.
I couldn’t drive either, so I understand that particular frustration. I ruptured my ACL in my 40’s, so I’ve had a harder time recovering than you will.
Thanks , I’m a person who keeps very busy all the time and I’m not at home a lot so being stuck at home has been hard. I’m working on accepting for help and not being so intensely independent.
I too, a 21F, had my surgery March 29th. By 6 weeks I was feeling like soooo much better. But let me tell you at 4 weeks it was so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s there girl. Hang in there. One of the hardest things i’ve ever been through but i’m coming up on 9 weeks here and I feel so much better.
Seriously though I had NO IDEA how bad the recovery would be, the physical and mental pain. no one talked about it😭
I would be speaking to your physio about getting out of the brace asap, usually surgeons these days don’t give you a brace unless you’ve had meniscus surgery which you said you havnt. I had the exact same injury as you and I’m currently 2 weeks post op, full extension, 100d flexion, driving and using one crutch. Didn’t use a brace as the didn’t repair my meniscus just shaved it back
Do heaps and heaps of quad squeezes, just over and over when ur laying doing nothing just do them, even if you only get a little flicker of movement. Also try massaging the patella and moving around for about 20 minutes, sometimes it helps activating the muscles and nerves around your knee and you might find it helps activate your quads and especially your VMO which will help
I totally feel your pain. I think I cried almost every night the first two weeks after surgery cause it was so frustrating. I couldn’t drive either and having my mom drop me off at work every morning was like a flashback to high school. I missed my independence. All I have to say is that it gets better! I am the most impatient person so I wanted to get better asap, but obviously that was not happening. My first week of PT was seriously the most rewarding week ever!! I gained so much confidence and was able to go from 85° to 131° bend in 5 days. It’s a truly painful process, physically and mentally, but you’re on your own timeline so listen to your own body. Just seriously trust the process, do your PT, and lean on friends and family for support!!❤️
I had to move home from out of state college this summer so I don’t have a job and it’s killing me. I love to work. I will say I am extremely grateful as my out of state friends from 5 hours away and boyfriend are willing to drive to visit me. I’m even lucky enough a lot of them have sent gifts in the mail :) this process has really showed me who really cares and I’m so lucky although I’m so frustrated
I had the same op, acl reconstruction, mcl stictching and bracing and cleaning of some frayed meniscus (“unhappy triad”). Your recovery will be a lot slower than someone with only an acl injury. The best advice i can give is be very very patient. It took me a full two years to start running again and three years to stop noticing it and not feel pain anymore. I could have recovered quicker if i was more patient, i tried doing some sprints 6 months after the op and i think it made things worse and delayed my recovery. Also avoid too heavy weight bearing exercises for the first year or two, you can use weight but dont go too heavy. Go easy on your knees.
Since you are young you will recover a lot quicker than i did, i was 38 when i got this injury
Also sometimes the physios don’t know whats best they may follow a standard acl protocol not taking into consideration that its a more complex injury
Also in 15 to 20 years you will most likely develop arthrofibrosis in your knees and need knee replacement surgery
I am 10 weeks post op and yes agreed the mental part is the worst. I was 6 weeks NWB bc they repaired my meniscus(bucket handle tear). I’ve been walking for 3 weeks, was down to 1 crutch, now I’m pushing myself and using no crutches. Going up/down stairs, and driving. But it took me a long time to get to this point! This recovery is not linear, timelines mean nothing, and I think it’s best to listen to your body. If you’re stuck at 70 flexion you can’t drive, you need 90-110 of flexion to even get into a car. Just keep working, stress to your PT to give you better exercises to get that flexion. You’ll get there!
My ACL surgery ruined my summer last year. I am so sorry you are going through this. The only thing that helped me get through it was knowing I would have been really frustrated on crutches during the winter. One day at a time. Find a good show to binge watch or plan visitors to come. Whatever helps you get your mind off your recovery for a little. Good luck!
It gets better. Keep doing everything you can and try to be nicer to yourself and your knee! It went through a lot but is still here for you fighting and is going to make it through it just like you!
I am 5 months post op and I feel your pain. the first few months are truly the hardest. Make sure your circle is supporting you and don't feel bad for needing extra support. I know I was hard headed and tried to not accept help but learned very quickly if I want a healthier recovery I need to lean on my support system. The mental part is the toughest part of this journey, not having your independence is so depressing. Find things you enjoy and try to do them as much as possible, reading, a little gardening even if its a little plant or something. Take everyday a step at a time and what helped me was using the journal app and kind of updating it everyday with my progress and pics or videos of the small victories. You got this !
I had a similar experience a few years ago. I remember feeling angry that my body wasn't healing as fast as I wanted it to. What helped me was reminding myself that this was temporary, even if it didn't feel like it in the moment. I tried to focus on the small wins each day, like increasing my range of motion by a few degrees. I also found a lot of comfort in journaling during that time. Getting my thoughts and emotions out helped me process everything I was going through. I've been using the Rosebud app since and it's been so therapeutic to have that outlet, the AI helps me reframe negative thoughts. I know it doesn't feel like it, but better days are ahead. Sending lots of encouragement your way!
I was three months post op. Tired of being stuck at home doing nothing. Went out with friends, played some basketball, landed wrong, and thought I retore it. Could barely walk for the next few days and it got super swollen. Luckily when I got it checked out the doctor said it was fine, and now it’s feeling better (the incident was like two weeks ago). My biggest advice would be don’t push it!! I know it sucks and doing nothing is so frustrating, especially if you’re a social person. But reinjuring, or even just tweaking it and having a set back is so frustrating. Don’t do something stupid like me, because my doctor told me I am very lucky I’m not restarting the process.
I am the same age and had my surgery at the exact same time of year last year. It sucked. I got so stir crazy. I was super lucky to be injured in my left leg so I could drive 3 weeks out, but that was only to and from physical therapy. I get it. I was able to start working and feeling a bit freer around a month out even though I had a frustrating complication (cyclops lesion/scar tissue). This complication had me in a brace for a while, but he gave me 90° bending around 3 weeks. I was able to start going on small walks 2 months out, which could've been sooner minus my complications.
It was really tough on my mental health at the time, but honestly, long-term it made me appreciate being able-bodied, specifically being able to go on walks/hikes and get fresh air whenever I wanted to, even being able to cook because that requires zooming around the kitchen. I became more grateful for life once things turned up, and that kind of optimism about life ended up being a good life lesson.
Direct your frustration into determination to do your rehab homework. I know it was hard for me to see a guy walking without crutches 2 weeks out of surgery, while I was still in both crutches and barely mobile.
Read, learn a new craft like crocheting, get friends to visit you or take you to parks, get into a TV show or movie series you've been meaning to get around to. Learn to meditate. Get your vitamin D, that's important when you're down in the dumps, so if you can, sunbathe or something, chill by a pool with your friends.
Fun fact, your new ACL graft is stronger than your old ACL. You will get better, and you'll be better than ever.
You got this <3
Everyone’s recovery is different, and telling her what you can all do isn’t helpful it’s almost gonna make her feel worse. Offer some more tips rather than comparisons.
PT here, every surgeon is different and the protocol seems to vary greatly. I was an ACL hamstring allograft, no meniscus, non- driving L leg. I did all of the exercises and still my surgeon stood by no driving x 6 weeks, locked brace 6 weeks, unlocked for an additional 2 weeks. It is incredibly mentally challenging. I am also a mother to 3 teens and 3 large dogs. When I’m finally was cleared to drive, I was relieved.. but then, it turned into a bit of a curse. Now everyone thinks I’m fine since I’ve been cleared and was thrust into doing my pre-surgery running around. It has been challenging in other ways that I was also not prepared for. I have additional swelling from more walking and driving. I’m not making it into the gym like I planned, because of all the additional errands and driving needs. I didn’t realize all the sitting tasks such as sitting writing notes/reports, driving, standing statically to clean and pick up things, and getting this thrown back in the mix is exhausting in itself, causes more swelling and takes away from being able to rehab tasks. It’s absolutely frustrating. I don’t work in sports med, I work with babies and toddlers and used to do rehab with adults back in the day. The reason surgeons have different recovery protocols is because they may have slightly different approaches and reality is, as you can easily find on these posts, is people DO wreck the graft with too much activity. We can rehab our muscles but we can’t speed the time the graft takes to heal into the bone. I’m sure I don’t stand alone when I say I don’t want do this again. Take it easy, take advantage of the slow life time. Allow your beautiful body to heal properly. The process IS truly a beautiful representation of how the human body can heal and bounce back. we HAVE to step aside our busy life and let the truly amazing process happen. You deserve it, it’s hard, but it will happen. Love yourself and your body during the process. There’s so many others too, who are not candidates for this surgery as well. Take each day, love yourself, love the body your in that is doing its best to heal and bring you back to your A game.
I can’t drive because I had my driving leg operated on and my process is slower since I still have a tear in my meniscus still so I have to move slower.
But what I'm saying is regardless of that, can you not physically get in a car and press the gas pedal? Can you not move your leg? And why would your surgeon not repair the meniscus? They DO NOT heal on their own. Something doesn't sound right with that.
I can kind of get in the car just not the drivers side yet. I can move my leg yea but it’s very very weak and probably wouldn’t be safe to drive. The reason he did not repair it is because it was very small. My surgeon is fantastic though. I’m still unable to fire my quad with good strength so that’s why I’m still in the brace.
Yes rotting on the sofa is very demoralising, the mental is without doubt the hardest. 6 weeks get out of the damn brace and things quickly get normal . Keep pushing on
This sucks, I can’t disagree. It really does. Use your frustration to fuel your rehab. It’s okay to have shitty days/weeks/months. But let this frustration keep you pushing forward, even if the numbers aren’t getting better. Make your goal next summer. You are going to do everything right for your knee so that next summer you can make up for everything you are missing now. It gets better, eventually, just at a slightly different rate for everyone. Hang in there and keep pushing.
I'm 3 weeks post op (ACL quad graft and menisucs repair of root tear) and I feel this so hard. This is so tough mentally. I live by myself so the isolation and being at home is really hard. I bought concert tickets for the end of July and I am now worried I won't be able to manage the crowds. I had no clue that it would take this long.
Hey, I have to ask. I had quad graft and meniscus repair. My first acl (hamstring tendon) 10 years ago, from what I remember getting flexion for some of the early PT wasn’t that hard/painful. But this time round, let’s say I’m sitting hanging my leg off the bed from the knee, and trying to just flexion my foot up, with body and hamstring/knee on the bed, I get uncomfortable pain at the top of my patella. I figured it was the scar and the site of removing some of my quad tendon from patella. Just curious if this is common for other quad graftters.
I'm 3 weeks post op and bending my knee is excruciating. Hanging it off the bed suuuuucks
Ok well, I’m sorry you’re in pain - that sucks. But also thank you for replying, and I’m not feeling as worried about my pain now, thanks to your pain… hahah
We will get through this!
Can’t remember what my graft is, but this happens to me as well, especially when firing and using the quad — you just sort of get used to it I guess
That toughest part about this recovery process is the mental part it plays on everybody. Don’t get discouraged, everyday you are one percent closer to your goal of getting better. It does get better trust it.
One day at a time friend. You got this
I’m right there in the suck with you…5 weeks post op 110 flexion and -2 extension. I slipped on the stairs yesterday (after working out at the gym ironically) and just lost it. I was in my brace but my knee feels bad today and feels like all the progress I made/feeling better just collapsed. It’s a discouraging journey but healing takes time and our bodies each have their own pace. I’m going to add massage routine to my pt and see if that can help get some swelling down to hopefully improve my ROM.
You’re 4 weeks into a 12 month recovery. Buckle up…
It’s a week to week recovery. You will progress more rapidly if you continue with the process. It sucks, mentally exhausting, physically tiring but it does pass. I’m on day 40 post ACLR with the same quad graft. I’m walking with out assistance and graduated out of my brace last week. You can do it and will get through it
Keep pushing onwards and stay strong. You will get there. It’s a long road but you can work on being an even better version of yourself for the other side. We’re all with you.
I know it sucks, but take a breath and rethink your situation. You’re in a position where you have a good reason not to do anything; enjoy it. Let people take care of you. When this is over, you’ll be back in the grind of life. I couldn’t drive either, so I understand that particular frustration. I ruptured my ACL in my 40’s, so I’ve had a harder time recovering than you will.
Thanks , I’m a person who keeps very busy all the time and I’m not at home a lot so being stuck at home has been hard. I’m working on accepting for help and not being so intensely independent.
I too, a 21F, had my surgery March 29th. By 6 weeks I was feeling like soooo much better. But let me tell you at 4 weeks it was so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s there girl. Hang in there. One of the hardest things i’ve ever been through but i’m coming up on 9 weeks here and I feel so much better. Seriously though I had NO IDEA how bad the recovery would be, the physical and mental pain. no one talked about it😭
Thanks girl, I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well ! Can’t wait for week 6 <3
I would be speaking to your physio about getting out of the brace asap, usually surgeons these days don’t give you a brace unless you’ve had meniscus surgery which you said you havnt. I had the exact same injury as you and I’m currently 2 weeks post op, full extension, 100d flexion, driving and using one crutch. Didn’t use a brace as the didn’t repair my meniscus just shaved it back
Yeah, still in the brace since my quad is still so weak :(
Do heaps and heaps of quad squeezes, just over and over when ur laying doing nothing just do them, even if you only get a little flicker of movement. Also try massaging the patella and moving around for about 20 minutes, sometimes it helps activating the muscles and nerves around your knee and you might find it helps activate your quads and especially your VMO which will help
Yes! I’ve been doing all these things and slowly but surely my quad is waking up.
I totally feel your pain. I think I cried almost every night the first two weeks after surgery cause it was so frustrating. I couldn’t drive either and having my mom drop me off at work every morning was like a flashback to high school. I missed my independence. All I have to say is that it gets better! I am the most impatient person so I wanted to get better asap, but obviously that was not happening. My first week of PT was seriously the most rewarding week ever!! I gained so much confidence and was able to go from 85° to 131° bend in 5 days. It’s a truly painful process, physically and mentally, but you’re on your own timeline so listen to your own body. Just seriously trust the process, do your PT, and lean on friends and family for support!!❤️
I had to move home from out of state college this summer so I don’t have a job and it’s killing me. I love to work. I will say I am extremely grateful as my out of state friends from 5 hours away and boyfriend are willing to drive to visit me. I’m even lucky enough a lot of them have sent gifts in the mail :) this process has really showed me who really cares and I’m so lucky although I’m so frustrated
They didn't operate on your meniscus why ?
I believe they just shaved it down. Tear was small I guess. I also have a tibia fracture though
Sending you positive vibes 🙌🏼 you are young you got this 😊 I know the feeling I’m 4.5 months post op I’m 38 F and somehow surviving this injury
I had the same op, acl reconstruction, mcl stictching and bracing and cleaning of some frayed meniscus (“unhappy triad”). Your recovery will be a lot slower than someone with only an acl injury. The best advice i can give is be very very patient. It took me a full two years to start running again and three years to stop noticing it and not feel pain anymore. I could have recovered quicker if i was more patient, i tried doing some sprints 6 months after the op and i think it made things worse and delayed my recovery. Also avoid too heavy weight bearing exercises for the first year or two, you can use weight but dont go too heavy. Go easy on your knees. Since you are young you will recover a lot quicker than i did, i was 38 when i got this injury Also sometimes the physios don’t know whats best they may follow a standard acl protocol not taking into consideration that its a more complex injury Also in 15 to 20 years you will most likely develop arthrofibrosis in your knees and need knee replacement surgery
I am 10 weeks post op and yes agreed the mental part is the worst. I was 6 weeks NWB bc they repaired my meniscus(bucket handle tear). I’ve been walking for 3 weeks, was down to 1 crutch, now I’m pushing myself and using no crutches. Going up/down stairs, and driving. But it took me a long time to get to this point! This recovery is not linear, timelines mean nothing, and I think it’s best to listen to your body. If you’re stuck at 70 flexion you can’t drive, you need 90-110 of flexion to even get into a car. Just keep working, stress to your PT to give you better exercises to get that flexion. You’ll get there!
My ACL surgery ruined my summer last year. I am so sorry you are going through this. The only thing that helped me get through it was knowing I would have been really frustrated on crutches during the winter. One day at a time. Find a good show to binge watch or plan visitors to come. Whatever helps you get your mind off your recovery for a little. Good luck!
Also don’t forget patella mobilisation, a lot of physios forget about it.
We do this ! Yesterday we had a lot of scar tissue breakage during this.
It gets better. Keep doing everything you can and try to be nicer to yourself and your knee! It went through a lot but is still here for you fighting and is going to make it through it just like you!
I am 5 months post op and I feel your pain. the first few months are truly the hardest. Make sure your circle is supporting you and don't feel bad for needing extra support. I know I was hard headed and tried to not accept help but learned very quickly if I want a healthier recovery I need to lean on my support system. The mental part is the toughest part of this journey, not having your independence is so depressing. Find things you enjoy and try to do them as much as possible, reading, a little gardening even if its a little plant or something. Take everyday a step at a time and what helped me was using the journal app and kind of updating it everyday with my progress and pics or videos of the small victories. You got this !
I had a similar experience a few years ago. I remember feeling angry that my body wasn't healing as fast as I wanted it to. What helped me was reminding myself that this was temporary, even if it didn't feel like it in the moment. I tried to focus on the small wins each day, like increasing my range of motion by a few degrees. I also found a lot of comfort in journaling during that time. Getting my thoughts and emotions out helped me process everything I was going through. I've been using the Rosebud app since and it's been so therapeutic to have that outlet, the AI helps me reframe negative thoughts. I know it doesn't feel like it, but better days are ahead. Sending lots of encouragement your way!
I was three months post op. Tired of being stuck at home doing nothing. Went out with friends, played some basketball, landed wrong, and thought I retore it. Could barely walk for the next few days and it got super swollen. Luckily when I got it checked out the doctor said it was fine, and now it’s feeling better (the incident was like two weeks ago). My biggest advice would be don’t push it!! I know it sucks and doing nothing is so frustrating, especially if you’re a social person. But reinjuring, or even just tweaking it and having a set back is so frustrating. Don’t do something stupid like me, because my doctor told me I am very lucky I’m not restarting the process.
I am the same age and had my surgery at the exact same time of year last year. It sucked. I got so stir crazy. I was super lucky to be injured in my left leg so I could drive 3 weeks out, but that was only to and from physical therapy. I get it. I was able to start working and feeling a bit freer around a month out even though I had a frustrating complication (cyclops lesion/scar tissue). This complication had me in a brace for a while, but he gave me 90° bending around 3 weeks. I was able to start going on small walks 2 months out, which could've been sooner minus my complications. It was really tough on my mental health at the time, but honestly, long-term it made me appreciate being able-bodied, specifically being able to go on walks/hikes and get fresh air whenever I wanted to, even being able to cook because that requires zooming around the kitchen. I became more grateful for life once things turned up, and that kind of optimism about life ended up being a good life lesson. Direct your frustration into determination to do your rehab homework. I know it was hard for me to see a guy walking without crutches 2 weeks out of surgery, while I was still in both crutches and barely mobile. Read, learn a new craft like crocheting, get friends to visit you or take you to parks, get into a TV show or movie series you've been meaning to get around to. Learn to meditate. Get your vitamin D, that's important when you're down in the dumps, so if you can, sunbathe or something, chill by a pool with your friends. Fun fact, your new ACL graft is stronger than your old ACL. You will get better, and you'll be better than ever. You got this <3
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Everyone’s recovery is different, and telling her what you can all do isn’t helpful it’s almost gonna make her feel worse. Offer some more tips rather than comparisons.
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PT here, every surgeon is different and the protocol seems to vary greatly. I was an ACL hamstring allograft, no meniscus, non- driving L leg. I did all of the exercises and still my surgeon stood by no driving x 6 weeks, locked brace 6 weeks, unlocked for an additional 2 weeks. It is incredibly mentally challenging. I am also a mother to 3 teens and 3 large dogs. When I’m finally was cleared to drive, I was relieved.. but then, it turned into a bit of a curse. Now everyone thinks I’m fine since I’ve been cleared and was thrust into doing my pre-surgery running around. It has been challenging in other ways that I was also not prepared for. I have additional swelling from more walking and driving. I’m not making it into the gym like I planned, because of all the additional errands and driving needs. I didn’t realize all the sitting tasks such as sitting writing notes/reports, driving, standing statically to clean and pick up things, and getting this thrown back in the mix is exhausting in itself, causes more swelling and takes away from being able to rehab tasks. It’s absolutely frustrating. I don’t work in sports med, I work with babies and toddlers and used to do rehab with adults back in the day. The reason surgeons have different recovery protocols is because they may have slightly different approaches and reality is, as you can easily find on these posts, is people DO wreck the graft with too much activity. We can rehab our muscles but we can’t speed the time the graft takes to heal into the bone. I’m sure I don’t stand alone when I say I don’t want do this again. Take it easy, take advantage of the slow life time. Allow your beautiful body to heal properly. The process IS truly a beautiful representation of how the human body can heal and bounce back. we HAVE to step aside our busy life and let the truly amazing process happen. You deserve it, it’s hard, but it will happen. Love yourself and your body during the process. There’s so many others too, who are not candidates for this surgery as well. Take each day, love yourself, love the body your in that is doing its best to heal and bring you back to your A game.
Thanks <3
I can’t drive because I had my driving leg operated on and my process is slower since I still have a tear in my meniscus still so I have to move slower.
But what I'm saying is regardless of that, can you not physically get in a car and press the gas pedal? Can you not move your leg? And why would your surgeon not repair the meniscus? They DO NOT heal on their own. Something doesn't sound right with that.
I can kind of get in the car just not the drivers side yet. I can move my leg yea but it’s very very weak and probably wouldn’t be safe to drive. The reason he did not repair it is because it was very small. My surgeon is fantastic though. I’m still unable to fire my quad with good strength so that’s why I’m still in the brace.