Hey guys!
I just have a few thoughts relating to the previous replies...
I've heard of the decline in the strength of the ACL repair that was mentioned before...i've learned that it occurs when the vasculature that 'grows' after surgery (in order to repair and heal the damaged caused by such a surgery) declines, therefore decreasing the blood supply to the ACL. at this time the ACL is more vulnerable to reinjury until the muscles as well as the ligaments strengthen. Although i've heard of this, i didn't notice it in my ACL. I used crutches for about a day after surgery. Then i simply waddled around in the knee imobilizer. If i were to leave the house, i would bring the crutches just in case i felt weak or something. (luckily i wasn't too busy at the time of my surgery!!)
I had my surgery at the beginning of Jan 06, so I am almost 7 months out. A few weeks ago, i began playing basketball once a week with my college team. It's on a smaller court, so there isn't as much running involved, but consequently there is more pivoting! I've played in 3 games so far. I've found that i am unable to do everything that i could before (and believe me i knew that would happen!) For instance, i'm not strong enough to drive to the hoop, but i can shoot, run, play defense, slide...with no problems so far. After each game i ICE ICE ICE! it's sometimes sore the next day, but that's expected. I also do excercises to strengthen my quads/hamstrings and jog 3x a week when weather permits. So although i'm no where close to normal, I am happy so far with my recovery, and i'll keep you guys updated on how the season in the winter goes!
i do have one question/comment...
I had the hamstring graft, so i have a 2" scar on the inner side underneath my kneecap where they harvested the muscle. Does anyone notice that the scar aches after excercise or simply sitting in the same position for a period of time? My knee/ACL itselft feels fine, but the scar actually hurts! Any thoughts?
Thanks a bunch! And GOOD LUCK to everyone, especially those training for marathons! (something i could NEVER do!
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, also at PTist site, PT homework at home and oh had that CPM machine for a few weeks at home. Gradually did more PT both home and at gym w/PTist, stationary cycling, nothing hardcore, always ended with icing and elevation which felt good. After workouts at home I'd use frozen peas or corn and elevated knee, leg, foot for 1/2 hr. Exercise was moderate with bike riding w/o traffic around neighborhood for short workouts, some walking. Again, nothing strenuous and I never over did it. At 6 months post-op I was given the go-ahead to run but again OS (orthopedic surgeon) said to do the walk-run-walk thing keeping in mind that workouts shouldn't be too long otherwise I'd go backwards in my recovery/rehab. I'd walk for a long time, incorporate some running and ended with a walking warmdown. This went on for weeks, months until eventually I could run more and walk less. I always run every OTHER day and rest on non-running days and if I insist on exercising on non-running or rest days, it's some easy bike riding, walking the dog, swimming and non pounding on the joints exercise. Knee feels good, no pain. I only get pain if I increase my mileage too suddenly instead of gradually so I've learned. Also, I'm very careful now. No slipping, twisting, stepping off a curb absentmindedly, no tripping, falling or doing anything clumsy. No stopping-on-a-dime sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, etc. Remember good hydration. Dehydrated joints will hurt more. Drink water, eat healthy and less. I keep my weight down since even a slight weight gain will hurt my knee or so I've noticed.
