A Quick Overview on Life These Days:
-Bending, Extenstion and ROM seem to be very up to par
-My knee only feels stiff when I am sitting at my desk for long periods of time
-Still no running, but I am avid on the bike, rowing machine, eliptical and others
-My knee doesn’t “pop” as much, apparently the knee cap is getting back into it’s groove
-My operated leg is still not as strong as the other leg (only 50 million more squats to go!)
-I am (cautiously) “jumping” on the BOSU ball and shuttle machine
-My scar is pretty much clear, no more purple/red to it
-My scar tissue has faded fast, sometimes I have to search hard to find the little bit of it
-I am actually looking forward to getting back to sports soon (sports, as in playing on a team) I’m also a huge advocate of being cautious with this bionic knee, so no set date yet, but I feel ready. I will be hitting the slopes in Tahoe this January.
I hope all is well with everyone! Where are you at post-op and what is your new knee life like these days?
I think I am a week or so ahead of you. (Operation date: 5/27.) My progress is very similar to yours. I’m sore at night if I’ve had a good workout that day and have been on my feet a lot, but otherwise the knee feels pretty good.
I am running, but only for 3 or 4 minutes at a time. Taking it slow to build up endurance and good form. I stop as soon as I start to lose form. It’s a slow process that was made slower when I developed tendonitis in my other knee!
I’m interested in the fact that you jump on the bosu. What are you doing there? I’m finding that the exercises I do for balance have all gotten easy and am looking for ways to challenge myself balance wise.
My calf and quad are still visibly smaller in ACLr leg than the other, so lots more work to do there. My target to start skiing again is February of this year, so that’s my motivation.
I read an article about long term results of acl reconstruction and they said the most important part for a successful outcome is having good range of motion. So if you’ve got that then you’re doing well!
Good luck with the 50 million squats!
Sounds like you’re doing really well — I hope to hit Tahoe early next year, so it’s good to hear a fellow ACLr has similar goals!
I am getting near the 7 month mark and feeling great. I agree with Cynthia- any time there’s lots of activity or standing, I too feel a little sore.. but I’ve been back to soccer and ultimate frisbee now for a while, and feel stronger every time.
I have a BOSU which I haven’t been using as much as I should, but as weather gets colder, the BOSU will be a great alternative to facing the cold!
Hey Summer!
You’ve been so inspiring along my whole journey! I’m going to Tahoe Jan. 21-24. When will you be going?
So glad to hear us bloggers have kept each other sane during these days of recovery. It’s great to know we’ve all made it near the 6 month mark and are feeling (pretty) strong!
Our trip isn’t set yet (my hubby-to-be is in charge of planning!) but we’re shooting for late Jan or early Feb!
Also hitting up north Michigan this December for a ‘warm-up’! Can’t wait to dust off the ‘ol snowboard bag.
I’ve really enjoyed your blog and style. Keep it up!
The difference a few weeks makes. It is almost forgotten during normal activities and life.
I am 5 months 1 week post op
I agree with the other posters that long term standing or sitting causes some stiffness and a little discomfort. Nothing I can’t live with.
I can get a good fast walking pace on the treadmill and bike is no problem. I can jog at a slow pace. I’ve been doing sprints up stairs for strength and agility. Bending and straightening is good.
Quad and calf muscles still need work. They are getting better. But there is a difference from my other leg.
Knee pops and overall ugly noises are less. I feel only a little pull and discomfort coming from the knee every now and then. If I come down on it wrong or if the movement is really exaggerated.
My scar looks good. But it is still sore at times. Kneeling just plain hurts.
My goal is to be back on the tennis court by the end of December. As soon as my doctor says I am safe and not jepardizing the graft when pivoting and planting.
Good luck everyone..have fun on the slopes. I am staying inside where it is warm…LOL
Poping, if you didn’t do any damage to your kneecap then (what my MD. told me) the poping will go away when you build up the quad.
I am almost 5 months out. My range of motion still needs a couple degrees but my doctor said i can’t push it so its understandable. I am no hopping and doing A LOT of lunges and leg press, currently it’s all about strengthening, hopefully at my next appt. my doctor will clear me to start jogging. Have you ever worked on an underwater treadmill? this is something that really is helping me through my recovery. I can run on it even though I can’t run on land and it puts no stress on your joints it’s awesome I highly recommend it. I’m so happy that the END seems closer!!
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