Just came back from my first vacation since the knee injury and surgery! We went on our annual fall trip to New England, leaf peeping. I did an easy hike (on paved road) on Mount Greylock, the highest mountain top in Massachusetts (3,491 feet in elevation). The view was breathtaking. This picture was taken when we were almost at the top. And no, I didn’t hike up this mountain (I’m not crazy!). We drove up in my trusty Civic!
A few weeks ago (before the trip), my PT told me I could stop going to her PT sessions. She said my knee’s motions are all back and I didn’t really need her any more. I now work out at home with weights and instead of walking on the treadmill, I go for real walks around the neighborhood. When the weather is not cooperating for outdoor walks, I stroll the malls (great excuse to go shopping). Anne (my PT) also said I can start jogging whenever I’m ready. She said to alternate some running with a lot of walking so I won’t tire the knee out too much. But I don’t think the knee is in running shape just yet.
I keep telling my friends how lucky I am to have my knee partly back. I can walk around now. It used to be as loose as a rag doll’s.
PS – Btw, allograft is definitely the right choice for me. I’m happy with the recovery so far. Everthing’s humming on schedule. With the knee, it’s just a matter of time (a year) before it’s 100% good again.
Posted by shawna on October 23, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Hey it is good to see that you are doing so well. We are a few weeks from each other when it comes to our knee surgeries. I just started over the last 3 weeks having a lot of pain in the knee have you had this problem? The graft feels great i think its the other work he did in the knee that is really giving me trouble. I am still having trouble ging up and down the stairs althought i can do it the pain is bad. I just wanted to see if you are having any difficulties and yes running is a bit tiring and difficult but i can do it on the treadmill but i can’t run at work to save my life or anyone elses , my coworkers run to help my paatients in case of an emergency i hate that. Shawna
Posted by Shana on November 2, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hey there,
I just found out I tore my acl last week and am trying to schedule surgery for sometime in January. I found your blog and let me tell you—you’re really inspiring me and making me realize that this isn’t the end of the world! So thank you for that! I am terrified, TERRIFIED of the rehab and the long road to recovery. I am currently researching allo vs. autografts and am having trouble finding other blogs and/or research about them. Do you have any other research outlets you could tell me about?
I am glad you’re recovery is going so well—it gives me hope.
Best of luck!
-Shana
Posted by Sarahdippity on January 16, 2010 at 1:16 am
Hi Shana!
Sorry I haven’t checked this blog for a while and so haven’t answered your comment above. I love reading it. I’m so glad this blog is helping others. Have you scheduled your surgery yet?
Having gone through it – this is my 6th month since surgery, I can tell you that it’s not so bad looking back. Just know that after surgery, your knee will only get better! All the research I’ve done, I’ve listed them all in this blog. Hope it helps!
Let me know how you’re doing and when your surgery will be. Happy 2010 Shana! Good luck with surgery!
Sarah
Posted by Shana on January 16, 2010 at 7:18 am
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the reply! My surgery is scheduled for the 28th of January and I decided to go with a cadaver graft. I am super nervous and hear the first week is brutal. How is your knee doing?
Posted by Sarahdippity on January 16, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hi Shana,
The first week is the worse in terms of comfort level. But with the surgeon will give you pain killers and combined with the ice machine, you will be ok. Just take it easy, and pamper yourself with a comfy “queenie” area, equipped with all your favorite snacks, books, magazines, music. You’ll be fine! Make sure you rest a lot and don’t try to do too much. It’ll be a perfect time to catch-up with favorite movies, etc. I too was super scared before the surgery. But having gone through it, I must say it’s not as bad as I had imagined in my head. You’ll be in a moderate amount of pain, but only if you don’t keep up with the medicine. Otherwise, the pain will be minimal. Once you start PT, you’ll feel much better. PT helped me tremendously in getting around and being more independent. Don’t worry! You’ll be fine!
With the cadaver graft, recovery period is also easier than autograft!
I’m doing good! I walk around without much of a limp these days. I’m so glad I had it done. My knee is so much more solid now! And will only be getting better.
Good luck with your surgery! Keep me posted!