Surgery on August 12th 2011. ACL Reconstruction using allograft.
Day of surgery: After waking up from anesthesia all I wanted to do was bend and move my leg...go figure. I spent the rest of the afternoon lying on the couch watching TV desperately wanting to use the CPM machine. I used crutches to get around since every step it felt like my patellar tendon wanted to rip apart.
Day 2 & 3: Like clockwork on day 2 I started using the CPM machine, felt amazing, and continued to use crutches. Was prescribed Vicodin at 1 to 2 pills every 6 hours, yeah right, I was taking 1 every 3 hours.
Day 4: Almost like magic, very little pain. I pretty much stopped using the crutches and was taking the pain meds simply for comfort.
Day 6: First post-op. Doctor took a simple look and performed the Lachman Test to confirm a good repair, all is good with "remarkable range-of-motion". Got to take a look at the pictures from the procedure. A complete ACL tear was confirmed, meniscus looked perfect, and most of the cartilage looked good except for one area of articular cartilage toward the backside of the medial femoral condyle [femur]. The damage noticed is highly abnormal for a 27 year-old knee, Thanks doc for calling my knee old. The Prognosis: Not so good. Expect more cartilage wear. Once gone the bone will hit bone and since bone has more nerve endings than cartilage....voila PAIN! i.e. arthritis. Solution (sort-of): Minimize high impact sports (yeah right) and jumping and, though not proven, take Glucosamine religiously.
Day 7: First day of Physical Therapy. So far going twice a week.
Day 11: Was able to make a full rotation on a stationary bike at the gym. SUCCESS!
Day 12: Have reached the full range of the CPM machine, 120 degrees. Though not given the official go-ahead, I have stopped using the post-op brace outside of the house, so far no issues [knocking on wood].
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