[Week 6] Post ACL reconstruction surgery recovery
Since I’m up and walking, that leaves less time for the updates on this blog. I’m already walking fine, and if I walk slow enough, it’s alright. But sometimes I’ll have to walk fast like to chase the bus, and my leg will hurt slightly. I’m also afraid to put pressure on it since I’m not sure what will happen.
Standing for long periods of time
Over the past weekend I was on my feet the whole time for 7 hours straight. After both days, my leg really ached. All the joints in it was aching. Since I didn’t want to exert too much pressure on my operated leg, I leaned more on my left leg. But by the end of the day, my legs were really killing me.
I asked the physio if this was healthy and she said that nope, by right I should take it slow. Standing for long periods of time post recovery is not healthy for my leg. So for those of you out there recovering from ACL surgery, DO NOT STAND TOO MUCH FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME!
Tight hamstring
Ever since the ACL surgery, I have had tight hamstrings when I sit for say 2 hours at a go or more. And it’s really tight and feels really uncomfortable. I heard all the horror stories about hamstring graft affecting the hamstring, and now I think it’s happening. My hamstring is not the same. It never used to be tight. I’ll keep updated on this issue in the coming weeks.
About The Author
Lester
Hi, I'm Lester. I tore my right knee ACL playing soccer, and this blog documents my detailed recovery journey including rehabilitation exercises after ACL reconstruction surgery. Why did I choose to start this blog? Because prior to my surgery, I was looking at forums and browsing online, and I couldn't find detailed information. So I hope this helps whoever (unfortunately) that will be going for surgery. If you wish to contact me I can be contacted at: lester@emceelester[dot]com.
Hey There,
How is the hamstring coming along? Iam 3.5 post op and my hamstrings are extremely tight as well. Just wanted to see if the hamstrings have got any better?
Nice blog…i recently got my surgery done on the 31st of dec,2014. I have gained almost full extension and currently doing some strenghthening excercises. Would be really helpful if you could update on hws ur knee nw??is playing after surgery the same like before or we have to be a bit more careful??
Hi Lester, I also have ACL tear and would like to go for an surgery, need some info related to costs of ACL Surgery. hospital leave from work etc… appreciate your info if have any on this
hi Lester,
Really nice to read your blog. I am going for the acl reconstruction on 15th June at SGH. How are you now. Can I talk to you. My ph no is 96231008. How is your leg after one year now.
Amar
Hi, im so sorry i just saw your comment. Hope your leg is all good!
Hi,
It has been a year now, can i know how is your new ACL doing? If you were to rate it, 10 being back to your best, how much would you rate it?
Also do you still have the details of the surgeon that perform the reconstruction. I was referred to CGH as but i don’t have a good feeling on them.
What was the cost incurred?
It would be great if you can provide me with information.
Thank you.
Regards,
Farhan
Well my leg post acl surgery now is about back to normal, but I dare not do too much with it due to the fear of something happening to it again. It’s a painful experience for me. I still play soccer occasionally but not anything too strenuous
Hi, just wonderingif I should go and get the braces and crutches ready before hand or jus lump under the hospital bills. Is it covered by the insurance?
for me it was covered. the hospital provided me with everything after the surgery, the crutches, the brace, ice pack etc
Lester,
Thanks for putting this blog together. It’s so crucial that we all help one another.
I’ve torn my ACL three times, and know the pain, frustrations, etc. I’d love to hear your side of the story. Would you be willing to connect next week? Thursday or Friday afternoon?
Talk soon,
~Bianca
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction……………….
ACL along with other ligaments of the knee joint and meniscus provides stability to the knee joint. Ligament reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon (graft) from your knee and fixing the graft in place with screws. This procedure is performed with the use of the arthroscope. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common ligament requiring reconstruction procedures. The torn ligament is excised arthroscopically and new ligament is prepared by ligament grafts taken from your own body.
Hi Lester, thank you for your blog. I highly suspect myself to have an ACL tear too, its been weeks and i haven gone to see a doctor yet. And i getting a little worried. If I could get to know your condition more, if u want to exchange WhatsApp or favebook. My number 96415324.
Hi! Could you give us an update about the hamstring tightness you were talking about in this post?
Btw, thank you so much for creating this blog, you documenting your experience has really enlightened me about some of the questions i have regarding post-surgery. Really appreciate all the effort you put into your posts!
I would also like to ask which doctor from SGH operated on you and would like to know more about your experience with him!
Would really appreciate your reply.
Thank you!!
the important thing is to continue to strengthen the hamstring since the graft was taken from there. I’m about 2.5 years now post surgery and occasionally if i sit too long my hamstring tightens up really badly and I will have to do stretching to calm it down.
let me get back to you on the doctor i need to check my docs
Thanks for posting. I am just on my third day after knee surgery and it’s been dramatic. Your post of your rehab has been helping me get a better picture of my journey to come and be strong and positive about this. Thanks again.
thats great hope its going well!
Surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries involves reconstructing or repairing the ACL. ACL reconstruction surgery uses a graft to replace the ligament. The most common grafts are autografts using part of your own body, such as the tendon of the kneecap (patellar tendon) or one of the hamstring tendons.
I was looking such kind of post. Now I really happy to read it. I am also looking for best knee replacement surgeon for my knee pain. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery should be done because of following reasons:
If you have also torn a meniscus or if you have torn more than one ligament then surgery to reconstruct your ACL is likely to be your best option.
After the Surgery ACL Rehab Exercises should be done for 2-4 weeks like :
Build range of motion (ROM) to zero to 110 degrees.
Start heel slides: Sit on the floor with legs outstretched. Slowly bend the knee of your injured leg while sliding your heel/foot across the floor toward you. Slide back into the starting position and repeat 10 times.
Hi 😀 I chanced upon your blog as I was finding more information about ACL surgery in local context and really thank you for the sharing. I will like to find out how long was your MC before you can officially go back to work? So I can get an idea how long it will disrupt my work. Also, roughly how Long is the rehab period before you can go back to normal sports like running etc? Did you still experience instability to the knee after the surgery?
you’ll probably get 3 months mc…
rehab will be about 6 months
a few years on i can run and jump but my kneecap is damaged. If i go jogging my kneecap will hurt for a few days. Probably injured it during the process of rehab. I’ll create a blog post about this in the near future
Lester, your blog has stood the test of time. I’ve seen several (mostly vlogs now) and I liked yours the best. I’m now at 6 weeks post op. There’s seems to have been a few minor changes in procedure and/or technology since you had yours. But your words kept me going through those first couple weeks, with the first week obviously being the most challenging. I tried not to cheat in look ahead. Thanks for your effort in writing this.