Having an ACLR in10 days...

[drix]

Hi Everyone...

I was suppose to have my surgery in Feb 2009 but I just got a call and they had an opening on Nov 28th so I took it.  Now my nerves are getting the best of me.  I have so much to do.  I have to move home with my parents because I have 2 small children that I need help with.  My husband is a police officer and is only able to get 8 days off work.  I was wondering...how long will I need to have someone around all the time to help take care of my children (1year old and 8 year old)?  WHen can I be left alone with them?  Also, how long will I be required to go to physio? The place where my husband is posted now has no physio anywhere close so that is another reason I have to move home with my parents.   I plan to take physio seriously but I was just wondering how long all of you who have had this done went to physio?

Any response will be appreciated...

Drix

[UK Girl !]

Hi Just wanted to say good luck with your surgery!

How long it will take to be fully able to look after the children varies from person to person - a one year old is your biggest problem I would think as you woulnt be able to pick him/her up !

Could your hubby not have some compassionate leave ! police do tend to be able to cover things like this with one sort of leave or another !

Good Luck and hope you are up and about soon !

in the meantime have a couple of weeks pampering from your family !

[michellec]

Hello,

Hope your operation goes well.  I had mine 5 weeks ago, patella graft.  Just thought I'd let you know how I've managed as I have a nearly 2 year old and a 4 year old!!  They have been pretty well behaved and seem to have understood that I have not been able to do much for them.

First week, totally disabled and not able to look after children at all.  Husband was off work.

Second week, husband off but I started doing household chores and looking after children myself, on crutches and with wheelchair in the kitchen so I could move around and carry stuff.  It was very hard as I couldnt pick little one up although he could climb onto his chair for meals which was the only time I really needed to lift him (probably harder for you with a one year old - depends how demanding he is I guess - if he likes being picked up a lot, I would get some help).  I managed to change nappies by sitting on the floor with leg straight out and getting him to lie down.  But again if you cannot get your baby to lie down easily for you, that will be difficult.  I assume your little one is walking so he/she can get away from you which makes it more difficult.

So from week 3 looking after them on my own with mum and sister calling in occasionally, but has been fine.

Upstairs has been out of bounds in the daytime as obviously not safe to go up and down with little ones.  I have only been able to negotiate stairs and bathtime with them for about the last fortnight (i.e. after 3-4 weeks).

Also be really careful of wet floors in kitchen and bathroom - I panic when the floors are wet for whatever reason (e.g. my youngest was ill and sick a few times, splashing in the bath etc.) as frightened of slipping.

Re physio - for me has been twice a week so far, think I move to once a week from next week.  As far as I know it carries on for several months but with just periodic check ups to get you to full recovery.  The first 6 weeks are the intensive physio then after that it is rehab exercises so I presume most of this is done myself just with a checkup at the physio every few weeks.

I hope this is helpful and your children behave themselves!

Best wishes

Michelle

[Shanna]

Hey Drix, good luck!!!  Don't be nervous.  It all depends on what the doctor fnds once he is in there as to how your recovery will be   Be sure to let your doctor know that you won't have much help after the initial week, perhaps he/she may take a different course of action regarding a brace and whatnot.

I was back at work two days after my surgery without hesitation or problems.  I work from a desk most of the time and was able to hobble with the crutches.

As for children, well, at least the 8 year old may be able to help you out a bit! 

Good luck.  Keep a diary so we can follow progress.

[jhill]

I have ACLR (hamstring graft) and meniscus surgery scheduled for Dec 8 . I am a college student, and my finals begin Dec 16, giving me one week. I was just wondering if you guys think that is sufficient time to work up the ability to crutch to a classroom and whether the painkillers may interact with my studying/if it's typical to be off of painkillers by then.

[nellsa]

Hi jhill
you and I have similar dates for the ACL OP; mine is on 5th December .... its good to know others are going through the same thing, so I will let you know how I get on as I'm a couple of days ahead of you

all best

Nellsa

[Tabitha]

Hi Drix,
       I found your posts .
That is scary and exciting getting prepared for the surgery. That's great that you are getting it done earlier. I think it's better in the winter time because there isn't really much to do anyhow, might as well.
I agree with UK girl that your one year old will be the hardest. If you can get a wheel chair with a leg rest it will make toting your little one around much easier. I watched my neighbors 2 year old and that was what I did. Sat with him on my lap a lot. My 7 year old was a tremendous help. He actually gets himself up and ready for school al by himself now, and we got him a key to the house incase I was sleeping and didn't hear him when he got home. I was so proud at how much he was able do himself. Plus he fetched me ice packs.

You should definetly make a post op diary, I love looking back and seeing the stuff I wrote when I was all hopped up on pain killers and miserable. Plus I think it's helpful for people who are going through the same

Nellsa, I sent you an email because I had the very same surgery as you, I even used a hamstring graft and the miniscal repair.

~Tabitha

[galeforce]

I have ACLR (hamstring graft) and meniscus surgery scheduled for Dec 8 . I am a college student, and my finals begin Dec 16, giving me one week. I was just wondering if you guys think that is sufficient time to work up the ability to crutch to a classroom and whether the painkillers may interact with my studying/if it's typical to be off of painkillers by then.

jhill, I had exactly the same surgery that you are going to have 4 weeks ago and as a magazine designer (from home) had to get right back into a deadline... I was a bit of a space cadet for a few days afterwards and found it difficult to get my brain into gear, but I managed it. The thing that I found hardest was the sitting in a chair for long periods - it gets incredibly uncomfortable and the area in the back of my thigh where the hamstring was removed from, was extremely bruised and got the most horrific cramps as soon as I relaxed too much. You may even have to organise a way to sit in your finals with a foot rest or something to hand so that you can get comfortable.

A week should be long enough for you to crutch anywhere though, I was full weight bearing and able to hobble crutchless around the house within a few days... I also didn't feel the need to keep up with all the painkillers originally prescribed and only took them when I felt the need - so hopefully you will be able to keep studying with all your facilties intact. Just make sure that you take the ones that need to go with food, with food.

[Shanna]

Hamstring graft and 3 menical repairs, one additional piece removed!  Surgery was October 31, I was drug free except ibroprofen November 1.  I was back to work on November 3.

One week being pretty immobile will make for some great study time!  I wouldn't worry!  Mind over matter, but do take the suggestion to find soemthing to prop up your leg.  I was to be non weight bearing for one month with limited flexion.  Upon post op, doc lowered the weight bearing to two weeks instead.

[dancer49]

Drix,
How did it go? How are you feeling!?
Thinking of you and hoping you are feeling well after your surgery.

[nellsa]

Hi Drix
do hope everything went well .... have been thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery

nellsa