Author Topic: MPFL reconstruction....What was I thinking?? (Read 4587 times)

Cjlynn · « **on:** May 20, 2012, 09:49:14 PM »

So I had my surgery on May 7, 2012..... And at this moment I am feeling like it was the worst decision I could of made. When I was discharged from hospital, I came home with a prescription for pain meds, a information sheet on Post-op recovery for a scope procedure (which yes I had one done to repair meniscus) and a form informing me to contact the cast clinic for a 2 week post-op appt.
I was released wearing a tensor bandage and was told to use crutches.....nothing more....

So this is where my frustration kicks into high gear... After week one pain in knee is substantial enough to request more pain pills, burning sensation at times was completley unbearable. I go thru my day keeping the leg elevated and iced regularly, my husband is a huge support.

I have days now where the joint either feels sooo tight that I couldnt imagine even trying to move it to day's where it feels so unstable that it could dislocate at any time.
When I stand, the entire leg turns reddish/purple. ( which I assume is the blood flow )

I have been using the crutches at all times if I have to get up and move around, not knowing if weight bearing is even allowed at this time. I have decided to start at bit of PT myself. I slide my foot upwards when laying down and try to get the knee to bed. I attempt to contract the quad muscle, but can't get the brain to cooperate with me.

At this point I feel defeated....

Ugh, I stare at this thing attached to my body and wonder who it belong to as it no longer feels like my own leg. I look at it and wonder why I didn't expect or fore see such a huge recovery. I have underestimated the surgery so much I regret not doing more research and asking more questions.

My post-op appt is in 4 days....I am hoping that I haven't set myself back.....

~sigh~

aaa · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:23:27 PM »

MPFL reconstruction, is typically a painful procedure although not always.

It isn't abnormal to have a lot pain for the first few weeks.

However, I can't get a real idea of the pain you are in, so be sure to discuss with your OS.

When the graft goes in, it will feel tight, and overtime it should being to feel looser and normal. The instability might just be from all the swelling and your quads shutting down temporarily.

Typically, at the 3 month mark is when you will start seeing a significant improvement, but of course that all depends on the surgical technique and a bunch of factors.

I get the feeling you haven't had any post-op directions from your OS? You are not sure if you are allowed to weight bear?

I would suggest writing down all your questions, and get answers to each one. Its best to go in prepared because typically OS's move really quick and they'll walk out the door before you can collect your thoughts.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:39:53 PM »

Thank you for the response, no I've had no post op direction from the OS, I'm just going on what I have read on here and from other web sites. I have no clue if weight bearing is allowed or recommended at this point.
I have started a list of questions for him.
I just feel lost in this recovery, and I'm not one that doesn't do well when I have no control over the situation.
I've found this group to be quite helpful, and encouraging. Any information that I can get just helps ease my mind and remind me that I'm not going crazy (well not yet at least)

aaa · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2012, 10:54:08 PM »

Best of luck, I'm confident you'll get answers from your OS in the post-op appt.

I've had MPFL reconstruction. I was allowed to weight bear as tolerated immediately and also work ROM immediately as well. I guess each OS has their own protocol, but it doesn't sound like you've done anything that would have damaged things.

lisa424 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2012, 11:56:26 PM »

I don't think a surgically repaired knee will ever feel completely normal or natural. But hopefully you get to the point where it feels more stable.

oohheykate · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2012, 02:15:15 AM »

MPFLr recovery is tough. I was on pain killers for months and my recovery was double what my OS said it would be but you'll be able to do it. It'll be worth it in the end.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2012, 03:36:26 PM »

Well this morning I tried some weight bearing....hmmmmm....knee felt like it was going to buckle so I quickly regained full weight on good leg and sighed.
It's a huge accomplishment tho that with the use of a shower chair, I can get myself in and out of the tub. Just that slight source of independence made me feel good.
I keep attempting more ROM movements, some times it goes according to plan and it moves with ease, to some degree, then the next time it won't budge at all.
As my hubby returns to work tomorrow, I am full of anxiousness. We have two school aged kids that I will have to get up and get organized. I have the determination to do it, just a little freaky!

Today I plan on more attempts at weight bearing, I just feel so cautious, I don't want anymore pain or worse do any damage.

I sit in the sun and tell myself that "yea things will better today, and tomorrow will be even better" and I laugh at the funny tan lines I'll have (keeping incisions covered so scars won't be so dark)

Maybe a margarita will make things perfect! Lol

La-la-land · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2012, 04:09:08 PM »

Hey Cjlynn!

I had MPFL reconstruction 4 days before you did. My OS is not talkative at all, but I asked him everything that I wanted to know about the recovery. You should do the same. Recovery is as important as the sergery itself. I advise you to don't do anything that you're not sure you should do. Every case/patient is different and unique. Something that works for somebody else may not work for you.

MPFL reconstruction is in general a new and difficult procedure. I see in this forum every OS and PT has their own understanding how things should go. Results may be faster or slower but I believe everything will be ok with you, too!

allyd · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2012, 04:50:20 PM »

Just take it slow with the Weight bearing. Move first to partial weight bearing while using your crutches. i.e. as you crutch, step through w/ your surgical leg – but support yourself with the crutches. Your quads have likely shut down and will take some time to come back, which will give that scary buckling/unstable feeling – But they will come back!

Just try to stay positive; that will help your recovery immensely. You may feel a little unprepared – but if you work at it, things will get much better and more functional each week. Make a list of all your questions about recovery/protocol and ask your OS all of them at your follow-up. That should hopefully clear up many of your concerns. When do you start PT? or will you find that out at your follow-up?

helencatherine · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2012, 05:05:59 PM »

Hey x

Hope you're recovering well x x my advice is always stay ontop of meds even when you're not as sore, it's best to control your pain rather than it control you. Don't do any drastic physio, remember your knees just been through major surgery :-) I'm currently going through the blue purple leg issue, I was admitted to hospital to have it checked for a clot which I thankfully don't have, my leg was also ice cold. The advice I was given at hospital was rest rest and more rest, it's frustrating as hell lol keep wiggling your toes to keep circulation going, I also do small heel slides using a belt under my foot while I sit to help with pulling my knee, never keep doing it if it gets sore. Also keep it elevated about hip level this helps with the circulation and swelling. I had both an mpfl reconstruction. A TTOs and arthroscopy and 6 weeks down the line I'm ever so frustrated but I'd rather be frustrated and recovering than impatient and not recovering lol. Major surgery takes time to recover from, enjoy the pampering and love your little leg :-) after all it's yours lol. Oh vitamin and Vaseline help keep your little scars nice and supple, just massage them gently I find it helps! But if you've still got scabs over the wounds best not doing that yet lol x

Keep your wee chin up! It gets better lol

Cjlynn · « **Reply #10 on:** May 21, 2012, 07:08:45 PM »

So this afternoon my family and I were invited to friends for sunshine, visits and a BBQ...sounds perfect until I have to load myself into the car.
Obviously getting into the back seat is the easiest, I've done it before...... sit, hubby lifts leg and I slide in....
Well today went bad....I sit, bring good leg to edge of door so I can use it as leverage, hubby lifts leg and my knee becomes ( well feels ) completley unstable. The inside feels like its being torn and twisted, and like the knee cap is about to dislocate. I panic and can't move. As anxiety kicks in, my hubby has no idea how to help, kids are freaking out as I yell in discomfort and pain.
After a few moments ( seems like forever ) I regain control of myself slide out, put good foot on solid ground and place bad leg back down.
WTH??!!??
I return to the house defeated and upset.
Knee wins,
I loose

aaa · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2012, 07:51:48 PM »

Sorry to hear the difficult day you are having.

Discuss the symptoms with your OS, particularly let him know which direction the kneecap feels like it is dislocating, towards the inside or outside/away from your body.

You may want to ask about some sort of knee support which would prevent your knee from twisting too much early on. I hate immobilizers, I would hope there might be something to help.

If you have 'knock-knee' or 'bowed-leg' -- e.g. like illustrated here (the left photo is knock-knee, the right-most bowed)
http://content.answcdn.com/main/content/img/oxford/Oxford_Sports/0199210896.genu-valgum.1.jpg

Then, you need to be particularly careful not to let your knee twist too much early on. When I say twist, I mean the feeling like your leg is giving way or the upper/lower leg is rotating in a way that feels unnatural.

I see you have had a lateral release, was that repaired as well?

Cjlynn · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2012, 08:02:27 PM »

My lateral was completed and I had no other problems with it. During this surgery all they did (that I am aware of) is the MPFL recon and a meniscus repair. I have no brace as of yet to wear, I see the OS on Thursday, and my list of questions for him is getting longer. Ugh, I hate being so negative, but this is starting to get the better of me!!

allyd · « **Reply #13 on:** May 21, 2012, 11:16:35 PM »

Hang in there. And as others mentioned just rest. Try not to stress about things to much. As you can see from the many posts we all have had different experiences regarding pain, mobility and ultimately doctor's protocol. I think it's unfortunate you were not given a clear picture of what to expect after... but - all your descriptions seem point on course based on my personal recovery. I'm now 8 months post-op and all is well - have been 'functional' since around the 3 month mark, ditched the crutches at about 4 wks. I hope your OS refers you to PT as I think that will help you understand your progress and ultimately what you should be working on, and where you should be.

I think you'll need to revise your expectations, and especially after you see your OS on Thursday and understand the rehab plan - set some goals for your recovery. Its not an easy surgery, and I absolutely can see how you'd feel defeated when you didn't have a clear understanding of the recovery.

Even if you don't go the route of an immobilizer, you may benefit from a compression sleeve/brace of some sort? I'm guessing if your OS wanted you in an immobilizer, you would have gone home in one. This is one of the area's OS's protocols vary.

I hope tomorrow goes better for you!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2012, 02:11:44 PM »

Today... Exactly 2 weeks since surgery.... Ugh......
I was able to get up, get kids organized and sent on their way. I decided that the best thing I could for myself today is to use a backpack to move my stuff from one room to another, and always have a phone at my reach, just in case.
Today the knee feels tight. The pain that I experienced yesterday after trying to get in the car is now minimum, but I certainly know its still there, just lingering.
Not even going to attempt the shower until someone gets home, way too dangerous I think at this point.
I've had friends ask me about my recovery and how it's going. I'm brutally honest with them, this sucks!! I am trying to prep myself for another attempt to get in the car, I have to for Thursday. I'm half excitied and half scared to hear what the OS will tell me.
How long did it take for any others to start to drive again? I am sure that my PT will start soon, and I will have to get myself up there for the appts.
Today I plan on naps and a good book. And hope that this knee allows me the win!!

allyd · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2012, 04:56:38 PM »

Quote from: Cjlynn on May 22, 2012, 02:11:44 PM

How long did it take for any others to start to drive again?

First: you’ll need to be off any narcotics in order to drive. Second: Which did you have operated on left or right?

Cjlynn · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2012, 05:17:12 PM »

Left knee, and I'm down to the pain meds 4x day, I still can't get the knee to bend enough to attempt to get in the front seats of the car...just looking for future reference.

allyd · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2012, 05:47:35 PM »

Personally, once you are off the narcotics, and can sit comfortably in the drivers seat, I'd think you'd be able to drive. I'd ask your doctor how long he thinks it will take you to progress with enough ROM/bending in order to drive. I had my right leg done, so my experience was a little different.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2012, 09:57:30 PM »

This afternoon I did nothing, and I literally mean nothing! Sat in a recliner, leg elevated, channel flipped for hours....yawn....
Once kids and hubby got home, I had already started to notice that the knee joint was starting to swell...after showering, it really started to bloom, and now I'm back in bed, leg elevated and wrapped in a cold water circulation wrap and the pain has kicked in. Even my ankle has swollen...
Calf muscle, quad and hamstring are on fire.
I honestly don't think I did anything to aggrevate it, but something has happened, grrrr!!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2012, 11:57:31 AM »

Today I start a new day and hope that staying positive will only bring positive things today. I had a rough night sleeping, when I have the knee wrapped it feels like there is a immense amount of pressure being applied, I do make sure that the tensor is not tight, or my cyro-wrap.

I'm going to try using more ice today, hoping to keep the swelling under control. This reconstruction seems likes it one step forward to steps back.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #20 on:** May 24, 2012, 01:54:25 AM »

Meeting my OS for post op tomorrow, anxious, scared and excited.

In some strange way, I am hoping for a brace of some sort. I think at this point it will give me the physical strength and support that the knee needs as well as mental support. I find it feels so unstable all the time, but when I try to bend it to get some ROM, it's so tight.

I can't believe the lack of strength the leg has now. Maybe once I start PT it will return. ??

I will update tomorrow with findings...I find this as my stress relief to type out how things are going and to read about other peoples stories. Reminds me that I'm not alone when going thru recovery.

allyd · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:26:09 AM »

You are definitely not alone around here. many of us have been there and back.

Hard to believe, but the strength will return. I too was amazed at how much my leg wasted away in a couple short weeks. I think my PT said, what you lose in strength 1 day, it takes 3 days to build... do the math - and you'll quickly understand why they say 3 months before you are functional level.

Stay positive - and good luck tomorrow. I had a ROM/immobilizer brace initially, but moved to a compression sleeve my OS gave me after she left me out of the ROM brace. I too think some sort of brace will help you function better. I swear 90% of it is mental though.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #22 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:13:40 PM »

I'm looking for ideas on how to slide into the back seat of my car easier....

When I sit, use good leg as a prop, and hubby lifts bad leg, it automatically feels very unstable. Getting back out is the same but it hurts because of the angle.

Any suggestions??

aaa · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2012, 04:44:19 PM »

I'm kind of paranoid about other people touching my leg. Its not that they don't want to help -- they just don't understand the pain and the specific angles that can cause the knee to feel unstable.

What I did was I would have the door open and with my surgical left leg extended in front I would use my arms (mostly) and my right leg to to sit on the car seat , so my leg would now be directed away from the car.

I would then reach over and lift my surgical leg on my own and swing it over into the car, takes a little bit of flexibility I guess, but that worked well for me. I would usually support the leg under the calf muscle.

Tiggs1986 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2012, 10:19:21 PM »

sorry about all your trouble! I had my left MPFLr done the beginning of April.
Pain was aweful for me the first couple of weeks as well, and my leg became purple when it was down for even a few minutes but after a few weeks that stopped. Getting into the back seat I just used my upper arms and good leg to propel me backwards while someone lifted my bad leg, though I did have an immobilizer, maybe if he supported your knee with one hand and the ankle with the other? Driving wise-I believe I started that a month or so after surgery. The first few weeks are the hardest, seems like you can't do anything! As I've been told by 2 PT's, my OS, PA and medical doctor, this is a MAJOR knee surgery with a long and difficult recovery. Hang in there! Also helps to kinda look at a few other diaries to see what other's are/have been experiencing and keep in mind EVERY OS protocol is different. Hope it gets better soon!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2012, 11:42:16 PM »

Well I met with the OS today....
Everything is healing well and he is pleased. Yay!!

I have been instructed to start weight bearing as tolerated with crutches, start a intensive PT program to start getting the quad muscle "firing" and responding again. I've now ordered a PTO brace, which will be in early next week.

The instability I felt is due to the loss of muscle strength (I've lost 1/4 inch of muscle already) he informed me that I can't dislocate the knee cap anymore and pretty much grin and bare it. Ugh!! Tough love!!

I take tomorrow on with new hopes and trust that it'll be a better day..

La-la-land · « **Reply #26 on:** May 25, 2012, 08:35:39 AM »

That's great news! You should just be patient

Everything will be ok!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #27 on:** May 27, 2012, 12:13:41 PM »

Hi again, so following OS's orders I have started to weight bare on my leg. Feels kinda weird, and I worry over the thought that it may buckle out under me. I am still using 2 crutches to protect myself just in case.

The problem I am experiencing now, is that by the end of the day the knee feels so incredibly tight and it's sore to even the slightest touch. It's bad enough that I can't sleep and I'm mentally exhausted from it.

The shin and the ankle have started to swell again as well.

Hubby says that I shouldn't worry has its only due to me using the muscles again, but he's also the one sleeping away all night.

I using ice and elevation to help reduce the inflammation and the ice does help relieve some of the discomfort.

I truly wish I had educated myself more and was aware of the recovery process of a MPFL reconstruction. I honestly had no idea that it was going to be this intense!! At this point I'm physically and mentally drained from the surgery. My PT starts tomorrow, and I don't think I have any else in me to give.

Surgery has gotten the better of me, and I dont know how to get back on track.

allyd · « **Reply #28 on:** May 27, 2012, 04:55:01 PM »

Glad to hear you are making some progress w/ the weightbearing.

As for the tightness, pain, and swelling at the end of the day... Nothing to worry about, Until your muscles are strong again it can just only take so much right now.

I think PT will help you immensely to understand what you are feeling and what needs to happen to get back to normal. You will get there, it is like you are starting to realize a long process. If you work with a good PT, they can be as much of a mental help as a physical in regards to recovery. Good luck tomorrow!

aaa · « **Reply #29 on:** May 27, 2012, 05:18:05 PM »

Best of luck, you will want to increase ROM (range of motion).

Even when working ROM, don't force it. Its incredible how many times therapists force ROM to the point of extreme pain. This is not necessary. The key is slow and steady while avoiding pain.

Did you OS give guidelines on when you should acheive targets for ROM, for example, 90 degrees after 6 weeks or something like that?

yc_angel · « **Reply #30 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:19:21 AM »

Hey Cjlynn,

My mpfl surgery was 7 weeks ago and i concur that recovery sucks...though i did my research and read up on everything at times during the first few weeks when things got rough i still got a bit antsy and depressed by how hard things are....every OS has different protocols and so do the PT's i hope you get a nice one and start working your quads and ROM to regain mobility and trust back in your knee.

Don't try to force your knee to much you'll do more damage than good....and just follow your PT instructions. It's hard, seriosly hard work but now that i'm getting some results just a few weeks after surgery i'm happy i stuck trough all that pain ....It doesn't get easy but as many people keep saying it's worthed in the end....

I find that having short term goals help me focus more on recovery and rewarding my self accordingly too....like getting to bend it to certain degrees....like the first time it goes to 30 or 50 or 70 or 90 degrees ROM....or the first time an SLR goes right with help and then without....things like that....or the first time you can walking with cructhes normaly and then without....or that you spent a day being busy without it buckling on you......
It might sound weird but those small achievements are what are getting me trough....
Worrying is normal, god knows i still think about my knee 24/7 haha but i'm hoping at some point to regain total trust back in my knee....and with the progress i'm making now i don't think that's going to be a problem...

MPFL is a hard surgery and its not done lightly but the outcome of it never dislocating again is very appealing and it what i'm going for in the long term cuz this pain versus those pains everytime is dislocates doesnt quite compare....so grin and bearing it is just the motto for this surgery....in a few months you can look back and laugh about it.....cuz even though i'm only 7 weeks out i'm already laughing at what i can do now versus a few weeks ago...

Don't worry too much about the muscle loss....cuz mine is also significant but with PT and tons of hard work it will come back...it might not look the same but it will come back

Xx

Angel

Cjlynn · « **Reply #31 on:** May 28, 2012, 04:54:28 PM »

Thank you to everyone for the encouragement. I had my first PT session today, and wow, I have some work ahead of me! I knew it, but now its reality!!

When my ROM was measured today, it was 46, with some encouragement from her, we were able to read 53! I need to work on triggering the quad muscle and getting my calf to stretch and release. I'm sore this afternoon, took some pain pills to help relieve the discomfort.

She is hoping to have me off crutches in 2 weeks (thank goodness) and using a cane. She bumped up my physio to everyday this week, then 3x every week after that.

I'm going to take the pain of physio with a smile on my face. Well maybe a grimace once or twice...But I am going to try to remember that each step of recovery big or small is still a step forwards.

Tiggs1986 · « **Reply #32 on:** May 31, 2012, 06:27:26 PM »

Way to go Cjlynn! PT is most of the struggle but you will not believe what you'll be able to accomplish in a few weeks time with some hard work! It seems kinda like all you do is PT, and I've joked with some friends that once this is all done I'll have a wonderful booty from all the different glute and quad exercises I've been doing day in and day out!

As for PT pain, are you taking (or have a driver so you can take) prescription medication about and hour before PT? The first couple of weeks(at least!) it makes a big difference in how much you will be able to tolerate. Good luck!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #33 on:** June 05, 2012, 05:41:02 PM »

So here I am, one month post op.... And here's where I am at....

Still on crutches and weight bearing as tolerated, trying to put more and more weight on it every day.
Going to physio 3x week, ROM is still limited to about 55 degrees, and it's a huge challenge to get it that far!! It feels so tight when bending.
Trying to do more SLR's with assistance...there's no chance of one alone quite yet!
My PT uses electrical stimulation for triggering the quad muscle.
As I continue to do my exercises at home as well.

Never would I have dreamed that a month post op and I'm still struggling with the recovery. I was able to get myself in and out of the drivers seat of my car, yah!!

I know that Rome wasn't built in a day, but this knee seems to be taking its time!!

Teacher2Many · « **Reply #34 on:** June 11, 2012, 02:52:45 AM »

I was reading through your diary and want to thank you for sharing your experiences! I have had many extensive orthopedic knee/hip surgeries over the last five years and am undergoing (what is hopefully the final one) at the end of July which will be bilateral MPFL reconstruction using hamstring allograft. I am told this should be no worse than the others but am also aware of how painful it can be. My OS is putting me in bilateral knee braces that will be locked in extension for two weeks, unlocked to 30 degrees for the next two weeks, then unlocked to 45 degrees for the next two, and then hopefully removed at the six week mark. I am also getting the Game Ready machine for about three weeks or so to help with swelling and pain-I had it with my bilateral ACI surgery and it was amazing. Not sure if either of those two would be options for you or not.

PT works wonders from ultrasound to stim to manual massage/stretching/ROM, etc. I've been in PT since 10/2006 with only a few breaks for surgery (a total of 10 surgical dates and 18 surgical procedures done over those 10 dates) and know how critical it is to now only build strength, etc. prior to surgery but more importantly get you up and running afterward. It can be painful and a bit frustrating when the muscles don't seem to be doing what the brain tells them to do but trust me, it does get better. Some heal faster than others so try not to compare your progress with others. Each one of my surgeries has left me with different recovery times in regards to strength, ability to do a SLR, how quickly ROM returns, and how soon I get back to where I was prior to surgery.

Hang in there and I hope things continue to improve and just remember....slow and steady wins the race!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #35 on:** June 12, 2012, 12:13:59 PM »

Thank you teacher2many for your words of encouragement! I am 5 weeks post op, and still struggle with the decision to go thru with the surgery.
My PT program is intense, no question there, I just feel defeated after working so hard and still being in crutches and having so little ROM.

I am frustrated with myself and the lack of knowledge I had for the recovery process. Although my PT has informed me that I won't be returning to my job before September (I stand and pivot as a bank teller for 8 hours a day) so on the flip side, having the summer off isnt such a bad idea!

Today I will do more heel slides, laying on my stomach and doing hamstring curls and triggering the quad muscle, Friday has a goal set date of 70 degrees of ROM! Determination to get me off crutches should help achieve that!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #36 on:** June 15, 2012, 07:12:28 PM »

It never ceases to amaze me that what seemed to be such a simple surgery can take so long to recover from, BUT.....today I was able to get 70degress in ROM, and was able to do one single leg raise!! Yah!!

As my quad continues to strengthen I can finally start to feel positive!!

My pt and I have set a goal of 80 degrees for next Friday, and I'm hoping and praying to be off crutches, I will gladly except a cane at this point.

How long was everyone else on crutches for? Im surprised that I am still using them 6 weeks post op!

Chellie1992 · « **Reply #37 on:** June 15, 2012, 09:08:22 PM »

Good job on your ROM!

My OS originally told me in February that I will be NWB for 3 weeks, but when I went in for surgery last Friday, he said that I will be NWB for at least 6 weeks.

Good luck getting 80 degrees by next Friday!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #38 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:14:02 PM »

Week 6 has arrived.....

I am still using crutches although I am weight bearing, I keep them with me just in case the knee is fatigued and for the additional support. My goal for Friday is 80 degrees and down to using one crutch.
My 8 week post op appt is booked for July 28, and I will be using a cane by then!!

I am still finding that the joint can become quite tight feeling, from mid quad to ankle. But after every treatment of PT, I can notice the improvement in the knee. PT is simply unbearable at times, it's no walk in the park.

I still question why I wasn't prepared for the recovery of this surgery.

allyd · « **Reply #39 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:39:15 PM »

Sounds like you doing great – good, steady baby steps at PT is the way to go. Hang in there and focus on the little ‘wins’ in your progress. I always liked to tell people about the new ‘tricks’ I’d learn each week.  You know, all that simple stuff you took for granted before? Like putting your shoes on like a normal person. Bending over to pick something up.

Crutches, everyone is different. So many factors: your doctor’s protocol, pre-surgery strength, how quickly you progress, pain levels. My doctor warned me it’d be 4-6 weeks, WBAT from day one. I had low pain levels, was strong pre-surgery and progressed well off the bat, so I was able to build enough strength/ROM to ditch all together by week 5 I’d say.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #40 on:** June 20, 2012, 04:20:51 PM »

Yeah for me!! Today I left physio and was given the ok to go to one crutch, and I am able to use a cane!! Success is measured in the little things, and this is huge!!

I am still struggling with ROM, it's a challenge to get it past 70, this is where I feel like I've hit a wall. The joint seriously does not like bending.
My quad strength is better and better every day, today I was able to accomplish 6 SLR's on my own.

I am refusing to look back now! Nothing but forward momentum from here on out!

Chellie1992 · « **Reply #41 on:** June 20, 2012, 04:39:13 PM »

Down to one crutch, that's great!

ROM can be difficult. Have you tried heat to loosen it up before bending? That seemed to help me a lot after my LR last summer.

Cjlynn · « **Reply #42 on:** June 29, 2012, 01:06:58 PM »

So I post today defeated and sad....
Yesterday I had my 8 week post op, OS was quite happy with the muscle firing in the quad, but this is as far as it went for good news. My ROM is only at 83 degrees and it's a struggle to get that. His solution is now a MUA. Sigh~~

I am scheduled for the MUA on July 17.

I have no idea what the outcome of this procedure will be. Pain?? Recovery after?? I'm so frustrated.
Back to square one and regretting this surgery.

Teacher2Many · « **Reply #43 on:** June 30, 2012, 07:59:31 PM »

Hopefully the MUA goes well! I have never had one (luckily) but do know of many people in my PT clinic that have had them (usually for shoulder issues after rotator cuff surgery) and they are always amazed at their ROM afterwards. Please keep updating on your progress as well as how things go after the MUA.

Stay positive...those first few months (maybe even first year) after ortho surgery can be full of many regrets, why did I, etc. but once all is said and done, recovery is over, and pain is gone...it'll all be a distant memory! :-)

oohheykate · « **Reply #44 on:** July 02, 2012, 01:38:06 AM »

Cjlynn,

The MUA I had after my MPFLr was one of the best things I ever did! It helped me gain so much ROM and, I think, after about a month, I was almost at full ROM. I was actually right where you are! I had about 80 degrees ROM at eight weeks so my OS decided to schedule the MUA for the next week. I posted about it in my diary (check the post-op diaries >300 section). And, trust me, it was a breeze compared to the MPFLr. I did not take any pain meds for it until three days after and I was walking mostly by myself the next day.

sunshine22 · « **Reply #45 on:** July 11, 2012, 10:58:42 AM »

I am about 7 weeks post op and was also told that I need to undergo the MUA - mine is scheduled for 16 July. I am so nervous because I have heard of the pain associated with this procedure. Can't seem to get past 70

Cjlynn · « **Reply #46 on:** July 11, 2012, 01:46:04 PM »

Hey sunshine22, I'm not looking forward to mine either, but the thought of being only at 90 degrees for the remainder doesn't interest me.
My pt has reminded me that the pain won't be as bad as the surgery, but for me I think of it as torture!
The thought of being set back in recovery too isn't appealing!
Good luck with your MUA, I'd like to compare our notes after the procedure!

Cjlynn · « **Reply #47 on:** July 20, 2012, 02:33:20 PM »

The upside of a MUA, I've got more ROM than I ever thought I would get to, the downside...the burning pain and agony!! Yesterday was my first pt session since the MUA on Tuesday, I was able to go to 118 degrees!! Wow!! But I cried and OMG, it hurt. I was unable to do anything yesterday afterwards. Pain meds were a blessing.

I feel like this a uphill battle, and I can't get over it.
I still think everyday of why I decided to have the surgery. Although I wasn't aware of how difficult recovery was going to be.

My concern now is that the dissolvable screws are catching my skin, the surgeon is hoping that they don't become lodged under the knee cap.

My check up is August 2, and I'm hoping all goes well.