Cruciate ligaments :

Return to work - - Posted by paulacl (paulacl), 8 January 2005

I am awaiting a date for ACL re-construction and wondered what activities people have undertaken after the operation. As I run my own business time off work is always hard, so advice etc on things like can you sit at a desk after a week?, drive a car again after 2 weeks ? would be very helpful,  I understand we are all different but any examples etc would be greatly appreciated.
I certainly hope to return to the football pitch and ski slopes in 2006 !

Have a good 2005
Paul
Posted by estogirl696 (estogirl696), 8 January 2005

I can't say what it will be for you, especially since I am 17, but after a week, I was able to go back to school and sit at a desk all day, but for that second week I kept it elevated at my desk.  I returned to driving after about two and a half weeks.  I hope this helps, but again, everyine is different.
Posted by paulacl (paulacl), 9 January 2005

Thanks for you input,  2weeks sounds good. Should be bungy jumping at 3wks !!
Posted by estogirl696 (estogirl696), 9 January 2005

lol i wish! but i think bungy jumping may have to wait a while
Posted by bussrott (bussrott), 9 January 2005

I was back at work after 4 weeks (desk job) but could have got back after 3, but it was Xmas!

I was driving again at 2 weeks and 3 days (beat my PT's all-time patience's record which was previously 3 weeks ).

Off the crutches at about 2 weeks and walking fairly normal now at 6 weeks PO

I had Patella Auto, which is supposed to be the worst. I am 30, but was in very good shape prior to the op and a bit of a sports freek who actually ENJOYS the rehab  

Hope this helps!

Russ
Posted by murtaughdog (murtaughdog), 9 January 2005

I was back at work at four weeks (also could have gone
back earlier, but it was the holidays!).

Driving again at three weeks.  Tried it at two, but since it was my right leg I had to use my left foot to work the pedals.

No crutches at four weeks and no brace at five weeks.

Hope it helps.

Rgr

Posted by libertynm (libertynm), 10 January 2005

I'm 4.5 weeks post op and not back at work yet, but working from home on my computer.  I'm still elevating the leg as it swells even more if I don't.

I haven't started driving yet, but will hopefully be able to get into the driver's seat this week (haven't been able to fit yet, but it should be easier as my ROM is increasing).

Went down to one crutch indoors at 4 weeks.  I occasionally walk around indoors without it to test my knee, but boy is it wobbly.

Everyday gets a little bit better. .

That's just my experience. . .it's different for everyone

All the best to you!
Posted by paulacl (paulacl), 10 January 2005

Thanks for all your responses it is appreciated, the extended recovery at Xmas sounds good, well with the speed of the NHS I might try and time it to fall in with the World Cup in 2006 !! Then it will definetly take 4 weeks !

Thanks
Paul
Posted by Gab (Gab), 10 January 2005

Hi, I was on short term disability for 2 weeks (was initially supposed to be one only but I had too much swelling and pain still), then I worked from home for the next 3 as my commute implies taking the subway i.e. lots of walking and stairs in large crowds. And I first drove my car about 2 months post-surgery because my clutch is VERY stiff (aftermarket clutch). Wich knee did you blow? If it's the right one, it's advised you get a lot of mucles back as the pedal feel will be different and you certainly don't want to kill people at the wheel   If it's your left knee and you drive an autotragic, I think 3 weeks should be fine in my opinion.
Posted by paulacl (paulacl), 10 January 2005

Gab,

It is my left knee but the car isn't automatic, but like you say it might mean a few gear crunches rather than hitting 150mph if it was my right knee and it locked !!
Thanks for responding.
Posted by Gab (Gab), 10 January 2005

Ok, and what graft technique is your surgeon going to use? I had the patellar tendon autograft and I will be honest that it caused me a bit of trouble at first since pressing the clutch puts strain directly on the graft site.
Posted by paulacl (paulacl), 10 January 2005

I am getting my operation through the National Health Service, so I don't currently know which graft technique they will be using, the name of the Surgeon or for that matter the year the operation will take place!! There seem to be certain injuries in the UK that take forever to get looked at and this is one of them or you pay £4500 and go private and get the operation pronto.
I will remind the consultant/surgeon however about which graft site is used based on my daily activities as I do a lot of driving.
Posted by Gab (Gab), 10 January 2005

Yikes! I'm actually from Canada where it's socialized medicine similar to the UK and I've been considering myself lucky to be living in the USA and have good insurance as I got to choose my own surgeon and pretty much decided when to get the operation done. There's no way I could have waited a year to get that done!  

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