Day 11
I went back to the surgeon today for a second check up. At least I got out of the house for the first tie in a week
He's very happy about the reduction in swelling which is a direct result of the RICE and lymph drainage massage. He took out the stitches from the larger wounds and placed some steri-strips over them instead. He reiterated that I have to be NWB for at least another 10 days then maybe I can start gradually weight-bearing. I mentioned the pain level but he is not one to over-prescribe what are in effect, addictive medicines. As long as I do as I'm told the pain is tolerable, except at night. The pain levels are fluctuating according to how distracted I am - nights are awful as there is no escaping the fact that I cannot sleep through the night without the help of the Tylenol Sleep Aid. I try to get by with only one tablet but often have to resort to two just to get a few hours rest. They also X-rayed the joint in the standing position so I could see the gap between the tib and femur.
I have to go back next week to be fitted for a new brace and I'm going to push for a Townsend Design made to measure if I can - Worker's Comp can foot the bill, as it is their fault I'm in this situation. I'm going to push for one of either the Rebel, Premier or the AirACLrange and will print out all I can to show him what they are like. As I have to stay in this rigid one at least another 2/3 weeks, there is time to measure, order and deliver before I need it. The complication of the LCL replacement is going to be challenging to get a good fit.
So the PT continues for the next 2 weeks with the passive stuff and I'll be released to do more active ACL orientated work when he's happy that the LCL is coming along nicely.
Thanks for all the messages of support - it really is a wonderful community that we have have here. With the best will in the world, those who have not had any knee problems cannot really understand how all-pervasive an injury of this sort is. I know it is my friends who have have knee injuries who are the most understanding.
So that's it folks - 11 days out 0 degrees bend and 10 degrees extension and I'm proud of it! Just goes to show how unique each of our repairs are and how we should not compare as every single one of us is different. Comparisons are futile and counter productive in my mind as none of us know exactly what has been done to us, nor to anyone asking for "advice". The best we can ever give is encouragement and understanding coming from personal experience. I've now had 5 ACL "repairs" and each time the rehab protocol has been completely different.
Will update again when there is something worthwhile to report.
Sue
1989 big trauma R. knee - sorted
1990-2004 3ACL recons and 20+ arthroscopies -RK
3/06 LK ACL torn!
4/06 ACL recon, kneecap broken
09 &10/06- 2x meniscus trims
3/07 - Notch Plastic & Lateral Release
14/8/08 complete revision ACL plus LCL/PLC recon
6/2/09 returned to skiing! Whoopee