Aa
ACL/Meniscus Post Op Question - Feeling like a failure!
Hello to all - I am hoping that someone can help me or inspire me!
I injured my right knee on July 2nd, 2008 and worked through Physical Therapy to get to surgery. I was close to walking on my own, prior to surgery and recovered a bend of about 136 degrees, pre-surgery. I finally had my ACL and meniscus surgery on 8/15/2008. Once in surgery, the doc discovered that both sides of the meniscus were torn and needed repair, as well as the ACL. It was extreme pain from about the second day post-op, as I had a nerve block that kept the pain at bay for the first 36 hours or so.
I have had two weeks of steady pain, extreme swelling and an overall miserable experience. From being allergic to the pain killers to the extreme swelling of the calf that sent me in to the hospital, concerned that I may have had a blood clot, it was awful! The swelling is still there, not quite as bad, and I have severe bruising covering the calf and the ankle. Prior to surgery, I was told that I would be immobilized in a brace for 2 weeks post-op and not to put any weight on the leg.
I went to my first PT appointment last night and what a disappointment and painful experience that turned out to be. I am extremely defeated and quite honestly, after 2 months of being laid up already, frustrated! When I went to PT they gave me a paper print out of the various exercises that I need to be doing 2-3 times daily and I am finding it difficult to do any ONE, successfully. I cannot lift my leg on my own, as my quad is shot! The closest I got to any kind of bend in my knee was 42 degrees, measured by the therapist. I have tried several times to do the assigned exercises and feel like a miserable failure. I don’t know if this is normal or if I am not pushing myself hard enough.
I am an otherwise active, 38 year old woman.
Prior to my surgery, I taught fitness classes, aside from my regular office job. I can't believe that this is the end of the road for the fitness classes I love to teach. I am depressed, questioning my decision and extremely concerned that I am not on track. I continue to read various articles about people that are put in CPM machines or sent to PT within days of surgery. I am not exactly sure why my protocol was different, but looking for anyone that can relate. Does my story ring a bell with anyone or does anyone have any kind of advice they can offer? I am desperate!
Thanks in advance,
Slowly Recovering & Frustrated
I injured my right knee on July 2nd, 2008 and worked through Physical Therapy to get to surgery. I was close to walking on my own, prior to surgery and recovered a bend of about 136 degrees, pre-surgery. I finally had my ACL and meniscus surgery on 8/15/2008. Once in surgery, the doc discovered that both sides of the meniscus were torn and needed repair, as well as the ACL. It was extreme pain from about the second day post-op, as I had a nerve block that kept the pain at bay for the first 36 hours or so.
I have had two weeks of steady pain, extreme swelling and an overall miserable experience. From being allergic to the pain killers to the extreme swelling of the calf that sent me in to the hospital, concerned that I may have had a blood clot, it was awful! The swelling is still there, not quite as bad, and I have severe bruising covering the calf and the ankle. Prior to surgery, I was told that I would be immobilized in a brace for 2 weeks post-op and not to put any weight on the leg.
I went to my first PT appointment last night and what a disappointment and painful experience that turned out to be. I am extremely defeated and quite honestly, after 2 months of being laid up already, frustrated! When I went to PT they gave me a paper print out of the various exercises that I need to be doing 2-3 times daily and I am finding it difficult to do any ONE, successfully. I cannot lift my leg on my own, as my quad is shot! The closest I got to any kind of bend in my knee was 42 degrees, measured by the therapist. I have tried several times to do the assigned exercises and feel like a miserable failure. I don’t know if this is normal or if I am not pushing myself hard enough.
I am an otherwise active, 38 year old woman.
Prior to my surgery, I taught fitness classes, aside from my regular office job. I can't believe that this is the end of the road for the fitness classes I love to teach. I am depressed, questioning my decision and extremely concerned that I am not on track. I continue to read various articles about people that are put in CPM machines or sent to PT within days of surgery. I am not exactly sure why my protocol was different, but looking for anyone that can relate. Does my story ring a bell with anyone or does anyone have any kind of advice they can offer? I am desperate!
Thanks in advance,
Slowly Recovering & Frustrated
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
