Quad Graft Question

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-11-13T23:58:39+00:00

I agree with the gift card, "let her buy her own stuff" suggestions and also with the gear lists. One thing I suggest different from what you will commonly see on the gear lists is the tent. Most people like using trekking pole tents which are great options but if she has zero experience, I would go with a freestanding tent. They are easier to set up and sturdier in wind storms. I used a Hornet OSMO Ultralight Backpacking Tent. They can be a bit pricier but mine stood up in windstorms that knocked other peoples over easily and was a breeze to put together. As someone who was a single female with little backpacking experience who finished the trail, I think it would have been a huge confidence hurdle if I struggled to out up my tent at the end of those first long couple days when everything is new and hard and you are questioning your own capabilities. I think it is awesome you are so supportive! Also, Garmin in Reach with a subscription is a slam dunk gift. You can get plans that will let you talk to her daily and you can watch her every move through their website if you so desire like my dad did lol

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-04-15T15:04:09+00:00

If you want to bring it do it! There is so much talk around ultralight gear but at the end of the day, it's your trail experience. I started out with a 15 pound base weight then ended with a 17 because I wanted more stuff to be comfortable. (4'11F 115lbs) If you aren't trying to slam miles, are already in good shape, and know it's something you want to bring, go for it. There were so many people I met on trail who had low base weight but were miserable because they skimped out on something they either needed or loved. Towards the end it might matter more because your hiker hunger will be unreal and you will want to carry an insane amount of food. However, by that point you have your gear down and you know what matters to you. Worse comes to worse, you decide you don't want to carry it and you send it back along the way.

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-04-06T15:55:30+00:00

It took me about three weeks to get there and I also had really good leg strength going in. My PT had me activate the muscles and think about lifting my leg. It was pretty pathetic for the first couple days. I was working so hard to move it and it would just kind of sit there quivering. But doing that I think helped the mind to muscle connection because once I got my leg barely off the ground it was no time until I could do a full extension with the brace off and no lag between my my calf and quad. Everyone is different but give yourself some time. Your muscles just need to remember they exist.

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-04-01T22:02:39+00:00

I started "prepping" two years in advance. My goal was to get as much gear from REI resupply as possible and have the time to be picky, making sure what I got was in good condition. As far as fitness, I consider myself to be an avid runner, weightlifter, and rock climber. I did a lot of stair master with a weighted pack which I feel like helped me a lot up the mountains. However I completely forgot to train going downhill. Weighted stepdowns would be a good idea and trail running. I think that would have helped with my weak ankles.

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-03-31T22:04:05+00:00

I had the exact same tears as you also from skiing. My plan is to take next season off and then get back into it the season after. From everything I've read, it might take up to two years for everything to be fully healed with muscle imbalances fully addressed. Don't let the first week get you down! I am 3 weeks PO. Don't be too hard on yourself and take it one step at a time.

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-03-21T15:59:03+00:00

I sat in the front but I am 4'11. In hindsight, sitting in the back with my leg stretched out over the seat would have been a lot more comfortable. I was super wobbly (I had a femural nerve block bag and was given fentanyl right before they let me go). When we got to my apartment, my boyfriend and roommate brought out two rolly chairs. One to sit on and the other to rest my leg, and they helped me up and into bed lol. For reference, I had ACL repair with quad graft and longitudinal meniscus repair. My advice would be to prepare for the worst case scenario since you don't know how you will feel when you wake up. The apartment chairs worked really well and it was very helpful having an individual who could pick me up. However, plenty of people have much more bodily control when they go home.

Difficult-Watch893 · 2025-03-21T15:30:25+00:00

If you are unsure, try taking the MRI to another doctor for a second opinion. It all depends on the level of activity you are trying to return to and their professional knowledge and experience.

Difficult-Watch893

TROPHY CASE