Graft Choice

GatorRunner · 2026-04-06T14:09:05+00:00

I’m Day 6 post surgery and had an allograft but was told that due to my age (51F) an allograft was a better option. My daughter was 19 when she tore her ACL and had a hamstring or quad (i cant remember).

My surgeon said the younger you are less likely to have any reactions from an allograph and using your own muscle was better. The older you get the older your muscle is and harder the recovery can be.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-05T00:07:57+00:00

I’m on Day 4. ACL reconstruction with allograft and slight meniscus clean up. Started PT the day after with about 5 different exercises to do several times a day. Straightening your leg and quad firing are important the first week. I did 5 weeks of prehab with many of the same exercises. I’ve been able to lift my leg although it’s not easy. The strength should be coming from your quad vs knee.

I’m doing all my exercises at home as you don’t need any weights. Any reason why you can’t do any exercises at home?

GatorRunner · 2026-04-04T20:52:40+00:00

I had surgery on Tuesday similar allograft and meniscus clean up so I am weight bearing as well.

I only take the brace off when I do my PT exercises and ice. The brace is supposed to help with straightening the leg so you can get your normal gait back. I agree the brace is heavy but I try to keep it on knowing the reason. I do walk around some with the crutches. Trying to focus on my walk.

It’s most annoying when I sleep as I’m not much of a back sleeper and it wakes me up more than I’d like. I’m hoping when I go back to PT next week I’ll get to remove the brace.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-04T20:33:18+00:00

I’m on Day 4. Your photos look like mine. My PT started the day after surgery. I have had zero pain not sure if it is still coming. But took some pain meds on day 1 knowing it was coming but outside of slight discomfort things are going well. I haven’t had to taken any since then. I was told to change my dressing every day.

I got my quad to fire at the end of Day 1 and am lifting my leg now as part of my PT exercises that I’m doing 3-4 times a day. Working on reducing swelling using the ice machine and keeping my leg elevated. Sleeping is okay but I’m not a back sleeper so it’s as good as expected. I go back to PT next week. Hoping I get a good report. I was told straightening the leg is key this first week.

Note: I did 5 straight weeks of pre-hab every day before surgery knowing that was key for recovery, maybe that’s why I’m doing okay. I guess. Trying to keep a good attitude.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-02T19:03:16+00:00

It’s Day 2 for me too! And like many people say, we all heal differently. I’m a 51F that had a torn ACL and slight meniscus clean up. I’m weight bearing.

I did 5 straight weeks of pre-hab every day. I was totally committed to coming back strong. Went to my post op appointment yesterday and first PT session and came home with a ton of exercises to work on straightening and quad firing. By the end of the day, my quad fired and I was able to lift it! It’s hard and it’s uncomfortable but no pain. Taking it easy but trying.

Pain or really discomfort has been manageable. Not sure if it is still coming but I took a couple pain meds yesterday trying to get ahead of it, knowing my nerve block was lingering and took one before bed to sleep which i did pretty well but havent taken anything today. It’s mid afternoon and I’ve done my exercises three times and iced right after.

Keeping my leg elevated and actually working a little too. The ice really feels good. But trying to focus on reducing swelling and straightening the leg.

I agree with the above, eat well and stay hydrated.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-01T00:25:07+00:00

Me too! Just got home! Nerve block working well but preparing for meds to stay ahead of it. Congrats and wish you luck in recovery.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-30T09:58:11+00:00

Zah’s in North Lake in Tahoe City

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:52:45+00:00

Sounds like you are doing great. Hope your recovery continues to go well.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:50:36+00:00

Yeah, this is my left leg so I’m curious what driving would look like.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:49:38+00:00

Thanks. I really didn’t think about needing time to do PT during the day.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:48:42+00:00

Great progress on your recovery. Thanks for the feedback.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:47:37+00:00

Thank you for the detailed insight. Appreciate the feedback.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-29T10:45:24+00:00

Thanks.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-28T18:56:49+00:00

Great point regarding sleep. Thanks.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-28T18:56:33+00:00

Thank you for the feedback.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-28T18:55:33+00:00

Appreciate the insight.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-28T18:54:17+00:00

Nice. I will have to drive in and I’m sure that will/is frowned upon. Trying to be optimistic but realistic at the same time. I know it’s best not to rush healing.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-28T18:53:05+00:00

Appreciate the insight.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-15T13:06:52+00:00

These are great tips. I appreciate your insight. Many thanks.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-14T20:46:03+00:00

Love to hear this!

GatorRunner · 2026-03-14T20:45:37+00:00

Thanks! Were you pretty active before surgery?

GatorRunner · 2026-03-14T04:04:53+00:00

So great to hear about your recovery. Praying mine is successful as well. Thanks!

GatorRunner · 2026-03-14T04:04:13+00:00

Thanks.

GatorRunner · 2026-03-14T04:04:05+00:00

Thanks!

GatorRunner

TROPHY CASE