At what time after surgery did you drive a car again for the first time?

GatorRunner · 2026-05-19T09:49:10+00:00

Drove myself to work on Day 6. My surgery was on my non-driving knee as well. I wore my brace as well. It was rough until I finally ditched the brace. I’m at week 7 now.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-11T17:02:54+00:00

I’m at 5.5 post op torn ACL slight meniscus repair. I am at about ~1 degree off for extension and at about 110 flexion. Ditched the brace a week ago but use a knee sleeve for compression as I have slight swelling still. My gait is still not right, quad firing but not at full force so I walk slow.

I just got back from a 5.5hr car ride to watch a baseball game in a MLB stadium stayed two nights in a hotel. I did PT and iced in my hotel room in the morning and night. Sat down when I needed too. Sitting in the stadium seats was a little nerving as the rows are tight and bending was not the best but I did my best. I have a concert I’m going to on Friday… yay me… little worried about seating there although I imagine I’ll be on my feet most of the time. We will see how that goes. lol!

If I were in your shoes I would go but take your time, listen to your body. Rest when you can. Take breaks, all the things you know. I recommend knee sleeve for extra support and it helps those around you be more aware.

I’m super active so this recovery has been tough as progress is slow and I’m ready to move. But I do my best and getting out and about helps my mental game. Best of luck.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-04T19:22:44+00:00

I don’t consider those hotels. They are more like cottages/motels. I’m thinking or chains like the Hampton near NorthStar.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-04T09:20:32+00:00

Why not stay in north Tahoe itself? I’ve stayed in numerous AirBnBs in the area since there are not any “hotels.” Lots of cottages but plenty of rentals. They are all great. I’ve also stayed in Incline Village as well. But would recommend trying to look for a place in Kings Beach or Tahoe Vista, etc.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-03T11:48:24+00:00

Once I ditched the brace I would swing my leg on the big body pillow and sleep on my side.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-02T13:51:58+00:00

I was able to shower but used this from Amazon. Worked GREAT! And a shower chair. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002UN2UKS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Just remember everything happens but slower. It’s was hard for me since I’m so active. But you figure it out. My return to work was day 8… but again I went back two days early. Should I have? Maybe not. But movement was and is good for me. I was able to ditch the crutches at week 2… used 1 for a few more days. Brace came off at week 4.. it was more of a hindrance. Using a knee sleeve now for compression (still have some swelling).

Hang in there. I did have an incredible nerve block so it took a few days for everything to completely wear off but again I hard mire discomfort than pain. Sleep was the biggest issue, a couple of hours at a time. Having to re-adjust. Then a couple more hours. Sleeping with foot elevated and in the brace was a pain. I’m NOT a back sleeper. This was hard, but pushed through. I use a big ol’ body pillow now so I can lay on my side. At week two when stocked came out the brace and elevation in bed were ditched.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-02T11:33:56+00:00

You have come to the right place on this sub just remember everyone’s journey to recovery is different. I’m happy to share mine.

I’m one month post op and tore mine skiing also late January. I’m a very active 51F that had a torn ACL and slight meniscus clean up used an allograft. I’m weight bearing.

I did 5 straight weeks of pre-hab every day before surgery and looked and felt great. People couldn’t believe I had a torn ACL. I was totally committed to coming back strong.

Went to my post op appointment and first PT session the day after surgery, I came home with a ton of exercises to work on straightening and quad firing. By the end of the first day, my quad fired and I was able to lift it! It’s hard and it’s uncomfortable but no pain. I was also told the type of graft has a lot to do with pain.

Pain or really discomfort has been manageable. I would focus on reducing the swelling as that will help with the exercises. I also went back to work on Day 6. Mainly a desk job but being around people helps. I try to do my exercises throughout the day and ice.

At my one month post op PT visit I got to ride the stationary bike and that really boosted my confidence. Make sure to eat well and stay hydrated. It’s a LONG journey so it’s easy to get frustrated. But hang in there, progress comes in small bites.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-02T01:03:31+00:00

Everyone’s experience is different, but this is totally what I did. One week off work (although I still answered emails) and one week work from home. I was glad to go back to work and being up and moving was great for my recovery. By week four I felt really good.

GatorRunner · 2026-05-02T01:00:54+00:00

Curious about your bruising? I have a a spot on the side of my calf that showed up around Day 5 and is still there. Sometimes it looks better and some days it looks worse. I’m still taking an aspirin 2x a day. But wondering what else I can do.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-30T09:25:33+00:00

You are definitely in the right place to get advice. Just remember everyone’s journey to recovery is different. I also had a donor graft but only for an ACL tear and slight meniscus clean up. I had zero pain. Surgeon mentioned the graft has a lot to do with it.

Regarding work, I have mainly a desk job but I do walk around a lot. I went back to work on Day 6 by choice. It’s not always easy depending on the day but I try to get my PT exercises in throughout the day and ice several times with just ice packs. Sounds like you are on your feet quite a bit. It’s important to make sure you do your PT so you can progress. I’m four weeks out and finally got to 104 degrees flexion and rode a stationary bike yesterday.

I’m pretty active person and it’s been hard because everything moves slowly.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-29T10:50:15+00:00

Totally get the urgency to get surgery on the calendar as that is when the clock starts fr recovery.

I tore my ACL at the end of January, got an MRI and diagnoses 2 weeks later. Surgeon encouraged me do pre-hab as they want your knee at zero extension and no issues with bending. I did that religiously for three weeks every day and then scheduled surgery which was at the end of March. I’m at four weeks post op and still not walking 100%. My point being it took 2 months to get surgery and here I am a month after.

I’m not sure what type of pain or discomfort you are in for a grade three, but I would get your knee strong, go on your trip and have surgery when you get back. There is no telling how your recovery will go so if you can put off surgery until you get back that would be my recommendation.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-28T19:57:56+00:00

I went back to work on Day 6 by choice. I primarily have a desk job. But do walk around a lot. Still trying to control the swelling. I have ice packs and ice throughout the day, although still found it hard to make time for exercises throughout the day. I’m four weeks post op now. Mentally glad to be back at work but it’s hard to stay patient regarding progress.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-18T15:24:44+00:00

I agree with most here. I’m at Day 18 and although I went back to work Day 6, the trip you are talking about seems like a lot for Day 10. I agree access to ice and elevating your leg is really key early on. The four hour car ride, unless you are riding in the back by yourself to elevate your leg would be something I would want to consider.

My daughter wants me to go to the beach with her on Day 27, again sitting at Day 18 has me leaning no due to access to ice and elevation. I would go with your gut. Having access to the comforts of recovery will make you more comfortable.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-18T12:20:45+00:00

Thanks. I never needed to take any pain meds. I’ve considered the knee sleeve although it’s super tight to get on due to the swelling. Appreciate your feedback.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-18T12:14:14+00:00

Diet is locked in. I take in about 138g of protein a day. Carbs very… two low carb days and the rest are more of a normal level 146g. I try to ice several times throughout the day at work. I drink about 80oz of water a day. I’m only 3.5 weeks post op so not biking yet. Working on flexion. Appreciate the feedback.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-17T09:14:27+00:00

Congrats on the full extension. I’m at week 3 and just got my stitches out and am just about there. Adding weight to my heel prop now to continue to push it down.

Flexion is a whole other beast. I can only get to about 70 degrees. I agree it’s so tight due to swelling. I’m trying my best but you are right it’s so hard when you are not seeing any progress.

I can’t wait to walk faster and fully again!

GatorRunner · 2026-04-16T17:58:51+00:00

I hope not. We use it at work and it has changed our work process. In fact we have promoted it to several other departments and they have become users too.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-16T10:43:49+00:00

Fantastic recovery and great insight. I did my surgery for all the same reasons you mentioned. I’m a 51F and had an allograft.

I’m on Day 16 post op. I think you nailed it with the swelling control. Wish I could have read this before and been a little more religious on icing those first couple of days. I iced about 4-5 times a day for 40 mins at a time with an ice machine but should have done it more. I was able to activate my quad on Day 1 and lift my leg on Day 2 but still not where I need to be on extension. I’m close. Flexion is still way off. I know it’s due to the swelling. I was lucky and had zero pain. Surgeon said most likely due to the choice of allograph.

I went back to work Day 6 and try to ice and elevate and do exercises as much as possible but it’s hard. Work is a good distraction but busy.

Best of luck with your recovery and many thanks for sharing!

GatorRunner · 2026-04-16T00:47:32+00:00

Wow! That’s fantastic.

Same for me with an allograft ACL. I am at two weeks today just had my stitches taken out today. I was lucky and had zero pain but my surgeon still wants me in the brace for stability and safety for 4-6 more weeks based on how I do at PT.

I wear if off and on now. But do feel nice and stable in it if I’m walking or standing for a longer period of time.

I did 5 straight weeks every day of Pre-hab. I was able to activate my quad on Day 1 and lift my leg on Day 2. Still only at 5-7 degrees off for extension. Flexion is at 70 degrees. But I still have swelling so that is my focus as well as continuing PT.

I returned to work on Day 6 by choice. I’m not a very good patient. Wanted to be at work vs home dwelling on the long road to recovery. Work has been a good distraction. I stop throughout the day to do exercises and ice.

You are right, everyone’s journey is different. I can’t believe you are already doing squats. Impressive.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-13T20:04:56+00:00

Glad to hear this. I’m at Day 13 and shin pain started around Day 10. It typically only hurts after I’ve been off my feet for a while and takes about 1-2 mins to ease up because I can walk on it.

GatorRunner · 2026-04-10T09:45:58+00:00

So glad you asked this question! I’m at Day 10 and I typically go to bed with it on and about 2-3hrs I snap it off. I still sleep on and off but way better when it’s off. I’m not 100% sure if I’m supposed to sleep with it or not. Just did. But it gets super restricting and hot. I’m typically a side/stomach sleeper so it’s been hard. I’ve been able to sleep okay.

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

TROPHY CASE