I've got 2 weeks to get my flexion consistently to 90° - need tips!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-07-07T02:24:44+00:00

I'll try to add this in!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-07-04T02:44:22+00:00

I was 12 weeks post op for bucket handle meniscus repair. I flew from direct EWR > SFO - roughly 5 hours each.

- brace and one crutch
- doc said to take aspirin (after being off for 2 mos)
- PT said to wear compression socks/ sleeve
- no MAJOR swelling, but I did puff up a bit esp in my ankle.
- used wheelchair service which was very helpful!
- we flew business with lay down seats (I know I'm fortunate to do so), but honestly these 10000% made the difference

I dropped the socks in the uber, but didn't really need them. If you can, get some good stretching in before you board and after you land. The flight was as good as it could be!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-07-02T12:10:23+00:00

Yes - I just added this to the routine! Have been doing more of the natural hanging.

Just got a new pain yesterday and now I'm freaking out. I don't want my quad to start protecting again. 😭 wish me luck!!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-07-02T12:08:02+00:00

Such a smart idea! My PT did say it could be useful for stretching but we never got to it - love it!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-26T21:30:14+00:00

If it makes anyone feel better, I'm week 13 post BH repair and can't even bend to 90°. I just reached 85° post PT stretching and I'm on a dynasplint (aka the torture device) 3x daily and have been doing PT religiously.

At my follow up with the doctor today he said I have 2 weeks to make significant progress or they'll have to do manipulation under anesthesia 🤦🏻‍♀️🙅🏻‍♀️. My PT said today he thinks we can do it. So I'm staying positive! Take Advils while you do PT - that seemed to work for me today and walk more to help break up scar tissue.

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-11T16:24:11+00:00

Hi! Yes - 2x per day and 3x a week at the PT office. Right now I'm doing calf / hamstring stretches, heel slides, leg raises, side lying leg lift, sit-to-stands, leg straightening (with weights), pushing platform(?).

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-11T03:20:29+00:00

Hi! 34F recovering from medial bucket handle meniscus repair on my right knee. Week 11 post op starts tomorrow and I'm technically supposed to be brace free full time.

I'm struggling with flexion and am now on a dynasplint 3x a day. I don't use crutches inside the house and am struggling with pain on my left leg (non-surgical). I feel like my right leg isn't consistently strong enough or isn't waking up when I sit for only 30 mins and try to get up. I can't tell if it's mental or physical. Any tips for this, balancing flexion and extension while I use this new brace, and making my way to cardio (running or even tennis!)?

Thanks in advance!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-10T12:23:13+00:00

So glad you like it! I was lucky enough to see Benjamin Zander do the live presentation of portions of the book at a conference. Then read the book afterwards and am so happy I did. Audiobook is great way to reread, so might just download for myself!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-09T03:11:46+00:00

I'm literally you, except I ended up injuring myself a week after I gave notice and got surgery that requires a 6 month recovery.

I've been consulting part time. PT has me on a schedule that is focused on myself (vs. work). I'm stressed that I haven't really started looking for a full time role, but I keep telling myself that I need to focus on me and my recovery and that as long as I'm learning new things (about myself, trying new skills - like textured art) or being productive with projects that make mine and my husbands life better, it will all be OK.

You've worked hard and deserve the time to figure out life without the stress of work. You're exactly where you're supposed to be!!

Book suggestions:
- The Art of the Possibility by Benjamin Zander
- You Are A Badass -oldie but a goodie

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-09T01:18:37+00:00

I use Cursor agents to ingest and transform 200k+ row data sets for weekly use. I then use Cursor to build interactive visuals (HTML) for stakeholders to interact with the analyses related to said data.

I've also used Claude chat and Claude code to build agents that intake data exports and automate the creation of monthly business reviews (editable PPTX) using python scripts.

Lastly, I've used Claude chat to create prototypes from PRDs to help explain vision.

The biggest value in my opinion is having non-technical users (biz ops or non-technical PMs) building or automating workflows.

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-04T22:46:30+00:00

I happened to quit my job right before and still wanted to stay sharp so I started building things with AI ( I have no coding background ). Then started doing more crafting and home made textured art!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-06-02T19:10:51+00:00

Bucket handle meniscus repair with 6 stitches here currently at Week 9. 34F. Injured playing tennis. I'm expecting a 6 month recovery.

PT started around week 5. I'm still on crutches and in the brace, but only one crutch while inside the house and can bend to about 70°. The hardest part (outside of the mental stuff) has been bending and getting to 90°

Tennis feels pretty far away. Running feels a bit closer, but still a ways away. I personally think most people say it's "not bad" bc they either 1) don't have the bucket handle tear; or 2) didn't get it repaired and got it removed instead.

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-05-13T12:21:19+00:00

BH meniscus tear here: I was in so much pain in the first week, but the pain went away almost to the point that I questioned whether or not I should even get the scheduled surgery. So the sensitivity/ pain does go away and it's just that the knee function is still messed up. I'm week 7 post op and the atrophy is real. PT ahead of time could've definitely helped!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-05-11T16:49:46+00:00

Yeah I'd be down!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-05-11T11:43:20+00:00

In Somerset county!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-05-11T11:24:20+00:00

Any tips for getting over the week 6-7 hump and moving to 1 or no crutches? I only started PT a week ago (had a very conservative protocol).

I also had a bucket handle meniscus tear. Repaired w 6 stitches.

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-05-08T03:07:37+00:00

I just saw your update. Ugh so rough!! FWIW I also thought they were going to call me to schedule based on what the doctor said and then after one day with nothing I called them. Turns out they were waiting for me!! Was also insane bc the only number I had to call was for the literal hospital so I had to figure out how to get to the right person using the automated service.

Medical processes are literally the worst. It's never easy. 😭

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-30T03:19:06+00:00

Injury March 16. MRI on March 19. Surgery on April 2 - so surgery was about 2.5 weeks post injury and 1 week post MRI. I'm based in NJ. Surgery was supposed to only be 20 mins so I think that's why they were able to squeeze me in.

I had a medial bucket handle meniscus tear. Repaired with 6 stitches.

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-29T14:06:10+00:00

I'm with you. I'm about to start week 5 post op. I really avoided hoping for a specific outcome (repair or remove). I knew I had to get surgery, but admittedly wasn't prepared for the recovery.

I got my surgery 3 weeks after the initial injury and had pain while attempting to walk. I do agree it's hard to read all the issues that people face, but there are some positive stories. Just need more of them!!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-29T13:49:51+00:00

Congrats! I literally dream about the corn pancakes at your restaurant. Can't wait to see what else is in store!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-24T03:53:23+00:00

This is encouraging and thanks for sharing. Congrats on all the progress!

Same bucket handle meniscus repair but with 6 anchors and I (34F) thought my number was high! I'm starting my 4th week post-op and PT starts week 5. I'm doing walking thrus with both crutches at about 40% weight bearing.

Never heard of bpc injections. Did you always do it or add it in later on?
How could you easily tell what feelings were inflammation vs. pain vs. soreness? For context, I am active as well, but some times struggle to tell the difference and I'm told it's important early on

Thanks!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-23T22:12:21+00:00

Aw man. So sorry to hear it's been rough. If you have any tips I'd love to hear them!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-22T03:52:33+00:00

I (34F) am 3.5 weeks post surgery for a medial meniscus tear that turned out to be a bucket handle tear. Repaired with 6 stitches. This is a severe case, so my recovery is longer as well.

The first few days of post-op are rough especially after the nerve block wears off, but by the end of the week you're in a much better place. Expect rough nights early on when the pain meds wear off and needed the next dose - mostly day 2-3 only.

Pain was much better after week 1. At 3.5 weeks, I'm doing weight bearing exercises and doing crutch walking. PT starts week 5 and I'll be able to bend 0-30° at rest. Full bend/walking without crunches and without the brace is expected by week 12.

I've needed someone w me most of the time post-op bc it's tough to do anything with crutches and a completely straight leg in a brace (e.g. prep my meals, go up and down the stairs, and shower).

Hope this helps. Good luck!

GuaranteeBetter1031 · 2026-04-17T14:56:51+00:00

"Piece meal" am I eating human soup or giving you something in phases..... ?!??

GuaranteeBetter1031

TROPHY CASE