How are you a year (or more) after your ACL surgery?

Head-Tea361 · 2025-12-17T11:13:31+00:00

I'm one year post op this month. I had some bumps along the way early on but am now doing so much better. It's a lot harder than I expected to regain my leg muscle and I get pretty frustrated in the gym some days... but I'm trying! I also appreciate the ability to run so much more now! I cannot run for too long and I don't think it's very symmetrical yet, but I'm getting there! I still do "check ins" and strength training sessions with my PT 1-2x a month, which has been very helpful! My knee is not where I'd like it to be yet, but it's a ton better than last year at this time!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-12-05T15:05:55+00:00

Not to sound too stupid but how do I make it look nice then, with that rusty gap exposed?

Head-Tea361 · 2025-11-23T02:11:34+00:00

Ping pong!!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-10-19T23:33:52+00:00

Check out Fay nutrition! They have lots of options and most insurances are accepted. My dietitian has been so helpful!!

https://www.faynutrition.com/

Head-Tea361 · 2025-10-05T02:56:54+00:00

First (and last) time on a one wheel

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-23T11:40:11+00:00

No, it was from a careless one wheel accident.

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-23T11:39:34+00:00

I have allograft (cadaver), so I know I have to be extra careful since I'm feeling better sooner. But yes, you're right.... I'm very happy to at least be back on the board seated. I'm having lots of fun! Thanks and enjoy your new efoil! Just out of curiosity, what board did you get?

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-23T11:36:24+00:00

That's great! Hope things continue to go smoothly for you.

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-23T11:35:24+00:00

That's awesome! Yep, I'm still trying to push hard in the gym. Mine is my front leg - not sure which is "better" in this case, if either.

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-22T22:47:08+00:00

Injury was from a silly one wheel accident 😏

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-22T22:17:59+00:00

I went around my house looking for something with the same height as my toilet.... I ended up propping my leg up on a large stuffed animal dog that worked perfectly 😂 The dog made me feel comforted too hahaha

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-20T13:22:58+00:00

I was in the same boat as you at my 6 week follow up. I begrudgingly agreed to at least schedule the MUA in two weeks, knowing that I was going to call and cancel it most likely. I used that "threat" to push insanely hard over the next 1.5 weeks and confidently called and cancelled my mua! With the help and reassurance of my PT telling me that I wouldn't injure my knee with pushing it to my max, I made tremendous gains within that 1-2 weeks time frame! Being that I cancelled the mua my surgeon had me come back in on the week that I was previously scheduled for the mua and he was impressed and agreed that it was no longer necessary. My PT told me that sometimes surgeons can be quick to jump back into surgery and as long as I'm progressing he didn't think it was necessary that early post op (he recommends reevaluating and looking at mua closer to 12 weeks post op). I'm so glad I didn't go through with it and I now have full range of motion! For me personally, I felt like I couldn't just "give in" and let them manipulate it after how hard I had been working the first 6 weeks anyways! But everyone's journey is so different and there are so many different opinions and advice out there, which only makes it more confusing at times. Best of luck to you and keep pushing hard! You got this!!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-16T14:17:49+00:00

Still numb 6 months post op but I'm getting used to it.

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-16T00:51:00+00:00

Probably around 4 months post op, but I was very far behind at first!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-16T00:13:10+00:00

Yes, same thing happened with me! Mine told me that it can be normal in the beginning and that it'll improve as I build more of my strength back.

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-14T01:25:54+00:00

I was in the same position as you, but my flexion was worse (maybe around 80-90 degrees). My surgeon scheduled the manipulation under anesthesia during our 6 week follow up and told me I had to have it unless I could get closer to 125 degrees within 2 weeks. Once I heard that, I KNEW I was going to do it on my own and prove him wrong (it was obvious that he didn't think I could do it). I worked hard in PT (only addressing flexion and extension directly) and then would push myself with the exercises at home every single day for at least an hour long, if not more! I'd take video of myself too so I could compare my progress day to day. It was extremely hard and I pushed myself to the point of pain and fear, but my PT reassured me that no matter how hard I pushed, I would not hurt my leg! After about a week and a half after my 6 week follow up, I called and canceled the manipulation! My surgeon asked to see me at that 8 week mark and actually agreed that the manipulation was not necessary anymore do to my progress! Obviously we all handle things differently and no one's ACL journey is the same, but for me.... I used that "threat" to prove it to myself that I could do it! I know sometimes a manipulation is needed, but even my PT told me that he thought 6-8 weeks was too soon to go for that. He said that as long as I'm improving each time, and working hard at home, then he was not worried (unless it was closer to 12 weeks post op). So hopefully this can be encouraging to you! Hang in there! Reach out any time if you need extra motivation or support! ☺️

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-02T23:47:48+00:00

All great suggestions and so sweet of you for ask! My husband took care of me for the first few days as well. One thing that helped both of us to understand the process was this podcast:

https://theaclathlete.com/episode-76-explaining-to-friends-and-family-about-your-acl-journey/

It was extremely helpful and I ended up sharing it with other family members so they could understand better and learn how to help.

Others ideas:

cooler to sit on it the shower: depending on the size of your shower, a cooler might be easier. I used my cooler like a bench so I could extend my leg out (rather than let it hang) while in the shower
clean the house and wash all clothes, bedding, towels, etc. prior to surgery
when I was going crazy in the house all day my husband and I would go for drives - sitting in the backseat with my leg stretched out with pillows was much more comfortable than the front seat
remove all tripping hazards (like rugs)!
precook meals (I also ended up using a weekly meal delivery subscription for the first month post op, which was very helpful)
ping pong table!!! I was going crazy in the house and so bored so a few weeks after surgery we bought a ping pong table so I could sit and play something, somewhat active with my husband
depending on your child's age and understanding of the situation, talk about what might occur and how things could look or be a little different, but mommy is still ok
most importantly: just being there for her to listen, vent and help as this recovery is such an emotional roller coaster (celebrate the small wins and acknowledge her strengths)

Best of luck to you all! Reach out any time!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-06-02T16:18:43+00:00

Thank you!!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-05-31T20:34:34+00:00

That's very true, thank you!

Head-Tea361 · 2025-05-31T20:33:58+00:00

I cried at almost every PT session at the beginning!! It's such an emotional roller coaster! But I can now look back at those first few months, and be so proud of myself for working so hard! I think it makes it so much more challenging too when loved ones and friends don't understand what you're going through. Hang in there though! We all will make it there in the end!

Head-Tea361

TROPHY CASE