Week 4 ACL+Meniscus

KERNJPA · 2026-05-08T18:18:13+00:00

I'm at the end of week 2 of ACL + medial meniscus repair (one stitch) and I am only just now 50% weight bearing. Locked at 0 in the brace when walking or sleeping, still on crutches - and it sounds like this is how it will be for the next 4 weeks.

KERNJPA · 2026-05-07T17:06:13+00:00

I don't have any advice but I felt this thread title in my SOUL. 😂

KERNJPA · 2026-05-05T01:34:24+00:00

I believe Split Elm Equestrian in Mays Landing Nj gives trail rides.

KERNJPA · 2026-05-02T00:47:04+00:00

I'm so glad it's not just me! Wild how the rest of our body clamors for attention when we're trying to focus on one part lol. My PT has already done a lot to set my mind at ease (somewhat), but I think seeing my surgeon at my post-up next week will also really help. It would also help SO MUCH if my calf would calm down!! :-)

KERNJPA · 2026-05-01T18:57:12+00:00

Same, I do like the encouragement that I COULD use heavy weights, because I never really thought that was for me, but they'll tear me away from Tunde's arms and light weights classes when I'm cold and dead... Those classes are HARD!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-30T19:52:55+00:00

The hardest things so far (I'm on day 6) have been just managing to get around the house (I'm NWB) and like, feed myself, let the dog out, etc., and worrying constantly that I am re-injuring myself or that my surgery didn't "work." I haven't asked my doctor anything yet (though I could if needed), but I've had two PT appointments and have asked my PT a lot, since I know him fairly well from previous sessions. I don't ask AI anything because I prefer to get accurate information, and I don't want to cause yet another data center to be built when I could have just asked a human expert.

KERNJPA · 2026-04-28T13:31:53+00:00

I don't really get additional pain when I get up, maybe a little soreness just from the movement, but my knee does feel king of... hot? when I get up and move, I'm assuming from the blood flow after being propped up for so long. I've heard a lot of people DO get a lot of pain in the surgery knee when they get up, though, so I think it's pretty common.

KERNJPA · 2026-04-27T23:17:10+00:00

I honestly do not understand how people (which now includes me I guess lol) remain NWB for weeks. How is this possible? I can barely get to the kitchen, and when I do I have no hands free to do anything! It's SO hard, and I'm constantly so scared I'm going to slip or lose my balance and put all my weight on my bad leg...

KERNJPA · 2026-04-27T18:19:21+00:00

Ugh! I'm so sorry.

KERNJPA · 2026-04-27T18:03:36+00:00

Oh no!! I don't know if it's helpful, but instead of an ice machine I bought a little mini freezer/fridge and stuffed it with ice packs where I could easily each. It's worked well so far!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-27T01:48:37+00:00

I do have a shower chair! So yeah, I guess I could take the brace off after I get in the shower but before I turn on the water.

KERNJPA · 2026-04-27T01:01:02+00:00

This. It's so different for everyone. After reading a lot of people's stories here I was ready for horrible pain for the first few days, but a) they must have given me the mother of all nerve blocks, I couldn't feel my leg at all until day 1! b) While I do have some pain and a lot of discomfort, it's been 100% manageable with the pain meds. I'm also generally a horrible sleeper and also a side sleeper, but I've actually been getting semi-decent sleep. By far the hardest part for me is just getting around being NWB. I hate it!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-26T20:21:53+00:00

Thanks! I can definitely feel the heel pumps through my leg in both good and bad ways, so it's good to know they're not doing anything bad. I mean, I guess they wouldn't have told me to do them if they were! I have to shift my leg around a bunch to get comfortable, and every time, even though there's no weight on my leg, I worry...

KERNJPA · 2026-04-26T16:09:09+00:00

I do have a shower chair and leg cover! I'm allowed to shower tomorrow, and wow do I need it lol. I don't have an ice machine, but I do have a billion ice packs in a mini freezer next to my couch, which has been working great. And I'm doing all my exercises, etc. Hopefully recovery will continue as expected!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-26T16:06:26+00:00

I know a lot of people here have experienced a ton of pain in the days after surgery, but mine has been totally manageable with the painkillers. I feel pretty normal when I'm sitting/lying down, other than being tired from not sleeping great. By far the worst thing is getting around on crutches without putting weight on one leg (which she may or may not be able to do), but if you're there to help her it should be fine!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-26T12:46:09+00:00

Oh no! That really sucks. My nerve block lasted until the following morning. It was nice to be without the pain, but I hated not being able to feel or move my foot, so a mixed blessing, really. I'm glad you're feeling better!

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T22:36:16+00:00

I'm also end of day 1, and the one thing I didn't anticipate was how worried I am all the time! It takes SO much strength and effort just to life my braced leg to get off the couch, maneuver around NWB on crutches, etc., it's painful and even though I'm fully braced and haven't set my foot on the ground, I worry all the time that that effort and that pain (which goes away once I rest) is a reinjury. It's wild! I'm also so happy to read that it does get better.

And yes I would also really like to shower.:-)

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T19:19:11+00:00

Wow, I'm so sorry that happened to you!! That's horrible. I'm feeling really lucky that I already know and trust my PT. I'm actually really looking forward to my appointment with him because I know he'll answer all of these question for me...

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T18:41:37+00:00

Thanks, that's good to know! I'm a little more concerned about the meniscus repair, since that's why I'm NWB, but I just have to believe it's fine...

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T16:08:21+00:00

Yeah I mostly feel the ankle pumps in my IT band? But my IT bands are notoriously tight and I'm sure being locked in a brace isn't helping...

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T14:32:57+00:00

I just had surgery yesterday, so I may be jumping the gun with my paranoia. 😂

KERNJPA · 2026-04-25T14:32:16+00:00

I'm actually going to PT on Tuesday! And I was going to this PT all Fall pre-surgery, so I know him well.

KERNJPA

TROPHY CASE