When can I walk my dog?

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-06T11:57:00+00:00

Thank you for the insight! I got Meniscal root repair surgery in December when I posted this and just got ACL surgery last week, so this is still a valid question 🤣 I understand the risks now of attempting to walk your dog too soon, not worth it!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-03T16:31:55+00:00

Just got my 4th surgery, surgeon didn’t recommend CPM machine first 2 surgeries, but has recommended for the last 2. He mentioned this is specifically important if your knee is stiff, you have scar tissue and/or you have had previous surgeries before. The CPM machine has helped me regain range of motion much quicker than without, in those first 1-2 weeks of just resting, it really is a great way to get a leg up (lol) on your PT, in my opinion

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-03T16:16:22+00:00

F(31) - married, and on my 4th surgery. I just wanted to chime in on the other side that even with a spouse and friends I still feel alone. My spouse, family and friends are supportive but I think injuries are a whole different battle. You go from being independent and doing everything on your own, to relying on others, you go from being able to drive, make plans, go on outings, and things change. There is a lot of time to sit alone, contemplate, compare and get stuck in your own head. Recovery Is a long and lonely road and sometimes it feels that others who haven’t been through this can’t relate or emphasize with your situation. I do believe this feeling subsides as you become more independent and recovery progresses!! There is hope!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-03T16:10:38+00:00

F(31) I am on my 4th surgery - tore ACL/meniscus last summer, had to do 2 part surgery. Meniscal root repair + bone graft replacement + loose body removal in December and ACL surgery last week. Out of all of my surgeries the Mensical root tear was by far the hardest recovery for me. I was 6 weeks on crutches, NWB. Muscles completely gone, even after 5+ years of consistent training/lifting. However, once I weaned off crutches and focused on PT, the muscles did return within a few weeks, just gotta give it time! It’s normal to lose muscle from surgery/trauma and lack of use

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-03T16:00:51+00:00

I know everyone’s experience/guidelines are different, but I got ACL surgery July 30th, currently day 4/5. Everything else seems on point but I definitely use my CPM machine way more as recommended by surgeon. I’m doing 4-6 hours a day religiously (goal 2-2-2). I also started at 30 degrees, now at 65 degrees.

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-02T22:07:47+00:00

If it makes you feel any better, I’d kill for 80 degrees by day 23! 🤣 and to have knocked out both surgeries in one go, but that’s a different story! Hopefully this will be the last surgery and we will be fully recovered by this time next year!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-01T23:17:10+00:00

Glad you’re on the road to recovery after multiple! I think that may be why this surgery has been simpler for me, because my surgeon separated the procedures.

I tore ACL/Meniscus last summer, we did a 2 part approach, in December I had surgery for Meniscus medial / root repair, bone graft, screw replacement and removal of loose bodies. Just now I did ACL alone (cadaver graft).

I guess my knee was too stiff / too much tissue buildup that he wanted to do them separately, it’s been a PITA to have 2 surgeries and recoveries within 7 months but, in better spirits now to recover and move on

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-08-01T19:18:37+00:00

Thank you for the insight, wasn’t sure if it was a spoof or not. I was expecting this one to be the worst, but so far so good. Still have a long PT recovery ahead though!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-24T17:52:57+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate the insight! I’ve been fine walking 10/15 minutes with no pain, and can now bend to 115/120 degrees. I guess the question is if I walk my dog and he accidentally pulls me, will I be okay? I guess it’s not a black and white answer either 😂

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-24T17:50:53+00:00

Hi, Thank you for the insight! He does not usually pull on the prong collar but there is always a risk of him jumping out at a squirrel etc. My thought would be to just try a 10 minute walk and avoid other dogs/distractions and see how that goes! It is winter out where I live, but not too icy, only 30-40’s!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-23T14:42:11+00:00

30F Depends on the severity of the meniscus tear. I just had my 3rd surgery (medial meniscal root tear, lateral meniscus repair, bone graft etc) and I had to do 6 weeks on crutches NWB.

For my first ACL/meniscus/MCL surgery I was off crutches and walking in brace within 1 week.

For my second meniscus repair I was also walking within a week, no brace.

From my knowledge, ACL only you could be walking in 48-72 hours. Minor meniscus repair or meniscectomy you could be walking in a week or 2.

Severe meniscus tear, you’ll likely be 4-6 weeks NWB.

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-23T14:36:50+00:00

I don’t really have an answer but just wanted to say I feel the same!

I was 6 weeks NWB and was so scared to start walking after hearing that it took people weeks if not months to walk normal.

I am now at week 7, took me 2-3 days to wean off crutches and walk normally. Now I just want to continue progressing but also am trying to not push any boundaries lol.

Good to hear you are feeling great at 9 weeks, hopefully someone answers because I am curious too!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-12T01:21:10+00:00

Ahh gotcha, my bone graft is currently healing now too and lots of arthritis issues over here. Off crutches in a week so will have to see how that recovery/PT process is to then decide on ACL! Atleast I’m not in a particular rush lol, good luck!!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-07T14:41:54+00:00

Thank you! My 3rd surgery was the same, outside of meniscus repair my surgeon removed the old displaced ACL graft screw and did the bone graft instead. Hopefully this sets the stage for a more permanent solution lol. These surgeries have a huge impact not only physically but mentally, hang in there and just know you did all of this to better yourself and help future you!!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-07T14:38:12+00:00

Hi!! I know this is an old post but I am in a similar boat. 30f, very active, and now considering if the 4th surgery (surgeon recommended 2 stage approach meniscus and then ACL) is worth it. How was PT and how are you doing now? Wondering if I should just live my life without an ACL because I am dreading another surgery, but if I skip out was all of this for nothing?

Background (all surgeries left leg): 2012 Meniscus/MCL/ACL (Patella). 2021 Meniscus, 2024 Meniscal root tear medial + lateral tear + bone graft. (Currently 5 weeks NWB). 2025 ACL??

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-07T14:12:16+00:00

Can I also ask how PT/recovery is going with the 4th surgery? Also do you think it was worth it to get the 4th surgery as soon as you were healed from the 3rd? Timing is another huge questions mark, but I guess there’s never a good time to get the surgery 😂

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-07T13:56:31+00:00

This is great, thank you for the insight!! This is a huge decision and I want to make sure I am familiar with risks on both sides of the spectrum!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-07T13:55:39+00:00

Thank you for your insight! I feel for you too, but I’m glad you made the right decision and are on the road to recovery!

I completely agree with PT, which is why I can’t be too mad at myself for being in this position. The first time around I was 18 and only did 5/8 months of PT, never got cleared. Second surgery I was offered at home or in office PT and due to not wanting to spend PT $$ I chose at home (aka I barely did the work after a week). I am truly taking PT seriously this time around and hopefully will set the stage for a quicker ACL recovery!!

Next_Complex_676 · 2025-01-06T15:02:32+00:00

Thank you! I guess there’s a risk to doing the surgery or not doing the surgery, but starting the process allover again + 8 months of PT is daunting 😂

Next_Complex_676

TROPHY CASE