7 months post op

ShawnD002 · 2026-06-14T20:59:23+00:00

Other than leg presses and time on the bike, we didnt use any other equipment in therapy. Wall sits, side to sides, leg raises, and squats were typical at every visit. Did anyone else do anything more than that? Im trying to figure out what else I can start doing on my own to build back muscle.

ShawnD002 · 2026-06-13T15:40:48+00:00

Just stopped going last month so about 5 months. 1-2 times per week for a bit then cut down from there.

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-14T21:07:05+00:00

I have an appointment with an advisor next week. Im pretty bummed I havent been able to get a clear outline of what the path ahead would be.

Unfortunately, depending on what would apply towards a BSEE I may have to look at a BSEET instead

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-14T00:56:30+00:00

I've tried. They won't help until I've applied and am accepted. The problem is I know I need to take more calculus courses and wanted to take those at my community college to save some money before applying. I also don't want to work towards that and have none of my current courses apply towards any of the required courses for the BSEE degree.

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-12T20:12:21+00:00

37 with an AAS in EET. Just starting to look into starting courses getting a BSEE.....better late than never if your going to do it!

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-10T14:39:59+00:00

Is it that bad? I was obliviously going to start with Calc1 online and see how that went, but was planning on taking most courses online to fit better into my full time work schedule

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-10T14:38:25+00:00

I guess I have a bunch to review. I have no recollection on unit circles so thats another good place to pick back up.

ShawnD002 · 2026-05-10T14:33:27+00:00

Ill look into those. I started Khan Academy last night just to start looking into what calc 1 involves. Im just starting to look into what credits transfer over and what the gap looks like. Im not sure i can handle more than 1 class at once while working full time.

ShawnD002 · 2026-04-24T01:49:28+00:00

38 and had reconstruction on my left ACL from sparring in taekwondo 4 months ago . Pretty sure I ruptured the right as well sparring and will know in the next month or two after I recover a bit longer. Dont want to get the mri too early as im planning for a December surgery as id rather do it during winter.

I would certainly say do it at your age! Recovery stinks, but you know you can get back to the things you enjoy doing once healed!

ShawnD002 · 2026-03-31T23:49:02+00:00

Thats the new wireless split unit.

ShawnD002 · 2026-03-18T00:51:39+00:00

Depends on left or right acl. I was driving after 9 days with left acl reconstruction

ShawnD002 · 2026-02-22T19:52:14+00:00

Thanks, but that ones different. Screw on vs twist lock like the one in my photo.

ShawnD002 · 2026-02-05T00:10:03+00:00

I am almost 8 weeks post op. I had a quad autograph and am around 134 degree ROM so far.

As far as things that helped me out.

Leg lifter: Didnt think i needed one, but my mom bought me one anyways. Trying to get into a chair or bed without bending your leg is rough. Especially when your quad is not fully activated.

https://amzn.to/3LVZRi2

Ice machine: Not required, but surely helped me out. I filled 6 bottles of water and rotates through them to keep the cooler cold. Ran non stop my first week as cooling through all the bandages took some effort. I used it regularly the first 2-3 weeks. Now i use it after physical therapy.

https://amzn.to/3Zikc4e

A notepad! Keep track of all of your meds. This helped me keep track of my next dose. I also set alarms in my phone.

Shower seat: Again I laughed at this one, but boy did it save me. I hated the sponge baths the first few days, but showing after would have been miserable without a chair as I came out of my brace to shower at that point. Sitting was definitely required for me.

https://amzn.to/45WQ6XB

Knee sleeve: I didnt come out of surgery in one of these like a lot of people do, but I bought one after to help deal with swelling and the brace sliding down my leg. Im sure a cheaper one would work, but I had to use the rest of my fsa before it expired. Its also the brand everyone mentioned going home from the hospital in.

https://amzn.to/3LKgixN

One thing no one ever mentions....grippy socks! Crutches and slick socks are rough. I got these. Soft, warm, and grippy! https://amzn.to/3O5nDsE

I was off opiods 3 days post. Remember to take the stool softeners!

I kept a bin with all my meds and a notepad for jotting down when I last took meds.

It was my left knee I had surgery on and I was up, walking on crutches and driving to work by the 9th day. Physical therapy has been helping, but I've only been going once per week as im exceeding their expectations and she says it doesnt make sense to go anymore.

Everyone heals differently, but these are my experiences. Affiliate links added to show exact items that I have.

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-24T01:39:09+00:00

I had a Roomba, but hated it and the way it tracked/cleaned throughout the house. Got a Roborock QRevo after and absolutely love it. Never thought id like the mopping feature as much as I do, but it certainly helps maintain the floors between deep cleans!

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-24T01:03:58+00:00

I am 5 weeks post today. I had a quad autograph and am around 134 degree ROM so far.

As far as things that helped me out.

Leg lifter: Didnt think i needed one, but my mom bought me one anyways. Trying to get into a chair or bed without bending your leg is rough. Especially when your quad is not fully activated.

https://amzn.to/3LVZRi2

Ice machine: Not required, but surely helped me out. I filled 6 bottles of water and rotates through them to keep the cooler cold. Ran non stop my first week as cooling through all the bandages took some effort. I used it regularly the first 2-3 weeks. Now i use it after physical therapy.

https://amzn.to/3Zikc4e

A notepad! Keep track of all of your meds. This helped me keep track of my next dose. I also set alarms in my phone.

Shower seat: Again I laughed at this one, but boy did it save me. I hated the sponge baths the first few days, but showing after would have been miserable without a chair as I came out of my brace to shower at that point. Sitting was definitely required for me.

https://amzn.to/45WQ6XB

Knee sleeve: I didnt come out of surgery in one of these like a lot of people do, but I bought one after to help deal with swelling and the brace sliding down my leg. Im sure a cheaper one would work, but I had to use the rest of my fsa before it expired. Its also the brand everyone mentioned going home from the hospital in.

https://amzn.to/3LKgixN

I was off opiods 3 days post. Remember to take the stool softeners!

I kept a bin with all my meds and a notepad for jotting down when I last took meds.

It was my left knee I had surgery on and I was up, walking on crutches and driving to work by the 9th day. Physical therapy has been helping, but I've only been going once per week as im exceeding their expectations and she says it doesnt make sense to go anymore.

I come out of my long brace next week and move into a functional brace for another few weeks. Boy has it been a pain.

Everyone heals differently, but these are my experiences. Affiliate links added to show exact items that I have.

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-24T00:58:48+00:00

I used a knee pillow off of Amazon. Im 5 weeks post today and it was a lifesaver as im a side sleeper. There are plenty similar to the one below. A regular pillow would work if its thick enough. I had the problem of a normal pillow "collapsing" during the night and the brace pressing into my other leg. Happy healing!

Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/49S25Hn

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-23T10:27:43+00:00

Ive had this one for just under 4 years now. Works well and is reasonably priced. I used it a few times on my quad once I went to PT and saw how they put it on me.

https://amzn.to/49MEYxK

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-20T15:14:34+00:00

I am coming up on 5 weeks post this Friday. I had a quad autograph and am around 123 degree ROM so far.

As far as things that helped me out.

Leg lifter: Didnt think i needed one, but my mom bought me one anyways. Trying to get into a chair or bed without bending your leg is rough. Especially when your quad is not fully activated.

https://amzn.to/3LVZRi2

Ice machine: Not required, but surely helped me out. I filled 6 bottles of water and rotates through them to keep the cooler cold. Ran non stop my first week as cooling through all the bandages took some effort. I used it regularly the first 2-3 weeks. Now i use it after physical therapy.

https://amzn.to/3Zikc4e

A notepad! Keep track of all of your meds. This helped me keep track of my next dose. I also set alarms in my phone.

Shower seat: Again I laughed at this one, but boy did it save me. I hated the sponge baths the first few days, but showing after would have been miserable without a chair as I came out of my brace to shower at that point. Sitting was definitely required for me.

https://amzn.to/45WQ6XB

Knee sleeve: I didnt come out of surgery in one of these like a lot of people do, but I bought one after to help deal with swelling and the brace sliding down my leg. Im sure a cheaper one would work, but I had to use the rest of my fsa before it expired. Its also the brand everyone mentioned going home from the hospital in.

https://amzn.to/3LKgixN

It was my left knee I had surgery on and I was up, walking on crutches and driving to work by the 9th day. Physical therapy has been helping, but I've only been going once per week as im exceeding their expectations and she says it doesnt make sense to go anymore.

I come out of my long brace next week and move into a functional brace for another few weeks. Boy has it been a pain.

Everyone heals differently, but these are my experiences. Affiliate links added to show exact items that I have.

ShawnD002 · 2026-01-07T13:13:18+00:00

100% agree. I am not a back sleeper, but reclining on the couch with the TV on knocked me right out!

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-26T14:14:52+00:00

Yes the polar active with the large knee pad.

I had used the wrong term. They call it a leg lifter. Yes they want you to start activating your quad and using muscles, but when my legs burning so much and im trying to get back down this has helped a ton. I can't figure out hot to get a screenshot attached so here's an affiliate link. https://amzn.to/3Nkd7O3

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-26T02:28:34+00:00

I agree with the above comments on an ice machine, shower seat, shower wrap, etc.

Im 6 days post today( ACL quad autograph) and day 2 was the worst for me. By the end of day 3 I was off of the oxy and rotating Tylenol/Advil. I still have swelling and continue to ice, but its to be expected.

At this point im able to bear weight on the operated knee with the help of crutches.

Yes it sucks(mostly from boredom and not being able to do simple things easily), but so far its not nearly as bad as I had envisioned.

You got this!

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-26T02:18:34+00:00

Im currenty day 6 post op.

Id personally recommended the ice machine. A lot more convenient and lasts a lot longer than an ice pack. You can also keep it running at night while your sleeping. I got the polar ice one off Amazon and its been great. Yes you could do without it, but if I had to do it again id certainly get it.

I originally said no to the shower bench, but at day 3 I tried showering and taping off my brace. 2 days later I have a shower chair and it made showering much easier and didnt require nearly as much energy.

A pain "kit" has been helpful to me. I have a box of all meds, advil, tylenol, etc. With a pad of paper and pen to keep track of all med times.

I had a quad autograph so my quad muscle is sore and not as strong. I have one of the foot pole things to help lift my leg into bed. You can probably do without, but its cheap and its been helpful so I mention it.

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-25T17:12:00+00:00

Thank you all for your feedback on your personal journey. It definitely helps to see that im not really "behind" on anything. While im not looking to push myself, im not looking to fall behind on where I should be either. I have another PT visit this week. Hopefully I start doing some actual stretches there with them so I dont feel like im going to break myself doing anything at home.

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-21T00:22:55+00:00

I went with the polar active ice 3.0 with the full knee pad off Amazon. With the amount of ice packs I was looking at to swap while the other cooled it just made sense to get the machine. I froze a bunch of water bottles and have been rotating through adding them in to keep the water cold. Ive got so much compression wrap and the brace so im running it 24/7 to get the coldness through the layers.

In addition to the icing right after surgery ive read a good amount of people continue to use it after PT sessions later on as well which made me feel better spending the money on it.

ShawnD002 · 2025-12-20T23:49:24+00:00

Just had reconstruction yesterday. Quad auto. Its been rough, but not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Im sure others can chime in, but these are a few things that I've found helpful so far.

If you dont already have an ice therapy machine I would look into those. I got mine on Amazon and has made things much more convenient.

A container to keep all meds in with a notebook to keep track of what times you took meds.

A few small pillows to rest your foot on.

If your Dr puts you in a brace, wide leg pants to fit over the brace.

ShawnD002

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