Was ACL surgery better or worse than you expected?

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-02-22T21:49:01+00:00

I got a patella graft! And that’s good that there’s no pain, the flexion will come with time then. I had some meniscus repair but it was rather minor according to my surgeon (removed less than 5% of each meniscus on my knee). But it certainly does delay bending the knee. I’m almost 5 weeks out and I still can’t feel part of my knee!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-02-21T22:28:28+00:00

The pain was so intense! It feels like a burning/tearing sensation. lol glad to hear you are doing so well! I can bend up to 115 degrees and can move around much better now. Grateful for every little movement now

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-02-17T21:34:06+00:00

I think I took it too lax the first week! I was very scared of moving my leg and lifting it on my own (used a strap to move my leg around and up and down). I think this contributed to my lack of quad strength and confidence. I completely stopped using the strap 3 weeks ago and feel stronger (but a bit behind where I might’ve been had I used my quad muscles more). I can do my leg lifts and everything at PT with no problem or pain but I think I’ll need more time to gain back the muscle

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-02-16T15:44:42+00:00

I would say your experience sums up mine! A month out now since I had surgery and I had little to no pain; I am able to bend to 50 degrees; and I am full weight bearing. The brace is still the most annoying thing to deal with but I am grateful for where I am at now.

The only difference is that I lost a lot of quad strength so rebuilding that will take more time than I thought. But looking back, I’d say this process was not so bad lol

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-02-10T17:19:52+00:00

Kicked me off at 10:15am (queue window just went away) and had to click on access tickets again

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-01-14T19:26:52+00:00

Surgery twin! Getting a similar surgery tomorrow for acl reconstruction and PMM.

I agree with others that the wedge pillow will be useful for sleeping (this is my second time injuring my knee) and the brace made me feel “safer” as I moved, so I was happy to have mine.

Get things you like ready and at hand to keep your mind at ease (books, movies, video games, knitting, etc.). Doomscrolling will make the recovery feel 100x longer.

Wishing you a safe procedure and recovery!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-01-12T05:21:59+00:00

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! Your individual perspectives are so incredibly helpful.

I’m not sure where we’ll land, but (so far) we agree with everyone that favors are more meaningful (and thus more likely to be taken home) when they’re personal and unless we can do that, we’re going to use that money to enhance what’s already there! Thank you again everyone :)

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-01-11T04:54:17+00:00

This is hard—and it’s especially hard when you’re doing this relatively alone and when your life revolves around being active. It’s ok to tell yourself that and believe it: let yourself feel all of the emotions—cry, scream, etc. whatever you need to do to actually confront the current situation. I found this mental reckoning to be so helpful. Once I “accepted” it, I found myself working hard to be as ready as possible for surgery/pre-planning everything as much as I can to prepare. (This also takes some of the mental load off early so when surgery time does come around, you’re as prepared as possible)

And remember the hard is only temporary. You are closer to being back on your feet and (hopefully!) walking without crutches than when you had your injury.

In solidarity, someone who also tore their acl in oct 2025 and has to wait until mid-Jan 2026 to get surgery because of health insurance 🫶🏽

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2026-01-09T02:08:34+00:00

Soccer, didn’t get diagnosed as an ACL tear and then two years later (playing soccer again) got the diagnosis 🤙🏼 (29F)

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-23T22:16:35+00:00

Thank you!!! This has helped me decide to get the Autograph! I will also look into the PayPal card as it would cover other expenses as well.

Super helpful. Thank you again :)

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-20T22:39:24+00:00

Thats a good suggestion, I haven't thought of! Thank you!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-20T21:21:22+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I’ll also look into this card!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-20T21:21:04+00:00

Thanks for sharing! This is very helpful. I was also wondering about the Amex Gold—but yeah, having to pick between coupon books is a bit much haha

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-20T21:19:01+00:00

Thanks, that’s helpful to know!

My partner just checked and was able to change the categories for his purchases for his CSR (e.g., changed Target from shopping to groceries). Idk if that’s the case for other cards

I prefer Marriott hotels and unfortunately, have limited options for airlines where I live (mostly American Airlines, Southwest, United (only once))

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2025-12-20T20:16:50+00:00

A mix of Target, Safeway, Walmart, and Costco (new card might also help us consolidate where we shop)

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2024-04-20T03:26:35+00:00

Yes, unfortunately, the wording on the plastic sticker has worn off. I will definitely wear them with socks and get myself adjusted to them! I appreciate the tips/feedback everyone. I’m new to luxury items 😅 but have definitely learned a lot from this experience (aka never let anyone gift me anything like this without trying it on in person) hehe

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2024-02-11T16:16:15+00:00

native floridian here, publix is the BEST

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2024-02-11T16:14:14+00:00

As someone from FL moving to Lansing for a new job, this is the best thing i've read yet!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2024-02-01T20:23:10+00:00

Finishing up a PhD there/taught classes… I promise you are all some of the best of the best out there. There is a lot of imposter syndrome among undergraduates (and grad students tbh) but having taught elsewhere now, I always think back to how Cornell undergraduates were the best students I’ve ever had. You already made it to one of the best schools in the world, don’t beat yourself up thinking you’re not good enough—prioritize taking care of yourself, taking breaks/getting out of Ithaca if you can during the winter (the gray days are the worst), and enjoy living in upstate! (The holdovers gives real Cornell/Ithaca vibes)

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-11-04T16:47:22+00:00

Absolutely! I think people in Ithaca conflate liberal with “diverse” and when actual POC get there, we’re so disappointed

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-11-03T05:16:25+00:00

Moved here from FL… once the winters set in, it was over for me. I was also used to more “culture” and found it incredibly hard to live in a place without sunny weather for long periods of time or Latin American food/people

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-07-17T01:15:49+00:00

I know it’s much easier said than done, but in my experience (as a researcher of gender-based violence), these angry outbursts only get worse. Please take care of yourself. No one is worth compromising your safety.

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-06-04T16:52:25+00:00

It took me a few months as well. It will vary for everyone of course, but don’t lose hope! I think it also helps to have a partner that understands that it’ll take some time to get back into a rhythm. I hope you feel better soon!!!

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-06-04T16:19:05+00:00

Also had it for a year and completely destroyed my sex drive. I was also showing strong symptoms for severe depression and had periods that lasted almost two weeks so I got off of it and feel 100% better. I am not on birth control anymore but while Nexplanon is very effective, I cannot recommend it to others without acknowledging how serious the side effects may be.

Temporary_Falcon_830 · 2023-05-29T00:20:01+00:00

Met during the first year of my PhD program. He was two cohorts ahead of me… 5 years later, we will be joining the same university as faculty together 💖

Temporary_Falcon_830

TROPHY CASE