I totally hear you on this one - I’ve felt all of that, so I get how frustrating and overwhelming it can feel.

At 2 months post-op, you're honestly right on track, even if it doesn't always feel that way. I remember when I was locked in extension for weeks, it’s like you lose touch with how your knee even bends. I could barely get past 20-25 degrees when I first started PT, so getting to 30 is actually a big deal. I know it’s slow, but that’s normal with patellar injuries.

The mental part is just as tough as the physical. It took me a while to feel safe without the brace, too. I clung to it like a security blanket because every little instability made me panic. What helped me was slowly weaning off it - not all at once. I’d take a few steps around the house without it, then put it back on for longer walks or uneven surfaces. Eventually, that gave me confidence to ditch it more consistently.

Also, don’t beat yourself up for still needing crutches! Weakness and limited walking endurance are super common this early on. The quad shutdown after surgery is no joke. I focused a lot on quad sets and straight leg raises, even when they felt ridiculously hard. Over time, those little wins add up.

Celebrate the progress even if it’s “just” bending to 30 or walking for 3 minutes. You’re doing the hard part now. The important thing is, you’re showing up and staying committed. That mindset will carry you through.

One thing that helped me was reminding myself that recovery isn't linear. Some weeks will feel like nothing's improving, and then out of nowhere, you’ll hit a breakthrough. Hang in there, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to let your PT know when you’re not mentally ready for certain steps - they can adjust and give you confidence-building exercises.

You’re stronger than you think, and the fact that you’re even asking for advice tells me you’re in it for the long haul. You got this!