ACL sHERgery

Wow, I cannot believe I am done with my ACL reconstruction surgery. Everything went great....it's amazing how one minute you're rolling into the OR and the next you wake up and BAM! You're done. Brace on, wounds rockin', nerve blocks kickin'. I woke up fine from the anesthesia (I still don't know how I got my contacts in and how they knew I wanted pretzels and diet ginger ale) and the pain wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The worst part was just sitting in the bed waiting to be taken into the OR before the actual operation. My surgery was supposed to happen at 10:30 but I didn't get taken back until after 11:30. Meh.

Day 1 - the nerve blocks and Vicodin eradicated most of the pain. I didn't use my crutches....it was easier without them. I just slept a lot, iced and used the CPM.

Day 2 - first day of PT. I was able to get full extension and flex-ion to almost 90 degrees. Swelling was limited...and I apparently have really strong bones! I continued to take Vicodin as the nerve blocks eventually wore off. I made it to the supermarket with my mom but spent most of the day on the CPM and did my PT exercises.

Day 3 - No more Vicodin! Just taking Advil...my shins hurt especially when I do heel slides. I was able to drive home this evening. I was able to shower and shave. It felt so good! I duct-aped a trash bag around my leg and it was fine.

Day 4 - Second day of PT and Post-Op check up. I can get around fine with the brace and drive. I was able to cycle with the bike, get full extension and flex-ion. They told me not to push it though. My shins still hurt and I cannot flex my leg backwards too far. I added some more exercises to my repertoire. I did a little gallivanting today but I get tired really easy.

Day 5 - Swelling is down but the shin hurts. The PT said that's because of blood drainage and the fact that they drilled into the femur for part of the incision. I can walk around pretty good without the brace (it's hot and bothersome) but I am just following the doctor's orders. I can't do much until after at least a week or so. I am hoping they approve me to do some upper body stuff after my second post-op check-up...stitches out bitches!