Gail's ACL/meniscus/patellar Surgery

by Gail O'Brien
(Duxbury, MA)

Hi Everyone,

First off a huge thank you for this site, I wish I found it weeks ago.
I had ACL reconstruction/graft on Feb 23, 2009. Started P.T. approximately
two weeks later. Initially everything appeared to be going well. My numbers
were a little off but figured it was because of the two week lag.
First month post op went to see the surgeon, and he was concerned with
my flexion. Told me the possibility existed that I had scar tissue, and
may need a "manipulation"
Two months, probably nine weeks, now, I feel like I am at a stand still, and
have been for some time. I still have a significant limp. Am not able to walk
any significant time without shooting pain down my back, from my limp.
Going to PT now 3/week. Sometimes it goes well, minimum to moderate pain
and then they do a technique ( usually forcing my knee bent) when I get
this EXCRUCIATING pain in my knee, almost fainting, that bad.
Is this normal? I hardly think so. Went to get fitted for new braces, and the
news just gets worse. I have two that have to be worn four hours EACH a day,
and no walking in them.
I have a strong suspicion that I have scar tissue. Has any one else ever had this
Its like as I am doing my exercises, my knee completely tightens, and I absolutely
can not bend it any more. My extension is not as bad as my flexion. Flexion numbers
after a good warm up at PT can go to 108, but normally about 85.
What is in store for me? I am getting so frustrated with this whole process.
I feel like I am never going to be normal again, what ever THAT was.
Prior to surgery had just joined a gym, lost weight, and faithful to my exercise/
work out routine.
AnY WHOO... LOl thank you for your comments, I feel like I am walking (limping)
in the dark here.