Leanne's ACL and Meniscus surgery and postop story.

by Leanne
(Chicago, IL, US)

hi im Leanne and i am 16 years old. I actually completely tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus at cheerleading practice. I was flipping and right when i landed i fell to the ground and i knew something was wrong. I first got an XRAY and they said everything was fine i might have just sprained something so i continued with my cheerleading. After the pain did not get any better 2 months later i went to the doctor again and got an MRI and that is when the results came in.

I decided to finish out my cheerleading season and just deal with the pain for 2 more months. Meanwhile i went to therapy 3 times a week to strengthen my hamstring for my surgery. I got my surgery on May 15th and it has know been 3 weeks since surgery and everything is better then planed. I only took the painpills for three days (only at night). I do not have to use a brace or crutches anymore, and my scars are not that noticeable. I honestly believe my fast recovery has a lot to do with the 2 months of therapy before surgery, and i recommend going through the therapy to anyone before surgery it will make the recovery less painful and faster. You also cant be scared to use you knee again, it is a lot stronger then you think it will be and the more you use it in the beginning the less you have to rely on that big imobilizer brace.

I also have the ice machine that they ask if you want i recommend that as well. I use it every night and it helps greatly with the swelling. Not using the brace helped me. Once i stopped wearing it every day and at night i now walk normal and my knee is stronger and less swolen.

i would love to answer any questions and comments so feel free.

some of my therapy exercises that help:
stationary bike-10mins
tredmill-10 mins
lay on a bed face down and put an ankle weight on your bad leg and let it hang for about 5 mintues (its painful but it pays off)
going up and down stairs(bad leg first)
total gym (after you master the squats go to one leg squats on youor bad leg)
many more just ask me for help i would love to help you with your rehab as i go through mine.