Maggie ACL surgery

by Maggie
(Georgian Triangle )

I tore my acl and had it repaired using two hamstrings from my left leg (dont do it use a cadiver!) . I have been struggling with this leg ever since. It has been two years! I attended rehab but the left side of body has gotten nothing but weaker and my hamstring cannot pull my leg up even close to what the right one can. It hurts! The hamstring grabs. I exercise and exercise. My left arm and back is much weaker as well as my quad and inner small tear shaped muscel just above my knee. My left arm tingles at times after a full day of cycling and my left leg will drag if I try to ski more than an hour. I reinjure the left side of my body constantly. The latest being a severelly twisted ankel! Tearing all my ligaments! My IT band becomes so tight that I have to get out of bed to stretch and stretch. My quad becomes so tight at times is pulls up on my knee cap and causes pain.

The most constructive relief has been from my chiropractor with active release. Hurts but it feels so good. And Yogo helps too.

My leg is visibily smaller.

The doc says my surgery was a success ...well my knee is stable but I am left with a host of other difficulties.

I am going to start and exercise with lighter weights only on the left side with many reps...I have been reading web sites. Hopefully I can get some balance back to my body?

Anyone any thoughts?

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Maggie ACL surgery

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Feb 17, 2011
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I agree don't get the hamstring graft
by: Anonymous

Hi Maggie,
I also had the hamstring graft and no matter how hard I worked (for years!) I could never get the strength back in my hamstring. All kinds of other small issues seem to be related to the fact that I started compensating for it all the time. Do not use hamstring - go to a surgeon who uses cadaver or quad muscle!

Feb 08, 2010
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keep your head up
by: justin

i tore my ACL in my left knee during a basketball game this past december and had surgery a few weeks later. the doctor was great and still calls from time to time and asks how it's going and tells me things to do with it. anytime possible stretch. it seems awkward but needs to be done. and work on both sides equally. major problems on one side of the body signals that the opposite side is either weak or has a problem. just stay positive, always work at it and be smart. ice it alot take some vitamins and LISTEN TO THE DOCTOR OR THERAPIST. i didn't and could be farther ahead.

Jan 13, 2010
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acl
by: Kieran

Hey Maggie

I done my acl in July 2009.Its bein hard work getting the muscle back alrite and the balance as well but i found the use of a bosu ball to be excellent in getting my balance back.
I was going really well and then slipped in the snow last Sunday and hurt the top of my calf/bottom of hamstring i think,its bein really sore since,i have appointment with physio on Monday to see whats wrong.I just hope i havent damaged the new graft.

Kieran

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