Rebecca's ACL reconstruction

by Rebecca Kemp
(Mechanicville , NY)

Well, on 4/14, I had my ACL reconstruction surgery. Boy was I a BIG baby!! I had the nurse numb the spot for the IV!! I can look back n laugh now, but then I was a mess. I also had an epidural and a femoral block - that was the doctors choice. If you can get them, get em!! Its now Friday nite & I have not taken more than 6 painpills. The times I took the pills were right after I got home & then before the PT for the first 2 days.

I have some purplish brusing on my shin, but really nothing major. I have 5 small insicsions w/ NO external stitches. I began putting pressure on my knee yesterday when the femoral block FINALLY wore off!

I am really amazed at how little pain and discomfort there has been so far. The allograft is what the doctor used for my surgery, and from what I understand is supposed to be the quickest healing and least compromising. Too bad I don't have any pics to post on here.

Heal slides and quad sets are still slow going but when they tell you ice... LISTEN!! Ice has become my best friend, it seems to just relax the whole area and maybe that is why I have not had alot of pain or discomfort. We got 2 10 pound bags & split them into 4 smaller bags (trash bags) and put into pillow cases for easy use. I think having it iced also makes it easier to excersize.

The pre op therapy really helped. I actually walked a 1.5 miles a few days before my surgery, that made my day.

Overall i am pleased so far with the surgery and my results, and although it will be a long and challenging road, i am ready for it - I think!!