Two weeks removed from ACL Reconstruction Surgery.

by Angelo Flores
(Milwaukee, WI)

On March 25,2009, I was plaing basketball in an adult competitive league at a local fitness gym. I was going up for a rebound against another player and when I landed, my right knee buckled. I experienced the worst pain of my life. The next day I went to an orthopaedic hospital and received an MRI. My worst fear occurred - complete tear of my ACL and time for surgery.

My surgery was April 29th. It was successful. The first few days were ok. I controlled my pain with the medicine I was prescribed. The hardest part was just laying around, icing my knee and realizing that I am not going to be as active as I am use to for another 6-8 months.

I started physical rehab on May 1st. I am have given new hope. After only 6 appointments, I am able to perform the following: I can fully extend my right leg, my knee leg measures 110 degrees when I do my heel slides, I am able to walk without crutches after only 1 week post-op. I can once again see my quad muscle flex a little bit (although it is still not where it use to be). I can now stand on just my right leg without pain or discomfort and balance really well. I started doing leg presses and can press 80 lbs right now. (Not a lot of weight but remember I can't over do it just yet).

Overall I am progressing really well for having surgery only 2 weeks ago. I hope this gives someone a little more hope when facing this process. Don't let the title ACL Reconstruction scare you. Yes, it will take a long time to get back to the activities at the level you were at, but with determination, a little bit of stubbornness, and being mentally prepared, your body will reward you.