My ACL Tear and Recovery
My Eleven Month-a-versary
Today is my eleven month-a-versary since having ACL reconstruction surgery. I haven’t spoke much about my ACL recovery recently because a) I didn’t want to bore everyone and b) frankly, there hasn’t been much to report since about the six-month mark. Months six through ten were pretty much about rehab and waiting; now that I’m eleven months out, I’m pretty much back to normal (save for some soreness and a big-assed brace).
I’m snowboarding without any worries, which includes hitting both small bumps and park jumps. I’m playing ultimate frisbee twice a week, and am looking at resuming my summer running this year as well. To be honest, I probably started back a little early — my surgeon didn’t want me doing much before 12 months — but after meeting folks through this blog who came back even faster, and given my knee felt great, I figured what the heck. Hopefully when I have my 12-month surgeon visit I won’t experience any repercussions!
I’ve also enjoyed meeting lots of you who have sent comments, questions and emails along about your own experiences, and hope you continue to do so.
Discussion
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You are right about the rehab and waiting during months six through ten. It has been a lot of work and patience. I am ten months out from ACL surgery and I am also pretty much back to normal. Congratulations on your eleven month-a-versary!
I just spotted this posting. Cool. I’m so happy for you. I’ve been avoiding ACL surgery. In fact, I just posted a comment to you asking about your brace. In need. I’ve been grounded for too long. Take care.
Cool site, this Saturday will be 11 months for me. Kind in the same boat were my doc said dont do anything drastic until 12, but my knee feels back to normal(besides some flexibility issues) and feels stronger thane ever,.
Cool, glad to hear it. Good luck on your recovery!
I just hit my 11 months with ACL surgery, but I’ve been having a few issues…
I was way ahead of the curb in PT, but then, around 6 months, I hit a pain plateau.
EVERY kind of exercise aggravates the pain, sometimes going as far as to give me a limp for a few hours. Any one else have similar probs? What were your pain levels like at 11 months?
Hey Taty –
Sorry to hear about your pain, I hope it clears up! By 11 months I still had a bit of pain in specific situations — after snowboarding, playing ultimate frisbee, sometimes climbing stairs, etc. But it was a small amount of pain that went away quickly. I had very little damage to the knee aside from the ACL so maybe that had something to do with it.
I just got my ACL reconstructed a little over a month ago and i am going crazy. I hate not being able to do anything, now that it’s winter snowboarding has been on my mind. all of my friends will be boarding and i whill have to stay home. how did you ever deal with that haha
I had ACL recon Sept 9. 08. I am feeling awesome. SOOO much rehab though. Doc gave me the green light to get back on the snow. YIPPEE. All the hard work paid off. Question is…anyone have any knowledge on sports braces? I have done some research and I have heard differing opinions. Some say they really don’t work, they just make you feel more confident. I am looking at a $400 bill if I go through with a custom brace. Let me know what you think. Thanks