Acl Recon- Patellar Graft

https://www.instagram.com/nomisyoung88/ 2 months have past already! I haven't updated this blog for a while due to the fact there was nothing of any real note to report.. I've now had my initial Post Op assessment with the OS, thankfully the graft is in fact still there and has a very solid end point...which is fantastic! All the usual assessments were done to gauge how things are progressing... Extension- full with symmetrical hyperextension Flexion- 90% equal to uninvolved side Quad Strength atrophy- as expected but rapidly returning to pre surgery level/ size Incision/ Graft site- healing well, some scar tissue along the tendon but not issues with patellar tracking Rehab- Going very well, majority done on a home schedule, with visits to Physio around key milestone dates, i.e. 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months (Mainly to get clearance to advance regimes) Currently I feel smack bang in the middle of the 'boring' phase of rehab, I can't really advance my exercises until m...

Today marks the 1 month milestone. Honestly, if I knew I'd be walking, cycling and rehabbing with no pain or issues (touch wood) at this point before Surgery I'd have been very sceptical given the horror stories I've heard and read. Until I see my OS on March 5th I'm not counting any blessings as I need to hear from him the graft is great and all is well. Something in my head says there has to be some issue somewhere surely? Rehab can't be this straight forward..can it? The only thing that annoys me is the muscle Atrophy of the quad, really it's the Vastus Lateralis that's been hit the hardest and it's because the water pipe for the surgery was inserted there through all the muscle tissue.  Having gone into this surgery almost 2 years after the injury.. my legs were as strong as they ever have been, there were no weakness in the acl deficient leg at all, which leads me to wonder with the normal muscle mass present compared to someone who'd p...

Worth an update I thought.. After yesterday's disappointing 'physio' appointment, I felt even more determined to follow through with my own rehab program and decided to give the turbo trainer another go. I'll be honest, the knee didn't want to flex enough to complete a full rotation at first, but after 10 mins of rocking back and forth I decided to suck it up and get it done. No pain no gain. It's a closed chain exercise so generally speaking unless some unnecessary over rotation happens maybe getting on or off the bike, it's a safe exercise to do, with limited strain on the graft. Once I got the first rotation in, I kept a slow spin going with no resistance until the knee freed up enough, I then put just enough resistance on to stop the pedals going crazy fast...nobody enjoys pedalling thin air. 😫 30 mins while watching Tele felt great, I'll be doing alot of cycling moving forward alongside the other exercises. I've always been a huge mou...

Went for my first Physio appointment post Op today, thinking they'd do a full assessment of the knee etc. I've literally just sat in a chair.. (not even laid on a bed!) For 15 minutes being fobbed off a load of rubbish about it being more cost effective for the NHS to do group Acl Rehab sessions now rather than one to one. Mind boggles. Everyone recovers differently, will have had slightly different procedures done and will be at differing stages of recovery. It may be cost effective but at the detriment of the patients imo. Looks like I'll be paying through my teeth to have private Physio from my trusted friend. Real shame the NHS funding is in such a dire state, something needs to change. As I didn't get any feedback from the "physio" appointment.. I'll just keep note myself. Extension is great. Flexion is getting there. Quad strength is improving but the Vastus Lateralis is still struggling to fire fully, some atrophy has started now which i...

Took a couple days off updating the blog simply because there was nothing to really update. Kind of hit a bit of a lull in terms of progression jumps since the surgery. Mobility, I am now walking around without crutches.. Bit of a limp at first but once the muscles warm up the gait is actually not too bad at all for 2 weeks. ROM is improving daily, really only flexion that will change now as I'm happy extension is now well established back to pre surgery degrees. Flexion will take time, it did when I first injured the knee and I didn't anticipate this process being any different. I'm probably at around 90-110 degrees atm. Quad strength has really improved and will continue to the more exercises I do..  trying hard to keep any atrophy down to an absolute minimum, worked really hard over the last 18 months to build up my legs! Still icing every hour and elevating it as and when needed, have been wearing a tubigrip in the daytime and dvt stockings at night (Not wort...

Stitches were taken out this morning.. Literally took all of 10 seconds. apparently just the two end loops are cut off and the rest is left to dissolve inside the incision. 👀 I didn't bother posting anything yesterday as there was really nothing new to report.. Once I start my Physio appointments (Friday) I will update again but until then there isn't really much to write about to be honest! Quite boring this immediate post Op period. Flexion is getting better, Extension is nailed on now...same as the 'good' side, which is brilliant. I can walk with no crutches but use one just incase I wobble and for stairs. The swelling and bruising continues to subside, hopefully in another couple weeks it will be even more sparse, although I anticipate the knee will swell once I start some more intense exercises. Just what the Cryo-cuff is for. I'd quite like to get on a bike soon, but guess that will be dependant on how the flexion is looking.. only issue is around my ...

Another day of big improvements. Swelling and bruising are really fading away nicely, these were definitely the cause of the dull aching feeling during week 1. I can now sleep properly without having my leg elevated and it feels incredible. Looking forward to a comfy nights sleep finally 😴😴😴 Starting to cut down the meds now, I have no pain and the ibuprofen is not good for the stomach! I can walk without crutches but will keep them for the time being as stairs are not conquered just yet.. and I have a lot to navigate at home 😆 Stitches out next Tuesday and Physio starting Wednesday I think... I'm not anticipating much exciting happening tomorrow so may miss a Post on here for sake of regurgitating things! Re-read my surgeons notes and now see the note he makes about jogging at 6 weeks is actually totally attainable.. obviously he knows what he's talking about 😅 Now off to bed (Watch the golf) 😉👌🏻 Nomis Dog walk photo 👌🏻🐶

As I come toward the end of week 1 post Op.. I'm absolutely astounded how great my knee feels. Today I woke up and was pretty desperado for the toilet..😬 without even thinking like previous days, I somehow had the strength back to lift my leg again rather than have to use the resistance band to manoeuvre it to the edge of my bed... mental. Those little mini people working inside my knee must've worked extra hard overnight 😅 As such.. today has involved more exercises for flexion, extension and patellar mobilisation by hand. The swelling is really minimal now, centred mainly around the joint space rather than my whole leg! I hope I'm not pushing too hard I really don't feel like I am.. listening to my body is all I can do. But I do feel like some kind of medical marvel right now 😆🤓 Can't wait to hear what the Physio says next week. Still taking meds just as a failsafe and to help with the remaining swelling... Golf is on tele again round 2, I'm ...

Woke up today feeling really good, swelling reduced alot over night which is probably why my whole leg ached constantly. 😞 Starting to feel strength returning, not quite enough to force out any leg extensions but I don't feel far off. I reckon I'll have them cracked by Monday. A good tip I read that works. Stick a hot water bottle under your glute and whip the cyro-cuff on for 30 mins every now and then... it helps swelling, pain and bring the bruising out nicely. I have noticed when I contract my quads hard my Patellar tracks toward the lateral side.. it's not painful but I'll raise it when I start physio.. might just be down to the fluid still present. Another thing I've noticed is how hideously bowed my legs are from 20 years of football 😅 unbelievable, I did some research and apparently it's due to shortening of the muscles/ligaments on the medial side from a repetitive kicking motion. 👀🤔 Learn something everyday. Flexion as expected getting muc...

Fairly uneventful day today. Changed the dressings after a shower again... all looks to be healing well. Looking forward to getting the stitches out. Getting bored of them catching and pulling on the dressing 😑🙈 Did some heat & ice therapy a couple times to circulate the swelling and badness away from the joint.  Knee felt fantastic after until the swelling slowly returned a few hours later from exercising but it was quite nice to feel how strong the knee feels when the swelling was minimal. Pain is hardly worth noting... Just a dull ache most of the time.  I will note when I sit at 90 degrees I notice a weird pulling sensation around the graft fixation points..more in the femur, to be expected I'm sure but still a bit unnerving!  I was ensured it would take a lot of force to pull the plugs out of place. 👀 I'm not going to test how much though! Extension/flexion much the same if not slightly improved and the bruising is coming along lovely ?...

Shock it's raining again... really pleased I'm laid up right now! I'd be absolutely raging if I was just sat unable to work because of the weather! 😑 Another great nights sleep 10 hours broken up by meds at 2am & 7am 💪🏻👍 Think today will be very similar to yesterday.... as I approach end of week 1 post Op I'm ahead of where I thought I'd be, so don't believe it wise to push too hard as the last thing I want is any setbacks! 😬 I'll update again this evening... Nomis Alfie Loves his sleep 😆🐶

Just watching the City game 👍⚽ Nice day today, no real pain at all... other than the ache when I did some flexion and extension exercises. Quad work is coming along nicely, had a shower again today and naturally found it easier to get the muscles firing once they'd warmed up. As long as I can keep them ticking over until the proper physio can start I will be more than happy as it'll stop any significant atrophy. Nobody likes that 😑 Bruising is colourful 😅 all over my leg to be fair, obviously worse on the back from being in bed. Damn you gravity 😉 Got confirmation of my follow up with the surgeon Mr David Isaacs aka 'TorbayKneeSurgeon' March 7th, could be skipping into that meeting at this rate 😅 Physio proper due to start Monday 29th.. I'd rather start it when I have near full Rom as anything they do for that I can already do at home. Onwards to day 6 💪🏻 Nomis Hamstring bruising  

Just realised the comment section was asking for registered users only 😫🙈 I've changed it now.. I'm absolutely not fishing for comments, this Blog is as much for me to look back on, as it is.. I hope, helpful to anyone else in a similar predicament. I know personally I struggled to find much recent Blog / Vlog content around this subject.  I am intrigued to hear other people's experiences, tips too etc for sure 😉👀 Nomis

Feeling good this morning. Really solid 8 hour sleep last night 😴👌🏻 Just having some breakfast and a cuppa tea. Probably going to have another shower today 😆 / freshen up the dressings again. Oh and change the bed linen...noticed the iodine has rubbed off onto the sheets... pretty gross 😬😞 Stretching today I think... has to be important to keep as supple as possible to enable the exercises to be done easier. It's hard enough with all the swelling but why make it even harder by having tight muscles. Obviously that doesn't mean I'm going to be doing full on stretches like pre surgery because that would put way too much stress on the graft but a bit of common sense and listening to my body should lead to a sufficient stretch. Pain doesn't appear to be a issue at all.. just the dull ache I believe is down to the swelling..bruising and more importantly healing process. No pain. No gain. 🤔 👀 In other news.. the weather has been pretty atrocious since the tu...

Somehow managed to lose against bottom of the league tonight after battering the best team in the country last week. Not good for my morale! 😫 But you do get used to it after being a LFC supporter for 25 years. 😬 Never mind. The pain meds helped soften the blow 😅 Knee felt good today, rested this eve with regular icing and good elevation after working the quads hard today. Flexion is definitely attainable but I'm not pushing for it atm until the swelling falls away a bit more, just seems silly to struggle while it's so pumped up. More key in my mind is to keep the slight hyperextension there, which I have thus far and as I said before don't see any reason why that would alter👌🏻 Wait to see what tomorrow brings about...  I'd hazard a guess another overall improvement is likely..albeit a small one. Certainly would like to have leg lifts going strong before the end of the week. 💪🏻 Nomis Garden view Penveron Dittisham

Alfie 🐶 Managed 4 days with the hound locked out but his persistent crying paid off in the end. It's fine as long as he doesn't touch my knee! 😬🙈 As I said last night, concentrating on quad firing today. Going to be tired by this evening but tomorrow my leg should be active enough to start getting some decent lifts in. Bruising has started to come out big time.. very black and full length of my leg 😅😬 Flexion and extension are both continuing to improve.. would love the swelling to subside though. Might pay a visit to a physio friend to get some Shortwave therapy to help move the rubbish out of the joint space. 👀 I'll update later.  Hopefully after a good Liverpool win! YNWA Nomis Don't forget to hit the comment section up, love to hear your experiences, questions, tips etc 😉🤘

Good progress made today! Changed the dressings on the 2 incision sites and had a really lovely shower after 3 days 👌🏻 Decided to up the anti and get some flexion going as I know it's just the thick synovial fluid swelling that's making it feel difficult. Got down to 90 degrees comfortably and probably could've gone further but there is no rush! Extension is still great.. can't see that getting anything other than even better which bodes well. Considering I'm literally 3 days post Op, to have comfy extension and flexion is mind boggling to me. I expected to find it v.difficult but perhaps I'd just read too many horror stories 😬 Certainly not counting any chickens yet, but if I continue progressing at this pace, I'm aiming to be walking normally by my stitches out in 1 week. (Already setting goals 😅🙈) Cryo-cuff combined with pain meds has been magical. Can't believe I have zero pain.. don't know what all the fuss is about honestly 😉 ...

A decent nights sleep again... started waking up 5 mins before each alarm throughout the night for pain meds 😅🙈 annoying. Pain is still minimal. Hoping to force a bit more flexion out of the joint today and continue holding the extension. I did briefly try to put my brace (donjoy playmaker II)  on before bed... thinking it will ensure I don't bend it while I sleep.  I don't recommend trying to put anything tight over the patellar incision quite so soon after surgery! 😨 Lesson learnt. I'll post up another update at the end of today! 📱🗒✒👀 Nomis Looking back at Crib Goch Aug 2017 Don't forget to hit the comment section up, love to hear your experiences, questions, tips etc 😉🤘

Pretty unremarkable day today.. as expected. I did the usual routine exercises, bathroom trips etc I've been using the cryo-cuff at least twice an hour and actually took the gauze/wrap off this afternoon to help get better contact to the skin. I replaced it with a tubigrip from my toes to hip for compression and to act as a skin protection for the cryo-cuff. Rom has stayed relatively unchanged but as the swelling decreases I know flexion will naturally start to become easier. (as it did with the initial injury) Extension is still really good.. I've just been making sure the leg is propped up with pillows under the heel (not under the knee) allowing gravity to pull the knee joint into slight hyper extension while I'm resting in bed. Overall, for 2 days in I'm very happy. Not in any notable pain and feeling confident/ excited to see my range of motion start to improve over the next few days as the swelling dissipates further. Anticipating another similar day t...

Knee felt quite uncomfortable around midnight last night... couldn't figure out why. Counted my meds this morning, turns out I missed my 9pm dose 😅🙈 Doh! So I went 8 hours without any meds.. 💪🏻 not recommended. Today will be v.similar to yesterday I assume..  Will update this evening. Nomis Don't forget to hit the comment section up, love to hear your experiences, questions, tips etc 😉🤘