Acl Recon- Patellar Graft

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...