Keep up the great work! Im 12,13 weeks post op myself of aclr,meniscopty.. mental part really hit me when this happened april 23rd. Toughest mental physical battle ive ever done! But it does get better and it is gonna be ok.
thank you for giving me hope, been in tears for half a year since both my bend and straighten is catastrophic. after my OP the extension is way worse then before (it wasn’t good before either) and my bend is also way out of hand. feeling so down and question my life every day, your videos give me little more hope maybe i will get my life back. i hope…
I'm sorry to hear it's giving you trouble but don't give up hope! It may take a little bit of time but I'm sure it will continue to improve. Hang in there and good luck!
So glad your progress took you in a good direction! I’m 8 weeks post op and my knee has been creaking like a rocking chair for a week. 😬 There are so many stages of this recovery. I hope your journey continues to full healing!
Swelling - I personally recommend those things which recommended by others and they all help to me: 1. RE3 Knee Ice Compression Pack - recommend by my surgeon and I am still using it daily week8 now 2. Voltaren Osteo Gel - use it to replaced any painkillers at week3 and rub it on knee twice a day. Rubbing and massage also help. 3. Vitamin E cream - recommended by my PT, helping scar healing and worked well
Found your videos and they are inspiring. I just had a Medial Meniscus Root tear surgery at HSS in NYC (No ACL tear) and in week two, I am using one crutch, and doing the minor PT so everything seems to be progressing but I know there will be challenging days ahead.
Thanks for your videos, probably the most helpful that I found online. In my case though it’s going to be two surgeries. I had meniscus repair 3 weeks ago and in 3 months I’ll have ACL repair. It’s a bit frustrating to go through rehabilitation process twice.
Oh man, I'm sorry to hear you have to go through two surgeries :( I'm glad the videos have been helpful and I'm wishing you a very smooth and quick recovery!!
Hello..nice to see your improvement in ROM and you walk pretty well..m on my 2nd month which is about to complete in 10th aug...my ROM is now 120 while lie down and when m sitting in chair it's 140..in walking I hv a limp also.. let's see next month how much I'll improve...all the best for your journey too❤
2010 is when I had ACL reconstruction on right knee with a hamstring graft. It no longer hyper extends, exactly as you showed, two knees are imbalanced since 2010. However its never been an issue. I have a slightly staggered squat stand since complete extension requires it, but otherwise no issues what so ever with walking or strength between the two legs. I am having surgery for my left knee now (was a complete freak accident).
@megmed2860 hey 🙂 so happy to hear and see just how well you are doing and progressing, amazing! Gives me hope. Walking! You go girl! I bet its heaven. So, epsom salt, who knew! Has definitely eased the stiffness a tad. Little update, lm currently at week 7, 105 degrees flexion, Definitely more to give. Extension is fine. Feeling stronger every day. Only just started walking with one crutch, taken a few steps un-aided, very scary at the beginning! I think you might be right in regards to having a couple of days not pushing the knee to much, makes sense to let the changes and new mechanics in the knee to rest and grow. Doc in the making 🙂 What a great idea regarding the mental health side of things. Im guessing just like yourself there has been days when i have being left frustrated with the lack of progress. I don't think the surgeon fully prepares you for what is in store in the coming weeks and months, lts a very long journey, and one you mentally have to prepare yourself for the road ahead. Anyway, hope med school is going well, definitely think you are going to smash the next goal of running 💪 Keep chugging along 😄
Hi! That's awesome, it sounds like you're still making steady progress! It was very scary when I started walking too, you just have to go slowly and build up trust in your knee again :) I totally agree, the doctors just kind of throw you into this without a ton of warning for the journey to come after. That's why it's great that there's such a strong community of people who have gone through this, and everyone is so willing to share advice/their experience! Thanks for your update, and I'm sure there will be more exciting updates to come in the future as you continue in the recovery! You got this!
I appreciate your help during this unpleasant journey. I got my ACL surgery on October 3. Thanks to you, I prepared very well before the surgery with things that I might need. I have put about 80% of my body weight so far with the help of the crutches. Question: For how long do you use the brace?
I'm so happy that the videos helped you prepare! That is great progress! I stopped using my brace at about 8 weeks post-op but I was non-weight bearing and locked in extension for 6 weeks after surgery so if you don't have those restrictions I'm sure you could wean off the brace sooner--I would see if there's any guidelines from your doctor to see when they want you to wean off it. Best of luck in your healing!
Wooooh how come no one talks about the pain when you first activate your quad? 😪 I felt like my knee was breaking again but my PT said it's good because it wakes the quad up. I just want to know, does the pulling pain get better? I'm 2 weeks post op and damnnn. Thank you for your videos, they've helped me so much and the comments from other people as well have helped ❤
Yes all movements were pretty painful for me at first too. The pulling feeling was terrible for me at the beginning but it did go away after a few weeks! Stick with it and best of luck in your healing!
Hi Meg, thanks for meticulously documenting your recovery. It's especially helpful and informative for those of us in similar situations. I had lateral meniscus repair exactly 5 weeks ago. I read below that you particularly get swelling on the side of your knee where the meniscus was repaired. I am especially concerned about the swelling that I get on the side of my knee. The swelling doesn't seem to go down, and is quite significant and tender. Did you experience anything similar? Was the swelling quite stubborn on the lateral meniscus side? Thanks again!
Hi, I'm 8 weeks post op and all I can say is as much as it sucks and doesn't seem to ever go down you just have to ice and elevate, just got to stick at it. I'm still having to ice now and again.
Yes, I am just now starting to see the swelling on that side go down a bit, but it was there for a few months! I don't think the swelling was ever more than mildly tender for me, but I also lost a lot of feeling on the top of my knee that I haven't recovered so maybe that affects it? I did have a good amount of tenderness/soreness on my kneecap recently which went away in the last couple weeks. If you are worried about the pain/swelling and think it's abnormal I would recommend reaching out to your doctor or PT to double check, as I don't want to give you the wrong advice! Good luck with your healing!
@@megmed2860 Thanks for the reply, your response helps me a ton! I saw the doctor today, and it seems that the entry incision and subsequent wound, did get a little bit infected, but is doing much better now. That, along with normal post surgical swelling contributed to the tenderness and amount of swelling. Everything else seems to be coming along at a normal rate. Thanks again, and good luck with your healing journey as well!
@@08davidlfc Thanks for the advice, I am sticking to a strict icing regimen, and in fact, the swelling does seem to be improving, though there is still a ling ways to go. Good luck to you and to your healing journey.
@@davidcastillo9755try those things that I used which all help: 1. RE3 Knee Ice Compression Pack - recommend by my doctor and I am still using it daily week8 now 2. Voltaren Osteo Gel - use it to replaced any painkillers at week3 and rub it on knee twice a day. Rubbing and massage also help. 3. Vitamin E cream - recommended by my PT, helping scar heal and worked well
Your videos are great! We seem to be having a very similar recovery. Next week will be 5 weeks post op for me. Did you end up having to have the scar tissue surgery and leg manipulation?
Hi! I didn't end up needing the surgery because I gave it a few more weeks and my knee started to loosen up. I also think the acupuncture that I did might have helped with the scar tissue a little bit. If my knee hadn't improved I probably would've moved forward with the surgery in those weeks after considering it, as i know it helps many people who are in a similar situation. Wishing you the best in the rest of your recovery!
Hey, I found your videos today. I am one of the rare cases with a torn mcl that needs surgery. Tried physical therapy for the last 6 months and it's still gotten worse, so I'm having surgery on November 2nd, is there anything else you wish you had done before you had surgery or to prepare for it?
Hi! So sorry to hear about your MCL :( I think the biggest thing for me was to get my quad as strong as possible and get my ROM as good as it could be before the surgery. I had a bit of stiffness still going into surgery, so if anything I would say to work on decreasing that and do as much ROM work as you can. Also after surgery, and I can’t stress this enough, get your knee moving ASAP!!! It’s gonna feel like the worst thing ever but follow your doctors protocol and bend/move your knee as much as you’re allowed to. I didn’t do that and it’s probably my biggest regret. CPM machine would help with this too so def request that if possible. Best of luck in your surgery and recovery and lmk if you have any other questions!
This is awesome! I havent personally had surgery yet. I had an appointment for an MRI last Friday but they told me we couldnt do it because my knee was locked and i couldnt straighten it. Been doing exercises and I can ALMOST straighten it all the way! There is still pain when doing so and if i keep it straightened it wants to spasm.. Trying again for the MRI monday, hoping ill be able to straughten it and keep it in position for at least 30 minutes..
@@megmed2860 I just got back to walking and finally had my appointment today to talk about my MRI. It's a very severe bucket handle meniscus tear.. surgery is scheduled for Monday.
More power to you girl.💪 I am just 19 years old and one month before I had my Acl recostruction with hamstring graft and meniscus repair. Now I am able to bemd my knee to 100 degrees. Is this recovery good? I am a bit afraid as there is pain around my stitches as well as sometimes I feel like my knee will move.
It's so different for everyone so hard to say whats "good" and "bad". Any pain that you are worried about I would recommend asking your PT or doctor. If it is making steady progress I think that is heading in a good direction! Best of luck with the rest of your recovery :)
Did you have prehab? I didn't and if I had it to do over I would've demanded it. I think it's what is making this so hard for me 😢. 6 weeks PO tomorrow and just now hit a painful 120° today.
When I first stopped using the full length leg brace I used a smaller brace to walk around (I show this brace in my previous video if you’re interested), but now I can walk without anything on the knee and it feels totally fine! When I start jogging etc I may wear a compression sleeve for swelling but I haven’t been wearing one just walking around so far. Also if I have to do a longer shift at the hospital I’m sure I will wear compression socks up to the knee for swelling.
Very interesting! I just had my ACL done September 4th but with a lot of complications. I had since then had to do 2 debriment surgeries because my ACL graft taken from my hamstring got infected. My CRP level went from 122 after surgery to 45, then to 76 and now at 26. My doctors says if my number continues down then I should be all good but if the numbers goes up again he will do new surgery and take everything out because my body can’t take it. I want to ask you, now it’s been 6 weeks for me. My knee is still swollen and also warm compared to my other knee. Did you have the same feeling? Br, Phil
So sorry to hear about the complications with your surgery! Fingers crossed you can avoid another surgery. I actually did have a good amount of swelling still at 6 weeks, and my knee still feels warmer compared to my other knee. I assumed it was because of all the healing going on, but I think if you had problems with inflammation etc i would keep an eye on the swelling and warmth because those can be signs of inflammation/infection as well. I would definitely just go by what your doctor tells you. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
That's something that you could talk to your doctor about, as I cannot give any professional medical advice! I know people use both methods so it would be an individualized decision between you and your provider :)
Hi, my situation was very similar to yours. now, 2 months and 10 days after surgery, I have about 80 degrees of flexion. I've been noticing a lot of improvements lately, as I've been stuck at 50 degrees of flexion for many weeks. I wanted to ask you if you had to resort to a second operation, like the one for knee adhesions. My recovery is so difficult because I was very still (60 days totally blocked) before the operation and because I suffer from bone edema and probably algodystrophy. Thanks and sorry if I got some words wrong but I'm using Google Translate 🤣
Hi! I did not end up getting the second surgery because my knee started loosening up just in time and I got more range of motion back. I think the manipulation surgery (for adhesions) is usually helpful for people who end up needing it, but I just got lucky and ended up avoiding it! Sorry to hear that your recovery has been difficult--hang in there, it gets better!
I’m week 5 post op and I’m really tall so I haven’t been able to sit in my own passenger seat in my car how long did it take you before you could drive??
I'm a bit of an extreme case because I was non-weight bearing locked in extension for 6 weeks, so it was a while before I felt comfortable driving (also I live in the city and don't have a car so hard to accurately say when I could have started driving). I think most people who aren't put on weight bearing restrictions can drive within a couple weeks! Would check with your doctor or PT to make sure though!
I just had ACL revision using the quad tendon This is my second ACL surgery on that knee The first one I had no problems bending This one I’m at 55 degrees and I’m 20 days in after surgery Did it feel like your knee just won’t go any further I’m very nervous about this situation cause I can’t get the knee to flex
Yes that’s how my knee felt, like it would hit a point where there was nothing I could do to even force it to bend further. For me, it just took time to let it loosen up, but I know sometimes it requires surgery to break up the scar tissue so I would keep an open line of communication with your doctor and/or PT about it!
i am about 2 months into physical therapy and my range of motion is still about 90° when lie down and around 100° on a chair . Is it okay or my recovery is going slow?
The timeline is really different for each person, so it's hard to compare. It sounds like you're doing pretty well though! If you have concerns about your progress I would recommend talking to your surgeon or physical therapist. Best of luck in your recovery!
Hi Meg, thanks for the update! I am at my week 8 after the ACL + meniscus repair surgery (BTB graft). - my first two weeks was locked straight. Now I only got to 90 degrees this week which is my biggest concern although bright side is I am progress around 10 degrees every week past a few weeks - similar with you. Stiffness feeling is still very strong and sometimes feels like my knees cap is a wooden block. Hope I can get more progress like you from month2 to month3
Hi! Yes that sounds really similar to the timing/progress I had! It can definitely feel like you’re not getting results fast enough but just stick with it, consistent small progress is good! Best of luck :)
@@megmed2860 yes I am following some but had you done forcefully bending of knee ? Before 3 months I had a surgery my knee bends 120 degree and not properly straight can you please suggest me!
I was definitely not walking totally normal at 3 months, I'm pretty sure I still had a limp (especially starting to walk after sitting down). Best of luck with the rest of your recovery, just take it at your own pace!
Oh yes! I forgot to put this in the video--not sure if it's a screw or button or stitch but just below my knee where there's an incision I can feel something under the skin and it's been a little painful/annoying, especially while walking/exercising. Planning on asking the PA when I go to my appointment.
@@megmed2860 That's just about where I feel it. I notice it when I stand and lift my knee up, or when I do a hamstring curl, feels a bit like the new ACL graft pulling something tight, but goes as soon as I straighten my leg. I haven't gotten round to asking my PT/consultant about it yet. I would be interested to hear what you get told when you get to ask. Hope things are going well
@megmed2860 I bring good news, after eight weeks I've finally hit 122 degrees! I was beginning to think my knee was never going to make it. How was your PT session Megan?
yay! that's very exciting, I'm so happy for you!! PT was good, I actually found out at the doctors the other day that it's a screw that's causing the discomfort right below my knee! Also they told me I'm not supposed to bend past 120 for a whole year bc of my meniscus repair lol so gonna stop pushing the ROM as much now!@@08davidlfc
@@megmed2860 thank you! Happy to hear it's going well. Oh wow! I've not been told about not going past 120 either, and I had both meniscus repaired. I will definitely be asking my surgeon that on Monday when I see him just in case. Did he seem concerned about the screw discomfort or is it something to be expected?
Hey, So I want to ask you should we leave PT if we ve gotten this much rom? My PT is kinda forcing me to continue till i gell ful ROM. But its taking a toll in my mental health and I am worried if i stop PT it will go back to being very stiff and what if I get up one day and it doesn't bend as much. Can we still progress after stopping pt? Will we ever achieve full bending on our ouwn without being in so much pain?
Hi! I’m sorry that it’s taking a toll on you, I know it can be so frustrating and painful :( my PT told me that while 120 ROM is technically functional, if someone is younger they usually want to get it closer to 130-140 so that you can still be active, and there are still many things that you would be limited in doing if you’re stuck at 120. With that being said, if you feel like you’ve stopped making any progress for some time now, you could maybe check back in with your doctor to see what they think/if PT is really going to help any more. Have you tried taking a few days or a week off? I found that taking a few days off helped my knee settle down and then I got more ROM after that. I know that’s not the case for everyone though and sometimes you just hit a wall.
@@megmed2860 yes totally that helped me too. Right now I need to re start PT after 4 sessions more. I think I will take a break. Thankyou for the encouraging words...😘 I too have almost 120 degrees but I have issues like lot of stiffness on some days. It feels like the stiffness will not let it bend the entire 120... Will you be taking more PT to get great ROM?
@@ankitasrivastava2545 I also have problems with stiffness! Some days are better than others. Yes, I’m going to continue PT until I can get a better ROM (aiming for 130-135) and safely return to running etc. Something I forgot to mention before is that there is a certain window of time after surgery where you can get that extra ROM and then eventually you get to a point where it’s pretty set where it is and won’t make any more progress. So, if you want to improve the ROM, PT will be most helpful the closer you do it to the actual surgery. But taking a week/few days off or something won’t be the end of the world!
I still have a bit of swelling (minimal) but it took a while for it to go down. I really only noticed a big difference in the last few weeks on the side of my knee that had the mensicus repair. The other parts of my knee went down with the swelling probably around 2 ish months.
Hi! Yes, I show my knee towards the end of this video so you can see what the swelling looks like; overall I think it has gone down a lot but I definitely do still have some swelling, especially after walking around a lot. I notice it more on the side of my knee that had the meniscus repair (lateral). But you can definitely see more of the definition of my kneecap as the weeks go by!
Yes, I will still ice it after PT and after walking around for extended periods of time, but definitely not icing it as much as I was in the first 6-8 weeks!@@utkrishtagrawal9474
I am going to the doctor today actually so I'm going to double check with them, but my PT recently told me that it's better to not have a lot of hyperextension in your knee and it can actually be protective to not have it. So, I guess I will just have uneven hyperextension between my two legs since it seems less prone to injury with less hyperextension. I will reply to this again after the doctor visit if they say anything different!
Update: the PA said it's not a big deal if your hyperextension is not matching your good leg, as long as you can get your leg fully straight again! She said over time it may get closer to the original hyperextension but they're not worried about it.
@@megmed2860 Oh okay I guess i'm worrying too much about mine. Also wanted to say that your videos are helping me through my recovery. Also Kudos to you on your mental strength. I dont know about you but i'm heavily considering not returning to soccer. The amount of money i've spent in this recovery process is enough for me to hang my boots. Goodluck to you if/when you return!
I'm so glad the videos have helped! I feel the exact same way about returning to soccer--I think it might be time for me to retire unfortunately :( @@habeeb3789
I am 7th week post op of my ACL and Medial meniscus surgery. I am not able to walk properly, my knee is not taking my weight, did this happen to u as well??
When I first started weight bearing after 6 weeks my knee definitely felt weak/unsteady for a little while. After a few days of walking it started getting gradually better every day. If you’re not progressing at all/have a lot of pain I would check back in with your doctor or PT to see what they think!
This really gave a lot of hope. Thankyou so much for this. 7 weeks in so far and starting to feel a little normal now 💪🏼
Keep up the great work! Im 12,13 weeks post op myself of aclr,meniscopty.. mental part really hit me when this happened april 23rd. Toughest mental physical battle ive ever done! But it does get better and it is gonna be ok.
So true, it takes a lot of patience and perseverance! Good luck in the rest of your recovery :)
thank you for giving me hope, been in tears for half a year since both my bend and straighten is catastrophic. after my OP the extension is way worse then before (it wasn’t good before either) and my bend is also way out of hand. feeling so down and question my life every day, your videos give me little more hope maybe i will get my life back. i hope…
I'm sorry to hear it's giving you trouble but don't give up hope! It may take a little bit of time but I'm sure it will continue to improve. Hang in there and good luck!
So glad your progress took you in a good direction! I’m 8 weeks post op and my knee has been creaking like a rocking chair for a week. 😬 There are so many stages of this recovery. I hope your journey continues to full healing!
Thank you! I have also heard the creaking in my knee recently, it's a bit unsettling! Lol. Best of luck in the rest of your journey!
Swelling - I personally recommend those things which recommended by others and they all help to me:
1. RE3 Knee Ice Compression Pack - recommend by my surgeon and I am still using it daily week8 now
2. Voltaren Osteo Gel - use it to replaced any painkillers at week3 and rub it on knee twice a day. Rubbing and massage also help.
3. Vitamin E cream - recommended by my PT, helping scar healing and worked well
Please check with your doctor or PT before using it~
You're doing great! I cant wait to walk normally again and do squats! Im 5 weeks post allo acl and meniscus surgery.....the struggle is real!
How are you doing now? Currently 5 weeks post op. Can’t wait to walk 🙏🏻
Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy?
@@poojamanandhar6272 repair :/ almost all of my meniscus was flipped into the middle.
Very happy to see your progress. Never get discouraged if its a bit slow, youre doing great!
Thank you so much! :)
Let's go!!
It's all about regaining strength and agility from here on.
Found your videos and they are inspiring. I just had a Medial Meniscus Root tear surgery at HSS in NYC (No ACL tear) and in week two, I am using one crutch, and doing the minor PT so everything seems to be progressing but I know there will be challenging days ahead.
Excellent progress keep up the good work!
Thanks for your videos, probably the most helpful that I found online. In my case though it’s going to be two surgeries. I had meniscus repair 3 weeks ago and in 3 months I’ll have ACL repair. It’s a bit frustrating to go through rehabilitation process twice.
Oh man, I'm sorry to hear you have to go through two surgeries :( I'm glad the videos have been helpful and I'm wishing you a very smooth and quick recovery!!
Well done Meg, this is inspiring
Hello..nice to see your improvement in ROM and you walk pretty well..m on my 2nd month which is about to complete in 10th aug...my ROM is now 120 while lie down and when m sitting in chair it's 140..in walking I hv a limp also.. let's see next month how much I'll improve...all the best for your journey too❤
Hi! Sounds like you're making great progress too! keep up the great work!
Yeah more power to us❤
2010 is when I had ACL reconstruction on right knee with a hamstring graft. It no longer hyper extends, exactly as you showed, two knees are imbalanced since 2010. However its never been an issue. I have a slightly staggered squat stand since complete extension requires it, but otherwise no issues what so ever with walking or strength between the two legs. I am having surgery for my left knee now (was a complete freak accident).
@megmed2860 hey 🙂 so happy to hear and see just how well you are doing and progressing, amazing! Gives me hope. Walking! You go girl! I bet its heaven.
So, epsom salt, who knew! Has definitely eased the stiffness a tad. Little update, lm currently at week 7, 105 degrees flexion, Definitely more to give. Extension is fine. Feeling stronger every day. Only just started walking with one crutch, taken a few steps un-aided, very scary at the beginning!
I think you might be right in regards to having a couple of days not pushing the knee to much, makes sense to let the changes and new mechanics in the knee to rest and grow. Doc in the making 🙂
What a great idea regarding the mental health side of things. Im guessing just like yourself there has been days when i have being left frustrated with the lack of progress.
I don't think the surgeon fully prepares you for what is in store in the coming weeks and months, lts a very long journey, and one you mentally have to prepare yourself for the road ahead.
Anyway, hope med school is going well, definitely think you are going to smash the next goal of running 💪
Keep chugging along 😄
Hi! That's awesome, it sounds like you're still making steady progress! It was very scary when I started walking too, you just have to go slowly and build up trust in your knee again :) I totally agree, the doctors just kind of throw you into this without a ton of warning for the journey to come after. That's why it's great that there's such a strong community of people who have gone through this, and everyone is so willing to share advice/their experience! Thanks for your update, and I'm sure there will be more exciting updates to come in the future as you continue in the recovery! You got this!
Thanks for sharing hope! 1 months post op myself …
I appreciate your help during this unpleasant journey. I got my ACL surgery on October 3. Thanks to you, I prepared very well before the surgery with things that I might need. I have put about 80% of my body weight so far with the help of the crutches. Question: For how long do you use the brace?
I'm so happy that the videos helped you prepare! That is great progress! I stopped using my brace at about 8 weeks post-op but I was non-weight bearing and locked in extension for 6 weeks after surgery so if you don't have those restrictions I'm sure you could wean off the brace sooner--I would see if there's any guidelines from your doctor to see when they want you to wean off it. Best of luck in your healing!
Wooooh how come no one talks about the pain when you first activate your quad? 😪 I felt like my knee was breaking again but my PT said it's good because it wakes the quad up. I just want to know, does the pulling pain get better? I'm 2 weeks post op and damnnn. Thank you for your videos, they've helped me so much and the comments from other people as well have helped ❤
Yes all movements were pretty painful for me at first too. The pulling feeling was terrible for me at the beginning but it did go away after a few weeks! Stick with it and best of luck in your healing!
Hi Meg, thanks for meticulously documenting your recovery. It's especially helpful and informative for those of us in similar situations. I had lateral meniscus repair exactly 5 weeks ago. I read below that you particularly get swelling on the side of your knee where the meniscus was repaired. I am especially concerned about the swelling that I get on the side of my knee. The swelling doesn't seem to go down, and is quite significant and tender. Did you experience anything similar? Was the swelling quite stubborn on the lateral meniscus side? Thanks again!
Hi, I'm 8 weeks post op and all I can say is as much as it sucks and doesn't seem to ever go down you just have to ice and elevate, just got to stick at it. I'm still having to ice now and again.
Yes, I am just now starting to see the swelling on that side go down a bit, but it was there for a few months! I don't think the swelling was ever more than mildly tender for me, but I also lost a lot of feeling on the top of my knee that I haven't recovered so maybe that affects it? I did have a good amount of tenderness/soreness on my kneecap recently which went away in the last couple weeks. If you are worried about the pain/swelling and think it's abnormal I would recommend reaching out to your doctor or PT to double check, as I don't want to give you the wrong advice! Good luck with your healing!
@@megmed2860 Thanks for the reply, your response helps me a ton! I saw the doctor today, and it seems that the entry incision and subsequent wound, did get a little bit infected, but is doing much better now. That, along with normal post surgical swelling contributed to the tenderness and amount of swelling. Everything else seems to be coming along at a normal rate. Thanks again, and good luck with your healing journey as well!
@@08davidlfc Thanks for the advice, I am sticking to a strict icing regimen, and in fact, the swelling does seem to be improving, though there is still a ling ways to go. Good luck to you and to your healing journey.
@@davidcastillo9755try those things that I used which all help:
1. RE3 Knee Ice Compression Pack - recommend by my doctor and I am still using it daily week8 now
2. Voltaren Osteo Gel - use it to replaced any painkillers at week3 and rub it on knee twice a day. Rubbing and massage also help.
3. Vitamin E cream - recommended by my PT, helping scar heal and worked well
Your videos are great! We seem to be having a very similar recovery. Next week will be 5 weeks post op for me. Did you end up having to have the scar tissue surgery and leg manipulation?
Hi! I didn't end up needing the surgery because I gave it a few more weeks and my knee started to loosen up. I also think the acupuncture that I did might have helped with the scar tissue a little bit. If my knee hadn't improved I probably would've moved forward with the surgery in those weeks after considering it, as i know it helps many people who are in a similar situation. Wishing you the best in the rest of your recovery!
@@megmed2860 ah thank you for responding! That is good news to hear!
Hey, I found your videos today. I am one of the rare cases with a torn mcl that needs surgery. Tried physical therapy for the last 6 months and it's still gotten worse, so I'm having surgery on November 2nd, is there anything else you wish you had done before you had surgery or to prepare for it?
Hi! So sorry to hear about your MCL :( I think the biggest thing for me was to get my quad as strong as possible and get my ROM as good as it could be before the surgery. I had a bit of stiffness still going into surgery, so if anything I would say to work on decreasing that and do as much ROM work as you can. Also after surgery, and I can’t stress this enough, get your knee moving ASAP!!! It’s gonna feel like the worst thing ever but follow your doctors protocol and bend/move your knee as much as you’re allowed to. I didn’t do that and it’s probably my biggest regret. CPM machine would help with this too so def request that if possible. Best of luck in your surgery and recovery and lmk if you have any other questions!
This is awesome! I havent personally had surgery yet. I had an appointment for an MRI last Friday but they told me we couldnt do it because my knee was locked and i couldnt straighten it. Been doing exercises and I can ALMOST straighten it all the way! There is still pain when doing so and if i keep it straightened it wants to spasm.. Trying again for the MRI monday, hoping ill be able to straughten it and keep it in position for at least 30 minutes..
Small progress is still progress! Fingers crossed for you that it continues to straighten!
@@megmed2860 I just got back to walking and finally had my appointment today to talk about my MRI. It's a very severe bucket handle meniscus tear.. surgery is scheduled for Monday.
Glad you could finally get an answer! Best of luck in your surgery and recovery!@@Tylor-r5c
More power to you girl.💪 I am just 19 years old and one month before I had my Acl recostruction with hamstring graft and meniscus repair. Now I am able to bemd my knee to 100 degrees. Is this recovery good? I am a bit afraid as there is pain around my stitches as well as sometimes I feel like my knee will move.
It's so different for everyone so hard to say whats "good" and "bad". Any pain that you are worried about I would recommend asking your PT or doctor. If it is making steady progress I think that is heading in a good direction! Best of luck with the rest of your recovery :)
Any specific diet recommendations?
Thanks you for your support ❤️
Did you have prehab? I didn't and if I had it to do over I would've demanded it. I think it's what is making this so hard for me 😢. 6 weeks PO tomorrow and just now hit a painful 120° today.
Yes, I did do prehab and I agree, it was super helpful! I didn't hit 120 until way after 6 weeks so you're doing great!! Keep at it!
Do you wear compression socks up to your knees for support or a knee brace for extra support while walking?
When I first stopped using the full length leg brace I used a smaller brace to walk around (I show this brace in my previous video if you’re interested), but now I can walk without anything on the knee and it feels totally fine! When I start jogging etc I may wear a compression sleeve for swelling but I haven’t been wearing one just walking around so far. Also if I have to do a longer shift at the hospital I’m sure I will wear compression socks up to the knee for swelling.
Very interesting! I just had my ACL done September 4th but with a lot of complications. I had since then had to do 2 debriment surgeries because my ACL graft taken from my hamstring got infected. My CRP level went from 122 after surgery to 45, then to 76 and now at 26. My doctors says if my number continues down then I should be all good but if the numbers goes up again he will do new surgery and take everything out because my body can’t take it. I want to ask you, now it’s been 6 weeks for me. My knee is still swollen and also warm compared to my other knee. Did you have the same feeling? Br, Phil
So sorry to hear about the complications with your surgery! Fingers crossed you can avoid another surgery. I actually did have a good amount of swelling still at 6 weeks, and my knee still feels warmer compared to my other knee. I assumed it was because of all the healing going on, but I think if you had problems with inflammation etc i would keep an eye on the swelling and warmth because those can be signs of inflammation/infection as well. I would definitely just go by what your doctor tells you. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
Going through the same 🙏
Hello, I have a cruciate ligament injury, partial rupture, should I have an operation or improve without surgery?
That's something that you could talk to your doctor about, as I cannot give any professional medical advice! I know people use both methods so it would be an individualized decision between you and your provider :)
Hi, my situation was very similar to yours. now, 2 months and 10 days after surgery, I have about 80 degrees of flexion. I've been noticing a lot of improvements lately, as I've been stuck at 50 degrees of flexion for many weeks. I wanted to ask you if you had to resort to a second operation, like the one for knee adhesions. My recovery is so difficult because I was very still (60 days totally blocked) before the operation and because I suffer from bone edema and probably algodystrophy. Thanks and sorry if I got some words wrong but I'm using Google Translate 🤣
Hi! I did not end up getting the second surgery because my knee started loosening up just in time and I got more range of motion back. I think the manipulation surgery (for adhesions) is usually helpful for people who end up needing it, but I just got lucky and ended up avoiding it! Sorry to hear that your recovery has been difficult--hang in there, it gets better!
STILL GOING WITH THIS TRAUMA😥😥
I’m week 5 post op and I’m really tall so I haven’t been able to sit in my own passenger seat in my car how long did it take you before you could drive??
I'm a bit of an extreme case because I was non-weight bearing locked in extension for 6 weeks, so it was a while before I felt comfortable driving (also I live in the city and don't have a car so hard to accurately say when I could have started driving). I think most people who aren't put on weight bearing restrictions can drive within a couple weeks! Would check with your doctor or PT to make sure though!
I just had ACL revision using the quad tendon
This is my second ACL surgery on that knee
The first one I had no problems bending
This one I’m at 55 degrees and I’m 20 days in after surgery
Did it feel like your knee just won’t go any further
I’m very nervous about this situation cause I can’t get the knee to flex
Yes that’s how my knee felt, like it would hit a point where there was nothing I could do to even force it to bend further. For me, it just took time to let it loosen up, but I know sometimes it requires surgery to break up the scar tissue so I would keep an open line of communication with your doctor and/or PT about it!
i am about 2 months into physical therapy and my range of motion is still about 90° when lie down and around 100° on a chair . Is it okay or my recovery is going slow?
The timeline is really different for each person, so it's hard to compare. It sounds like you're doing pretty well though! If you have concerns about your progress I would recommend talking to your surgeon or physical therapist. Best of luck in your recovery!
Thank you for sharing
Hi Meg, thanks for the update!
I am at my week 8 after the ACL + meniscus repair surgery (BTB graft). - my first two weeks was locked straight. Now I only got to 90 degrees this week which is my biggest concern although bright side is I am progress around 10 degrees every week past a few weeks - similar with you. Stiffness feeling is still very strong and sometimes feels like my knees cap is a wooden block.
Hope I can get more progress like you from month2 to month3
Hi! Yes that sounds really similar to the timing/progress I had! It can definitely feel like you’re not getting results fast enough but just stick with it, consistent small progress is good! Best of luck :)
@@megmed2860thanks Meg❤
Suggest some exercises that you help in knee flexion and bending, i am facing issue
there are a lot of great videos on youtube, and a very helpful resource is if you can see a physical therapist!
@@megmed2860 yes I am following some but had you done forcefully bending of knee ?
Before 3 months I had a surgery my knee bends 120 degree and not properly straight can you please suggest me!
Damn still limping after 3 months. Is that normal or was your recovery slower than usual
I was definitely not walking totally normal at 3 months, I'm pretty sure I still had a limp (especially starting to walk after sitting down). Best of luck with the rest of your recovery, just take it at your own pace!
@megmed2860 Do you get any discomfort/pain/tightness at the screw area when you bend the knee in a certain way or during particular exercises?
Oh yes! I forgot to put this in the video--not sure if it's a screw or button or stitch but just below my knee where there's an incision I can feel something under the skin and it's been a little painful/annoying, especially while walking/exercising. Planning on asking the PA when I go to my appointment.
@@megmed2860 That's just about where I feel it. I notice it when I stand and lift my knee up, or when I do a hamstring curl, feels a bit like the new ACL graft pulling something tight, but goes as soon as I straighten my leg. I haven't gotten round to asking my PT/consultant about it yet. I would be interested to hear what you get told when you get to ask.
Hope things are going well
@megmed2860 I bring good news, after eight weeks I've finally hit 122 degrees! I was beginning to think my knee was never going to make it.
How was your PT session Megan?
yay! that's very exciting, I'm so happy for you!! PT was good, I actually found out at the doctors the other day that it's a screw that's causing the discomfort right below my knee! Also they told me I'm not supposed to bend past 120 for a whole year bc of my meniscus repair lol so gonna stop pushing the ROM as much now!@@08davidlfc
@@megmed2860 thank you! Happy to hear it's going well. Oh wow! I've not been told about not going past 120 either, and I had both meniscus repaired. I will definitely be asking my surgeon that on Monday when I see him just in case. Did he seem concerned about the screw discomfort or is it something to be expected?
Hey, So I want to ask you should we leave PT if we ve gotten this much rom? My PT is kinda forcing me to continue till i gell ful ROM. But its taking a toll in my mental health and I am worried if i stop PT it will go back to being very stiff and what if I get up one day and it doesn't bend as much. Can we still progress after stopping pt? Will we ever achieve full bending on our ouwn without being in so much pain?
Hi! I’m sorry that it’s taking a toll on you, I know it can be so frustrating and painful :( my PT told me that while 120 ROM is technically functional, if someone is younger they usually want to get it closer to 130-140 so that you can still be active, and there are still many things that you would be limited in doing if you’re stuck at 120. With that being said, if you feel like you’ve stopped making any progress for some time now, you could maybe check back in with your doctor to see what they think/if PT is really going to help any more. Have you tried taking a few days or a week off? I found that taking a few days off helped my knee settle down and then I got more ROM after that. I know that’s not the case for everyone though and sometimes you just hit a wall.
@@megmed2860 yes totally that helped me too. Right now I need to re start PT after 4 sessions more. I think I will take a break. Thankyou for the encouraging words...😘 I too have almost 120 degrees but I have issues like lot of stiffness on some days. It feels like the stiffness will not let it bend the entire 120... Will you be taking more PT to get great ROM?
@@ankitasrivastava2545 I also have problems with stiffness! Some days are better than others. Yes, I’m going to continue PT until I can get a better ROM (aiming for 130-135) and safely return to running etc. Something I forgot to mention before is that there is a certain window of time after surgery where you can get that extra ROM and then eventually you get to a point where it’s pretty set where it is and won’t make any more progress. So, if you want to improve the ROM, PT will be most helpful the closer you do it to the actual surgery. But taking a week/few days off or something won’t be the end of the world!
how long did take for the swelling to go away?
I still have a bit of swelling (minimal) but it took a while for it to go down. I really only noticed a big difference in the last few weeks on the side of my knee that had the mensicus repair. The other parts of my knee went down with the swelling probably around 2 ish months.
Hi.
Can you please update on swelling?
Hi! Yes, I show my knee towards the end of this video so you can see what the swelling looks like; overall I think it has gone down a lot but I definitely do still have some swelling, especially after walking around a lot. I notice it more on the side of my knee that had the meniscus repair (lateral). But you can definitely see more of the definition of my kneecap as the weeks go by!
@@megmed2860 Hey. Thanks for responding. Yeah I could see swelling a bit. Is icing still going on for the swelling?
Yes, I will still ice it after PT and after walking around for extended periods of time, but definitely not icing it as much as I was in the first 6-8 weeks!@@utkrishtagrawal9474
@@megmed2860 Hi. Thanks for the update. It's quite relatable, so I feel a bit relaxed. 😛
Medam which surgery knee
It was an ACL reconstruction with quad autograft and also lateral meniscal tear repair!
Do you need blood plasma,my doctor tell's that l need that
I didn't receive any but everyone is different so it is really up to you and your doctor to find what will be best for you!
What are you doing to get ur hyperextension back?
I am going to the doctor today actually so I'm going to double check with them, but my PT recently told me that it's better to not have a lot of hyperextension in your knee and it can actually be protective to not have it. So, I guess I will just have uneven hyperextension between my two legs since it seems less prone to injury with less hyperextension. I will reply to this again after the doctor visit if they say anything different!
Update: the PA said it's not a big deal if your hyperextension is not matching your good leg, as long as you can get your leg fully straight again! She said over time it may get closer to the original hyperextension but they're not worried about it.
@@megmed2860 Oh okay I guess i'm worrying too much about mine. Also wanted to say that your videos are helping me through my recovery. Also Kudos to you on your mental strength. I dont know about you but i'm heavily considering not returning to soccer. The amount of money i've spent in this recovery process is enough for me to hang my boots. Goodluck to you if/when you return!
I'm so glad the videos have helped! I feel the exact same way about returning to soccer--I think it might be time for me to retire unfortunately :( @@habeeb3789
I am 7th week post op of my ACL and Medial meniscus surgery. I am not able to walk properly, my knee is not taking my weight, did this happen to u as well??
When I first started weight bearing after 6 weeks my knee definitely felt weak/unsteady for a little while. After a few days of walking it started getting gradually better every day. If you’re not progressing at all/have a lot of pain I would check back in with your doctor or PT to see what they think!