I started working out again (besides physical therapy), doing upper body and abs. I am itching to get back into more intense workouts, but this whole surgery has taught me to slow down. I appreciate my down time, and am learning to listen to my body more. I did ask my PT a few questions, which I will include the answers below. I see my surgeon on Monday and can’t wait to see what he says. Also, I have been progressing so much that my PT only wants to see me once a week now! There are not really any more exercises that the PT can give me + only once a week = easier on my wallet… Sounds good to me! I am also cleared to walk around the house/work without my brace, I just need to wear it if I am walking somewhere my leg might get bumped.
Overall, I am feeling really good about my progress; at the same time, I am still being super cautious – I wear my leg brace at night, which is annoying, but I am afraid I might do something in my sleep. I feel like I am mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day because I am devoting so much of my awareness to my knee, making sure it isn’t twisting, bending too much, etc. After month 2 things will start to get a lot easier (movement wise), although maybe a little more challenging in PT. But that’s ok! Also – the swelling in my knee has gone down A LOT! I finally took off my steri-strips on the big scar – it looks impressive! It will eventually fade over time and with the use of Doterra oils, so I am not too worried.
Flexion
- 3 weeks: 118
- 3.5 weeks: 130
- 4 weeks: 134
Vitamins/Oils/Diet
I have cut back on the amount of oils I have been using – mainly due to traveling/starting work full time again. I usually do one oil application in the morning and one before bed… and maybe some deep blue in the afternoon if my knee is bothering me. Other than reducing the oils, I am still continuing to take the same vitamins/doing the same oil application as last week:
- Taking multi vitamins
- Continuing to take 1 calcium + 1 magnesium pill, 2x a day
- Continuing to take cod liver oil vitamins, 2x a day on an empty stomach
- Only taking aleve after a long day/when my knee gets swollen… so once a week maybe
- 1 drop of wintergreen + 1-drops of cypress + 1 drop of marjoram on meniscus tear area– 1-2 times a day
- 1-2 drops of fennel or lavender on bruised area – 1-2 times a day
- Myrrh & Frankincense on scar/scab – to help reduce scar – 1-2 times a day
- Sports oil blend whenever my knee is aching, or right after PT/icing
- 1-2 drops of frankincense & melaluca for the achy pain & inflammation on knee – 1-2 times a day
Also – I love the quote below. I found this on my Tut calendar (Notes from the Universe) in February, and it makes me put things into perspective. Just because something that seems terrible happens in your life that doesn’t make any sense to you, doesn’t mean your whole life is ruined. Look at it as an opportunity – for growth, positivity, perspective, to learn patience, how to slow down, to love your body, or even help make an impact on someone else’s life. You never really know what life is going to throw you, but I know I prefer to look at things in a better light – it sure makes life a lot easier 🙂
This e-book was created as a guide to help everyone – Adults, Kids, Athletes, and Non-Athletes – recovering from ACL surgery. After reading this guide, you will have a better understanding of what to expect, surgery options, costs & insurance, and a detailed timeline for recovery.
Improve your range of motion, increase your strength, and feel more confident post-surgery with a 2 month yoga progression plan.
Keep up the good work babe! You will be back in no time to running and yoga! Your physical awareness, healthy diet, and positive attitude speaks are inspirations to the number of people each year that recover from surgery! Keep it up!
This blog has been so helpful. I have scheduled my surgery for April 10th and I am soooo very nervous. Just thinking about it fills me with so much anxiety. It is nice to see how positive you are and how much progress you’ve made. I will continue to follow up and hopefully my recovery goes just as smoothly. Thank you for your posts!
Melissa-
I am so glad my blog has been helpful! I was extremely nervous for my surgery as well… But after it happened, I realized I had nothing to worry about! Just keep a positive attitude the whole time – trust your body will heal. It’s pretty cool how resilient out bodies are, especially after a surgery like acl. Best of of luck on your surgery & recovery! You will do great! If you have any questions, let me know!
Congratulations on your quick progress! Your blog is going to inspire me even more, to come back from my injury stronger and definitely smarter. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Glad I could help… Best of luck on your recovery!
Nina,
Thank you for all the inspiration and helpful hints. I’m currently almost 3 weeks post-op from an ACL & meniscus tear and your blog has really assisted me with my recovery. Thank you again!
Erin
Hi Erin! I’m so glad that my blog was helpful… I hope it has made the experience a little easier for you! Best of luck with your recovery 🙂
Hey, I’m Caleb and I had the same surgery a about a month and 1 week ago. But, I still cannot do straight leg raises what so ever, but I can hold my leg in the air for about 5-10 seconds. It’s been really destroying my head, as in making me depressed, and I was wondering how long it took you to do a complete straight leg raise? My PT and surgeon keep saying it’s fine but honestly, I don’t know if I can trust them at this point. I’m so scared that I won’t be able to have the entire use of my leg plus more I was promised. Thank you for anyway you can help.
Hi Caleb! When you say straight leg raises, are you talking about sitting down and lifting your leg? What is your flexion, and how straight have you been able to get your leg? It sounds like it is just related to quad and hip flexor strength, something that will happen with extra work in PT. From my own personal experience, I always did more on the exercises I struggled with, and it helped me out in the long run putting in the extra time/work to get stronger. If you are walking and progressing in PT, don’t give up yet! ACL recovery is a long, slow process… the best thing you can do is be patient with your body… it is healing and doing the best it can do! You will get there, it will just take time. I hope this helps – if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If not, best of luck in your recovery!