I had ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair 6w ago. I wasn’t in a whole lot of pain after surgery as long as taking pain meds. I started PT at 2w post-op and it’s been great. It was a little tough but after each visit I feel like I have better range of motion and building strength. I was super nervous as soon as I heard I needed surgery. I started searching for TH-cam videos and everyone’s journey was a little different. After watching so many people say they struggled with pain I got even more nervous going into surgery. Most people would tell me to stop watching these videos since I was psyching myself out. I told them this is how I am mentally preparing. I’m glad I did since my journey so far has been pretty great. On the mental side of this journey , it is tougher than doing the PT. Being home and not being able to do much is a little frustrating. I’m a very active person and don’t do well sitting around not doing anything. Each week gets better. As long as PT is being done and keeping a positive attitude! Thanks for showing us your journey as you were one of the only people who had ACL + meniscus surgery like I did and been following you in your recovery. You look great and keep a positive mindset, you’re almost there! 😊
Hi! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well, and I'm also happy that the videos were helpful to you! I did the same thing--I felt like the more people whose experience I saw the more I was prepared for whatever happened in my recovery journey! The mental side is very tough and requires lots of patience and having grace for yourself and your body. Keep up the great work, and best of luck in the rest of your healing :)
I am also the one who i got acl and meniscus surgery,its my 19 days post surgery and i can't sleep due to pain and i started my 90degree knee bend from day 2 its to fast and now its day 19 same as 90degree knee bend the main problem is that i cant lift my knee its too painfull, and i am afraid of the reinjured or is that normal , I bend my knee too fast so that it will get damaged or its good ..
Sorry to hear you have so much pain :( If you think something may be wrong you could definitely reach out to your doctor or PT to make sure! Hope it gets better soon!@@purryak
Thank you for sharing. I am on week 5 of meniscus root repair. I think being in PT the next day of surgery helped me a lot. My biggest challenge has been the mental side and thank you for addressing it. I do my best to keep my mind busy but it is still hard. I think the first few week or two is important physically but the last two weeks is huge mentally. The lack socializing and being out is one of the most frustrating things. I live on a 3 floor walk up so it is a quite the tasking coming and going from my home.
@megmed2860 hiya 😊 glad you made this video talking about the mental health side of surgery/recovery, will be so beneficial for those who are about to have surgery so they can prepare mentally and to be focused going forwards. I definitely wish I knew what was was coming post surgery. For those who are pre/post surgery watching your recovery journey will be so helpful to them.
Hi Meg, I watched 100s of videos and I found your videos are most useful to me, I work in a medical field and knowing that there are failure in AcL and meniscus surgery is mentally devastating when when u have to go through it. I am 44y old female, and okay health, I am post op 5 weeks for ACl allograft and some meniscectomy and meniscus repair ( bucket handle) , pain is there and specifically heels sliding is so painful and I feel my surgery is failed, I can do 90 degrees, but it is just achy and painful at the medial site. Take Tylenol and ibuprofen but I just feel if it will go away, weight bearing is okay , so painful at times.
Hi, I'm glad you found the videos helpful! I'm so sorry that you're having so much pain, I had a similar experience. I would say don't lose hope until you can check back in with your surgeon because it could be fine! People have different amounts of pain and it doesn't always mean the surgery failed. Wishing you the best!!
I am 7 weeks post surgery and honestly I've had little to no pain in my knee... but the mental pain has been unbearable at times. I tore it in July during work and had to wait 5 month (reschedule after reschedule) for worker's comp to cover it, and after surgery I thought my mental health would improve because my knee was "fixed" but it got even worse. I can finally walk almost without a crutch and am able to go back to work so I feel slightly better, but this injury stripped me of dance which has been my life for almost my whole life and post surgery I was near isolated for 6 weeks completely unable to do much of anything on my own.... its taken such a toll that I feel like I'm gonna be too careful to not re-injure my knee and struggle to get back to dance 100%
I'm sorry, I know how challenging it can be and it doesn't seem like it right now but it will get better! Once you get used to movement over time I think you will return to what you love to do. Best of luck!
hello, thanks for the video :) I have my surgery in 4 days and trying to be in a positive mindset, and your words about focusing and the future and not thinking about the past are very helpful. Could you show us how you are walking in some video after your surgery? I am wondering how soon I will be walking without crutches and how it will be.
I’m glad it was helpful! Best of luck in your surgery and recovery :) in my last video I show myself walking and also in earlier update videos I show one of my first times walking without crutches! I had to be non weight bearing for 6 weeks so I started walking a little after that!
Had surgery 13 days ago. First 7 days I couldn’t do anything and was in so much pain. I had to get fluid drained from my knee because it built up a lot. Then I started PT on day 9. I feel like I’m a bit behind due to the fluid build up and I still can’t straighten my leg. Definitely can get you in a pretty dark place mentally, but I know there’s better days and videos like this help, so thank you.
It is very tough, sorry to hear about your setback! I felt like I was really behind in my recovery towards the beginning as well, but over time it keeps improving and before you know it you'll be looking back at this time thinking it feels like forever ago! Keep hanging in there, you got this!
Thank you for making all these videos, really helpful and motivating. I am post 3 months with my ACL and meniscus surgery, I had exactly same incident at a soccer game. I am not being able to able to fully/hyper extend my Knee or make it straight like the other knee. How did it go for you ? I am working out everyday and go for PT every week trying to get full extension but I am really stressed about it. My knee bending is actually really good on the other hand.
Glad the videos are helpful! I know getting that your knee straight/full extension is important after surgery but I did not get my hyperextension back to match my other leg for several months. It sounds like you're working hard and that things are progressing well, so if you have questions I would defer to your PT/surgeon as they will know the best answer based on your situation. Best of luck with your recovery!
Scapholunate ligament tear here. I guess it’s easier since we don’t walk on our hands, but yeah it sucks too. I’m having a surgery in a few weeks and with sl tears and after the surgery, there is no chance for full recovery…and that’s what I guess makes me feel down, knowing that my wrist will be changed forever soon
I am going thru my first week taking it day by day my pain in my knee kicked in after i took off my catheter i really felt the difference of level of pain but after taking my pain meds and also taking them before my pain kicked in i was great . Another thing i really got scared was when it took me 4 days after the surgery to be able to use the bathroom #2 kinda embarrassed but it is something i got to say because some of us felt this way well i did 😂 other than that i still haven't went to rehab yet i go in two days but ive done some movements and exercises just taking this journey day by day. Your videos are really helpful also your Beautiful 😍.
I tore my MCL(grade 3) ACL (grade 3) and my meniscus in a car accident about a month and a half ago so thank you so much for sharing your journey it gave me hope on mine. I am 3 weeks post op this coming Friday and it is honestly so frustrating not being able to bend my knee❤
From my experience almost 3 months out now. But I had zero pain after surgery started therapy the day after. And I was able to go back to my job which is a highway maintenance 2 and a half months still being careful and still can’t really go upstairs still
Hey Meg! This is so relatable. I just want to emphasize again how grateful I am that you're sharing your journey. (Context - I had a quad graft aclr around the same time as you) Quick question - I'm 3 mos post OP. As you mentioned, "human activities" are pretty normal. However, I'm starting to get some pain at the front of the knee with some of the physio exercises. Wondering if you had a similar experience and did it get better for you?
Hi! happy to share, and glad to hear you're getting back towards normal as well! I definitely do have that anterior knee pain, especially right over my knee cap whenever I am doing weighted bending movements. I watched some videos of the surgery and I think the quad graft goes lower than I originally thought and extends down into the knee cap, which I'm assuming is what is contributing to this pain. PT also said as I build my quad muscle back up that should help relieve the pain over time. Best of luck in the rest of your recovery!
Oh man, I wished I saw your vid before my surgery I am 2 weeks after surgery ACL, meniscus and a broken tibia (stress fracture). I underestimated the mental aspect of this. I think it should be something that one is made aware of prior to. Love your videos, it keeps me motivated. I guess you can now run 😊
It really is tough mentally but once you get to the other side of it, it feels great! (wouldn't even say I'm there yet but I'm at least walking and more active now--no running yet but hopefully soon!). I'm glad you enjoy the videos, good luck in the rest of your recovery!
I'm sorry to hear that, that is probably the toughest time pain-wise so you just gotta get through this part and it will be a lot better, i promise! Hang in there!
Yes the mental part is devastating...as a girl I went through severe mood swings during periods in this acl+meniscus repair journey..also along with I have faced severe constipation which is not cured yet...with this things I hv to achieve my full ROM which is itself a big challenge....so yeah it's a very tough journey as well as physically nd mentally also...but at d end we have to be calm for getting good recovery...so hope for d best❤
I’m sorry to hear about those difficulties :( definitely a tough journey but it seems like you have a good mindset, you got this! My bending is at 120 now, so there is hope!
My acupuncturist is the one who got me past the post op constipation. My GI system does not handle anesthesia, pain meds and lack of physical activity well. Magnesium citrate 330 mg daily did the trick. I stayed on that for a few weeks until my body leveled out. CALM raspberry lemon gummies and lots of water.
I am now in 10 weeks. I have sometimes leg cramps. Still walk pretty slow. bending is 120, cant do more. Sometimes feel like, I am imbalace. And always feels, something is holding my knee like a bandage. Do you feel any of that?
Yes, I had some weird feelings in my knee (and still do) and it felt a little weird walking at first since my injured leg was so much weaker than my good leg! Could be scar tissue that you feel in your knee. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
about a week after surgery my pain started to improve a bit but the recovery overall is a long haul. I think i really started to notice a difference a few weeks after i started walking!
Hello, How I think about it as Karma You know I am sad and angry but that doesn’t help Our karma is realising like this Not sure how many days, but we will get through this
@megmed2860 forgot to mention about my visit to my surgeon. The bad news is he thinks because both meniscus turned out to be bucket tears he believes I'm currently only a week behind his recovery schedule. Good news is I'm free to push on past 120 degrees but only to pain tolerance. Now started to lift 1.5kg ankle weight from advice from pt. Can definitely see progress being made now. Catch up on your 4 month update, great news that you are now able to get about more freely. Next goal, running and cycling!
Hi! Planning to make an update soon (little late on the 4 months, oops!) but all is going pretty well aside from the expected soreness/noises that my knee is making! lol
@@megmed2860 glad things are going well 🙂 haha the new noises, mine sounds like a padlock getting locked. My consultant said it may take a year for the clicking to ease off. I did send you a message on insta a few weeks back.
@@megmed2860 sorry to hear that, hope you are feeling better this week. In what way did you notice a difference? I'm doing ok thank you, muscle strength/mass is returning. Just got a very noticeable clicking just as my knee reaches full extension or when I go to bend the leg, which mentally I'm beginning to find a hindrance. Walking down stairs still feels strange.
I am feeling better thanks! The main difference I noticed was some loss of muscle tone since I couldn't do much PT or go to the gym, but I'm back now so hopefully will keep going with the progress.I also have a click when I fully extend my knee, not sure what exactly it is but definitely feels a bit weird. Unfortunately yesterday in PT I hurt my knee cap bending my knee while doing a one leg squat so might have to take it easy for the next couple days. Always something!@@08davidlfc
Thank you for taking the time to make this video it really helps
I'm glad it helped! :)
I had ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair 6w ago. I wasn’t in a whole lot of pain after surgery as long as taking pain meds. I started PT at 2w post-op and it’s been great. It was a little tough but after each visit I feel like I have better range of motion and building strength. I was super nervous as soon as I heard I needed surgery. I started searching for TH-cam videos and everyone’s journey was a little different. After watching so many people say they struggled with pain I got even more nervous going into surgery. Most people would tell me to stop watching these videos since I was psyching myself out. I told them this is how I am mentally preparing. I’m glad I did since my journey so far has been pretty great. On the mental side of this journey , it is tougher than doing the PT. Being home and not being able to do much is a little frustrating. I’m a very active person and don’t do well sitting around not doing anything. Each week gets better. As long as PT is being done and keeping a positive attitude! Thanks for showing us your journey as you were one of the only people who had ACL + meniscus surgery like I did and been following you in your recovery. You look great and keep a positive mindset, you’re almost there! 😊
Hi! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well, and I'm also happy that the videos were helpful to you! I did the same thing--I felt like the more people whose experience I saw the more I was prepared for whatever happened in my recovery journey! The mental side is very tough and requires lots of patience and having grace for yourself and your body. Keep up the great work, and best of luck in the rest of your healing :)
I am also the one who i got acl and meniscus surgery,its my 19 days post surgery and i can't sleep due to pain and i started my 90degree knee bend from day 2 its to fast and now its day 19 same as 90degree knee bend the main problem is that i cant lift my knee its too painfull, and i am afraid of the reinjured or is that normal ,
I bend my knee too fast so that it will get damaged or its good ..
Sorry to hear you have so much pain :( If you think something may be wrong you could definitely reach out to your doctor or PT to make sure! Hope it gets better soon!@@purryak
When you started walking with both leg after acl and minuscus surgery
I was not allowed to put any weight on my leg until 6 weeks after surgery and then I was fully walking by about 7 weeks@@purryak
Thank you for sharing. I am on week 5 of meniscus root repair. I think being in PT the next day of surgery helped me a lot. My biggest challenge has been the mental side and thank you for addressing it. I do my best to keep my mind busy but it is still hard. I think the first few week or two is important physically but the last two weeks is huge mentally. The lack socializing and being out is one of the most frustrating things. I live on a 3 floor walk up so it is a quite the tasking coming and going from my home.
@megmed2860 hiya 😊 glad you made this video talking about the mental health side of surgery/recovery, will be so beneficial for those who are about to have surgery so they can prepare mentally and to be focused going forwards. I definitely wish I knew what was was coming post surgery. For those who are pre/post surgery watching your recovery journey will be so helpful to them.
Hi Meg, I watched 100s of videos and I found your videos are most useful to me, I work in a medical field and knowing that there are failure in AcL and meniscus surgery is mentally devastating when when u have to go through it. I am 44y old female, and okay health, I am post op 5 weeks for ACl allograft and some meniscectomy and meniscus repair ( bucket handle) , pain is there and specifically heels sliding is so painful and I feel my surgery is failed, I can do 90 degrees, but it is just achy and painful at the medial site. Take Tylenol and ibuprofen but I just feel if it will go away, weight bearing is okay , so painful at times.
Hi, I'm glad you found the videos helpful! I'm so sorry that you're having so much pain, I had a similar experience. I would say don't lose hope until you can check back in with your surgeon because it could be fine! People have different amounts of pain and it doesn't always mean the surgery failed. Wishing you the best!!
I am 7 weeks post surgery and honestly I've had little to no pain in my knee... but the mental pain has been unbearable at times. I tore it in July during work and had to wait 5 month (reschedule after reschedule) for worker's comp to cover it, and after surgery I thought my mental health would improve because my knee was "fixed" but it got even worse. I can finally walk almost without a crutch and am able to go back to work so I feel slightly better, but this injury stripped me of dance which has been my life for almost my whole life and post surgery I was near isolated for 6 weeks completely unable to do much of anything on my own.... its taken such a toll that I feel like I'm gonna be too careful to not re-injure my knee and struggle to get back to dance 100%
I'm sorry, I know how challenging it can be and it doesn't seem like it right now but it will get better! Once you get used to movement over time I think you will return to what you love to do. Best of luck!
hello, thanks for the video :) I have my surgery in 4 days and trying to be in a positive mindset, and your words about focusing and the future and not thinking about the past are very helpful. Could you show us how you are walking in some video after your surgery? I am wondering how soon I will be walking without crutches and how it will be.
I’m glad it was helpful! Best of luck in your surgery and recovery :) in my last video I show myself walking and also in earlier update videos I show one of my first times walking without crutches! I had to be non weight bearing for 6 weeks so I started walking a little after that!
Had surgery 13 days ago. First 7 days I couldn’t do anything and was in so much pain. I had to get fluid drained from my knee because it built up a lot. Then I started PT on day 9.
I feel like I’m a bit behind due to the fluid build up and I still can’t straighten my leg.
Definitely can get you in a pretty dark place mentally, but I know there’s better days and videos like this help, so thank you.
It is very tough, sorry to hear about your setback! I felt like I was really behind in my recovery towards the beginning as well, but over time it keeps improving and before you know it you'll be looking back at this time thinking it feels like forever ago! Keep hanging in there, you got this!
Thank you for making all these videos, really helpful and motivating. I am post 3 months with my ACL and meniscus surgery, I had exactly same incident at a soccer game. I am not being able to able to fully/hyper extend my Knee or make it straight like the other knee. How did it go for you ? I am working out everyday and go for PT every week trying to get full extension but I am really stressed about it. My knee bending is actually really good on the other hand.
Glad the videos are helpful! I know getting that your knee straight/full extension is important after surgery but I did not get my hyperextension back to match my other leg for several months. It sounds like you're working hard and that things are progressing well, so if you have questions I would defer to your PT/surgeon as they will know the best answer based on your situation. Best of luck with your recovery!
it’s been a one month and you haven’t upload a new video . I hope you are getting better.
Sorry, been super busy but will try to make an update soon! Doing good thanks!
Scapholunate ligament tear here. I guess it’s easier since we don’t walk on our hands, but yeah it sucks too. I’m having a surgery in a few weeks and with sl tears and after the surgery, there is no chance for full recovery…and that’s what I guess makes me feel down, knowing that my wrist will be changed forever soon
I'm sorry to hear that! I hope all goes well and that you get as much function back as possible, hang in there!
@@megmed2860 thank you ❤️
I am going thru my first week taking it day by day my pain in my knee kicked in after i took off my catheter i really felt the difference of level of pain but after taking my pain meds and also taking them before my pain kicked in i was great . Another thing i really got scared was when it took me 4 days after the surgery to be able to use the bathroom #2 kinda embarrassed but it is something i got to say because some of us felt this way well i did 😂 other than that i still haven't went to rehab yet i go in two days but ive done some movements and exercises just taking this journey day by day. Your videos are really helpful also your Beautiful 😍.
I tore my MCL(grade 3) ACL (grade 3) and my meniscus in a car accident about a month and a half ago so thank you so much for sharing your journey it gave me hope on mine. I am 3 weeks post op this coming Friday and it is honestly so frustrating not being able to bend my knee❤
I’m glad it helped! Hang in there, I know how frustrating it can be but it does get better!! Good luck in your recovery :)
@@megmed2860❤Thank you
From my experience almost 3 months out now. But I had zero pain after surgery started therapy the day after. And I was able to go back to my job which is a highway maintenance 2 and a half months still being careful and still can’t really go upstairs still
I’m glad you had such little pain and could get back to working etc! Hope you continue to progress, you’re only 3 months out so plenty of time!
@@megmed2860 I hope you continue to get better. Poor thing you’ve had a time with it!
Hey Meg!
This is so relatable. I just want to emphasize again how grateful I am that you're sharing your journey. (Context - I had a quad graft aclr around the same time as you)
Quick question - I'm 3 mos post OP. As you mentioned, "human activities" are pretty normal. However, I'm starting to get some pain at the front of the knee with some of the physio exercises.
Wondering if you had a similar experience and did it get better for you?
Hi! happy to share, and glad to hear you're getting back towards normal as well! I definitely do have that anterior knee pain, especially right over my knee cap whenever I am doing weighted bending movements. I watched some videos of the surgery and I think the quad graft goes lower than I originally thought and extends down into the knee cap, which I'm assuming is what is contributing to this pain. PT also said as I build my quad muscle back up that should help relieve the pain over time. Best of luck in the rest of your recovery!
Oh man,
I wished I saw your vid before my surgery
I am 2 weeks after surgery ACL, meniscus and a broken tibia (stress fracture).
I underestimated the mental aspect of this. I think it should be something that one is made aware of prior to.
Love your videos, it keeps me motivated.
I guess you can now run 😊
It really is tough mentally but once you get to the other side of it, it feels great! (wouldn't even say I'm there yet but I'm at least walking and more active now--no running yet but hopefully soon!). I'm glad you enjoy the videos, good luck in the rest of your recovery!
@@megmed2860 thank you so much,
Please do make an update when you can ☺️
@@megmed2860 thank you so much,
Please do make an update when you can ☺️
Day4 acl reconstruction 😢 worst feelings and emotional 😭
I'm sorry to hear that, that is probably the toughest time pain-wise so you just gotta get through this part and it will be a lot better, i promise! Hang in there!
Yes the mental part is devastating...as a girl I went through severe mood swings during periods in this acl+meniscus repair journey..also along with I have faced severe constipation which is not cured yet...with this things I hv to achieve my full ROM which is itself a big challenge....so yeah it's a very tough journey as well as physically nd mentally also...but at d end we have to be calm for getting good recovery...so hope for d best❤
Now your ROM is how much
I’m sorry to hear about those difficulties :( definitely a tough journey but it seems like you have a good mindset, you got this! My bending is at 120 now, so there is hope!
@@megmed2860 yeah it's tough but my parents are my real strength so I'll win for sure ....nice ....all the best for your recovery ❤️
My acupuncturist is the one who got me past the post op constipation. My GI system does not handle anesthesia, pain meds and lack of physical activity well. Magnesium citrate 330 mg daily did the trick. I stayed on that for a few weeks until my body leveled out. CALM raspberry lemon gummies and lots of water.
How to sleep? 😢
I am now in 10 weeks. I have sometimes leg cramps. Still walk pretty slow. bending is 120, cant do more. Sometimes feel like, I am imbalace. And always feels, something is holding my knee like a bandage. Do you feel any of that?
Yes, I had some weird feelings in my knee (and still do) and it felt a little weird walking at first since my injured leg was so much weaker than my good leg! Could be scar tissue that you feel in your knee. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
When does it start to feel better?
about a week after surgery my pain started to improve a bit but the recovery overall is a long haul. I think i really started to notice a difference a few weeks after i started walking!
Thanks a bunch for sharing this video. ❤It really helped.😊
Hello,
How I think about it as Karma
You know
I am sad and angry but that doesn’t help
Our karma is realising like this
Not sure how many days, but we will get through this
That's a nice way to think about it! You got this!
How long were you on crutches?
I was non-weight bearing on crutches for 6 weeks!
@@megmed2860 were you good at crutching?
@@megmed2860 Were you good at crutching?
@@wadehamlin at first I was not but over time it got easier!
@@megmed2860 I bet you got really good on your crutches.
🤕
What Ifs are irrelevant.
@megmed2860 forgot to mention about my visit to my surgeon. The bad news is he thinks because both meniscus turned out to be bucket tears he believes I'm currently only a week behind his recovery schedule. Good news is I'm free to push on past 120 degrees but only to pain tolerance. Now started to lift 1.5kg ankle weight from advice from pt. Can definitely see progress being made now. Catch up on your 4 month update, great news that you are now able to get about more freely. Next goal, running and cycling!
That's awesome, progress! Yes, now the fun stuff!!
@megmed2860 Hiya Megan, just checking to see how you are getting on with your recovery 😊
Hi! Planning to make an update soon (little late on the 4 months, oops!) but all is going pretty well aside from the expected soreness/noises that my knee is making! lol
@@megmed2860 glad things are going well 🙂 haha the new noises, mine sounds like a padlock getting locked. My consultant said it may take a year for the clicking to ease off. I did send you a message on insta a few weeks back.
sorry, things have been crazy and not on insta much--ill check! @@08davidlfc
@megmed2860 hi Megan, how are things going with you 😊
Hi! Things are going well, was sick last week so couldn't do as much PT and I definitely noticed the difference! How are things with you?
@@megmed2860 sorry to hear that, hope you are feeling better this week. In what way did you notice a difference?
I'm doing ok thank you, muscle strength/mass is returning. Just got a very noticeable clicking just as my knee reaches full extension or when I go to bend the leg, which mentally I'm beginning to find a hindrance. Walking down stairs still feels strange.
I am feeling better thanks! The main difference I noticed was some loss of muscle tone since I couldn't do much PT or go to the gym, but I'm back now so hopefully will keep going with the progress.I also have a click when I fully extend my knee, not sure what exactly it is but definitely feels a bit weird. Unfortunately yesterday in PT I hurt my knee cap bending my knee while doing a one leg squat so might have to take it easy for the next couple days. Always something!@@08davidlfc