Day 379 - What a summer it was...

So it's been a long time since I last posted! I logged back in here to find I had three drafts going. The first was a vow, to me and all of you, that I would not spend a summer night inside. I was going to spend my free time outdoors. The second draft, from day 119, was official graduation from physiotherapy! I worked long and hard hours to the point where I was able to transition to actual workouts at the gym. The last draft I had saved was from day 201 and titled 'I did something crazy'. I did actually. I registered for three triathlons.

Let me start by saying I accomplished all of the above. I worked hard, overcame pain, fears and nerves, and I actually did what I said I would. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of motivation, and lots of hard work. I've never been someone to go back on my word. So when I set those goals, I stuck to them. The summer of my torn ACL I gained so much weight and became completely inactive apart from my pre-op physio. It was a very difficult time especially since I am usually super active in the summer. When this summer rolled around, me and my new ACL got right to it! I kicked off the season with the Ride for Heart in Toronto, where I rode 25km. Doesn't seem like a lot, but it was plenty for my knee. I also bought a season pass to the local parks in my area and spent the weekends there paddling. I had always told my sister we'd go SUPing, and we finally did! Later in the season I moved on to a few 50km bike rides and lots of shorter ones too.

The final push for me was completing my first triathlons. A few years ago I registered for my first triathlon, but being accident prone, broke my foot only a few weeks before the race. After I tore my ACL I thought I would officially never cross triathlon off my bucket list. BUT I DID! Lots of hours training (and I probably could have trained more), but I did it! They were no podium finishes, but I was there to do it for me, and prove I could finish. I have started planning out my next race season, 2017, with the hopes of also fundraising and raising awareness for those who live with heart disease. On top of having bad knees, I also live with heart disease. It makes working out one of my least favourite things to do. But now that I've been diagnosed and have the proper medicine, it makes it possible for me to get back into the gym.

So one very long post later, I wanted to say that after over a year since my ACL surgery my knee is feeling great and has allowed me to get back to doing all the things I love. I'll keep posting every now and again, but I think this blog will follow my road to finishing an Ironman Triathlon. Let's knock it off the bucket list...

Day 190 - Slow progress and left knee setback

So I have come down with an awful cold, so taking a break from the gym for a bit. Timing couldn't be better since I need to take it easy on my left knee right now. I managed to tear my quad a bit where it connects to the patellar tendon. The only thing that will heal it is time, and taking it easy. So now my right knee progress will be halted, no more deep squats or jumping. This was pretty bad news, and if my left knee doesn't feel better soon, it's back to the doctor to get an MRI.

Other than that, my right knee is starting to feel more and more normal! Which is great, hopefully I'll be able to get back to running soon. With summer quickly approaching too, I am looking forward to doing some SUPing this season and hiking too! Already got my yearly pass to the local trails and definitely want to get my moneys worth. Weekend road trips are the way to go.

I have a 75km bike ride coming up, the Ride for Heart. I am training for that as much as I can. Hopefully the coming weeks there will be lots of warm days, so I can get comfy in my own saddle again. Might be upgrading my bike soon too if I can manage to save some money for one. I was thinking of getting a road/triathlon bike (specialized alias seen below) so I can take the leap and complete a sprint distance!



That's all I have to update now, kind of slow at this point. But as the summer season picks up, I'll have lots more to post.

Till the next post,
Steph

Day 180

I really need to keep up with these posts! I am working on my knee everyday, sticking to my physio exercises and also adding in more at the gym. I hit the gym everyday because they have a Bosu ball there, which by the way is the best thing since sliced bread. I love it! You can do so many different things with it and it's a great tool to have for ACL/MCL recovery. 

My ACL recovery is going very well, the knee feels better with each day that passes. The MCL is still loose, and I can definitely feel it, but I am working on strengthening my inner thigh muscles to try and make lateral movements stronger. I wear my custom DonJoy for all my workouts  to keep my knee stable at all times.  

Below are a few of the exercises I have added to my physio program:

Bosu ball squats: 3 sets x 10 reps

Bosu lateral hops / Bosu T-hops: 3 sets x 10 reps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbhY5WWgki8

I've tried experimenting with a few other movements including lateral skating with the bosu, alternating legs, 3 sets x 10 reps on each side. This movement helps a lot with the muscles that you use when moving/pushing laterally. 

Now that the weather is nicer I've started to train outside as well. It feels good to be back on my bike! Threw some new handle bar tape on it. Blue, my fave, and matches the body too! 

Swimming and biking are becoming easier, and I can now add resistance and push through the pain. However running is still a no-go. I was hoping to compete in my first triathlon this year, but it's looking like I won't be ready for it by July. There is a later one in August as well, so i'll keep training for that! That has been my only goal so far, is to run! 

Until the next post,

Steph

Day 139 - Aches and Pains

Day 139, and not really any difference. Sticking to my regimen is hard and I don't have the right equipment at home to do my exercises. I want to start doing my regular workouts, but I am finding it tough.

Today I did my functional training as assigned to me by my PT. I am not quite ready to try running yet, but I did put some jump rope into my exercise today. There was stinging pain where the MCL connects to the shin, at the bottom of my scar. I hopped through the pain though. I will discuss with my PT and my surgeon to see why I still get sharp pain in that area only. The knee cap itself feels fine, but my quad isn't firing very well either.

I've added some ball exercises as well. I now do a bridge into a hamstring curl on the exercise ball. I also do jackknives because I need to build up some core strength. It is extremely week since I haven't done any real exercise until now.

These are the only real updates I have right now.

Until the next post,
Steph

Day 136 - Cleared to run!

So I am officially at 4 months and 13 days post op. This week I worked with my PT and was able to go through my progress and protocol. A lot of my exercises are now focusing on my core and butt muscles which are weak. This includes bridges with my feet on an exercise ball and some other slower movements where the focus is to engage the muscles.

Going through the protocol, she said I could start jump rope again and straight line running. Not both on the same day, and only for a short amount of time. Now I just need to find a treadmill! The pool has definitely been helping my knee (and leg) feel better. It's light impact but works the muscles, so it feels nice and relaxed after my pool sessions. I'm hoping over the next few weeks, I can stick to my daily exercise and start seeing some good results. I can't remember the last time I had a proper workout, and as I approach the one year anniversary of my ACL tear, I am ready to kick it into high gear.

Until the next post,
Steph

Day 123

Today was my first day back in a pool in over a year. Even before tearing my MCL and ACL, I can't remember the last time I swam! I was cleared two weeks ago to start swimming so I hit the pool this morning for some lane swimming. I plan to swim three times a week (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday), all lane swims. Some laps I use a flutter board and just focus on my leg mechanics, but most of them I do freestyle (front crawl) to keep track of my SWOLF.

Swimming is a great way to build muscle up again, with little resistance on my knee. It felt pretty good during swimming and even after. No pain to complain about. It's also a total body workout (my arms are dead!) so I'm glad I can finally get back to it. Running, I'm coming for you next!

Here's my stats. They're bad, but not so bad considering it's been over a year with no swimming!

I use the Polar V800 triathlon watch to keep track of all my training, including my physio routine. Can't wait for winter to be gone so I can test out the GPS on my bike (and eventually running)! You can find the watch here.

Till the next post,
Steph

Day 119: Feeling the Burn!

I am happy to say I have progressed to the next phase of my recovery!

Phase iii is outlined as:

1. May progress when the person has full ROM, no effusion or pain. Continue to normalize gait.
2. Goals of:
• Running with no pain or swelling, hopping without pain, swelling or giving way.
• Straight line Running, no cutting or pivoting.
• Lunges, sort cord or theraband, resisted hamstring curls.

I am super excited to have reached this phase, and I can say that I am feeling the burn! The "exercises" I had in the previous phases were to get back ROM and straightening, but now it feels like I am starting to strengthen my quads and hams. It's a great feeling which I haven't felt in my leg for almost a year now!

I have also been cleared to go to the pool, which is something I love. It's great for my leg, but also my arms and back too! Of course it's freestyle and flutter kicking only, no whip-kick. But I am okay with that. Me and the flutter board are going to become good friends in the coming months. Looking forward to testing out my Polar V800 in the pool too!

Below are my current exercises.

Right now my red theraband is my buddy, I take it everywhere, and try to sneak in my exercises with that where I can. Working full time definitely makes this physio process a lot harder! Dedication and motivation are key, otherwise it's an even longer road.  

I also setup a spreadsheet to keep track of these exercises, including the number of sets and reps. For this phase, strengthening and control, here is the table.

ACL Post Op Rehab - Phase III - February 18 (Strengthening and Control)
Bike: 30 minute warm up
AAROM Knee Extension w/ TENS: 10 minutes
AROM Flexion Prone Knee Bend: 10 reps x 5 sec hold
Step-up Forward: 2 sets x 10 reps w/ red band
Squats: 2 sets x 10 reps w/ red band
Leg press: 2 sets x 10 reps @ 113 lbs
Hamstring Curl: 2 sets x 10 reps @ 10 lbs
Clams: 2 sets x 10 reps (3 sec hold) w/ red band
Static Lunges: 2 sets x 10 reps
Bridging: 2 sets x 10 reps (3 sec hold) w/ heel raise
Sidesteps: 3 sets x 10 reps w/ red band
Lane Swimming: Front crawl / flutter kicks only, no whip-kick strokes

My goal now is to gain strength in my quads and loosen up the hamstring, which is super tight, through the above exercises. The pool should be a great way to do this, swim pass here I come! Once I get some strength and more control, I hope to progress to running by the time spring comes around!

Until the next post,

Steph

I Hit the Wall - Day 88

It's been a while since I've posted, yet again. Unfortunately the same laziness that caused me not to write has been contributing to me slacking on my physio too. I came down with a cold again, so didn't go to the gym all week! I was in a pretty low spot on Friday night as I at thinking about the fact that I've hit a wall in my training. The swelling and pain won't allow me to progress, and I am tired of seeing my atrophied quads. I have decided to push through the pain so I can progress to my next level of the protocol.


At the next level I will be able to start swimming and running again, two things I have been counting down the days to do. I think once I can get back into that, my knee will strengthen up pretty quickly. I have set a goal to get back to boxing and to be able to run. So that is what I am still working towards. The swelling is ever so slowly going down each day, although there is still one problem area. Range of motion is definitely much better. I am able to bend to almost full ROM, and straightening is almost at 0 degrees as well. Straight leg raises are going well, with very minimal pain so that is promising. Some photos on day 88.

I have set a goal to complete an Iron Girl Sprint distance triathlon on August 7th, 2016. This will motivate me to stick to my recovery plan and workout on a regular. I am also doing the Ride for Heart on June 5th, 2016. I am planning to do the 75km distance, but I will see what my knee can handle by then. Let the training begin! 

8 Weeks Post Op - Day 56

I just realized it's been quite a while since I posted an update! That's what happens when you have to go back to work full time. I also came down with a bad cold I can't shake, so I haven't made it into the gym yet.

Yesterday marked 8 weeks since my surgery, and today is day 56 of recovery. I saw my surgeon on Monday and he was very happy with my progress. He said my range of motion is at around 130 degrees flexion. Straightening is going well, I can definitely push to 0 degrees, but I need to keep working on it. The graft is healing well, and so is the MCL. Both are nice and strong. I am still in phase 2, but now doing some exercises to start regaining strength! He told me to do as much as I can on the stationary bike as well because it really gets the muscles going. He wants me to put the seat nice and high to get my going through my range, and getting full extension. I see my surgeon in March for my 6 month follow-up, and he's confident we can start discussing a gradual return to sport then. Working hard now to achieve that.

Here are the exercises I'm doing.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy works wonders! I had a massage 3 days ago and my knee is feeling great! It could also be because I have been in bed for the last two days, suffering of an awful cold. But I did my physio exercises on Friday, and my ROM was way better than it was on Thursday. I was only getting to about 108 degrees flexion, and after the massage I'd say I was closer to between 115 and 120 degrees.


Massage therapy is the manipulation of the superficial and deep tissue in order to promote deep relaxation and release tension. It helps to soothe injured muscles and stimulate blood circulation.

Complementing physiotherapy with massage therapy is a great idea. My massage focused on the IT band, patellar tendon and hamstring areas. The first two were where my incisions are, since they were a bit lumpy under the surface. The massage helps break up any scar tissue under the surface. My hamstring, and the back of my leg in general, are very stiff so the massage definitely help loosen them up a bit. I'll be doing a massage once a week for the next few weeks.

Day 38 Post Op

I am now into week 6 of recovery, and I can honestly say things are going well! I worked with the athletic therapist this week, and she was the first person to check my patellar mobilization and how the scars are healing. She told me my progress is really good, and I need to keep working on my exercises at the level I am now. She showed me how to move the knee cap a bit, and where to massage the incision so scar tissue doesn't form. Scar tissue could limit ROM, so it's important to focus on this. I still don't have full ROM yet, but I am working on it. There is still some swelling that is present but I started getting massage therapy too, so hopefully it will clear out in the coming weeks.

I can FINALLY do a straight leg raise, and actually activate my quad. That could be a result of them zapping the shit out of my quad with the stim machine. I'm not kidding. I was acting like a baby from the pain, 35mA doesn't sound like a lot, but it is!

My previously goals were to drive my car and to walk straight. I can now do both! I am back to work now, so I try to get up and walk as much as possible. There is definitely a lot of pain when I go from sitting to standing, under the knee cap where the incision is. But as I continue to walk and straighten, the pain goes away. The goal I set now is to be able to walk down the stairs. I can only go one step at a time, but I need to work on building strength before I can progress to going down the stairs.

This week I'll be focusing on ROM and straightening. I got to 1 degree, so almost fully straight!

The incision looks pretty good.

Progress and Problems

Today marks 30 days since my operation. I'm still having pain at the incision on my knee, but I have progressed fully to phase 2. My PT is happy with my ROM and straightening (when flat on the table). There is one issue that I am still working towards resolving, my straight leg raises. My PT has added some more exercises, and I think over time I will see a difference in my knee with these few extra exercises.








My Phase II exercises are as follows:

I was so happy that I was officially fully moved to Phase II, but there is one set back that I can't seem to get past. When my leg is on the table, I can straighten it and activate my quad to push it down to make it straighter. However, when I have to lift my leg off the table for a straight leg raise, there is still a 5 degree lag. I asked the PT why this is, and she said my quad isn't activating properly. I am also still walking with a slight limp, but I am trying to overcome that. I need to think about every single step I take. Am I leaning to far? Am I striking the ground with my heel? Am I keeping my hips square? I try and really focus as much as I can with every step I take. When I first get up from sitting with my knee bent, it's inevitable that I will limp for the first few steps as my knee gets used to straightening.

For the coming week, I will be working on that straight leg raise, and starting the exercises above to start the early rehab phase. I am hoping as I get some more strength back, the knee will feel better. It is so tight and stiff, like it wants to move, but it can't. I'm sure in a few weeks of doing my Phase II stuff, it will feel loads better.

4 weeks (28 days) Post Op - Road to Recovery

Today officially marks 4 weeks since my ACL reconstruction surgery. I think in terms of the protocol, I am on track with my recovery. I rode the bike at physio and actually went fast enough for the damn thing to turn on! I could feel every pedal stroke, but I rode for 10 minutes at a good pace. Small victories, but a victory none the less.

In terms of ROM, I can get about 120 flexion when I really push, and almost at 0 degrees straightening. I am working on straightening as often as I can, but I am also doing a lot of bending exercises to get the tendon to work more. I am still walking with a limp, but using the proper walking mechanics. Before my leg was straight as a board and I was limping even more. The pain is still ever present, well not pain but a weird feeling of tightness/stiffness. I don't really know how to explain it other than, I can feel my tendon working/engaging with every step or movement I make.

I got cleared for driving, but my PT told me to practice in a parking lot first. Makes sense since it's been a few weeks and I need to see how my knee reacts when I put pressure on the pedal and move between the gas and brake pedals.

Other than that, no real updates. My exercises are still the same: 1/4 wall squats, single leg stance, bending, straightening and some hip stuff. I try and do these 3 times a day, with a more intense session in the evening that also includes an arm workout. It feels good to sort of be back on my feet. I hope that with each day that passes now, my knee will start feeling more normal. I haven't been sleeping well so that is something I hope gets better soon too. Little gains each day, and week by week I am seeing improvement. I'm continuing down the road to recovery.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

I started physiotherapy a month after I tore my ACL and MCL, and I can't tell you how much it has helped. My legs never felt better and they helped me work out the tightness and strengthen my knees. I think that even if you don't have an injury, but maybe you don't feel 100%, definitely get in there for an assessment and see how a PT can help you.

Here is an excerpt from the Ontario Physiotherapy Association website:

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can make a difference in an individual's ability to live an active, healthy lifestyle. For many seniors, disabled or chronically ill people, physiotherapy is the key to restoring and maintaining a level of physical function that permits independent living. Physiotherapy is one way to successfully push physical limitations to secure the Freedom to Function™.

Physiotherapy benefits include decreasing pain, improving joint mobility, increasing strength and coordination and improved cardiorespiratory function. Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy whether you are living with a chronic illness, recovering from a work injury or suffering after that weekend hockey game.

Physiotherapy increases your independence and gives you the Freedom to Function™ in your home, workplace or your favorite leisure activity. Physiotherapy offers a range of specialized services of benefit to patients with heart and lung disease, traumatic, workplace and athletic injuries, amputations, arthritic joints, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and nerve injury, cancer and pre- and postsurgical needs.

For a more detailed look at the benefits of knee physiotherapy, hit this link.

Compression

I am now at 24 days post op and I am still trying to battle the swelling. I ice as much as I can, 20 minutes at a time, and I also try to elevate. But it seems that is not going to cut it now, especially after adding new exercises and working my leg more.

I stopped in to the amazing team at Kinetic Connection and picked up a compression knee sleeve. I've been told to wear it all day, from when I wake up until I go to sleep.

It's nice and thin, so I can wear it at all times. Hopefully this will help over time. I also booked a knee massage for next week to try and get some of the swelling down. 

My straight leg raises are getting easier, which is good. But I still have a lot of work to do. I sat in a chair for about 40 minutes today with my knee quite bent in, maybe 100 degrees, and it was not comfortable at all. The thought of returning to work in just over a week is starting to worry me, but I am going to really push myself this weekend and next week. I want to make significant progress since this Tuesday will be 4 weeks post op! 

My goals for next week:

1. Get 0 degree straightening 
2. Get 115-120 degree flexion
3. Walk a bit better
4. Get cleared for driving! 

I miss driving my car, but since it's a manual, I don't think I'll be able to drive it by next week. 

The steristrips are finally starting to fall off. The front of the knee isn't looking too bad. The side incision definitely left a scar. I can also feel some scar tissue under the surface of the side incision, but I'm sure with time that will go away.

Side incision.

Front of the knee incision. Steristrips still hanging on for dear life.

Finally in Phase II, Day 23 Post Op!

I have finally progressed to phase II! According to my "ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol" as provided by my surgeon, I am at Phase II - early rehab.

"May begin when the person can perform 20 SLR's with no greater than 5 degree active extension lag and has a normal gait without crutches or an immobilizer; and 110 flexion (approx 2-6 weeks)"

I am almost at a 0 degree single leg raise. I am now doing these with the TENS unit on my thigh. I think it is definitely helping. Also, whenever I am sitting in bed or anywhere with my leg straight, I put a pillow or something under my heel to work on extension.

In terms of ROM, I can get 110 degrees if I really push hard, and my knee is warmed up. This is something I am also trying to push, working on bending as often as I can throughout the day. I also had my PT push harder at physio, and boy was I in pain! But as they say, no pain, no Vo/Vi. Engineering joke there...Vo/Vi is gain. No pain, no gain. *cough*

Anyways, in terms of Phase II exercises, I have moved on to the wobble board. Mainly just balancing, not rocking at all. Also doing single leg stance. I am also working towards normal gait, so we started an exercise called right foot forward, which is literally just a step forward. The focus is to not lean side to side, but to take a perfectly balanced step forward. Trust me, it's harder than it sounds.

In terms of overall pain, it's still pretty up there. I can't describe how it feels, just super stiff and sore. From the straightening I get sharp pain in the back of the knee, but after bending it a bit that goes away.

Here are some photos of my progress this week.

TENS and straightening

TENS and straightening again.

ROM heel slides

Hamstring work, ROM 

Progress through Week 2

Today marks three weeks since my surgery. I am not where I am supposed to be according to the protocol, but I am progressing well none the less. I am still in Phase I because I need to be able to achieve 20 straight leg raises and 110 degree flexion to progress to Phase II. Today at physio we worked on a lot of straightening. I also did a full revolution on the bike! The following are the physio exercises I am currently working on. I use excel to keep track of all my workouts, phase by phase.

I am hoping that by the end of this week I am graduated to Phase II. I go to physio 3 times a week right now, and I find it helps a lot. My knee feels great when I walk out of there. It's important to keep it moving throughout the day and to not continually rest it. Mine still gets pretty swollen though, so I try to elevate and ice it in the evening. It is still also extremely stiff, and doesn't feel even close to normal yet. With the above exercises though, it's getting there.

I also walk without the Zimmer brace now, and I use the crutches. I want to get my walking mechanics back soon, because I return to work in two weeks! I bought a TENS machine to help work my quads as well.

Here are some pictures of my progress throughout week 2.

Got my stitches out. Steristrips fall off on their own now.

Working with the TENS machine.

Bend from first week to second week; got 90 degrees. 

This is my progress, and I can actually bend it past 100 degrees now, I just haven't been keeping up with my progress photos. I will take some more this week and put it in my next post.

It's All in Your Head

There are three important things to keep in mind before you go for ACL surgery, as I have learned.

1. Do your pre-op physio! It will help your knee be stronger, and lead to an easier recovery.
2. PATIENCE. The first week, you will say, why did I opt for surgery? But after the first week, which is the hardest, it will get better day after day. You need to stick to the protocol and physio, it gets better!
3. IT'S A MENTAL GAME. 

Let me elaborate on points two and three. 

You need to be patient. The knee is extremely complex, and surgery introduces severe trauma. Not only did they cut you open, they pulled, drilled and sawed inside of you! Graphic, I know, but true. It won't heal in a day, a week or even a month. There are months and years ahead. Patience is so important. You can't rush your recovery, and you need to breathe and take it one day at a time. 

The third point above, I think, is the toughest one to overcome. It really is all in your head. When you have so much time lying in bed, thinking you are not recovering fast enough, you end up on the web looking at others who are in the same situation. But it is important to remember, they are not you. Yes, we all had ACL reconstructive surgery. But guess what, no two surgeons do it the same way, and no two cases are the exact same. All our bodies are different. They heal differently. They grow stronger differently. 

I made the mistake of going to Instagram and putting in the hashtag #aclrecovery. I saw people who got full flexion within a week and others who are spinning away on the bike within two weeks. There I was at two weeks, and I could barely get 90 degrees on the bike. After lots of talk with my physiotherapist, I learned that I cannot compare myself with these people. My recovery is my own, and I will go at my pace, the pace my body can handle! 

From this post, I just wanted to stress the importance of keeping your head in the game. It is such a long road to recovery, but you need to take it a day at a time, and listen to your body. The results you see each week will amaze you, and drive you to work harder the next week to continue on the path to a full recovery. 

The First Week

On October 27th, 2015 I was rolled into OR 20 for my ACL reconstruction. I moved from the gurney to the operating table, they hooked up my ECG, covered me with a warm blanket and then I was put under general anesthetic. I remember waking up the first time, I couldn't see straight but the nurse gave me more pain killers and barely enough water to get them down, and I dozed off again.

When I finally came to, my leg felt like it weighed a million pounds. I felt a lot of pain in my thigh, because I didn't realize I was in a Zimmer brace and it was on pretty tight. I had bruising on my thigh from physio a few days before my surgery, and that's why my thigh was hurting. The Zimmer brace was secured right on the bruise. I was able to dress myself, and then I was rolled out to the car to head home. 

All the drugs had made me nautious, but I managed to settle in the back seat and made it home. I didn't do much but sleep the day of the surgery. My day started at 4:30am, surgery was at 7:45am, and I left the hospital at 2:30pm.

The second day wasn't too bad, because I was still taking all my pain meds, every 4 hours as prescribed. I couldn't lift my leg out of bed on my own from the pain, so I used a strap to lift my leg. I also had the handle bars for the toilet which helped a lot when sitting down and standing up. Without them, you'll need to balance on the crutches, or pistol squat. I did that when I first tore my ACL, so I decided to be better prepared this time around. It was definitely worth the investment.

All in all, the fourth day is probably the worst. I stopped the pain medication because it was seriously upsetting my stomach. So that is when the pain really set in. Every step I took, I could feel the Zimmer pressing up against my incision down the front of my knee and it was in a ton of pain! If you can handle not having a bowel movement for a week, stay on the pain meds. I couldn't, so I dealt with the pain.

The first week is also hard because you are basically on you back, in bed, the whole time! I would sit up in bed, but it was painful on the back and hips, especially with one leg elevated. Sleeping on your back is awful too. I am a side sleeper, so I had to take my pain meds only before sleeping so that I could actually sleep. Otherwise, I would try and roll onto my right side. This was a big mistake too, because the Zimmer pressed into my side incision and it bled. Lesson here, get used to sleeping on your back.

The first week is by far the most difficult. You will need help from somebody to get food and to help you get in and out of bed. You will run out of energy. You will be in pain. But I can assure you once you are over this hurdle, it gets easier.

Some photos from my first week. I was in too much pain, so I didn't go to physio until the one week mark.

The Accident

March 29th, 2015 is a day I won't soon forget. Actually, I'll never forget it. It's the day I blew out my dominant, right knee.

I decided to go with a friend to one of those indoor trampoline parks, Skyzone. I was about 5 minutes in and decided to go off one of the side walls. When I landed, I felt my knee "pop" out and then back into place, and I instantly went down clutching my leg. They cleared off all the trampolines and as all the children looked on, I dragged myself across the blue mats so they could go back to enjoying themselves.

Since I seem to be always accident prone, I called up my family and told them to come with the crutches. From there it was off to the hospital for xrays. They said the bones looked good and were all in place, so it was a soft tissue injury. The Zimmered my leg and sent me home. Told me to ice and elevate for a week and then see my general doctor.

From there it was on to an MRI and a visit to the orthopedic surgeon. It was confirmed that I had fully torn the ACL and ruptured the MCL. The MCL luckily healed on its own, but the ACL would have no such luck.

I did 6 months of physiotherapy where I worked on regaining my full range of motion and strengthening my leg. Unfortunately due to scar tissue, I couldn't achieve full extension, and this was one of the reasons I opted to do the reconstructive surgery.

My surgery was on October 27th, 2015. It took 1 hour and 40 minutes, using my patellar tendon, and everything went well! So now there is a long road ahead, filled with pain and phyiotherapy. This is my journey.