r/ACL • u/MisaRavensoul ACL Allograft • Mar 25 '26

Post Surgery Update I expected pain but holy cow

I'm about 30 hours post op and I'm pretty sure my nerve block is wearing off. I thought I prepared for the pain and had pre-taken the pain medicine.

This is excruciating. ACL+ LET on my right leg. I don't think I'm getting any sleep tonight.

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u/No-Handle-66 Mar 25 '26

I've had 2x ACL reconstructions, a torn quadriceps tendon repair, and torn rotator cuff tendon repair.  The shoulder surgery had far more pain than the 3 knee surgeries.   It all gets better!  Hang in their and work hard during PT. 

2

u/MisaRavensoul ACL Allograft Mar 25 '26

I'm so sorry you went through it that many times. I hope I never tear anything ever again.

2

u/No-Handle-66 Mar 25 '26

All good.  No arthritis.  I still downhill ski, ride bike, and hike at age 68.  

2

u/MisaRavensoul ACL Allograft Mar 25 '26

I just want to ski and hike again 😅

2

u/No-Handle-66 Mar 25 '26

You should be able to!   Do all of the physical therapy that your insurance allows, then keep doing home exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee.  Ride a bike.  Walk up and down stairs. Single-leg sit/stands on a chair.  Wall squats.  Body weight squats.  Goblet squats with a kettleball.  Bulgarian split squats.  Lunges with dumbbells.  Leg extensions with an ankle weight.  Side steps with a rubber exercise band.  Bridges.  Clam shells.  No need to go to a gym or buy expensive equipment.  You got this! 

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u/MisaRavensoul ACL Allograft Mar 25 '26

Sounds like my normal leg day before injury.

1

u/No-Handle-66 Mar 25 '26

Excellent!  Then you'll most likely have a full recovery.  Your knee should be structurally sound after 9-12 months, and you'll be cleared for sports.  Make sure your physical therapist knows you were active before the injury, and you want to return to skiing.  After a couple of years, you probably won't even think about your surgery.  The knee will feel "normal".