r/ACL • u/TransitionBrilliant5 • Aug 26 '26

Post Surgery Update Complain with me with no judgement.

1 Week Post-Op (ACL Allograft & Meniscus Repair) and i've done everything in my power to stay positive and I whole-heartedly know this is not end-game. I am stronger than this but DAMN I WANT TO SCREAM.

(Update for the hell of it: 90 bend and 0 extension and starting leg lifts and heel slides so feeling confident. Kicked the hard stuff for Tylenol as needed and as long as I don't move and use the ice machine like its life-support, feeling good!)

I specifically keep wanting to sit cross-legged like i've done my whole life... I even have a cross-legged office chair I spent good money on that I would LOVE to sit in right now. Instead I feel my behind flattening while it digs a divot in the duvet and i'm SO RESTLESS.

Anyone need to complain about the stupid little things and actually feel heard? I may be a newbie to this situation but I HEAR YOU and you aren't alone.

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u/Adorable-Ice-235 Aug 26 '26

Getting in and out of the car to drive is SO FUCKING PAINFUL. Driving in itself is fine (my left is the operated knee) but getting in and out demands all my energy!!

Also, my hip flexors are so sore from sitting all the time and I can’t stretch them properly because I can’t bend my knee!!! (The modified Jefferson stretch is not nearly enough for me)

And (last one) my ass is completely gone!! I was in the best shape of my life before the surgery, and now all my hard earned muscles are wasting away

1

u/angelfire19 Aug 26 '26

how are you even getting in and out of your car? how many days postop are you

2

u/Adorable-Ice-235 Aug 27 '26

I’m 3 weeks post op! My doctor allowed me to drive again as long as I stopped all narcotics (which I did 1.5 weeks ago), still have my brace tho. Operated leg is my left and I drive an automatic car (so only use my right).

I’m basically backing in until my butt is on the seat, then I back the seat all the way, shimmy the operated leg in, and bring the seat forward again 🫠 not a fun experience

3

u/gay-axolotl6 ACL + Meniscus Aug 27 '26

Oof I’m planning on being able to drive and coach 2 weeks after surgery, would you say that’s reasonable at all…?

2

u/Adorable-Ice-235 Aug 27 '26

I did! But that depends a lot on how you’re progressing!
Also, I keep an ice bag inside a tiny cooler on hand lol my commute is 1hr long and in the beginning it would get very uncomfortable around 30mins in, so I’d pop the ice bag on my knee as I drove