***RDRb's Knee Surgery Recovery Journal***

Swoletitude · 12-27-2008, 11:48 PM

Some basic info--

It was 11-4-2008, I was headed home from the gym after some low-intensity cardio and a shoulders day. I had been weightlifting with actually caring about what I was doing for over 2 months and made major progress, gaining around 20-30 lbs, which I believe was mostly water weight from creatine and probably 10-15 lbs. muscle. On my way home, I simply changed the song on the radio, before shortly looking up to see a van traveling a ridiculously slow speed in front of me(on a major highway with a 65 MPH speed-limit), which I believe pulled out in front of me. I was approaching it 90-to-nothing, so I attempted switching into the left-lane as I had poor brakes and knew I had absolutely no chance of not hitting the back of this van. However, that was a total failure. I overcorrected and I rolled my vehicle 5-7 times in the median of the highway. Luckily, I was wearing my seatbelt and avoided any spinal/head injuries. I managed to get out of the vehicle which was upside-down, and when I looked at my leg it was really huge around the knee area and dislocated, with the leg to the left. :0 I was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance where I was to stay for 3 days getting MRI's, CT scans, X-rays, treatment, etc.

The three days I was in the hospital I went for numerous scans and things of the sort, and after a day or two they didn't think anything was wrong with my knee other than some swelling. Knowing this was inaccurate, we demanded further testing. Eventually, more tests revealed that I had torn my ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus in my left knee. :/ (I also various minor injuries on my body due to the trauma of the wreck, but obviously that isn't the topic of this journal as those were very minor injuries that I've already recovered from completely.)

As I got close to leaving the hospital, I was told by the main surgeon at the hospital I was at that I would want to let the swelling subside in the knee for about a month or so and come back for surgery. This proposal would've included me getting one major knee surgery on my knee fixing all the ligaments in one surgery.

Due to further research and experience with a very good hospital who my family has had excellent dealings with, I eventually decided to get my knee fixed by another surgeon. My actual ortho guy specializes on knee injuries and is very renowned as well as working for a NFL team. He advised that I have two different surgeries; one to repair the outer ligaments of my knee, and then another to repair the inner ligaments after I started physical therapy for a while and got my left knee bending pretty well.

This is what I did. I had surgery in Late November to repair the outer ligament(s)--which I believe is either my MCL or meniscus, not sure, and have recently started physical therapy to begin the bending of my knee as well as other strengthening exercises. The doctors were initially worried I'd have foot drop, but that condition has improved and I have been told that it won't be a problem and I've pretty much got full range of movement with the foot, but I continue doing exercises with it as well.

I'm starting this journal as a future reference for any other bodybuilders/weightlifters/athletes of any kind who may happen to have the misfortune of enduring a injury similar to mine or anyone who could potentially use this thread as a reference source. I will continue with my weightlifting/bodybuilding as quickly as I can walk and get in the gym doing anything possible! I have a major surgery coming up which will completely fix my knee in (estimation) about a month, and will be doing therapy in the meantime to recover. I will post pictures as you guys wish, possibly of the wound from the first surgery or of my brace.

I invite anyone interested to join me in my journey of recovery.

mac520 · 12-28-2008, 12:29 AM

I would like to see updates and pictures. I, too, suffered from a knee injury almost a year ago, although not nearly as bad as yours. I was in crutches for 4 weeks and walked with a cane for another 2. Now I am fully active: lifting, cardio, sports; but still have mild discomfort. Like you, I was in the best physical condition of my life, having just gained about 25 pounds, mostly muscle, during my first year of college. I was afraid I would never surpass my previous strength benchmarks, but I surprised myself and quickly broke PRs in my squat, deadlift, press, bench press, and row after just 4-6 weeks into lifting again.

Swoletitude · 12-28-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac520

I would like to see updates and pictures. I, too, suffered from a knee injury almost a year ago, although not nearly as bad as yours. I was in crutches for 4 weeks and walked with a cane for another 2. Now I am fully active: lifting, cardio, sports; but still have mild discomfort. Like you, I was in the best physical condition of my life, having just gained about 25 pounds, mostly muscle, during my first year of college. I was afraid I would never surpass my previous strength benchmarks, but I surprised myself and quickly broke PRs in my squat, deadlift, press, bench press, and row after just 4-6 weeks into lifting again.

Thanks for your interest. I will take a picture of the wound later today as well as the brace.

Are you saying you've recently surpassed your previous strength marks after starting up lifting? Awesome!

Team Punishment · 12-28-2008, 11:06 AM

Ill be following as well

Swoletitude · 12-28-2008, 01:24 PM

Here's a picture of the scar from the first surgery:

Swoletitude · 12-28-2008, 06:33 PM

Some more info...

I have a appointment with my surgeon in early January to see when my surgery is going to be. I have also gotten my knee bending to, I believe, 61 degrees was the highest point. Am currently using a walker instead of crutches to get around as that is the most convenient and what I can do better at this time(although I can do crutches, just not as good).

Swoletitude · 12-29-2008, 04:38 PM

Had physical therapy today. Was able to bend my knee to 61 degrees without assistance. Therapist moved brace limitation to 70 degrees. I also did some practice on crutches which was good and went well, and the strength in picking up my leg is getting better and better all the time.

Swoletitude · 12-31-2008, 04:38 PM

Talked to my therapist today about my next surgery. I was right; it was the MCL repaired in the first surgery, not sure if they got the meniscus or not, but I'll definitely be getting both my ACL and PCL repaired in my upcoming surgery in a few weeks or so. Also, my appointment with my ortho guy was rescheduled to the 14th instead of the 8th.

Pretty disappointed in the lack of feedback/posts in here, but I guess then again the major surgery still hasn't happened yet, but I'll keep updating this nonetheless.

Swelled · 01-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Best of luck with the surgery. I recently tore my ACL for the second time. The physio is trying but well worth the work and pain in the end! Surgery for will be next fall for me.

Swoletitude · 01-02-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swelled

Best of luck with the surgery. I recently tore my ACL for the second time. The physio is trying but well worth the work and pain in the end! Surgery for will be next fall for me.

Thanks! I'm giving it my all in physical therapy as I'm really tired of not being able to drive and things like that. It gets really frustrating when you're 16 because I want to be working out and out with friends, and to me I think it has kind of pushed me harder to get healed and better.

Swoletitude · 01-03-2009, 05:33 PM

I'm going to give you guys some more background information on my type of knee injury. I have noticed the majority of people on this site have had experience with single-ligament tears, however mine is a more rare and serious injury and therefore I will quote some studies which explain the procedure as well as how it generally works out with this type of surgery.

The only thing that really has kind of disappointed me that much from these studies and information is the possibly 6-8 weeks on crutches after my surgery. Although I'm not sure if that will be the same in my case or not, considering I am having two separate surgeries, I will definitely dread having to go on crutches if that's the case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Source

The surgeon will use the arthroscope to create tunnels in the thigh and tibia bone with a small drill that will permit the grafts to be placed into the knee and re-create the torn ligaments. The tunnels are made in the exact anatomic positions where the normal ligaments were attached. Once the grafts are placed they are secured to the bone with screws, washers, and other fixation devices. These devices are important to hold the ligament in place until the patients bone heals to the ligament. This process takes nearly three months to get really strong. That is why most patients will have to use crutches for 6 to 8 weeks and why the rehabilitation is typically much slower than for a single ligament injury such as an isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Source

Multiligament knee injuries are rare but potentially limb-threatening conditions. In this study we aim to evaluate the mid- and long-term functional outcome of patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted multiple ligament reconstruction for chronic multiple knee ligament deficiency. Thirty-five patients (27 males and 8 females) with an average age of 35.1 years (range: 17?60) were included in this study. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 124 months (average: 40.3). On final follow-up patients had a mean loss of extension of 3.1?, while flexion ranged from 95? to 135? (average: 118.4?). The functional outcome according to Clancy?s criteria was excellent in 7 patients (20%), good in 14 (40%), fair in 11 (31.4%), while 3 reconstructions resulted in failure (8.6%). Patients scored an average of 4.03 (range: 1?9) in their Tegner Activity Scale, while their score in Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey ranged from 25 to 98 with an average of 72.7. Sixteen patients returned to sporting activities and all but three returned to work. Early operative treatment of multiple ligament injuries is preferable, as it may allow for anatomic repair instead of reconstruction of ligamentous structures. This study demonstrates though, that even if acute reconstruction has not or could not be performed, reconstruction in chronic multiple ligament deficient knees should be attempted. Although this complex and technically demanding procedure rarely results in a ?normal? knee, it offers in most cases very satisfactory stability and a significant improvement in knee function.

Fresch · 01-04-2009, 12:32 AM

I have rehabbed somebody with a multi-ligament failure previously.

The outer ligaments were reconstructed first, as this provided a guide for setting the length and tension in the ACL and PCL.

Recovery was quite protracted, but a good outcome did result after a 12-18 month period.

I do not think you will play contact sports or play sports where directional running is required.

However, you shoulde be able to return to body0building activities.

The damage to the meniscus might be a factor with squats over the medium term.

Over the very long term, arthritic change is likely in the knee, but supplements and progress in that area should help.

I hope you are working on your upper body while your leg is out of action.

What sort of brace are you wearing on your leg?

EWC88 · 01-04-2009, 12:24 PM

RDRb, I had knee surgery were they replaced my ACL and luckily mu maniscus was growing back on its own. Ever since those surgury's I've been very nervous with doing any lifting with the legs cause I'm scared I'll blow it again. I do get a little pain during cold weather and right now I have some weird type sharp pain in one area, I don't know if thats the screw or whatever but I'll wait and see how long that lasts.

But I was wondering what exercises do you do or suggest to do to start off with on my legs? I had the ACL replacement about 4 years ago and the mansicus about 1 year ago they looked at it to see what was up. Before this my legs were jacked and I'd love to get them strong again so I dont have to worry but I'm not sure how to start it all off. Can ya suggest anytrhing?

Swoletitude · 01-04-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EWC88

RDRb, I had knee surgery were they replaced my ACL and luckily mu maniscus was growing back on its own. Ever since those surgury's I've been very nervous with doing any lifting with the legs cause I'm scared I'll blow it again. I do get a little pain during cold weather and right now I have some weird type sharp pain in one area, I don't know if thats the screw or whatever but I'll wait and see how long that lasts.

But I was wondering what exercises do you do or suggest to do to start off with on my legs? I had the ACL replacement about 4 years ago and the mansicus about 1 year ago they looked at it to see what was up. Before this my legs were jacked and I'd love to get them strong again so I dont have to worry but I'm not sure how to start it all off. Can ya suggest anytrhing?

I would try doing light work. Start off with really low weight on leg press and squats and assess how your legs react to that. It seems as if your pretty much fixed/healed or should be, so I would think it'd be OK to start trying to get back into some leg exercises. Maybe even begin with just the bar on squats.

I would just stop being so nervous about it. If you're afraid you're going to hurt them then you'll slow yourself down in gaining strength.

Swoletitude · 01-04-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fresch

I have rehabbed somebody with a multi-ligament failure previously.

The outer ligaments were reconstructed first, as this provided a guide for setting the length and tension in the ACL and PCL.

Recovery was quite protracted, but a good outcome did result after a 12-18 month period.

I do not think you will play contact sports or play sports where directional running is required.

However, you shoulde be able to return to body0building activities.

The damage to the meniscus might be a factor with squats over the medium term.

Over the very long term, arthritic change is likely in the knee, but supplements and progress in that area should help.

I hope you are working on your upper body while your leg is out of action.

What sort of brace are you wearing on your leg?

Yeah, I plan on staying out of any contact or running sports, as what I've researched on my condition online seems to indicate that would raise my risk of arthritis, even if I didn't flare it back up.

I'm hoping to be able to do squats and deadlifts by April or May, but for the short-term I'd say upper-body exercises will be the majority of what I can do.

I'll try to get up a picture of my brace.

Also, I'm considering this routine when I get back in the gym:

Chest+abs
Arms
2 days off
Back+Shoulders, delts

AMillane7 · 01-08-2009, 12:52 AM

good luck man, hope the knee gets better by the day!

Swoletitude · 01-08-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMillane7

good luck man, hope the knee gets better by the day!

Thanks!

I started a new exercise for therapy I do daily now where I pull my knee up towards my chest. Should help to stretch it out and help me bend it more. Hurts a little but I guess you have to take some pain with something like this.

BTW, will try getting a picture up of my brace. Maybe later today.

Swoletitude · 01-13-2009, 03:13 PM

FINALLY got a picture of my brace, for those wanting to see! Been meaning to update this more, but there's not really been anything going on that's really worth putting in here recently. The brace extension has been moved up again, so I'm definitely feeling like I'm making progress, but the main important thing is I have an appointment tomorrow in which I will have my surgery scheduled, which I'm definitely interested and ready to see when it'll be along with him answering some questions I have. But I'm definitely getting further along and I think surgery is probably coming up pretty soon.

BTW, I will rep anyone who posts in here. I've already got everyone repped up to AMillane7, who I'll rep when I can.

Thanks to anyone who's read/looked at my journal.

Swoletitude · 01-14-2009, 03:57 PM

I had my appointment today and it went pretty well. I will be getting surgery in mid-February. But the best thing is I should be walking two weeks after the surgery!! Also, my knee is supposed to be moved up to being full weight-bearing now as I'm doing physical therapy. Overall, my surgeon was very impressed with how I was doing and thought I was doing great. But for now I think he just wants me to keep bending my knee even further and even moving it to being weight-bearing.

I'm mainly just happy to not have to be on crutches for 6-8 weeks after my surgery like I thought I might have to be. What a relief.

jwest529 · 01-14-2009, 03:59 PM

good luck bro.. i just found out i have a torn acl and getting surgery in a 2 weeks

does ur brace fit ur whole lower leg? mine pretty much goes down to my ankle its a beast

Swoletitude · 01-14-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwest529

good luck bro.. i just found out i have a torn acl and getting surgery in a 2 weeks

does ur brace fit ur whole lower leg? mine pretty much goes down to my ankle its a beast

Yep, it goes all the way to my ankle pretty much and like up my thigh! And I thought I was getting like two ligaments repaired in my next surgery but my doc today said it was just the ACL so I was kinda confused there but I'm sure he knows what he's doing either way.

What happened to your knee?

Gymnmc23 · 01-14-2009, 04:07 PM

Best of luck with the recovery hope your knee heels up properly.

Elmy · 01-14-2009, 04:09 PM

In for a proper recovery bro, best of wishes.

Swoletitude · 01-14-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gymnmc23

Best of luck with the recovery hope your knee heels up properly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elmy

In for a proper recovery bro, best of wishes.

Thanks guys!

Swoletitude · 01-17-2009, 04:50 PM

Small update: My therapist guy has me doing some weight-bearing exercises now. Just added about 2-3 exercises where I'm practicing bearing weight on my leg and stuff. We're slowly going to work up to more weight-bearing and more opening up of my brace. I'm also just trying/hoping to get my knee bending as much as possible because I know the more I do and accomplish pre-surgery, the better it should go. Exactly one month until surgery.

chexmix78 · 01-18-2009, 01:13 AM

good luck with the rehab!

I had my acl replaced about 11 weeks ago, and rehab is going great for me...not 100% yet. but i'm getting there.

i wore a brace for about 4 weeks post-op from thigh to ankle. about the third week i was ablew to unlock it and walk on the knee. quik question its been 11 weeks and i still havent been fitted for my second brace an ossur paradigm. i have been training without it...do i need it at this point?

Swoletitude · 01-18-2009, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chexmix78

good luck with the rehab!

I had my acl replaced about 11 weeks ago, and rehab is going great for me...not 100% yet. but i'm getting there.

i wore a brace for about 4 weeks post-op from thigh to ankle. about the third week i was ablew to unlock it and walk on the knee. quik question its been 11 weeks and i still havent been fitted for my second brace an ossur paradigm. i have been training without it...do i need it at this point?

That's great to hear man. It's definitely essential for us people with knee injuries to do our part in our recovery and make sure we're giving 100% effort in therapy, etc. That's what I've been trying to -- make sure I'm doing my all to get better and get out of this situation. I don't want to look back on this and have regrets. I want to get my knee fixed to the fullest extent possible and never have to deal with this again!

Honestly, I would say you probably don't need it. But it sounds like you need to contact your doctor, therapist, or whoever and figure out what you should be wearing.

alexphen · 01-18-2009, 05:56 PM

my best piece of advice would be to make sure when your doing rehab to really give it all you have and build all those stabilizers back up because i rushed rehab after shattering my patella and i just started getting back to 100% after 2 years

Swoletitude · 01-19-2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexphen

my best piece of advice would be to make sure when your doing rehab to really give it all you have and build all those stabilizers back up because i rushed rehab after shattering my patella and i just started getting back to 100% after 2 years

Thanks for the advice man, I appreciate it. I'm going to try.

teamvpneon · 01-19-2009, 07:53 PM

Hey, I got hurt almost the same way you did. I got hit by an IED in Iraq and it ripped my ACL apart, and tore my MCL and Meniscus. I had surgery on the 17 of NOV to fix it all. Weird your having two surgery's, but my was done by the military and they try to do things quick. I'm doing pool rehab now and it's pretty intense. My knee hurts like hell, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. Let me know how your knee is feeling, mine seems like some of my tendons are rolling over my knee cap. Keep us posted.