<aside> ๐Ÿ’ก Note: This is just one person's perspective. This is not medical advice Still rely on your surgeon and physical therapy for the recovery plan that is specific to you!

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I'm Mika - tore my ACL on a skiing trip on Feb 14, 2021. Had my surgery Mar 22, 2021 โ€” hamstring graft, no meniscus tear repair. I'm close to 5w post-op as of this writing and already walking without crutches! Hopefully this helps you get there faster than me! ๐Ÿ™‚

Pre-Op

  1. Do pre-op therapy if you can, even by yourself. The stronger your quads are beforehand, the lesser it will atrophy, the faster you will recover.
  2. Prep goodies! Especially beforehand.
  3. Pick up the meds!
  4. Join FB & Reddit ACL Reconstruction communities.

Operation

  1. Think of happy thoughts right before they put the anesthesia you. So you wake up with good thoughts right after. ๐Ÿ™‚
  2. Make sure someone is taking care of you right after and for the rest of the first 2 weeks.
  3. Don't expect to do anything the rest of the day! You will be whoozy & sleepy from the anesthesia and drugs.
  4. There's no reason to feel anxious or afraid! I was pretty calm coming in knowing:

Post-Op

  1. Warning: Your second day will be the WORST. The anesthesia goes away and your wounds are fresh.
  2. Keep RICE-ing. Your knee will be swollen so keep resting, icing, compressing & elevating.
  3. Try to activate your quads when you can.
  4. Schedule your post-op check-up ASAP. I had mine 2 days after.
  5. Don't be afraid to try the exercises sooner than later.
  6. Consistently go to PT and do your exercises!
  7. Talk to other ACL-ees for comfort.