Wednesday, July 7, 2010

ACL recovery - 1 month post op

I was reminded by my surgeon Jack this week to take it slow and not push. It's good to get these reminders from time to time because it's easy to become seduced into picking up the pace of recovery.

All this being said, Rob picked up the pace. We are adding more and more weights into my 2-a-day routine.

This morning, after my routine, I finally entered the pool again. Jack told me that this is ok as long as I do not use my legs! Yikes. Therefore, I did some "resistance" walking in the pool, and doggy paddled several laps using only my arms. I actually felt challenged and it certainly beats the hand cycle! I think it's time to bring the swim coach into the mix.

I'm happy to report the swelling and tightness in the knee has greatly subsided. Let's hope it stays that way. I'm looking forward to a nice, leisurely one mile walk along the river tonight ...
Posted by Phil Turk at 10:59 AM
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2 comments:

  1. Phil,

    My son tore his ACL playing lacrosse two years ago this past June 28. When it happened he was in the midst of being recruited to play D-1 lacrosse; after the injury, most of the top schools who were interested in him faded away but fortunately the wonderful coach at Denison University (D-3) stuck with him and he will be playing there this fall.

    When he tore the ACL, I scoured the internet to find stories of folks who were recovering from similar surgery (patellar tendon graft) so your diary of your recovery will truly come in very handy to someone out there going through the same thing. Chapin had an awesome PT who wouldn't let him wear the brace or crutches after surgery, kicked his butt with the balancing exercises, and 5 months post-op he was cleared to play. He had a decent junior season (9 months post-op) with a bit of confidence to build, and then went on to an awesome senior season with no issues, physical or mental.

    Anyhoo, best of luck in your recovery!

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  2. Hi Sophie:

    Wow! I am inspired to read of your son's return to lacrosse and I bet the feelings will be at a very high level the day he steps on the field for his first game. My heart goes out to him.

    Thanks for your comment on this diary. Sometimes I wonder if this diary comes across as an exercise in self-absorption. I do know that it has been a form of free therapy and it makes me feel better to chart the course of my recovery. Thus, for that I am grateful.

    Like you, I did plenty of research into cadaver/patellar/hamstring. With the help of my doctor Jack, who I almost revere, we chose the hamstring option and I have no regrets one month out from surgery.

    Thanks for your well wishes, and Sophie ... you WILL see me again at another ultra next spring!

    -- Phil

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