Slow And Easy Is The Best Way To Go

My rehab team. Thanks guys, I'll miss you both! We worked rehabilitating my knee three times a week for 33 weeks. 99 Sessions!

I saw my doctor today! Next week marks 8 months post op recovery of this long journey. I'm thrilled with the skill and care given to me by my doctor. I'm beyond words on how to describe how determined, skilled and caring he is.

I'll do another month of quad strengthening but it will be at home. Also no prolong standing at work is permitted. I'm totally on board with that.

So next month I should be reaching maximum medical improvement. I'll be measured at that time. I'll keep working hard. Stay tuned for more PCL fun.


See That Ice Pack? I searched for a long time and finally found one. This is the one I use. I think they come in like 7 sizes but I bought the giant one. Sure did make a big difference.

Seven Months Post Op PCL Surgery And Recovery

I had hoped to say I was running but I'm still struggling with pain around my knee cap. I'm waiting for the orthovisc to be authorized. My rehab has been cut to two days per week. Fridays exercises sent me to bed with ice packs again. The pain on and around my knee cap was unexpected and high level.
Seems like I'm getting used to getting around better without my brace but going down the stairs is still a struggle.
Last range of motion was 137 degrees.
Stayed tuned, I haven't given up and I hope you don't either.

Day 205 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Ditch the brace. Well unless I'm doing pivoting sports. Rehab is reduced to twice a week at this point and I no longer need the CPM device. They're picking up the tens unit and ice machine as well next week.
My knee isn't much more than 130 degrees and not exactly straight when extended. Perhaps without the brace that will change.
Upon my surgeons examination yesterday, the PCL surgery appears to be a success!! No laxity although I am still experiencing that crunching sound but have been denied any further surgery to clean that up. I am still waiting for Orthovisc to be authorized.
So at this point things are getting back to normal after more than six months of recovery.
At times I still have pain in the knee cap area and will continue to work on more range of motion. I am looking forward to gaining strength again.
Pretty close to 30 weeks which is a really long time! I am glad it's behind me.
I'll post more updates as my progress continues.
Stay tuned and drop me a line!

Day 202 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Well, last week things in rehab were changed up and I've been limping ever since. My brace is now being removed to do the exercises and for the days following, I'm in so much pain that I either limp through my day or just keep my knee iced and elevated. I tried to go on a short shopping trip a couple days ago and had to stop over ten times because I just couldn't go on. I am shocked at how bad it hurts.

I'll keep you all posted on how this new twist in my therapy goes. So far I hate it.

I'm getting close to my 7 month mark. This is no fun. At all.

I want to thank all of you for your support. I truly appreciate everyone that takes the time to drop me a line. No worries, I'm sure this bump in the road will pass. I guess I'm just so sick and tired of it aching and ready to get back to being normal.

Six Months Post Op Doctor Visit

Working hard to get my muscles back to where they were. This is a great exercise.

Six Month Post Op. We're still waiting for my orthovisc injection.

There is still room for improvement so I will continue going to rehab three times a week. I am looking forward to even more range of motion. There still isn't an end in sight and if you ask me, that's a good thing. I can still get better!

Day 174 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Check it out! Balancing on the Bosu!!

I was hoping by now my IT Band would stop hurting so much. Now when I'm standing still my knee makes a loud crack and it pops a little bit. It's alarming to say the least. I'll be bringing this up in rehab to see what they think.

I found a great web page to help explain surgery and recovery. Patient Guide To PCL Injuries Give it a read. Well worth your time.

These are great but be careful. Make sure you have someone there to help you while you're learning how to balance again.

Day 167 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Kind of shaky here and had to back up a little bit. Careful now, don't let that knee go over the foot. It's pretty close there.
Trusty Dagan is still right there at my side every step of the way. What a good dog.



Well today sure brought back some memories. It was almost embarrassing in physical therapy when I was handed 2 pound weights and asked to do wall squats. Before my accident I was holding 40 to 50 pounds and doing skier squats with a burn out of 25 reps at the end. Walking lunges used to be 30 paces holding 60 pounds. Now I can barely do a lunge while holding onto a rail! No worries though. I plan on working very hard and getting back to where I was before this happened. I think running is a long way off but I'll get there. I promise.

I see my OS in two weeks. I hope to surprise him with leaps and bounds! OK, how bout just leaps? My range of motion settled in at about 125 to 130. I have yet to see anything more but I will work hard to get it. More than anything I want to make my surgeon proud and glad he chose me for this special surgery. It's not exactly a cake walk but he believed I could do it and for that I am working hard to make this whole thing a success. The CPM device is still a big part of my life. I am on restrictions for sedentary work only. Last but not least I am stil icing like crazy.

Day 162 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

My knee looks pretty much the same these days.
I am balancing on my braced leg while catching a weighted ball. It was a lot of fun until my IT band started to ache. The Iliotibial band is a sheath of connective tissue attaching from muscles in the gluteal region to the lateral (outside) surface of the tibia or shin bone. Its purpose is to extend the knee joint (straightening it) as well as abducting the hip (moving it out sideways). It's better explained here. I was instructed to ice and massage the area to help alleviate pain. This is also known as runners knee.

Today is the beginning of week 24. I'm getting anxious to do more but it seems like when I try I get slammed back down. No worries, I won't stay down for long. I can finally start to see an end in sight to this long and painful recovery.

Anyone considering this surgery please beware of the extended time you need to invest in the recovery. I can't say that often enough. Read my blog and be sure to check out the comments. I have lots of people here that have been through or going through recovery. If you have any questions we'll do our best to get answers for you.
Drop me a line and stay tuned for more PCL fun!

Day 160 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Warm up - stationary bike for 8 minutes/level 3

I'm working very hard at strengthening my muscles and practicing those stairs! My ROM seems to be about the same although I will post the numbers at next measurement. My ankles still seem to be weak so I am exercising them too. I'm still using my CPM machine three hours a day along with my tens unit. Work, work, work! Seems the worst is behind me now. I am continuing to ice day and night. No relief from the aching yet.

Today is the first day of Fall. It's official, my entire summer was spent in kneeville. Next year is definitely mine. I get pretty excited when I realize how close I am to recovery. Running can't be too far away. I wonder how you figure out how far you can push yourself. That part seems like it might be tricky. I sure wouldn't want to go through this again!

Anyone needing to get this surgery done please plan carefully. It's no picnic. You'll need a lot of help to get through it. I never would have done as well as I have without my husband to help me. Lucky for me I didn't drive him insane.

Drop me a line, let me know how you are. Thanks for all the support.

Day 150!!

See that? I'm going down my first stair!!

It's been 150 days since I had surgery. Reached 130 degrees range of motion today! That's right, 130!!!

I'm still going to rehab 3 times a week and still using my CPM device three hours a day along with my tens unit three times per day. I was fooling around with it the other day and shocked myself. ha ha, serves me right!

Stay tuned for more PCL fun! Drop me a note, it's always good to hear from you!

Day 148 Of My PCL Surgery and Recovery

Five Pound Weights!
Ride The Stationary Bike For 10 Minutes!
Mini Wall Squats!

40 Calf Raises (ouchie) Feel The Burn

Quad Strengthening

So much to do!

I'm still icing a lot. I don't have enough range of motion to go down stairs yet.

I'm using my CPM device for at least three hours a day. My tens unit three times a day too. This is a lot of work. Things like working on balance and all my exercises. This surgery takes a huge commitment. Did I say a lot of work too? Yes, it sure is.

I did leg raises at home too. This is not a part time recovery!

Doctor Visit, Day 141 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

See where he made that injection? Ouchie for a couple days but it'll help. I thought the flag band aid was cute. Closed Kinetic Chain exercises. Hip kicks done in all directions. Forwards backward and both sides. I have to use the chair sometimes for balance but it's getting better. Yet another mile stone! In the second picture you can see where my knee is a little bit swollen. It felt pretty tender too. Ice, Ice, and more ice.

Wow, what news I have! I hope I can remember it all.

Let's first run down the list I have from my doctor.

Yesterday was day 141 post op!

Okay:

Continue using CPM device three hours a day increasing 5 degrees ROM each week for the next six weeks. I just bumped it up to 115 degrees *range of motion* ROM (felt tight but that is to be expected) so in six weeks that puts me at 140 degrees. My goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just six more weeks. Should be Oct 15 or so.

One injection of xylocaine,macrcaine,depo-medrol and steroids. Whoa, the night and day after is big time ouchie.

Getting authorization for Orthovisc which will help with ROM/Pain. Pretty expensive stuff. 400.00 for each injection and I'll need three injections for the first round but hey, lasts for six months!

Continue rehab and concentrate on strengthening my quad muscles. I'm lagging behind here. I'll tell you what! My muscles are really getting worked these days. Lactic acid is back! LOL Sore, sore, sore!!! Feels good though. Well, lol, kind of!

Getting authorization for a TENS Unit to be used for pain management. Not to sure what to think about that. For those of you that don't want to click on the link. It's electric current. Ick, nevermind. just click the link to see, please!

I'm walking up 4 inch stairs and struggling to get up 6 inchers but progress is progress. I still have to get to where I can go down a stair. That will be a day for much celebration! I simply can not wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned for more PCL fun. LOL, yes, I still have my sense of humor! No one can take that away!!

I found the coolest web page while looking something up for our blog. Yes readers. This is becoming a place for us to share stories and ask questions. I'm am thrilled so many people have joined in. Please feel welcome to post.

So here is the page.PCL Reconstruction Protocol . This is a very interesting, explaining what you can expect regarding healing and milestones. Give it a read, you'll be glad you did.

Day 136 PCL Surgery And Recovery

Yup! That's me working my leg!!! I get to do so many more things now!!


125 degrees range of motion, all by myself at rehab today! My leg was measured for strength in all directions and rated good or level 4. Five would be better but I'm working on that! See? All this hard work is really paying off and it's only been 136 days. I'm turning corners now!!!!

The acute soreness I felt earlier this week is normal. I'm engaging muscles that have been dormant for months. It's a different kind of pain than what I experienced after a really tough workout back in the day. Not like lactic acid pain but more intense. So much more intense that it shot me back to using crutches for a couple days. So beware.

I'm still icing a lot and use my cpm device three hours every day. My gait looks better but I catch myself gimping when it hurts. I guess that's just me trying to protect it. Probably normal. I'm still struggling to go upstairs but it's getting better. Haven't been able to go down even one stair yet but it's something to shoot for.
Drop me a line.

Today Is The Beginning Of Week 20 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

You feelin okay Mom?? Dagan is a ditz, I really wish you could play with me instead. Love Haley.

In rehab I threw the ball again. Standing on the foam balance pad is a lot harder than it sounds I mostly used both legs but I'm trying to stand just on my bad leg. I didn't hit my rehab buddy with the ball so I'm improving.
20 weeks starts today. Day 134. I've come a long way. Mondays rehab session pretty much did me in and Ive been limping. I've been using ice and really taking it easy the last two days. I'm glad to have my crutches on days like this.
Massage and light exercise today. I'll keep icing it and give it a break.

My doctor appointment is next week and I don't want to go limping in there. I better back it off a little bit. I'll do cartwheels later. Like next summer.

Day 132 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Strengthening.
One leg!!! I wanted to mention how important straightening is. I really haven't talked about it much but I spend a lot time every day on this bench letting my knee relax down and fully lengthen. See how it looks pretty bent there? It is. After 20 minutes or so it'll come back to straight but I have to really coax it. Lots of massage, lots of baby bends and lots of time.

We're switching gears and going to spend more time on strengthening and balance.
Six to eight weeks should show some pretty good quad strength improvement.
I actually broke a sweat on the bike today. Yup, I rode a bike for the first time in over six months. We lifted the seat to allow my leg to go around all the way. I even used the balance ball for mini wall squats!! If anyone out there doesn't know, I'm a gym rat. I go crazy for fitness. This knee thing really knocked me down but I'll get back up.
To say any of this has been easy would be a lie. It's been pretty awful. But, I would do it again.
Drop me a line. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to see anything different. Stay tuned for more PCL fun! It's coming!!!

Day 129 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

Check it out!!!!!
That, my friends is a whopping 125 degrees!! See that?? Hard work and lots of it got me 125 degrees today!!!

I wanted to mention my friends at physical therapy today and how I could not have gotten this far without their help. I won't mention names but they know who they are. This has been a struggle to say the least for everyone, not just me. I whine, I cry and I struggle but they keep pressing forward and make it happen. Just look at that! Thanks you two. You know who you are. I can't wait to see my doctor to show him how far we've all come. Together. We're doing it! Never give up, ever.

Day 127 Of My PCL Surgery and Recovery

There's an elastic band on my leg and what I'm doing here is while keeping my heel down, lifting the top of my foot and flexing my quad, keeping my knee as straight as I can. All at the same time.
It's a great way to relearn how to walk correctly. I'm having a little trouble getting my knee straight while taking a step forward with the heel strike. There sure is a lot more to walking than swinging your arms but with practice it'll start looking normal again.

WOW, things are really moving forward now!!! I was measured at 115 degrees today in physical therapy! Before warming up! All by myself!!!
You know for as 'stuck' as I was for as long as I was, I am really breaking records now! I'm finally turning corners. The guys at physical therapy said "their baby is finally growing up". ha ha ha, I'll agree with that! Anyday!!!
Hang in there everyone. Just like Molly said, it gets better. It really does.

These are the bands I used in rehab. Many different strengths and they helped me a lot.

Day 126 Of My PCL Surgery/Recovery

I can do so much more now that my hamstring can be gently used!
Dagan The Doberman. See why I have to be so careful in my house? He's like a small pony!

I'm using my CPM Device three times a day for an hour at a time and it's really paying off. So far, I'm able to get all way the to 108 degrees towards the end of the hour long session. I started off barely getting to 90 degrees.
I am still icing my knee, especially at night. I'm practicing my heel strikes when I walk and trying to follow through the walk with pushing off at the toe. There is so much to remember when learning how to walk. During physical therapy I was asked to walk without my crutches and it's been so long that I walked stiff armed! I forgot how to naturally swing my arms while walking which just cracked me up! I had no idea I was doing that until pointed out. Well? It's been months! You're bound to forget some things!! Things are getting fun now!!

Four Months Post Op Recovery - PCL Surgery

Would I do it again? Heck yeah I would.

Todays the day, four months post op! Wow, what a journey. It's been demanding to say the least. I will list what I can and can't do at this point of recovery.

I can bend my knee max 118 degrees after being warmed up and someone pushing hard enough to make me cry.
I can finally ride in the front seat of the truck instead of being stretched out in the extended cab.
I can walk in public places with one crutch. I have to really concentrate on my heel strikes and leg extentions when I walk but for the most part I do it.
I can walk inside my home w/o any crutches but have to be super careful of my large dogs.
I finally was able to sleep on my side for a few minutes the other night after being flat on my back for so many months. Yesterday marked 6 months post injury.
I still can't walk up regular stairs but I'm beginning to get up small ones while bending and carrying my weight on my knee. I don't want to walk up regular sized stairs until I have more ROM so I don't develop bad habits. I have enough bad habits to break already.
I am getting around my house better and able to do more house work which my husband greatly appreciates.
I still use my ice machine at night and my knee aches and burns like crazy but instead of 24 hours a day, sometimes I get a break.
Anyone considering this surgery please beware, it's going to take a huge commitment on your part. You have to grit your teeth and you have endure months of pain. You know what though? I wouldn't trade these four months for anything. I am going to run again. I am going to drive and be independent very soon. I can feel it. I am so very lucky to have been given this gift. I am grateful. This journey has just begun.

Check It Out!! Day 122

Four Months! Tomorrow makes Four Months since I had surgery.

I about jumped off the table today when I was measured at active ROM.
Ready???? On day 122 I got all the way to 110 Degrees baby! All by myself! Not long ago I was struggling to get 110 degrees with someone pushing me to the point of tears.

Look at that! I'm getting there! Just wait, I'll be hopping up and down stairs before long!

Stay tuned for more fun!!

Day 120 Of My PCL Recovery

Dang it Mom! It's been 120 days since that surgery. Can we go play yet? Please???????? I'm sick of Dagan, he's not as much fun as you.

My new machine at physical therapy! That's a big step up for me!! Let me know when you want to take a turn. Hey, see that treamill next to it? I will be running on it. Mark my words! I will run again.


Well, looks like I've had a bit of a slip. I lost a few degrees in the range of motion department. No worries, that will come back. I'm learning how to walk without crutches. It feels "sloppy" almost like my ankle is having a hard time supporting my weight plus I have to remember to have a good heel strike and follow through all the way to the toes and roll off. Don't kid yourself, there is a lot of work to this walking stuff! They put me on a new machine. Today is day 120 and my range of motion is 114. The numbers are getting backwards again. Stay tuned for more PCL fun!

Day 115 Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

See that against the wall? That's one crutch baby! We're coming right along! My knee was measured while doing this exercise at 95 degrees! Not long ago I was squirming on the table while trying to get even close to that. I can do it on my own now!!! See?


LOOK AT THAT! Wow, are things getting interesting now. Day 115 gave way to 117 degrees range of motion. I was being stretched this morning wondering how I could put into words what that felt like. Um, intense doesn't even come close. Glad when it's over, that's for sure.


I want to welcome everyone that has been following my blog or just found it. Stay tuned for more pcl recovery fun. Some day I am going to tell you that I ran really fast on a treadmill. I promise.

Day 114 And The Dog Is Still Watching Me Very Closely

That's Dagan, one of my Dobermans. If I didn't know he cared for me, I would be scared! 117 pounds of flesh. HIM! Not me. lol If he's waiting on me to keel over so I can be a meal, he can forget it. I'm winning, I winning! It's just taking a long time.


Through this whole long thing, Dagan has never once left me other than to get food or potties. It's like his full time job but he takes zero days off. What a guy. What a guy. He gets a lot of extra pats, that's for sure. The other Doberman could care less. Every once in awhile she'll step on my foot to see if I squeal. The PCM machine is part of daily life now. Range of motion is getting better too!

Graduation Day Baby! Day 113

I'm getting ready to leave these behind! Well ok, only while in the house but I can dream, right? (Using one when I'm out in the big, scary, fast world.)
So what am I graduating to/from? I made it to four pound weights today! I left those three pounders in the dust!! I'm learning how to balance while standing on my leg too.

It's been 113 days since my surgery and today in therapy my knee was pushed to 115 degrees. I know, I wanted him to stop at 113 to make the numbers match but he wasn't game. You know, day 113 and 113 degrees. Get it? Plus it hurt like you know what. I won't even say that!

The CPM machine is really helping with my range of motion. I'm walking better too! Still using one crutch but hey, nothing comes easy with a PCL surgery. We all know that by now!

Finally I'm able to start using my hamstring. Weak but will be getting stronger as time goes on. I do some hamstring raises and now even some calf raises. Mini squats too! Things are finally starting to get interesting and it's only been 113 days. Time flies when you're having fun!

Day 111

That's Dagan, one of my two red dobermans. He pretty much sticks to my side like glue.
This is the gadget I use to set my machine.

Reached 112 degrees at my physical therapy session today. Time seemed to stop every time the physical therapist stretched my knee. I am sure he held it in place three times longer than usual. Brutal, just brutal today.
I'm using my new Continuous Passive Motion device machine now for three hours a day. My knee feels stiff and sore in the morning and by later in the day it's sore and tired. I might have turned a corner but my knee is still fighting me. I wish it would just give up because I know I'm going to win anyway.

Day 108 I Have New Things To Do

I haven't got it at home yet but I think this is what I'll be using to get more range of motion. Let me know if you want a turn. LOL

Looking pretty much the same. Well maybe smaller but never fear! My muscles are waking up and pretty soon they'll be bulging right out of this brace.



My appointment at the surgeons office: Time to wake up that hamstring withsome gentle hamstring strengthening.
My range of motion is 110 today although it did feel pretty stiff. I'm going to be using a Continuous Passive Motion device at home to help with my range of motion.
Click here to see.

Thank you to those that have left comments! It's terrific being able to get to know you.

Day 100 Baby!!!!!!!

It's been 100 days since my surgery! WOW! Today in physical therapy after much pushing my knee was measured at 105 degrees. I really thought it was going to be more and I almost broke down in tears with frustration when he told me. I look back on my blog at day 23 or day 44 or 55 and think wow if I only knew then what I know now. This has been a struggle to say the least. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I'm getting better. Slow going but at least getting better. I am still using my ice machine when I sleep. I am working so very hard on my exercises. My ankle is a bit of a concern but with my continued efforts, it will be just fine.
Stay tuned. 80 more days and I can run? Cross your fingers!

Day 95

This is a weight and I have to push my knee straight. It's a strengthening exercise.
Yup, looking pretty much the same.

Hey everyone. Because I'm not putting much weight on my ankle, it's getting a little weak. I have been assigned to do ankle exercises twice a day along with my other tasks to improve my range of motion. Every day I work hard to get my quad muscles firing and every day I'm a little bit closer to recovery.

To update on how my knee is feeling: it still burns like crazy. Some times it aches, deep from the inside somewhere. My leg is still extremely weak and hard to pick up. Stay tuned!

Drop me a line.

100 Degrees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trying to do my normal stuff. My dog almost weighs more than I do.
Pictures are worth 1,000 words!
My knee is not stable because the inside quad is so weak. This tape job really helps support that.
There ya go. My knee is beginning to look like a knee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Today is day #89 post op. WOW! On Friday my knee was bent all the way to 100 degrees! Triple digits baby!!!!! I am working very, very hard on building my quads back up, especially the inside muscle so my knee cap will track correctly.

My knee still burns like crazy and I'm using my ice machine all the time but it's getting better. That's what counts. It's getting better.

I see my doctor again in August. No one ever said this was going to be easy but I do see light at the end of the tunnel. Finally I see the beginning of the end.For those of you that contacted me, thank you so very much, I am thrilled beyond words. If there is anyone else out there following me, drop me a line and let me know!

Day 85 Of My PCL Recovery

Day 82, I'm using my brace but took it off for the picture.
day 83 using 3 pound weight. I think I see a muscle on my leg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See?? Look real hard, I know it's there.


I never would have guessed in a gazillion years that I would still be walking on crutches and in so much pain. I'm still using my Kinex ice machine at night and ice packs through the day. My quad is so small that now my knee cap is tracking wrong. The Knee flat out won't bend. It gets to 98 degrees or so and the pain shoots me right off the table. We're working very hard in pt. Once the hamstring heals, if my knee still isn't bending plan B is to put me to sleep and force it followed by daily physical therapy sessions. Stay tuned.

Today Is Day 77 And I Have Big News From My Doctor

DRUM ROLL
READY OR NOT HERE IS THE NEWS.

Another month of the same. No driving, No working, still walking with crutches. My new prescription is to get my knee to bend but still no hamstring strengthening. Quads need to get bigger and stronger too. Last measurement for my knee was 97 degrees. I'll have to get 120 degrees or more before I'm cut loose to drive and all that fun stuff. So it looks like August before I get my car out of the garage. Drop me a line, is anyone out there?