Okay, Let's Run

Hey, been one year plus a little over 8 months since my surgery. I had No Idea it would be this big a deal. Do your rehab. Do everything you're told to do. It's totally worth the time invested. Where am I?? Running like a deer but still taking anti inflammatory meds. Whatever! It's worth it. Plus I'm pressing pretty heavy weights on leg day at the gym. Hoping to step it up soon. The gym rat says bring it.

November 8th, 2009 One Year 7 Months Post Op

Where am I? I have reached maximum medical improvement. Whatever I get now, is on my own. My skilled surgeon and rehab team have done everything possible to help me. Now it's my turn to shine and show case their work.
So what am I doing these days?
I'm pushing myself to reasonable limits within what I think I can do. Sometimes a bit out of the circle to get bigger gains. I can run like the wind, squat moderate to heavy weights, and feel confident walking into any gym. How's that??? I'm happy!!!!!!!!!

I had over 100 rehab sessions in addition to daily homework. Don't rush this process. Do what your rehab teams tells you to do! Oh and after, you have to keep working on your flexibility. I tried to skip for a week. Nooooooooooooo, every day. Keep stretching.

One Year Five Months Post Op

What a journey this has been. I'm running and lifting weights again. Every day gets better and I feel stronger. There were some days I just didn't think I could go on but I had no choice. I wanted to get better.

I have found everyone's injury is different. Every doctors protocol varies. Even the rehab team has their own ideas on how to treat the PCL.

I welcome your comments. I will try to answer you personally.
Your journey could be much different than mine so when you read my blog, please remember this is my experience and we're all different. Good luck to all of you.

If there is anything I can do to help make this blog better, please let me know!

One Year Post Op PCL Surgery And Recovery

It's been one year since my PCL surgery. One question is "Knowing what I know today, would I have the surgery and go through the recovery again?"
Yes, I would. Looking back I realize it was one of the hardest things I've ever done but the alternative simply wasn't an option, so yes, I would do it again without question.
I am grateful to my talented and caring surgeon along with his rehab team. I would also like to mention my tissue donor. Words can not express my thanks for such a selfless gift.
So where am I now that a year has passed. I am beginning to run once again. The pain still persists and hope with time that will pass.
I have times in the day where I don't think about my knee. For many months that was the only focal point of my entire day.
I've met so many awesome people through this blog, especially Molly another PCL survivor who flew across the US to compare knee scars and stories. We had a great time.
I hope my blog continues to help and inspire others who are faced with this major surgery. It's about 8 pages now but it's such a huge recovery that it took that long to get through it!
Drop me a line anytime. I'll be sticking around.

A Message From Not-So-SkinnyGurl (aka Molly)

#1 Fan with #1 Dog
Hi, my name is Molly and I'm a PCL Surgery Survivor, too.

I never thought of myself as a stalker. Although I've had numerous unrequited crushes (movie stars, professional athletes, a few politicans, and then there was that bag-boy at Whole Foods), I've never acted on my obsession until now.

So, I WAS a bit surprised to find myself winging across country to visit our favorite PCL-surgery blogger. This was not my usual style, but I was certain she needed me. I was concerned she would never run again, without my help. I wanted her to know that SHE WAS NOT ALONE ... she had a fan base that NEEDED her to run ... I knew that only I could help her.

How could I best profess my devotion? How could I make it all happen BEFORE the restraining order kicked in? Did I have enough frequent flyer miles?

I steeled my resolve with a couple of glasses of good wine and casually mentioned that I was up for a road trip. To my joy, skinnygurl said "OK, let's run."

My life had purpose. I'll let her tell you how it all turned out. Stay tuned for more PCL fun.

Molly

10 Months Post Op Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

After seeing my surgeon just a couple days ago I have news to share. I've reached maximum medical improvement which means my knee won't get much better than it is right now. The PCL is strong and the surgery was a success. I have 140 degrees flexion which is excellent although I am hoping to gain more as time goes on.
I'm not running just yet and hope to get past this nagging pain soon. It still aches and stings around the knee cap. I continue to do strength training at home but still struggle with going down the stairs. It's not that I can't do it, it just pulls like crazy over the top of my knee cap.
I'll be required to wear my brace if I'm engaged in any pivoting sports for the next two months.
It's been a year since the injury. Nothing about a PCL injury or repair is easy. If you're faced with this, read my blog and prepare yourself. It's hard but you can do it.
Thanks to everyone that helped me through this journey. Please continue to leave comments and encourage one another. I will leave this blog up and continue to update.