re: Knee surgery this afternoon - Complete tear ACL, partial tear MCL, LCL roughed up

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the first few days will be the worst.

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did they have you get one of those cold water pumps with the bladder/rubber webbing to put over your knee? if not, ask about that, that thing is great for the first few days post-op

Looks like you'll be up for one of those handicapped parking tags.

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They have a "cold therapy system" waiting on me at the surgery center.

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I didn't get one of my own, but I loved that thing, ended every PT session with electric stimulation and cold therapy. It felt great.

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Frankenstein Vol

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Name will fit now.

Had basically the same surgery in high school, except I had meniscus instead of LCL. Overall it wasn't that bad, other than normal pain to be expected. I rehabbed hard and was back to 100% within 4 and 1/2 months. But I also didn't do anything that my PT told me not to do. However, people rehab differently and it's very important to listen to what your body is telling you and do what your PT says to do while both in therapy and at home. Your rehab will depend on what you're trying to get back into doing. Go into the therapy with a positive mindset, know that you're going to endure some pain and try to lean into it, if you can. If you're pain is to much, don't push it. Understand it is a process and takes time to heal and get back to normal and you should be fine

This is a 6:25 minute video of the ACL rebuild procedure. Not sure the procedure on the MCL and LCL.

All-Inside Arthroscopic ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Retroconstruction

Still in pt for MCL and ACL. The ice therapy system might not get through the bandaging at first because it doesn’t get cold enough. If that is the case, I suggest getting an ice pack in addition like the ones at PT. As others have said don’t do more than PT tells you. Repetitive exercises and motions can lead to muscle strains. Those are not fun combined with acl recovery and are very painful.
Being able to fully extend your knee is the most important thing. If you have the ability to do that, then you will have the ability to flex. Everybody recovers differently, some have no pain others have complications, but you will get there. Last and best tip: stool softeners while on pain meds.

Yes. Also had the meniscus done.

Do the rehab at home and not just at the therapist.

Not sure how big your incision will be but I found the best way to shower was to take a garbage bag and wrap it around my leg. Use electrical tape wrapped around on the top and bottom to seal it. That worked best because the tape would stretch enough to keep a tight seal.

Had ACL recon and LCL repair in September 16th. No pain, off crutches 4 days after surgery. Rehab sucks because you feel like you could do more, but you shouldn't. Stool softeners are a must if u take the pain meds. I'm about 6 weeks post op and feel great.