> I am a very active 31 year old female (krav maga, skiing,
> touch football, gym). I tore my ACL three weeks ago playing
> touch football. I'm having surgery in two weeks. What can
> you suggest in terms of preparation in advance of surgery?
> I'm in physical therapy so I have that covered, but can
> anyone suggest exercises to help build strength in my upper
> body to help with the crutches? Is there anything you've
> found particularly useful to have that I should purchase in
> advance? Is there anything else I should do in the next two
> weeks to prepare?
> Thanks,
> Cory
Cory,
I just had my surgery using a hamstring graft two weeks ago. I also tore my ACL playing touch football and I'm 30 years old. I only had to use crutches for about 3 days after the surgery and then I was slowly able to put weight on the operated leg thus being able to walk with a limp.
As far as things you need to get before the surgery I would highly recommend getting a couple of ice packs so that you can ice your knee. My hospital provided me with an Ice pump which pumped ice water into a pad wrapped over the dressing and also a CPM machine that excercises your knee for about 8 hours a day soon after surgery so that you can regain ROM (range of motion) asap. However both the ice pump and the CPM machine had to be returned back to the hospital about a week after surgery.
It's important to do the excercises they recommend soon after surgery despite the pain and discomfort you may have. Take the pain killers and do the excercises. The pain will subside and your ROM will improve within the first two weeks. I just started driving again couple of days ago.
First 3-4 days will be the worst in terms of pain and getting simple things done like getting in and out of bed, going up the stairs etc. so take care during that period and your situation will improve after that.
Good luck with your surgery!
-Nipun
