Thanks for the advice. How soon after surgery did you go back to work?
> 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
