3 Weeks & 6 Days Post Op

I went to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary the see my Consultant last Thursday.  He stated that he was pleased with the progress I have made since the op.  He was also amazed at the lack of bruising on my leg.  I was surprised by his comments as I felt as though it had been badly bruised, but he further stated that normally he would see bruising from the toe to the top of the thigh.  He was cautious about my recovery, so he directed me to remain in the fixed brace at 0% movement and no load bearing for a further 4 weeks.  He also stated that I should continue with passive physiotherapy for the 4 weeks.

I was a bit disappointed at the outcome of my appointment.  But, on reflection what could I expect.  I kinda thought that I would be in the brace for about 12 weeks.  It is the boredom that is doing my head in.  I will just have keep myself busy.

I went for physiotherapy class on Friday.  It was good.  I met a few people who I knew.  I like going to the class as I find it motivating.  I am the only PCL in the class, as all the rest are ACL's.  They are making quicker progress then I.  But, thats because the staff are very cautious about my PCL.  I fully understand why, but I can feel as though I am a slacker.

I am finding being houses bound rather challenging.  I have had visitors nearly every day.  Without this I would be struggling.  The visits just lift my spirits.  I have also joined various online biking "communities" which have also been great.  The amount of useful information has been a a godsend.

I'll keep you posted of my progress in a couple of days.

Post Op-Day 16

I have been to the physiotherapist yesterday (Wednesday).  I did  some more passive exercises.  It was nothing to heavy.  I have another session tomorrow afternoon when I attend the ACL/PCL class.  I have posted some pics below of my knee on Day 16 Post Op.

I am due to visit Mr Keating at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary next Thursday for my 3 week Post Op check up.  I am looking forward to it which seems a bit daft as who would want to visit their consultant.  But, for me it all part of my recovery.  I have been using frozen peas to ice my knee this has helped no end.  However, I decided this morning to order an Aircast Cuff  See pic below.



I saw this contraption on Sports Relief when Davina McCall was using it to reduce the swelling on her knee.  By all reports the Aircast Cuff seems to work well.  It is due to arrive next Wednesday, so I'll give you a full report then.

I am also thinking about buying another bike to add to my collection, but more about that next post.

Post Op- Day 7 & Day 10

My recovery has been progressing slowly in the last week.  The nurse has visited a couple of times to check my wounds and dressings.  She has been very happy with the as they seem very clean and uninfected.  She took my staples out on Day 10 (Friday).  This was okay, apart from the ones in my shin which were a bit uncomfortable to remove.

As you can see from the pics, my right leg/knee is badly bruised and swollen.  During the last week, the bruising has been pretty sore and whilst I have been lying down I have removed my fixed leg brace as it was getting uncomfortable to wear due to the bruising and swelling.

I was at the physiotherapist on Wednesday and on Friday.  We did passive movements on my knee which was not too bad at all.  On Friday, it was a physiotherapy class.  In the class, were 7 guys who had had their ACL reconstructed.  They were all 8-10 week post op.  It was great to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that after such as short time you can make really good progress.  I have something to aim for.  My knee felt a bit sore after each session, which is much to be expected.  I am due back on Wednesday, so we will see what we will get up to then.

Post Op-Day 2

I had a restless night last night.  I woke up every hour on the dot.  I don't know if the painkillers were agreeing with me.  I felt totally out my face.  Which in normal circumstances is okay, but I was hallucinating about all manner of things.

I am taking my painkillers religiously as if I don't I feel very uncomfortable..  This means that I am sleeping quite a bit, which I think is okay considering it just two days since I had the operation.

The nurse came into visit me in the afternoon and changed my dressings.  She said everything looked fine.  I was surprised at the length of the wounds as I thought that they would have been a lot smaller.  The staples holding the closed look very ugly.  The thought of getting them out makes me queezy.  I have put some pictures up of the visit.

A physiotherapist from Forth Valley Royal Hospital got in touch to arrange an appointment for me next Wednesday morning.  I am looking forward to meeting the physiotherapist as then I will know that I am fully on the road to recovery.

Post Op-Day 1

I had my PCL reconstruction done at the Royal in Edinburgh yesterday.  It was a really busy day that started with a 5.45an rise and a 1hour journey to the Royal.  Whilst on the journey, the Pentlands looked fantastic in the morning sunlight.  I hope to get out on my MTB soon and one of the first trails I will be doing will be up the Pentlands.  Heres hoping everything goes well and that my recovery is smooth.

I was operated on at about 9.00am and I was back on the ward at about 11.30am.  I was doped up to the eyes, so I cant remember that much about the next few hours.  The pain was not to bad.  My right knee was put in a fixed brace to limit any movement.  The brace felt weird, but I had to get used to it as I would be wearing it for up to 6 weeks.  The staff at the Royal were absolutely brilliant.  They could have done no more for me. 

At 4.00pm, I was seen by Mr Keating, the Consultant who did my operation.  He stated that it "was a text book operation" and that he was very pleased with how it had gone.  I was discharged at 5.00pm and was in the house at 6.30am.  More later.