Start of Week 9

Some days it feels likes the weeks are flying by, other days it feels like things are going by so slow. Starting this week, I have been working my tail off at PT, and on my own. As well as keeping in shape at the gym. I have taken off my brace during workouts at the gym. Up to this point it has been a comfort thing. I worry that some numb nuts would run into my leg, or drop something close by. It all felt ok, I have decided to cut back to one day a week with Will my PT, and then take his direction, and work on those workouts on my own. I am in coasting mode at this point with different resistance levels so to speak, but nothing earth shattering until I start to run in about 3 weeks or so. At this point, my leg feels good enough to run, but I know I am not there yet, so I have to stick to the regiment, and be patient. Which sucks, cause my companies pool party is next week, and well I can not horseplay or rough house with my co-workers, and well there will diving, dodgeball, and a bunch of other shenanigans going on. I will have to take a rain check, and just witness the activities. I must say, it is frustrating waiting for this leg to heal enough to get back to running and lifting weights with my legs, to get full strength back. Till later on next week, when I see Will, and change the routine up again. Have a great holiday weekend, and talk to you guys later.

Fernando

#5

Start Of Week 8, and follow up Dr. Appointment

So, here we are the start of week 8. Right now, we coasting during our PT sessions. We are adding some tweaks to our routine, but nothing really changes. I had my follow up with Dr. Walter, it went well, he checked my knee, asked if I had any issues, and gave me some weaker pain meds. I something I have not done since I started recovery, I took two days off from PT, and weight lifting. It helped me relax my leg, and body. It also did something mentally, it allowed me to re-focused. I now know the reality is I have 4 weeks from being able to run, and get into more intense training. For those who are dealing with the same situation be strong, push yourself so that you can get past the mental hurdles. So, for this week, I am cutting down to 1 appointment a week during my pt sessions, its about progress and work. Here is another thing for those who are recovering from ACL surgery, your knee will feel weird. Every time my knee feels weird I used to freak out, and now I am getting a bit used to it. It's a weird mix of patience, hard work, and being careful. I ask my PT every little thing, and I know it may get on his nerves, but there is nothing better than having peace of mind. So, till later on this week kids, keep working, and you will back to normal soon.
Fernando #5

Week 6, and 7

So, first thing is first, I have not actually posted in 2 weeks. I have been really buys working out at the gym, and getting to PT 2 times a week. So, for week 6 the milestone was the swelling has gone down alot, I have increased my PT workouts, which is a well deserved change. So, my PT routine consists of quad shuttle, double, and single legged on my repaired knee. Leg band balance work, stationary biking, hamstring, and quad stretching, wobble board, weighted walking, singled legged medicine ball throwing, wall squats, elyptical machine, and walking backwards on a treadmill. So, its a 2 hour session. The main milestone for these two weeks has been my extension is also back in my leg. I have really focused on stretching and getting that extension back to normal. It has paid off, so a word of advise, stretch that leg, and get it going. So, the outlook for the next 5 weeks will be balance, strength, and flexion. I also have an appointment with my surgeon on Friday of this week, this is just a follow up, routine check up. So, I expect nothing new to happen here. I have been really busting ass trying to get my upper body strength back. I am happy to report my chest press has gotten back to 290, and my shoulders are getting back to their normal strength. Which is important. Once I get back to jogging, I will finally feel better. My leg feels pretty normal, but do not let that fool you. From what I understand, the 7 to 12 week, and the 12 to 20 week phase are the most critical. 7 to 12 weeks the ligament is actually regenerating, and becoming stronger, while this happens, it actually becomes really week. So, you need to be very careful with it. During the 12 to 20 week period there is still some strength that needs to be regained. The knee may feel good, but you still have to regain your leg strength before you can fully go 100% on it. So, word to the wise, follow your PT plan, work hard, but well supervised, and you will be back to normal sooner, rather than later. So, until next week, we have several cool things going on in our football league, and will be talking more about it soon. If anyone dealing with this process as I am has any questions, please feel free to ask, I will be posting more pics of my knee, and leg soon.

Fernando #5