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

Week Number 5

This week by far has been the best since ACL surgery. The swelling is getting scarce, I can walk with out my brace more. Life has been good. So, at this point my knee is in the middle of healing. It takes 6 to 13 weeks for the ligament to fuse, and start to get stronger. At that point, you still have some work to do to get to better form, but at least you can work out, and put your body thru a more rigorus work out.  So, for now I will have PT tomorrow, and we will see what Will has in store for me. I have been reading up on Hydroworx, which seems to be controversal because it's a constant work under water, like running, plyometrics, and other intense work outs. If I was guranteed no ingury during my workout, then I would so go for it, but for now, i plan on working in some more underwater workouts as this would take the pressure of your surgically repaired knee. Well kiddies, till next time. On a serious note, I want to send out my consolences to Steve Hickman, to his family. God Bless from #5, and all the AEFL family....

ICE ICE Baby

So, now on to the dog days of recovery. These are the days in between where you are not actually in the PT's office, but you are still getting your workouts in. Today was the most involved day that I have had since knee surgery. My older sister who is almost due to give birth texts me today that she thinks she is going into labor. So, I am out getting a haircut, since I have not had one in 4 weeks. I rush to her house, and she is putting on make up, so down to the important thing, her new PC died, so we rush to best buy, exchange it for a mac. During this time my knee is pretty sore from walking around. I get her home, she goes off to the hospital and I come home. For those who are wondering, it was false labor. I come home, take some naproxen, and fall asleep. Wake up, get in the gym and get a good work out in, come home, and do my PT work out, eat and watch some NBA playoff action. Now, I'm ready for a shower, and I notice my knee is pretty sore, and swollen. Now, its back to the same routine, ICE, moisturize my incision, and elevate. That is life at this point, ICE, heat, and elevate every chance I get. It's mundane, but trust me, it helps not only relive pain, but the healing process. Right now since you can not be as active, you need to help your body heal by eating healthy, resting enough, and icing, heating, and moisturizing. Trust me, i am a gym rat, i would rather be out squatting, working on my throws, or most importantly getting ready for wild card weekend tomorrow in the AEFL, but instead, I am at home Icing, playing XBOX, and doing a modified workout routine. In due time I will be out running, lifting, throwing, and getting back to my normal form till them. Its icing, heating, and PT. Till next time, ill update you on some of the games from tomorrow, I will be in attendance, I hope.

FAZ #5

PT Week 2

So, Tuesday I made it in for my weekly PT appointment. My extension, and flexion more importantly is getting better. I was able to unlock my brace, and it has been great. I was told I can sleep with out my brace which has been a god send. Since these post op braces are heavy, and uncomfortable. As far as work outs go, they have me on the bike with no resistance. Then they had me stretch my leg back as far as I could with some bands. This was a bit painful, but I got thru it. Then I had a chance to do modified squats on my back with no weight, these felt OK, I busted thru these and allowed to do leg lifts with out my brace. Finally I was able to walk backwards on the treadmill backwards, which proved to be tougher that it looked. Finally, I had some stem work, and a 10 minute icing. The one other thing I did forget was that I have not been work out my scar, this is very important, work that scar. So, this week I will do non braced leg lifts, quad sets, bike (stationary with no resistance), and my normal workout routine which includes back, traps, shoulders, biceps, forearms, and abs. From what I was told next week, I will start more gated workouts, I am looking forward to those, but I know this is a process.

Week 3

So, this week has started off with more promise than last week. With my first week of rehab nearly complete. I can notice my quad muscle firing better, and growing some. It's amazing how with just leg lifts, and other various workouts your quad will fire, and get bigger. I finally put my heard handedness, and self pity away for good. It's really easy to fall into that type of thinking when you are laid up on the couch medicated. I am looking forward to a productive week at work, and in therapy. I am confident my extension is getting better, and with any luck I will be close to -2 tomorrow. I have also been getting more intense workouts at the gym in my upper body, and look forward to stepping it up this week as well. One thing that has been weighing on my mind ever since this whole thing started was when, and if I will ever strap on the pads again. I know, I am no spring chicken anymore, and well, I am not 30 yet, but I will 28 this year, and after this major knee surgery, I wonder if I have it in me anymore. Sure, I can, and will build more muscle. I will get my legs stronger, I will get my speed back. Is it worth it? I don't know if it is anymore. Maybe it's time to hang up the pads for good, and coach, train, and compete at something else. I will always have a love for the game, its the best in the world, but I don't know if I can go at it anymore. Not as fast as I want to, as hard as I want to. Sure there are some older people that play, but I want to be able to walk and run when I am 50. I will make sure and blog about rehab tomorrow, and let everyone know how my knee is progressing.

FAZ