Goodbye Stitches and Zimmer Splint

Yesterday morning, my mom took me to the Fracture Clinic where I had my first post-op appointment with Dr. Theo. After taking a set of x-rays (which showed my new ACL in the form of a successful attachment of my semitendinosus with staples to my knee), I had my stitches removed. Dr. Theo then advised me to lose the zimmer splint (my dependable grey brace) as to prevent stiffness. He also told me to be aggressive with physio again: my new goal is to achieve an ROM of 110 degs in 6 weeks. This is totally doable (I think) but the pain is slightly more than when I first injured it.

Wish me luck!

-ange xx

A Week After Surgery

One week after surgery and the pain has subsided thanks to a strict regimen of oxycodone, sleep and chilly compression from my cryo cuff (see below). Cryo cuffs are essentially coolers that can keep ice in water for >12 hours, eliminating the need to use ice bags or packs. It works like a siphon with a one way valve, and has a cool (no pun intended) feature in that it can apply compression on the knee too.

Cryo Cuff used to cool my knee (from here)

On Thursday, I returned to physio and Neena as well as the other therapists said that my post-op knee is the best that they've seen which is very encouraging because it means that Dr. Theo did a great job (not that I ever doubted it). I actually believe that there is a lot of swelling but they don't seem to agree - all signs of a quicker recovery! Anyway, Neena made me do some simple exercises: some quad sets and ROM against a wall. My ROM is currently at 40-45 degs.

Stitches out on Tuesday!

-ange xx