6 weeks post op

HI everyone,

So yesterday was my 6 week marker. I have had a great recover so far. My walking is COMPLETELY normal, you would have never known I tore my ACL (except for the big brace on my leg). I only wear the brace at school, because apparently there is a risk of someone jumping on my bag or deadlegging me (even though that would never happen!) At home I don't wear it. Oh, and typically at school I take it off during class/don't put it back on. At field hockey practice I wear it nice and tight. As for sports, I obviously am not playing yet. However....  I do run (i'm not suppose to). It isn't serious running or anything, just a uber slow jog. It just feels good to stretch my legs again, it has been quite a while. I can easily run with the ball and hit it. Some of you might think I'm crazy for running so early! However, it can't hurt my rehab. I view this light jogging every couple days in a week as strengthening my quad muscles. I DO NOT pivot hard at all. I know my limits.. that is something that everyone has to grasp before they start pushing themselves, further along in the rehab. (NO major jumping, burpies, lunges yet)
Physical therapy is slow but steady. I am on mostly weights and standing/balancing exercises. Most of the table exercises I do only at home. I bought some 5 pound ankle weights with removable 1 1/4 pound weights to adjust as I need. The scars are beautiful, healing nicely. Soon they will be gone! Range of motion is completely back, strength is getting there, balance is back and strong and lastly, swelling is gone. I cannot yet see the definition of my patella tendon or the little indents on either side of my knee. They are almost back though! These typically show up around 3 months post op (according to the doc). Also, I can KNEEL! hoorah! (Someone at PT did tell me kneeling was overrated so maybe i shouldn't be too thrilled... but it is progress, so WHO CARES!)

lastly, I just want to encourage everyone who is going through the ACL recovery process that if you work hard and stick to your exercises, you will get better, and quickly. You may not be going as fast as YOU want, I know I feel that way, however, the PT's know best. Don't push yourself, don't do something that might hurt you, and lastly, don't base your recovery exactly off mine. everyones is different! I am a young (17 :)) athlete with the patella tendon graft who has been active her whole life. If this doesn't fit you exactly then get angry or frustrated when things don't go as planned!

Have faith and get better!!! Work work work

Feel free to leave comments or questions.