I’m 3 weeks post op and agree with all of these. Trying to do basic functions the week after were awful (plus the addition of being super sick from pain meds). Once you start finding your little ways to deal with things it gets better. Biggest pieces of advice are to be humble enough to ask for help and be patient with yourself and your body. Recovery will come but it is not linear. Hang in there!

Am so happy that I had no pain after the surgery 80 degrees in day 4

I hope you keep doing these check ins especially! I am about 6 weeks post op and I remember all your frustrations well. Sleep was the hardest I was SO uncomfortable I wanted to scream all night. I didn't have a brace but I had a major struggle getting pain under control. Doing physio wasn't even an option til about day 6 or so. In the next couple weeks, when discomfort was mostly done, dealing with swelling, and trying to eek out the new couple degrees (I have extension but I'm still missing a little hyper-extension before ive done my physio for the day) and keeping your range of motion through the day. It felt like I was starting from scratch every single day for awhile, while I was determined I was also fighting a hopelessness of a sort.

something i’ve found so helpful, is attaching a loop of parachord around the bottom strap of your brace with a very secure knot, because it will be very painful if it fails. but it’s helped so much in being able to pick up my leg by myself like when i’m getting on the bed, in and out of the car, etc. and when i don’t have my brace on i lay back completely so my center of mass in on the bed or whatever i’m getting on, and use my other leg to lift my operated leg

Thank you dr wang for this very interesting videos

Thanks for sharing your experiences and expertise. I had torn my left ACL, partial tear on MCL on 2/12/21. I’m a PT,hoping can get by with non-operative approach until I found out I also have meniscal tears. I’m having surgery on 4/5/21 and your videos have helped a lot to prepare for this surgery.

I’m on day 3 post op for ACL n meniscus surgery. I’m terrified of showering or just opening the wound up. First time I tore my ACL it was only a partial tear but during the first week I fell in the shower and I’m saved to do it again

Hey Dr Wang - what extension and flexion are you currently at 19 days post OP?

5 major challenges after ACL surgery: 1. Sleeping 2. Put on clothes, shoes 3. Showering 4. Climbing stairs 5. Holding cups, water bottles Notes for myself. Am going to undergo ACL surgery next week. Thanks Dr. Wang.

Another frustration I’ve had is my brace constantly sliding down as I am walking more with crutches or my walker.

I'm 4 months post op and ya i agree with all of these and also i have many more. But guys have hope and trust the process, everything will get better.

I had my acl and mcl and lateral meniscus repaired Monday. I agree those all suck. How long until you were able to get off prescribed pain killers

Showering, we got a shower chair from friends whose mom had past. I slid from the edge of the tub onto the shower chair and gently used both hands to hoist my led into the tub. Used the hand sprayer that we had in the shower to shower It worked great. When done I used a towel to dry my upper body then placed the towel on the edge of the tub so when I hoisted my leg over the edge then my second leg i was able to use the towel to dry both legs. Put my brace back on then slowly and carefully put my underwear and gym pants back on. We also order a hand braces for the toilet and a walker which were of GREAT help.

Thanks for sharing!

I had surgery three days ago. The pain is excruciating. I am regretting the surgery. I had an ACL cadaver replacement, and I also had meniscus surgery. One side 60% they took off the other one they stitched it up. I am in bed, but every time I get off to walk the pain feels heavier.

I'm 46yrs old doctor wants to do surgery on my torn ACL and meniscus but nothing in my like makes this easier if even possible bathroom is up a flight of stairs along with the fridge and no one around me that can help

My most helpful tool in the first weeks after surgery: A transport roller for furniture or skateboard! You put everything you need on it (bottle, food, ...) and roll it to the place you need with your walking sticks 🛹🩼😉

How long do I have to sleep with the brace on

I'm still having issues with my full range of motion. I can walk up the stairs normally but don't go down them normally! I am at About 115 range of motion! I may never be 100% & my pain is always gonna be there and I don't think I will ever regain my muscle completely! It really sucks. I feel worse than before I had surgery!! Wish I had never done it sometimes!! 😪😔

i get surgery this week, all long until you can drive? get in and out of front seat of a car?

Surgery coming up. Dreading the whole thing 🫤

How long does brace wear during sleep usually last for?

I never had to wear the brace from day one the doctor didn’t put it thank god

2nd night after surgery really struggling to sleep and get comfy

i tore my acl and collateral ligement i got surgery afhter 41 days because of corona needed the brace for 6 weeks i jused to sleep for almost 2 months like straight like a soldier but now my afhter 7 weeks ish my knee still doesent bend like i want

Yea I’m having a hard time showering my leg is extremely uncomfortable and I’m pain . We got a chair but the tub and the toilet are very different in height and feels like I’m staring my legs and back .

Just 2 days into my recovery..its just frustrating to be unable to do any basic things

Im on my 3rd week so far from recovering... now im starting to feel sharp pain here n there......

I bot a used walker. This helped be independent. The nerve pain on the inside of my entire leg up to my groin is the worst feeling. Anyone else experience this? Day 13….

I’m 2 weeks in and is the worse

Oh and let me not even forget the stairs I have to go up on my buttocks 🤦🏻‍♀️ acl and meniscus surgery is the worse I tell you !!!!

being an aussie and 2 years later 1 week post ACL/MCL surgery i never had a brace like you did i just had a bandage which was taken off after a day then the dressing for a week and a half taken off after that. Garbage bagging your leg with tape for a proper shower was a life saver instead of having to be held but also i was practically sort of walking by day 2 with and without crutches. idk if its an american sh**y doctor thing or not but yeah man

Literally had surgery today and they have hydrocodone for pain 2 pills every 6 hours and it ain't working or helping at all

I just had meniscus repair. Non-weight bearing for 6 week. I have ACL and cartilage transplant together next. Anyone have any experience with that big surgery?

These definitely hit, I'm 11 days post surgery. The sleep is brutal. I'm still in the brace for 3 more days

No i just removed my brace after 7 days 😂

Pooping with a straight leg!

When did you you start try to bend you knee after surgery , I’m 3 days post- op

I still cannot crutch it’s day 7

Weird Americans using braces because of insurance.