Remember that you are not just restricted from walking with a locked brace, but it is also AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE WITH A LOCKED BRACE!  That may play into when you go back to work...for me, I took public transportation during that time - it sucked...but I was able to get around... I was also glad when I finally unlocked! I wore my brace a total of 18 weeks - 4 weeks PRE-OP, and 16 Weeks POST - OP.  it was a blessing to finally leave it off forever! :)
 
Good luck to you!
 
ACL Replacement Surgery (ALLOGRAFT): 12/23/05


Tonia Daniel
Ebay ID: luvsbaby
Ebay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Cuddlesome-Clothing

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To: kneesurgeryforum@yahoogroups.com
From: iris_desimini@...
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 10:37:50 -0800
Subject: Re: [kneesurgeryforum] ACL post-op

Hi Sonya,

 

I have a desk job as well, and was able to return to work after 2 weeks - I'm now 1 month post-op from a hamstring ACL reconstruction.  I would recommend going back to work when your head feels clear from all the meds...

 

At work, I just set up two garbage cans turned over, under my desk, and rest my leg on them - It works really well for me and I'm able to still sit facing my computer for most of the day.  I can even ice my knee in that position.  It also seems to keep the swelling down since it's partially elevated for most of the day.

 

I have to wear my brace for 6 weeks, and never walk without it being locked, per my doctor.  I would just do whatever your doctor tells you, regarding when to lock and unlock your brace.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Iris

----- Original Message ----
From: Sonya <one_hellofawoman@yahoo.com>
To: kneesurgeryforum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 5, 2008 4:57:07 AM
Subject: [kneesurgeryforum] ACL post-op

Hi,

I finally got my ACL reconstructed using the patellar tendon a year
and a half after COMPLETELY tearing it. I chose that option since
I've read that it was much stronger than using the hamstring. What I
didn't know was that it was much harder to re-coop from! I had to
wait to get the surgery done because I was 2 weeks pregnant when I
tore it.

Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since my surgery. I started PT on the
2nd day and threw down my crutches on the 8th day. The pain hasn't
been all that bad, but after the first few days of PT I was REALLY
hurting! I was up all night not able to sleep or even move.

Yesterday (day 12), I started the bike and lifting 2.5 pound
weights. It doesn't sound like much but I'm just now able to lift my
leg on my own.

I was wondering how soon did you guys go back to work after an ACL
reconstruction? I'm due to go back in 2 weeks, but it seems soon to
me (at this point). I work in an office, mostly sit at my desk all
day, but even that sounds unbearable at this point in time. I still
have a lot of swelling.

Also, how long was it before you could walk with the brace in an
unlocked position? I hate this thing with a passion! :-)

~Sonya

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