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Post-Op Week 7

 Overall Feelings

I went through several post-op weeks where I had that initial MPFL reconstruction post-op pain. Once I healed from that though, I was so excited. I suppose I was so excited that I didn't really pay attention to the minor aches and pains I experienced. That is why I have failed to mention my soreness/minor pain of my surgical leg's IT band. My IT band feels sore/painful more often than not right now. After a bit of research, I believe this is due to the fact that the muscle in my quad is not strong enough (I experienced muscle atrophy after surgery). My IT band typically bothers me around the outside of my knee. I will want to ice it from time to time or take hot baths. 

That's really the only complaint I have; everything else seems to be going smooth!

Physical Therapy


My physical therapist starts every session with massaging my knee/IT band. This week he had me lay on my side. This is how my old physical therapist (with my first injury) used to end my therapy sessions. My PT put three suction cups on my IT band and moved them around. This helps lift anything that needs to be lifted inside the leg/knee. I really felt like the massage helped my IT band the rest of the week. 

I graduated to the "big girl" bike this week! Which means I can cycle using my leg strength only. I  have also started doing standing squats to sit on a stool. 

The straight leg raises were the hardest exercise for me for a long time. I'm doing much better at those. In fact, I was able to do a lot more reps this time. They told me they would add weights next time! Woohoo! Moving up! 

My NEW hardest exercise is "short arc extensions." At first, I HAD to use a rope to help my leg extend over the roller (as seen in the picture). But after a few practices at home, I was able to do them by myself at the end of the week! 

Activity Level

I definitely feel more ambitious! I say that because over the weekend I went shopping around a small town in the heat; I shopped for over an hour straight without any sitting or breaks. Once I got home and sat down though, I felt pretty sore. My whole leg felt sore. I hung-out on the couch for the rest of the evening. I think I experienced the soreness because I haven't walked/stood for that long since pre-surgery. I didn't have any knee pain though, so that's a blessing!

My 3rd post-op visit is this upcoming week! Last time my ortho said that this upcoming visit may be the visit where he clears me to take the brace off and drive. To tell you the truth, I've cheated a little bit. I've been walking around my house without the brace. It felt weird at first, but it got better. My quad is still not quite strong enough, so my kneecap feels unstable...but I feel ready to go full-time without the brace! I also attempted driving today; I was able to drive fine! It's been 4 months since I last drove...I am so ready to be more independent! I pray that the appointment goes well. 

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