I really thought physical therapy might be winding down. That little spark of hope showed up quietly—maybe this is it, maybe I’m finally done. But nope. I saw the surgeon again, and he prescribed another round of PT. After two surgeries in a year, my quad just isn’t bouncing back the way it should. Muscle strength is still lagging, and apparently, we’re not done yet. To add another layer, I also have to switch physical therapy offices. My current clinic doesn’t offer blood fl

It’s almost Christmas, and I had every intention of reeling in the spending this year. Every intention. It’s not working. I love buying gifts. Always have. There’s something about finding the thing that makes someone light up that gets me every time. So here I am, telling myself this is the last one… and then immediately finding another. No regrets—just mild budget anxiety and a very full Amazon cart. I might even be getting myself a gift soon, too. Not wrapped. Not sparkly.

Six months out from my second ACL surgery, and my doctor says I’m doing pretty well. Objectively, everything is going according to plan — but if I’m honest, it doesn’t feel that way. I still need support going down stairs, and I haven’t dared to jog or do anything that involves quick stop-and-go movements. I’m way too nervous about reinjury. There’s just no way I could face doing this a third time. So, I’m choosing slow progress over setbacks. Strength over speed. I’d rather

I’m still struggling with stairs — especially going down. My doctor says I could start jogging, but honestly? I haven’t worked up the nerve yet. It’s not fear exactly… it’s more like my body keeps saying, “Let’s not rush this,” while my brain is already halfway down the block imagining sprint intervals. As the weather changes, I’m noticing more ache in my knee. It’s like my leg has a built-in barometer now. I can tell when it’s going to rain before my weather app does. Betwee

Life feels pretty much like business as usual these days, though I still can’t go down stairs without holding on to the handrails. It’s...

I had my follow-up appointment with my surgeon this week and, thankfully, everything looks good. He said I’m right where I’m supposed to...

Twelve weeks. I can hardly believe it. Honestly, after all the stress I felt in the beginning, I’m feeling really good now about how fast...

Eight weeks post-surgery and I’m finally feeling like I’m getting my legs back under me — figuratively and literally. I won’t sugarcoat...

Heading into week 7 of ACL recovery, and it’s officially time to go back to work. Cue the crying. It’s not that I hate my job—let’s be...

I’m almost six weeks out from my ACL surgery, and I have to admit — I’m pretty excited at the thought that I might soon be able to ditch...

Recovering from ACL surgery can feel like you’re stuck on the sidelines. I know firsthand how frustrating it is to feel like your body is...

Heading into Week 4 post-surgery , and guess what? The crutches are officially retired — maybe they’ll become Halloween decorations...

We’re only halfway through Week 3, and I’ve already hit a major milestone— 106 degrees of flexion in physical therapy today! My leg...

Okay… I know I’ve said it before, but this recovery is so much faster than the BEAR ACL surgery . I’m honestly still shocked. Thirteen...

When I tore my ACL the first time, I chose the BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) surgery. It was newer, innovative, and best of all,...

Last week, my bio kids were at their dad’s house for the first stretch of my ACL recovery. It was honestly a blessing in disguise. I got...

It’s been one week since my second ACL surgery, and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s been different —and in some surprising ways, easier....

It was a Saturday—one of those nearly perfect days where everything feels like it’s finally coming together. My partner, Jake, and I...

A volleyball, some hot sand, and one very loud pop. It was a Sunday — July 7, 2024 — and we were wrapping up a weekend at our campground....

Welcome to My ACL Recovery Journey (Take Two) Real stories, real setbacks, and getting back up — literally. Hi, I’m Cassandra — a working...