One Week Post Surgery- A Different Kind of Hard

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.

The pain is there, don’t get me wrong. My knee is swollen, bruised, and stiff. But it’s not like the first time. I haven’t had any numbness. The discomfort this time is mostly in my thigh, with a deep, aching sensation rather than the intense knee pain I felt after the BEAR ACL surgery. Maybe I’m better prepared because I knew what to expect, or maybe this really just hurts less—but either way, I’m handling it.

One of the biggest differences? Progress.

With the BEAR surgery, my brace was locked completely straight for what felt like forever (it was actually around two months), and I couldn't even begin bending my leg for weeks. Getting to 90 degrees was a huge, slow-moving milestone.

This time? I hit 90 degrees within the first week. It doesn’t feel great, but I can do it. That’s a win.

Even more surprising—I drove my truck six days post-op. (Was it smart? Debatable. But I had to get to PT and didn’t have a ride.) Last time, I didn’t drive for months because of the brace setup and how much more restricted I was. This time, I feel far more like myself. More independent. More mobile. More in control.

The truth is, this surgery feels like I skipped the first 3–4 months of struggle I had with the BEAR procedure. If I’m honest—and this is hard to admit—if I had known then what I know now, I wouldn’t have chosen the BEAR ACL. Not because I re-tore it (that part’s on me… or the bug), but because the initial recovery was brutally slow. And when you’re a working mom with a blended family and a busy life, being laid up for that long doesn’t just impact you—it impacts everyone.

I was determined at the time to avoid removing tissue from elsewhere in my body. That was a hill I was ready to die on. And no one could have talked me out of it. But now I get it. Sometimes, the “less invasive” option comes with more long-term limitations—especially in those early, crucial months of recovery.

This past week hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows. I’ve had pain. I’ve been frustrated. I’ve been exhausted. But I’ve also felt hopeful. Stronger. More capable. This time around, I’m not just recovering—I’m moving forward.

Here’s to Week 2—may it bring more bending, less bruising, and no more bugs.