Knee Injury

ACL and MCL, Strain, Replacement, Range of Motion

Will I be able to walk without pain again? How long will it take?
How long will it take for me to get back to the same level of flexibility and range of motion?
How long will I need to take pain medications?
Do I need to go to physical therapy?
Can I do my own physical therapy?
How long will I need to use crutches or a scooter to get around?
How long will it be before that knee will be able to bear weight?
Can I use a walker?
How will I take a shower or a bath?
Will my leg atrophy? How will I get full strength in my leg again?
How long do I need to wait before I can drive my car after the surgery?
How long will I be out of work?
I don’t want to be a burden on anyone during my recovery.
Will I stay at the hospital overnight?
Should I get a partial or full replacement?
Should I replace both of my knees at the same time?
I'm worried about getting an infection or a clot from surgery, or suffering other complications as a result of it.
How will I get up and down the stairs in my house while I am healing?
What if my knee still hurts even after surgery?
Will I be able to resume my previous workout routine or play sports after surgery?

Whatever you need to get through this recovery, I will be there to help you.
When can I stop by after surgery with a meal for you?
I care about you.
You can do some home therapy with ankle weights, but the professionals are critical to your recovery.
Do you need somebody to take you to the hospital and be there when you get out of surgery?
Would you like me to go to your follow-up visit with your doctor or to physical therapy?
If you are diligent about doing your physical therapy exercises, you will start seeing results, but it takes time.
If you need someone to drive you around during your recovery, I would be happy to chauffeur you.
Let's see if we can rent you a transport chair (or other home recovery aid, such as a scooter) to help with your recovery. Or perhaps we can find somebody who can lend one to you.
Be sure to stay ahead of the pain by taking the medications prescribed by your doctor. Don't try to be a hero.
Technology has come a long way, and I'll bet you will be surprised by how quickly you will recover.

I wouldn’t want that kind of scar on my leg.
Does your leg set off the alarm when you go through the metal detectors at the airport?
I feel so bad that you have to go through this.
I feel so blessed and lucky that I didn’t need that surgery.
Everything will be just fine.
You should try doing this other treatment before getting surgery.
Did you try that other treatment I recommended?
Do you have any regrets about going through the surgery? Was it worth it?
Does it hurt less than it did before the surgery?
Are we feeling better today? (Or some other infantilizing platitude.)
Too bad you can't play tennis (or basketball or run or ski) after knee surgery.
I know how you feel.

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