post knee op advice please

[gypsyboy]

hello i had a knee op 17th july 2009 and had the following work
right knee bucket handle tear medial side so some cartlidge was reomved trimmed and repaired with 2 stitches.some of the tear involved the posterior horn
lateral side radial tear i had a trim.
also a grade 3 femoral condyral 1x1 cm this was debrided.
i was on crutches for 4 weeks non weight bearing.
i have %60 cartlidge remaining.
i am a male 33 year old.
i have been given the go ahead to return to work and will be completing a physical workout within the week.
my knee still aches sometimes and i get the odd dull ache and little pains.
i know i have had a lot of work carried out but is this stil a normal feeling?
i have heard you get pains for upto 6 months.
i have had my ACL done on the same knee 7 years ago but i cant remember to much.
if anyone can share some experience or advice please.

[gypsyboy]

forgot to say my knee is also still slightly swollen which means i cant squat completely yet.
i can jog ok no pain and have played a little football with the kids no problems.
cheers

[Heidi]

Hi

At this stage and given the complexity of the surgery and previous injury, I don't think the aching pains and minor swelling are anything to really worry about at this stage.
Just keep going with your rehabilitation programme, try to build the strength and flexibility of the leg right back up and you should find a big improvement.

[gypsyboy]

thanks for your reply. i know i have to give it time and hopes it settles fully.
is it true i could live with swelling never having full range of bending again?

[Heidi]

Yes in theory but as long as you continue with your rehabilitation programme and keep working at it then you should find that it improves.