Hi everyone,

I’m 30F, around 125 kg (275 lbs), from Finland.
I have a complete ACL tear in my left knee with meniscus damage and instability. My knee keeps giving out and I’ve had multiple falls because of it.

MRI also showed:

• complete ACL rupture
• meniscus tears
• cartilage damage/chondral wear in the lateral compartment
• bone edema

After conservative treatment failed, surgery is now planned at Tampereen yliopistollinen sairaala (TAYS).

The surgeon plans:

• ACL reconstruction (BTB autograft)
• checking/possibly repairing the meniscus during surgery
• possible microfracture procedure if needed for cartilage damage

I’m currently doing physiotherapy before surgery and also training upper body at the gym to prepare for recovery.

One issue I already have:

my brace constantly slides down because of my leg shape/size

I currently use a DonJoy X-ROM brace, but it keeps slipping down no matter how I adjust it. If anyone with bigger legs/thighs found good tricks, sleeves, strap setups, or accessories that helped keep braces in place, I’d love advice.

My biggest concern right now:

will I realistically be able to get home up 8 stairs after surgery?

I’d really like to hear from people, especially heavier patients, who had:

• ACL reconstruction
• BTB graft
• meniscus repair/resection
• cartilage procedures
• recovery with obesity/high BMI

How difficult was recovery?
How bad was mobility during the first weeks?
Anything you wish you prepared beforehand?

Also:

what equipment helped the most after surgery?

I’m considering things like:

• shower chair
• crutches/walker
• elevated toilet seat
• ice machine
• wedge pillow
• compression devices

Any advice, preparation tips, or real experiences would be really appreciated 🙏