I had a cadaver ACL <<<the only option I would ever choose, done 10/30/13. I say that because My ortho who is one of the best knee/hip guys around advised me to do so as opposed to weakening the patella tendon, patella, or on the flip side same with using the hamstring graph or quad tendon graph. Plus many horror stories of recovery on the graph areas being worse than the actual acl recovery along with leaving graph sites weak. Hopefully HGH will take care of that.
Full range of flexation/extension was back in 4 weeks. The issue was getting the quad muscle to turn back on and fucking work. So while trying to walk the quad tendons took a serious beating shouldering the load. That was the worst part of recovery along with getting the 2.5" back that my quad atrophied from the surgery trauma.
My PT was very aggressive (he's a pro powerlifter) which really helps over the run of the mill pussy PT's. I wont lie, for me it took a year for the tendon issues to straighten themselves out. Or being able to squat down fully (just squatting, no weight) or sit with my ankles crossed under my ass....sitting on my feet without pain. The surgery part, the drill holes, screws, the graph ect was all better than new and healed way ahead of schedule.
I took 3 days off post surgery. After 3 days I was off percocet and 800mg motrin every 3.5 hours and just on motrin. I was in the gym on crutches. Fortunately I had my wife or my kid with me at all times to carry plates. The worst part was 14 stairs up to the gym and getting in and out of my car. But I took the fucking isolation brace off after like 3 days. Along with the dressing they told me to leave on and not shower for 10 days.
Common sense. If it hurts, dont do it. All upper body is fair game. Mine is better than new. Not for lack of testing it. 600 lb super wide stance low box squat, 600 lb sumo deadlift, 600 lb sumo 4" block pulls for reps ect ect. Itll take anything I throw at it now. If you do stiff leg deads just dont lock out your legs fully.