I destroyed ligaments when I was 16, and "wobbled" til I was 50..
Now, 5 years later, I hike and bike agressively, like a 30 year old..
Here's how I did it..
I exercised through the pain for 2 months before surgery..
..I was out of shape badly because I was having back problems from not walking straight.
I got a stationary stand for my bike, and peddled every evening before and after supper.
When the therapist came in after the surgery, and said "get up.. you need to walk NOW." I believed her..
..and I knew they wouldn't let me have the "good stuff" for very long, so I drove HARD, past the pain,
..determined to get the BEST possible results I could achieve..
All the while knowing they removed the bad stuff, and all that's left, is a totally new knee,
with muscles that were "just going to have to get over it"..
For over 30 years I couldn't bend my knee past about 50 degrees.. Now, I can bend almost to a crouch.
as for healing time.. I gave'em back their crutches (with a plate of brownies) on the 10th day..
No walker, done with crutches on the 10th day.. cane was for the longer walks for about another 3 weeks, that's it.
And I weaned myself off the prescription meds at 4 weeks.
..OK, so I still took some at night to sleep better, 'til the 6th week, but I needed the rest, right ??
Now, about those brownies..
Have yer wife BRING a big plastic tub of 'em when you get to your room, after surgery..
It insures the nurses check on you regularly, and that's going to help a LOT, as they take the epidural away too soon for sure.
One more thing.. the contraption that automatically flexes your knee at night..
make sure they send one home with you.. THAT is how I got SO much flexation back in my knee..
With less pain, and more flexation.. WOW what a difference !
Biggest thing, is tough out the pain, EVERY day, and flex that knee like you NEED the best results
..and you'll give'em back the crutched within the first month too.
Go with atitude bro ! .. it will work for you !
Call me if you want to talk more..
I have LOTS to share on this subject..
I had the worst knee they had ever seen, and the fastest recovery ever too.