What is like right after ACL surgery?

I have never had ACL surgery but i have had 10 surgeries on my knees. I will tell you that than more than likey you will not be in the mood to go to your couins bris. the day after the surgery you will be in a considerable amount of pain, in fact for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery the pain will be pretty bad, but it will get better. I wish you all the best and tell your cousin congrats (I am not sure what a bris is but I take it that it is something important)

Evan, lets start with the second question first. The bris is a very important ritual in the Jewish religion and one that family does attend. I am not sure that you are exactly going to be in the best of shape the next day to attend. That doesn't mean that you cannot or should not. You are going to be under the effects of some strong pain medications and frankly is pain. Standing while the circumcision is done is going to be painful for both of you. Try it if you feel up to it. I am sure that the family will understand your not being there or having to sit through it. As for what to expect right after surgery. You are going to be in the recovery room until you clear mentally enough to understand what is being told to you and you can repeat it back. You will have the knee wrapped and given medication for the pain plus prescriptions for pain medications. You will be wheeled out to someone's car. Once home you are going to go to bed for you are going to be tired from the effects of the anesthesia. How much pain you are going to feel depends upon your tolerance but it is going to be somewhat painful. Standing up is going to increase the pressure on the knee as the blood will be pushing down towards your foot. Movement of the knee is going to be painful but you are going to have to move it to keep it from getting stiff. As each day goes by the pain levels will start to decrease when you are doing nothing. Movement is still going to cause you pain until you get all of the range of motion back. Within 6 months you should be back to doing most activities.