Hey there! I had ACL surgery a few years ago, and I totally get where you're coming from. The first few days post-surgery were rough for me in terms of pain, but icing and elevating my leg really helped. I also made sure to stay on top of my pain meds as prescribed by my doctor to manage the discomfort.
As for staying motivated, setting small, achievable goals really kept me going. Whether it was reaching a certain range of motion or being able to walk without crutches, having those milestones to work towards made a big difference. Just remember to take it slow and listen to your body - pushing too hard too soon can set you back. Stay positive and trust the process, you got this!