39 year old ready for ACL surgery

by Pet
(Philly)

ACL surgery scheduled for Feb. 16th.
Long story short, while playing football on Nov. 1st. 2009 with 28 seconds remaining before the half, I was running down field (without any contact) I felt & heard "the pop". I dropped immediately. My MRI showed no meniscus or cartridge damage. Just a right ACL tear. After 2 months of therapy, I met with my surgeon yesterday. Because of my age 39 I have the option of NOT having the surgery if I alter my lifestyle. He asked me how I feel about NOT playing sports again. I told him not playing is NOT an option! So we scheduled it. My surgeon is one of the best of not the best in Philly. I have all the confidence in him. To be honest with myself, I am a little nervous and scared. I guess that's natural. A lot of your stories help and I learned a lot from them.
I take everything as a competition and a contest.
My knee and my surgery is a contest that I will NOT lose. That's my motivation and I'm ready for it!
I will update my story as I hope it helps others!

Ps. I'm a young, active 39 year old. Everyone is telling me I'm too old to be playing sports (also my motivation). I also play ice hockey & baseball. SPORTS IS MY PASSION! If you don't understand that or you no longer have a passion than maybe I'm not the one that's too old?

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39 year old ready for ACL surgery

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Jan 28, 2010
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Welcome to the "you're too old" club NEW
by: Claire

Hi Pet,

My ACL surgery is scheduled for February 12th. I'm 50 years old and had to convince my doctor to operate. The prognosis for success is not as good for older people.

I live in the Canadian Rockies and downhill, cross-country ski and snowshoe in the winter, and hike, cave, bike and jog in the summer. I'm not a super athlete, but being outside is very important to me.

My doctor suggested I "alter" my lifestyle after the injury, but despite trying this, I have had several nasty falls when my knee collapsed. It really didn't matter that I decided to take it easy, because I am who I am. I'm used to being able to leap off a ladder, turn in the air and land on the other side of a paint can, run and kick the ball sideways for my border collie--both resulted in rather nasty collapses. Each time I did more damage to my knee and so I felt I needed the operation. I won't change, I know myself.

I don't think 39 is too old. I recently met two people in their 60's who have had successful ACL replacements. I'm very scared by the whole idea of what is about to happen to me, but very determined to be a model patient as well. I know exactly which mountain peak I am going to climb in 2011.

Good luck.

Feb 01, 2010
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Pet (UPDATE) NEW
by: Pet

I just got back from my “Pre Admission Testing” Nothing out of the ordinary here. Just your basic physical... blood test, blood pressure, etc.
All systems are go! I will receive a phone on Feb.15th. telling me what time to arrive on the 16th for my surgery.

Again, I will update my status pre-op thru surgery and well into my rehab. I’ve learned a lot from your stories and hopefully, by documenting my surgery process and how I fell (both mentally & physically) you can learn and know what to expect.

Leaving the hospital today I’m anxious because I want to get this done & over with so I can start my PT. I know I have a long road ahead of me so, let’s get it started!!!!
The whole idea of surgery also has me depressed. I’m not really sure exactly what I’m depressed about but it’s probably a common feeling.

May 27, 2011
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rePETE your not too old... NEW
by: Anonymous

Hey Old'Bird, are you kidding me I am 50 and play every sport imaginable. I had three surgeries and still play three times weekly, run, ride bike and everything in between.

Listen, you are not 39 years old, but 39 years YOUNG! I like you attitude and keep it up man!

Life is for the living, so why live if youf not doing what you enjoy?

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