Bree's Story: Looking for Pre-Op Helpful Hints

by Mark
(St. Paul, MN, USA)

What a great website. There are so many encouraging stories here.

My daughter, Bree, tore her ACL and slightly damaged her meniscus on February 24. She hurt it playing basketball. She drove to the basket and upon landing from a jump stop, went down in a heap. She is 17 (a junior) and way too introverted to write her own story here. Her surgery is set for March 30 using her patella tendon option.

I have been doing a lot of research on ACL injuries and I try to give her information that keeps her informed about what is happening to her and what she should expect before and after surgery. I don't want to overwhelm her with information, but I also don't want her to go into her surgery without knowing what she should expect.

Is it possible that she will be able to play at 100% her senior year? That gives her nearly eight months of rehab and getting back into shape.

She has always stayed active with basketball and softball and attends summer basketball camps and speed programs to stay in shape.

I have read many of the stories and see that there is quite a range of recovery times but I haven't seen many that say they were able to play at 100% after 8 months.

Can anyone tell me what was or was the most helpful information you received prior to surgery? What is the best advice you received and are able to give her for the pre and post surgery other than keeping up with her PT?

Thank for any advice!