Chad's ACL Surgery

by Chad
(Louisville, KY)

I am 1 week away from my second ACL surgery...on the other knee. The recovery from the first was difficult so sharing my story is therapeutic for me.

3 yrs ago I tore my right ACL and meniscus while playing football. My foot was planted and I was hit in the side of the knee which resulted in an audible pop. The pain was instant and sharp but was almost entirely gone after a few minutes. Besides a little stiffness, I thought I was otherwise fine. The following week I was hanging clothes in my closet...one sideways step and I was on the floor. That is when I realized it was time to see a doc. After being told surgery was necessary to play sports again I had to decide which procedure I wanted. Because of long term benefits and the specialty of my surgeon, I went with the hamstring option. The surgery was a success although the meniscus was not able to be repaired and was trimmed out. I was half asleep for the entire day of the surgery (meds...). The following day is when I realized that the pain involved in the recovery is significant. With the pain pills, it is more aching than sharp so it is manageable but maddening. The worst part of it for me was standing to make my way to the restroom. When you stand from laying with your leg elevated the blood rushes down the inside of the repaired area and it took my breath away. This was the worst part of the entire surgery for me...those few seconds each time I stood (for the first few days after the procedure) are why I am nervous about the upcoming surgery. Once physical therapy started, I was excited to see my progress and motivated to get back to normal. The therapy can also be painful but keep your eye on the prize and make it a challenge like you are competing in a sport. There will be days where you do not feel like you have the energy to give your full effort but find a way to do it anyway. If you take your rehab seriously you will have a faster and more successful recovery. I was playing football and basketball again after 9 months.

I tore my left ACL about 3 months ago playing basketball. I came down from a layup and me knee just kept going when I planted my foot. It was the same pop and pain as last time. I immediately knew my fate and started thinking about work schedules and babysitting times...planning my next surgery. Needless to say, I was right about the same injury and now I am facing the battle again. To those in my position, my advice is to mentally prepare yourself because the surgery is a year long commitment. If you enjoy athletic activities it is worth the all of the aforementioned things. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it is hard. Yes, you are not going to be capable of much for some time. In the end, when you are back to 100%, you will be happy you put forth the effort. It is an accomplishment I am proud of and I am sure I will feel the same way in another yr about my upcoming surgery.