Dom's ACL Surgery

I'm a 27 year old male who tore his ACL, MCL and LCL playing basketball. I landed awkwardly going for a rebound (was pushed in mid-air) and heard three popping sounds. I purposely fell to the ground so I would not put any pressure on my left knee. Obviously I was in intense pain. My knee swell up instantaneously. After icing it at my friends house, the pain subsided but the swelling didn't go down. I had to visit an orthopedist who said I most likely tore my ACL. Hoping it was not the ACL since I really enjoy playing basketball, I took x-rays and a MRI which did indicate that my ACL, LCL and MCL was torn. He told me three options:

1) Do not have surgery, just increasing my muscles around the knee would help but he would not prefer this option as my knee is considered a full blown knee and I would not be able to play basketball. (Totally disregarded this option.)

2) Surgery and replacing my ACL with another part of my body. He would not prefer this as well since I would be in more pain than option #3. This also weakens the area where the ligament would be taken from which is understandable.

3) Surgery and replaing my ACL with an allograft. The best option, in his opinion (and mine) since I would be in less pain. There has been an improvement using an allograft over the years. (I recommend this option but it depends on the person).

As I was waiting in the hospital, it just hit me. I was about to have surgery and thinking what if something goes wrong. This flood of doubt, confusion and most of all scariness all disappeared as I thought: this is for my future, I would be able to play basketball and if not, I can at least walk properly.

My surgeon put me to sleep and next thing I know, I woke up in a room telling my sister that my knee hurt like hell. The nurse had already given me a morphine mixture and will take effect soon which it did but the pain was intense. I knew once that morphine wore off, I would be pain but at least I know how much pain. Two hours later, the hospital discharged me and went home. My knee felt fine, I could put pressure on it but I knew it was due to the morphine. A few hours later, my knee was throbbing and the pain was real. I thought I had a grasp of the pain when I was waking up in the hospital but this was entirely on another level. I took my painkillers (Oxycodon) and went to bed but the first two nights was sleepless. The pain was pretty bad but it did not occur to me that I would not be able to walk again. I had full confidence in my surgeon and myself that my knee will do just fine.

I was in bed for a month. The first week was hard, not able to get out of bed, using an ice machine helped. The worse part was the CPM machine. This machine helped you increase your range of motion (ROM) right after surgery. I had to use it 3 times a day for two hours each session. I honestly hated that machine in the first few days since it gave me more pain. Looking forward though, it helped a lot. After the first week, my knee felt better and the pain went down a lot but the swelling was still there. After a while, it was a routine. Wake up, use the CPM machine, afterwards ice my knee while elevating it and repeat.

My first doctor visit after the surgery went well. He open my bandages and my knee look like a spaghetti. The atrophy really did its job and comparing it to my right leg, there was a big difference. Don't let this deter you by anyway. Just remember, you will get those muscles back. Just be patient.

A month after surgery, my doctor recommended a physical therapist. At first, the therapist gave me a few exercises to do at home. I do this every morning and night (please do them, it really helps). As weeks passed, I had new exercises and my knee started to get a lot better. You can see the muscles developing, the ROM increasing and the lost of the brace and crutch was the best.

I still go to physical therapy (it's been 4 months since my surgery) and walking fine. My knee feels great except when it rains; it stiffens up quite a bit. Just remember, be patient, delegate time for your exercises and your knee will be good as new. I wish the best of luck for all those that will need surgery or recovering from surgery. Good Luck.