Jay's acl recovery

Hey just wanted to share a bit of my story. I had started keeping a log for the first couple weeks but am notoriously forgetful/lazy.

Anyway I am 34 and prior to the injury was extremely fit, active playing rugby and I tore it in game. I had no real pain, and heard no "pop", just felt things "move around" in ways that didn't feel right. I didn't leave the field right away but when I went to cut following play I basically collapsed. I knew something was wrong and called for a sub. I still no real pain but iced it right away hoping for a minor injury.

Well I had an MRI a few days later and found it was torn. So I consulted an orthopedic and was in surgery about a month later. I chose a hamstring graft as I do other activities (wrestling/mma) where I didn't want to chance pain kneeling. I was in surgery 8/13 sometime around 7am and woke up in recover around 10:30?? I'm not really sure as the meds probably dulled my senses a bit. I actually fell on the way into the house taking a stair with crutches but did a pirouette to my butt to no real effect except to scare the 'rents who were taking care of me.

The first few weeks of recovery are tough no matter how you do it but luckily my pain wasn't too bad. I actually still have most of my percs left. I was off crutches in under 2 weeks and actually walked throughout boston during that second week without them. I was sore after that though. My range of motion was pretty much fully returned by 2 1/2 weeks as well. I have had some soreness not too much pain per se but the first cold spell really made it ache.

Skip ahead to today 12/22 It's been just over 4 months and I was discharged from PT last night. just like everyone we did strengthening exercises on quads but hamstring strengthening didn't start til about week 12 and and agility training about week 16. You need to be especially careful with you hamstring in the early months as it is very susceptible to tearing. I am cleared for running and had done some random short (20-40meters) jogging as early as week 6/7. I haven't really done any actual running but will start soon. My PT was very happy with where I was strength and agility wise but warned me not to start training as if getting ready to play a sport. I need to keep clear that even though recovery has really come along great for me that this thing will be healing for the next year or so but am hoping that by mid feb I can get back to doing the things I love. I discovered snowboarding last winter and really want to be able to catch some of this season.

I am interested in hearing others thoughts on their pain through out recovery and when they got back to things especially snowboarding. Anyway good luck to everyone at all stages.