Most likely will have surgery....

by Rebecca
(Milwaukee, WI)

I am thankful to have stumbled upon this site. My knee popped out beneath me during a dodgeball game last month. Initially the E.R. doc told me it was a simple sprain and that I'd be back on it in a week.

After a follow up with my personal doctor, he requested that I get an MRI, and when the results came back he told me I completely tore my acl and part of my meniscus.
I didn't realize the seriousness of this injury at first, and then he told me most likley I will need surgery.

I enlisted as a medic in the army, and I need a full range of motion in order to stay in the military. I was shocked, because I'm really not in much pain, initally I was in pain with the swelling, but now it is quite bearable and I've managed to do everything but go running.

Everything I do depends on my body, from my job, to my hobbies, I wanted to cry at first!! But from reading some of these stories, I know there is hope for a recovery. I was supposed to ship out to basic training within the next couple weeks, and I was actually looking forward to it, I have been training hard, and I felt as though I was well prepared.

I am a little discouraged because I feel like I am taking so many steps back. I have an appointment with a surgeon this Friday, and I will see how it goes from there. I am trying to remain positive, and preparing myself to be very dedicated to a physical therapy program.

I am afraid, as most active people I know I will be very frustrated with limited physical ability, it will be a challenge and require patience.