My 3rd ACL Surgery And Still Playing.

by Mus
(Singapore)

I'm 25 year old male playing professional soccer. Recently I had my 3rd ACL + Meniscus Recon done. I thought that my career has totally ended. I had my 1st on my right using hamstring. 2nd on my left using hamstring. This 1 is on my right again using patellar tendon. Though this didn't make me gave up for the passion of the sport. Im already into my 4th month of rehab where I've been going to everyday making it as my 2nd home. All of the exercises I can do ranging from jogging to sprint to jumping and check turns. I've even started doing light training such as ball dribbling,short passing and juggling. Still,I have to strengthen my muscles and my core too and be stronger. I hope to get back playing again soon by the 6th month. There's a saying " Fear will destroy u ". Fight it and don't be scared to achieve new results as time goes by.

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My 3rd ACL Surgery And Still Playing.

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Nov 02, 2009
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Good work
by: lloydy

I admire your determination and strength of character. I'm in the 5th month of rehab from my 1st ACL recon, it's tough going. Hope to be back playing in 3 months. Keep positive and I'm certain you'll be back on the field soon.

Nov 02, 2009
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To lloydy
by: Anonymous

Thanks lloydy. Much appreciated. Hope u recover fast and well too. I can't wait for the new season to start. Heh. All the best,dude.

Nov 02, 2009
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Ham or patella?
by: Anonymous

It is an inspiration to hear from positive people like you who really want to keep playing hard. I have a question for you. Would you have used your hamstring tendon again or gone straight to the patella tendon? My surgeon is recommending the hamstring and I am wondering if it is as strong as the patella? Good luck with your recovery!

Nov 03, 2009
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Hmm.
by: Mus

The reason why a lot of surgeons used hamstring is because the recovery is quite smooth compared to patella. Furthermore hamstring harvesting is quicker than patella. Less pain and more flexibility. Patella took a bit long to recover but it will be much stronger than the usual ligament if proper rehab is done. Though patella have some difficulties like kneeling down and flexibility. It affects your quadriceps and thighs. If you are a patient type of person, i suggest go for patella for longer results because hamstring usually last 5 years or so as its elasticity will deteriorate as time goes on.

Nov 22, 2009
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Wow
by: Kristen

Im about to have surgery on my second ACL on the same knee. I admire your determination and commitment. At this point the doctor isnt sure if he will let me go back to volleyball or basketball. But if i can, im really not sure if i have the guts to ever play basketball again. But having read this, it makes me want to even more. I have a lot of decisions to make and i just hope to make the right ones. Thank you:)

Nov 23, 2009
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A New Post.
by: Mus

Thanks kirsten. Hope it will fuel your desire to go further forward.

I will post a new one. Who wants to read my rehab programme can do so and email to me at my new post. Thanks.

Dec 02, 2009
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still struggling two years later
by: soccer girl

i had my ACL reconstruction using my hamstring a little over 2 years ago. i have been back in competitive soccer for 17 months now and i can play alright but i still have pain and swelling after hard games. things like shuffles, planting for a shot with my recon leg, and faking players out really tweaks my knee. i always dreamed of playing college ball but senior season is going fast and i dont feel like i will be able to impress any coaches because i play very scared and timid because of the pain in my knee. do you have any suggestions to strengthen my knee (especially laterally)? And are these kind of problems normal? thank you so much for the inspiration you have given me and for any advice you have. Good luck with this rehab and Joga Bonito!

Dec 03, 2009
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Hi there.
by: Mus

Thanks for your comment. Perhaps you can send me email to predator_dx at hotmail dot com. I will send you the rehab programme. :D

Dec 21, 2009
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Another Link.
by: Mus

Hi guys. U can reply me to this link. http://www.sports-injury-info.com/my-3rd-acl-surgery-and-still-playing1.html

Thanks and hope to hear from u all soon.

Jan 08, 2010
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thank u
by: Aurora

i just found out today that my left acl is completely torn. 3 years ago i had acl surgery on my right. in addition, i tested positive for scoliosis. they also found injury to the pcl and grade ii damage to the patellar cartilage. oh, and bakers cyst... all this in one morning. i guess the blow wouldn't have been so hard if i hadn't been assured back in late october that my acl was in tact and strong by a different doctor who assured me that the mri showed the acl was healthy. i live in shanghai so liability, even in medicine, is a joke. anyway, thank you for sharing ur story. i need this right now, need to read stories like this. no one understands passion and the need to go on in the face of seemingly impossible odds like other warriors do. thank you for loving your sport the way i love mine. it's nice to know i'm not alone in that respect.

Jan 20, 2010
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Hi aurora.
by: Mus

Believe in yourself. Be determined. No one else can help you but your own. Be positive in whatever u aim for and go for it. :)

Feb 26, 2010
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WOW
by: Anonymous

i'm a sophomore basketball player. I tore my left ACL last year and had the hamstring graft. I tore my right ACL this year. About a month ago, i just found out wednesday. i was assured that it was just a sprain and played with no ACL for a month. It kept bothering me, had an MRI, and it showed that i completely tore it. I am determined to get back to playing stronger than ever! Your story is encouraging. I wanted to play college basketball and was wondering if i could after a 2nd torn ACL, but it is nice to see that you are still strong.

Mar 11, 2010
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Re:Wow
by: Anonymous

I play div I college basketball and just tore my acl, trust me bro you can play college ball with 2 torn acls. in fact, we just had a dude transfer in who tore both of his acl's in high school like you, and he is one of our most athletic and explosive players. Dont let the injury cut your dreams short man...im gonna dominate this thing and come back better than ever, you will too

Mar 13, 2010
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Re:
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the encouragement! I plan on coming back better than ever, and i don't plan on it ruining my dreams. What team do you play for?