Playing the waiting game!!

by Katie
(UK )

I have to say the most frustrating thing aside from the actual ACL injury itself, is waiting for the date of the operation!
I play for a ladies football (soccer) team and I tore my ACL in July 2010 in pre-season training. It happened whilst just running with ball without contact from anyone. It was the worst pain i've ever felt! I had a trip to hospital and an X-ray done and just told it was probably only cartilage damage and it would sort itself out. Of course it didnt and i fought to get it re-assessed and eventually, after numerous assessments but no MRI, in Dec 2010 finally got a date for an operation to correct what was diagnosed as a meniscus tear. After waking up from surgery i was informed it was a complete tear and required reconstruction....my heart sunk. I recovered from the surgery quickly and decided to take up swimming to help build my muscle up before the op in the hope it would help recovery. The swimming has been going well and the Operation should be in April sometime. However as the months go past the pain is getting worse and the knee the most unstable its been since the initial few weeks after the injury.
Im most frustrated at the wait and the knowledge that it will be a long and painful recovery. The thought of ever jumping on my left leg again scares me and i think will be a major hurdle in rehab!! Im hoping for the best and trying to stay positive about my chances of recovering in 6 months....but staying positive is hard work when your playing a waiting game!
So fingers crossed and for anyone that is reading this going through the same thing, i hope it goes well for you!!