SL's Unhappy Triad

by S.L
(Tempe Arizona)

1 day post op

Where to start...

well the injury took place while playing soccer. The last thing I really remember was I jumped and when I can back down all I heard was the bone chilling "POP!" and on the ground I lay. I immediately didn't think I tore any ligaments, but knew it was serious. An MRI confirmed that I completely tore my ACL, tore my MCL (grade 3), and partially tore my meniscus.

The decision to get surgery was an easy one, seeing that I am only 21 and have many years of sports left in me.

I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery 8/13. The fist week post op I used cryocuff religiously and performed quad set daily. I was in pain but never took any narcotic pain killers. Why you may ask? I did not want to mask what I was feeling, and overbear my knee.

Another aspect of this surgery that I think deserves mention is the "mental rehab" of recovering from an injury. In the last two weeks I have felt helpless and depressed. The flip side of these feelings is that my injury has begun to inspire determination to recover. Another "mental" bi product of the injury/recovery is a greater appreciation for a fully functioning body.

I have begun formal rehabilitation with a physical therapist. I can see daily progress with range of motion (ROM). As of 2 weeks post op, my flexion is at 130 degrees and my extension is at 3 degrees (almost there!).

I will come bi-weekly to update with my progress. Thank you for reading.