Tim's ACL Surgery

by Tim Allsopp
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

I snapped my ACL around 10 years ago in my right knee. I was playing semi proffessional soccer and was very scared this may be the end of my soccer days. It took 8 weeks to find out what the problem was as i had pain and swelling in so many areas of my knee. Eventually after having key hole surgery they found the problem. I had half my cartlidges out of the knee joint and discovered that my ACl was flapping around casuing the discomfort. After hearing stories like i will never be the same, you'll loose your speed, flexability etc I got a little down hearted. I thought if i cant play proffesional at least i can still play some sport at a different level. So all wasnt the end.

I had the surgery done with the most amazing Doctor who had operated on a number of famous soccer players and he reassured me that all was going to be fine. He actually told me that my right knee was going to be stronger than my left as he had reconstructed it in a better way to how we develop naturally. After working hard after surgery and feeling the progress come on and on i put off playing soccer for a few months after i was told i could start again. My Doctor said 6 to 9 month i would be out on the field but i wasnt in a rush so i waited a year or so. Intital kick and turning was scary but after a few games it was like it never happened and all was forgotten about the previous year or two of heart ache

Unfrotunetly i have now snapped my left ACL and at 30 i am begining to wonder if i will come back again, but knowing what i know it shouldnt be a problem at all. Hard work and a few painful moments of rehab. Just hope i get the surgery sooner rather than later so i can get playing sport again.

Tim