So I don't know if anyone would remember but way back in 2000 when I was in a stupid plane incident not only did my life take a few twists (shortly after the stupid plane incident) but my knee got pretty torked. My knee was threadbare from several dislocations that were the result of over rotations kickboxing (word to the wise- if you practice martial arts don't do the showy kicks. They're useless and take a pretty heavy toll on the knees. But the kids love them. :roll: )
Anyways- I'd had an MRI around 2001 and the doc found that my ACL had severed and I needed a replacement. OF course I was in the midst of a spendy venture with my ex-wife and so could in no way afford to have the downtime necessary for recovery. So I've been putting it off and maintaining the injury, knowing that it was causing some wear and tear to the medial meniscus (among whatever else it's wearing and tearing when I walk on it.)
This week Monday I started a new big fancy house and on the day I began in earnest I tried to put my shoe on before work and felt a new pain and heard a nasty sound not too unlike the sound my ACL made when I dislocated my knee the last time. Kind of a pop like when you do that popping sound with your finger in your mouth or un-corking a wine bottle- only muted. Kind of a sick squishy pop. It's not like putting on my shoe is the most trying venture. Something strange afoot at the circle-K. (You know you're old when you refer to tying your shoes as "yoga".)
Anyhow- I called my doc and made an appointment and kept working (because I'm still financially somewhat unprepared, though the alimony deal with my ex was done last April) and it's been hurting more and more and I've been hobbling around like the old guy that I'm apparently going to become one day. Today I go for an Xray and meet with my doctor. I assume he's going to say that I'm doing more and more damage the more I walk on it and need to get into surgery for an ACL replacement (or possibly two? I have a high pain threshold) and whatever needs to be done to the cartilage. We'll see.
I may be laid up for three months, rehabbing. Wierd but unavoidable. I think I've been on borrowed time (as far as my knee is concerned) for about five years.
Maybe I'll get some time to write. Maybe finish up my stupid book. and fine tune it to a less stupid state.
Probably some uncharted territory from here on in for me for a while. Kind of interesting and since it's pretty much unavoidable not terribly scary. I'll probably be a duck-herder this week. (Getting those unruly little quacking yellow anarchists in some semblance of a row!)
Hi Toby, Go for it........ Both sons had to have ACL replacement. One had two surgeries on same knee......ONLY because when he tore it, the growth plates were not mature enough.... so basically the first was exploritory. They change alot of techniques yearly. By the time the second son went through his the incision was smaller......AND I thought the first was small! Football did it for the first......basketball the second. Basic recovery was pretty short..... Alot depends on how willing the patient is to do the therapy. So be sure and listen. The eldest is about 3 weeks from going to an intense physical and mental training session to earn his "cert." to be a correctional officer. The younger is sgt. the USNational Army Guard. He has trained the newcomers which means he gets to go "right along". Come next Sept. unless there is a BIG miracle, he goes to Iraq. They have already began training! Oh was it mentioned....the elder is into hunting.....both deer and duck. The younger likes dirt bikes. In all there is strain on the knees ....... at least some of their stories would indicate so. All in all they returned to normal and have full use. YET.......there is irony here.........ask why they can't bend over to pick clothes up off the floor or take out the garbage, ect. and one of the first reasons they have....... "weak knee" LOL Go figure! (And grateful they live on their own.) Best of luck! Wanda
The doc had me get my Xray as a formality- just because the insurance company wont approve my MRI until I get an Xray. But the cardiologist did mention in his report that I don't seem to have any loose cartilage floating around and that the joint where my ACL would be is compressing. Doc says that is probably what is causing the pain.
What I figure will happen- the pro from dover will look at my MRI and discuss my options, and we'll decide to scope the cartilage now and do the ACL after this project is done. Hope so. Though today I was kind of fantasizing about having free time for a few weeks. That'd be nice too- but I'd be broker than bankruptcy.
Hey Tobey, have you tried one of those velcro braces that you can get at most pharmacies? They have a hole for the patella and stabilizinng ribs on the sides. It works for me when my "trick" starts to play with me. Another option is the custom-fitted brace. I've had friends play full 90 min. soccer matches with them without a problem. I hope all goes well for you. Pain does suck to live with...Tim
-- Edited by timverton at 13:17, 2007-09-21
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Read what you said about having one.....then the other later. Both boys had torn minicus..... the surgeon did both in the same operation. "Scoped" the torn cartilages first then did the procedure to replace the ACL. Took a little over an hour on each son. Best of luck. Yeah.....the money thing.......was exactly the beginning of the end so to speak.....bankruptcy is exactly where it ended. There of course was a little more to the story.......the medical bills just sort of sped things that were inevitible along....... Yet, that is for another time...... The braces.......they were given only to stabilize NOT fix. In both cases only right after surgery before there is allowance to start the rehab to get the joint flexible again were they found to be beneficial. Boys hated them....quit wearing them......and it was weird because phys. therapists said the healing process was much faster. Go figure. Down time........maybe it IS your time......to simple "rest". Good luck. Wanda
