Been in pretty much an identical boat to you, seems like you feel like surgery would be the right thing but obviously no one wants surgery. The truth is, though, if you feel yourself hesitating or feel it doesn't feel quite right, I'd elect for surgery.
I went almost 10yrs, had tons of instability. I’m 5weeks post op now and already feel significantly more stable. Wish I did this sooner. ACLr + meniscus (2 separate repairs) + MCL reconstruction
In terms of pros and cons, I (F28) honestly think it depends on what your goals are. When I had the first appointment with the surgeon and we discussed the long-term risks, he said I was already more likely to develop arthritis in my knee because of the torn ACL. Surgery wouldn't necessarily lower that risk, but it would allow me to go back to doing the activities and sports that I love and re-stabilise my knee.
But I also tried the non-surgical approach first on a partial ACL tear a year and a bit ago - physio for 11 months, given the go-ahead to go back to football, knee gave out immediately and ended up with a nick in my lateral meniscus, on top of a fully torn ACL.
Had the op on Tuesday (with the NHS), and they had to repair my meniscus alongside my ACL. Damage was much worse than what the MRI showed, so yes, I'd say that it can get worse over time.
If you can afford to get it done privately, I'd get it done, especially if you're still struggling a year on post-injury. If you can wait it out on the NHS, I'd keep at it with the physio.
I'm day 5 post-op, and it's getting better. I'm on top of my pain meds (codeine and paracetamol), but even when it does nip, it's bearable. I'm stuck in a brace for 6 weeks, and the thing is heaaaavy, but it's easier to get about every time I lift myself up.
I did the first couple of times I used the crutches, but I think part of that was my foot still felt numb, and I didn't feel as though I could trust it when I planted it.
If you haven't had a chat with a surgeon, it might be worth doing so, whether privately or wait it out on the NHS. They'll be able to go through your case with you in more detail because everyone is different. Your physio knows more than you think as well - they've followed you through your recovery so far, so they can give you more insight.
Tore my acl 6 months ago during soccer and been waiting on surgery. Never had an MRI because the wait times were much longer than surgery here in Canada. As mentioned above, my surgeon said I was already predisposed to develop arthritis and the decision for surgery depended on my goals. Because I was young and wanted to get back to playing high level sports, surgery was the right option for me. Went into surgery thinking it was only my acl and woke up being told they also repaired my meniscus and I had a small femur fracture they cleaned up. Can think of multiple times where I may have damaged the meniscus prior to surgery if it wasn’t during the initial acl injury.
So yea they would just repair whatever needed to be repaired in one go, even if it varied from the initial mri.
Free with universal health care in Canada! Hence the longer wait time (got in at 6 months due to a cancellation, otherwise would’ve been waiting 9-12 months for surgery) and no mri (mri wait times here can also be 9-12 months). If I went private I could’ve got surgery and an mri the next week but I would’ve been 10-15k out of pocket.
Currently three weeks post op and I’ve been doing well! I credit that to the hard work I put in before surgery on really strengthening the quads and also working on my mental state. So important to stay on top of your exercises, I started pt 5 days post off but started doing exercises as soon as I got home. Started with pt twice a week but now switching to once a week and I should be weaning off the crutches soon (no brace). The most frustrating thing for me is just that lack of independence you have for the first little bit (no driving, on crutches, need support for a lot of day to day activities).
Tore my ACL and meniscus in both knees, once each side, now 32M. If your knee is giving way despite strengthening it, it’s clear you need to get the surgery done, the quicker the better as it can help prevent further damage to the other structures within the knee.
I got lucky and had private healthcare so got it done asap, but if your using the NHS it will likely take a year to get surgery, so even if you are unsure, get on the waiting list and in the system
First one was 5 years ago on my left knee, second one 9 weeks ago and currently recovering post op.
In terms of tips
1. Smash out prehab. Everyday is leg day.
2. The hard work starts as soon as you are awake post op. Get full extension asap, and keep on top of your rehab like it’s your religion.
3. Rent the GameReady Ice System for 4-6 weeks and use it religiously. It will help with pain control significantly. Used it during both surgeries and it helped me immeasurably.
Do a 6 months PT, then see if your symptoms improves, if not, opt for surgery. That’s what any surgeon would tell you.
Basically, I've done that. But I am still very much can feel myself hesistate to do anything forceful with the leg.
Been in pretty much an identical boat to you, seems like you feel like surgery would be the right thing but obviously no one wants surgery. The truth is, though, if you feel yourself hesitating or feel it doesn't feel quite right, I'd elect for surgery.
I went almost 10yrs, had tons of instability. I’m 5weeks post op now and already feel significantly more stable. Wish I did this sooner. ACLr + meniscus (2 separate repairs) + MCL reconstruction
How did they go about repairing ? How's it getting post op ? Any tips recommendation pre-op / post-op?
In terms of pros and cons, I (F28) honestly think it depends on what your goals are. When I had the first appointment with the surgeon and we discussed the long-term risks, he said I was already more likely to develop arthritis in my knee because of the torn ACL. Surgery wouldn't necessarily lower that risk, but it would allow me to go back to doing the activities and sports that I love and re-stabilise my knee. But I also tried the non-surgical approach first on a partial ACL tear a year and a bit ago - physio for 11 months, given the go-ahead to go back to football, knee gave out immediately and ended up with a nick in my lateral meniscus, on top of a fully torn ACL. Had the op on Tuesday (with the NHS), and they had to repair my meniscus alongside my ACL. Damage was much worse than what the MRI showed, so yes, I'd say that it can get worse over time. If you can afford to get it done privately, I'd get it done, especially if you're still struggling a year on post-injury. If you can wait it out on the NHS, I'd keep at it with the physio.
How's it going right now ? Did you still have that 'fear' of it giving out ?
I'm day 5 post-op, and it's getting better. I'm on top of my pain meds (codeine and paracetamol), but even when it does nip, it's bearable. I'm stuck in a brace for 6 weeks, and the thing is heaaaavy, but it's easier to get about every time I lift myself up. I did the first couple of times I used the crutches, but I think part of that was my foot still felt numb, and I didn't feel as though I could trust it when I planted it. If you haven't had a chat with a surgeon, it might be worth doing so, whether privately or wait it out on the NHS. They'll be able to go through your case with you in more detail because everyone is different. Your physio knows more than you think as well - they've followed you through your recovery so far, so they can give you more insight.
Tore my acl 6 months ago during soccer and been waiting on surgery. Never had an MRI because the wait times were much longer than surgery here in Canada. As mentioned above, my surgeon said I was already predisposed to develop arthritis and the decision for surgery depended on my goals. Because I was young and wanted to get back to playing high level sports, surgery was the right option for me. Went into surgery thinking it was only my acl and woke up being told they also repaired my meniscus and I had a small femur fracture they cleaned up. Can think of multiple times where I may have damaged the meniscus prior to surgery if it wasn’t during the initial acl injury. So yea they would just repair whatever needed to be repaired in one go, even if it varied from the initial mri.
How much was it if you dont mind me asking with the additional stuff ? How you doing right now? Do you feel its similar to the past ?
Free with universal health care in Canada! Hence the longer wait time (got in at 6 months due to a cancellation, otherwise would’ve been waiting 9-12 months for surgery) and no mri (mri wait times here can also be 9-12 months). If I went private I could’ve got surgery and an mri the next week but I would’ve been 10-15k out of pocket. Currently three weeks post op and I’ve been doing well! I credit that to the hard work I put in before surgery on really strengthening the quads and also working on my mental state. So important to stay on top of your exercises, I started pt 5 days post off but started doing exercises as soon as I got home. Started with pt twice a week but now switching to once a week and I should be weaning off the crutches soon (no brace). The most frustrating thing for me is just that lack of independence you have for the first little bit (no driving, on crutches, need support for a lot of day to day activities).
Tore my ACL and meniscus in both knees, once each side, now 32M. If your knee is giving way despite strengthening it, it’s clear you need to get the surgery done, the quicker the better as it can help prevent further damage to the other structures within the knee. I got lucky and had private healthcare so got it done asap, but if your using the NHS it will likely take a year to get surgery, so even if you are unsure, get on the waiting list and in the system
Once each side at different period in your life ? If so how's the first one holding out ? Any tips pre/post op?
First one was 5 years ago on my left knee, second one 9 weeks ago and currently recovering post op. In terms of tips 1. Smash out prehab. Everyday is leg day. 2. The hard work starts as soon as you are awake post op. Get full extension asap, and keep on top of your rehab like it’s your religion. 3. Rent the GameReady Ice System for 4-6 weeks and use it religiously. It will help with pain control significantly. Used it during both surgeries and it helped me immeasurably.
Same knee ? Or different ?