Hello everyone,

On March 29, 2003 I was skiing with my family, looking out for my
youngest son who has all speed but little skill. Suddenly, my left
ski hit a patch of slush (conditions were not good that day).
I felt a pull then a pop as the binding did not let go of the ski,
twisting my leg around suddenly.

When I went to the emergency room, the attending doc did not see any
fractures but referred me to an orthopedic doctor. He stated blunty
that he would not be surprised if I damaged a ligament in the knee.

One week later I saw the Orthopedic surgeon, thinking "Oh it's just a
sprain, it just needs time to heal." He ordered an MRI instead. The
follow up appointment brought the bad news. "Unfortunately, your ACL
is gone."

"Gone? What did it just walk away?" I chirped, trying to inject
levity.

"Gone as in not there anymore. Completely torn."

He proceeded to give me a breif anatomy lesson on the ACL. Then he
presented my "options". One was to do nothing...but in the course of
this option presentation, the chances of a positive outcome were not
good. In fact, it would require a dramatic modification of my
lifestyle. As a busy mom of 3 growing boys working full time, that
was not an option.

I therefore opted for the secon choice: ACL Reconstruction. Of
course, along with this choice was presented the many positive
outcomes (95% success rate, etc).

After 5 weeks of pre-op physical therapy, I had the surgery. Two days
ago on May 27. Perhaps in the first 5 minutes after awakening from
the procedure, I was in terrible pain and regretted going through it.
I am still in terrible pain, mitigated with percocet and oxycontin
but no longer regret doing the procedure.

So I am two days out post op...The fact that I am posting right now
would seems to be a testament to my recovery (I hope.)

Does anyone have any words of advice? I'd appreciate any experiences
you could share. Perhaps the most depressing thing about this
condition (any knee conditions) is how subtly debilitating it can be.
Thanks and take care, Suzette