From Tear to Triumph: My Journey Through ACL Reconstruction and Recovery

My Experience with ACL Reconstruction and Getting Back to My Active Lifestyle

It all began in the middle of the previous year when I was welcomed to a close-knit football team in the society where I stay. I committed myself wholeheartedly to the sport, disregarding other responsibilities and committing myself fully to be present on the ground and be with my new football fam. Despite my earnest efforts, I struggled to keep pace with my more experienced teammates. They were highly skilled and composed, leaving me feeling inadequate and outmatched. But one day, I found myself performing with newfound confidence and acumen, scoring goals and reading the game with ease. In my eagerness to prove myself, I recklessly attempted a tackle, slipping in the process and incurring a severe injury to my knee- An Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear that changed my whole game and life.

The Moment of Realization: The Severity of My Injury

As I slipped on the field, I was unable to rise to my feet. It took me a moment to register what had occurred and to gather the strength to stand up. I substituted myself out of the game and walked back to the bench, still convinced that it was just a minor injury that would heal in due time. But as I attempted to sprint back onto the field, my knee gave out once more, and the true gravity of my situation dawned on me. The match came to a close, and as the pain in my knee intensified, I applied multiple compression bandages in a vain effort to alleviate the discomfort and prevent further slips.

Seeking Medical Attention: The Diagn of My Injury

As the day progressed, my knee pain persisted despite my attempts to alleviate it. I decided to seek medical advice and visited a doctor. The on-duty physician ordered an X-ray, informing me that the results would be reviewed by a specialist. To my confusion, the X-ray results came back normal. However, the specialist doctor upon examination, performed the Anterior Drawer test and determined that I had sustained a tear in my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This further confirmed the severity of my injury and the course of treatment that needed to be undertaken.

Anterior Drawer Test
During the Anterior Drawer Test, the patient is instructed to bend their knee, keeping their foot firmly on the examination table. The physician then places their hands on either side of the knee joint and applies a gentle pressure behind the knee, attempting to move the lower leg forward. The foot remains stationary throughout the test. If the tibia (lower leg) is displaced during the examination, it is indicative of a tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The ACL is responsible for providing stability to the tibia. If the tibia moves forward, it is a sign that the ACL is not functioning properly.

The Extent of the Damage: The Results of the MRI Scan

Upon the physician’s recommendation, I underwent an MRI scan to determine the extent of my injury. The results revealed that I had sustained a grade 3 tear, indicating a complete tear of my Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The news hit me hard, and I was overwhelmed with emotions as I left the clinic, holding Tanya’s hand and shedding tears of sorrow. The realization that my football days were over and my mobility was severely impacted was a bitter pill to swallow. I felt a deep sense of regret and remorse for my carelessness. Upon returning home, I confided in my football teammates, who provided me with emotional support, helping me acquire a walker, and recommending reputable hospitals and surgeons for my ACL reconstruction surgery (Special Thanks to Sajil, bro :)).

I got admitted to the hospital for the surgery, and the doctor was too good he made me understand how the process will be done and what post-surgery looks like. The doctors made me super comfortable and relaxed before the surgery. They inserted a cannula for the drips and asked me not to eat or drink anything until the surgery is done. I was calm and confident about the surgery. The anaesthesia doctor came and briefed me about how and where they will be giving the anaesthesia. Nurses came to my room to collect blood and check my vitals and informed me that I will be soon taken to the operation theatre and an hour post that surgery will happen. That's when my friend Gokul who was giving me confidence from America over a video call, fainted on call seeing the blood 😅. (seriously, bruh 😕)

I was given local anaesthesia, administered as a small injection on my spine and said to be not painful. But the first injection was quite painful for me and caused a tickling sensation. Soon after, I lost consciousness. The surgery began, and I have no recollection of it. I woke up in the middle of the procedure and asked the surgeon if it was over, to which he laughed and informed me that it was ongoing. I expressed my curiosity to watch the operation live on a monitor, and the surgeon obliged, drawing back the curtain for me. However, after a minute of watching, I felt dizzy and was given sleeping pills to fall asleep again. The entire surgery lasted for approximately one and a half hours. After the surgery, the surgeon patted my head and said, “The surgery went well Beta!” and I smiled in response.

Post-Surgery Recovery: The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

After the surgery, I was taken to my room, where I was given pain medication and fitted with a knee brace that was set at a 30-degree angle. Although I did not experience severe pain, I felt nauseous. This is a common side-effect of surgery. That night, I perspired excessively and woke up my brother to assist me in vomiting. The following day, I felt better. A team of physiotherapists came to my room and began with a set of exercises, which included :

• lifting my leg up and down

• holding my leg in the air for 10 seconds

• moving my legs from left to right

• pressing down on my knee

These exercises were performed under the guidance and supervision of the physiotherapists, as I still had numbness below my hip.

The next day, the physiotherapists came with an elbow crutch, which I used to start walking. They taught me how to use and walk with the crutch, and I could walk a short distance with their assistance. They also added new exercises to my regimen, which included :

• moving my ankle up and down

• rotating my ankle

• lying down on my back and stomach while bending my knee to a 30-degree angle.

On the second day post-surgery, the physiotherapists came again to assist me with walking and exercises, and I was discharged from the hospital. Before that, they also changed the tilt angle to 45 degrees. The surgeon instructed me to visit him after 10 days for a follow-up examination.

Progressive Rehabilitation: Advancing Physical Therapy and Follow-Up Examinations

Upon returning home, I diligently followed the exercise regimen prescribed by the physiotherapists. After a period of 10 days, I returned to the surgeon for a follow-up examination. He thoroughly examined my knee and informed me that the tilt angle of my brace would be increased to 60 degrees, scheduling another appointment for a month later. I also visited the physiotherapists for the next phase of physical therapy, which included exercises such as:

• half squats with wall support

• walking without using elbow crutches

• obstacle dodge walking, where the physiotherapists placed objects on the floor for me to navigate around while walking.

Initially, I felt apprehensive about walking without the crutches, but with the guidance and support of the physiotherapists, I was able to walk short distances. However, I could not bend more than 60 degrees due to the brace. After a month, I returned to the surgeon for another examination. He performed the Anterior Drawer Test, and after reviewing the results, declared that my knee had fully recovered and that I no longer needed to wear the brace. I was instructed to engage in brisk walks without the brace but avoid climbing stairs and any other high-impact activities that could strain my knee.

Two Months Post-Surgery: Progress and Ongoing Rehabilitation

As I pen this article, it has been precisely two months since my ACL reconstruction surgery. My recovery has been progressing well, and I am now able to walk my dog (Snow), drive my car and motorcycle, and even engage in some football juggling. However, I feel a pang of sadness at not being able to return to the field and play with my football team again.

Despite my progress, my knee still causes me some discomfort, particularly after walks with my dog. I am continuing to work on strengthening my knee with the guidance of a physiotherapist, and I have expanded my exercise regimen to include

• full squats

• leg raises and holds for 20 seconds

• standing and lifting my knee

• standing and bending my knee backwards

I am optimistic about my recovery and my ability to regain my former mobility and strength, and I am determined to continue working hard in my physical therapy to achieve that goal.

My Advice

It is imperative to prioritize warming up before engaging in any physical activity. Neglecting to warm up properly can lead to injury. Adequately stretching and preparing your body before playing is essential. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that you are well-hydrated by consuming sufficient fluids before participating in the game. If you feel fatigued or experience any discomfort, it is crucial to take a break and remove yourself from the game. Above all, remember to enjoy the game while also respecting the well-being of your body and health.

Recovering from an ACL tear or any other type of injury can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are not alone and there is hope for a full recovery. The road to recovery may be long and challenging, but with hard work, determination, and support from loved ones and medical professionals, you will come out stronger on the other side. It may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but trust in the process and take it day by day. Remember that every small victory, whether walking without crutches or completing a set of physical therapy exercises, is a step in the right direction. Stay positive, stay motivated, and never give up.

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