NOTES - Your success stories :

success?  I'll call it a success... - - Posted by amazonia (amazonia), 17 June 2004

I've been away from the site for awhile - so hello!  

Two and a half years ago I was bucked off a horse (named Happy ironically) and did complete tears to my ACL/ PCL and PLC - as well as tearing the head of the fibula.  They tried to put everything back together as best as they could, but the surgeon knew more surgery was in order.  I did months of physio and was hoping for the ligament reconstructive surgery within 6 months.  Well, that turned into 10 months, and then I ended up having a high tibial osteotomy instead of going ahead with the reconstruction.  I didn't know that I was slightly bow legged....but the surgeon felt it best to do the HTO prior to the PLC reonstruction.  Anyway....after assurances that the reconstruction would be 3 months after the HTO (now 15 months post accident), the 3 months turned into 6.  A year ago May I finally had the PCL and PLC reconstructions done.  PCL was using an allograft and PLC was using my hamstring tendon.  I'd also re-torn my ACL 3 weeks before the surgery, so am now minus an ACL completely.  

Here I am now 1 year post op from the reconstructions, and 2 1/2 years post injury.  I completed a Sprint Triathlon on May 24th - 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run - which I walked.  I may have come in last place, but for me it was a huge triumph.  My PLC reconstruction has not been successful (due to my weakened fibula and nothing strong to attach the ligament to)....so the triathlon was done with no ACL and a wobbly PLC.  I am now regularly walking 5 km + without a limp, and have very little pain.  There is no more sugery planned, as I seem to be doing fine with only the PCL and MCL fully operating.  (of course still limited as to what I can do - no twisting, changes of direction, kneeling, running etc.)  What really helped me was to concentrate on what I  CAN do, and not to worry about what I CAN'T do!  I had never considered doing a triathlon before my injury, but was determined to accomplish it this year.  (age 41)  So, with all things considered, I feel I am at the point where my knee is as good as it is ever going to be - and therefore I think it's a SUCCESS!  A good surgeon, good physio and being a good and motivated patient was the key for me.  I know my knee will degenerate from osteo arthritis in time, so I am enjoying what I CAN DO now, and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Sorry for the long winded story....but I just had to share with others who understand and who may be wondering what they are going to be able to do 1 year post surgery!  

Thanks for listening and for being there when I was going through all the hard times with this injury,

Anne

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.