Never ending cycle :(

[MUMofpain]

Hi folks. I came on here nearly 4 years ago to get advice for my son's acl tear.

I'm back now as we have exhausted all avenues.

Son tore acl playing football September 2010 when he was 16.
My son's op to repair his acl was in Jan 2011
He followed all the recovery protocol.
He has never been completely out of discomfort from one level to another.

Fell off his BMX backwards in 2013, he was just getting his courage to go back and do something sporty he enjoyed, with my encouragement.
Suffered more severe pain since then.
He has been back to the surgeon several times over the past years, had mri scans and always they show the repair in tact and strong but HE IS IN PAIN. The consultant seems to suggest (not outright but I get the message) that it is all in his head
I took him to a sports physio privately, didn't really help.
He's been to physio at Uni but they can't do anymore or get to the root of it.
Took him back to the consultant, further mri showed bone brusing. Told to rest

He is at Uni, not enjoying it because of his knee, can't join in with any of the societies, friends don't understand when he says why he can't play football, hasn't played football since the injury.

Don't know what else to do. Should I get a second opinion?

He just phoned me today, said his knee feels so sore but thinks he will just have to live with it.

Does anyone feel my pain.....
Just had to come back on here and ask....

[vickster]

If you can, it sounds like it would be wise to take him to see another surgeon who specialises in younger / sportier patients, someone like Jonathan Bell at Wimbledon (he only has a private practice though). If surgery isn't the answer, I believe he works with a top notch team of physios and sports physicians, also privately.

Alternatively, try a specialist with a similar field of interest and expertise at one of the orthopaedic specialist hospitals

Where are you in the UK?

[MUMofpain]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'm in London. Do you know if you can request to see a specialist via your GP or are you stuck with the one they recommend.

[vickster]

I'm not sure as I have private HC.  I think you can request a specific hospital but they then choose the surgeon. 

Perhaps find a surgeon with an NHS practice, see him privately (cost £200-300 usually) with all the records, scans etc and then if surgery is required ask for your son to be transferred to the NHS list (that won't work for someone like Jonathan Bell with a private only practice unfortunately)

This chap looks to be very focused on sports injuries and rehab, might be worth a try (NHS at Whittington, which is N London somewhere I believe)

The Royal National Orthopaedic in Stanmore would also be worth a look if you are Central / North of London

Which hospital is your son under at the moment?

Best to make an appointment to discuss in depth with your GP.  They'll need to make any private referral too