Tore ACL this week-getting ready for surgery. Freaked out about all of it.
Tore my ACL on Wednesday in a tennis match. I’m a 50 year old woman. I’m an avid tennis player and this has always been my biggest fear. The first few days were filled with tears because tennis and physical activity are such a huge part of my life.
So talk to me about a couple things. First, bracing post surgery. Went to a surgeon initially who i liked a lot and he’s been great. Answering all of my questions and kind. He does locked brace for 6-8 days and then unlocked for 4-5 weeks (not sure yet if i tore meniscus based on mri - that would put me in the brace for the extra week). I’m having a second opinion Tuesday with a renowned surgeon who does a professional sports team. A few friends have used him and love him too. He does locked brace for 5 days and then you don’t wear a brace at all during recovery. I guess I’ll find out more about his reasoning when i meet with him. Both surgeons have amazing reputations.
Next, the mental part for someone who is used to moving nonstop, being part of many tennis teams and also going to the gym. Right now I’m really upset. I totally know this isn’t life or death but looking down the road so far and imagining how long it’ll be until I’m on a tennis court puts a dark cloud over my head that i can’t seem to lift. How did you handle it mentally? I have heard from friends who had this injury that oddly it was a gift and they focused on physical fitness as soon as they could and came back stronger and more grateful. I hope i can say that that’s me down the road but right now i have to focus on getting through all the tough parts that lay ahead.
Any advice on any and all would be great appreciated