Melissa The Soccer Player

Hello and welcome to my blog. 
Melissa is asking for help. 
Please read her story and leave comments.

Thanks,
Skinnygurl





On June 11, 2012 I blew my PCL out during a coed soccer game. I went into a challenge with a guy on the other team and he nailed me, cleats up, straight in the knee. I felt an intense burning sensation. and what I can best describe as feeling like my knee bent the wrong way.
A trip to the ER resulted in a diagnosis of no tears, just some strain from the hyper-extension. I got an appointment with an orthopedist and a manual exam and MRI confirmed a torn PCL. Initially my injury was graded at a 1.5-2+, which I was told is right on the edge of what you can live with and rehab without surgical intervention. I was locked out and no-weight-bearing in an immobilizing brace for 3 weeks, but the tibial sag didn't seem to be improving at all. They locked me out for another 3 weeks, and felt like there was sufficient progress to be begin physical therapy. As with everyone else on here, my muscles had atrophied so quickly that I had to rebuild all of the strength in my leg. I made good progress, and within a few months my physical therapists allowed me to do some very tentative jogging to see how things held up.
Unfortunately, they didn't hold up at all. The tibial sag returned and worsened. By my next orthopedic appointment I was graded at a 3+ and told I had no other option but surgery.

I got a call on December 27, 2012 that a donor ligament had come available and I had the surgery on January 15, 2013 during which my surgeon removed my PCL (apparently one end of it had completely torn off the bone, and there was a tear about 3/4 of the way through the middle of the ligament as well) and used the tibial inlay technique to replace it with the allograft in addition to tightening my LCL and MCL, which had both been stretched enough during the accident to not really provide much in the way of stability anymore.

The first few days were brutal. The polar care was the only thing that kept me sane. I was locked out with no weight bearing for 3 weeks. After that I spent 3 weeks still locked out, but able to bear 50% weight on my bad leg using crutches. At the 6 week mark my surgeon told me to lose the brace and crutches and go my own. It was really weird- my nerve endings had been severed and then I hadn't put any weight on my foot at all for weeks- it felt like my foot was all pins and needles for the first few days. I'd say it was a week before I felt comfortable enough to really walk without being overly tentative.

My first few appointments post-op were great and my physical therapists were happy with my recovery. I was able to get through my wedding with no issues, took a 2 week break from physical therapy to head to London and then got back to work. However, at about the 4.5 month mark I started to notice that I could feel a little shifting in my knee at times. It wasn't anywhere as bad as the initial tear instability, but enough to worry me given what happened the first time through my PT sequence. I went in for an emergency check with PT, and they confirmed that I had regained some tibial sag. While they said a little of loosening was to be expected after the transition from lock out to ROM exercises, this was more than they felt comfortable with. No one has ever been able to explain to me why this happened- their only guess would be a fall or a blow to my knee, but I never experienced either of them.

Around this time, I was cleared to jog for 1 minute intervals at PT to try and regain my running form. I never had any pain in the back of my knee, but I started to have a stab of pain in one spot on the front of my knee (right over the top of my fat pad) upon impact while running. After ruling out fat pad issues and instability resulting from muscles that weren't quite back to 100%, my therapists had me run with a tape job that pulled my tibia forward when i flexed my quad- I was able to run with little to no pain. The working theory is that the sag is causing my femur and tibia to contact each other "off" from where they normally would in a solid knee.

So that's where I am right now- 5 months out and fully functional in day to day activities, but only able to run with a tape job or my playmaker PCL brace. It's pretty devastating to make such great progress and work so hard, only to have everything fall apart for no apparent reason twice. I have my next appointment with my surgeon in a month and a half, at which point I can bring up my concerns, but there isn't much he could do short of redoing the surgery. Instead, my therapists have me working on strengthening my quads, hamstring and glutes as much as possible to try and provide the maximum amount of stability to my knee.
I guess my questions would be:

1) Has anyone else had a PCL repair kind of flame out after progressing perfectly for months without experiencing any sort of impact injury or other factor that would stretch the ligament out?

2) Is anyone else competing at a high level in soccer or running moderate distances (I was running 5 miles a day pre-injury) with a sag of probably 1-1.5+?


Thank you,
Melissa

PCL and LCL Injury

Let me introduce Caroline,

In August 2011 I fell off a push bike and hurt my knee the MRI confirmed a Complete PCL and grade 2 Lcl, Finally seen Consultant who told me I had a end point on my PCL and therefore it was only a grade 2 and grade 2 LCL therefore, a unstable knee.
I started Physio weekly and the professional thought I would manage without surgery. It has give way once, but I dont trust it and have had to stop cycling, swimming due to pain. Stairs are a challenge going up and down with pain in the outer aspect and the knee cap pain. Dr now say surgery is my best option he will use Le Prade technique, He is unsure if he will have to do a oestomy first therefore surgery will be in two stages. I have lots of questions

1.How long I will take before I can return to a sitting job then a walking job.

2 Will I after surgery/ recovery be able to cycle, swim and hit a uneven surface most pavements without the pain I get at present.

Thanks any Help or advice gratefully received

Recently my knee gave way half way down a flight of stairs, I would have fallen but lucky grabbed the rail and since then It is more painful than ever on uneven surfaces and really feels unsafe, I have gone back to wearing my brace. Therefore my decision is Surgery

I welcome all comments and thank you in advance.

Jeanette's Journey

On November 5th 2011, I hyper-extended and dislocated my knee. After the results of the MRI came back I found out I ruptured my ACL and PCL and my MCL was hanging on by a thread.. It was no wonder I felt like my lower leg was not connected to my upper leg.. anyway I had to wait 12 weeks before my surgery because I had so much blood in my knee area and all the muscle behind my knee was torn and they wanted to see how well my MCL would heal on its own.. So Physical Therapy started November 30th 2011 for range of motion.. It was amazing, I got full range back before my surgery on January 27 2012.

On January 27, 2012 I went in for surgery, They replaced my ACL, PCL with cadaver parts and tightening my MCL with a screw.. It was a 4 and a half hour surgery with 2 surgeons and they ended up doing a double bundle for my ACL so that was a lot more extensive..
On Jan 28 the first day post op I was not sure I was going to make it. I have never been in that much pain, I was sick to my stomach, the pain pills every 4 hours were just taking the edge off for a little while.. Sunday Jan 29th was a little bit better but not much, I was thinking there was no way I was going to make it out to the car on Monday to get to the Dr’s, But Monday came and I was a little better and I did make it to the DR’s.. Wednesday Feb 1, 2012 I went to Physical Therapy to start Range of motion again.. Thank goodness for the pain pills J.. PT will be twice a week again for just range of Motion. I started Back to work on Thursday Feb 2, 2012 for a half day then back full time on Monday Feb 6th.. Sitting at my Desk all day was a chore but I would put my leg up on a chair, then my desk, then down on the floor, I basically move it constantly J Feb 20th Dr says weight baring as tolerated. That was my OK to get rid of the crutches I had been using since injury date of 11/5/11. By March 2nd I was down to one crutch and by March 9th I was not using my Crutch much at all anymore and I was able to get the peddles around on the stationary bike J Huge Milestone for me. .. On March 13th Dr gave me the ok to start some weight and aerobic exercises with restrictions ( NO Open Chain and NO Plyo) .. I was also given a smaller brace which is nice.
Today is March 21, 2012 I have no crutches, I ride the stationary bike for 30 minutes every other day I am at Zero degrees with my extension but do not have Lockout yet L I am very upset about that.. , and I am at 125 degrees in my flexion. My Knee still is really sore and swells up a lot and gets very stiff but it is getting better every day..


Thanks for sharing your story Jeanette. Keep us posted on your progress.
Skinnygurl
UPDATE...............................
So I had a Dr’s appointment today 88 days since my surgery.. I have gotten to 132 degrees in my flexion and no lag in my strait leg quad sets at Zero extension.. Dr say I can start back to my workouts at the gym just no Plyo and no agility. And the best part is that I can start weaning myself off my brace J On the road to a full recovery.   J

UPDATE....................................  May 21,12
16 weeks post op.. 135 degrees in my flexion and went on my first 3.5 mile hike yesterday J It was so nice to be out in nature again.. its been a long time but I am really felling I am going to make a full recovery after all the damage that I did to my knee.. I still am not allowed to do any agility or plyo but just getting out and hiking is a great improvement from the stationary bike in my office.  J

UPDATE................................September 6, 12
7 months post OP, Went on a 10 mile hike on Monday, Knee was a pretty sore for the next 2 days but that was it. I have been doing some agility work for about a month and have jogged a little.. Things are slowly getting back to normal Still NO Horseback riding which I am really upset about but that will come Also.   J

UPDATE............................October 29,2012
9 Months post Op update , Still in pain most of the time, Knee is very stiff but working on strength every day.. My agility work is not coming a quickly as I was hopping because of the pain but its getting there.. The Dr released me to do anything I feel comfortable with so Horseback riding here I came.. Went on a 10 mile hike yesterday.. Still use my brace when I know I am going to be on rocky, slippery ground but other than that I am brace free.   J

Lil Needs Some Advice

Hi guys



Although I've chatted to a few people who have torn their ACL, I've yet to speak to anyone who has torn their PCL and needed surgery.

My story is this - I felt something snap in my leg when I was skiing in March this year. My leg went floppy and caused me to fall (I think I hit an icy patch and turned badly but I really don't know). I was stretchered off the mountain and an MRI scan confirmed it to be an isolated PCL complete tear. My holiday was ruined and I was pretty much housebound for five weeks following my return to the UK.

I started with physio and hydrotherapy in April shortly before returning to work and almost (but not quite) have full movement in my knee five months down the line. I still have pain though (mainly on the inside of my knee) and swelling, and some days are better than others - some days I limp, some days I don't. I can sit cross-legged although not comfortably for very long and I can almost touch my bum with my heel whilst doing a hamstring curl - although I have to release it very slowly as it hurts to do so!! I had started to get a cracking/clicking in my knee when walking which I found really uncomfortable and I have no idea what this could be?

I'd started swimming (although sometimes this was uncomfortable but I'm just desperate to get fit again) and had even tried running both with and without the bulky brace. The running was hard though and I've sadly had to pull out of the half marathon I was due to run in a couple of months. Despite this, I thought I was doing ok but then a few weeks ago I stood up, my knee cracked and it completely gave way. It has been very delicate since and I feel like progress has stopped.

My consultant has tried to put me off surgery. I know what's involved and understand it's a tricky procedure and a lot less common than an ACL reconstruction. But because I ski, dance and run he said I'd be a good candidate and agreed to do it. My surgery was booked in for 27 October but has just been brought forward to two weeks time! I'm feeling very nervous about it all now and I just wanted to know that it's all going to be worth it really! If I don't have it how long until my knee will feel as normal as it can do? And will I end up with arthritis, scar tissue and other problems if I leave it? If I do have the procedure, how long will the rehabilitation be? When will I be able to drive (it's my right knee). I'm hoping that since I've been working hard at physio it won't be too bad. What do you think?

Would you absolutely recommend surgery?

It would be really good to have some feedback about it as I feel I've got no point of reference. There's also very little information on the internet.

Any advice you could possibly give me in the run up to my surgery would be gratefully received.

Lil

2 Year Update! KJ's PCL Surgical Success!

I've been meaning to send an update for a couple months now so here it goes: The end of March was my 2-year post-op anniversary. I went in for what I thought was my last PCL check-up ever. They did a KT test and found that my surgical PCL is tighter than my non-surgical PCL. Yay! Surgical success! They also told me that they want me to come back every year for the next 20 years as a research patient. What?! It's free though so I'm willing to do it to help others and also keep tabs on my own knee.

My nemesis since surgery has been patellofemoral syndrome and it has really been a barrier to getting back into serious physical shape (that and my love for food & beer!). I've had tremendous amounts of pain in my knee cap so I asked the doctor about it and he suggested a synvisc-one injection; I scheduled that May 5. It was a simple procedure and similar to a cortisone injection, just a a bit more painful. I have been very pleased with the results! The first 3 weeks I experience a lot of weird, strange, new pains, but that's a normal side effect. I'm a month out which is when the full results should be felt and my knee feels great. Not 100% but mostly pain-free.

Over the weekend I ran my first 5K since surgery. Remember, I'm NOT a runner so this was an important step for me. My husband and I did it in the form of a Warrior Dash so there were 13 obstacles included in the race. We didn't set any records but we had an absolute blast! I did have great difficulty at one obstacle that requires you to crawl on your hands in knees in the pitch dark. Leaning down on my knee still feels awful! But other than that my knee held up with the expected soreness the next day.

I am taking over as head coach for my local women's rugby team and joined the local rowing club. I hope to compete in my first regatta in the fall. It's much gentler on the knees! I hope to get into trail-running this summer as well.

Thank you for continuing to maintain your blog! I attached a picture from Saturday's race - enjoy!
Cheers,
kj

Evan needs our opinion

Hi there, My name is Evan, and I'm currently a senior at Cornell University. I took a nasty fall one night this past December, and I apparently tore my PCL and have been just dealing with it until I have my scheduled surgery this coming June 10th. I came across your blog about your experiences with this debilitating surgery, and I was hoping you could give me a few more details as I try to make plans for the summer. More specifically, after your surgery, exactly how limited were you? For example, I know that I'm going to be locked in a brace and have crutches, but do you think I will be able to maneuver the leg at least? Or does it hurt even to move it (even when it's not bending)? I ask because I'm trying to figure out where I should live during the summer -- in my apartment at college or at home. I'd much prefer to be at my apartment, but I don't know if I'd be able to subsist on my own. Also, it seems like you're into fitness and exercise as I am, and although this might sound irrational, one of the things I'm most worried about after this surgery is staying in shape! Do you have any tips on what you did post-op so you didn't lose muscle and/or gain weight? Any other tips or advice you have would be great, too. Thank you so much in advance for your help! Regards, Evan Thanks for any comments. Skinnygurl

Another Journey From Reader Susan

the first day post op after, with the cadaver tendon before picture of my knee, those strandy things at the upper left hand corner is all that was left of my PCL, or at least that's what my doc told me.


Hi skinnygurl!


I'm sharing my PCL story in case you want to share it on your blog and maybe allow your readers to hear about another experience. I first tore my PCL in May 2005 when I fell ice skating, I caught a rut and landed square on my tibia, pushing it back. I heard a sort of pop, but didn't think too much of it at the time. I got up and finished my skating session, figuring it hurt just because I fell. Afterwards, when I got off the ice, I couldn't bend my knee enough to sit onto the bench, the manager had to get my skates off for me. Getting into my car, I had to move the seat all the way back just so I could get in. I kind of just ignored it all though, as I was leaving for a trip to Israel a couple weeks after that. I bought a knee brace and kept it wrapped up. When I came back from Israel, and it was still bugging me, I went to a doctor who took a couple x-rays, and said I just had a little chondromalacia and sent me for PT. Obviously, it didn't help much, and eventually, I just got used to the looseness of my knee.


A couple years later, I started medical school, and during our first year, we had a musculoskeletal physical diagnosis lab, which included the diagnostic tests of the knee. We practiced these exams on each other, and when my partner did the posterior drawer, and it was unexpectadedly positive, she jumped, gave a little yelp. Our group preceptor came over, looked at my knee, did a couple other tests, and told me these tests have virtually no such thing as a false positive, he was 99.9% sure that I had a torn PCL. So there was my diagnosis, given in a rather unconventional manner. He told me if I tore the PCL, I likely also had other damage, since a PCL tear rarely happens in isolation. I had to see an orthopedist for my insurance company to approve an MRI, so I went, told him my history, and he sent me for the MRI. MRI report comes back as normal. The ortho looked at it himself, and said he disagrees with the radiologist, the PCL looks torn to him, and it didn't matter what the MRI report said about the PCL, it was most definitely torn just from the exam alone. And wouldn't you know it, I'm one of those rare beasts who managed to tear only the PCL. At that time, he told me surgery is not recommended because I was functioning at a high level already, I was skating, running, basically doing everything. Surgery is also more difficult and complicated than an ACL repair, so he basically just told me not to do anything at that time, and I was happy with that answer.


Flash forward to about 2 years after that, and I started getting more and more instability and pain in my knee. It was constantly giving out on me, just collapsing for no reason. I eventually had to stop skating and running because of the instability. And then it started giving out just walking up the block. That was kind of the turning point for me. I went back to the surgeon to ask about reconstruction. He told me that he agreed I needed surgery, but he wasn't comfortable doing it, since it's such a rare surgery. He sent me to Hospital for Special Surgery, and in July 2010, I met with a surgeon there. Surgery was scheduled for the beginning of my one month vacation, which happened to be just before Thanksgiving. November 23, 2010 I went into the hospital and had the distinct honor of being the only PCL reconstruction that day. I walked into the OR, and there had to be about 17 medical students and residents waiting for my surgery, guess they all wanted to see the PCL repair since it's not a very common surgery. I don't remember too much after the surgery, except that I had to meet with a PT before I could be discharged to learn to use crutches, and he was incredibly good looking and very strong. I wish I had worn nicer sweatpants because he really was very handsome.


The next couple weeks were pretty much all the same, laying on the couch, playing video games, needlepointing, going stir crazy. I started PT at day 13 post op, which was exciting at first. But then I could only do exercises on the table since I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. The interesting part is that I had to go on residency interviews during the time I was on crutches. It makes for a very interesting time, wearing a suit, bulky brace, and being non weight bearing and spending a whole day on your feet. Definitely was not easy, and not something I would want to do again. But my arms got really toned. At 6 weeks, I was cleared to lose the crutches, and I was able to start doing more intense PT using the treadmill, the weight machines, etc. After that, it seems like the rehab just started going a lot faster. 8 weeks post op, and I was able to lose the big bulky brace. My surgeon said he doesn't recommend any sort of functional brace because there isn't anything that would really support the PCL anyway. Still not allowed to run though. At 12 weeks, I started using my hamstrings again.


14 weeks post op, I went back to see my surgeon, and he signed off on my case. He said the PCL was stable. There is still some laxity, but I went from a grade 3+ to a borderline 1/2. He told me before the surgery that if I get back a degree of laxity, it's considered a success with the PCL. He explained it will never be perfect, but it should be stable enough that it won't collapse on me and I can do everything I want to do. If I was a professional, it would be unlikely I could go back to playing at a professional level, but to kick around a soccer ball with my friends, or go ice skating at a semi-serious level, or run 5K or 10K shouldn't be an issue. He told me I could start running again at around 20 weeks post op, and I wouldn't need to see him again unless there was a problem, and I can stop PT since I could do all the exercises on my own anyway.


Well, I started running slowly at 19 weeks post op, not much difference in a week, right? And when I say slowly, I mean really slow. I completely forgot how to run, it's almost the same sensation I was getting when I was relearning to walk, I had to think about where I was placing the foot for each step. I have been doing a walk/run every day so far this week, and so far, it's holding up really great. I'm really happy with how secure it feels. Once I get into the groove and find my stride, I don't worry about my knee collapsing. I also went to my first zumba class, which was a great test for my knee.I'm not able to do a lot of the jumping, but I kept up with the class and my knee didn't hurt at all. I also started a belly dance class at around 17 weeks post op, which started me getting confidence in my knee, even though it's not very stressful for the knee. I know it's still early, but so far, I'm really happy with my decision to do the surgery. Going through the rehab, I was wondering if all this was worth it, if I would go through all this rehab just to end up with a knee that wasn't any better. But now, I'm not thinking about my knee when I walk, I just walk. I can run, I can zumba. I haven't gone back on the ice yet, since that requires a lot of deep knee bend and I'm just not able to do that yet without a lot of pain, but being able to run and survive a zumba class gives me the confidence that I will be able to do anything I could want to do. I'm happy that my knee is no longer holding me back, and I'm sure the people around me are happy to because I don't complain about my knee as much either.


Anyway, there's my PCL success story. Hopefully it wasn't too long and boring, and maybe someone else can benefit from reading it.
-Sue

Thank you for sharing your journey Sue. Us PCL Survivors know the length and pain of recovery so please don't feel as though your story is too long or boring. I'm very happy to share and like you hope someone else can benefit from you!
Skinnygurl

Here Is A Thank You Note From Stanislav Of Russia

Hi, Skinnygurl!
My name is Stanislav, I am from Russia. A year ago I had a severe knee injury while skiing. PCL, MCL and miniscus were completely torn. So, as a result, I had a complex knee surgery in Germany and spent two months in a rehab center.
Naturally, during all this time I'd always tried to search the internet to check how I was doing and what were the prospects. And the best source of information I could find was your blog. Thank you very much for very important and incouraging information!!! Every time I wasn't happy with progress, I checked your situation for the same time ex surgery and usually I felt much better after that, as my recovery went even quicker than yours :)
Now, a year after surgery, my injured leg still looks smaller and I still have some feeling in the knee when walking, but I can easily run a mile or walk 10 miles. So, I believe it's ok.
This week, a year after surgery, I spent several days in mountains skiing again. As it turned out, it was easier for the knee to ski than to walk. I could ski the whole day with minimal sensations in the knee.
Thank you very much again for your blog. Great job.
Stanislav

How wonderful Stanislav, I thank you so very much and glad you found this blog to be helpful. Congratulations on your progress.
Skinnygurl

3 Years Ago Today

Hello and welcome to my blog. 3 years ago today I went to the gym, ran 4 1/2 miles, logged my progress and went to work like any other day. That night I took a fall which changed everything. I tore my PCL.
Prior to that I didn't know what a PCL was. If you're reading this you probably can relate.
I had surgery and after a long recovery, here I am!

I invite you to read my story along with the journey of other PCL survivors.

Stay tuned and feel free to leave comments. If you have a journey you would like to share feel free to email me at sprinter2fun@hotmail.com

Skinnygurl

KJ's PCL Story

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog.
Here is another pcl survivor story! Thanks for sharing KJ.
Skinnygurl

First, I love your blog! I just found it yesterday and I'm almost done reading the entire thing! Thank you for sharing your story and giving others a place to share theirs.

My story is a little long because it took me 6 years to get the surgery. A little history: Original tear occurred in April of ’03. I took an awkward tackle straight-on below my knee during our Midwest Rugby Championship match (we won at least).

The MRI showed a partial tear of my PCL so they advised PT only and no surgery. The next 5 years looked like this:

- Played at Nationals in June ’03 right after the injury (dumb & painful)
- Missed most of fall ’03 season due to pain but resumed regular playing in spring ‘04
- Played at the Midwest level in ’05-’06 (grueling training schedule) and attributed knee pain to over-training. I know now it was due to the original injury.

- Tweaked my knee playing volleyball in spring ’07. It sent shooting pain through my knee that radiated out into my upper leg and I had to stay out of activity for 3 days. After that it didn’t hurt anymore. In hindsight I should have had it checked because that’s most likely when I completely tore my PCL.

- Kept playing rugby and played my final season in fall ’08. I barely made it through that season though because of knee pain

I went back to my original ortho who basically did nothing; saw a 2nd ortho who ordered another MRI. Follow-up:
- He saw the complete tear so I tried PT for 2 months at the end of ’08 and cortisone injections but nothing relieved the pain.
- Was referred to a 3rd ortho, Dr. Noyes at Cincinnati Sports Medicine, who happens to do an incredible amount of research on PCLs
- Stress test revealed a 11 mm drop of my tibia from my knee. I was questioned on how I kept playing; surgery is generally done once the tibia drops 6-8 mm. I told him it was easy since I didn’t know there was actually something wrong :)
- I was scheduled for surgery 2 months later (March 25, 2009)

I’m not gonna lie, I had no idea what I was getting into with this surgery because I’d never had so much as a stitch in my life; that’s probably a good thing.
- They used my quad tendon for the graph and surgery surprisingly took under 4 hours.

- The next 2 weeks were full of plenty of tears at rehab because of the pain. I had scar tissue issues and couldn’t hit 90 degrees flexion by the end of the 2nd week so back to the hospital I went for manipulation under anesthesia. That may have been worse than the actual surgery!
- I immediately jumped up to 106 degrees after that and made steady progress from there on out. I never had issues with range of motion after that and never had a problem with getting my leg completely straight. That was the only thing I could do from day 1!
-I spent 9 weeks total on crutches with my hip to ankle brace (I think I got a sleeve the last 2 weeks). The first month my brace was locked straight which is awesome when you’re trying to sleep. In all, the healing process went well though and my knee is solid and stable. My stress test at 1 year showed my tibia only dropped 2 mm which is normal so the graph has held. However, my strength test at 1 year was depressing and still showed a 33% deficit.

I should probably mention that 2 months after my surgery (while still on crutches) I got engaged! I was married 4 months after that so admittedly my rehab suffered a bit from months 3-7! Heck, is suffered the 2 months after we got married too :)
Current Status:
I coach high school girl’s & senior side rugby now and ran around all spring with a limp. It caused enough pain that I headed to a new rehab place in July to see if I could do anything about it. Manual therapy helped some but I think it’s as good as it’s going to get.

I think I'm glad that I didn’t have this surgery at 23 years old but the downside of having a janky PCL for so long: grade 3 chondromalacia of the patella with chondral fissuring and suchondral reactive osteoedema. Basically the same grinding & snap, crackle, pop others have mentioned plus I'm awfully close to being bone on bone (grade 4). I have arthritis in 2 of the surfaces along with effusion (water on the knee) & a baker’s cyst (in the back of the knee) that came back pretty much as soon as they drained it. I've also developed painful tendonitis in my good knee. They say this put off knee replacement an extra 10 years though so I have to look at the bright side.

By 18 months out I was done babying my knee even though I continue to have a lot of pain. I could do quick starts and sprint at rugby but always paid for it with LOTS of pain afterward. I am back to boxing & zumba which haven't bothered my knee too much. Running a 5K isn’t in the picture yet and may never be (I never really liked just plain running anyway - ha!) and I have no plans to return to competitive rugby, although I still feel my 12-year career was brutally cut short. Strength is still a nagging issue but it's better; pain is still my number 1 nemesis!
The Future:
I go back in March '11 for my 2-year and final check-up. I’ve skipped all the strength tests since my 1-year mark because they are expensive and I don't need them to tell me that I'm weak. I may get another one at 2 years just to see where I am. I still have 1 1/4" difference in my quad size and the catch 22 is I can't do extensions because of pain and I'm not supposed to do squats (I still do them with <20 lbs). Tough to get my full quad back with just straight leg lifts!

Unlike you, I'm not always sure if I'd do this again! :) It changed my life forever.

Welcome To My Blog

Just wanted to peak in and say hello. I'm now featuring others with their own story of PCL Surgery and Recovery. If you have a story, e-mail me.

A special thank you to my friend Suhaimi for featuring my story on his blog.
You can read it Here

If there is anything I can do to make this blog better just let me know.

Skinnygurl

Speedy and His Story Of PCL Surgery and Recovery

Two Years Ago Today! It's been two years since my surgery. This blog now belongs to the world. It's my pleasure to introduce to you Speedy.

Walking gingerly on crutches while the two "spotters" look on in case I fall down












I spent a lot of time with this remote







At home 5 months after the surgery
(no contact happen during this game...the guys were kind enough never to tackle me)








Mount Kinabalu.....hope the knee will hold when the time comes






Here is his story..
My PCL incident happened during a rugby practice on 23rd Feb 2006. As a result of the injury I couldn’t run at all, and I normally needed to sit down even after a mere 20-minute walk. I tried physiotherapy for two years without much improvement to my condition. I finally had the PCL surgery on 25 Feb 2008 (at about the same time as the blog owner, Skinnygurl). I discovered during the surgery that my PCL was completely severed from the incident.

Post surgery recovery was agonizing especially the first two weeks when my leg was put on a cast. I underwent physiotherapy religiously at the hospital for about 9 months. Initially, I did a lot of resistance exercises using elastic bands, then slowly migrating to various other exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility. I started to run again at about the 4-month point. At first I tried doing multiple short distances in various modes (forward, lateral, backward etc.) before gradually increasing the distance.

I have now regained full ROM in my knee. It’s still painful especially after an exercise, but I can now jog for up to 5 km at my own pace and complete a round of golf without too much of a problem. I am also actively involved in rugby coaching which requires me to be on my feet for at least 2 hours for each session. Glucosamine is a supplement I can’t live without now and ice pack is my best friend after an exercise.

My life has definitely changed after the PCL incident. However, I am glad I never gave up, both after the incident happened and especially after I had the surgery (believe me......there were many reasons to do so). The pain is something that I am accustomed to now, and I have to be content that there are many things that I can probably never be able to do again like playing in a full contact rugby match or sprinting after a ball in a soccer game. However, I can’t count my blessing enough for the progress I’ve accomplished now two years after the surgery.

My advice to you guys who are in your own battle towards PCL recovery; be realistic with your target and your chance of recovery, believe in yourself, work hard although the progress is slow and last but not least, have faith........we need a lot of that to keep us going forward.

I wish all the best to Molly, Hamlet, Chris and the rest of you PCL survivors out there. Thanks Skinnygurl for allowing me to share my experience in your blog.


It's My Pleasure To Share Your Story Speedy. I love forward to the day you climb Mount Kinabalu
Skinnygurl
Click Here to read Speedys Blog

Life Goes On

Thank you to my Entire Medical Team.
Thank you to my Donor and Family.

I am speaking April 13, 2010 to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.
You're invited to attend.
Iowa Methodist Hospital
1200 Pleasant in The Hill Auditorium
Des Moines, Iowa
7:45AM and 3:45PM

Chris - His Story Of PCL Surgery And Recovery

This Is "The" Bike. After the accident.









Oh wow, lots of riding in the back seat with this surgery.











Taking a break from that itchy brace. It's pretty much 24 hours and 7 days a week.








In June of '08, I was involved in a motorcycle accident. Broke right femur (in 2 places), right ulna, right elbow, dislocated the metacarpals in left hand, broke left ankle and last but not least, tore PCL, ACL and LCL in the left knee. After a 13 hour surgery to fix all my broken bones, two weeks in the hospital and almost two months resident in a rehab center I was able to walk again.. as long as I had a brace on left leg to keep the knee somewhat stable. The doctors did not repair the ligaments during the first surgery because of too much swelling and they wanted to wait till the right leg was healed/strong enough to handle "full weightbearing". Needed a good leg to stand on, right??
Originally scheduled for Oct, then mid November, the triple ligament reconstruction surgery was in Dec '08. To use the words from Molly's story, it is now a "nice tight knee". So far so good, it's still pretty "tight". Lost some ROM (can't touch heel to butt anymore), but it's all good. I've been hitting the gym hard to get back in shape. Also been riding the bicycle, started doing short runs and scuba diving. Two weeks ago I did a 12 mile hike in the mountains. The knee felt sore after that! Then last week we just did a 5 mile hike. No more motorcycles....at least for now..
Had awesome doctors who literally put me back together and the PT crew who helped me get moving again. Can't thank them enough. Oh, lets not forget the nurses who made sure I was comfortable and of course the donor There are so many more people to thank, but I think I've said enough.
- Peace.

Hamlet - His Story of PCL Surgery And Recovery

Still In Wheel Chair After Three Months








Muscle Stimulation Using Machine









Going Out For Some Fresh Air, Wearing Brat Brace








A brief of my simple story
By Hamlet.

Surgery date : 21st November 2008
Currently still strengthening my right thigh muscles.
I can't squat or do flexion yet with only my right leg.
I can run but will still look cripple.

Thank You Hamlet. I wish you the very best of Luck.
Anyone else that wishes to share their story on my blog please leave a comment and I will get in touch with you.
Thanks
skinnygurl

Two Years Ago Today

Hi Everyone,

Two years ago today, I fell on the ice and tore my PCL. What a journey this has been. I've met so many awesome people and want to introduce them.

Anyone who would like to share their story and even pics, please e-mail me at Sprinter2fun@hotmail.com

This blog now belongs to everyone and if there is anything I can do to improve it, just let me know.

Skinnygurl

November 8th, 2009 One Year 7 Months Post Op

Where am I? I have reached maximum medical improvement. Whatever I get now, is on my own. My skilled surgeon and rehab team have done everything possible to help me. Now it's my turn to shine and show case their work.
So what am I doing these days?
I'm pushing myself to reasonable limits within what I think I can do. Sometimes a bit out of the circle to get bigger gains. I can run like the wind, squat moderate to heavy weights, and feel confident walking into any gym. How's that??? I'm happy!!!!!!!!!

I had over 100 rehab sessions in addition to daily homework. Don't rush this process. Do what your rehab teams tells you to do! Oh and after, you have to keep working on your flexibility. I tried to skip for a week. Nooooooooooooo, every day. Keep stretching.

One Year Five Months Post Op

What a journey this has been. I'm running and lifting weights again. Every day gets better and I feel stronger. There were some days I just didn't think I could go on but I had no choice. I wanted to get better.

I have found everyone's injury is different. Every doctors protocol varies. Even the rehab team has their own ideas on how to treat the PCL.

I welcome your comments. I will try to answer you personally.
Your journey could be much different than mine so when you read my blog, please remember this is my experience and we're all different. Good luck to all of you.

If there is anything I can do to help make this blog better, please let me know!

One Year Post Op PCL Surgery And Recovery

It's been one year since my PCL surgery. One question is "Knowing what I know today, would I have the surgery and go through the recovery again?"
Yes, I would. Looking back I realize it was one of the hardest things I've ever done but the alternative simply wasn't an option, so yes, I would do it again without question.
I am grateful to my talented and caring surgeon along with his rehab team. I would also like to mention my tissue donor. Words can not express my thanks for such a selfless gift.
So where am I now that a year has passed. I am beginning to run once again. The pain still persists and hope with time that will pass.
I have times in the day where I don't think about my knee. For many months that was the only focal point of my entire day.
I've met so many awesome people through this blog, especially Molly another PCL survivor who flew across the US to compare knee scars and stories. We had a great time.
I hope my blog continues to help and inspire others who are faced with this major surgery. It's about 8 pages now but it's such a huge recovery that it took that long to get through it!
Drop me a line anytime. I'll be sticking around.

10 Months Post Op Of My PCL Surgery And Recovery

After seeing my surgeon just a couple days ago I have news to share. I've reached maximum medical improvement which means my knee won't get much better than it is right now. The PCL is strong and the surgery was a success. I have 140 degrees flexion which is excellent although I am hoping to gain more as time goes on.
I'm not running just yet and hope to get past this nagging pain soon. It still aches and stings around the knee cap. I continue to do strength training at home but still struggle with going down the stairs. It's not that I can't do it, it just pulls like crazy over the top of my knee cap.
I'll be required to wear my brace if I'm engaged in any pivoting sports for the next two months.
It's been a year since the injury. Nothing about a PCL injury or repair is easy. If you're faced with this, read my blog and prepare yourself. It's hard but you can do it.
Thanks to everyone that helped me through this journey. Please continue to leave comments and encourage one another. I will leave this blog up and continue to update.