What should I expect after my ACL surgery?

Should I have ACL Reconstruction?

• I tore my ACL way back around mid January, it's now late March. I've been walking fine, I tried running short distances (late for class!) which turned out alright, but I'm still afraid to over-do it. My knee cracks (like your knuckles) from time to time when I twist it one way or the other, and I still feel pain (4/10 at it's worst) but it's been so long now that I have already gotten used to walking and the pain. My parents told me that it was nothing to worry about back in January so I believed them and left it alone, but just recently I has an MRI and X-Ray done and found out that my ACL has been torn this whole time. My parents, still thinking that the doctors are trying to up-sale (recession i suppose) tell me i shouldn't and that surgery will ruin my knee (Dad had the same thing 'cept he waited 5 years and his cartilage was completely gone). I went back twice (first time the doc. I saw didn't specialize in that surgery and the one that does wasn't in till today) and she gave me the option of Yes or No. Although I am not an avid athlete and don't plan on becoming a pro or playing in college, I do plan on playing Soccer and Tennis throughout High School. I'm 16 now, Sophomore and missed out on half my Varsity Soccer season and all of Tennis Season because of my knee. Although I'm not awesome, I like to stay in shape and run around. I DO NOT want to end up like my dad, but I also don't want to do the surgery and end up making the wrong decision. I have already given up on a trip to Japan over the summer, but now I'm second guessing myself and what I expect out of my life. I want to live without worrying about my knee giving way, but I also don't want to over exaggerate and waste money and time. Because I'm getting hardly any support or guidance, I turn to you, anonymous Yahoo-ers. What is your advice?

• Answer:

  You sound very worried about a lot of stuff. Get some counseling. When done right, it is reflective listening by an impartial person. They give you decision making tools that will help you navigate your life now and into your adult life. Good luck!