Greetings runners--

I'm new to this forum, but am writing about my pending ACL reconstruction. I was hit by a car 4 weeks ago, lucky I guess that the ACL tear (and MCL sprain) is the worst of it, however I finally BQed and was raring to go. For a while I was optimistic that I could still run Boston, but my knee is very unstable and a few times when it has "given out" while running, it has really hurt. So I don't think 26 miles is a good idea.

Which makes me want to get the surgery soon so that I can be ready for next year. I just don't know whether to go with a patella or hamstring graft. Thoughts? Also, how quickly after the surgery are you at least mobile and able to go to work. I live in NYC, and have to be able to get on the subway.

Thanks for any insights!

Hi Marycrow!

I just had ACL surgery December 21. I had a cadaver ligiment put in instead of the Hamstring or Patella tendon. The surgery went well, I was off the pain medication in 2 days. I was back to work 5 days after my surgery and getting around as good as you can on crutches. 7 days after the surgery my doctor said I could start weaning off the cructches. By that night I was motoring around without cructches! I started PT Jan 4, 3 times a week. Within 2 weeks they put me on the bike. Once I got the clearence to ride the bike I was off to the gym. Just so that you know I have had a remarkable recovery! Within 5 weeks of my surgery my doctor had me on the treadmill and running again! It wasn't alot, actually just a tease but it felt so good to run again. I am now 12 weeks post surgery and up to running 5 miles again. So, I would look into the cadaver option. I have not regretted it one bit and found that I have recovered much faster, than the old traditional way. I still go to PT 2 days a week until the end of the month. Look at all of your options. After my surgery I focused on getting to PT. I have taken PT very seriously and did the exercises they asked me to do at home. This was my only form of exercise after my surgery and I looked forward to my PT days! Also, prior to my surgery I was in the best shape I have ever been in and I really think that helped for a fast recovery. If you need support or have any other questions I would be glad to help you out! Good luck with your surgery.

Thank you all for the helpful responses. There isn't much out there for runners with ACL tears. As my OS said, it's not a runner's injury.

It sounds like you were all relatively pleased with your choices. Janelle, I so wish I could just skip the operationI could live the rest of my life without skiingbut for whatever reason (probably meniscus damage, which has now been diagnosed as well), my knee is unstable--and unpredictable. I ran the Brooklyn 1/2 marathon 2 weeks ago (20 minutes slower than last year) and had no problem (except my other leg hurts, I'm sure from over-compensating for the ginger treatment I give the ACL-less one). And then, I'll be strolling along and walk off a curb and practically fall into the street. And when it gives out it hurts like hell, and of course it does more damage.

I'm still deciding between hamstring and allograft. I want to recover as fast as possible (while I'm 46 and age works against me, I'm in better shape than I was at 26 so I'm hoping that works for me), though I think the PT is pretty prescriptive. I thought the reason you couldn't run for 3 months was because the graft needed to, well, graft, more than the pain getting in the way? It's encouraging to hear about running in 2 months. How long are you in the brace?

Hi SkyPenny!!!!

Sounds like you're feeling great!!! Awesome!!! I'm feeling great also, and today was my last day of PT (Kinda sad, I'm going to miss them). I'm running well and you said it right. I too am running stronger than before and it's only been 3 months. I ran 6 strong miles this morning. I'm so glad I had the surgery now. I still have some soreness but, it's very tolerable. Do you have any races planned?

MaryCrow,  if you need support or help answering questions we are always here! I would seriously consider the surgery. I can't believe how stable and strong my knee feels now. My PT's were wonderful people too. They taught me some very helpful things while I was there, that I know I will continue to use.

marycrow - Hi goodluck with the surgery I am 39 and like yourself now in better shape than I was at 26 too.  Good luck with your decision most people seem to have the op and I must say my surgeon and most of my friends thought I was mad not to go ahead with it but my PT was very supportive and said the choice was mine and if I was prepared to not have the lateral movements I once did then no prob  I live in Australia and skiing is not high on my agenda so the decision I made suited me.  From all the wonderful positive responses to this thread it seems that people make great recoveries and are back into running better than ever.  Maybe the time being unable to run increases your love and perspective of the freedom running brings.  Good Luck with your decision and please keep me posted.

Janelle