"The Day the Game Stopped..." (Tech Specs.)

Hard to read. I couldn't imagine going through this, but I want to thank you for the excellent job detailing the experience. I never realized all the challenges that come with the injury and the recovery process. My hats off to you, you sound like a great father. I wish your daughter a speedy and full recovery.
 
FreeKick said:
Hard to read. I couldn't imagine going through this, but I want to thank you for the excellent job detailing the experience. I never realized all the challenges that come with the injury and the recovery process. My hats off to you, you sound like a great father. I wish your daughter a speedy and full recovery.
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Appreciate that. The shock to me came with the details. So many little things one would never think of when contemplating a "knee" injury. Simple things like helping her put on her socks.... and that's just one of so so many little silly things. Day by day it'll get better. She's hoping to make it out to the field this weekend to support her teammates. She misses that part the most.
 
Soccer18 said:
Hello to the '04 Forum.

I thought that I should post an update of my daughter's condition, as it might be helpful to some of you out there in some way shape of form. I am somewhat reluctant to do so, feeling that this is to some degree a private matter, BUT as I navigate through this nightmare, I feel strongly that it may help and give some insight to some.

She suffered a torn ACL to her left knee on 7-31-16 at the morning game of the Galaxy tournament (Sunday). Saw the doctor that next morning and went directly to an MRI (showed nothing as expected). Saw the doctor family again on Tuesday and after manipulating her knee, etc.... he concluded that she had only a knee strain and advised us to give it a few weeks and see where she was at. I firmly insisted on an immediate MRI - Lesson #1 - When it comes to your kid - don't leave any stone unturned. Doctor scheduled the first available MRI on the following week. When we got home, I called this same imaging center, applied a little pressure and my daughter was in the machine 2 hours later. Lesson #2 - When it comes to your kid - don't automatically believe what others (who have no direct interest or sense of urgency) tell you. Within 10 minutes of the conclusion of the scan the doctor diagnosed the condition as a complete tear of the left ACL. We saw a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist 2 days later who confirmed the diagnosis. Sidenote: My daughter and i were sitting in the exam room and in entered the doctor. Without any type of Hello, he blurted out, "Well - the ACL is gone. When do you want Surgery?" Hell of a bedside manner...... Turned out to be a great guy. Lesson #3 - When it comes to your kid - an
EXPERT EXPERIENCED PEDIATRIC Orthopedic Surgeon is a MUST. This is due to the fact that kids still have open growth plates, which require a unique surgical technique when replacing the ACL to prevent retarded growth in the repaired leg. It is possible that done improperly - this leg would stop growing, while the other one would continue to grow - Enough Said. Had 1 more follow up with the Doctor and had surgery on Wednesday of the following week. Her ACL was replaced with some of her own tendon from her hamstring. Lesson #4 - 99% of the time ACL replacement for kids should use their own tissue for repair / replacement. Critical to future healing and health - There's a lot more to this, but I'm keeping it simple.

For those of you who know my daughter, you know she's a pretty tough kid. In the hours after the surgery and for the next few days, I had a really hard time even being in the same room with her. I couldn't stand the sights and sounds of her pain - It was horrible - enough said. Her leg was locked in a straight position with a hinged brace for a week. Dressing was then replaced and Rehab has now begun. The pain has subsided to a large degree. The long haul has now begun. The doctor told us that she might be able to slowly jog in 6 months - Holy SHIT - are you fucking kidding me???? In a perfect world, she might be able to play again in 9 months....... BUT the doctor said this: It takes the new tendon 12 months to vascularize and turn itself into a fully healthy and functional ligament. Did anyone get the license plate of that Mack truck?

Today was the first day of school. I dropped her off at school locked leg brace, crutches and all. I dropped off the Ice Packs to the nurses office - She HAS to ice every day at lunch. My wife and I are going out to buy 5 XL poofs (beanbag type pillows), one for each of her classes. she has to elevate her leg at all times during class. She goes to rehab 3 times a week for an hour for the next 12 months. Additionally, she has to do her exercises at home 3-4 times a day and ice another 4-5 times a day. there is a great concern in the early stages of rehab that the child's leg and joint will atrophy and lock up. We see the doctor again in 2 weeks. He said that if she didn't have full range of motion in her knee that he'd have to put her to sleep again and manipulate the leg for her. He said that this is a HORRIBLY painful experience.

The type of rehab done for the first 4 months is standard for ACL replacement surgery. You Don't need a sports specific specialist until latter down the road. just find a QUALIFIED physical therapist (with ACL repair experience) that your kid likes and make sure that the facility is fully equipped.

As I conclude, I'll tell you all this - and I never really thought I feel this way - Soccer means NOTHING. Do I miss it? - you bet your ass I do - in so many ways. It was our life. It was full of all our friends and like-minded fools. but having gone through this so far - it means nothing to me. I only have ONE concern - that my daughter FULLY recovers and is able to enjoy a kick-ass life with or without soccer. I cringe at the thought and memory of my running down the sidelines on that fateful Sunday morning and out onto the field and seeing my little warrior writhing in pain, screaming and clinching her knee while tears streamed down her beautiful little face. My GOD - that was indeed the day that the game stood still.

I want to wrap up by thanking Tech, my friends and ALL of you out there who have reached out with your support. This is only the beginning: the first steps in the marathon of recovery. Will talk soon - until then......
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Soccer 18 thank you for this amazing story. It brought me to tears. I am currently in day 2 after finding out my 02 daughter has a torn ACL. Everything you said in this post is true. In the moment of hopelessness you give me inspiration. I look forward to following you on this journey as our family starts ours. I know my daughter isn't the only one but to actually hear others stories reminds me that recovery is possible with hard work. Its just so hard to see your child loose something they love so much. I am really going through it and you have inspired me and givin me some hope
 
Soccer18 said:
Appreciate that. The shock to me came with the details. So many little things one would never think of when contemplating a "knee" injury. Simple things like helping her put on her socks.... and that's just one of so so many little silly things. Day by day it'll get better. She's hoping to make it out to the field this weekend to support her teammates. She misses that part the most.
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Soccer18 said:
Appreciate that. The shock to me came with the details. So many little things one would never think of when contemplating a "knee" injury. Simple things like helping her put on her socks.... and that's just one of so so many little silly things. Day by day it'll get better. She's hoping to make it out to the field this weekend to support her teammates. She misses that part the most.
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This is another great point. Our team like yours I am sure is a part of our extended family. My daughter hasn't even had surgery yet and every chance she gets she wants to be there with her family. I am there to support my daughter whatever it takes.... driving to long away games just so she can be with her family is a no brainer. I don't know what is in store for the future after surgery but we soccer families are crazy committed to our kids and we do whatever it takes. I appreaciate you taking the time out to make this great thread.
 
Soccer18 said:
SDSteve760 ----- Please feel free to message me and I will give you my cell number. I'm here for you my friend. In the very (fresh) beginning someone reached out to me and I want to pay it forward. Don't hesitate to reach out.

My deepest sympathy for you and your daughter.
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Thank you I appreacciate it. I always cringe when I see that ambulance rolling into the SoCal Complex. I will keep your family in my thoughts and pray for a speedy recovery for your daughter. I may touch base with you along the way as my daughters surgery probably won't be till November. Thank you for your kindness
 
TCD said:
@MessiFTW - You can go ahead and keep marking each and everyone of my posts "dumb" from now until the end of time. Obviously it floats your boat and I could give two shits if this is how you get off. But when you mark my post dumb that talks about the pure joy of Special Olympic athletes playing soccer and what a wonderful experience it was to be a part of that...you've gone too far.
Go fuck yourself, MessiFTW. You're a no talent ass clown.
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Troll - 1
Mentally Retarded poster - 0

PWNED!
 
Soccer 18, Any updates? The game stopped in Lancaster for my DD last Saturday. She heard the dreaded pop. Xray shows no fracture. Urgent Care Dr was a dope. RICE and crutches. Professional trainer friend examined, concerned about MCL and advises MRI to check it out. Seeing a Specialist tomorrow.
 
lancer said:
Soccer 18, Any updates? The game stopped in Lancaster for my DD last Saturday. She heard the dreaded pop. Xray shows no fracture. Urgent Care Dr was a dope. RICE and crutches. Professional trainer friend examined, concerned about MCL and advises MRI to check it out. Seeing a Specialist tomorrow.
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Sorry to hear it @lancer ..... hoping for the best for your DD.
 
lancer said:
Soccer 18, Any updates? The game stopped in Lancaster for my DD last Saturday. She heard the dreaded pop. Xray shows no fracture. Urgent Care Dr was a dope. RICE and crutches. Professional trainer friend examined, concerned about MCL and advises MRI to check it out. Seeing a Specialist tomorrow.
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My DD hyperextended her knee last year in June up in Sacramento and watching her cry in pain was of the most helpless moments for us as parents. Fortunately that was the extent of her injury, but every time a player goes down, time truly stops and nothing else matters but your kid.

I truly admire all these young ladies who play with such a passion on the field and are sweethearts and good people off the pitch where it counts the most.

@lancer , our thoughts are with your daughter and your family. Hoping for the best!
 
Technician72 said:
My DD hyperextended her knee last year in June up in Sacramento and watching her cry in pain was of the most helpless moments for us as parents.

I truly admire all these young ladies who play with such a passion on the field and are sweethearts and good people off the pitch where it counts the most.

@lancer , our thoughts are with your daughter and your family. Hoping for the best!
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I am hoping for hyperextension. The movement the PT felt could be due to the swelling. At least I hope.

If my mom was alive I would owe her the biggest apology ever...skull fracture, broken jaw, collarbones, multiple fingers and a leg, I put my mom through hell.
 
lancer said:
Soccer 18, Any updates? The game stopped in Lancaster for my DD last Saturday. She heard the dreaded pop. Xray shows no fracture. Urgent Care Dr was a dope. RICE and crutches. Professional trainer friend examined, concerned about MCL and advises MRI to check it out. Seeing a Specialist tomorrow.
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DAMN ---- So So sorry. From my experience - Do NOT trust ANY doctor, but your specialist (Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon) AND an MRI (possibly 2). Our Family Doc did his knee manipulation stuff, etc....... and said it was a strain only and to give it 2 weeks with RICE. I had the MRI performed 4 hours later on my own and the diagnosis was crystal clear.

I wish and hope the best for your daughter: hoping the MRI is clear, but hearing/feeling that POP is a pretty good indication.

As far as an update, and I apologize to you all for my absence from this Forum, my daughter is doing great (all considering). She does rehab twice a week. She's wearing a Pro-style super light-weight carbon-fiber badass knee brace now. She's cruising all over the house, jumping and playing like there wasn't an issue. Wish that were the case. Very deceiving in that she acts and moves like her old self 100%, while knowing that it's only been 6 MONTHS since surgery. Can you all believe that folks???????? 6 motherfucking months AND 6 more to go before I'll let her play in a competitive game. Some kids go back after 9 months because they say they feel fine and the doctor let's them do it. Post-op MRI shows all is good. Please - no one make that mistake. It takes 12 months for the new ligament to vascularize 100%. That's science people. Disregard how she feels and how much she wants to go back and play. NOTE: this thing is killing her - not being able to play and be a part of her team. We see her Doctor in 2 weeks for her check-up. Hoping he will allow her to start doing a little bit more. At present, she is only allowed to jog at 50% in a straight line, ride a bike, treadmill, elliptical, etc.... No pounding, twisting, etc...... She wears her brace EVERY time she goes out of the house without fail, mostly because it is a guarantee that someone else won't make a mistake and hit her............

And to be 100% honest ---------- If I had to identify a silver lining.............. I have truly enjoyed these past 6 months AWAY from the rat race of competitive club soccer. 3-4 days a week at practice and damn near every weekend "Somewhere" (other than home with wife and the "rest" of my kids). Let's all admit it. We love watching and supporting our kids and their dreams, etc....... but damn it can get to be a grind. Season in and Season out.

Good Luck Lancer. I wish only good things for your daughter (and you).
 
Soccer18 - I am very happy to hear that recovery is on schedule. I think I would be itching to get back on the sidelines if I saw my dd running around the house like nothing happened. Six more months.....good luck brother.

Lancer - here's hoping that it's just a strain and not something more serious. Best of the luck brother.

SDSteve760 - are you still around these boards? What is going on with your dd?
 
lancer said:
Soccer 18, Any updates? The game stopped in Lancaster for my DD last Saturday. She heard the dreaded pop. Xray shows no fracture. Urgent Care Dr was a dope. RICE and crutches. Professional trainer friend examined, concerned about MCL and advises MRI to check it out. Seeing a Specialist tomorrow.
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Sorry to hear this @lancer - wishing your DD (and your family) all the best.
 
Kicker4Life said:
Sorry to hear it @lancer ..... hoping for the best for your DD.
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lancer...100% agree with everything Soccer18 mentioned above. My player is just about 9 months post op from a full ACL tear/reconstruction. The keys for us were, one, finding the best PEDIATRIC orthopedic surgeon we could. There are huge differences between pediatric vs adult ortho's. Secondly and probably equally important identifying the right PT for rehab. Your player will spend more time with the PT than anyone else rehabbing her entire body not just the injury.

We, like Soccer18, were lucky that someone who had recently gone through this helped us early on. If it ends up being a tear feel free to PM me if you want to talk. Good luck.
 
Fears Confirmed. The ACL is intact but pulled off the bone, along with a piece of the bone floating around stopping her knee from fully extending. Surgery Tuesday. Then the long road to recovery begins.
 
Hello All. Soccer18 here. Well - July 31st 2016 - 1 year ago is when it all happened. Surgery (ACL replacement on August 10, 2016), rehab, physical therapy, more MRI's, movement training, personal training, and so on and so on.......... And NOW - she's back. Feels like we've been through hell - not just my daughter, but our whole family. She's been training with the team and will be down at Surf Cup getting some minutes.

I'll tell you folks - I'm scared as all HELL. It's somewhere between I don't want to watch her play and I have to watch her play. I'm not sure how this is all going to work out for me.

For her - she is so damn excited and anxious to play that it almost makes me feel like it's all going to be ok.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you (my friends) out there again. I've missed you ...... and I've missed the game.

Crossing my fingers.
 
Soccer18 said:
Hello All. Soccer18 here. Well - July 31st 2016 - 1 year ago is when it all happened. Surgery (ACL replacement on August 10, 2016), rehab, physical therapy, more MRI's, movement training, personal training, and so on and so on.......... And NOW - she's back. Feels like we've been through hell - not just my daughter, but our whole family. She's been training with the team and will be down at Surf Cup getting some minutes.

I'll tell you folks - I'm scared as all HELL. It's somewhere between I don't want to watch her play and I have to watch her play. I'm not sure how this is all going to work out for me.

For her - she is so damn excited and anxious to play that it almost makes me feel like it's all going to be ok.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you (my friends) out there again. I've missed you ...... and I've missed the game.

Crossing my fingers.
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Great to hear she is back! Hope all goes well and will look forward to seeing you this weekend!
 
Soccer18 said:
Hello All. Soccer18 here. Well - July 31st 2016 - 1 year ago is when it all happened. Surgery (ACL replacement on August 10, 2016), rehab, physical therapy, more MRI's, movement training, personal training, and so on and so on.......... And NOW - she's back. Feels like we've been through hell - not just my daughter, but our whole family. She's been training with the team and will be down at Surf Cup getting some minutes.

I'll tell you folks - I'm scared as all HELL. It's somewhere between I don't want to watch her play and I have to watch her play. I'm not sure how this is all going to work out for me.

For her - she is so damn excited and anxious to play that it almost makes me feel like it's all going to be ok.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you (my friends) out there again. I've missed you ...... and I've missed the game.

Crossing my fingers.
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We've missed you buddy!
 
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