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

Technician72

Technician72

The day the game stopped…

It’s our worst fear as parents, our world comes crashing down and time stops when our kids are hurt. Such as it is with life, but seemingly exponentially greater and magnified in the arena of sports. I’d like to tell you such a story, not because of the feeling of despair it invokes when recalling the moment of pain, to reignite the hope and wonder we see in our children and remind ourselves to enjoy the journey.

Sunday, July 31st 2016 at West Torrance High School, LA Galaxy SB - Coastal Classic Tournament. The early 8 am morning game had a hint of a coastal breeze that was welcomed amongst the blazing heat So Cal had been feeling as of late. A beautiful morning for some soccer as teams wrapped up their final prep work before Surf Cup. Beach FC – SB vs. Real So Cal, a matchup of one of SoCal’s powerhouse teams in the 04 age group and a dark horse in Beach – South Bay that had proven to be worthy of being on the radar. The game played out like most do here in Southern California, hard fought and a display of talent like no other. And then the game stopped…

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know #18 like some of her friends and family do, but I do know she wears her heart on her sleeve like her pops and it makes knowing her that much easier. Having said that, the gravity of the situation she found herself in was evident from the moment the game stopped. Writhing in pain and crying out are not synonymous with #18, when I think of her I see her fearlessness, her leadership, and her calm under pressure that has become a staple that anchors her team, on and off the field. But alas, there she found herself in a world of hurt like no other. Game stopped, world stopped for her and her family.

Soccer18 and I had been texting, like we always do, exchanging notes and talking about the kids, the game, and our families. The next text I got was a heart breaker, “The kid is down and OUT. Heard a pop in left knee. Headed home. Went in for a tackle. Went down screaming.” We chatted later that evening, and #18 was resting, icing, and hoping. Doctor, X-Rays and MRI were on the docket and with no swelling, there was some optimism. Thoughts and prayers went out immediately as the SoCal soccer community did what they do best and that’s come together.

The week began with a visit to the doctor and the x-rays showed nothing, as expected, and there was minimal swelling and a good range of motion. Pain was still constant inside the knee and straightening or bending back completely proved to be painful. Late in the week the verdict came in from the specialist and it wasn’t good, total tear. Surgery necessary and 9-12 months out. Amidst it all we quickly find out as parents that our kids are the ones that help us get through this more so than us them. #18 is as brave as they come and she held it down in the face of the bad news, but what else is new? It’s what she does and who she is, all heart.

Going into Surf Cup weekend, news had completely spread across the circuit of the SoCal Soccer community and if you need any proof, all you needed was to be by Soccer18 and #18 this past weekend and you would have seen something truly remarkable. Parents and kids from every age group at Surf Cup coming over and introducing themselves, new friends and old, and giving their well wishes to a kid who is going to need every bit of motivation she can get over the next year as she finds her way. My daughter made her way over to the Real So Cal bench during the De Anza game and embraced her friend with the biggest hug and got choked up to see her friend in an unfamiliar predicament, but knew she needed to be strong for her.

On Wednesday of this week, I got word that the surgery went well and #18 had no damage to her meniscus. She was in pain, but braving it out and trying to get some rest. It was then that I decided I wanted to put something together for her and share the story. Her story is unique but it’s common, and in that commonality we can share our fears and sighs of relief that we experience by the little moments.

I’ve known Soccer18 and #18 for a couple of years now, introduced to each other through the “Goats FC” experience that has forged a soccer family like no other. We spent Father’s Day last year with Goats FC doing what we always do, watching our girls play soccer, decked out in green, no coaching, having fun, and letting out the “Baaahhh” battle cry that has brought our girls together in so many ways.

To my friend Soccer18, #18 and the entire family, get better kiddo, do your thing and we’ll see you out there again soon enough. Enjoy your rest and let dad spoil you!

Let’s hear it folks, what scares have the kids put into you? And even better, what have been the moments you have cherished the most? What has been so beautiful about these experiences, the game has stopped and you’ve enjoyed every second of it?
 
Technician72 said:
The day the game stopped…

It’s our worst fear as parents, our world comes crashing down and time stops when our kids are hurt. Such as it is with life, but seemingly exponentially greater and magnified in the arena of sports. I’d like to tell you such a story, not because of the feeling of despair it invokes when recalling the moment of pain, to reignite the hope and wonder we see in our children and remind ourselves to enjoy the journey.

Sunday, July 31st 2016 at West Torrance High School, LA Galaxy SB - Coastal Classic Tournament. The early 8 am morning game had a hint of a coastal breeze that was welcomed amongst the blazing heat So Cal had been feeling as of late. A beautiful morning for some soccer as teams wrapped up their final prep work before Surf Cup. Beach FC – SB vs. Real So Cal, a matchup of one of SoCal’s powerhouse teams in the 04 age group and a dark horse in Beach – South Bay that had proven to be worthy of being on the radar. The game played out like most do here in Southern California, hard fought and a display of talent like no other. And then the game stopped…

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know #18 like some of her friends and family do, but I do know she wears her heart on her sleeve like her pops and it makes knowing her that much easier. Having said that, the gravity of the situation she found herself in was evident from the moment the game stopped. Writhing in pain and crying out are not synonymous with #18, when I think of her I see her fearlessness, her leadership, and her calm under pressure that has become a staple that anchors her team, on and off the field. But alas, there she found herself in a world of hurt like no other. Game stopped, world stopped for her and her family.

Soccer18 and I had been texting, like we always do, exchanging notes and talking about the kids, the game, and our families. The next text I got was a heart breaker, “The kid is down and OUT. Heard a pop in left knee. Headed home. Went in for a tackle. Went down screaming.” We chatted later that evening, and #18 was resting, icing, and hoping. Doctor, X-Rays and MRI were on the docket and with no swelling, there was some optimism. Thoughts and prayers went out immediately as the SoCal soccer community did what they do best and that’s come together.

The week began with a visit to the doctor and the x-rays showed nothing, as expected, and there was minimal swelling and a good range of motion. Pain was still constant inside the knee and straightening or bending back completely proved to be painful. Late in the week the verdict came in from the specialist and it wasn’t good, total tear. Surgery necessary and 9-12 months out. Amidst it all we quickly find out as parents that our kids are the ones that help us get through this more so than us them. #18 is as brave as they come and she held it down in the face of the bad news, but what else is new? It’s what she does and who she is, all heart.

Going into Surf Cup weekend, news had completely spread across the circuit of the SoCal Soccer community and if you need any proof, all you needed was to be by Soccer18 and #18 this past weekend and you would have seen something truly remarkable. Parents and kids from every age group at Surf Cup coming over and introducing themselves, new friends and old, and giving their well wishes to a kid who is going to need every bit of motivation she can get over the next year as she finds her way. My daughter made her way over to the Real So Cal bench during the De Anza game and embraced her friend with the biggest hug and got choked up to see her friend in an unfamiliar predicament, but knew she needed to be strong for her.

On Wednesday of this week, I got word that the surgery went well and #18 had no damage to her meniscus. She was in pain, but braving it out and trying to get some rest. It was then that I decided I wanted to put something together for her and share the story. Her story is unique but it’s common, and in that commonality we can share our fears and sighs of relief that we experience by the little moments.

I’ve known Soccer18 and #18 for a couple of years now, introduced to each other through the “Goats FC” experience that has forged a soccer family like no other. We spent Father’s Day last year with Goats FC doing what we always do, watching our girls play soccer, decked out in green, no coaching, having fun, and letting out the “Baaahhh” battle cry that has brought our girls together in so many ways.

To my friend Soccer18, #18 and the entire family, get better kiddo, do your thing and we’ll see you out there again soon enough. Enjoy your rest and let dad spoil you!

Let’s hear it folks, what scares have the kids put into you? And even better, what have been the moments you have cherished the most? What has been so beautiful about these experiences, the game has stopped and you’ve enjoyed every second of it?
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Wow! Fantastic piece Tech! Very moving and hits home! All the best to #18!
 
I've had two such moments this year where my kids put scares into me. Here goes the first:

My youngest daughter is an 06 and plays GK for the 05 IE Surf team. We were playing in a boys league game and she came out to challenge a breakaway at the top of the box. She laid out and put her arms out to secure the 50-50 ball when the striker kicked with everything he had to touch the ball first, and that he did. Problem? The follow through after winning the ball meant my daughter got a taste of cleat to the face.

I didn't see the gravity of the impact until she tried to stand up. She struggled to find her balance and wobbled before falling back down. Her coach and the opposing coach ran out onto the field as it was evident the impact involved a collision to the head. I was called over and time stopped as it seemed like a infinite distance to get to her. She was spitting out blood and her eyes were glazed over, filled with tears. As I checked her over, her coach told her she was done, and she told me, "I can still play" blood, tears, and all.

I got choked up, gave her a hug, got blood on my shirt and cleaned her up. We sat at the bench for the remaining minutes as she gained her composure. We went to the hospital and got her checked out, a few gashes on her upper and bottom lips because of the braces and the impact, but no concussion.

While in the waiting room, she started showing signs of her goofy self, wanting to play with all the instruments and asking her "what if" questions that drive me nuts. She was in a deep debate with herself about what approach she would take to eating shaved iced with flavoring if she took the two components apart and then tried to mix them together. "What if I take the shaved ice and put it in my mouth and then pour the syrup into my mouth?" or....."What if I take the syrup and put it in my mouth and then pour the shaved ice into my mouth?

I was baffled at how this could become such a serious discussion she was having with herself, taking into account how thin the ice would have to be shaved or if the different flavors would impact her dilemma? I couldn't help but laugh at how nuts she was, but she was back to being herself and this exchange she had with herself became what I now remember most of that scary day.
 
Technician72 said:
I've had two such moments this year where my kids put scares into me. Here goes the first:

My youngest daughter is an 06 and plays GK for the 05 IE Surf team. We were playing in a boys league game and she came out to challenge a breakaway at the top of the box. She laid out and put her arms out to secure the 50-50 ball when the striker kicked with everything he had to touch the ball first, and that he did. Problem? The follow through after winning the ball meant my daughter got a taste of cleat to the face.

I didn't see the gravity of the impact until she tried to stand up. She struggled to find her balance and wobbled before falling back down. Her coach and the opposing coach ran out onto the field as it was evident the impact involved a collision to the head. I was called over and time stopped as it seemed like a infinite distance to get to her. She was spitting out blood and her eyes were glazed over, filled with tears. As I checked her over, her coach told her she was done, and she told me, "I can still play" blood, tears, and all.

I got choked up, gave her a hug, got blood on my shirt and cleaned her up. We sat at the bench for the remaining minutes as she gained her composure. We went to the hospital and got her checked out, a few gashes on her upper and bottom lips because of the braces and the impact, but no concussion.

While in the waiting room, she started showing signs of her goofy self, wanting to play with all the instruments and asking her "what if" questions that drive me nuts. She was in a deep debate with herself about what approach she would take to eating shaved iced with flavoring if she took the two components apart and then tried to mix them together. "What if I take the shaved ice and put it in my mouth and then pour the syrup into my mouth?" or....."What if I take the syrup and put it in my mouth and then pour the shaved ice into my mouth?

I was baffled at how this could become such a serious discussion she was having with herself, taking into account how thin the ice would have to be shaved or if the different flavors would impact her dilemma? I couldn't help but laugh at how nuts she was, but she was back to being herself and this exchange she had with herself became what I now remember most of that scary day.
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Your daughter displays great inner strength in how she managed that situation and reacted afterward.
 
Technician72 said:
I've had two such moments this year where my kids put scares into me. Here goes the first:

My youngest daughter is an 06 and plays GK for the 05 IE Surf team. We were playing in a boys league game and she came out to challenge a breakaway at the top of the box. She laid out and put her arms out to secure the 50-50 ball when the striker kicked with everything he had to touch the ball first, and that he did. Problem? The follow through after winning the ball meant my daughter got a taste of cleat to the face.

I didn't see the gravity of the impact until she tried to stand up. She struggled to find her balance and wobbled before falling back down. Her coach and the opposing coach ran out onto the field as it was evident the impact involved a collision to the head. I was called over and time stopped as it seemed like a infinite distance to get to her. She was spitting out blood and her eyes were glazed over, filled with tears. As I checked her over, her coach told her she was done, and she told me, "I can still play" blood, tears, and all.

I got choked up, gave her a hug, got blood on my shirt and cleaned her up. We sat at the bench for the remaining minutes as she gained her composure. We went to the hospital and got her checked out, a few gashes on her upper and bottom lips because of the braces and the impact, but no concussion.

While in the waiting room, she started showing signs of her goofy self, wanting to play with all the instruments and asking her "what if" questions that drive me nuts. She was in a deep debate with herself about what approach she would take to eating shaved iced with flavoring if she took the two components apart and then tried to mix them together. "What if I take the shaved ice and put it in my mouth and then pour the syrup into my mouth?" or....."What if I take the syrup and put it in my mouth and then pour the shaved ice into my mouth?

I was baffled at how this could become such a serious discussion she was having with herself, taking into account how thin the ice would have to be shaved or if the different flavors would impact her dilemma? I couldn't help but laugh at how nuts she was, but she was back to being herself and this exchange she had with herself became what I now remember most of that scary day.
Click to expand...



Its pretty obvious that you go with syrup first then the shaved ice my friend, i will talk to her about this dilemma she is having at are next training. I also think lots of practice can help with a resolution to the shaved ice problem. I am here to help.
 
Technician72 said:
The day the game stopped…

It’s our worst fear as parents, our world comes crashing down and time stops when our kids are hurt. Such as it is with life, but seemingly exponentially greater and magnified in the arena of sports. I’d like to tell you such a story, not because of the feeling of despair it invokes when recalling the moment of pain, to reignite the hope and wonder we see in our children and remind ourselves to enjoy the journey.

Sunday, July 31st 2016 at West Torrance High School, LA Galaxy SB - Coastal Classic Tournament. The early 8 am morning game had a hint of a coastal breeze that was welcomed amongst the blazing heat So Cal had been feeling as of late. A beautiful morning for some soccer as teams wrapped up their final prep work before Surf Cup. Beach FC – SB vs. Real So Cal, a matchup of one of SoCal’s powerhouse teams in the 04 age group and a dark horse in Beach – South Bay that had proven to be worthy of being on the radar. The game played out like most do here in Southern California, hard fought and a display of talent like no other. And then the game stopped…

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know #18 like some of her friends and family do, but I do know she wears her heart on her sleeve like her pops and it makes knowing her that much easier. Having said that, the gravity of the situation she found herself in was evident from the moment the game stopped. Writhing in pain and crying out are not synonymous with #18, when I think of her I see her fearlessness, her leadership, and her calm under pressure that has become a staple that anchors her team, on and off the field. But alas, there she found herself in a world of hurt like no other. Game stopped, world stopped for her and her family.

Soccer18 and I had been texting, like we always do, exchanging notes and talking about the kids, the game, and our families. The next text I got was a heart breaker, “The kid is down and OUT. Heard a pop in left knee. Headed home. Went in for a tackle. Went down screaming.” We chatted later that evening, and #18 was resting, icing, and hoping. Doctor, X-Rays and MRI were on the docket and with no swelling, there was some optimism. Thoughts and prayers went out immediately as the SoCal soccer community did what they do best and that’s come together.

The week began with a visit to the doctor and the x-rays showed nothing, as expected, and there was minimal swelling and a good range of motion. Pain was still constant inside the knee and straightening or bending back completely proved to be painful. Late in the week the verdict came in from the specialist and it wasn’t good, total tear. Surgery necessary and 9-12 months out. Amidst it all we quickly find out as parents that our kids are the ones that help us get through this more so than us them. #18 is as brave as they come and she held it down in the face of the bad news, but what else is new? It’s what she does and who she is, all heart.

Going into Surf Cup weekend, news had completely spread across the circuit of the SoCal Soccer community and if you need any proof, all you needed was to be by Soccer18 and #18 this past weekend and you would have seen something truly remarkable. Parents and kids from every age group at Surf Cup coming over and introducing themselves, new friends and old, and giving their well wishes to a kid who is going to need every bit of motivation she can get over the next year as she finds her way. My daughter made her way over to the Real So Cal bench during the De Anza game and embraced her friend with the biggest hug and got choked up to see her friend in an unfamiliar predicament, but knew she needed to be strong for her.

On Wednesday of this week, I got word that the surgery went well and #18 had no damage to her meniscus. She was in pain, but braving it out and trying to get some rest. It was then that I decided I wanted to put something together for her and share the story. Her story is unique but it’s common, and in that commonality we can share our fears and sighs of relief that we experience by the little moments.

I’ve known Soccer18 and #18 for a couple of years now, introduced to each other through the “Goats FC” experience that has forged a soccer family like no other. We spent Father’s Day last year with Goats FC doing what we always do, watching our girls play soccer, decked out in green, no coaching, having fun, and letting out the “Baaahhh” battle cry that has brought our girls together in so many ways.

To my friend Soccer18, #18 and the entire family, get better kiddo, do your thing and we’ll see you out there again soon enough. Enjoy your rest and let dad spoil you!

Let’s hear it folks, what scares have the kids put into you? And even better, what have been the moments you have cherished the most? What has been so beautiful about these experiences, the game has stopped and you’ve enjoyed every second of it?
Click to expand...

Beautiful post Tech. Crazy how small this soccer world truly is. Walking into the Oceanside complex for the first day of Surf Cup last weekend, my daughter bumped into a friend of hers with a Real SoCal group, exchanged smiles and friendly words, and immediately noticed the leg brace her friend was wearing. Asked what happened, the friend replied matter of factly "I tore my ACL." I had read about #18's injury on the forum so I put two and two together. Turns out my daughter knows her from a residential soccer camp they both went to. She says #18 is not only an amazing player, but also a super friendly and cool person who always had a smile and nice words for my daughter at camp. We got our own small taste of injury recently when my daughter was out for six weeks with a broken foot, and we thought it was rough having her miss one tournament, but this puts it all into perspective. Both of us wish #18 a speedy recovery, and can't wait to see her doing her thing out on the field again.
 
Great post. Every parent's fear and before each game I pray for both teams girls to make it through the game without injury.

From my own experience 2 years ago my DD broke her foot but I didn't realize it for over a month. She kept playing and it wasn't until I finally called her out for avoiding shooting with her left that she spilled the beans that her left foot was killing her when she struck the ball.

It was a long process starting with 6 weeks in a boot then PT to recover from her body being all lopsided from dragging the boot around.

Anyway it pales into comparison to something more serious like an ACL but I pray for #18 and any player that deals with such challenges in their life.

Thank you again for sharing
 
Wonderful post Tech and it's nice that you offered the inside details to the rest of us. I have already relayed my sympathies to Soccer18.

These types of injuries are not supposed to happen to young players. In a way, it may not be that bad in the long run. Medical science is very good these days and kids heal faster than adults. I would think the recovery time will be closer to 9 months versus 12 months.

I feel terrible for #18, but I also feel bad for Soccer18. I don't know how I would occupy my time if my dd could not play for that long.
 
TCD said:
Wonderful post, Tech, beautifully written.

Scariest moment: When my '05 DD, playing last year U10 at Vegas Cup, got hammered by a player on the opposing team that resulted in a broken collarbone. Not your typical soccer injury. The injury kept her from playing State Cup with her team. And the injury has made her fearful and tentative on the field; still working through that but she loves the game and doesn't want to quit.

Best moment: Watching my '00 DD play on a Middle School Special Olympics Unified Soccer Team. To watch the athletes, those with disabilities and those without, working together was truly wonderful. To see not only the joy but the 100% effort of the Special Olympic athletes, to hear their families cheering them on...indescribable. If your child has the opportunity to play on a middle or high school Unified Team, I highly recommend it.
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Thanks for sharing, I remember the injury as you shared it during that time, glad to hear your daughter is back on track and having fun.

My aunt participated in the Special Olympics growing up and we loved going out and supporting her in swimming and basketball. Absolutely amazing experience!
 
God speed soccer18. You drive this age group on the forum. Everyone loves your passion you have for your DD. She is a amazing player. Her header goal against us in CRL a few weeks ago was amazing. She will be back stronger than ever soon.
 
Incredible post Tech. It's so easy to get caught up in all that comes along with this game that I don't think most of us stop to think about what if it suddenly stopped. I remember one day when my DD took a hard ball to the head. She shook it off and kept playing. Later that day, she started getting dizzy and confused. We took her to the doctor who said she had a concussion. I remember questioning if we should be letting her play, if it was worth it. After several days, when she could play again, I hesitantly took her to practice. I watched her team get excited to see her return, the laughter and fun they were all having to be back together again, then I watched her step onto the field. I saw a spark come back into her eyes, the focus on her face and the happiness in her heart to be back where she always wanted to be. In that moment I remembered why we let them play even though we sometimes have fears about them getting hurt... because they love this game, the comradery, the successes and the failures. They learn, they grow and they get so much more out of this sport than just the game and so do we. I always pray that no one will get hurt, that no child will ever have to feel that pain and that no parent ever have to feel that fear. But when it does happen, I appreciate how this soccer community comes together to support each other.

Soccer18 and #18, wishing you a full recovery and a speedy return to the field. Your soccer family will be waiting for you on the pitch!
 
I wouldn't be on this site without an injury. 2 1/2 years ago my 8 year old daughter was playing basketball and baseball. On a field trip for school she fell of some monkey bars and broke her arm. Out for 10 weeks, end of her baseball and basketball season. Since she can't dribble or throw, she starts kicking the ball around. She then says she wants to play soccer. Since neither my wife or I had never even watched a game of soccer, let alone played, we weren't that excited. But like most parents, we went ahead and signed her up for AYSO soccer. The team was very successful, but the training wasn't. But overall we were excited about this game called soccer. She decided to go back to baseball and basketball in the spring, but she had tasted soccer and the game was calling to her. So she played AYSO again last year, with myself as coach, but she also managed to get an offer to train on an Extra team as well with a great coach that stressed technique and skills over wins. Now 10, we can't get enough soccer on TV, and we are looking forward to our first year of club soccer with this same coach.

I can't imagine what Soccer18 and his daughter are going through, but I hope that something positive comes out of the injury like it did for my daughter and I. Good luck on her recovery.
 
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......
 
Soccer18 did such a good job of sharing both the emotional side and practical info of his dd's injury. Perhaps the forum could add an "injury recovery and injury prevention" category. I think a lot of forum users could benefit from such a category.
 
TCD said:
Soccer18 did such a good job of sharing both the emotional side and practical info of his dd's injury. Perhaps the forum could add an "injury recovery and injury prevention" category. I think a lot of forum users could benefit from such a category.
Click to expand...

I've been putting some thoughts into just that and have some good ideas. I'll get back to all soon. There is a program out there with a huge success rate.
 
Thank you for the update. I am very saddened by the amount of work that goes into this recovery. Hearing the extra work that goes in to her just attending school has me close to crying. Not fair for anyone having to go through this.

Godspeed amigo.
 
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