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......