It was so painful I could feel my pulse in my knee, and I couldn't even imagine returning to anything. It was hard enough trying to get to the restroom or take a shower. Dr. Stone had told me I would be back better than before the surgery, but it felt like that was never going to happen. It was an extremely challenging recovery, and there were plenty of bad days. At six months there were more good days than bad, and at one year I had fully returned to sports.
Four years later I still play hard. I play ice-hockey two days a week, ride my bike, hike, ski, train, jog a little (no more than 3 miles), swim, and chase my kids. I'd walk the golf course more if I didn't normally play on the same days as my hockey games, but that will change next season when I move up a level.
I've battled other injuries (my other knee and wrist) that have come from my hard charging, but I have no regrets. As I approach my 40th birthday (next July), I have no plans on slowing down. I'm very thankful that Dr. Stone put me back together, and Trish helped me get that pesky knee to function with the rest of my self-perceived high performance body.
For those of you who are comtemplating this surgery, do your research, understand the procedure and recovery, and only move forward if you are prepared to work harder than you ever have to get back to "normal." I'm aware that there is a supposed shelf-life for MT's, but I didn't have this done so I could sit around doing nothing hoping it would last forever. I know of at least one other person who is still going for it 10 years out! Find a doc you trust, a PT you trust even more, and have a plan in place for the rest of your life since things won't be normal for awhile.
For those who find this board after your surgery, I hope it helps to know what can be. Understand it was not all wine and roses, and that the road to recovery is long and not always filled with joy. Welcome to the small fraternity of MT recipients, and good luck. I'm more than happy to speak with any of you during your rehab...just send me a message.
So in the end, my Christmas present, my new knee in 2007, has been my best present ever. Good luck everyone, and Merry Christmas.
FOUR YEARS BABY!
