Knee Injury: Update- MRI: Results

There are so many things I want to write about this week.. but it's important to put them in order of priority.

For those who have been waiting anxiously for these results, please forgive me the delay. In estimating when I would be able to post, I had forgotten to budget the time I would need to call family and friends directly and to talk to some of them (the ones that answered the phone).

There is good news and not-so-good news and good news and not-so-good news aplenty to go around.

1- I am *NOT* a wimp!!! :) I am so totally not a wimp.
2- I might well be a whiner, but it's pretty justified.
3- Pain and I have a very odd relationship.
For example- I know I'm in pain when I start feeling irritable at people for things I usually find endearing- like the way my husband kisses my forehead and tells me he loves me. :)
4- I have learned my lesson and next time I will be a much more open to immediate help and advisement and the seeking of professional opinions.
5- It is possible to have fun at a sci-fi convention even if you can't dance.
-...or even walk.
6- Heat and Ice and Rest and Elevation will not mend a blown-out ligament.

Evidentally, I have completely destroyed my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). I haven't figured out how to get the MRI pictures onto my computer yet, so images will need to wait. It's kinda hard to tell how to read them anyway. When I get them onto my computer, though, I'll share.

Completely destroyed. "Fully ruptured" is how he described it. "Couldn't have done worse to that ligament, really" is another turn of phrase I believe came up.

I have two choices: Reconstructive surgery or adapt to a sedentary life.

Surgery it is, then.

Fortunately, it's a pretty reliable, high-success-rate procedure. I can probably ask to be completely under while they work.

I should be able to start putting weight on it the day after surgery, and fully healed about 4 months after that. "put you back on the slopes for next ski season," he said.

It's not an emergency-state injury, though, so it may take a while before I'm scheduled. In the meantime, it's adapting to the current state of limited mobility and the constant pain, discomfort, and instability.

My basic, immediate feelings: Relief, Pride, Courage, Curiosity, Adventure.

I'm not a total whiner. I'm not a wimp! :) ... My sensei was apparently right years ago when he said: "She has courage, but no common sense. Be careful with her."

Again: THANK YOU!! A big HUGE thank you to everyone who asked questions about the healing rate, encouraged me to get a new diagnosis, and has supported me throughout this adventure. I simply can't thank you enough.

Hugs!