 Poster: A snowHead
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@Jonathan Bell, thank you for your comments about rehab. I am not about to give up at all but I can see how someone may think that all is well. I may possibly have a ski season before me with a lot of luck, so on with the work. It is good to be reminded how important the rehab is. I do not want to be here again.@barney2, thank you for the biking tips. I have a good mountain bike, set up as an exercise bike but not for much longer😄
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@pam w,
Mainly front crawl, realised pretty quickly that breast stroke would be fairly difficult!
@holidayloverxx,
Thanks! I still regularly see my physio - now roughly once every two weeks
Saw my physio, just thinks due to amount of strain i put on my knee sightseeing alot i lost a small bit of stability so having to do more control work in the lead up to the next visit. Ideally he wanted to get me started on beginning more sports movements again but due to how it currently is, have to manage it first.
@Jonathan Bell,
Thank you for the information also.
Hopefully I can crack on from here.
May i ask if anyone has or do use a hinge supported knee brace at all?
A colleague of mine recommended one from when he went through all of this and just wanted more opinions.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@holidayloverxx, thank you, it has been a long haul, and I am still not there
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| adao wrote: |
@pam w,
@Jonathan Bell,
Thank you for the information also.
Hopefully I can crack on from here.
May i ask if anyone has or do use a hinge supported knee brace at all?
A colleague of mine recommended one from when he went through all of this and just wanted more opinions. |
The brace literature is often funded by the manufacturers, so do keep that in mind.
But we do offer them at Wimbledon Clinics if people want them.
I will use them if there is some residual instability which can occur occasionally.
They can help with the "head" more than the knee.
I have written this blog on braces if you're interested. http://www.wimbledonclinics.co.uk/blog/to-brace-or-not-to-brace-january/
Jonathan Bell
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Not had a good week. Sent to the gym from the hospital physio, and worked out my routine on the machines! Decided to go to my local gym, five minutes away. They did a blood pressure check and I am off the clock. I have white coat syndrome, so have to get a letter from my doctor to prove it. A week later no gym done, and I have to get in 12 sessions before I see the hospital physio again. I feel a lot of hard work coming on. I was told this would be hard work but I assumed it would be physical not mental. I had a melt down, sorry
Physio who had to deal with it.
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@margaret, it's only a temporary blip. 11 sessions is only 3 or 4 weeks. You'll be back on track before you know it. In the meantime is there anything you can do at home?
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@margaret, I think you are right suggesting the significant mental aspect of this injury - It is like watching paint dry and just can't be rushed in any way it seems -
Blood pressure - yep - similar here regarding white coat syndrome before op though- I also think that some of us have had several months without any more normal exercises - which must have some effect -
I have also had a bit of a set back - no gym or pool for last 2 weeks due to a severe allergic reaction - but I have stepped up (no pun intended) my exercises at home - and using the static bike and Compex - so maybe you can compensate for the lack of the gym? In any case - gyms aren't that great I think- How are you getting on with your bike?
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@margaret, @barney2, It is a long haul, but definitely worth the pain & anguish and you will get there. From my experience I think it's important to get good at the everyday things - walking, stairs, squats, single leg squats & static bike cycling before going too mad in the gym. And even at the stage you are at now, ice & elevation after exercise if it swells or hurts at all. The bigger things will follow.
I'm now 18months on & sometimes have to check for scars to remind myself which was the operated knee - like when I was broad-sided by my high-speed , 40kg, blind labrador the other day - pre-op it would have collapsed my knee & had me howling, but this time I just looked down & thought well, that was my ex bad knee & I didn't even feel it 
Things do get better, I can assure you, & keep talking about it 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| margaret wrote: |
Not had a good week. Sent to the gym from the hospital physio, and worked out my routine on the machines! Decided to go to my local gym, five minutes away. They did a blood pressure check and I am off the clock. I have white coat syndrome, so have to get a letter from my doctor to prove it. A week later no gym done, and I have to get in 12 sessions before I see the hospital physio again. I feel a lot of hard work coming on. I was told this would be hard work but I assumed it would be physical not mental. I had a melt down, sorry
Physio who had to deal with it. |
I sympathise ACL rehab is very tough, especially around the 4 month mark. ACL rehab is full of obstacles set backs and days where you can feel its a really uphill battle.
It can help not to just focus on full recovery as the goal but to set "stepping stone" goals that lead you there.
The void between surgery and skiing is huge so i find that these interim goals can help. James Vickers who works with me did this for me for my patients, he has divided the rehab up into 5 stages.
http://www.wimbledonclinics.co.uk/blog/acl-rehabilitation-one-size-doesnt-fit-all-july/
These will still be hard work but psychologically less daunting than having return to sport as the only goal.
It may be easy to do everything in the gym but your physio should be able to come up with a program that is largely home based. You might have to buy a few inexpensive items eg a gym ball.
or cancel the gym memberships and spend it on extra physio sessions.
Jonathan Bell
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It is unbelievable how unfussed I am about the possibility of sustaining a knee injury - simply because @Jonathan Bell is on my doorstep!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Hurtle, 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Hurtle wrote: |
| It is unbelievable how unfussed I am about the possibility of sustaining a knee injury - simply because @Jonathan Bell is on my doorstep! |
Ha ha
Still better to avoid it.
Have you started your ski strength program yet?
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You know it makes sense.
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Do avoid it. I am depressingly on year 19 of my ACL rehab, and it doesn't stop. The damage done from a big knee injury is with you forever in the form of osteoarthritis, extra wear on the meniscus that wouldn't otherwise be there and in my case, joint instability that makes it pretty tough sometimes to do even fairly "low intensity" activities. Knee replacement here I come, just have to wait till I'm old enough.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Well I think I wouldn't be/will be fussed about another ACL injury whilst skiing. I would and will be PARANOID! Even if I had a knee surgeon living in the same house! and physiotherpaist on call!
I have been researching bindings - looking at how I might help reduce the risk of this injury again -
It seems that the improvement in ski boots has reduced the amount of lower leg breaks - but ACL injuries seem to have little mention in terms of equipment -
Kneebindings - made in the USA seem to help solve the problem - I can only find positive comments from users - with no reported ACL injuries from users (supposedly) There are some negative comments from people who are sceptical - but they haven't used them. And - the skis will become right and left only, due to the nature of how the bindings work.
Anyone seen anything else? Don't really like the idea of a brace to possibly reduce injury -
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Poster: A snowHead
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@barney2, My OH bought me knee bindings last season to ski with following my reconstruction. Maybe shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but I found them comfortable to ski in. I didn't fall though, so have no experience of their side release, but I guess they gave me confidence, which was/is a major factor now for me. Yes, you have a left & right ski , but my old skis seemed to work like that for me too. I have probably stressed my knee more doing other stuff this year, but will ski more happily this coming season knowing I have the knee bindings. As an aside, I should also mention that we had superb service from the company - the bindings had to be specially fitted to my skis by an approved fitter, but when I picked them up, I felt they were very tight & hard to put my boot into. OH rang the helpline & was given a few instructions & it seemed the approved fitter (no names mentioned here, but in Chertsey) had set the din too high. All sorted with a chat & a screwdriver.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Jonathan Bell, @barney2, @genepi, thank you all for your wise words. Feeling good tonight, I have just completed my first gym workout, and enjoyed it. Leg elevated and chilling now, I worked off the stress ! At least from now on it is up to me, and doing as I am told. ( I am good at that😀) will watch for comments on bindings. Hope you are faring well barney2
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Although this article relates to tech bindings rather than piste, it is a very interesting (and currently state of the art) one on tibia and knee injuries as they relate to binding release. I find it slightly depressing I ruptured my ACL whilst on touring bindings despite the conclusions of this paper, but it is also interesting to read its comments on getting the settings checked rather than just following the guides on the bindings themselves. This is something I will definitely be doing as I can always lock off the binding if I feel it is required. Otherwise I would rather the ski came off than have surgery again (no offence intended to any surgeons on here of course).
https://www.wildsnow.com/15123/tech-binding-release-testing-acl-broken-leg/
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@genepi, Good that you have them and found them OK - seems like this is perhaps the only option at present in terms of bindings for downhill ?
@22 dropout, - Interesting - and very in depth stuff - ACL injuries at number 1 - Difficult to get your head around all the info - lack of lateral heel release with downhill bindings seem to be the main cause of ACL injuries - which I take it - you get with touring bindings? Never used them.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@barney2, how goes it? Are you back to "normal" after your temporary blip? My knee is now 12weeks old, and it all seems to be good. No wobbles or collapsing so I am starting to become more confident. The gym is becoming harder, weights are increasing, the number of machines are increasing. I can understand how people could give up now, it is hard work. I think of skiing for motivation. I can now walk my dogs properly, and my fitness is returning. And after a workout, no swelling .😀And a bonus, husband has joined the gym too, so we can motivate each other. He will however be able to ski this winter on my non skiing ski holiday!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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@margaret, Yeah good thanks - Had another blip since then - but life doesn't take into account ACL injuries- it just rolls on regardless.
Numbness has gone completely now - and like you -no swelling after exercise or after being on the bike-Which is still by far my favourite exercise - even more than the pool now.
Still swells after walking or sat driving too long. Yep - knee also pretty stable - But to be fair I haven't deliberately tried to really test it as yet-still in PROTECT THE KNEE mode! Will I ever get out of it??
I find the gym mind numbingly depressing place to be-I know why I have avoided them till now - definetly not my cup of tea.
I have been getting lots of various marketing e-mails for this coming ski season - just to rub salt in the wounds!
Back to physio this coming Friday when I think the exercises will step up a level- (no pun intended)
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@margaret, well done, sounds like your hard work is paying off. Keep at it!
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After a visit to the Piste Office today I have come away with the knee safe bindings fitted - I only have half my reconstructed ACL left in my left knee so decided it was worth the investment if it reduces the likelihood of destroying the remainder.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@NickyJ, Will be very interested in how you get on with them -
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| barney2 wrote: |
| @NickyJ, Will be very interested in how you get on with them - |
Won't be able to tell you that till we go in February.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I won't be back on the slopes by then - but definetly looking to get improved bindings when I do get back - and kneebindings are the only ones that I've come across so far that might reduce the risks of another ACL injury - downhill anyway.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@barney2, I still have considerable numbness, when I am on the treadmill at 6 kph at 5' it is obvious. During the day not so. My knee is slightly swollen, maybe being a bit of a girlie not in trousers I notice it. Physio says it could take up to a year to equal, gym not helping ( sort of if you see what I mean). Quite scary when told to be more pro active, but it is good to be pushed. You never know what you are capable of. Skiing is slightly scarey tho. But that is good because I am not ready yet. I am getting out of bed without stiffness, so am progressing. Hope your setback is not too bad. Life can hit you when you are down( but not out😀?)
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I hate resurrecting this thread...but....
My previously repaired ACL is no more. Not sure what to do now at all, as the consultant thinks there is a fairly significant problem in operating on a very arthritic knee. He's confirmed the absence of the repair via MRI and also from the demonstrated instability over the last year. Funnily enough, I think I skiied most of last season with no ACL, just never put myself in a situation where it collapsed on me. Of all things, table tennis has led to the knee giving way the most. Boooo hissssss....
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You know it makes sense.
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@coddlesangers, where did it go ?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@coddlesangers, feel for you
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Poster: A snowHead
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@AndAnotherThing.., sorry for the delayed response, apparently i've been down a crevasse....the reconstructed ligament vanished some time between 2013 and today, no one knows exactly when or what caused it, although i suspect it was a specific pivoting incident while playing table tennis.
@margaret, thanks very much.
I'm actually somewhat happy that its "just" the acl, as in my head the next stage was a knee replacement. That may still be the next step, as i understand it today my options are
1) do nothing and brace the knee for activities till i eventually give up sports
2) Repair the repair, difficult given the osteoarthritis and lack of meniscus
3) Replace the knee, robocop style.
I think the only reason not to go for option 3 is that i'm still a relative nipper for TKR (46?), although i think i'd rather be active from now till it gives up than useless from now till i kick the bucket....i don't mind needing another one when i am in my 60's or whatever - shouldn't you get 20-30 years from them now?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@coddlesangers, I was told that I was too old for an ACL repair, and to modify my lifestyle. The problem was that I could not trust my knee at all, it was too unstable. I have had my repair, and although it has been tough at times and I am not at the finish line yet, I don't regret it at all. My life is slowly returning. I would not dream of telling you what to do, but for me life is too short not to get the most out of it. Worry about when you are 60 when you are 60.😀 I had my knee op at 61, and it was ok.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@margaret, your post is an inspiration to me as well thankyou!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@coddlesangers, That's a shame. I'd hate to damage mine again. 46 does seem young for a replacement. Good news that you were skiing ok without it. Osteoarthritis aside, maybe work on muscle strength in the leg to support the knee and keep skiing ?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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So another refresh, a week later. I've seen the consultant again after an xray in a schuss position to check how much meniscus was left - he confirmed that there is not enough (in his opinion) meniscus and there is too much arthritis to have a good outcome from an ACL repair. So he's fitted me for an all singing, all dancing carbon fibre brace for sports, which i'll have next week. It's the worryingly names SNM 3000, comes in a natty choice of colours and apparently is used by all the top sports people ohh la laaaa. So i'm going to try that and see does it work. I'm allowed ski (yaaaay), not allowed run (yaaaaay), not allowed play football, rugby or basketball (erm moot), and i can try some other sports like golf, tennis, table tennis...onwards and upwards. I'm also going to do a load of physio and build up the muscles as much as i can. Cycling and swimming are of course also on the agenda, so here's hoping...The brace is the same ones used post operatively on ACL's, which should provide a lot of support, but i'm not sure how it will go for full on pivoting movements, probably wont, thats the idea..
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Now 15 weeks cince ACL op. Encountering some strange knee goins on?
Biking - Great! regular knee exercises OK-Swimming Pool-OK -Walking - Crap.
But - -- using the local gym a little bit more - Walking backwards on treadmill - rowing machine - and cross trainer.
Last week on the rowing machine - strange sensation few minutes in- knee felt like it was dislocating on the compression stroke? Well of course - panicked and packed that in for a lark!
Had another very careful go today - and several minutes in - exactly same thing happened.
Brought my next physio appointment forward a week and told to stay off the rower so will hopefully get her oppinion next week - Problem for me is that it just totally blows the confidence - Funny thing is - that was the best of the 3 machines I - sods law i suppose? - Ah well - not much to do except carry on with the stuff I can do. hey ho.
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@barney2, might be worth getting a sports massage as it could be some scar tissue causing some issues?
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Funnily enough I've just started to do more specific exercise in preparation for the new season, and as a result of some discomfort in the knee.
At the moment it's squats, 1 legged and 2. It's noticeable on the 1 legged version the difference in strength between the legs.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@NickyJ, Thanks - hadn't thought that scar tissue could be a problem so long after op? But you could be right - definetly worth looking into. What is a bit strange is that I was OK on the rower previously? We will see what physio says next week.
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@barney2, I have had scar tissue cause issue even years after injury. I would like to say try a sports massage as it isn't going to hurt but that is a lie it most likely will hurt BUT it isn't going to cause damage and could very well help.
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FAQ
But I do try to have regular coaching throughout the year at Hemel, plus regular Pilates. More gym work is needed, though. And I should keep reasonably ski-fit once the season starts, as I've booked almost five weeks on the slopes, nicely spread through the season. 