 Poster: A snowHead
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Torn ACL as a result of a fall a week ago. I was recommended Jonathan Bell who had previously operated on my husbands knee but I couldn't even get an appointment to see him for a full 2 weeks and at that point I didn't even know what I'd done to my knee.
BUPA gave me a list of 5 surgeons - only one of whom had an appointment the following week (Giles Heilpern). He has diagnosed the tear via MRI and I am looking to schedule the surgery in around 4 weeks.
But I have no idea how experienced he is in this surgery, I'm concerned about how I will get a good rehab program, my priorities are skiing and hiking, I'd like to get on with the surgery as I am supposed to be looking after children solo for the entire school summer holidays (7 weeks) in Switzerland and so need to be mobile by then. Plus would really like to ski next season.
Does anyone have advice? Is this a fairly straightforward surgery? I know the recovery is not. Does anyone know of Giles Heilpern?
Really not sure if I should just book it with him or try to get an appointment with Jonathan Bell.
And am feeling more and more daunted by the surgery and the rehab.
Thanks so much
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Kits23, when I tore my ACL I had to have physio to get the swelling down and full ROM before I could have the surgery, this took months in my case. From my experience this isn't an operation you need to rush to get done so waiting a few weeks isn't a problem.
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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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Thanks @NickyJ. I've somehow managed to get away with almost no swelling and have I'd say 95% ROM after a week so am hoping I may be ready for surgery quite soon. But I have my first physio appointment this afternoon so I guess will know more then.
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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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I have definitely noticed there seem to be two different camps of surgeon, and I would recommend one which is looking at the op from the point off view of getting you back to sport not just "getting you walking again". I realise you aren't non weight bearing that comment is from personal experience (three knee ops to date). Only one an ACL recon
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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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Thanks @NickyJ that's very helpful. Giles Heilpern does specialise in sports (though not skiing) and I've made it clear to him that skiing and hiking are my priorities but I will definitely have a specific conversation about that if I go ahead with him. 3 knee ops - I hope they've worked in the end - I'm finding the thought of even one quite intimidating!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Kits23, I can ski with a hinged knee support, I can walk and jog, I have had to give up hockey. After about 9yrs I damaged the ACL recon (playing hockey) so there is only half left. As I didn't realise (due to some of it being left) after rehabbing the knee went back to hockey training and it collapsed while sprinting damaging the cartilage... I just have to he aware it is unstable and be careful what I do without the hinged knee support on.
Best of luck!
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Ouch! Thanks very much for your advice, much appreciated!
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I would simply agree with @NickyJ, just make sure your surgeon works with sports people (it is useful that he skis but not essential), and if he does he should get you to where you need to be from a surgical perspective. The surgery is basically sophisticated DIY - a bit of drilling, some grating, a bit of plaiting and some bolting. There is no difference in the procedure for any particular sport. After that, it is about you and your physio, as it is they that will get the right muscles strong and firing for your chosen activity.
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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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Thanks, that is reassuring - apart from those drilling, grating, bolting words 😵
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@Kits23, To answer your original question, yes, you should be picky about your surgeon! I should say at this point that I know nothing about your chosen knee surgeon though. Best of luck 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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i am also seeking a knee surgeon, will travel anywhere in UK. does anyone know of anyone good?
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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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Jonathon Bell is very highly recommended out of Wimbledon. He had also been extremely helpful on here with advice
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thanks NickyJ
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You know it makes sense.
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