|
||
On May 9, 2004, while performing in Odyssea at Sea World, I took a bad step onto a trampoline and injured my knee. I had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee. At the time, though, I didn't realize how much damage I had done to my knee and how much my life was about to change.
|
||
I had to have surgery on my knee. My damaged ACL was replaced with a strip of tendon from under my kneecap, and this strong, healthy tissue - called a graft - was secured to the ends of my thighbone and shinbone with tiny screws.
|
||
On January 24th, I took my second isokinetic test where a machine and computer measured the strength of my injured knee by comparing it to the strength of my uninjured knee. The strength of my injured leg was now at about 70% the strength of my good leg - a big improvement over my previous test results two months earlier.
|
||
On January 26th, I again visited my orthopedist with my test results. After discussing what kind of physical activity I would be engaged in recreationally and occupationally, the doctor made the decision to release me back to full, unrestricted duty.
|
||
|
Released! At long last! My knee injury has ruled my life for so long now. It has been a very difficult period in my life, both physically and emotionally. I was always aware of my injured knee. It kept me from working. It kept me from activities I enjoyed. It kept me in pain.
I am ready to embark on the next chapter of my life: a new home in Virginia, a new job, and a new start! |
||
|
Posted: 01/28/05 |
||
I spent almost nine months going to physical therapy, rebuilding the strength of my injured right knee. During those many, many months of rehabilitation, I was unable to work, my performing job being too demanding and too risky for my damaged knee.
Although my knee is not yet in perfect condition and I will have to continue to increase the strength in my knee and be aware of what activities I subject it to, I feel better than I have in so, so long.
| Click here for more: | ||
|
|
|