Sadly, the week before Christmas, I recieved a knee injury while doing takedowns in mantis class. More my fault because a) wearing shoes on a mat, even though they are smooth and flat, probably made me root more and b) should always go down with it even though partner not doing technique correctly (the guy that was taking me down hit me too high up on my leg). However, this one moment in time did confirm how easy it is to take out someone with a low kick to the knee of a weight bearing leg… :rolleyes:
When the injury happened, my assistant instructor and I both heard a pop. Sifu immediately came over to work on it. I finished out the class not feeling much pain (adrenaline and denial?), but knowing something was definitely wrong. It swelled up a lot overnight and became pretty painful. I could barely go up and down steps or bend my leg. I went in to work and everyone there told me to go to emergency or call my doctor. After a call to my doc’s nurse, I went to emergency. They told me it was an MCL sprain (where most of the pain was) with a possible full ACL tear and possible miniscus damage. They were going to give me an immobilizer but I already have one in the closet from my last sprain. An MRI done on New Year’s Eve confirmed my worst fear…
At my follow-up appt., my ortho doc was amazed I was walking so well after just a week and a half. I told him that I had my instructors douse on the jow and work out the swelling. He said that, and the fact I have fairly muscular legs is the reason I have better function than most who go through this at my age. I told him I wanted surgery as soon as possible so I can get rehab done and resume full training. I told him I was still doing tai chi class and he gave me a skeptical look, until I promised him no jumps, kicks, stomps or sudden direction changes.
I meet with the doc on January 27 to discuss surgery options. He wants to give it six week to allow the MCL to heal. He can use part of my own hamstring or I may be eligible for one from a cadaver. I guess there are pros and cons to both, which he will review with me. He said to expect 10 days on crutches and 6 mo. with rehab until I’m allowed full activity. I will be having surgery right around my 50th birthday…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! :mad:
Would love to hear about anyone’s experience with this surgery…
I also have to figure out how to replace hours of sweating through kung fu class and zumba so I don’t blow up like a blimp during recovery. Any suggestions? …aside from starvation dieting?
On a brighter note, last night in class, I graduated to my third form, tai chi jian. On Saturday, Sifu is bringing my new jian…yay!!!
and I started Wah Lum at 40.