Well hello there and welcome to my little corner of the Internet. If you’re perusing the web for blogs on ACL/MCL/Meniscus recovery welcome to one of the clubs that you probably never really wanted to join. It’s okay, I didn’t want to be a member either. None of us really had a choice in the matter. The good news is there are no membership fees to this very exclusive club and your members only surgery scars can make you look extra tough.
My friends know me as Metzy. I am a born and raised Texan, marketing and advertising professional by trade, and a recreational athlete. I am an avid runner and CrossFit fanatic. I’ve completed four Tough Mudders, multiple mud runs, enjoy participating in rec flag football leagues. But I’m not just a cardio junkie, I also have been practicing yoga since I was in ninth grade.
I joined this “club” in August 2019. I was not made to be a couch potato. If you are reading this, then I’d take a good guess that you’re not the type that just wanted to sit at home all day either. I don’t sit still well at all. I would rather be running or playing sports than binge watching Netflix. So, having an injury that literally forced me to sit on the sidelines for weeks at a time was a challenge I had to work through.
This blog is a reflection of my unique experience with my surgery. Everyone is going to face their own unique trials throughout their recovery process. This is not intended to be a field guide so much as an opinion piece in hopes that it helps prepare others for their own journey.
For the record, I am not medically trained. I know basic first aid but that is about it. I actually really hate the sight of blood. There will be no clinical recommendations on how to heal, that is what highly trained orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists are for.
With that said, I firmly believe laughter is one of the best medicines that can help get you through this so I do recommend that you apply it liberally where you can. There are going to be moments where this sucks, that’s okay, it’s normal. Feel your feelings. But also, don’t forget to laugh. When you start this journey remember your attitude is going to shape the entire process. We can either look at this injury as a setback or chance to grow. So, laugh when you can. Find joy where you can. This is a process, but you’re not alone. Welcome to the club.
Be kind to yourselves, be brave, and hang in there!
Metzy