Member of the Month

hi_vis360
November, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Will I be skiing by November...please?

profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10

HELP! I know the healing process is different for everyone, but I need help cuz I'm stressing. I fully tore my ACL 4 weeks ago. I have my surgery on June 29th. Am I going to be riding normally by November?
Any advice or tips on healing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jun 10 2007 1:16AM
0 0
profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Jun 10 2007 1:21AM
0 0
profile picture
dave44
Posts: 11052 - Karma: 113
It usually takes 'round 20 weeks, but work hard during rehab and you'll be back on skis in no time...

Its about 15 wks till November following your surgery. The first few weeks folowing your surgery are basically to help you regain full flexion/range of motion back in to your knee. Then its strengthening your leg basically, with sport-specific drills and movements, so its lkely to be ski specific drills...

good luck with the surgery....
Jun 10 2007 9:23AM
0 0
profile picture
bobs
Posts: 4801 - Karma: 868
Work hard and smart about your rehab and it may pay off, but if November comes and you're not ready for whatever reason don't be stupid about it.  It may kill you but a few extra weeks is alot better than tearing it again.  I know someone who has gone back early twice now and it hasn't worked either time.  Also tough to say, but you maybe designated filmer for the first month or so.  But just being on snow would be enough for me
Jun 10 2007 10:18AM
0 0
profile picture
dave44
Posts: 11052 - Karma: 113
i know this probably sounds like a im a retard to you guys, seeing as this is a newschool community,,

but if i were in your situation when november came, i probably wouldnt risk too much. i think on piste carving would be enough, i wouldnt want to risk too much. im not sure if just being on snow would be enough.

just work hard. when the time comes you'll know if your ready or not.
Jun 10 2007 10:23AM
0 0
profile picture
-+Siver+-
Posts: 1902 - Karma: 12
thats a sick idea about be camera, because then you woudn't be missing the action
Jun 10 2007 10:45AM
0 0
profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10
Thanks for the advice and support...definately gives me some stuff to think about :)
Also, good call on being photo/film bitch...I like it. I've been wanting to get more serious about photography anyways!
Jun 10 2007 11:33PM
0 0
profile picture
Scolson
Posts: 2904 - Karma: 92
I won't be. My mountain didn't open until december last year :(
Jun 10 2007 11:34PM
0 0
profile picture
lunchmeat
Posts: 922 - Karma: 227
mine was dec.18
Jun 11 2007 12:08AM
0 0
profile picture
lanks
Posts: 12544 - Karma: 73
pray that next november isn't anything like this past november in whistler...
Jun 11 2007 12:10AM
0 0
profile picture
wizard604
Posts: 2 - Karma: 10
my wife had her acl surgery at almost exactly the same time you've got your scheduled last year (end of June/06). She was skiing by Jan 1st (6mos post op). You might be able to get away with shorter rehab time, but it really varies from person to person. Your physio will know when you're ready.

And yeah.. take your physio rehab program seriously.
Jun 11 2007 12:16AM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61645 - Karma: 123,447
i had acl and meniscus surgery july 5th of 05 and skied november 05.
Jun 11 2007 12:30AM
0 0
profile picture
olv
Posts: 51 - Karma: 10
We rode the same gondi down the day you did it!

Sorry to hear you've got to have surgery, that sucks. Fingers crossed you're back for november :)
Jun 11 2007 12:49AM
0 0
profile picture
poofartpee
Posts: 7436 - Karma: 1,538
u would be pushing it big time if u tried to ski by november...but it is possible if u do physio, and workout like a mother fucker all summer
Jun 11 2007 11:21AM
0 0
profile picture
C-Burg
Posts: 4729 - Karma: 130
dont rush it. it isnt worth screwing up your knee for future years for an extra month or two of skiing. make sure it heals first
Jun 11 2007 11:39AM
0 0
profile picture
Hairmetaler
Posts: 1200 - Karma: 15
yah just relax ull probally have a good season anyway
Jun 11 2007 11:45AM
0 0
profile picture
fitz
Posts: 455 - Karma: 54
didn't your you know doctor, give you an idea about that
Jun 11 2007 5:25PM
0 0
profile picture
Palardy
Posts: 176 - Karma: 11
I had Acl and both meniscus done april 28th and i was sailing at the end of september and skiing the end of november and i thought i was pushing it alittle bit even though that seems to be alot longer then most people here, and now over a year later i am still getting pain in my knee and I think i may have pushed it alittle bit to much, cause the minute i put my skis on i was a reckless everywhere as before. just take it easy and do not push yourself. If you stick to groomers and dont be an idiot off huge jumps and in mogals right away you should be fine. just see you it feels when you get there and be extra cautious, the minute it hurts stop, its worth it, keep your knee in good shape. and its not like the skiing in novemeber and december is that great anyways its usually pre-season crap with no park/glades and just 2 runs covered in ice that are open.
Jun 11 2007 5:35PM
0 0
profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10
Hey...are you the girl who cut her leg open on the rail? the guy who was with her? sorry, bad with names.
if so, hope all went well with the leg!
Jun 12 2007 12:04AM
0 0
profile picture
skier
Posts: 31 - Karma: 10
wow, I'm wondering the same exact thing...
My surgery is the 22nd, and it's for my ACL as well.  Anyone who's gotten it, what procedure did you use, and what's your level of satisfaction?
I think I'm gonna go with the patella-bone-patella, but I'm sitll thinking about the cadaver.  suggestions?
Jun 12 2007 12:06AM
0 0
profile picture
hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5979 - Karma: 3,577
you've obviously never been to whistler. the past 2 years have had amazing novembers. this past years it didnt stop snowing from opening day til sometime in january. i've probably never had so many pow days in a row.

i hope your knee heals up quickly. if not take it easy. and may there be lots of pow to make everything soft for you
Jun 12 2007 12:08AM
0 0
profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10

I don't have an option for my surgery. Dr. McConkey's 'harvesting' from my hamstring. If I had the cadaver/harvest hamstring option...I think I'd still go for my own body parts...though it does mean more incisions. I guess whatever makes you more comfortable.
The decision I'm struggling with is spinal or going under. I'd go for the spinal and maybe watch some (if I'm on some killer drugs), but I'm not into the idea of a needle going into my spine.

Jun 12 2007 12:19AM
0 0
profile picture
kristie
Posts: 1667 - Karma: 214
You'll be out a solid 5-6 months.  You won't be "back to normal" until after Christmas. 
Jun 12 2007 12:41AM
0 0
profile picture
hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5979 - Karma: 3,577
i thought the hamstring was very invasive and extended the rehab considerably and that people were not doing it so much now?
Jun 12 2007 4:52AM
0 0
profile picture
papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 915

my hamstring took longer and needed more PT to recover than the ACL.    Check out Bobs knee board for tons more info.  PT is the only way to assure recovery, if you don't go at your skiing specific PT 100% then, well....  Make sure your therapist and OS know your goal and put a specific rehab program together for you.

Jun 12 2007 7:56AM
0 0
profile picture
Nadia.
Posts: 1124 - Karma: 1,104
I've had two ACL reconstructs, both hamstring. Both have held up amazingly. Check my thread on TGR for photos and play by play details of rehab...

But I tore my last one in March 06, had surgery april, dealt with septic shock from knee infection and 3 more surgeries in april and sept. Was skiing july, training SG in Aug, raced a Nor-Am DH in Dec.. but thats with a LOT of gym time and LOTS of physio.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74439&highlight=reconstruct+infection
Jun 13 2007 7:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Nadia.
Posts: 1124 - Karma: 1,104
If you live in Whistler, I'd see Alex Brooks-Hill rather than McConkey. Alex is younger and more up to date with methods, and she did her fellowship under the my surgeon, Bill Regan who works for the Canucks, BC Lions, etc. Who are you seeing for Physio in town?
Jun 13 2007 7:37PM
0 0
profile picture
BurgRider
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 17
yes
Jun 13 2007 7:50PM
0 0
profile picture
cofreeskier
Posts: 3189 - Karma: 15
Your surgery is on my birthday. Sorry, what a useless post but i thought i'd point that out....
Jun 14 2007 3:14AM
0 0
profile picture
KatieMcCork
Posts: 255 - Karma: 10

Really? I've only heard good things about Dr. McConkey's skills. My appointments have been constructive and to the point. I guess he has a pretty damn good rep up here. Did you have surgery  with Dr. Brooks-Hill(sorry, I've never heard of her)? I'm intrigued...however, I feel very priveledged to be one of Dr. McConkey's patients. Eleven days 'til surgery!

Jun 19 2007 2:32AM
0 0
profile picture
*freeskierpj*
Posts: 1400 - Karma: 13
I'd say probably by December...
Jun 19 2007 9:14AM
0 0
profile picture
bethyb
Posts: 248 - Karma: 10
wow, from reading your story, I would say that your coaches are assholes and you pushed it too hard too soon. I tore my ACL skiing last April and I'm going to make sure my body is strong enough and can handle it before I ski again. It's not worth the risk of getting hurt again. I've watched my brother sit on the sidelines for 2 winters in a row because of torn ACL's and I don't know how he stays sane. I don't want that to happen to me.


Jun 19 2007 11:42AM
0 0
profile picture
simmers
Posts: 1004 - Karma: 397
no
Jun 19 2007 12:32PM
0 0
profile picture
TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
pray for snow
Jun 19 2007 12:35PM
0 0
profile picture
KyleM
Posts: 876 - Karma: 10
maybe
Jun 19 2007 12:56PM
0 0
profile picture
reBlocke
Posts: 762 - Karma: 1,502
Make sure your physical therapist knows your rehabbing for skiing.  I had meniscus / ACL surgery done on June 1. 

Keep in mind it's a pain in the ass to carry stuff around while on crutches (like food.. ), so if you have a mini fridge it'll be really convenient to have it somewhere around your sofa/bed/chair/wherever you plan on hanging out.  Or if you have parents / friends that don't mind acting like slaves for a week or so...

So far it hasn't been so bad.  I'm on crutches for 6 weeks cause my meniscus was pretty fucked- but I'm sure your immediate rehab will be much quicker if you don't have deal with the meniscus.
Jun 19 2007 2:41PM
0 0
profile picture
Download-My-Apps
Posts: 5069 - Karma: 1,017
my buddy tore his MCL and was snowboarding within a month. Might be differnt for with an acl. He proably should hav enot been snowboarding at all, but it can be done.
Jun 19 2007 4:52PM
0 0
profile picture
MarkieR
Posts: 5337 - Karma: 98
make sure you don't jump the gun.  it'll seem really inticing to go ski, but you'll be so depressed when that shit pops on your first run and you're out for the whole season just because you wanted to ski some november rocks.  it's totally not worth it.
Jun 19 2007 4:59PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)