[Bored5000]

In November 2011, I tore the ACL and MCL in my left knee after slipping on my icy porch. I instantly feared that I tore my ACL because I felt a huge pop and knew something was really wrong when I tried to get up. The pain was terrible immiediately. But after 15-20 minutes, I could not even twist or turn my leg even an inch without unbearable pain.

I had an ACL reconstruction with a cadaver ligament the week before Christmas 2011. Rehab was terrible, but I knew the only way to get back to having a normal life was by not cutting corners on the therapy. I walked like a peg-legged pirate for about three months; it took me nearly that long until I could even bend my leg enough to drive a car or sit in a bathtub.

It took about 18 months before my knee really started to feel good. Having gone through an ACL reconstruction, I am amazed that it is now almost standard for guys to come back to the NFL or NBA 9-10 months after an ACL reconstruction.