Probably stupid but couldn't resist

[harv]

I tore my ACL last March while skiing in Montana. I had surgery on May 9th, the doctor and therapist at the clinic said absolutely no behind the boat activities for the summer, not even wakesurfing (they had no clue what that was). My local therapist said that by August I'd be able to surf (he knew what wakesurfing is and has done it before). I've made quick progress and the therapist gave me permission to give it a try over the 4th.

It went great, no pain, no problems, it just felt great to be behind the boat rather than watching and driving. I'm not going to attempt any airs or spins but... I really have to remind myself to just take it easy and not try to show off too much. So far so good.

[da.bell]

Good to hear that you are healing faster than expected.

[samw]

Congrats, and good luck,

[talltigeguy]

Be very careful there. The bad thing about ACL repairs is that they feel terrific before most of the strength is back in the ligament. It is one of the hardest things in the world to hold back now that it is probably feeling good.

If you have a good brace, it is hard to imagine anything going too wrong just floating in the pocket, however. Just don't get into twisting and jumping yet.

[harv]

Yeah, I've read about others who have re-injured their knee after reconstruction and I was pretty nervous even doing some of the PT that they have me on. Actually, I think the PT puts more strain on the knee than surfing did.

I did order a custom fitted Donjoy brace during my time of deciding wether or not to have surgery. I tightened the straps and proceeded cautiously. The bad part is that it doesn't hurt while surfing so it's too easy to want to try some of the more aggressive tricks.

I've felt many times already like I might have re-injured it just by doing PT, but they've assured me that the excersizes will not damage the ACL as long as their done according to the schedule. My knee feels stronger (muscles) but still feels loose I had my 6 week appt. a couple of weeks ago and the doctor didn't seem concerned after moving my knee around.

BTW, I went to Dr. Fischer, he used to be the MN Vikings team doctor, now he's the MN Timberwolves doctor. A pro snowboarder friend of mine recommended him. Dr. Fischer chose to use an Allograft (dead mans tendon) for the ACL replacement.

[jwanck11]

Yeah, that is scary stuff. Glad that you are healing, but take care to let the body heal! This from a person who has suffered through 5 separate patella displacements....

[dinfusino]

Risky, but glad to hear you had a good time.

I did a similar thing last summer after sinus surgery; the surgeon said not to wakeboard the rest of summer (surgery in early July), was out within three weeks. Just had to really try to avoid faceplants.

[chadster2]

maybe I'm just an old fart. (but for now, all my stuff is un broken)
I'm the type that says
"I'll do what it takes to be doing it for the next 40 years"
even if it means some down time for right now.
I'd try to listen to the doc and the pain. Good luck!
I think this is how and why surfing got invented anyway.
People taking it easy for a while.