Hi everyone. We were out in Vail skiing and on my last day (8th day in a row), I had a bad crash and really destroyed my knee, I’ll have surgery in a few weeks when some swelling goes down. Right now, I’m not sure if I’m in shock or disbelief. I will ski again next year ( nonskiers keep asking if I’ll stop now) . I’m writing this post because I’d like any ideas or tips how to make the next 6-8 months as easy as possible. I’m feeling lost because training was such a huge part of my life ( Running, cycling and weights) and now I’m on the couch. Thank you.
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Season ending injury..already.
- Thread starter SwimSusan
- Start date
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- Tags
- #kneeinjury skicrash
Jenny
Angel Diva
Sorry to hear this - as for shock vs disbelief, probably some of both. When I had ankle surgery and couch time, I thought that I'd institute an upper body workout plan. Big surprise, turns out I didn't. I know I posted here a lot, and read books, and probably complained to my husband. Anyway, probably not super helpful with tips but you have my sympathies.
snoWYmonkey
Angel Diva
So sorry. I think you are approaching this smartly by thinking ahead. I love the above idea of upper body workouts. I also hope you can find a PT with either a pool or machine that allows for partial weight bearing when ready. Recumbent one legged stationary is also an option where the leg can be elevated while getting your heart rate up. Taking the crank off on the affected side will make your alignment more natural.
Also, starting to think of how to fill those weekly hours with something that consumes you the way being active does. It may mean figuring out 5 things you always wanted to try or learn, and then seeing which one or two are keepers.
Most of all don't be hard on yourself if you need true downtime to recover where body and brain take a few days of weeks or reset. Also, please, please, don;t feel any shame for reaching out to a friend or therapist if you start to get depressed. It is very common where I live for those who can not sit still to struggle with their thoughts and emotions when sidelined. That is totally normal, yet, it can spiral to an unhealthy level.
Wishing you a smooth surgery and full recovery. Don't let "those" friends get to you. They mean well, but clearly don't get it. Most ACL club skiers do, and have amazing skiing ahead of them post injury.
Also, starting to think of how to fill those weekly hours with something that consumes you the way being active does. It may mean figuring out 5 things you always wanted to try or learn, and then seeing which one or two are keepers.
Most of all don't be hard on yourself if you need true downtime to recover where body and brain take a few days of weeks or reset. Also, please, please, don;t feel any shame for reaching out to a friend or therapist if you start to get depressed. It is very common where I live for those who can not sit still to struggle with their thoughts and emotions when sidelined. That is totally normal, yet, it can spiral to an unhealthy level.
Wishing you a smooth surgery and full recovery. Don't let "those" friends get to you. They mean well, but clearly don't get it. Most ACL club skiers do, and have amazing skiing ahead of them post injury.
Verve
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Nothing much to add but chiming in to say that sucks but you’ll bounce back! So many of us on this forum have had some sort of knee reconstruction. The timing feels rotten but it’s also positioning you so well to take your downtime in these cozy, cold months and be on the mend through the summer for a gradual strengthening program. You’ve got this. I watched all of Downton Abbey during the 2 weeks of just icing and bending portion of recovery. Very soothing.
I'm so sorry - what a tough thing to deal with. I don't have firsthand experience with that kind of physical injury but do know it's important to go easy on yourself when you're going through anything hard. Please vent here as much as you need. Hopefully weights and some version of cycling will be back in your life sooner than you think.
VickiK
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm so sorry this happened, @SwimSusan . It'll be a process, but you WILL come back from this and return to the sports and activities that you love. Note too that your training and conditioning will help get you back as smoothly and quickly as possible.
coldthrill
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Wanted to say I'm so very sorry. Knees are so vital, complicated and painful. My worst injuries happened at ages 16 (torn ACL) and 20 (torn meniscus); surgery was only on the latter and I was instructed to never ski or run again. I dove into my PT then and never looked back or listened to those instructions. And I dove into my PT when I had an avulsion fracture of my ankle in Nov 2021 when I was about to return to the slopes after a 20-year-plus hiatus. That injury was a huge blessing, in that I got fitter and stronger than ever, and was skiing just three months later. So I would say embrace the chance to get better: the tiny, incremental steps; the inevitable setbacks; the dreams of what you want to be doing. You will return better and stronger and won't regret the journey. 
HuntersEmma57
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Chiming in on what a bummer and wishes for a successful surgery and rehab. A stationary bike was crucial in my recovery. But you're a ways from that part. Be kind to yourself. Maybe consider some hand weights and resistance bands? And full body minus 1 leg massage, just because massage. You need some healing energy. Good luck.
That is not the way I want people to join me on the couch. I was just thinking this morning, as I try to get out of bed...glad this isn't a mobility injury. I just have to be careful not moving my sternum in a certain way.
I'm surviving with my position here as a moderator. Since the rest are out skiing. Since it's holiday time....Hallmark Christmas movies. More for the scenery, some are filmed not too far away from where I live. The story lines are all the same.
Listen to the professionals and do what they say!
I'm surviving with my position here as a moderator. Since the rest are out skiing. Since it's holiday time....Hallmark Christmas movies. More for the scenery, some are filmed not too far away from where I live. The story lines are all the same.
Listen to the professionals and do what they say!
skibum4ever
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
DH recently reminded me that after one of my various ski injuries we binged on several seasons of "24". We bought the CD's and tried to keep it to 2 episodes/day. But anyone who remembers the series know that every episode ended with a cliffhanger, so it was hard to not want to watch the next one, and the next one, and...
So if you have a long running series that you would like to catch up with, that might be an idea.
After my more recent injury, I spent most of my time reading. I think I read a book every day or two. Again, if there is a book series you never had the time to read, this is the time.
Best of luck with the healing process. You are highly motivated and you will get back to your previous activities.
So if you have a long running series that you would like to catch up with, that might be an idea.
After my more recent injury, I spent most of my time reading. I think I read a book every day or two. Again, if there is a book series you never had the time to read, this is the time.
Best of luck with the healing process. You are highly motivated and you will get back to your previous activities.
SierraLuLu
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Just offering words of comfort because I had a big injury (broken leg) at the end of last ski season and spent the whole summer in recovery. I found PT to be highly motivating, especially since I told them I was a skier and they made me do a lot of exercises to get back in ski shape. Also, changing my mindset was really helpful. I’m also very go go go and used to hike with my dog every morning. For a while I just had to let myself rest and be okay with that.
Hope you have an easy recovery.
Hope you have an easy recovery.
Pandita
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
So sorrry to hear about your injury.
I had an injury back in 2022 and it still has been a long road. When I was confined to the bed and couch I had thought about al of the upper body workouts I could do, but surprise surprise, I really didn't have the mental energy for it. I tried but it took so much of my power to just recover from the initial impact of my injury. I was very active prior to my injury, weights, SUP, skiing, tele, walking, bikie riding, etc. I wasn't able to do any of that for many many months.
I am not trying to be a debbie downer, just sharing my experience.
Please give yourself the grace to grieve as well as recover. Let yourself just be,
I had an injury back in 2022 and it still has been a long road. When I was confined to the bed and couch I had thought about al of the upper body workouts I could do, but surprise surprise, I really didn't have the mental energy for it. I tried but it took so much of my power to just recover from the initial impact of my injury. I was very active prior to my injury, weights, SUP, skiing, tele, walking, bikie riding, etc. I wasn't able to do any of that for many many months.
I am not trying to be a debbie downer, just sharing my experience.
Please give yourself the grace to grieve as well as recover. Let yourself just be,
IceHeeler
Angel Diva
I'm sorry this happened to you. As a good friend of mine told me when I broke my leg that put it all into perspective. "Think of how hard you push yourself. How many days you've skied in your lifetime, how many miles you've run and biked all without a serious injury. You were lucky and overdue. You are going to be okay."
I had pretty bad anesthesia brain for several weeks after surgery. I couldn't follow the plot on most tv shows and spent most of the day watching wildlife out my window. Once that passed, I played a variety of video and puzzle games, watched all of Walking Dead, and did as much exercise as possible. I resumed teaching fitness classes while non-weight bearing within a month. Seated and single leg exercises kept me entertained. Depression was my biggest concern, so I did whatever I could to find joy.
Remember you'll be restarting from a new normal. Some things you'll be able to do quickly, some things will take more time, some things may be a modified version of what you did before but you'll find a resiliency you may not have been aware you possessed.
I had pretty bad anesthesia brain for several weeks after surgery. I couldn't follow the plot on most tv shows and spent most of the day watching wildlife out my window. Once that passed, I played a variety of video and puzzle games, watched all of Walking Dead, and did as much exercise as possible. I resumed teaching fitness classes while non-weight bearing within a month. Seated and single leg exercises kept me entertained. Depression was my biggest concern, so I did whatever I could to find joy.
Remember you'll be restarting from a new normal. Some things you'll be able to do quickly, some things will take more time, some things may be a modified version of what you did before but you'll find a resiliency you may not have been aware you possessed.
Does anyone have an idea for some epic goals to keep my focus on? Trips? Adventures? I can always say “I’ll run again “ or “I’ll ski 30 days next year “ but I want something I haven’t done yet. Something that will really motivate me to do the rehab when I’m not with the PT etc.
Pandita
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Hi SwimSusan:
Start small!!!! Just remember you are still recovering. Consider how long you can sit and how long you want to tolerate being in one position. Make sure when you plan your trip that it doesn't have too many things that you want to do if you weren't injured. Go low impact such as maybe a spa day or a going out to dinner. Set low expectations so you don't set up for disappointment. We planned a trip to Snowshoe in the summer about 3-4 months after my initial injury. I sat in the back seat so I could extend my leg when I got to stiff. I had a few breakdown moments because I could not walk very well so even getting on and off the chairlift was a no-go. I just cried. We did do some other things such as watch the fireworks, had a nice dinner, went to a hot tub. It was good to just have a different view.
Please make sure that you go somewhere that has many options and not just what you could do before your injury
skibum4ever
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Where have you always wanted to ski? - I see that you ski in Colorado. Utah, Lake Tahoe, Europe, New Zealand, South America? Despite several season ending injuries, DH and I have made it to all these spots and more. Every one of them has a lot to recommend it. You have lots of time to travel on the web while you're healing.
One or more of these locales could be PT motivation. Or consider a different sport that you've always wanted to try. And how much you'll enjoy learning it after your rehab is complete.
