After being tossed around by numerous doctors and surgeons, I was finally seen by one who confirmed my ACL is completely torn. The MRI findings suggested it was almost a complete tear, but, as it turns out, the thing is completely dicked. My meniscus is also completely torn, and I also learned when the injury occurred that not only did my femur slam so hard into my tibia that it fractured it, but my kneecap was also entirely dislocated.
I can confidently say that this injury is arguably the most painful one I have ever endured.
When I started going to physio for prehab, I was told that a custom ACL brace is highly suggested for the injury I sustained. The ACL is what secures your kneecap to your shin, so without it, things are pretty loosey-goosey in there, and you do not want your shin bone protruding forward below your knee.
The purpose of the custom brace I received is to stabilize the entire knee and all of the fun things going on inside of it, but its main objective is to prevent my shin from slipping too far out beneath my knee. I could understand the importance of the brace, but the cost is astounding. Mine cost $1700, and if you’re not someone with benefits or insurance to any extent, this option likely doesn’t sound too feasible.
The cost is absurd, and there is no denying that. I’m not sure how one can justify the price of these types of brace, but I will say that they are absolutely worth the money. I certainly think they could be far more affordable than what they currently are, but for the sake of their function and support, I am very glad I decided to get it, and I plan to keep it for the entirety of my life.
Photo by Eagle Media Pro on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 