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Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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  #1  
Old 13 Apr 2010
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Ted - I lived with a torn ACL for ten years - and it's a right royal pain in the ass. It went all the time - in the shower, playing footie (stupid) and even just climbing over a gate. I found it often went whilst I was drunk, as I wasn't on guard and was prone to stupidity. It's a horrible feeling when you feel the wobble and then the snap. It really really really is worth fixing up asap. Obviously I wasn't as sensible as my own advice.

But, the last time it went was in Cape Town, where I happened to be on a training course. I took advantage of my cheap insurance, and got it operated on by some of the finest knee surgeons of the world at Newlands Sports Clinic.

Orthopaedic Clinic Cape Town | Sports Injuries Surgery | Knee Injury

As way of warning, the doctor told me I was borderline knee replacement candidate, which would mean surgery every ten years or so. Luckily they could still staple it back together and the knee is great now, 12 years later.

Remember though, if you do use your insurance, say it's the first time it's happened! The doctors know full well it isn't and don't care as long as you are being operated on, the insurance will only pay if you have a new condition.

Good luck either way. And take it EASY!
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  #2  
Old 13 Apr 2010
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Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
Ted - I lived with a torn ACL for ten years - and it's a right royal pain in the ass. It went all the time - in the shower, playing footie (stupid) and even just climbing over a gate. I found it often went whilst I was drunk, as I wasn't on guard and was prone to stupidity. It's a horrible feeling when you feel the wobble and then the snap. It really really really is worth fixing up asap. Obviously I wasn't as sensible as my own advice.

But, the last time it went was in Cape Town, where I happened to be on a training course. I took advantage of my cheap insurance, and got it operated on by some of the finest knee surgeons of the world at Newlands Sports Clinic.

Orthopaedic Clinic Cape Town | Sports Injuries Surgery | Knee Injury

As way of warning, the doctor told me I was borderline knee replacement candidate, which would mean surgery every ten years or so. Luckily they could still staple it back together and the knee is great now, 12 years later.

Remember though, if you do use your insurance, say it's the first time it's happened! The doctors know full well it isn't and don't care as long as you are being operated on, the insurance will only pay if you have a new condition.

Good luck either way. And take it EASY!

Cheers for the reply !! Great advice !

10 years !!! WOW.. Braver man than me ! No wonder you're knee was borderline.

Sadly, my injury is recorded at the doctors now so insurance probably won't cover it but he has only recorded it as a sprain. At the moment anyway.

I really am going to try and get this fixed ASAP !! My only choice is the NHS. Purely financial. I'm at the mercy of their waiting lists and bacteria infested vermin ridden hospitals.
If I had the money, i'd be in BUPA's waiting room right now with my bum showing out of a gown.

I'm not going to take any stupid risks.. I have a good hinged support which I will wear and i'm not taking any risks with sports. Football can wait !

The doc said i'm managing better than most, probably because I have strong stocky legs and great hamstrings which really help in knee stability.

I'm going away on the bike on Friday morning for the weekend so that will be a test. Probably a little stupid but i'm only on a very light DRZ and only riding light A-roads. I have to meet up with some potential African riding buddies to get visas sorted for North Africa so I don't have much choice... I don't own a car btw ! lol.
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Old 13 Apr 2010
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So it now appears you don't even know if your ACL is involved. MCL is a whole different animal. Take it easy for a while and get properly diagnosed before getting all worked up about it.

The above advice is worth approximately what you paid for it.

Mark
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Old 13 Apr 2010
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Originally Posted by markharf View Post
So it now appears you don't even know if your ACL is involved. MCL is a whole different animal. Take it easy for a while and get properly diagnosed before getting all worked up about it.

The above advice is worth approximately what you paid for it.

Mark
The MCL is definately goosed. The doc said the ACL is probable but it's too swollen to know for sure yet..

I'm just assuming the worst as it's always best to plan for the worst.... Trust me, there's no one more than me that wants this to be a case of severe over-reaction
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Old 13 Apr 2010
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If life's about taking risks, get yourself a £5k loan, get your knee sorted, and fully enjoy the trip.
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Old 13 Apr 2010
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Originally Posted by KTMmartin View Post
If life's about taking risks, get yourself a £5k loan, get your knee sorted, and fully enjoy the trip.
haha ! I'm still paying off the 7K loan I took out to go to South America !!
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Old 26 May 2010
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Ted,

I did my acl about 12 years ago or so. Also done medial ligaments on other knee. I'm sure medical science has advanced but I doubt your GP could ever be 100% certain as to what you have done either without an arthroscopy or scan (not available when I did mine). You can probably go private for the arthroscopy (shouldn't be too much dosh just for a diagnosis but it should mean you jump the queue). Surgery was only recommended if you were pro sports person, but not guaranteed, much more invasive and a hell of a long recovery period.

Strengthening the muscles around the knee should see you ok for most things. I can still play footy and only get an odd twinge if I really twist it. Most other things (eg hillwalking) I can do with no issues at all.

Hope this helps

Dave
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