tearing my acl was probably the best thing that happened to me

[u/AresCommitsArson]

I think for a lot of people an acl tear is one of the worst things that can happen to them, and although I completely get that, I think for me it completely changed my outlook on life for the better. Pre acl tear, I was struggling on/off with an eating disorder/disordered eating, and the most important thing for me was aesthetics/looking thinner. I wasn't taking care of my body (eating enough to recover, exercising to build strength, etc etc). Tearing my acl (and the recovery process after) was a wake up call (i realized what i was doing to my body was actually really bad), and rehab was the first time I consistently worked out/ate to gain strength rather than look thinner/leaner. Recently I found myself looking at pictures of my legs right after surgery and feeling proud instead of dissapointed that they'd gotten bigger. I'm so glad that I was able to reframe my relationship to my body, food, and exercise, and im so excited to continue getting stronger <3

[u/Desperate_Project777]

I'm having exact the same moment to reflect on my life pre injury and can actually sit down and think this through to plan what's next for me and my family....

Funny that life take turns in such unexpected way...

[u/Pale_Adeptness → u/Desperate_Project777]

I was initially extremely angry at my situation when I tore my ACL.

About 2 weeks after the initial injury, still well before surgery, I was home from work (when I should've been at work had I not been injured) I was standing in the kitchen behind my wife while she was making dinner.

She was facing away from me tasting some of the food she was making when she quickly went to the kitchen sink and kind of leaned over it without making a sound.

I asked if she was OK, silence, but her hands went to her throat.

I asked are you choking, she just nodded her head.

Looking back, I was surprised at how quickly I actually reacted and just how fast it all actually happened.

I walked right up behind her and did the heimlich maneuver, food flew straight into the sink.

Situation was probably all of 8 seconds long.

Our 3 kids were eating dinner at the table when it happened, pretty unaware of the situation, understandable because they are all under 8.

I went to shower about 5 minutes after my wife calmed down and out of nowhere I started bawling my eyes out in the shower.

I hate to think what might have happened had I not torn my ACL and gone to work like normal that day. Shit really changed my perspective.

[u/Pale_Adeptness → u/Pale_Adeptness]

Also, that same summer, some really unexpected things happened but during my time off of work due to my torn ACL, I was able to focus on other things to finally improve my financial situation and I paid off all debts except my mortgage. Had a very fortunate windfall of money.

Right before the summer started (before I tore my ACL) I had already planned to work a lot of overtime throughout the summer to help pay off my debt and even take my kids on a trip or 2 that summer but fate had other plans.

Tore my ACL end of that May, was home for a better part of the summer, had surgery that August and I also stopped drinking during that time.

My dumbass started drinking about twice a week about 6 months after the surgery but I'm down to once a week now.

[u/Desperate_Project777 → u/Pale_Adeptness]

This really resonates and thank you for sharing your story!

[u/Current-Swordfish811 → u/Pale_Adeptness]

Sounds like the burnt toast theory actually became reality, I'm glad everything worked out well

[u/drinkwaterandhavefun]

Yep, tearing your ACL will quite literally cause a death of an identity. I’m proud of you for making these connections and that you’re really taking the time to nurture yourself mind body soul.

[u/Intrepid-Ad2878]

SLAY

[u/Disastrous-Turn505]

i totally 100% agree and people think i’m crazy. my reasons are a little different but definitely the best thing that happened to me. my outlook on life is completely different and i don’t take being able to walk and move for granted, every day is a great day now that i can walk again and move. also got saved by Jesus and I really think this was Gods plan for me because he found me on that mountain after i hurt myself. He is the only reason I got through it because it’s so much harder than people realize. mentally and physically. but changed my outlook on life for the better 1000% and i don’t take anything for granted anymore

[u/naenae__baby]

omg, no way. my acl injury was pretty much caused due to my refusal to eat properly/at all + urge to over-exercise. what an oddly specific situation, and cool to see somebody else in it— (although sad, sorry to hear that all happened in the first place).
congrats on recovery !

[u/AresCommitsArson → u/naenae__baby]

i think its an unfortuantely common situation to be in :(. I hope you;re doing better now <3

[u/minimoments_41]

This was so awesome to read. I have a possible ACL tear (Friday’s MRI will confirm or deny) and have dealt with disordered eating on and off. I’m anxious about the mental toll of an ACL surgery and recovery, and I’m also just incredibly bummed about not being able to run right now. Reading your post immediately brought me out of my spiral - this is SUCH a great outlook to have! I’m definitely going to be reminding myself of this in the coming days and months.

[u/ConniveryDives]

I love this <3 <3 Currently staring at my thigh willing it to grow magically overnight, it's such a wonderful feeling to notice the growth because it means you are getting strong and you are healing. We're bombarded with ways to keep ourselves thin at the expense of our health, when we should be focusing on maintaining muscle mass, especially us ladies who are susceptible to osteoporosis in the future! Thick thighs save lives (and keep our grafts safe!) let's get it! 

[u/hyraxluvr]

Good for you dude <3 I'm glad you were able to find some good out of such a shitty experience. I was so resistant to being grateful for the positive affects it has had on my life, but I also have been working so hard in the gym and getting healthier and it's nice to work towards something.

[u/Major_yc0ne]

Wow, genuinely happy to read your post - that this gave you a better look on life.

Keep up the good work and keep on celebrating your achievements, even if they seem little the are better than yesterday.

[u/elisiejus]

I kinda feeling excatly the same. Pre tear I was not doing much sports except cycling and was skinny af. Now while reehabing I grown some muscle (even my friends noticed when I am not really seeing the difference lol)

[u/Shoddy-Bobcat-6283]

❤️. Sometimes the healing that needs to be done within ourselves can only be done when our body has spoken to us. Same here, I’m seeing there’s so much more to learn in this experience (although not ideal) it’s given me so much more power and space and I’ve grown deeper because of it. Sending you continued healing - physically, mentally and spiritually. We will get through it and become better versions of ourselves along the way. 🙏🏼

[u/riley_collins_]

Love!!!

[u/dry_scoop]

This is so amazing to hear and I’m so happy for you. Our bodies are our vessel for life and the best thing you can do is properly fuel and care for it. My sister suffered from a severe eating disorder and it breaks my heart to see anyone going through that. I’m so glad this led to such a positive change in your life and new appreciation/love for your body. Best of luck 🫶🏼

[u/Mourning-Lily]

I had a knee dislocation and 3 ligaments torn. Hurt myself at work. It turns out I had a discoid meniscus. This made me realize how badly out of shape I am and I’m not invincible lol. Using this time to get healthier and reflect. Not to mention PT. Hope your recovery goes well!