June 20, 2008
Dear Tiger
On Wednesday, I went to see my physical therapist to pick up my shiny new high-tech ACL sports brace. Considering the cost of it, one would think it would come encrusted with diamonds. It doesn’t. Very disappointing.
My PT asked me how I’m doing and I told him that the cortisone shot didn’t work. I’m still having pain at the top of my tibia. I’m beginning to think I always will. I have a few more weeks of taking it easy and then I’m technically allowed to go back to karate. The thing is, I don’t think I’ll be ready.
Sure, I have my brace. I’ve done the intense physical therapy. This week, I’ll go join the gym and continue my exercises on my own. Mentally, I’m terrified of doing this again. I’m afraid I’ll tear it right apart again and I don’t feel confident that my knee has had enough time to heal. I’m on my own now, and that is exciting but scary all at the same time.
Despite this, in one sense, this week I’ve ended a major part of this ACL journey. I’m finished with doctors appointments, physical therapy and all too frequent co-pays. Tiger, your ACL journey is just about to begin.
I want you to know how impressed I am that you played through the pain. I know the excruciating pain that comes from twisting on an ACL that’s torn, and it is breathtaking. The fact that you not only played, but won, is simply amazing to me. Everyone knows you’re a great golfer, but those who have endured ACL injuries have a whole new appreciation for your talent and perseverance.
Being the celebrity that you are, I’m sure you’ll have the best of care, pre and post op. Despite this, only you will feel the pain and know the frustration that comes with recovering from this type of surgery. My advice to you is simple: take all the time that you need to heal. Golf will still be there when you’re ready to return. And for your sanity during those first few days, don’t forget healthy doses of both prune juice and percoset.
My best to you Tiger, for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery,
BBM
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I know Tiger read this and appreciates the thought
on a different note – I may have some great news on wednesday.
I was so confused. I was trying to figure out who the hell Tiger was!
I think you should get a Bedazzler and jazz up that brace. Or paint flames on the side of it. Something worthy of the price, and the amount of pain you’ve had to go through. All my best!
Forget the diamonds on the brace-those are some cute shorts, my friend! 😉
You need to use the Bedazzler to spell out “Bad Ass Mutha Fu&^a” on your brace. Not that there’s any question that you are considering you need the brace in the first place. But just to drive the point home. 😉
What a medieval looking contraption that brace is. How flexible is that thing – is it comfortable? You should’ve gotten a white one to match your gi.
I seriously doubt that tibia pain will last forever. Maybe there’s an alternative to cortisone. You’ll be fine, just take your time with training.
The tibia pain–does it correspond with the location of your screw?
I actually got kicked right at that spot during my second sparring class back. Stung like the dickens, but plenty of icing settled it down after a short while.
Don’t fear returning to the dojo. Take it easy, try lots of non-contact activity and careful pivots, being mindful to go back to basics and make sure those pivots are right.
I find when I forget to pivot, my knee ‘reminds’ me to check my technique.