My Knee injury
As some of you may know, I encountered an unexpected obstacle on November 2nd – an injury that not only caught me off guard but also broken into many pieces the expectations I had for this period, especially as I embraced the anticipation of our third pregnancy. The prospect of stability in our lives, coupled with my accumulated knowledge of the physical and mental aspects of maternity, filled me with hope and excitement.
However, life had other plans in store for me. I got injured to my ACL, MCL, and meniscus, plunging me into a whirlwind of uncertainty and anxiety. Amidst the bad news, a positive pregnancy test added another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. We were not able to celebrate the good news because the bad accident took it all. November became a month marked by panic and uncertainty.
Yet, in the midst of adversity, there was a glimmer of hope. With the support of loved ones and the guidance of medical professionals, I embarked on a journey of rehabilitation. Drawing upon the expertise of an Italian physical therapist friend and later seeking assistance from the CU Sports Medicine team in Boulder, I began to rebuild and reclaim control over my physical well-being.
Four months have passed since that fateful day, and yet, the weight of what transpired still lingers. The first trimester of pregnancy, a time I had envisioned filled with activity and vitality, unfolded differently than expected. The limitations imposed by my injury left me feeling confined and frustrated, and the unforeseen changes in my body led to unexpected challenges, including a significant weight gain.
While I had already made peace with the decision to forego this ski season due to pregnancy, the prospect of having to miss out on two consecutive seasons now takes a large place in my mind. The uncertainty surrounding my recovery and the future has cast a shadow over my plans and aspirations, leaving me grappling with a mixture of fear and apprehension.
Yet, even in the face of adversity, I remain hopeful. I draw strength from the unwavering support of my community and the resilience that resides within me. Though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, I am committed to facing them head-on and emerging stronger, both physically and emotionally.
I have been working tirelessly with my physical therapists over the past four months, diligently following recent studies that prove for non-symptomatic, very athletic, strong, and committed individuals, it is possible to avoid ACL surgery. With perseverance, I have followed the protocols and have shown improvements and hope. After two months of intense PT, I am thrilled to share that I have returned to CrossFit, and I am preparing to attempt skiing with a brace in the coming days. Wish me luck!
The ACL injury is one of the worst injuries an athlete can endure – I experienced it in my other knee 13 years ago, and even though I returned full force to my activities, my knee has been different since then.
In conclusion, I ask for your well wishes for a full recovery, without surgery, and the ability to enjoy the snow with my family next year.
Thank you for being a part of my story, for standing by me through the highs and lows, and for reminding me that, even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found.
