ACL / Knee issue

[A2VR6]

I seem to recall that I had to get my MRI from my family doctor. Luckily I somehow got added to the cancellation list and was able to get a cancellation spot within a few days (granted the appointment was at like 11 pm)

[Mitsu3000gt]

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I seem to recall that I had to get my MRI from my family doctor. Luckily I somehow got added to the cancellation list and was able to get a cancellation spot within a few days (granted the appointment was at like 11 pm)

You can also camp out at the MRI places and get in as soon as there is a cancellation - if you have lots of free time, that is one way to get a free MRI through Alberta Health with hardly any wait time, but you literally have go and physically sit in the wait room until there is a cancellation. The cost of a private MRI though is about what a vacation day is worth to most people though I would imagine, so I don't think many people elect to do it that way. If you got in fast & free, that's outstanding.

[The Cosworth]

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I seem to recall that I had to get my MRI from my family doctor. Luckily I somehow got added to the cancellation list and was able to get a cancellation spot within a few days (granted the appointment was at like 11 pm)

Just so I am clear, you had to get the MRI still through your family doctor even though you got into the UofC place? If so I might have to ask for one tomorrow when I see her.

[craigcd]

I had mine done at EFW, who sent it to my family doctor, who sent it to the surgeon.

[A2VR6]

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Just so I am clear, you had to get the MRI still through your family doctor even though you got into the UofC place? If so I might have to ask for one tomorrow when I see her.

Correct. I think if you dont get one from your family doctor in the first place the U of C will ask your family doctor to get one done. If my memory serves me correctly my doctor actually asked for a MRI before i even saw the U of C knee clinic.

[The Cosworth]

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I had mine done at EFW, who sent it to my family doctor, who sent it to the surgeon.

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Correct. I think if you dont get one from your family doctor in the first place the U of C will ask your family doctor to get one done. If my memory serves me correctly my doctor actually asked for a MRI before i even saw the U of C knee clinic.

Perfect thanks gents. I've asked for an MRI referral to get on the list.

[The Cosworth]

I got into the UofC guys! Thank you so much for telling me to apply. My appointment is next week.

[A2VR6]

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I got into the UofC guys! Thank you so much for telling me to apply. My appointment is next week.

best of luck! Glad you got in!

[Mitsu3000gt]

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I got into the UofC guys! Thank you so much for telling me to apply. My appointment is next week.

Congrats, that is probably an ideal place for you to start your recovery. Will they handle the MRI there or is that still up to you?

[The Cosworth]

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Congrats, that is probably an ideal place for you to start your recovery. Will they handle the MRI there or is that still up to you?

Not sure honestly. From what it sounds like I still do it myself if they recommend it. So I'm just waiting to see what they recommend first.

[The Cosworth]

Well had my appointment at the UofC this morning. First doc was like mmm maybe ACL. Second doc walks in. Said yeah for sure you've lost your acl. I said should I pay for an MRI to confirm? She said save your money. Well shit.

[Mitsu3000gt]

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Well had my appointment at the UofC this morning. First doc was like mmm maybe ACL. Second doc walks in. Said yeah for sure you've lost your acl. I said should I pay for an MRI to confirm? She said save your money. Well shit.

Well at least you know. Your earlier description was consistent with an ACL tear but you never know for sure until you get checked out.

As someone who has no ACL in their left knee, once it healed, I don't even notice day-to-day. I do have to be careful with certain sports though and wear my brace. I'm still unsure if I want surgery or not as that comes with it's own set of risks.

Still not a terrible idea to get an MRI in my opinion - it just guarantees that the people trying to help you don't run into any surprises and they have all the information. If you have benefits that will cover it, I'd still do it personally.

[dimi]

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Well had my appointment at the UofC this morning. First doc was like mmm maybe ACL. Second doc walks in. Said yeah for sure you've lost your acl. I said should I pay for an MRI to confirm? She said save your money. Well shit.

The matter is always further complicated due to swelling, which takes a while to settle inside your knee, and makes it hard to assess using those ligament tests.

MRI is preferable and I would spend the money. However, if there is structural damage to your knee and you’re very active, I would probably opt for having surgery anyway, or at least a scope to repair/clean up any meniscus damage.

As well, once you start going down the “knee road", it can become a pervasive issue. I would rethink your hobbies and activities to promote longevity, and pick up biking and yoga.

Good luck.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Just to add to my above comment, I don't remember if I mentioned it before or not, but my MRI revealed two things that no doctor/physio could tell with a traditional or manual exam. For $675 I think it's worth it to get it done regardless.

[A2VR6]

+2 to the getting the MRI reccomendation. You'll know for sure and down the road if you do choose to go down the road of surgury it will be good to have.

[The Cosworth]

Well final diagnosis. Pretty much I tore my ACL and that I damaged the bone on the end of my femur and tibia from a plant and twist, usually happens with an ACL tear. And I had some patellar damage which also happens.

Got into banff sports med for surgery.

[The Cosworth]

Final update, last week I went in for ortho and they poked around. They replaced my ACL with my hamstring tendon and looked around and saw that I did nothing else that needed repairing. So feet up at home and hobbling around for the next few weeks.

UCAKIC / Banff Sports Med were fantastic.

[killramos]

Rough. I’m in a similar boat this week, had a ligament re attached in my ankle.

TV and video games for a few weeks haha.

[The Cosworth]

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Rough. I’m in a similar boat this week, had a ligament re attached in my ankle.

TV and video games for a few weeks haha.

Yeah I've been trying too but my kids are obsessed every time I pull out my xbox controller.

[AndyL]

Nice! Glad Banff worked out.

Now the hard part of following doctor and physio instructions