"Awesome, aren't they, those crutches?" Now that Marie-Anne is back on crutches for the umpteenth time, she's struggling to respond graciously to the endless well-meaning comments. She opens up about it in her blog.
Good intentions
Marie-Anne: The biggest challenge is that everyone means well. They want to check on you or worry you're feeling isolated and need company. So there you are—awkwardly balancing on crutches—explaining for the umpteenth time what's wrong. But often, you lack the patience, energy, or simply dread it. What do you do? You don't want to brush off those kind, caring people… It might not sound polite, but let me explain.
A quick calculation
A bit of math reveals I've spent well over a year of my life on crutches. It's manageable at home, but venturing out changes everything. If you've ever used crutches or worn an eye patch, you know: everyone comments on it. It's sympathetic at first, but after so long, it wears thin. I know that sounds ungrateful.
Not exactly 'sexy'
If parents at school or neighbors in the supermarket ignored my knee, that would feel cold. I'd ask too: "Wow, on crutches for so long—clumsy, huh!" I usually mutter, "Yeah, these darn knees again," but sometimes you can't dodge a full explanation—like when the school door is still locked.
Meniscus? Not quite
Then comes the classic: "Meniscus tear, right? (Just like my sister-in-law/neighbor/great-grandpa.)" Here's the issue: No, both my menisci are intact. My story is more complex and less glamorous. I have severe cartilage damage—a serious grade IV cartilage problem that takes time to describe. And crutches already drain your energy, especially late afternoon at school when you're just trying to pick up your kids unscathed.
Some background
My cartilage is damaged on both sides, has been for years. It's grade IV damage (for those familiar with the scale). Doctors link it partly to a past skiing accident, but heredity and other unknown factors play a role. Along the way, my ACL fully tore; I now have a replacement.
Surgeries and progress
Over a dozen surgeries have patched some areas, but new injuries keep appearing, and my knees aren't improving. Damaged cartilage can't fully regenerate, yet advancements continue. Thankfully, my orthopedic surgeon is a professor in reconstructive medicine—the renowned 'cartilage guru.' If he doesn't know the latest treatment, it probably doesn't exist yet. I'm in expert hands and wouldn't trust anyone else.
Back on crutches
Recently, I underwent another procedure—a cutting-edge technique new to the Netherlands. Complications followed, leading to nearly two months on crutches and extended rehab. No doubt, the hallways will fill with more kind advice. Forgive me if I keep it brief. Unkind? Yes. Sorry—truly.
Who is Marie-Anne? Marie-Anne, 48, is married with three daughters. She battles a severe cartilage condition stemming from a skiing accident, plus hereditary and unclear factors. Biweekly, she blogs about her patchwork family, Dutch healthcare, and her knee—recently operated on for the ninth time.
Read all of Marie-Anne's blogs>>
