Suddenly, I was at the bottom of the slope, unable to stand. That's how my ski trip with friends ended last weekend. Diagnosis: torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and outer knee ligament in my right knee—or so I gathered, given my limited German and the Austrian doctors' reluctance to speak English.
Yesterday, I shared why a ski holiday with friends is worth considering. Highly recommended—despite my fall on the final day causing these injuries.
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I was nearly done! Perfect weather, prime snow. We'd conquered many runs and enjoyed lunch before tackling this beautiful slope. Disaster struck just before the end.
I fell, but my skis stayed on—twisting my knee violently. I heard a loud 'snap,' followed by sharp pain and nausea. A friend nearby released my skis, helping me sit and recover.
Pain subsided; I felt ready to stand. But standing buckled my leg instantly, like my thigh and shin no longer connected. With help, I snowmobiled the last 15 meters down. Things escalated quickly from there.
An ambulance arrived fast. I rode alone with another injured skier behind me and a nurse upfront, heading to Mittersill Hospital in Austria.
Memorable ride: my motion sickness, his amnesia from a collision (nurse repeated it every two minutes), and his vomiting—initially mistaken for blood, but it was just goulash soup! 😛
My German is basic, their English limited, but we managed with gestures. Timing was 'perfect'—hospital was quiet except for the concussion patient. Quick CT scan: no fractures.
After tests, diagnosis confirmed: torn ACL and outer knee ligament. Discharged with a bulky brace, instructions to see my doctor at home. Friends picked me up after 90 minutes; back to our Gerlos hotel. No pub night—just hotel dinner.
Still pending. Home Sunday evening, GP Monday (no exam), phone appointment at Viasana clinic in Mill for February 8th. Expect MRI to assess damage and treatment.
I Googled 'ruptured ACL' and treatments—9-12 months of surgery and rehab. Overwhelming, so I stopped. Waiting patiently, hobbling for cappuccinos between desk and kitchen. 😉
No pain unless twisting oddly. The brace is clumsier than the injury—great for stability, tough on skin. Two days post-injury, standing on it improves. No driving or cycling yet, but optimistic about recovery.
Updates to follow!
