The ACL Miracle

Recently I underwent ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction surgery in my left knee. As many of you must be aware in recent times this has become a very common injury among athletes and also the common people. This injury can occur while playing football, slipping and falling from the stairs or even when you plant your foot on the road while getting off your bike.

My Miracle story began somewhere in the month of April/May when I presume was the time I tore my ACL. It was a very hectic summer for me as I was conducting swimming classes, Coaching kids in Futsal and also playing in the First Division senior league in Goa. I use to feel some discomfort in my knee but it never got in the way of my profession and I was able to play and also conduct my coaching classes without any hindrance. I was asked by my family members to get my knee checked, but I kept postponing the doctors appointment as I knew a trip to the doctor could potentially spell disaster for me, and with the first big opportunity coming in my career I decided to take the risk and deal with the little discomfort without the doctors opinion.

In June 2019 I was asked to assist as as Instructor for a AFC Futsal level 1 course in Goa. The course was a success and a big learning opportunity for me. The Head Instructor was happy with my performance and I was asked to assist him with another level 1 course in Malaysia in the moth of July He then asked me to do my AFC level 2 Futsal license under him while I was still in Malaysia.These were two very big opportunities and although i was having a little discomfort in my knee I decided I will put my faith in God and go ahead.

I have had a fare share of injuries in my career as a football player and by now I am able to asses the severity of an injury. I knew that my knee was bad but I kept this to myself cause if I told my family about it they would force me to go get and MRI done and if the report was bad I would miss the Malaysia opportunity.

Getting back to where I was, 13th July 2019 I flew to Malaysia, assisted the AFC Level 1 Futsal course from 15th to 20th July then went on to attend the AFC level 2 Futsal course in Malaysia from 21st to 27th July. During one of the practical sessions of the level 2 course I felt discomfort in my knee and right there I made the decision that when I come back to Goa I will see the doctor and get the MRI done. I felt the severity of the injury and I knew that God gave me the time so I could finish what I wanted. I then landed in Goa on the morning of 30th July and went to see the doctor the same evening. The doctor asked me to get an MRI done the next morning that was the first thing I did. When I read the report I was shocked as I had not expected a Grade 3 tear of my ACL and I knew that the only option I had was surgery.

When I went to show the doctor he smiled at me and said " you are a player and you already understand that the only option you have now is to undergo surgery. I don't know how you managed to play and do the physical activity you did the last couple of month without the ACL ligament, as most patients with such type of injury feel like their knee is going to give way" I replied to the doctor saying "God had answered my prayers and it was only because of him that I was able to do and achieve what I did". I celebrated my 29th birthday on the 5th of August, three days I had a successful surgery and I am now recovering well.

The Almighty has a path planned for everyone. This story of mine is a perfect example of the power of God. He gave me two month without one of the most important ligaments in my knee so that I could pursue my career. All this happened at the right time, God scheduled the surgery knowing that I need to be up and running in less than six month for my wedding. And that is the miracle of my ACL.

Written by : Joshuah Stan Vaz.

Edited by : Roselle Jane da Piedade Coutinho.