Anne Keothavong blog: Six months and counting...

Hello everyone!

I just want to start this blog by thanking everyone who has sent me messages of support since I injured my knee; Ive been touched by them all so thank you.

Since Ive been back in London Ive just wanted the op to happen as soon as possible so I can get on with the rehab and have something to focus on. Ive had to wait for the swelling to go down before this as research has shown you get better results in the long run.

Ive replayed the moment many times in my head

Its still a bit puffy although I can walk around at least and you wouldnt notice my slight limp unless you looked carefully. Walking in a straight line is fine, if not slow, and I look a little robotic when I have to make a turn or move sideways. If it wasnt for wanting to run again I could probably get by without any form of surgery.

I knew straight away when I twisted my knee that I had snapped my ACL but it all happened so quickly. I chased down a short angled shot in our doubles match and was sprinting at full speed at a lower angle to retrieve it.

There wasnt much space between the outside line and the fence and as I tried slowing down I pulled up quickly and tried to turn away from the fence so I didnt go crashing into it head first. Somehow I managed to twist my knee, fall into the fence and down to the ground in agony.

Ive replayed the moment many times in my head and Ive had so many different thoughts about what I couldve done differently to prevent this injury. A number of things came to mind, not running for the shot in the first place is top of my list but those who know me well also know that would never have happened in reality. One of my biggest strengths on the tennis court is my ability and willpower to chase every ball down and make my opponent play another shot.

Most people who have snapped their ACL will tell you it’s bloody painful at the time. Some people will hear a pop but I just felt something rip through the middle of my knee. When this happened to me five years ago, I hadnt even heard of my ACL and didnt know any of the names of the ligaments in my knee so I was well prepared this time round!

Jonathan Webb is the surgeon who operated on my right knee back in 2004 and hell repeat the same process on my left knee. It wasnt even an option to see someone else about it as he did a good job with my right knee which gives me confidence, he has a great reputation as a knee surgeon and hes a very likable man. Jonathan is also a former sportsman himself representing England many times in Rugby Union so he understands athletes.

Jonathan will repair my ACL using my hamstring tendon although it did cross my mind this time to use an allograft. Using an allograft has become popular in the States but in the end I thought my right knee feels good, why mess with something else? And anyway, I want both legs to have matching scars!

Itll be at least six months before I can compete again and thats only if everything goes perfectly well. Ive been asked how Ill spend my time away from the game and to be honest Im not sure yet. I remember the rehab process five years ago and it was incredibly hard, physically and emotionally, so I expect nothing less this time round and I do believe what doesnt kill you, makes you stronger.

Ill carry on blogging throughout my rehab process but for the meantime, goodbye for now.

Anne x