Oh boy you're in for some fun. I (cue violins, the works) dislocated my right knee 13 times before it was "fixed". I initially caught the ground goal kicking in rugby, but as my knee twisted right around, and that I landed on that leg seconds later, it wasn't initially picked up that it was a dislocation, as it went straight back in. Was roughly the same age when first happened too.
Took 8 years, but as the last dislocation (after countless doctors visits, physio sessions, an athroscopic surgery...) didn't go back in completely, there was finally a shining light for the specialist to go from, meaning a reconstruction was needed.
I had the ligament at the bottom of my patella split in two, one side tucked round to the other side of the join, pulling knee cap across into place. Then muscles were shortened on one side, and loosened on the other to stop the puling motion across my knee. Had to wear a Scott brace for 2 months, the first of which I was strict instructions to never bend that leg (ie showering) as it would pull all their work undone.
My advise is that if there is surgery, make sure you do your rehab, and correctly. In hindsight, I didn't get stuck into the gym enough, and consequently knee is not quite right.
As above, listen to your medical team, and realise some pain and discomfort (like the injury itself
) is in the way of being fully functional again. Good luck, feel free to ask any questions if I can help.
