Runners who tore their ACL

Anyone here tear their ACL and still successfully ran afterwards? I am freaking out and don't know what the right decision is.

When I was 19 i tore my right ACL and successfully had reconstructive ACL surgery. Since then I have run three marathons, a hand full of half marathons, and countless smaller races.

Now, 13 years later, I completely tore my left ACL. I saw the same doctor and he said I should wait and see if I really need the surgery. He said I don't really need it to run road races. The ACL is more for sports like soccer, softball, volleyball.

I am confused as to what to do. I now have a year and half year old son. I want my every day living back to normal. (Doc said that with PT I should be off the crutches within a week, starting monday). I know if I get surgery it will be months of PT and on the crutches for a while.

Sorry for the long post.... I am sad and confused. My questions are- has anyone successful continued to run without surgery?? What would you do?

Thanks for any and all advice!

Re: Runners who tore their ACL

I'm sorry I don't have specific advice about acl repair. Just wanted to give you ! I had back surgery 6 years ago which affected my ability to run. Hope you make a full recovery!!