Damn, you got off cheap!! I paid about $75m total for my knee surgery, rehab, braces, etc. and did all the same damage. I had my surgery March 5 of 2002 and did not ride until the beginning of August. Even then it was WAY painful each time I rode and my knee would swell up like a balloon. It got better with each ride, but will never be "normal" again. I have 2 CTI2's and they are great. You can even get a 2nd set of straps at the 6 month mark for free, because they are pretty pricey to replace. Fortunately for me, the insurance company paid for both of them, however, the price of each is much better than having to go through that hell again! Good luck..