Lewis Spence says he's not experienced an injury quite like it - but the Hamilton star is hoping to kickstart his career after his terrible knee knock.
The midfielder returned to action for the first time since a stalemate with Dunfermline last September in Saturday's 0-0 Championship draw with Raith Rovers.
He replaced Scott Martin early in the second half and helped Stuart Taylor's side - managed by John Rankin on the day with the Accies boss isolating - to a point away from home.
Spence arrived at Accies from Scunthorpe United in the summer transfer window but his last start came against Ayr United in September after a dislocated kneecap.
It's why the appearance in Kirkcaldy was such a relief: "I am buzzing. It's been a long time after the bad injury that I got.
"My last game was the 25th of September and then I came back into training and rolled my ankle a few weeks ago. That held me back even more but I am just delighted to be back.
"I am delighted to be back though on the pitch with the boys. It's good to play on a Saturday rather than being in the gym. I have been counting down the days.
"It's a countdown to when you can get back on the pitch again but I am fine now. Hopefully I can have a strong end to the season.
"And as a team, hopefully we can get as many points as we can to hopefully push up the league table."
The 26-year-old's dislocation led to further complications with cartilage and an ankle injury disrupted his return last month. Spence admits it's the most serious fitness concern he's had in his career.
He added: "I dislocated my kneecap and that snapped off a bit of cartilage around it as well. It was quite a nasty injury so it has been a slow process. I was worrying at times.
"I have to praise the medical staff who were with me every day and the boys as well for cheering me up with the banter and things. It does help.
"It's feeling well now. It's feeling quite strong. I have never had anything as serious in my career. I knew it was a bad one as I am not too bad with injuries.
"The surgeon said it was a nasty one but I have been working hard to get my body strong again. I'm just delighted to be back."
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