I tore mine skiing nine years ago, at the ripe old age of 41. I chose to have it reconstructed using my hamstring tendon (on the advice of my ortho surgeon). It was very swollen before the surgery but didn't hurt. I had the survery in April and was running again by July. Surgery and rehab were a piece of cake -- I had a little pain the day after, but none to speak of after that. Rehab was no big deal for me because I was accustomed to working out regularly. I will say that even though the knee is strong and stable, that leg is still weaker than the other, due to the loss of that hamstring tendon. But it doesn't usually bother me and I don't think about it much. Good luck to your DH, whatever he chooses to do!

KB