Electing to forego ACL surgery?

So back in July of 24 I (32m) tore my ACL playing soccer. I was unsure how serious the injury was even though I heard and felt the snap. In October, I finally saw a PT and had a scan show that it was a full tear. Long story short I neglected to go see a doctor for several months and now won’t have insurance until April 1.

I know I’ll likely need surgery to ever come back “full strength”, but wondering if any other skiers out there have foregone ACL surgery and just focused on PT, rehab, braces, etcetera and what your experience has been? I’ve heard of people “compensating” by building up remaining knee ligaments and wearing braces when they ski.