ACI Surgery on 6/28/07 on MFC

[jonhark]

Peg Leg--
Sorry to hear about your patella problems. I would defer to all on this board who've had patella defect for their advise. I had a small patella defect (about 1 cm) and opted for a Fulkerson with microfracture. I noticed the alignment and tracking were better immediately. Unfortunately, it didn't improve the pain from the defect and things worsened until I had my ACI procedure. A defect with good alignment will eventually lead to a larger defect with normal activities--stairs, walking, patellafemoral forces. I would suggest another 12 months of limitations with an ACI is well worth the long-term benefit of having a pain-free knee. Of course, that all depends upon getting your OS to believe that as well.

[Peg Leg]

Thanks Jon,

"that all depends upon getting your OS to believe that as well" ,  "therein lies the rub" !!!!!!

Peg

P.S.  My Insurance Co. as well!

[Peg Leg]

Hi Guys,

I have been adding exercise back into my daily schedule over the last 2 weeks and my pain is back and so is the limp.  So, the conclusion I have come to is that i can do absolutely nothing and live a relatively pain-free life!  Since I am NOT a sedentary person, I need to do something for this dang knee! 

I did decide to seek another opinion and I have an appointment for Monday, March 10th.  I picked this Dr. based on a recommendation from someone on this site who had Carticel.  She is a Duke Physician and I will let you know how it goes.  I have also made contact with Dr. Farr's P.A., and depending on how it goes on Monday, he wants me to send my records to him.  I am feeling so much better about this and have been sleeping again,YEA!!!!, at least until Sunday night!  I'll let you guys know how it all unfolds.

David3, Chris mentioned the NeoCartilage to me in our conversation, as a possibility.  I figured this might be why they were so eager to see my records and offer an opinion.

Take it easy!

Peg Leg

[David3]

Great to hear that you are set up for a second opinion Peg, or maybe two? I really hope this opens up some options for you. I'm sure it'll help crystalise your thoughts on the next step forward. Keep us posted!

David

[and4400]

Hey Peg Leg sorry to hear your still having problems but your not alone I too have been having pain and catching so I went to the OS yesterday and he was really nasty with me. I've decided that I too will look for another doctor. Basically I was told come back when I want a replacement done. No maybe theres overgrowth or scar tissue building up, until I started mentioning common problems with carticel did he even want to address my knee. I was exteremly pissed when I left and now I know its time to move on. It may take alot longer to find a new doc and all but I'll wait and deal with it. I feel like my knee is worse now than before any of the surgeries. I don't have  swelling but its painful just walking sometimes. an4

[casey2291]

Peg Leg...glad to hear that you are getting a second opinon.  Good luck with your appointment and be sure to let us know how it goes! 

[kevinnjaime]

Hey Pegleg,

Good luck tomorrow with your second opinion.

Kevin

[Peg Leg]

Hey,

I've been in hiding, lately, while I digest all the advice I've received and make my decision.  I have been busy with 2nd and 3rd opinions and a revisit to my OS.  After everything I've been told and spending 30 minutes with my Dr. talking it all over, I have decided to go ahead with the Fulkerson AMZ.  There were 2 strong opinions for and one for patellofemoral replacement (which the other 2 had said should be a last resort). My patella defect is small  and falls well within the guidelines layed out by Fulkerson for this surgery to be successful.  I understand that some will feel that I've made a bad decision, but after much research and soul searching, it is the right decision for me.  My pain is increasing and my activity level is being affected, so I feel the sooner the better.  I have set the surgery for April 17th; hopefully, I will be driving when the kids get out of school on June 12th or soon thereafter.

So, does this mean y'all are going to kick me out of here and over to the patellofemoral site???

Hoppy Easter!!

Peg

[casey2291]

Hi Peg Leg,

I'm glad to hear that you were able to make a decision about what your next step should be for your knee.  I know how hard it is to make a decision about what is best when it seems that everyone, including OS's all have differing opinions.  I think you have to go with the doctor who you think is best for you and the procedure that you think is best for you.  You must feel relieved now that you have made a decision.  Good luck with your surgery next month!  Keep us updated on how you are doing and if you do decide to go over to the patellafemoral board, don't forget about us over here in the ACI section!!! 

[Peg Leg]

Hey,

I am in full "get ready for surgery mode"; seems like dejavu'.  My knee has been more and more unhappy lately, so that helps me feel more ready to get this show on the road. I'm very nervous and not ready to be back on crutches and non wt-bearing. I suppose we'll get another peak to see how my new cartilage looks 31/2 months after my last scope. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Peg Leg

[casey2291]

Good luck with your surgery today!  I hope that the ACI cartilage look fantastic.  Let us know how you are getting along.

[Peg Leg]

Hey y'all,

I'm back from the other side!  I am 8 days out from surgery and I am more alert than I have been in a while.  Things went as expected, though I did get a lateral release that the Dr. didn't plan on doing.  My pain was managed very well.  I had a femoral and sciatic nerve block and also a PCA pump for 24 hours after surgery.  They kept me an extra night, to keep an eye on the pain control. I am so happy to have that behind me

Take care, Peg

[casey2291]

Glad to hear that you are doing well and that your surgery is over.  Hopefully this will be your last surgery FOREVER!!  what is the recovery time for this surgery?

[Peg Leg]

Hi Everybody,
I forgot to mention that my graph site looks really good!  My Dr. was pleased to get a chance to look at 6 and 9 1/2 months! I on the other hand wish he hadn't needed to!  Here's a look at my new scar!
Have a good night, Peg

[casey2291]

Peg Leg,

That's fantastic news about your graft!!!   

Casey