DeNovo Recovery

[bferguson]

Thanks for the advice.  I think I'm going to take the conservative route and wait until my next OS appt. to take the next step.  Having been through a failed MF surgery last year and now this, I want to take every precaution to make sure this is successful. 

[bferguson]

Ok, I'm just over 5 weeks post-op and had my last evaluation at therapy before my visit with my OS.  I am able to do all the exercises with no pain and have 142 degrees of bend and can lay my knee completely flat.  He put me on the bike today with a little resistance and I had no issues.  I meet with my OS on Monday to hopefully get off of the crutches.  I have been good this whole time and it will be my first steps so it should be interesting!  After that, I'm back to PT 3 times a week to learn how to walk again.  But, so far, so good!

[Rennschnecke]

You sound like you're recovering really well. 
Good luck on Monday!

[bferguson]

Just got back from my OS appointment and everything looks good!  He is happy with the progress and released me from the crutches.  My first steps have been uncomfortable and very weak, but tolerable.  He recommended I continue to use my crutches to help for the next day or so and to expect things to be sore.  He also said that all he wants me to do for the next 6 weeks is walk.  He said no to an elliptical machine, just walking.  I will see him again in 6 weeks from today and if all is well he will turn me completely loose! (except for running of course). 

[bferguson]

Hello everyone!

I am 8 weeks post op and I must say, I feel pretty good.  As far as normal activities, I already feel better than I did pre-surgery.  My leg is still weak in general but has improved a great deal since the day I started walking.  Short-term, I don't see any reason why you should avoid this procedure as it seems to have done the trick for me.  We will see how it goes after the Thanksgiving holidays when I see the OS again and he releases me to do more strenuous exercise. 

Brian

[bferguson]

Hello again!

  I'm now a little over 10 weeks post surgery and I'm very excited about the progress.  I joined a gym about 2 weeks ago and have been going almost everyday since.  I have not been cleared by my OS to do anything except walk so I tried walking on the treadmill and was bored to death!  So, I've started using the row machine and have been surprised by the intensity of the workout that will give you!  I've been doing a full leg workout twice a week and have had no problems with a couple exeptions.  One, the machine that does leg extensions still creates some pain.  And second, squats are still a bit uncomfortable and a little weak.  I have cheated a bit and tried to run a few steps and there is not pain!  I have another appt. set up for the 28th of Nov. and hopefully he'll clear me totally.  I've been told to be very careful during this time because you will feel good but I am still healing and the cartilage is still growing.  It is tempting to try and do more, but I have a wife that threatens my life!  If all goes well, I hope to run in a 5K on Dec. 17th.  and start seriously training to get back into soccer.  I feel much further along now than I did with microfracture surgery last year.  I'm going to continue to go to the gym as much as possible between now and the 28th and then go from there.  If you have any specific questions.  That's all for now!

[Rennschnecke]

You're are way ahead of where I was allowed to be at 10 weeks.  I wasn't allowed to squat until around 4 to 5 months and running without supervision was banned until at least 6 months post-op – way longer than you're anticipating.

However, you've had DeNovo so different from my MACI.  I guess you're forging new ground here so I'm sure everyone will be reading up on your story.

Hope it continues to go well for you!

[mccartjt]

Hi All

BFerguson, good luck to you on your rehab and recovery. May I suggest that you take it easy on the rowing machine. Its a powerful tool for a workout and its very addictive in a good sense. Be wary though on your recovery, its easier to take it easy on your joint than over doing it and damaging your recovery. You've probably got a long life to live, so lets all hope you are fully recovered in 18 months!

JM

[mfactor]

A question for bferguson
How are you doing since december.  Did they tell you how long before you could run or play sports.  I am considering denovo for my patellas and this is a big question for me.  Will and if so when can i run and play racquetball. Thanks for your input. 

[markld]

This guy is and has been MIA for quite some time. I emailed him and he responded in the beginning, however he has never responded for several months after I asked some specifics to his surgery, which leads me to believe everything he wrote is BS thus I am very suspicious of his story and starting to believe he a fraud....

[skierboy]

Is there any way one of the site moderator could try to contact this guy and at least get a "final" update from him?  Participation in this bulletin board is not intended to be a life sentence, but one should "round out" a recovery story like he has been giving us.  I certainly want to believe that what he wrote is accurate, but its credibility would be enhanced by a polite "final report" that ends with wishing us all well.  It's even more important for that final report if some problem with his DeNovo graft surfaced after the first few months of sterling recovery.

[surfbum]

Is there any way one of the site moderator could try to contact this guy and at least get a "final" update from him?  Participation in this bulletin board is not intended to be a life sentence, but one should "round out" a recovery story like he has been giving us.  I certainly want to believe that what he wrote is accurate, but its credibility would be enhanced by a polite "final report" that ends with wishing us all well.  It's even more important for that final report if some problem with his DeNovo graft surfaced after the first few months of sterling recovery.

No need. If a person doesn't come back to post on here, there procedure was a success and they have moved on. That's a good thing

[mkhendo]

Just wanted to add my experience 18mos out from Denovo NT implant surgery.

So far the tissue looks great, based solely on MRI's to date, my 18mo follow-up is today but I don't expect to get much news. I sheard a large patch off the femur playing soccer. The only issue I have had is recovery but my circumstance seems to be a little different. My lesion was too far back on the femur that the normal 2-4in incision did not provide access so my patella had to be moved and my incision is about 10 inches, which was totally unexpected on my end when I went in for my first post-op follow-up. My issues stem from muscle development which is still lacking substanially. I also experience some discomfort behind the knee almost as if my skin and tissue are being pinched, my Dr. hasn't been concerned about that at all though. Most of my struggles seem to be related to strenght in my leg, the implant seems to be perfect.

[Skater69]

HWA,

How are you doing.  I'm in just about the same boat age wise and defect location and size (mine might be slightly smaller)  Doc recommends the TTO which scares the hell out of me.  I like the idea of the Denovo procedure though. 

Best, Brad