KNEE ARTHRITIS - General principles of managing Osteoarthritis of the knee :

Need guidance - - Posted by UCIGimp (UCIGimp), 17 October 2004

I am a freshman in college and have been suffering with my left knee for about the past 10-12 years.  I have had two arthroscopic surgeries to remove an inflammed plica (and the second one was also to break up scar tissue from the first.)  In both reports the surgeon noted deep fissures in my knee cap.  I also had a laterall release two years ago, which has done nothing but cause more pain .  I recently met with a new ortho and Sports Med specialist.  (I am an athlete at school too).  After a through exam they told me my days of competitng in sports very very limited and there was a 90% chance that I will be in a wheelchair by the time I am 25  (only 7 years away ).  They also told me that the osteoarthritis that was just appearing two years ago has progressed so quickly that they had never seen anything like it.  Apart my my daily rehab program is there anything I can do.  I am too young to be feeling like this.  

Does anyone have any recommendations.  I have had four opinions from four doctors, none of which saw my previous reports and they all told me the same thing.  How are other people coping and what works for you.
Posted by Cora (Cora), 23 October 2004

Hi UCI Gimp,  I am sorry about the fact you are young and have these problems to deal with.  You've come to a good place where others do understand the frutration.  

I was told something similar when I had meningitis and got a septic infection in almost all my joints and spine, as well as a brain infection.  I was in a wheelchair, moved to crutches and then a cane, then nothing but my own two legs... all in a few months.  The initial diagnosis was 50% chance I would not walk again. Wow, were they wrong.  I played sports, jogged 12 miles a week, etc and was diagnosed 17 years ago.  I have arthritis in my knees only recently but a pill a day helps and my life is just like anyone elses.  What doctors tell you can be scary.  Please don't take it to literally.  Take precautions but don't go through life waiting for that moment you can't walk.    Best of luck.

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