Meniscus :
PLEASE HELP! - - Posted by myrtknee94 (myrtknee94), 13 December 2004
Hello everyone,
Not quite sure where to post this as there is more than one problem...
The OS called, I am scheduled for: ACL reconstruction, menisectomy and meniscal transplant on Jan. 20th at noon.
THIS IS ALOT OF SURGERY! 
Does anyone know what the recovery from something like this is? Realistically how long will I be out of work/off my feet? I know alot depends on the person.
To anone else who has had surgery: Is it normal to begin to doubt that you need the surgery? That maybe you can just learn to live with pain/change in lifestyle?
I keep having this nagging feeling like I am being selfish for doing this. (Missing work, putting my family out...ect.)
Any insight, encouragement, thoughts...anything is greatly appeciated!
~Kristen 
Posted by blackbeltgirl (blackbeltgirl), 13 December 2004
Kristen-
I can't tell you about recovery time, but I started doubting the need for surgery about 2 weeks before the scheduled date. Because yes, if I was willing to change my activity level, modify my lifestyle, etc. I could live with irritating pain, and not agony. But I'm 30 years old, and a) I didn't want to give up some of my favorite activities, and B) if I didn't do it now, I would probably end up in agony later and need it anyway. So the younger and healthier you are going in, the better your prognosis.
My surgery was last week, and it took me about 3-4 days to dump the crutches, and I am looking forward to being better than before.
I hope that helps.
Posted by myrtknee94 (myrtknee94), 14 December 2004
blackbeltgirl~
Thank you for your post. I spoke with my OS yesterday and had alot of my questions answered. I will only be out of work 2 weeks HORRAY! So, that really put my mind at ease, not having to worry about money/filing for disability. So, I'm going for the surgery, because, like yourself, I am VERY unwilling to change my activity level!! Thanks again!
~Kristen
Posted by andrewc (AndrewC), 14 December 2004
Hi there myrtknee94
Are you actually having a full meniscus transplant??and is your surgeon going to remove the damaged meniscus totally and fit the donor one instead or what??
The reason I ask is that my surgeon mentioned the possibility of my needing a meniscal transplant soon after I was injured and before he knew that my meniscus was (thankfully) repairable......and he was saying that it was a complex surgery....a good outcome was not guaranteed......and it had a long rehab time (circa 1year Minimum )
Taking these factors into account I am surprised at your OS saying you would be OK to work after only 2 weeks!! Have you had all the pre op preperation work done like having the donor meniscus sized up and your knee internals mesured microscopically to ensure the meniscus fits
Here in the UK I have heard this can take up to 12 months plus!!
All the best
Posted by myrtknee94 (myrtknee94), 14 December 2004
AndrewC~
Yes, I am actually having a meniscal transplant. They will be removing the remnants of my medial meniscus, which was partially removed 10 years ago, and they will also be reconstructing my ACL, also torn 10 years ago. The purpose of both procedures is to delay the progression of arthritis (which has just begun) and to delay the inevitable (osteotomy..then..TKR) Both of which are not good options for me right now as I am only 25 years old.
I will be able to return to work so quickly because I have a sedentary job. I will have to have a ride to work and that has already been arranged. They will be moving my office up front so I will not have to go up and down stairs and I will be closer to the bathroom (always a plus! 
)
A year is a really long time to wait! I don't know why that is in the UK
I was told that waiting for a donor meniscus will not take that long, in fact it wasn't even made an issue. I do believe that they come from a live tissue bank, don't quote me on that though. My OS already has the information he needs to take and make measurements, so I suppose that is set. But, I'll double check on that.
I am also fully aware that recovery/rehab is quite hard and extensive. I am quite eager to get the ball rolling. If in one year I am able to take my 3 year old daughter for a walk around that block, I would consider that a good outcome, because as of right now, I can't even go grocery shopping. Long term, I know I will have to work very hard to do the things I once did, maybe I won't be doing them competitively, but that is okay with me, just to be out there is enough!
Best of luck with your knee. I hope everything works out for you.
~Kristen
Updated Sat Nov 21 2009
