The patello-femoral joint :

Decisions - - Posted by mhsflute07 (mhsflute07), 14 January 2005

Hey all!

I have posted about this before and I'm sorry to be annoying about it, but I can't for the life of me decide what is right.

Several weeks ago I was told that I need a TTT/LR/MR to correct malalignment, dislocations, subluxations, etc... The OS basically told me to come back when I'm ready for surgery.

There are so many things (my whole life practically, lol) pending on this decision. I have to register for my classes for next semester next week (insanely early!). Last year at this time we also had auditions for marching band. I have no idea when we have auditions (for me, deciding about participating or not, which basically means deciding about the surgery). A little while ago I was talking with my mom about which classes I should take next year and the subject of band and decisions about marching band and surgery came up and I got all shaky, lol. My whole summer depends on this decision too.

Lately my knees have been worse....subluxing constantly and increased pain. I've had to start wearing the knee braces to school, which rub some and leave minor rashes, but gives some support.

My main question is, do you think I should go ahead with the surgery? (I would wait til this summer if at all possible b/c my school campus is huge...like mile walks to classes and I'm in HS). I have talked to my tennis coach (tennis starts next week). He is very understanding as he has knee problems of his own. He said he wouldn't be mad if I had to miss a season or whatever, but he thinks I should get my knees taken care of so I can move on with my life.

Ugh...I just don't know what to do. At this point, the more I think about it, the more I want to go ahead and do the surgery....I just don't want to regret it.....and I'm not sure I fully understand what I'm getting myself into, ya know? I understand what is going to be done and I've read a lot of the post-op threads on this site, which are very informative!

Another question: Say I had the surgery the beginning of June would I possibly be able to play tennis in February? I know everyone's recovery is different and every doctor's protocol is different as well, but I'm just looking for estimates/opinions.

I'm sorry this is soooo long winded. I really appreciate any replies!
~Erin~
Posted by UCIGimp (UCI Gimp), 14 January 2005

Erin,
I'm kinda in the same boat as you right now.  I compete for the Varsity Coed and Womens Sailing Team at a Div I university (here sailing is a sanctioned sport).  My dilemma is our season is almost year round.  We start in mid August and go til mid June.  My doc wants to do either a TTT or a medial reefing/VMO advancment (still doing tests to determine which) but I am not sure when I want to do it.  Its kinda a viscous cycle.  I have to work during the summer to pay for school so I don't want to have the operation then, but my campus is really big and I don't want to be on crutches trying to get around either.

Unfortunatly you are learning that it is a battle of sacrifices.  Honestly, since you are still in HS I would recommend having the surgery in June, as soon as classes are over so that you will be walking by start of school in Aug/Sept.  Tennis in Feb, that's totally dependent on how well recovery goes.  I was told to expect to take a year off of sports.  Hope this helps.

UCI Gimp
Posted by mhsflute07 (mhsflute07), 14 January 2005

Thanks! That does help.
~Erin~
Posted by goose (goose), 14 January 2005

Hi!

I agree with Gimp.  

I had my first knee surgery for subluxation when I was sixteen, and looking back I am amazed at how quickly I healed.  There is truth that you heal quicker when you are young.

You'll need to weigh they pros and cons, keeping in mind that marching bands come and go, but you are stuck with your knees.  You don't want to do damage to them from constant subluxations.  If you do it in June, you will have the summer to rest up and heal.  

A TTT is a major surgery and the recover will be long, but if you are prepared for it you will do fine.

Good Luck
Goose
Posted by mhsflute07 (mhsflute07), 14 January 2005

Thanks Goose!
I have read your thread about your surgery and it has given me a lot of insight.
~Erin~

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