KNEE ARTHRITIS - Autologous chondrocyte implantation (A.C.I.) :
Finally getting somewhere!!! - - Posted by Jules (Jules), 8 September 2004
Hi all,
Just thought i would let you that after waiting almost 2 years after my failed third bi-lateral arthroscopy and numerous procedures. I have finally a date for ACI at Oswestry orthopaedic hospital.
I have my pre op assessment on 22nd September and then the first part 19th October and then the second op on 9th November.
How crazy I'm excited and nervous at the same time, i just hope it improves things, though i think i will find the slow rehabilitation programme frustrating, so any tips on how to get through the first few weeks when i will be at my worst, would gratefully appreciated.
Also tips for getting about, avoiding falls (as i've read many have had), also carrying food and drink about when on your own.
Best regards
Jules
Posted by Stan_Greenwood (Stan Greenwood), 9 September 2004
Hi,
I have also just got the dates through for mine, I'm having it done in Basingstoke.
Which part of the knee are you having done? I am having my Patella done.
A friend of a friend has just had his done privately, and he was in and out in three days. He says he feels fine but the plaster-cast is hard to get used to.
I have been in a full-lengh plaster before and its not much fun, you just have to get used to going up stairs backwards and making sure you hold on to as much as you can while walking around to avoid slipping!
Let me know how your getting on, as you will be in before me (8th Dec).
Good luck.
Stan 
RSVP
Posted by runafd (runafd), 10 September 2004
I am also having my aci done on october 5th. I'm nervous but hopeful. It's exciting to know that they can do procedures like this now. I have a chance, just like you, to maybe run again sometime in the future.
Good luck! 
Posted by Jules (Jules), 10 September 2004
Hi Stan and Runafd,
Thanks for your replies;-
I am having my patella done also, i have no cartilidge left behind both patellas so will have to have to have the left one done about 12 months after my right one. I have osteoarthritis grade 4 in both knees, just due to ware and tear, not any injury. So for a 38 year old woman, its pretty young to have this condition so soon. At oswestry I don't think they use a cast post op, so that won't be an option for me, not all hospitals use casts, some use braces, I will have to see.
I have read that many ACI patients return back to their sporting activities in time, but the main thing is to keep to the rehabilitation progamme at the set pace.
I will be trying to keep a journal as my surgeon at my local hospital is very interested in how I go, but keep your eyes peeled on here as I will keep you updated as I go through the ops, and rehabilitation, probably starting with the night before I go in for the first op.
It will also be great to kep in touch as we are all having our ops around each others dates. Also giving each other tips and motivating each other when things get a bit hard and we may be struggling with being restricted to the house.
Best of luck to you both, and keep an eye out for my post.
Best regards
Jules
Posted by Jules (Jules), 27 September 2004
Hi,
Been to my pre-op assessment, bloods taken and xrays done, the deterioration is a lot worse than 12 months ago. Have to have MRI on Friday. They want to scope both knees on the first op and may be medial releases on both knees and the harvest on the right knee. Then the second op implantation and may be the realignment and fixing of the patella. So a bit more than I had planned. But if it works, then I will be prepared for it.
Keep you informed.
Jules
Posted by Jules (Jules), 24 October 2004
Hi All,
You can see my progress on my new topic, follow my ACI start to finish 18/10/04.
Best regards
Jules
Updated Sat Nov 21 2009
