KNEE ARTHRITIS - Cartilage plug transfer :

Osteochondral Allograft - Surgery Wednesday - - Posted by JG (JG), 29 March 2003

Well I got the phone call I have been waiting for.  My surgeons office called today saying an osteochondral allgraft is available.  I am having surgery on Wednesday.  For some reason, I didn't believe my surgeon when he said that it would be a 6 to 8 week wait.  After reading this board, I was sure it would be 4 - 6 months.  However it was 6-1/2 weeks.  If anyone has any words of advice, things to do and not do, I would appreciate it.  I am having a very large portion of the knee replaced, including weight bearing and non-weight bearing.  Also curious about crutches, specifically Hope (brand) crutches.  Since I am going to be non-weight bearing for some time, I want to be as comfortable as possible.

Thanks...J
Posted by oneillii (oneillii), 29 March 2003

Hi J

I don't have any specific advice; just wanted to tell you my neighbor just had knee replacement surgery and says it's the best thing he ever did.

Good luck to you in your surgery and please let us know how you are doing! Susan
Posted by violin1 (mj/usa), 29 March 2003

Hi!
I had oats done 6 months ago; an autograft, not an  allograft.  I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and using a cpm machine 3/4 hrs a day for that time, too.
To prepare for your surgery:  lots of tips have been posted here, for example, shower stool, flexible shower head [ as in hose], fanny packs for transporting things, etc etc. I also found it handy to have a wheelchair; that way I could get around our apt much faster.
Good luck to you, I'll be happy to try and answer any questions you might have about oats.
Take care
MJ
Posted by JessToni (JessToni), 31 March 2003

best of luck with your surgery!!!  you will have to post afterwards and let us know how it goes!  i have to admit though i am a bit jealous  i am still waiting for my graft since november.  i just had an arthroscopy done last fri to clean the knee out in the mean time so i am not recovering from that.  again best luck!!!

Jess
Posted by kellyg (kellyg), 7 April 2003

Jess,
I have been waiting since last September.  Does doctor give you any hope for the near future?
Jane
Posted by Kari (Kari), 8 April 2003

Wow. You must be relieved and excited.
I am very anxious to see how you do sith this surgery...I am considering it...
Maybe you could post a thread with your progress for use to follow.  I'd like to really know what I would be getting into.
P.S.  What country do you live in?
K
Posted by JessToni (JessToni), 8 April 2003

Jane,

The doctor told me that he finds his patients usually wait 4-6 months, but there is no guarantee.  I am at about four and a half months now.  It is so frustrating not knowing how long it will take and just waiting and waiting.  I guess we just have to hang in there  Has your doctor given you any indication of how long it will be?  

Jess
Posted by kellyg (kellyg), 8 April 2003

Jess,

I was told it could be up to six months.  

Jane

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.