Meniscus :

Meniscus Removal - - Posted by markd (markd), 24 November 2004

Hi guys

Just wanted to hear of anyone who has had more than 30% Meniscus removed and have returned to sports what it is like?

I have heard horror stories of collapsing knees etc and wanted to hear some real stories.  Probably going in for surgery December/January and have been told that will probably lose a chunk of meniscus as was previously repaired.

Can a previous repair be done again ?

I think part of my tear is not in the redzone so hence the removal.

Anyhow any stories on how much you lost, when and how you are now would be a great help

Thanks a million

Mark
Posted by pjays29 (pjays29), 25 November 2004

I had 30 percent removed and decided not to run or ski any more.  I'm older, however, 51 so I need to think about avoiding more damage.  It's still improving 7 months after the  surgery so maybe one day I'll do a day of groomed skiing but never a week long wild skiing vacation like I used to.  The sports part is hard.  It's easy to get normal after surgery but hard to get back to full sports.  That's my experience.  It's ok for me.  I have found other ways to get my cardio exercise and so far I have only put on about 2 pounds.  

Admittedly...some of my reluctance is fear.  But I'm happy and healthy.  
Posted by markd (markd), 26 November 2004

thanks for that

i am 34 and do want to return to sport for a few more years yet.

I hope that the skiing works out for you.

How long was it before you were moving around again?

Any more guys out there with your stories ?

m
Posted by Ron22 (Ron22), 27 November 2004

not a prob...one of the simplest ops around...i had the meniscus repaired at 19 and went on to div 3 hoops..rugby..and 15 yrs of fall/spring rugby summer league hoops and softball...well..it's over 6 ops later and i am done..the bone graft/maquet and 2 vascular surgeries did me in at 40... but no doubt u can remain active..let me know if u have any other questions..

cheers

ronnie
Posted by stephaniec (stephaniec), 28 November 2004

4 weeks ago i had the entire meniscus removed. I have a WONDERFUL doctor. i have a little pain still but he said in 30 yrs i may have problems but it is much better than what i was going thru b4.  i suffered for 10 months because the MRI's for some reason did not detect it.  I was first told I had RSD then after i demanded for the dr. to scope he was floored at what he found.  he said it was the worst he had ever seen.  so it does get better and take it from me you'll be fine and back to normal soon.

Take care.

Posted by markd (markd), 29 November 2004

Thanks for all of your comments

Its helping believe me.

Surgeon has said he wants me to try it for a while to see how I get on.

I played a match last night and whilst I was warm it was OK. Got stiffer in between games.

Today its quite stiff but no swelling that I can see. I can walk around no problem.

I have one more match this year and then gonna take a 4 week break over christmas etc.

I was curious about your stories as I have had ACL and Meniscus repair three years ago and surgeon said that he would have to remove some meniscus this time if the repair has failed.

I know that repair is best option and thats what I would want but if I have to lose some I still dont want to give up badminton.

Thanks for your stories keep them coming

Best wishes

Mark


Posted by markd (markd), 29 November 2004

stephaniec

If you dont mind me asking, how old r u ? and do you play any sports ?

Mark
Posted by stephaniec (stephaniec), 29 November 2004

i am 30 years old and as far as sports- i danced for 27 yrs and I am about to start teaching again..(tap, ballet, jazz and gymnastics). don't get me wrong it is not 100% but it is better than it was and I am able to dance etc again, so needless to say I am happy about that.
Posted by nicole (nicole), 2 December 2004

Mark,
I had a bucket-handle tear removed in '94 and some more of my meniscus removed and  lateral release in '02,; still have a mostly torn ACL, and pretty bad osteoarthritis in my left knee and I have been playing full contact American football for the past two years.  I don't know exactly how much of my meniscus has been removed, but until I tore it again (probably) 3 weeks ago, I didn't have any pain I couldn't assign to the arthritis (which is mostly managed by Bextra).  I'm 32.
Posted by oww-myknee (oww-myknee), 2 December 2004

Hey, I had a portion of my L lateral meniscus removed in 2002 and have a partially torn ACL in that knee.  I have contiued to be active in all my sporting activies since about a month after surgery.  I started with the bike and moved quickly on to light jogging.  I wakeboard at a high competitive level and find that other than aching occasionally it hasn't given me any problems.  I wear a C180 on my left leg and find that it gives me a little extra support (whether it is just in my head or it actually works I don't know, but it's not coming off).  Unfortunately I just tore my R  ACL 7 weeks ago and am now going to have to wear 2 braces and have surgery again next fall.  

Good Luck
Posted by rebsar (rebsar), 17 December 2004

Hi Mark! I'm 35 and I had 30% of my meniscus removed in March of this year. I had torn it playing hockey. I went back to hockey in June and am playing at least once a week now with NO pain at all. I have no limitations whatsoever.  I was really worried about it but it's been totally fine.  I didn't go to pt. I just did leg raises and tried to keep my knees strong.  The only thing that causes me pain is sitting cross-legged for a long time.  (we used to call it indian style).  

Good luck and stay positive!!! There are success stories out there!!  
Jill
Posted by bwalling (bwalling), 18 December 2004

on 11/29/04 at 12:34:13, markd wrote:

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.