Meniscus :
Diagnosis - - Posted by wenando (wenando), 4 February 2004
Hi I'm new and diagnosed by ultrasound ass having a bulging laterel meniscus. Today after the surgeon saw it he said I had a torn menisucs and a cyst. I need an MRI and then an operation. My question is Do I need a contrast dye with the MRI as I'm allergic to nuclear scans. Also will I be able to walk straight after the operation? Do you have a general anesectic?
This is scarey just looking at the many proceedures some of you people have had. How many goes does it take to get it right. I'm terrified of this.
Posted by Holly (Holly), 4 February 2004
First of all...welcome to the boards!
I know you feel scared of all this new stuff, and remember, none of us here is a doctor - we just have a lot of experience personally with knee problems and various surgeries and procedures so we can tell you what WE have been through and give you our experiences. So, here goes...
1. I have never had to have a contrast dye with an MRI, so have never had to worry about allergies. Don't know what your OS will order, though...but be sure to ask ahead of time and be sure to tell them about any and all allergies!!
2. Your ability to walk after any surgery will depend on exactly what is done...will your OS be doing a repair, a meniscectomy (partial or full), a cyst removal? Will this be arthroscopic or open surgery? Will you be immobilized afterward (in an immobilizer brace)? How soon after surgery will your OS want you to be weight bearing and doing physical therapy? ROM exercises?
3. The choice of anaesthetic is usually discussed before hand between you and your OS. If you are having arthroscopic surgery (also known as keyhole surgery) your OS will often choose a local anaesthetic with an antianxiety intravenous sedation (like Versed or Valium) so that you are in a kind of "twilight sleep." You will actually be able to respond to the doctor, both verbally and physically, but you are likely not to remember much of what went on. You will not feel anything of what is being done to your knee. Some surgeons prefer a general anaesthesia in any type of surgery - particularly if it is going to take a long period of time. I have had 5 surgeries (4 scopes and 1 open) and had local for 3 and general for 2. Had no adverse reactions to any of them.
The best advice any of us can give you is to get ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ASKED BEFORE YOUR SURGERY!! Call your OS before the surgery and either make an appointment to go see him/her or speak on the phone with a WRITTEN LIST of your questions. Be sure you are comfortable with all of the answers. When you know what to expect you will be much less terrified!
If you will need physical therapy following the surgery, you may want to book some sessions in advance - because they are often quite busy and you may have trouble getting an appointment as soon after the surgery as you may want. (A hint I got from these boards!)
Other than that, let me wish you the very best of luck with your surgery and your recovery...and know that all of us with the nasty knees are thinking of you! Post us as soon as you are feeling up to it!
Holly
Posted by Beauzer (Beauzer), 4 February 2004
Hi.
The only time that dye is used during MRI is to look at blood vessels, but this is rarely done, and even if it is, it's a different dye than what's used for nuclear scans or CT scans.
Yes, you will be able to walk after surgery, but exactly when depends on what is done, when your OS thinks it is safe and how much pain you have. After the MRI, though, your OS should be able to give you a better idea of what he/she plans to do, and what the post-op course will entail.
As far as anesthesia, you will have the chance to talk to the anesthesiologist before the surgery. They can make recommendations on your options, depending on what kind of surgery is planned. They can also answer any questions you may have.
As far as being scared, it's OK. I'll let you in on a secret. I'm a surgery resident (not OS, so I'm no knee expert either) and even though I spend most of my life in the OR, I still get nervous when I have surgery! Do you know the definition of a minor procedure? It's one being done on someone else, not you. (I'm just trying to make you laugh a little here...)
From my personal experience, one of the best cures for fear is knowledge. If you can learn how your knee works, what is wrong, your options and what to expect from your surgery and postoperatively, it can ease some of your anxieties. This website is a great resource for all of that!
Hang in there : 
Posted by Linds (Linds), 5 February 2004
WElcome to the board. I wanted to say that first of all, you likely won't have to have the dye for the MRI, that is usuallywhen looking for blood supply etc. I just wanted to say that you shoudln't let all the stuff here on the board scare you. My Dad had a meniscus tear and Cyst repaired two weeks after I had my LR surgery, I was on crutches another three weeks and in physio another two months.. he was playing hockey 4 days later. NOt everyone heals that fast, but hopefully you will be one of them. 
You will likely have a general anesthetic, it's the way to go in my opinion, I have had three knee surgeries..and they have all been with a general. I felt alright when I woke up after surgery...takes a while to wake up but once you are awake, I find I feel very rested.
I hope that all goes well with your MRI and surgery...
Take care, good luck.. and again
Welcome to the board
HUGs
Linds
Updated Thu Apr 29 2010
