March 31, 2010

The Knee Saga is Now a Trilogy

I don't know what I was expecting today when I went to see this new surgeon. It wasn't what I got; that's for sure. He spent over an hour with me, going over my other surgeon's notes, asking me questions, examining my knees (both of them) like I don't think they've ever been before. When all was said and done, it boils down to several possibilities that he wants to rule out, before he said he would even think of cutting.

First, I have an MRI tomorrow. Then I have a bone scan next week at the hospital. He's thinking a bunch of different things after examining my knee:

-possible PCL sprain
-possible stress fractures
-possible bone infection from the allograft
-some cartilage deterioration under both knee caps (this is the only one that's for sure)

We barely even addressed the issue with the screw sticking out. He said he needs all the evidence before we can move forward.

He also said that the fat atrophy issue is going to require a good plastic surgeon. Maybe I will be able to get some fat from somewhere else sucked out and put there after all. 

I also have to pick a 48 hour window over the next week where I put no weight on my knee at all and go back on crutches. He wants to see how I feel after that time period and report back to him.

I left there feeling like I wanted to cry. I hated getting an MRI last time. The bone scan sounds like no fun at all and is an all day affair. First an injection of isotopes and then I'll have to go back hours later to get about 30 minutes worth of scans.

In the meantime, this new surgeon who is in my insurance network, says he's going to get the operative notes from both surgeries, and the first MRI scan, so he can see what my other surgeon did and put together all the pieces.  

In the meantime, no karate, no working out, no running and he'd like me to limit the amount of walking I do. 

I guess if there's one thing I'm glad about, it's that this wasn't all in my head. I definitely still have problems. Here's hoping they get fixed once and for all.

You might also like:

  1. The ACL Saga Continues
  2. ACL Knee: Always On My Mind
  3. The Cure for Knee Issues: Step in a Ditch

Posted by on March 31, 2010 in ACL Hell | 17 Comments

Comments

17 Comments on The Knee Saga is Now a Trilogy

  1. RenovationGirl on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 4:23 pm

    2. Sigh…so sorry to hear about all of this. Hey, for the MRI, make sure to ask for something to relax you. Did they do that the last time? I would ask-it will help! Call me tomorrow to let me know how things go.

  2. Felicia on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 6:08 pm

    3. Well, this doc is certainly thorough. Not sure if that provides much of a silver lining, but I hope so!
    And I’m thonking you’re kidding about it but do know that it is totally possible to have fat from one part of the body moved to another. Seriously! Look into it…
    Here’s hoping that the third time is the charm for you and your bionic knee 🙂

  3. Porsche Nut on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 6:18 pm

    4. This doc sounds thorough and on the ball. Like you will finally have the answers and a real solution to everything that’s been going on. That’s what you want. It may be a complete PIA, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle, especially if it will bring the resolution you need. Good luck!

  4. Avitable on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 7:45 pm

    5. Sorry that it’s turned out this way, but maybe this will be what you need to finally be back to your normal fighting condition. Fingers crossed!

  5. Deryck on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 10:19 am

    6. Bugger 🙁

  6. Karl on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 7:42 pm

    7. Ugh, the question is, do you like this new surgeon? Sounds like he was very thorough. Hope all goes well. Leg Wars: The ACL Strikes Back!

  7. Bob Patterson on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 5:37 am

    8. BBM hang in there!

  8. Marguerite on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 10:18 am

    9. It really sounds like this doctor is looking into *everything* to make sure he does it right.

  9. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:19 pm

    10. I do like him. Although I hate having all these tests done, I think its probably for the best.

  10. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:19 pm

    11. Thanks Bob.

  11. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:20 pm

    12. It certainly seems that way. I just hope I can get it fixed soon! I dont want to wait until summer.

  12. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:21 pm

    13. My sentiments exactly.

  13. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:21 pm

    14. Id appreciate it if you could cross your legs and eyes too. 😉

  14. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:22 pm

    15. Thanks.

  15. Black Belt Mama on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 1:23 pm

    16. I didnt get anything. However, it was an open air one and much more relaxing than the last one I had. Plus, I got to pick my music station and they blasted reggae and other stuff from about 5 years ago for me. The worst part was lying still for 40 minutes.

  16. Carmella on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 6:49 pm

    17. I had shoulder surgery last month and still going to PT. I know what it’s like not being able to do what you want and have to give up martial arts for awhile. It stinks! Here’s hoping all those tests will give you the answers you need to get better.

  17. Kicker on Sat, 3rd Apr 2010 11:54 am

    18. Doesn’t sound like fun! You’ll be back to doing what you want in no time. Hang in there. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. It’s been helpful!

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