So here I am at the start of year three after my MT revision. Time is flying, some new things hurt (lol), but not my knee. My MT knee is feeling great. I'm still working out hard, but I'm a bit more protective of both my knees as I get older. My other knee is less than awesome, and there are time when I feel like I've pushed both my knees too hard. Functionally, my MT knee still feels smooth as silk, there is no catching or locking at all, and I remain confident it will for the near future.
I still wear a functional customer sports brace when I play sports, especially basketball with my son, and I do feel like it has saved me more than a few times.
Hang in there meniscus warriors.
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Thank you very much for sharing these experiences, Rich. I am about to head down this same path with Dr. Stone. 30 years of competitive running, biking, triathlon and cross country ski racing appears to have caught up with my 53-year-old knee.... I am anxious having had a a partial medial meniscectomy that did not help. Reading your blog helped me get a much clearer sense of how this may play out. While I will not run distances again, I do want to bike and ski and enjoy playing with my kids pain free.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and feel free to email me any questions you have going along the way. I was happy enough with 7 years of a great knee to do it again. So far so good. Heal well.
DeleteHey rich, I'm two weeks out from meniscus transplant and doing great! I have followed your journey anticipating my own. Just wondering what you found most helpful in regaining range of motion?
DeleteThe first month was all passive. just letting it hang off the bed or PT table. My doc had a strict PT protocol that I followed to the letter. Email me if you have specific questions, and I can tell you my experience.
Deletehey Rich, Do you have an email I could contact you? I just read your story very inspiring, I am having the same issues and was just recommended a meniscus transplant. philcatalano74@gmail.com is my email! I just have a couple questions.
ReplyDeletethanks phil.
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ReplyDeleteHi Rich,
I just read through your blog. It’s given me hope for the future! I’m getting a meniscus transplant sometime this summer as my 5th knee surgery. I’d love to ask you some questions. Do you have an email address I can contact you at? If you don’t feel like giving out, my email address is norellemariejustice@gmail.com.
Respectfully,
Norelle
Hi Rich
ReplyDeleteIs running possible after surgery or something which is best avoided to prevent future damages in your opinion
I ran after the first one, but not after my revision. I would talk to your surgeon. My knees are pretty wrecked, so I'm focusing on low impact cardio now!
DeleteHi Rich,
ReplyDeleteI am a 34 yo mother of two girls aged 2&4. I’m having a bilateral meniscal transplant on August 16 Up in Canada. I don’t know anyone who has had this surgery, and am just looking for someone to connect with about it. I’m starting to feel quite anxious about this one, it is a major surgery. I’m anxious about the pain, recovery and how to still be a mom to my girls.
Sorry, not bilateral... mixed up my injuries at this late hour. I’m having the lateral and medial meniscus done on the left leg.
DeleteEmail me any questions, and I will do the best to answer your questions.
DeleteWill do! Thanks Rich!
DeleteRich I sent an email, did you get it? I’m not sure if I’m using the right email addy.
DeleteHi Rich
ReplyDeleteCan I ask - what was your knee like before your first OP purely from a pain and swelling point of view / could you walk for miles with no pain ?
I’m 35 and live in the UK my activities are limited - I can’t run anywhere near full speed - I have daily swelling sitting at my desk and I can’t use any impact equipment like cross trainer or step machine.
However .... I have little to no pain and with the complexity of the surgery I’ve been advised to avoid surgery unless I’m in frequent pain.
In summary I’m just trying to understand you condition before the OP
I had pretty much daily pain, and mechanical issues (clicking, locking, etc.). I woudlnl't do it if you don't have major issues. This was my last hope, and I was totally limited both times.
DeleteRich - I am looking at this as an option to delay a TKR. Based on your last post, my knee sounds maybe just a wee bit better than what you described yours as. Just wondering Which surgeon did you go with? What was the length of recovery time before you were able to do normal things again? I do have the option at work to do a desk job for a while. Not afraid of re-hab as I have already had 5 knee operations as well as a few on the shoulders. tmclean1@shaw.ca if the answers are too long to post here.
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ReplyDeleteHi Rich
ReplyDeleteI was curious as to how a meniscus allograft handles high impact sports such as basketball and soccer? I've heard that it works well but it cannot be stated that it will hold for the long term.
This is tough to swallow for me as literally the only physical activities I enjoy doing are soccer and basketball.
Do you think its possible with the right training and mindset to undergo a MAT, return to playing regular basketball/soccer, keep it up for the long term and yet still avoid chronic pain and a knee replacement? That's a handful, but I'd rather not find my self in a position where the only way I can stay active is through cycling, swimming, golf etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and wish you all the best.
I did return to everything, and played ice hockey for 7 years on my first one. I'm not sure if my revision was a result of a freak injury or wearing it out. I've been a lot more careful with my revision. I still play a little basketball, but always in a brace. Mostly pain free today, and hoping to avoid a replacement someday. I will say my experience hasn't been the same as everyone, and I think a lot had to do with my surgeon, and history as a high level athlete. Today, most of my sports are cycling, golf, and yoga...but I'm getting older and other stuff hurts too. Only your doctor can tell you if it will hold up for you, and a lot has to do with anatomy and healing which is different for everyone. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi, I know this is MANY years late. I turn 25 next month and jsut had my third knee surgery. First was a meniscus repair, second was partial menisectomy, and third was a transplant ( of my lateral meniscus). Tomorrow is week 7 since surgery. I am having alot of popping under my kneecap and cracking when walking/ going from straightening to bending. Do you recall this issue at all? Also, this has been the worst revivery its both physically and mentally challenging.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story!
Oh , my name's Alexandra by the way (I go by Alex) haha
DeleteYes, I had similar stuff going on. It cleared up after PT. Send me an email at mymeniscustransplant@gmail.com, and I can give you more detail on how that issue resolved for me.
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