[JustDressageIt]

I saw my knee surgeon yesterday and he bumped my surgery date up from Feb 1 to this Monday!! I woke up early this morning with my heart pounding and feeling almost sick I'm so nervous!
I guess the worst part is that we don't even know what we're going in to fix.. if it even can be fixed. He wants me to go under (which is good, I don't think I could stand watching the surgery) and seems a little concerned with recovery - apparently I'm a very a-typical case (the analogy "when I hear hoofbeats, I think horses... you're the Zebra." was used) I'm not sure I understand the entire theory, but the bottom line is he seems a bit concerned.
Here are the 4 possible outcomes he is predicting with this surgery:
1) contused, damaged meniscus, in which case he will perform a 'microfracture' surgery, where he basically roughs up the meniscus, drills into it a bit in hopes of re-injuring the meniscus enough that it repairs itself. This might include a menisectomy (sp??). If this surgery is the case, I will be non-weightbearing for 3-6 weeks.. ugh
2) osteochondral defect of the femoral cartilage, in which case he'll perform a microfracture surgery into my femur instead of my meniscus.
3) part of the "curtain" of cartilage between the patella and joint line is damaged and/or actually caught in the joint line, in which case he'll remove the cartilage.
4) damage to the fat pad surrounding the patella, possibly with necrotic tissue in there. If he is able to, he'll repair what he can, but it's not likely to be reparable.
5) he comes back out without being able to repair anything, and we try another course of treatment, which includes a pretty cool-looking brace, and some heavy-duty pain medications.

I think I would be less nervous if I knew what we were really going in to do. Erm.. I lost my train of thought. So... I'm off to fill 3 different prescriptions for various painkillers and get everything back in order today.
I really want to thank (in particular) Tiff, Liz, and Kelly for being super supportive of everything thusfar - you guys are awesome!
I'd love to hear from anyone!!

 

[TaMMa89]

Wow. I really understand you're nervous. There are lot of alternatives and I don't know if you have had any surgery before, but especially if that's your first time that all will be so new and... scary. Hope you manage(d) to discuss with the surgeon everything which makes you concerned.

Anyways, lets think it's over in the next Tuesday . You've gone through lot with your health issues so I'm sure you'll do also that brilliantly. Like we tend to say over here, if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger. Hope they'll find the reason but if they don't remember there are still other ways to work with your knee like you said.

Best of luck with your surgery. I cross my fingers for you.

 

[gypsygirl]

good luck with everything, i hope your knee heals well and you dont have to suffer too much pain

 

[JustDressageIt]

Thank you, you two

 

[Wallaby]

Good luck! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[Iluvjunior]

It'll be okay Allie! The sooner you get it done the faster your out there riding Denny again!

 

[maura]

I'm so sorry! And I completely understand your nervousness.

(I'm going for a partial knee replacement in April, but I have to sign off on them converting to a total if they think that's best when they're in there. That's the worst part; going under and not knowing what you'll wake up with. I have control issues. )

Here's some good news: I've had two knee surgeries on my left knee, one a classic clean up arthroscopy and meniscotomy, one a lateral release. Recovery was fairly easy on both and I was back riding very quickly. I'm also considerabley older and less fit than you.

As scary as the not knowing what you'll wake up with thing is, consider the alternative -- would you want your surgeon to go in with a plan written in stone; and not be willing to deviate from it no matter what he found? Really, sounds like your surgeon is careful, thoughtful and considering all the options.

Individually, none of those things sound too bad. 3 - 5 of them together might be less fun, but focus on the potential - you could have less pain and more function very soon.

Just be prepared to follow the post ops suggestions and physical therapy to the letter.

Oh, and one more weird suggestion. Have someone with you to take notes and ask questions when the surgeon comes to talk to you post op - they're usually very chatty and offer information they might not in a more formal setting, and the patient isn't focused enough to take notes and ask questions.

Good luck! I'll have my fingers crossed for you!

 

[iridehorses]

We'll all say a prayer for you, Allie.

 

[ridingismylife2]

Good luck! Hope everything goes well!

 

[IheartPheobe]

Aw, Allie!! -hug- Good luck & hope you heal real fast!

 

[FGRanch]

I'm rootin' for ya girl! You'll be fine, don't stress to much, it will only make it worse!

I'll be here if you need anything, and don't worry your man will be with you. It will work out just fine!

Sorry this message is short, I'm playing Guitar Hero with the kids...lol.

 

[savvylover112]

Good luck Allie I hope everything goes okay for you and that everything will be fine big hugs

 

[HalfPass]

Hey Allie,
I had Knee surgery last March, so almost a year ago. I had a torn "Medial retinaculm" My patella's do ot track properly and I had this problem all my life. Wouldnt let them do surgery 20 yrs ago.
I also at some point had fractured both my patella's. I am certain it was from a bad spill on a horse many moons ago.
So...They went in and made about 4-6 inch inscision and sewed the retinacul and then cleaned up all the cartilage fragments in my knee.
What I was told when I woke up was totally not what I expected. Initially, the surgeon told me I would be 2-3 weeks non weight bearing (Sp).
When I awoke I was told I had the "microfracture" created on my Femur. So no weight for 6 weeks...
I am hoping your doc in kinder than mine in that respect.
Do yourself a favor and get a nice sturdy shower stool!
It was tough for me but only because I had had surgery on my Neck about 6 months prior and was just starting to feel better.
then I had to use crutches which was difficult.
But....the wonderful news is your ahead of this game by 1.) being in decent shape; 2.) you ride regularly
I was not doing that prior so a bit harder for me.
Another piece of wonderful news is almost 1 year later, and I have been riding now for the last few months (not because of the knee, but no horse to ride otherwise it would have been much sooner for riding)
My knee doesn't really bother me.
It aches on occasion, but nothing to darn bad at all.
The key for me was physical Therapy. I paid for it myself (ins bs) and I went a few times a week. This was a huge help and I feel that with out it, well it would have taken a much longer time.

We all will be thinking of you on Mnoday! Prayers and support are here...

Stay on top of the pain and you'll be just fine....

You will be bakc to your old self before you know it!!

Halfpass

 

[dressagexlee]

I hate surgery. Or anything that involves "medical" for that matter.

At least you're doctors are getting something done about it. Freddy's owner has had a unidentified brain problem (perhaps a tumor) that has been going on for two years, and she's just found a specialist who is actually going to take action. Ridiculous!

But, I hope everything goes well for you. Make a quick recovery!
And say hello to Denny for us! ~

 

[JustDressageIt]

Hey everyone, thank you so much for the well-wishes and prayers. I've had a few minor "holy crap!" panic moments, but overall I think I'm excited for the procedure, and being able to do something again. I went to a movie last night and after being cramped up for an hour and a bit, I managed to tweak my knee something good, and paid for it for the rest of the night.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories, it's very encouraging I can't wait to be able to ride again!
I'll be back in the OR in March (I moved the date, I was originally scheduled for it in Feb) for a laparoscopy - UGH!
DXL - thanks! Will do!!

 

[Vidaloco]

My thoughts and prayer will be with you Allie

 

[JustDressageIt]

Thanks, Maureen

 

[Vidaloco]

I originally had a nice long "everything's going to be fine" post all typed up. When I hit enter my computer logged me off :evil::lol:
I was so mad that's all I could replace it with. Everything will be fine, honest. Just remember to take your pain meds on time afterwards.

 

[JustDressageIt]

lol oh no!! Thank you for the well-wishes, I appreciate it! I'm pretty nervous, but excited to be fixed!!!

 

[TaMMa89]

Well, how did the surgery went and did they find something to fix? - I hope everything is well!