Hi Elaine,

I've got a meniscus problem, and am considering surgery. It's a "bucket tear"
of the lateral meniscus, which folds itself the wrong way. Did this
infrequently for years, and was always self-correcting until two months ago,
when it refused to self-correct. I couldn't put the tiniest weight on it for
about 3 days, due to the pain. So, I used the aluminum walker I have for my
mother's visits. Have you tried one? It has removable wheels (I kept the back
ones on, took off the front ones), and the two sides of it fold in to let you
put it easily into your car.

The walker lets you divide your weight between your arms and one leg, keeping
the affected leg weight-free. It lets you get around the house ~ I even
showered with it. But, of course, you tire quickly ~ can't go for very long
without resting. I used it for a few days, but my knee gradually began
repairing/adjusting itself, though it never "went back in" like it always used
to do.

The thing that really helps it the most is to soak half an hour in a good,
warm/hot bath with a handful of crystals called "Batherapy Natural Mineral Bath"
from New York, and then to rest in the reclining chair right afterward. The
knee's still "sore" but I can now (after several weeks) go to work, walk around
a few blocks, and shop, thank goodness. It took 3 weeks after the knee went out
before I could venture into a store. Another week and I went back to work. I
got a cane (Sav-On has a good, collapsing cane, black with brown wood handle ~ I
should say accordioning, not collapsing! $15 or so.) The cane was the next
step after the walker. I didn't use the cane that much, but it helped for a few
days. I probably should keep using it, to keep as much weight off the knee as
possible.

I've found that even one drink ~ even a beer, a little wine, whatever ~ really
makes the knee much worse. Drinking one such drink two days in a row
practically disables me. Darn!!!!!!!! The knee sure feels better WHILE having
the drink, however :-) I'm convinced now that I can't even try a teeny bit of
alcohol.

What did they put into your knee? Do you have any websites that describe your
procedure?

Very best wishes,

Kim Salisbury
La Mirada, California






-----Original Message-----
>From: Elaine <ebushkov@...>
>Sent: Jul 27, 2006 5:02 PM
>To: kneesurgeryforum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [kneesurgeryforum] Bone Cartilage Damage Found During Surgery
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I just had surgery to replace my ACL and mend both my lateral and
>medial meniscus last thursday. In the process they found what they
>call "defective" bone cartilage. A dime-shape of cartilage was
>missing. I belive he said Osteochondral MFC. I don't even know what
>that means. But basically I cannot but weight on my leg for 6 weeks
>min. They repaired the damaged cartilage but doc said my bones might
>reject what they used to fill it. Has anyone encountered this as
>well? The ACL part of the surgery went fine, my knee is bending and
>extending as scheduled. I just feel that this process is taking away
>my independence. I can't walk, i can't drive, i can't easily take
>showers anymore, i can't get up and get some food, i just can't do
>much on my own. Well that's my 20 seconds of "Poor Me". Anyone have
>advice as to how manage on my own?
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


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