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Bob's ACL WWWBoard
Need opinions-
Posted By: Patti K.
Date: Friday, 7 March 2008, at 6:31 p.m.
I thought I had torn my meniscus about a month ago falling down some stairs- it's on my knee that had an ACL recon (allograft) back in 2001.
I have been having ongoing problems with swelling, etc, ever since the ACL recon and in 2006 had an MRI to see if anything was going on. The MRI indicated mild articular damage and a bone bruise, but nothing else. Was told by OS that there's nothing wrong and I just have to live with it (so I've tried).
Fast forward to me falling down the stairs. My knee swelled much more than it had in the past- went to a new OS for a new opinion, and he diagnosed it as a torn meniscus. He gave the recommendation to scope it, but I was reluctant due to my history. Back in 1999 (pre ACL tear), I was also diagnosed with a torn meniscus in the same knee, same place (medial). I had it scoped and there was no tear- the OS removed plica and that was it. So, when my current OS recommended a scope I was hesitant. Instead I had another MRI and got the results today. No tear! While I'm happy there's no meniscus tear, IT DOESN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. My new OS also said the ACL looks great and the screws are good.
Here's what else they did find: mild to moderate articular cartlidge thinning on medial & lateral sides as well as in the middle. Moderately large effusion. My translation of this is that the meniscus is thinning a little and my knee is swollen. NO KIDDING. I knew that already. I guess the good news is that the bone bruise from the first MRI is gone.
First question- is this really something that I have to just deal with for the rest of my life? It's rather discouraging for a 34 year old to be told that your knee is going to hurt and limit your activities forever. Or do you have suggestions of something else that is going on that my new OS and old OS just didn't see. I would love to have the swelling problem fixed; then I can address the pain issue. I have absolutely no ability to do anything side to side or my knee kills. A strength issue? I haven't done anything required high mobility for years.
So, does anyone have any ideas for how to deal with a knee that continuously swells with any activity more intense than walking? I already ride the bike daily (which I currently only do for 30 minutes 5 times a week, but can increase to 60 minutes), and do weight lifting 3-4 days a week, which include lots of quad/hamstring strengthening. Also, could this be a weight issue? I am 5'8" and weigh 155 lbs. Somewhere on this board I read the recommendation to get back to your high school weight- that would be 30 lbs to lose, which seems excessive BUT I'll do it if it makes my knee not hurt.
Any help would be appreciated and any stories of how you battled a chronic knee pain I would love to hear. THANKS!
Messages In This Thread
- Need opinions- (views: 188) -- Patti K. -- Friday, 7 March 2008, at 6:31 p.m.
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