Knee Surgery Tomorrow

[skinnerd]

I've had 4-5 scopes on both knees.
Been there, done that as they say.

As far as pain goes....often the doc will wrap the bandages much too tight.
Simply taking them off and wrapping them much looser will easy much of the pain your knee can be feeling.
I never needed any pain pills after any of my scopes.

It does take a while to get back to "normal" though.
Think 4-6 weeks even with a scope job.
Your little bumps where the instruments went in and out will take longer to disappear completely.
With time, your incisions will be all but invisible.

My last scope was about 10 years ago.
Decent arthritis in both knees, cartilege nearly worn down to the bone, torn meniscus, torn ligaments....I've got them all.
Too much basketball in my youth I guess, along with some bad knee genes.

Pain in recent years was handled with SynVisc injections.
Doctors have been telling me I'm heading for total knee replacements.
Didn't like the sounds of that.
So did some research on the internet.
Came up with a group out of Colorado that does stem cell procedures.
Regenexx is their name.
Last summer had a bunch of orthopedic stem cells taken out of both hips.
They cultured them for 2 months multiplying them out to 14 million cells.
Had them reinjected into my right knee in Sept.
Have been pain free ever since then.
Seems that the stem cells regenerated a bit of my caritilege so I'm no longer bone on bone.
Amazing stuff.
I'll likely get the left knee done this summer.
Anything that allows my body to heal itself in a more natural way and keeps me away from plastic and metal solutions is a great idea to me.

Scope surgeries are much better than the old days of the big zipper incisions.
But they are still surgeries.
And if the doc is removing anything out of your knee...that's a bad thing.
Removing meniscus and cartilege only makes for a more unstable knee that will ultimately wear out quicker.
One day this stem cell stuff will be the norm I believe.

[Drdogface]

Thanks for that suggestion of Regenexx. I went to their site and will likely get in touch. I am bone on bone in my left shoulder. I knew that research had been taking place on dogs at UC Davis Vet School but did not know it had progressed to the human field. Doubt Medicare will pay for it though, and I'm not flush with cash. Frankly I don't care for Medicare as it is Socialist. I'd rather still have my own health insurance. Maybe the VA can help...I'll have to check.

[304065]

pics or it didnt happen Mike!

[skinnerd]

Originally Posted by Drdogface

Thanks for that suggestion of Regenexx. I went to their site and will likely get in touch. I am bone on bone in my left shoulder. I knew that research had been taking place on dogs at UC Davis Vet School but did not know it had progressed to the human field. Doubt Medicare will pay for it though, and I'm not flush with cash. Frankly I don't care for Medicare as it is Socialist. I'd rather still have my own health insurance. Maybe the VA can help...I'll have to check.

Yes...it is true.
Insurance won't cover stem cell procedures yet.
Unproven as far as they are concerned.
My knee cost nearly $20k, but worth every penny not to have that constant pain any more.

My experience with Regenexx was good.
They can easily tell you if they might be able to help your shoulder....or not.
They will tell you the truth.
I was rated as a poor to avg candidate due to the advanced nature of my arthritis.
I still chose to go thru with the procedure.
And it worked wonders in my case.

[Drdogface]

Thanks Doug. Glad it worked for you. You are likely fairly young... I'm not and $20K is out of the question for me. Neat technology though.

[skinnerd]

Originally Posted by Drdogface

Thanks Doug. Glad it worked for you. You are likely fairly young... I'm not and $20K is out of the question for me. Neat technology though.

I'm a "young" 58, and try to keep in better than average physical shape.
Meaning some weights, cardio and stretching 4-5 times/wk.

Hopefully they will bring the prices down with time.
Currently due to the FDA, I had to go to the Cayman Islands to have my stem cell procedures completed.
Seems the FDA wants to treat your own stem cells as a controlled prescription drug.
It's in Fed court now.
If the procedures can be done here in the US, more docs will be trained and the cost will come down.

Again, just inquire with Regenexx.
If they can do your shoulder same day (both the stem cell extraction and re-injection during the same day),
they can do it in the US (only need to go to the Caymans for multiplying your stem cells), and it would be
considerably less expensive.
Never hurts to ask.

[NY65912]

Just took off thhe bandages and wrapping. My keee feels better being "free" with no wrappings.

The doc said the tear was larger than he anticipated (MRI).

If it weren't for the back pain, the op was very easy. I'm walking around with a cane, no crutches.

John, pics to follow.

[NY65912]

OK john, here's proof.


I am amazed as to how fast the knee is recovering. Walking with no additional support, no pain meds, not even Tylenol after Sunday eve.

[Bill Douglas]

Well done Mike. All the best for a speedy recovery.

[Hawkeye's-911T]

By few of the guys: the rehab is absolutely critical to a fast recovery and regaining range of motion.

The rest is up to you - Good Luck
Cheers
JB

[skinnerd]

Good luck with your knee rehab Mike.
Looks like you're coming around quick.
Take it easy.
It's always better to take it easy at first and then kick it in later.
Cheers to you my man...

[304065]

Mike-- all the best for a speedy recovery, sounds like you are making progress! Which doesn't surprise me in the least-- keep up the good work and keep climbing.

[quicksix]

Congratulations on the surgery,looks like you are on the mend!
Try to gently move your knee through as much range of motion as you can,several times a day,
Ice for twenty minutes at a time,several times a day and get with your PT asap.
Good luck,and now is a good time to address other physical issues,if there are any.

[NY65912]

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

I am back at work today. Doing streches and bends going thru the full range of motion. Knee is pain free, just stiff when trying to bend, but getting better each day.

Icing 4-5 times a day.

Other physical issues.....wheew, there ain't enough bandwith to address those.

[Zeke]

Just got back from the orthopod with regards to my shoulder. Was reading with great interest about Regenerex until I got to the 20 grand part. That sucks.

[NY65912]

Seek, what is the diagnosis with the shoulder?

[Zeke]

Needs replacement at some point. I have studied the issue and it's tantamount to heart by-pass surgery. Tougher than hip surgery. I don't want it.

I'm going to find another doc before next appt. My guy is head of orthopedic surgery at the big horsepistol, but I'm getting tired of him.

[NY65912]

I was hoping it was ligament or muscle related. I had PRP injections fir ligament damage in the back. The injections were miraculous.