Knee Injuries

[canadaump6]

***

Originally Posted by wmblue

I'm at the point that I don't want to fight this issue the rest of my life (I'm 33) and think that if surgery is offered, I will do that.

Go with the surgery. It may be a drag, but by looking back in hindsight you'll find that your recovery time wasn't that long afterall.

Originally Posted by wmblue

For those who have had MCL surgery how much time from your day job did you miss and what is the rehab period like?

Never had surgery, but a few years ago I worked some kiddieball games with a guy who was 6 months removed from major knee reconstructive surgery. While he was able to get on the diamond and do base games, he was nowhere near mobile enough to do 90 foot diamond ball. He also had to sit on the bench between half-innings, and needed tylenole to get him through doubleheaders. I think his biggest mistake was trying to do too much too soon, but even so he made a very speedy recovery. ****

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by GarthB

You will soon find that there are a couple of self professed experts in this field who have no medical training or experience, but who will be thrilled to provide their advice.

Yeah? Name one.
***

[SAump]

GB recently posted similar material. CU gave some advice about a buddy. You will get more, I hope, from others with a similar history. Also find more to read on this website using the search feature with knee or ACL or .... About surgery, that is the easy part. The therapy is what I hope others discuss so that you understand. We have an expression, work smart and good luck.

There are no warranties on bad knees and know guarantees on surgery. One may do everything right and still experience "a setback" or more. People give different opinions about therapy, experience different setbacks, and offer different reasons for each setback. I was hoping to hear those stories from umpires since my aching joints no longer feel the benefits of "condroitin/glucosomine" and motrins.

[ozzy6900]

I had my meniscus removed in 1974 at age 21 (before arthroscopic surgery). It required a 6 inch incision on the inner knee and a 4 inch incision on the outer knee. I spent a week in the hospital and the next 12 weeks in therapy (three times a week). I walked with crutches for 2 weeks and a cane until I was released from therapy.

In 2007, my stepmother had her whole knee replaced. She was in the hospital for 24 hours, a "step-down" center for 3 days, exited there with a cane and endured 3 weeks of rehabilitation. She walks with no limp and she is as mobile as anyone.

All I can tell you is every case is different, your rehab is only as good as your and your technician's efforts and your recuperation is up to you. Listen to the doctor and not the bozo's on the umpire boards that have never been through it. And by the way, Garth did not do what our misinformed neighbor to the North states. Garth was a typical case that had more damage than was presumed. It happens - I was lucky even back then. I have never encountered further injury or problems. Some are not that lucky.

Good Luck

[GerryB]

I currently am rehabbing a meniscus issue (maybe torn, maybe not). The PTs are doing a great job strengthing me for the season. Two plate games and results are slow but good. My doctors are advising a conservative approach "strengthen before trying surgery". My primary is clearer "let no one touch your knee unless absolutely necessay". But I agree with everyone else...every case is different trust your MD.

On a future note, some athletic sub-60 year olds are being advised around here (Boston) to delay on whole replacement as there are less drastic, better procedures on the near horizon...although I saw what miracles the surgery did for my Dad.

[Rcichon]

Having both knees with torn meniscii (sp?) and after arthro on both (seperate times), rehab on the left knee (with more damage than the right) took 6 weeks.

The final 4 weeks of rehab I was back at work/play etc.

Still have intermittant minor pain in left. Right has zero pain. Full mobility in both.

Happy overall.

Good luck with yours.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by Rcichon

Having both knees with torn meniscii (sp?) and after arthro on both (seperate times), rehab on the left knee (with more damage than the right) took 6 weeks.

The final 4 weeks of rehab I was back at work/play etc.

Still have intermittant minor pain in left. Right has zero pain. Full mobility in both.

Happy overall.

Good luck with yours.

Congrats on your speedy recovery Rcichon. I had surgery on my left knee for a torn meniscus and they also cleaned up some bone spurs in late January 2008. My first post surgery games were a college double header on March 2nd.

This past week I've had a college baseball game on Monday, three game high schools round robin tournament on Tuesday, college softball double header on Wednesday, high school baseball on Thursday and a high school softball game last night. I'm scheduled for a college baseball double header later today, but it will probably be rained out. Left knee is a bit swollen but very little pain. I plan on having my right knee taken care of next January (same issues).