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Looking for my knee experts---"knee"d support :)

 
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Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 8:29 am    Post subject: Looking for my knee experts---"knee"d support :) Reply to topic Reply with quote

I had a fabulous day of canyoneering a week ago. (Salome and Parker Canyons) It was everything I'd hoped for in the wide world of adventure but I finished up with a couple or torn ligaments in my left knee.

The MRI report says:
Acute MCL intermediate injury can't confirm at grade III without further testing. (which the radiologist recommends)
also
mild ACL "sprain"
a small amount of effusion (fluid/swelling)
Everything else is in the normal limits--although the Urgent Care doc wanted to have a scan of my skull because he was sure I was out of my mind when I explained canyoneering. Rolling Eyes

I am seeing a knee specialist (same guy that did my collarbone), on anti-inflammatory/pain meds, I have a cool hinged knee brace that I can barely tolerate, 130 degree ROM, and I've been grounded to flat surfaces until the doc reviews the reports. Crying or Very sad This is the hard part.

I'm actually feeling pretty good this morning....finally slept. It feels like it will heal up just fine (but what do I know).

I've seen some of you wear knee braces so perhaps you've been through this and can offer input.

Surgery or no surgery?
I've read that the MCL can heal itself but when the ACL is involved there's a little more trouble.

Cortisone shot or not?

Exercise or rest?

PS----great trip, I'd do it all over again---- and hope to soon! It was worth every step.
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Shawn
I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!




Joined: 03 Jan 2003
Posts: 2592
Location: Ahwatukee, AZ

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Oh that's a great word play!

I've had both knees scoped out for miniscus tears, and hiked a good many miles since. Left one is talking to me again but until it screams all the time I'll delay any action.

The woman who cuts my hair has had ACL tear and repair from a cadaver. She's quite an athlete and appears to be fully functional, did Kilimanjaro (SP?) last year.

The guys who worked on me seemed to be in consensus that knee braces are ok for recovery but long term they delay the muscles that should be doing the work from developing to where they can do it.

I wouldn't rush anything, give it a couple months. Maybe get some PT in the interim. One thing about that-it likely won't hurt anything and if you do have surgery the therapy will help speed recovery. I did it that way on the second scope and recovery was much quicker. Hobbled around New Orleans for a few days, but was not on crutches for a week or two like with the first one.

A good PT person could maybe recommend some training specific for your particular brand of insanity to help prevent / lessen further injury, this is the second? significant one?

I'll have to go with the Urgent Care guy on the brain scan.
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fairweather8588





Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 716

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

After tearing my PCL a few years ago, surgery was an option, but since it wasn't a complete tear surgery wasn't necessary. I guess it just depends on how bad the injury is, all I had to do was some physical therapy twice a week for two months or so. Haven't had any problems with my knee since
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Kerouac
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azbackpackr
Hi Tech Wizardess




Joined: 31 Dec 2005
Posts: 3639
Location: Needles CA

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 2:54 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Oh, Suz, ouch! All I can offer is moral support. Hope it gets better!
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oliverr99





Joined: 04 Jul 2006
Posts: 632
Location: Glendale

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 3:06 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Ouch! That sucks. Sorry to hear that. My sis in law is a PT, but she lives out my way, and not your way. I am thinking rest until you get answers?
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss
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Nighthiker





Joined: 05 Jan 2003
Posts: 1714

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 6:01 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

MRI and decide, which Urgent Care ?
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Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 5/9/2009, 9:17 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I appreciate the input. I do have to see what the doc says. Seriously thinking that the really cold canyon water helped the injury.

I went to the Urgent Care on Ironwood the doc was great. The new UC on King's Ranch Rd won't accept my health care insurance until June 1st. MRi is done just need my doc to decide what to do next....of course I'd like to give my input. It's getting better every day....even mowed the grass this evening!

I am wearing the brace when I've got a lot of stuff to hustle through or at work when around the hazardous kindergarten kids....it's off when I'm walking around the house for part of the day. I have read mixed feelings on maintaining muscle strength by not using a brace.

Yes Shawn, LOL this is my second significant ligament issue in a relatively short period of time!! Makes ya wonder if I have a ligament defect or something. The doc says it's because I live hard......my mother says it's because I'm doing things "people my age shouldn't do!". ......whatever............just going to take care of it and press on.

I really wanted to know what had worked or had not worked for everyone else.
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fairweather8588





Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 716

PostPosted: 5/10/2009, 6:40 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

I used a brace for almost entire year for football and the training that goes with it. Total pain in the @$% but eventually you can learn to ignore it. Never had any pain with it however
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GeorgAz





Joined: 04 Jan 2003
Posts: 815
Location: Scottsdale

PostPosted: 5/11/2009, 10:12 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

Suz, I had asl repair surgery in '94 as mine was completely torn. A patellar tendon from my knee was used as a ligament and I skiied the year after with a custom brace. I no longer wear the brace and all is well. I had the other knee scoped twice due to cartilige tears, meniscus, etc. Most mcls can be rehabbed as can acls if not completely torn. Do diligent rehab and you'll ace it as you're already strong. It's much harder for folks who are not physical . Truly these are qactivity related injuries and you don't get them from sitting on your butt. I know al lot of really good rehab stuff and pm me if interested.
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Suz





Joined: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 3186

PostPosted: 5/15/2009, 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote



it's a beautiful tear (MCL and ACL).........no surgery at this point.
Knee brace and P.T. for 8 weeks.....only 6 more weeks to go!

Feeling a lot less pain today. Very Happy
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GeorgAz





Joined: 04 Jan 2003
Posts: 815
Location: Scottsdale

PostPosted: 5/16/2009, 5:22 am    Post subject: Reply to topic Reply with quote

That's great news, Suz!! Couldn't be better...no surgery!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!
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