A little over eight months ago, I had the MACI knee surgery procedure, along with a MPFL Reconstruction. I’ve given you updates along the way and some pretty amazing things have happened over the last month or so that I just had to share. If you had this procedure or are thinking about having it, you will want to read this post, as well as my previous updates.
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Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels
Milliard Foam Leg Elevator Cushion with Washable Cover, Support and Elevation Pillow for Surgery, Injury, or Rest
Ossur Cold Rush Therapy System (W/ Knee Pad)Boiron Arnicare Roll-on Twin Pack Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Relief, 1.5 Ounce (Pack of 2)
MACI Knee Surgery
It’s been a little over eight months since I had the MACI knee surgery and I am still very happy I had the surgery. It’s not been the easiest of recoveries. However, I knew that going in. I knew that the full recovery is about 18 months. With that said, there are a few things that, along the way, I kind of thought would be my new normal. For instance, going up and down the stairs. I was able to go down somewhat OK. However, going up the stairs was difficult. I could do a few stairs OK, but not all of them. So I resorted to going up one step at a time. Well…guess what?! Last week, and every day since, I have been able to go up the stairs “normal”, with very little pain!
The Original Stretch Out Strap with Exercise Book by OPTP – Top Choice of Physical Therapists & Athletic TrainersBosu Pro NexGen 65CM Balance TrainerResistance Exercise Bands, Set of 5 Fitness Bands Perfect for Legs and Butt Yoga Crossfit Strength Training Pilates with Instruction Guide, Carry Bag
About the MACI and MPFL Procedure
So, why the MACI procedure? What is it exactly? I had two issues going on with my knew. First, I had terrible knee instability. Second, I had a lot of cartilage damage. The MACI procedure is a two part procedure where they took a biopsy of the cartilage in my knee during the first surgery. A lab took that biopsy and grew more of my own cartilage. In the second surgery, they cut way all the damaged cartilage and replaced it with my new cartilage. The next thing they did during the second surgery was the MPFL Reconstruction. With that procedure, they took out a tendon and used a donor tendon to help stabilize my knee.
How Are Things 8 Months Later?
I honestly could not be happier! It’s been SOOOOO long since I was able to walk without worrying about my knee dislocating. I started physical therapy in October of 2018 after my first surgery. Currently, I am still going to physical therapy. The second surgery was in April of 2019. Right now I am going once a week, every other week. When I am not at physical therapy, I make sure to go to the gym daily (or almost daily!) to continue to build up my strength. All in all, while my knee still gets sore from time to time or stiff, I am very happy I went through this surgery. It wasn’t always easy, and it still isn’t. They work my butt off at physical therapy, but the confidence I have in my knee now is great.
My Tips
If you are going to be having knee surgery. I have three tips for you.
- If you have time before the surgery, do physical therapy or strength exercises. The stronger you can be going into surgery, the better things will be after surgery.
- Listen to your doctors and physical therapists. Do the things they ask you to do outside of physical therapy. They will know if you don’t!
- Consider picking up the three things I linked to at the very top of the post. The knee elevator is paramount to getting a good nights sleep. If your hospital doesn’t send you hope with a water ice machine, buy one. It helps so much! Finally, the Arnica gel helps so much with swelling!
If you have had the MACI knee surgery, please leave me a comment and let me know how you are doing! I would love to hear from you.
Hello, I have had the Maci Surgery and am at Month 8! I had this surgery after another surgery from injury, and it was quite complex. I’m learning how to go up stairs and haven’t learned how to go down yet. I was wondering what the length of months has been for your physical therapy? Unfortunately, I was injured at work in workers compensation, and so they control my rehab quite tightly. I’m currently trying to advocate for the need for more physical therapy. They are trying to take it away now, and I’m so worried about all of it.
Would you mind sharing how long yours was?
Learning to go down the stairs was so hard for me. I could never do it with two crutches. I would always use just one and then use the banister. As for PT. I am still doing PT. I am at month 15 I believe it is. My insurance refused to give me more visits, so I do the sports medicine package my facility has. Unfortunately, due to Covid, I haven’t been with my PT since March. I’ve been doing stuff at home, but really need to get in to see them. I’m hoping I can go soon.
My surgeon told me that it is a full 18 month recovery. In fact, the booklet that Maci sent to me says the same thing. I would push that you need more time. There are so many things like pivoting, twisting and turning that I need to work on and get stronger. I’m also dealing with a lot of scar tissue. I know when I finally get to go in, it’s going to be a rough visit with them working on the scar tissue. Good luck to you!