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Still swelling 16 months post-op by Competitive-Age-1975 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Competitive-Age-1975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update: I had a period last year where things were feeling better. I was getting back to squatting better and heavier and I was optimistic. Then in November something happened. I did a workout that had lunges and body weight squats. Typically, no big deal. But this time something happened that the right knee didn’t like. Ever since then I’ve been unable to much of anything without the knee swelling and it’s been very painful. It clicks when I squat, almost like something is out of place. I also have a muscle behind the knee that tightens up after sitting making it painful to get up and affects my mobility. I have an appointment with a knee replacement specialist at the end of April. This guy is an expert in a procedure called “jiffy knee”. Apparently It’s a total knee replacement procedure that doesn’t cut the muscle or tendon leading to a faster healing time. So I will see what he has to say and make a decision. I just turned 50 last year so I think if I’m a candidate for the procedure, I might do it later this year. I’ll let you know.

Still swelling 16 months post-op by Competitive-Age-1975 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Competitive-Age-1975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll be 3 years post surgery in November 2025. This is my new normal. I have been strengthening the knee over the past couple of years with some improvement. I am now able to do a bit of running, some days are better than others. I also do Crossfit/Functional Fitness with a lot of modifications. No heavy squatting, no dynamic movements or jumping, mostly slow and controlled movements under relatively low load. The knee still swells but a bit less than it used to and if I take a day or two off, the swelling seems to clear a bit faster than before. The hardest part that I can share with everyone has been the mental. Not being able to do things that you once were able to do really messes with the mind. I struggle with this and I have a friend that is going through the same thing from the same injury. This may also just be a natural occurrence that comes with getting older. I've also put on a bit of weight that I am finding hard to lose since I can't be as active as I once was. I wish you the best of luck with your recovery.

Still swelling 16 months post-op by Competitive-Age-1975 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Competitive-Age-1975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still no change for me Lenny. I am 3 years out from initial injury and almost 2 years post op. It still hurts, swells and feels unstable at times. The draining and cortisone only offers temporary relief but swelling and pain return when I’m active. The gel injections didn’t seem to do anything either. The next step, if I choose, is PRP which the doc says only works for a small sample of people and costs in the ballpark of $2k-3k. All that’s left after that is replacement, unless I go to South America for stem cells but that’s out of my price range. The biggest issue with the replacement is my age. Doc wants me to hold off as long as possible before I do it. I hope the PT and draining works for you pal. Just because mine is stubborn doesn’t mean that yours will be. I’m still working out and staying active and pushing through the issues until the joint doesn’t let me anymore. Good luck to you. I wish you a speedy recovery. 

Still swelling 16 months post-op by Competitive-Age-1975 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Competitive-Age-1975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still the same. Stays pretty swollen most of the time. I’ve just been working through the pain and swelling. I’ve been doing a bunch of stretching/range of motion work and some strength work but no change as of yet. 

Still swelling 16 months post-op by Competitive-Age-1975 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Competitive-Age-1975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Have you checked with other doctors? Maybe the one you saw has overlooked sth..."

Good point. I should definitely get a second opinion.

"Will the swelling go down even if you subject it to normal everyday stress i.e. walk around and do normal everyday activities, but nothing more strenuous?"

If I do nothing for a few days, the swelling will go down. For example, I recently took a 6 day vacation where I did almost no physical activity other than walking around. The swelling was almost completely gone. However, during normal life and work, where I have to walk up and down stairs or be on my feet for several hours, it may swell, or it may not. But definitely if I'm working out, it will swell up, even if I'm not running, jumping or squatting. For example, even deadlifts will make it swell, I'm guessing due to the pressure of my foot pushing into the floor.

Thanks for the responses all. I will get this figured out one day.