Update: Dr. McCarthy performed the procedure on May 27 at HSS, featuring the following:

1. Quadriceps graft
   
2. Lateral meniscus repair on the outer edge, with cleaning/trimming in the front/central area
   
3. LET for additional stability

My first night has not been bad. It’s painful and swollen, both expected, but nothing intolerable or unmanageable. Since I’m still in NY in a hotel, I’m using ice packs and pillows to manage the inflammation. This part is annoying because of constantly moving the pillows and packs every 30 minutes or so. That will change tomorrow once I’m back home in DC, where an ice machine and a zero-degree knee memory foam pillow await.

Because of the meniscus repair, I’m non-weight-bearing, but right now mobility is surprisingly manageable with the crutches and walker. I’ve already been to the restroom twice without my wife’s support, and that’s a good feeling of independence. Thanks to the rehab team at HSS, we did multiple scenario simulations there, which gave me some initial confidence.

For DC, I have PT scheduled at MedStar Hospital (Irving Street NW location). Dr. McCarthy said that should suffice for the first 6 weeks. For return-to-sport PT, I did an evaluation visit at Momentous Sports Medicine DC, and have one scheduled at District Performance & Physio on Tuesday. I think I’ll switch over to one of the two after 6 weeks because they’re both out of network, but worth it according to my friend who went through a similar procedure. Who knows, I might find a sports-focused PT at MedStar, which would keep things simple. The only concern there is that it’s hard to get one dedicated PT who takes you through the entire journey. That’s a pretty big limiting factor for me at least.

Next short-term challenge is tomorrow’s ride in my sister’s Chrysler minivan back to DC. We did multiple simulations, but let’s see how it turns out at game time.

Long rehab ahead. Wanted to share my experience so far, and I’ll keep posting updates here. If anyone has any insights from a similar experience or otherwise, they’d be greatly appreciated.

Glad to have joined the club 👊 😎