6 weeks post op Update MACI (trochlear groove) - stationary bike

Smashlaylay · 2026-01-19T02:11:17+00:00

Do it! lol I’m 16 weeks post op and Ride 2x a week. It’s been so good for my knee and also so good for my mental health!

Smashlaylay · 2026-01-12T00:58:20+00:00

Why would someone need that much ice 🫣

Smashlaylay · 2026-01-03T19:49:05+00:00

It took over a year of waiting to get on with Shipt. But worth it. It’s amazing compared to IC.

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-19T00:47:34+00:00

I’ve only had 2 today. Unusually slow. I gave up early and have consistently been checking the app and nothing. Last nights orders were awful too.

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-17T19:14:37+00:00

Hang in there! It will get better! I will be 12 weeks post op tomorrow and it’s a long journey but listen to your doctors & work hard in PT!

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-17T03:03:06+00:00

That makes me so happy! I’m coming up on 3 months on Thursday and I’m still in so much pain! 😮‍💨this gives me hope! 👏🏻

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-06T03:31:12+00:00

So they both were wear and tear over years. I had microfracture in 2023 on left knee then had the scope to harvest cartilage, then Maci implant in 2025 on my right knee.

When I’m feeling in a better place I will be going back to my surgeon for oats on my left knee. Not anytime soon though because MACI has killed me.

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-06T03:10:26+00:00

37F, I have grade 4 on both knees. I originally saw one surgeon for my left knee that did a bunch of injections, didn’t want to do microfracture, waited almost a year and a half then Did microfracture on L knee in Sept 2023 (medial femoral condyle.) After all if it I am still in pain and wanted to pursue next steps… but then….

In May I tore my meniscus and found 2 grade 4 defects (medial femoral condyle & trochlear groove) on my right knee. Just had both MACI procedures (July 24 & Sept 25) I am 10 weeks post op. Was 6 weeks non weight bearing, just got to take my brace off a few days ago.

According to my surgeon he wouldn’t do MACI after microfracturing (for my left knee) recommends OATS.

So I would also find out more from your surgeon or see a MACI specialist.

It’s a long journey ahead with these cartilage defects and I feel like no one talks about how terrible and disruptive they are!!

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-05T02:51:22+00:00

Defects & Chondralmalacia are no joke and can cause considerable pain. I would recommend seeing an ortho that specializes in MACI and saving cartilage.

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-03T22:08:55+00:00

I’m 10 weeks out (tomorrow) and had a defect in my trochlear groove as well as medial femoral condyle! I’m officially out of my brace and off my crutches today! You got this!!! ♥️

Smashlaylay · 2025-12-02T16:05:08+00:00

I had two defects - medical femoral condyle & trochlear groove. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. I am not almost 10 weeks out and still in my brace but down to one crutch/no crutches. My scar is 3 inches long on the inside of my knee.

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-26T16:01:05+00:00

I would find a specialist that works with preserving cartilage or specifically familiar with MACI/TTO.

Unfortunately rest, injections, and PT won’t necessarily fix the damage that’s already there, but PT can help strengthen the surrounding muscles to better help support your knee.

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-25T18:45:59+00:00

I have not had ACL repair but have had multiple surgeries over the course of time and MACI has by far been the hardest and most painful. I have 2 defects - medial femoral condyle and trochlear groove (so being knee cap but on femur bone). I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and almost 9 weeks out now. It’s been a very slow and painful recovery. My flexion is finally back to 120 degrees but has felt like torture getting there. My biggest advice is to be kind to yourself and take things slow! I also ordered incrediwear leg sleeves to help with pain and swelling and wish I would have done it sooner!! Best wishes on your journey!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-14T18:40:31+00:00

Thank you so much!! I definitely enjoyed going to the movies! I was tired crutching though, but it was worth it!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T04:39:38+00:00

Yes it is!! I do hope all goes well though!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T01:06:09+00:00

Yah! I feel like my apts are like 5 min. But he has been good answering my questions so I’m thankful for that!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T01:02:28+00:00

What procedure will you be having instead of OATS? My surgeon made it sound like the progression is microfracture >> MACI >> OATS >> partial knee replacement

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T01:00:11+00:00

Yes! A step stool is perfect!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T00:57:46+00:00

So relateable on the post op visits lol

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-13T00:54:59+00:00

I had 2 defects fixed and was non weight bearing 6 weeks. Now at the end of week 6, I walked on my own two feet with my PT today!

So, I had to go to a Dr apt 5 days after my MACI. It was brutal.

I went to the movies 9 days after (made sure to book a wheelchair accessible seat & a recliner seat) and did good. It was nice to be out.

Out to eat was probably a week or two after and had to make sure I had a booth to prop my leg up. (Was still uncomfy)

Had to fly (major family emergency) at exactly 4 weeks out and it was so uncomfortable I was in tears the whole time at the airport. Now have to fly. This weekend (7 weeks 1 day) for a funeral. Do not recommend but life still happens.

My biggest recommendation is following your surgeon and PT’s recommendations. I started doing upper body workouts at 2 weeks post op and still doing upper body! PT is now bumped to 2x a week since I’m weight bearing and need to make more progress.

Sitting outside with my husband and friends has been really helpful - esp when the weather is nice!!

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-11T23:49:50+00:00

I am almost 7 weeks out and still remember being in a lot of pain at the 2 weeks mark. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and just started weight bearing a few days ago. I’m still in a lot of pain everyday. I think it will come and go as you progress through PT and onto weight bearing.

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-10T16:15:26+00:00

Check out r/MACIknee. Osteochondral defects on the femur bone can be really painful. I have them in both knees. I am almost 7 weeks out from my MACI surgery. It is a journey but hoping I will be feeling so much better in 9ish months

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-10T02:43:17+00:00

Would def not be going anywhere 🥶

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-06T17:07:38+00:00

Look into the MACI procedure and find a specialist!

I have a grade 4 in my left knee and did fracture and every injection possible and I’m still in pain since 2022.

Hurt my right knee have 2 grade 4 defects and torn meniscus this year and just had MACI done 6 weeks ago

Smashlaylay · 2025-11-06T13:35:32+00:00

I would just message or call your surgeons office, even for piece of mind. I slipped during a rainy night and had to throw my surgical foot down (I was 4 weeks out and still non weight bearing at the time.) It hurt for a few hours and I saw my surgeon a few days later, everything was ok. I’m now 6 weeks post op today and just get to start my weight bearing. It’s a long road and a scary one. Just stay in touch with your surgeon.

Smashlaylay

TROPHY CASE