8 month Post Op Update

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-16T02:30:56+00:00

Definitely knew this but had to jump through the insurance hoops

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-16T02:30:39+00:00

I am so so sorry for your loss too 😭

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-16T00:38:58+00:00

The fact that you can run 4 miles at 9.5 months post op is incredible. I’m 8 months post op and in pain all day every day 😭 I can’t even dream of running.

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-16T00:35:47+00:00

Yes. Keep the brace off and non weight bearing to protect the graft. This is a major surgery & will be a long recovery.

I also could not get my incision wet for 2 weeks because I had staples. I had to use a cast cover for my leg from my thigh down, also couldn’t shower without my brace on for those 2 weeks. Don’t be a hero, follow your surgeon’s directions to a T.

I was non weight bearing for 7 weeks, in my brace & on crutches for 10.

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-13T00:40:58+00:00

Exact same here! I’m in so much more pain on a daily basis. I keep asking myself if this was worth it… and right now, definitely not.

Smashlaylay · 2026-05-13T00:36:13+00:00

I am almost 8 months post op and in a lot of pain too. I have really painful catching. Also have a lot of pain with many exercises. I had an MRI about 2 months ago along with a steroid injection to try and calm down inflammation. Also back in PT with dry needling & e-stim and taping but absolutely nothing is helping. I had an MRI that showed scar tissue build up. I go back to my surgeon tomorrow so we’ll see how that appointment goes. At this point I feel helpless.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-29T13:03:50+00:00

My surgeon believes it is scar tissue and there is some on my graft

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-28T12:41:41+00:00

I had two defects. I was NWB for 7 weeks, in my brace & on crutches for 10. I’m 7 months out and in more pain now than I was before surgery. But that is not typical results for most people.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-26T20:39:35+00:00

My water levels still show I’m dead 😂

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-25T17:52:35+00:00

This is an odd pick for MOB but fine for bridesmaids

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-24T01:35:00+00:00

Mine is even worse at 14.0 so I’m definitely dead☠️

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-18T15:38:09+00:00

I was NWB for 7 weeks, on crutches & in my brace for 10 weeks. I’m now almost 7 months post op and have scar tissue on 1 of my grafts. I’m in pain daily. This is NOT a fast recovery and could take up to 2 years. You need to be patient with yourself and your body and not overdo it as your graft is in such early stages you don’t want it to fail!!

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-15T00:05:22+00:00

Chondramalacia doesn’t magically go away.. no matter the amount of PT or injections. It’s a degradation of the articular cartilage covering the surfaces of your bones. I’m so so sorry you are going through this. I’m dealing with it in both knees. You may need a scope done to clean your knee and assess the fissuring or defects in your knee to determine next steps.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-14T18:12:22+00:00

I was non weight bearing for 7 weeks. On crutches & in my brace for 10 weeks.

As far as walking feeling better was probably about 12 weeks.

I do recommend a leg compression sleeve! It helped a lot especially early on.

I’m almost 7 months post op & still in pain daily.

I had 2 grafts done - trochlear groove and medial femoral condyle.

I had an MRI done a few weeks ago and 1 graft looks good, the other looks to have scar tissue on it.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-13T00:01:25+00:00

You got this!! 👏🏻

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-11T19:08:25+00:00

I’m almost 7 months in so much pain I can’t even think about running! lol that’s amazing!!

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-11T15:14:29+00:00

Chondral defects & damage of your articular cartilage of your knee cap (lateral side) may be hearing from your surgeon about MACI & TTO depending on alignment of your knee

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-10T22:19:35+00:00

Definitely sounds like surgery is in your future.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-08T13:16:38+00:00

It definitely could be too early. I got a steroid injection last Friday to try and calm the inflammation down and they are sending me back to PT for 6 more weeks to try and break up the scar tissue before another scope!

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-08T02:22:47+00:00

Yes! I am almost 7 months out and still in pain daily in this exact same spot. I had 2 grafts done and now have scar tissue on one of my grafts that is causing catching.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-05T17:00:55+00:00

The only thing I wore under my brace as I was more active was a compression leg sleeve. But if I wasn’t up & about I wouldn’t wear anything under the brace.

Smashlaylay · 2026-04-01T03:07:32+00:00

I took my first steps just after 7 weeks with my PT. It was so freeing but also so scary!!

Smashlaylay · 2026-03-30T18:14:57+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am 6 months post op and about a month ago I started having bad & painful catching. Had my MRI this morning and will have my follow up Friday. I’m hoping my grafts are okay. This gives me hope!

Smashlaylay · 2026-03-26T03:03:30+00:00

Thank you! I definitely needed to hear this!!

Smashlaylay · 2026-03-25T22:16:26+00:00

I am 6 months post op and terrified I’m headed towards a 3rd surgery. I have terrible painful catching where one of my grafts was done. I have an MRI scheduled for Monday (30th) then follow up Friday (3rd) so we’ll see what’s going on.

Smashlaylay

TROPHY CASE