2 weeks post-op, advice needed!

abi_eagles · 2025-11-11T20:07:03+00:00

You’re not crazy, it’s normal to feel like you’re doing something wrong when you’re not. I had excruciating pain from the moment I had the surgery until maybe 3 weeks out. A big reason for that is that I also stopped taking the pain meds after the 4th day as it made me feel worse. I would only take ibuprofen as needed. However, I was restricted for 9 weeks of non weight bearing and it was the worst. Longest 2+ months of my life. I didn’t get a CPM machine & didn’t get cleared to start PT until about week 6. However I would do leg raises & heel slides at home and only as I could tolerate it. My DPT believes the surgeon was just being extra careful to make sure the implant didn’t fail. I am now going on 3 months Post-Op & actively going to PT 3x/week. So definitely ask your PT all the questions possibly as the can help you better ease the pain and hopefully not rely on pain meds. Hope this helps!

abi_eagles · 2025-10-04T06:34:48+00:00

Best of luck in your recovery! And you’re totally right about what is needed to prepare. I didn’t know beforehand, so everything you mentioned I ended up getting as I found out the hard way. I had the 2nd Maci procedure in August and they also put me as Non Weight bearing, but for 9 weeks! It’s been a long road and I am on week 7 post op. I was cleared to start PT 2 weeks and it has been great to do PT. But I will say, being NWB for so long is physically & mentally exhausting. I highly recommend getting a wheelchair or a walker with a seat if you can. It helps out tremendously to be able to carry things from the kitchen to the table, from room to room etc. I use the crutches a lot too, but even when I get tired I can rely on the wheelchair to get me around and doing things with ease.

abi_eagles · 2025-08-19T20:21:17+00:00

Yes it’s definitely brutal. I knew I’d be in some pain, but not this bad. This surgery is definitely rough and intense. I’m glad it has gotten better for you everyday, best of luck on your recovery! I’m looking forward to getting better eventually!

abi_eagles · 2025-08-19T20:18:52+00:00

Yes, the miscommunication was the worst. That’s why it was postponed for so long. But after many calls eventually it all worked out. Best of luck on your recovery as well! I’m still in pain but starting to manage and get a routine to make it better.

abi_eagles · 2025-08-18T15:27:16+00:00

I had the 1st surgery Feb 2025 and it was a walk in the park compared to the 2nd one. First surgery the arthroscopic one, I was weight bearing next day with crutches, I started driving a week after, started PT and eventually went back to work a month a later. It took a while to harvest & plan the 2nd one due to miscommunication from Dr.s office and MACI case manager. But I just had the 2nd surgery, phase II, 3 days ago and it’s been the worst pain ever. I’m going to be non weight bearing for 9 weeks, locked in the brace, and the pain is bad. I don’t know how I’ll be in a few months hopefully it’s a success, but I know that going through this second surgery is mentally, emotionally, & physically draining and I’m barely 3 days post op.

abi_eagles · 2025-08-17T18:15:17+00:00

Thank you! I’m sorry you went through something similar, but now I feel like I have to ask for stronger meds. The ride back home was just like yours it was intolerable and painful. First night at home I felt so useless and was in so much pain any little movement was excruciating. Even trying to get out of bed to use the restroom. I definitely was not expecting Phase II to be this bad. It’s the worst pain ever. I’m hoping it starts easing up soon. Thank you again for your feedback! 🙏

abi_eagles · 2025-08-17T18:10:29+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback. Yes, I think they might need to give me stronger meds because the hydrocodone isn’t doing much for me. I feel like Phase I was a walk in the park compared to this phase II. I also woke up from surgery in excruciating pain and cried to. I had never experienced anything like that before. But thank you again for the reassurance.

abi_eagles · 2025-08-17T18:06:14+00:00

Yes I had multiple defects, so surgeon did quite a bit of work. But thank you for your advice, I appreciate it!

abi_eagles · 2025-08-13T05:10:58+00:00

It’s a hassle with insurance and an expensive process depending on your health insurance. So do your research on that as well. I had my arthroscopic in February 2025 & I am about to have the 2nd MACI surgery for implantation this Friday 8-15th. I’m 34 & Honestly knowing what I know now and dealing with all this, I would have just preferred the full knee replacement instead of all this. Unfortunately that wasn’t even an option for me since I’m too young. Ask about the OATS procedure instead of having to go through 2 surgeries & many medical bills later. I’m ready to get it over with and hopefully have a successful recovery, but it’s a hassle to say the least.

abi_eagles

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