Happy Monday: Broken nose and knee injury

[Catrin]

Headed to the office, did my usual 2 block walk between garage and building. ALMOST made it to my building (local government building)! I was even on the property...and in the dark my ankle twisted on broken/uneven pavement or loose rocks - I really don't know which. I fell so hard, so fast that I had no chance to check my fall, or even slow it or break it with my arms. So my face and nose took the full force of my fall. Also wrenched my bad knee pretty badly.

Got to the entrance and looked like something from a bad movie, blood pouring down my face. Security wanted to call and ambulance, but I called my manager instead to head to the workman's comp clinic. Dr didn't want to pass opinion on my knee, though he said not to bother icing it - that it wouldn't help me. I go back Thursday for a followup during which he will look more closely at my knee. He wanted to give the swelling a bit of a chance to calm before he really puts it through the paces. It hurts and doesn't seem to mechanically work right...hopefully it isn't an ACL tear or something like that. I currently have my patella brace on to see if that helps. I REALLY hope that I've just pissed it off and haven't done a number on that knee.

I am beautiful to behold this afternoon, not only a broken nose, I lost skin from nose and upper lip from the concrete. I may return to the office tomorrow depending on how I feel in the morning - hopefully I won't scare my coworkers!

Oh yes, Thursday morning I find out if I will need a breast biopsy - hoping not!

One thing is sure, I am thankful that I am in much better condition than I once was. I am convinced that being in good physical condition really helps us in times of unexpected injuries like this. I am actually thankful that I hit the ground in a full prone position, so my glasses didn't break. I shudder to think what kind of damage THAT could have caused, I am thankful.

[Helene2013]

OMG. What a nasty fall!!!! Hoping you will heal quickly and properly. I think you should give your body a break or 2 before returning to work.

Would that go under the work compensation accident or something since you were on the premises of the employer?

[Catrin]

While I have to use personal leave time, all else is covered under workman's comp, thankfully!

[OakLeaf]

Oh noooooooo! Heal up quick! Hope everything turns out OK with the breast issue, too. What a lot to have to go through all at once. ((((Catrin))))

[Catrin]

Oh my Muirenn, I missed that thread for some reason, will go look for it. I am seriously worried about my knee, it doesn't seem to be working right at all. Resting it seems to make it worse. may take tomorrow off to rest but time will tell. Almost scared to hear what the Dr tells me Thursday when he reexamines it. Suddenly I am not stressing so much over the breast scans...

[shootingstar]

Hope you heal properly and in good time, Catrin.

Yes, I agree with
"
I am convinced that being in good physical condition really helps us in times of unexpected injuries like this. I am actually thankful that I hit the ground in a full prone position, so my glasses didn't break. I shudder to think what kind of damage THAT could have caused, I am thankful."

[roo4]

Oh no! Heal up soon! Maybe indulge in your favorite beverage/snack tonight?

[Crankin]

I am so sorry that happened! But, I agree with Murienn, rest and more rest. I had a broken nose (OK, I went through a car windshield) at age 15 and it took a while before it felt normal, although I was up and around after a week. That will heal. Our bodies need a lot of rest to heal, it takes more energy than we know. I'd get that knee up and ice it, too.
You are correct, being in shape helps us recover. Do you have any friends who can bring you some goodies?

[OakLeaf]

Actually the latest I've read is consistent with most of the advice I've gotten recently, that ice delays healing. Decreases circulation and inflammation, which are both key components of healing. Use it sparingly in the first 24 hours if it helps the pain, but only for pain, and avoid it otherwise. Definitely still avoid heat. And +1,000,000 on the rest, particularly when it's YOU. :p

[smittykitty]

Take care, hugs.

[thekarens]

Well heck! You decided to go full force didn't you? That really sucks. I'm so sorry!

As far as the biopsy goes, we'll vote against it. Physically it's not too bad, but it's rough emotionally. Thankfully I got my results in 2 days so I didn't have to panic too long.

Get well soon and take it easy!

[salsabike]

Oh, Catrin. I'm sorry.

[emily_in_nc]

Aw man! SO very sorry to hear about your fall, Catrin. That stinks! I hope your knee is not as serious as you fear and that the other injuries will heal up quickly. I agree with everyone, though, take the time you think you need off from work. Jeez, when it rains, it pours, no?

[rocknrollgirl]

Ouch, ouch, ouch. I am so sorry! I just kept wincing as I read your post. Good luck with the knee. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Crankin]

How are you feeling this morning?

[Catrin]

How are you feeling this morning?

Feeling very thankful that I've a high pain threshold! Even with a broken nose my face isn't what I would call PAINFUL, it just feels weird. Got some knuckle band-aids and cut them to cover the open wounds on my nose yet not poke my eyeball. I am sure that I look like an abused woman at this point, starting to get a black eye.

The knee is a bit less painful - or at least more localized than it was (mainly back of the knee and the upper right outside corner). I am a LITTLE more mobile, but still can't walk properly. Couldn't sleep on that side either as the pressure made it hurt, and I am learning which movements cause pain. I live upstairs, getting downstairs is a challenge, going upstairs is little more difficult than walking in general. Upper hammie, IT band, etc in that leg is all complaining. I am afraid that I've damaged or torn my ACL (but I think that would be more painful?), or landed so hard on my already unstable patella that I've actually injured it. Time will tell. Only had one pain pill so far and from what I could tell, it didn't do much.

Much to my surprise my Workman's Comp Dr from yesterday just called me to check up on how I am doing. He is also concerned about my knee, but wanted to give it a couple days for some of the swelling to go down before he puts it through all of the manipulative tests to determine if anything else is required.

Thanks for checking in! One good thing about this, if there is a good thing, is my knee and face is taking most of my attention giving me little extra energy with which to stress over my DX mamograms and ultrasound (probably) Thursday morning!

[Catrin]

I will ask about it, I had already thought about that.

The knee is much better than even this morning. My walking is better (still not perfect), though I am VERY aware of the patella. I am starting to think that if there is any real damage from yesterday, that it is in the actual patella rather than ligaments, time will tell. If I hit that unstable patella with as much force as my face...that might not be a surprise. At least today it doesn't feel like my knee is going to give out or lock up on me, yesterday it did feel that way.

So back to work tomorrow afternoon - depending on how I feel. I've a doctor's appointment and her office is just a few blocks from work. We will see how it goes and if I feel up to the walk from the parking garage.

[thekarens]

I know it's hard, but try not to think about the mammo and ultrasound. Hopefully you'll get good news then and there.

And I hope that knee continues to improve quickly!

[Catrin]

I know it's hard, but try not to think about the mammo and ultrasound. Hopefully you'll get good news then and there.

And I hope that knee continues to improve quickly!

Not even thinking about the tests tomorrow. As far as the knee is concerned, it is becoming apparent that there is a problem as the more generalized pain and swelling subsides. There is pain when I just touch the upper right corner of my kneecap and the back of my knee gets painful quickly when walking. Others will need to determine if this is a cartilage/patella or ligament injury. Propping my lower leg up on my other knee hurts, I CANNOT lay on my back with my knees bent - sharp pain there. Even getting OUT of my car hurts, while getting in doesn't. Generally speaking it feels much better and it works better, but on the other hand, it is apparent I've a problem. Hopefully nothing that will need to be repaired.

I see MY doctor today to get the actual orders for tomorrow's scans, I am going to ask her to evaluate my knee as well. I must go through my employer's doctor but it would be good to have a better idea. As an osteopath I trust her.

[ridebikeme]

OUCH!! Hopefully this finds you on the way to recovery and having all of the exams/tests behind you as well. Take care of yourself Catrin!!

[OakLeaf]

Hugs to you, Catrin. Hope your DO can tell you something more, clinically - and that it's something that will heal with conservative treatment -


Only had one pain pill so far and from what I could tell, it didn't do much.

Everyone responds to meds differently, but my experience from my faceplant/double wrist sprain/diaphragm impact is that Aleve did way more good for that kind of traumatic pain than the Vicodin they gave me. I have the idea that you're like me, that you can be in all kinds of pain and not even realize it until the day you wake up and it's gone and it's like someone's removed a 500# weight from your body. But pain is exhausting even when you're suppressing the sensations from your consciousness, so IMO it's worth putting at least a little effort into finding something that relieves your pain.

Keep healing - I'm thinking about you.

[Helene2013]

Wishing you the best outcome out of that terrible fall. Being in pain, and not knowing how it will turn out, is always stressful.

[Crankin]

I am also thinking of you, Catrin, and hope your Dr. appt. goes well today.
I suspect that there a lot of us here who deal with pain differently than the majority. Perhaps it has to do with the "suffering" we endure when participating in things like riding and running.

[Pax]

Sure hope you're getting some relief. I blame all of this on this endless winter, if we could just see some sunshine and feel some warmth, things would be all better. ;)

[Catrin]

My DO thinks it is likely that I've simply really aggravated my "runners knee". She found no sign of ligament damage but doesn't like the swelling that remains. It is also true that knee is always swollen. I am going to try and get an MRI just to be safe but I feel better about it. The knee also continues to improve :)

[Crankin]

That sounds very promising! I agree, get the MRI. Normally, I wouldn't push this, but the times I opted for this, it helped definitely rule out worse things.
Just keep resting. Don't negate the healing process for your nose and face, so let the kettle bells rest.

[Catrin]

It is prudent, given the history of that knee. And yes, I am taking the full week off from all exercise. Hopefully back to it on Tuesday!

Hopefully he will agree with her diagnosis.

[Catrin]

Headed shortly to my workman's comp medical appointment to get the knee checked out. Breast scans came out ok - in that while the nodule is still there, it hasn't grown much and I just need to get another diagnostic mammo next year. :D

Knee feels better...but there is still an obvious problem when I walk downstairs. Really hoping it is just from inflammation.

[OakLeaf]

Good news about your breast! Hope the news about your knee is good, too.

[Crankin]

Hoping this stays on a positive track!
Have a good rest of the day.

[Catrin]

MRI time, he thinks I have a problem. Hopefully it won't take a week for them to schedule it.

[thekarens]

MRI time, he thinks I have a problem. Hopefully it won't take a week for them to schedule it.

Here's to hoping it's not too bad. Good luck and I hope you get in soon!

[salsabike]

Breast scans came out ok - in that while the nodule is still there, it hasn't grown much and I just need to get another diagnostic mammo next year. :D



Yay!

[Catrin]

Hopefully they can get me in soon, I've got to use THEIR insurance process of course. He thinks there is damage to the internal knee structure rather than ligament damage. Ugh. That still doesn't mean that surgery is required however, so am trying to not read too much into it. That being said, my 2+ block walk to the office has become a real problem. Taking this afternoon off, see what things feel like in the morning. I have to work...

There WERE closer parking lots to my building, but they've all been ripped up in the last month to put in hotels and housing units.

[Pax]

I feel for you, if I couldn't be dropped off at the door there is no way I could even try going back to work next week.

[emily_in_nc]

Aw man, Catrin, I sure hope there's nothing with your knee that time won't heal, but the walk to your office and back is a problem! Could you use crutches if necessary?

On a positive note, glad you didn't get any bad news re. your breast scan. One thing at a time!

[Catrin]

I am far too clutzy for crutches, and the pavement is too broken up for that anyway. I DO still have my cane from my 2004 foot surgery and am using that for support on longer walks. Picked up a sleeve knee support on my doctor's recommendation and that seem to help, it is a stopgap measure until we learn more.

[OakLeaf]

Hope you get your MRI scheduled soon and that it turns out to be something that will heal quickly. Take good care.

[Catrin]

I hope so as well Oakleaf. I am trying to stay off the "symptom" websites - you know, the ones that always wind up telling you that your wounded body part will fall off or that you are going to die?

Today was my first full day back at work and I am exhausted. I did pick up a sleeve type of knee brace and it seemed to help and used a cane for the very slow 2 block hike from my car, but man my knee was swollen when I got home.

I DID go to my KB training group last night...I figured that was safer than being antsy from inactivity around my kettlebell herd. Coach had me do things seated, very short sets that didn't impact my lower body. As light as it was, I could tell what has happened to my overall energy levels - likely from my body healing from the multiple insults done it Monday.

I talked with workman's comp adjuster today and she has approved the MRI, I should hear from their selected provider on Monday to get it scheduled.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, good plan to stay off THOSE websites. But, a good anatomy chart has always been super useful to me in communicating with practitioners and identifying to myself what exactly is bothering me. Rest and heal ...

[thekarens]

My doctor told me long ago to stop consulting " Dr. Google." ☺

[Catrin]

My doctor told me long ago to stop consulting " Dr. Google." ☺

Indeed, always a good idea. My only problem with the anatomy charts is I wind up being more confused than when I started. Something about them, guess it is good I didn't try to go into medicine or physical therapy :) I AM working on a better understanding of knee anatomy.

[OakLeaf]

Make sure you use an updated chart then that shows the anterolateral ligament. :D They only definitively identified it a couple of years ago!

[Blueberry]

Indeed, always a good idea. My only problem with the anatomy charts is I wind up being more confused than when I started. Something about them, guess it is good I didn't try to go into medicine or physical therapy :) I AM working on a better understanding of knee anatomy.

See I love them! Of course, my current thinking is that I'll try to match in ortho after med school, so one would hope:p:p Part of the problem with looking at the charts is they don't necessarily tell you when I'll feel pain if one or the other structure is injured.

Hang in there, and I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this much frustration! I actually had a WC knee issue about 6 years ago (fell going into the building) - and I remember the mess that was scheduling the PT, MRI, etc. with their providers. Total headache.

[Catrin]

I tried to look up images related to the anterolateral ligament and could really only find actual surgery images....shiver. My coach seems to think it likely a meniscus injury but time will tell. I am walking a bit easier, but still wind up hopping downstairs and the knee just doesn't feel right. I do wonder about the actual patella and the two collateral ligaments. Hopefully I've simply bruised the inside patella lining and p'od my "runner's knee" and arthritis. At least, once this is done, we will know exactly what is wrong with my knee.

All in all, given what has happened, I consider myself to be quite lucky. The overall scale and scope of injuries could have been far worse given a full force face plant on concrete!

[Catrin]

MRI in a couple of hours, should have the results by Friday morning at the latest.

It really is very strange. While it IS working better, and there is much less pain and swelling, I still get sharp pains in the knee. Mechanically speaking, I no longer have to hop downstairs like I did, but it is apparent that my knee isn't operating like the other one. As the day progresses I get more discomfort - and LOTS of numbness in my calf/IT Band, down the outside of my lower leg in the afternoon when in the office. While I HAVE stopped going to my KB group until I get the results (it felt too much like playing with fire), I did some very light work last night at home and yeah, there were issues. Really hoping that this is something that doesn't require surgery and they tell me that I can still workout...this forced inactivity is about to drive me up the wall.

Send me good thoughts and prayers that this is "just" something like internal bruising :)

[Pax]

Good thoughts headed your way for a positive result!

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Catrin.

[Helene2013]

Good luck Catrin and hoping for a "not-so-bad" result, knowing there is something going on with that! argggg.

[Catrin]

Talk about a comedy of errors today! 15 minutes before I was due to leave home to go get the MRI taken, my phone rang. The MRI had broken down and they didn't know when it would be ready to work...and my follow up appointment with my workman's comp dr to determine if I need an Ortho consult was less than 48 hours away. Thankfully I WAS able to connect with the right people and we were able to get me into another location this afternoon.

My MRI tech asked me what I hoped would come out of this. At first I sad - to not have to have surgery - but that wasn't my final answer. My real goal for this is to have my knee work properly again, hopefully that won't require surgery but if it does, then, it does. They gave me a DVD with my images, and of course I've already looked at them. I've NO idea what I am looking at, which is probably a good thing. They will mail me the report, but of course I won't see that before Friday. Probably a good thing so I won't waste time at work consulting "Dr Google" trying to figure out what the report actually MEANS!

[thekarens]

Good luck! Wishing you a simple recovery even if it's not quick.

[Crankin]

Glad you were able to work that little problem out!
Now, sending lots of good thoughts that it means no surgery and back to all of your activities asap.

[OakLeaf]

Haha, reminds me of having my hand in a cast during the blizzard of '78. I caught mono two weeks after breaking it, so it took twice as long as it should've to heal, then when I went to get my should've-been-final X-rays they had no electricity, and when it was finally time for the cast to come off the saw was broken and the doctor had to cut it off with tin snips. :D

Glad you got it done anyway, hope the doctor gives you good news!

[emily_in_nc]

Hoping for a good MRI report for you, Catrin. Shame it's causing you so much discomfort and pain, and having to curtail your normal activities. That is frustrating, for sure. Keep us posted!

[Catrin]

Considering what I COULD have heard, I consider this good news - and not a surprise.

While I knew I had some arthritic changes in that knee, and also a bit of chondromalacia patella which meant I already had tracking problems with that patella. Unknown to me, my arthritis in that knee had deteriorated enough to now considered to be "Moderate to Severe", and of course I've lost some cartilage. Basically, I hit the ground with enough force to seriously aggravate this underlying condition. Considering the extent of my face injuries, I now suspect that my knee took the brunt force of my fall, and only then my face. Yes, I had a broken nose and open wounds on my face (including my lips), but if my face had truly taken the full force of my fall, I think the damage would have been much worse.

So, no surgery. They gave me a very tight sleeve for my knee which feels wonderful! I've also been referred to physical therapy for a few sessions to work on that knee. I can also do whatever I want fitness wise - as long as it doesn't hurt. So, while this has likely put the kabosh on my August competition, I still consider this good news. At my age things take longer to heal, and it is great to know that I CAN continue with my preferred method of training and to work with my training group. I also don't know what I COULD have replaced it with, given other injuries have taken me off the bike and I can't run!

I also seem to be racking up quite the collection of arthritis: moderate-severe arthritis in knee, thumbs/wrists, and cervical spine. Moderate arthritis in hip. Yikes! Thankfully, at least, the one in my hip doesn't hurt/impact me. Personally, I think I am a bit young for all of this, but perhaps 55 isn't THAT young. Even if I do feel, usually, like I am aging backwards :cool:

[Pax]

Congrats on the no surgery, that's always a thrill to hear.

[OakLeaf]

Glad the news is good (ish) and that the sleeve helps. Good luck with the PT and returning to full function.

[Crankin]

I would consider this good news, too. You can work with it!

[Catrin]

I would consider this good news, too. You can work with it!
Thanks all, and yes. This :D

[thekarens]

All in all very good news. Yay!

[emily_in_nc]

Whew, no surgery, no tendon or ligament tears. Yep, could be worse. Arthritis happens to most/all of us. I've got it in my big toe joints, lower back, and probably other areas as well. But I walk, run, ride, and do yoga, all within the limits of my abilities. Glad the brace feels good and that you'll be able to get back to your training!

[Catrin]

They sent my MRI report directly to me, which is nice. It also means that I fell to the temptation to visit Dr. Google and wish I hadn't.

How could I avoid it though? I mean, sentences such as this:

Extensive patellofemoral disease with broad regions of high-grade chondromalacia laterally.
Prominent notch spur effaces the ACL. Notch synovitis
Medial cartilage thinning (grade 2-3) - no medial meniscal tear (whew)

Ok, perhaps it is no mystery now why landing on that knee in my fall had...repercussions. And why I can no longer run. Why most of the cardio machines hurt my knee. And...

On the OTHER hand, I had a great 37 minute intense kettlebell workout this morning that felt great. So my coach had to change two of the exercises in the kettlebell circuit to prevent pain - but I was able to do it without holding back. I will take it!

[thekarens]

Now I know why when I went to pick up my breast films and biopsy report they had it in a sealed envelope...so I wouldn't be tempted! ☺

[Catrin]

Now I know why when I went to pick up my breast films and biopsy report they had it in a sealed envelope...so I wouldn't be tempted! ☺
Yep, that was it :p

[emily_in_nc]

On the OTHER hand, I had a great 37 minute intense kettlebell workout this morning that felt great. So my coach had to change two of the exercises in the kettlebell circuit to prevent pain - but I was able to do it without holding back. I will take it!

That is GREAT news! Go Catrin!

[Pax]

Yep, that was it :p

They gave me a report in a sealed envelop once, I just opened it, figured it was mine I'd look at it if I wanted to. :D

[Catrin]

They gave me a report in a sealed envelop once, I just opened it, figured it was mine I'd look at it if I wanted to. :D

That is exactly what I would have done ;)

[thekarens]

They gave me a report in a sealed envelop once, I just opened it, figured it was mine I'd look at it if I wanted to. :D

Oh I could have. They seal it for HIPPA reasons I assume, but I know better than to open it. I would just obsess. If it hadn't been sealed I wouldn't have been able to resist. It's not like they think I'm not perfectly capable of opening some tape and glue.

I just know me. I know what I need to know at this point. I don't need to obsess and analyze something I'm not qualified to analyze in the first place.

[Catrin]

Nose seems healed, and working hard on my knee recovery. I can still do about half of my usual fitness activities without pain - and thankfully most of those include kettlebells :-) Not quite brave enough to try hiking yet, but I don't think it is too far away. Will just need to resist the temptation to start out with a 5 mile hike on broken terrain :o

[Pax]

Glad you're mending! Feels like we might have some real spring weather so being out and about a little will be nice!

[Crankin]

It's amazing how fast we heal, Catrin. Maybe a short hike next weekend, 1-2 miles, to test the knee?

[Catrin]

It's amazing how fast we heal, Catrin. Maybe a short hike next weekend, 1-2 miles, to test the knee?

That will probably be a good idea - if they get me the new brace at PT that they discussed the other day. Today I did spend 25 minutes on the ArcTrainer. Level 1, wave setting which translates to very small changes in incline and much less resistance than I ordinarily use on that machine. It was fine :-) Not saying the knee is close to normal, but I can work with it!

My next goal is to get back to the KB Long Cycle (clean and jerk)!

[OakLeaf]

Glad you're healing! Definitely get some sunshine if you can, even if it's only sitting out ... it'll help your mood, besides vitamin D is so important for healing!

[emily_in_nc]

Glad you're doing better all the time, Catrin! :-)

[Catrin]

I took Crankin's suggestion & did a short hike today :D It was a three hours after my usual Sat morning KB group, and already over 70 degrees by early afternoon so I went for it. I hit dirt trails rather than pavement, and went to the most gentle trails I know with very little climbing. I didn't want to tax the knee more than needed. My phone is the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active and used a couple of the fitness features to keep track of my efforts/mileage/route mapping/etc. (Really surprised at how robust they were!). I had hoped for at least 1.5 miles, but I was back at my car at .85 mile - my knee was hurting by then. Seemed best to call it a day instead of forcing myself to hit an arbitrary distance. Thankful that I selected trails that didn't get me too far from my car as the crow flies, it helps that I chose a park I am very familiar with.

On one hand it was humbling that very easy hiking bothered my knee, but I am wearing a brace for a reason. I can work with this - just have to be smart. Thinking it might be good to get a hiking staff or something, once I am able to hit more challenging trails. At least I DO have a non-impact cardio option at my other gym, and I've learned what I can do with the kettlebells and what I need to avoid for now. All good!

[Crankin]

Catrin, I use poles when doing hiking in challenging terrain. Not so much for my knees, but for stability, as I am a klutz! I use my snow shoe poles, which are interchangeable for the season you're in. They are pretty commonly used around here, especially up in the White Mountains.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I use poles when doing hiking in challenging terrain. Not so much for my knees, but for stability, as I am a klutz! I use my snow shoe poles, which are interchangeable for the season you're in. They are pretty commonly used around here, especially up in the White Mountains.

This is good to know, and really, I am thinking about one for stability. I need to do what I can to prevent another fall on that knee... I will need to decide between one or two, but I think one is sufficient for the terrain I will find in the mid-west. I won't risk my favorite hiking trail for now - it is a double black diamond mountain bike trail that is VERY hard to just walk. Even with two poles I don't think it wise - and there were those who shook their heads at my hiking it solo.

[emily_in_nc]

We looooove our hiking poles for hikes with climbs and most especially for descending. We've done some hilly hikes without them and always regretted it! They help going uphill to be sure, but even more for going downhill, protecting the knees, and as Crankin aptly notes, for stability. However, they can also cause a fall if the tip gets wedged in between rocks...don't ask me how I know this! :D

Still, if you are careful with placement, they help way more than they hurt. I've hobbled down trails with a sore knee before that there's no way I could have done without 'em.

[Catrin]

Thanks Emily! I appreciate hearing from both you and Crankin on your experiences.

I overdid things today, my knee is really complaining :o I had planned on doing some steady-state no impact cardio at my gym tomorrow but I may not get there. Oh well, one step forward, half-step backwards, that is the way of things. I am not about to give up moving! This means my gym bag will be in my car when I head to church in the morning, just in case ;)

[Catrin]

6 weeks later the knee is far from what it was before I argued with the broken pavement, but there is improvement. Just tried a mile gentle hike with a new brace and one birch hiking stick and it went better :)

They have referred me to a knee specialist to make certain nothing has been missed. Apparently he is only available at the workman's comp center a few hours a week so they are trying to fit me in, his next open time is a full month away. Trying not to stress over that, but it is the way it is. He mainly works with pro football teams so he must be good!

[Aromig]

I saw a knee guy in Indy named Klootwyk that often worked with the professional football players. If it's him -- I agree -- outstanding!

[Catrin]

I have no idea who he is, I have to go to who they send me to, but how many local knee specialists work with the Colts? Hopefully it is the same guy.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck - glad it seems to be healing.

[Catrin]

Unsure it is actually healing or if I am figuring out how to work around it. Still quite swollen, still very painful. I've a very high pain threshold so it is sometimes hard to tell which it is. It certainly never did all this before the fall. At least I can still most of my KB work and do light hiking. That is better than the alternative!

[Catrin]

I saw a knee guy in Indy named Klootwyk that often worked with the professional football players. If it's him -- I agree -- outstanding!
It IS him, they are trying to fit me in on Monday.

[Aromig]

It IS him, they are trying to fit me in on Monday.

Awesome! You're in good hands. My repair was a simple meniscus tear, but they had to scrape some things out too. I had the best of luck with no complications, and had a much better time than friends who had similar surgeries. Maybe that was luck -- but he always made me feel comfortable, and he took the time to explain things to me (some doctors aren't so friendly or patient).

[Blueberry]

Good luck, Catrin! My knees have been exceedingly cranky lately (moving pissed them off) - so you have my sympathies.

I just wanted to add that I had had knee things resolve, but take much longer than anyone suggested. I too had a fall at work and dealt with Workers' Comp. They wanted to do exploratory surgery, and I declined. Took about 9 more months for the swelling to go down and the pain to go away, but it did (at least until the recent patellar-femoral issues and other stuff on the other knee).

[Catrin]

They are still working to get me into the Ortho Monday. It is either then or in 4 weeks from now. I saw a different PT today who showed me where there is bone protruding from my knee where there shouldn't be - on top of everything else. Those must be the spurs noted in the MRI.. He suspects they will want to clean the knee out. We will see, I won't accept injections since that is just pallative.

[Catrin]

Saw the Ortho today. Apparently my fall was hard enough that something probably shifted inside my bad knee, and with my severe patella arthritis there wasn't any room for something like that. Eventually I will at least need a procedure to clean out the knee and realign the patella, but neither of us is ready to do that now. I see him in another 4 weeks to see where things are, and I have seen some small signs of improvement in the last week or so. So back to my braces and listening to my body!

[Crankin]

It sounds like a good plan.

[Catrin]

It sounds like a good plan.

Thanks Crankin, it is frustrating. Thankfully I CAN still play with kettlebells and hike (have to be careful with the hiking/walking). I am a bit concerned that I might pick up a little of the weight back - just need to be vigilant over what I eat.

[OakLeaf]

Hope you keep improving - hang in there!

I forget - with your history of foot surgery, do you wear foot orthotics and/or do a lot of foot strength and mobility work? I honestly would be very suspicious about anyone who said anything about knees without taking feet into account. Knees can't align themselves. Might be worth asking the PT.

[thekarens]

Glad to hear you're at least having some improvement.

[Catrin]

Oakleaf, yes, I've had foot problems my entire life. There is a congenital heel alignment problem, though not bad that foot. The OTHER foot was finally repaired in 2004. It was quite the 2 year adventure to recover! The arthritis in my right foot probably doesn't help.

I do quite a lot of work on my feet, both strength and mobility wise. I doubt that I will have knee surgery at this time, from what I've read neither lateral releases or patella realignment have a high success rate.

I think I will meet with my Chiro for some soft tissue work in the area. His ART work for my bad hand arthritis had amazing results that returned most of my function. I know I've trigger points and some very tight tissues around the knee so it can only help to have him work on it and be diligent with my PT exercises and usual joint mobility work.

Surgery will likely happen at some point, but I am not in a hurry to have them moving things around in my knee :eek: