I went to see my surgeon about my knee...

I hate rehashing this because it is not fun, so you are getting the quick and dirty version. No edits. So sorry about typos and awkward sentences!

I went to see my surgeon at OIP Monday afternoon. It actually wasn't busy and I was all signed in and had my X-Ray done in about 15 minutes! 10 minutes after that, I saw my doctor. (Oh, my BP was 145/70. DOCTORS STRESS ME OUT!!!!

Armed with my clipboard! I mean BUSINESS!

I explained all of my symptoms to him. I told him I was lost. Walking hurts. I have lifted lower body maybe 5 times since surgery. I've rested. Stretched. Did mobility work. EVERYTHING. I don't know where else to turn.

He explained that I have mild arthritis in my knee. I knew this from when I saw him last year. I just didn't realize this could be causing problems. There was some cartilage gone so there is some grinding. Arthritis apparently zaps the joint of much of the lubricant it needs to glide. So not only is there the grinding but the lubricant is gone to make the grinding less.... grind-y. (My words, not his.) 

Yes, I started crying after he said that. I was thinking to myself, it hurts to walk and drive!!!! SO I MAY NEVER BE ABLE TO WALK OR DRIVE WITHOUT PAIN? THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I AM 32 YEARS OLD.

He recommendation was to first get an MRI and compare it to the MRI from before surgery and see if the arthritis is about the same. (I imagine it is. I SEVERELY altered my workouts since then. But hell, what do I know? I am sure it could be worse.)

Then, he wanted me to research two types of injected lubricants (NOT STEROIDS) that could lubricate my knee and ease the pain. The first kind he suggested is synthetic. It is from chickens. It works within a couple days to a week and should last about 6 months. It is covered by insurance. The second kind he suggested is called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and is from MY OWN BLOOD. It has been shown to work even better than the synthetic kind he suggested, and has been shown to work in people with mild to moderate arthritis. I asked "Has it ever NOT worked for someone?" and he said it doesn't work for severe arthritis. It is NOT covered by insurance and is between $500-$600 dollars. I am going to research it and if it really does look like it will work for me, I am going to do it. Hell, if it gets me 6 months without pain, that is worth it, right!? I love walking, running, hiking, lifting... I NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS. I am only 32. He urged me to read about it, but I point blank said, "So Kobe would get the PRP?" and he laughed and said, "Yes, Kobe would probably get the PRP."

From the brochure. about the synthetic stuff... But it explains well about the importance of lubrication at the joints!

So then after an MRI and possible injection of lubricant, he recommended a therapy directed strength program that will help my knee. I told him the Catch-22 in that I know I need strong hips/glutes/hammys/quads to keep my knees healthy, but all of that stuff hurts! How do I strengthen my body when everything hurts? He said that's why I need a therapist that will be able to help me do the RIGHT exercises that won't harm my knee.

I told him I have had terrible PTs in the past. He told me he would find me THE THERAPIST that specializes in sports medicine. Someone who will contact HIM if they have any questions regarding my care. "THAT'S the type of therapist I need!" I said.

So the plan is: 1. MRI, 2. Possible injection of lubricant. 3. Therapy directed strength program. 4. Be awesome.

I also asked him if I should wear my knee brace while I am on vacation because I am running in Colorado. Will the knee brace help make the arthritis not get worse? He said I am not going to make it worse by running on it. Wearing the knee brace will help it not be as irritated, though. So my knee brace is coming on vacation with me!!!

He talked to me for about 20 minutes, so I thanked him profusely for spending so much time with me. He sure earned his money today.

While I am excited that I seem to have a plan of action, I am not thrilled that at the age of 32 I have arthritis in my knee that seems to be causing me problems!

Now I am off to research arthritis and PRP- Plasma Rich Platelets.

I seriously did not proofread this post at all. My brain is mush. I apologize!!!

UPDATE: RESEARCHING THE PRP... NOT CONVINCED. TIGER WOODS DID IT. SO DID SOME OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS. BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED MORE THAN ONE INJECTION... AND IT IS STILL "EXPERIMENTAL". MAYBE I WILL TRY THE SYNTHETIC CHICKEN STUFF FIRST. UGH. MORE STUFF TO RESEARCH. BRAIN = MEGA MUSH.