Hi Tami...I had this exact same thing back in 2006. My age at that time was 42.
Keep in mind each person has their own unique circumstances surrounding their plica band and its removal so I really can't tell you if you will go through exactly what I did, especially this many years later. But I am happy to share my experience with you....
The day of surgery: After fairly quick operation, I stayed in recovery for about an hour and had nurses give me outpatient instructions. I felt no pain whatsoever upon waking in the recovery room and was told that that was due to sensational pain killers. I was also told not to let that pain free feeling misguide me into thinking I was fine to walk without crutches, or take stairs, etc. because that was not permitted on this day.
What I could do the day of surgery post operation:
1) Use crutches for walking....place minimal weight on operated leg.
2) Rest, elevate leg as much as possible, and ice 20 minutes every few hours (right through the bandages)
3) Keep leg wraps on for the day.
4) Straight leg lifts (20 reps, 5 second holds, 4 times per day) and gentle knee bends as far as comfort allowed (10 reps, 4 times a day)
I really felt great and was not sore at all.
Day two was a different story. The painkillers wore off and I felt a little pain.
Day three was the sorest. After day three, the pain leveled and I was feeling pretty good by day 7.
I did the same activities as mentioned above all of these days but without crutches and surgical bandages (I removed crutches as soon as I stopped limping, and removed bandages on day 2 post surgery).
One week later I saw the doctor and had full range of motion restored and very minimal swelling.
I began physical therapy for 12 weeks which was plenty exercise for the lower body and by the time it was completed, I felt pretty good. I occasionally had odd quirky sensations which sometimes made me question my progress on a given day, but I learned that in my case this was part of the healing process.
As for working out... therapy exercises replaced my typical lower body workouts. I could also do some stationary biking for cardio. I did all seated weight training for upper body and had a friend carry the weights to me. After about 3 weeks to a month, I was able to move around better. I did minimal standing while doing some upper body exercises.
Lower body exercises eventually felt normal again about 4 months post surgery. But up until then, walking up and down steps (especially going down steps) was stiff and achey as well as some jumping and lateral moves.
The biggest advice I can give you is to follow your directions exactly and remember that ICE IS YOUR FRIEND
Good Luck with your surgery.
AFter 4 months of going back and forth to the Dr I finally have a diagnosis for my knee issues. Plica syndrome. I will have arthroscopic surgery in 3+ wks. From what my Dr described it is not complicated at all but a very minor procedure.
Has anyone been through this and care to share their experience?
Thanks
