Update - 4-13-06

Oh my gosh, Cathe--I can't believe it--we have the exact same problem! I sent you a message the other day ("better workout when injured"); I had it in my right knee 8 years ago and, like you, had to have arthroscopic surgery to find out what was wrong (symptoms were exactly like a torn meniscus, but MRI showed perfect cartilege). Anyway, I'm sorry to say it did take a long time to heal (but remember, it was 8 years ago, and I did not have a team of specialists like you do). I'm doubly sorry to say that I now have the same problem in my left knee (my surgeon warned me 8 years ago that this would probably happen). What did seem to help last time was PT (after the healing period was over), with LOTS of ice after exercise (I actually kept that up for a very long time). Because it took such a long time to heal (the one I had surgery on still bothers me sometimes, and since the surgery I've had to be very careful about what I do), I've decided to try accupuncture with the other knee. This, too, is taking a long time (it's been 4 months already, and I still am very limited in my activity--no stairs, no jogging, only walking for cardio--blech), but my accupuncturist assures me that once it's better, it will be ALL better and I can do whatever I want; we'll see. Anyway, I truly, truly feel your pain and am sending you very positive healing vibes. It sounds like you have a great team at your disposal; I'm sure they'll get you back up and running (kicking, stepping, etc.) in no time. Take your time; try to be patient, and let yourself heal. Follow your doctors' advice; don't try to get back to things too quickly (like we all seem to do). It doesn't get you anywhere and usually only sets you back.

Take care and be well--hopefully we'll both have this blasted plica band mess behind us very soon.

Be well,

-Marie:)
 
Cathe, What a RELIEF!!! It really does feel so much better when you are dealing with an injury just to have some information and a treatment plan! I can't tell you how happy I was to read your update, and having undergone chronic injury and pain myself, I think I have an idea of how you feel right now. You always say you can feel our energy, well, reading your post I could feel yours! Sorry about all the exclaimation points, I'm just so very happy for you!!! Stay positive and good luck with the recovery!
--Laura
 
Well, I guess the sex change operation is now complete! :) I'm happy you were able to find the source of your injury, Cathe. I wish you a speedy and relaxing recovery. Take care, Cathe. Or is it Carl now??? ;-)
 
Cathe,
Wow...though I'm sure surgery was your last option, I'm glad for you to finally have resolution. Not knowing what's wrong is often worse then the symtoms themselves!

Here's to a speedy and healthy recovery, I wish you the best, and am still looking forward to the new workouts whenever your are fit enough to create them!

Here's to your health! :) :)

Jo
 
Oh wow! Cathe, I'm so glad you finally have answers. I pray you'll have a very speedy recovery and that you heal to 100%! Take care. :)
 
I wish you a speedy recovery, and take all the time you need to heal. Meanwhile, we have tons of your other worktouts to do.
 
Cathe, Thankyou for keeping us up to date about what is going on with the workout filming plans. I hope that you continue to heal and that you will be back making us work hard once again soon. Sending warm thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Charleen
 
Hi Cathe...
I am so relieved to hear that the doctors found the problem and that they are optimistic that the surgery was a success! I feel terrible that you are going through this. Wishing you a very speedy recovery.
Take care
Hugs
Janet
 
Thanks so much for taking the time for this update Cathe. It must feel great now finally finding out what it! Surgery can be no fun, but sometimes is the only answer. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family and wish for you a for a healthy speedy recovery...:)...Carole
 
Praying for You and Questions

Cathe:

Wow! I did not know you were having surgery on Wednesday, but I was led to pray for you. I checked your teaching schedule for the first time while exploring your club website and saw that you had subbed out your Wednesday class. You were on my heart all day, and now I know why I have been more concerned for you this week and why you have been so quiet. I thought we were wearing you out with all our questions. ;)

Since this was “exploratory” surgery, will you require more surgery? If your surgeon removed the plica band, is that something he reconstructed? I am a little confused after reading the bold part of your message. Are these plica bands something we all have, something that went wrong in fetal development, or something unnecessary? Will you be starting some type of formal physical therapy, or do you just need to keep resting your knee? If this is too personal, please forgive me. I respect your privacy. I am just curious and full of questions! ;)

It amazes me when I watch your current workouts and realize what you can do after your previous ACL reconstruction surgery. You are an overcomer, and I have faith that you will come out of this injury stronger than ever. I believe! Thank you for being an inspiration and such a positive role model. :)

I will keep supporting you and look forward to receiving the new workouts when you are fully healed and ready to film again. Take your time. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Easter! I am sending love and big Texas hugs your way. :7 Enjoy your precious family and a chunk of good dark chocolate this weekend. :7 You sound more positive and upbeat than ever, I can tell that you are feeling relieved, and I am rejoicing with you over finally having some answers.

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
 
RE: Praying for You and Questions

Hi Heather! Thank you for your sweet post.

I'm happy to answer your questions.

To my knowledge, I will not need more surgery since the exploration appeared to produced the problem.

Plica bands are something we all develop while we are in our embryotic stages of development. In some cases they vanish as the knee becomes one compartment further on in our fetal development, and in some they never fully vanish (in which they become referred to as folds of synovial tissue). There is no harm in having them remain as folds in your knee and actually even common. You don't need your plicae. They don't have a significant role in our bodies. They are just remnant tissues in the body. The only time they become a problem is if they become inflammed. That is when they produce pain. If an inflammed problematic plica band(s) is left untreated it can grow thicker and thicker and even become as thick as a ligament itself or even grow extended roots. Usually when they become thick, they are more reluctant to respond to conservative treatment. This may be when surgery is recommended to either shave, trim back or remove the plica band altogether. That decision can't be made until its condition is viewed under the scope.

I have already started light physical therapy exercises as of 4 hours after surgery. These will continue until my appointment next week. Then I believe I will be put on a more aggressive strengthening and stretching plan for the final recovery phase.

I hope this helped clear things a up a bit :)
 
Well, it's very good news that you finally came up with an answer - I can't imagine how frustrating all of this has been for you! As someone who teaches classes, also, I KNOW I would have been just nuts by now had that happened to me!

Wishing you a very speedy recovery!

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain ;-)
 
Thank you for the update. Wishing you a full recovery.
I am not concerned about the filming it is more important that you heal. Rest and listen to your Doctors.
All the best .

Susan G
 
Thank You

Cathe:

You were up late last night/early this morning! I hope you are getting some sleep now. ;) Thank you for answering my questions. I will keep you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
 
Cathe - with all the others above, best wishes for a speedy recovery, for your sake, not for filming's sake. Knowing is always so much better than now knowing.

Thank you for writing so much about the science of the plica syndrome - I'd never heard of it before.

A-Jock
 
aw Cathe, I'm so happy that you have found answers for this now. I wish you lots of rest and a very healthy recovery. I too have never heard of plica syndrome.


take care! -Tina
 
Cathe, Thank you for the update. I'm glad you finally have some answers and a good prognosis. Best wishes for a safe and uneventful recovery. Relax and heal.
 
Hi Cathe!
What great news to for you to finally know that your pain will finally end. Knees are such troublesome joints, aren't they? ;-) Best wishes to you - I'm sure you can't wait to get back into action.
 
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