Fourth doctor's office, nothing new...

EMD_Driver · 01-13-2015, 05:58 PM

Angie and I went to Baltimore today, to consult with another orthopedic surgeon, about my knee. I've already seen two Ortho doctors and one surgeon, that said he wasn't comfortable doing the surgery I need. I have a partially torn ACL and a completely torn PCL.

When we got to the doctor's office, we were told that the surgeon had been called away for an emergency and that they couldn't reach us in time to keep us from making the trip. We did talk to the surgeon's PA and he did a thorough examination. He wasn't very concerned with my ACL, but said I had a grade two-plus PCL tear. He also told us that they don't want to do the 4-5 hour repair surgery on someone my age.. Like I'm 106 years old!!

I explained my situation at work and that there is no "Light duty" on the railroad. He said he would talk to the surgeon in the morning and that they would call me.

As has been the case for the last 2 months and 23 days, we are still in limbo.

They did fit me for a custom brace, specifically designed for a torn PCL. It's a lot smaller than what I've been using and is designed to be worn under my pants. Hopefully, I'll be able to do a bit more with it.

apackoftwo · 01-13-2015, 08:24 PM

so sorry you are having problems. I just did a quick search and found these folks who specialize in sports injuries in Philadelphia. Locations : Rothman Institute Orthopaedics

I do not know what your circumstances are but have you considered other location options?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

Angie and I went to Baltimore today, to consult with another orthopedic surgeon, about my knee. I've already seen two Ortho doctors and one surgeon, that said he wasn't comfortable doing the surgery I need. I have a partially torn ACL and a completely torn PCL.

When we got to the doctor's office, we were told that the surgeon had been called away for an emergency and that they couldn't reach us in time to keep us from making the trip. We did talk to the surgeon's PA and he did a thorough examination. He wasn't very concerned with my ACL, but said I had a grade two-plus PCL tear. He also told us that they don't want to do the 4-5 hour repair surgery on someone my age.. Like I'm 106 years old!!

I explained my situation at work and that there is no "Light duty" on the railroad. He said he would talk to the surgeon in the morning and that they would call me.

As has been the case for the last 2 months and 23 days, we are still in limbo.

They did fit me for a custom brace, specifically designed for a torn PCL. It's a lot smaller than what I've been using and is designed to be worn under my pants. Hopefully, I'll be able to do a bit more with it.

EMD_Driver · 01-13-2015, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apackoftwo

I do not know what your circumstances are but have you considered other location options?

As I said, we've been to four doctors already. Nobody seems to want to do the surgery. I'll wait and see what this guy says tomorrow. I guess we'll go from there.

Thanks for the link!

krazedave · 01-15-2015, 01:57 PM

Look up Morgan Kalman Clinic. They are in Wilmington Del. My wife had a rotator cup repair done and she has no problems. Their office looks like a who's who of sports stars from bowlers, basketball, football and anything in between.

Dave

EMD_Driver · 01-15-2015, 02:07 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. The surgeon from Baltimore called me this morning and said that he isn't convinced I have a complete PCL tear. He does want to see things for himself though. It's very obvious, that I messed up the meniscus and he wants to schedule me for arthroscopic surgery. While he is in there, he can and will look for ligament problems. Depending on what he finds, he will then have more of an idea what he will be dealing with. While I'm conscious, I must be "Guarding" too much. The PA couldn't adequately determine the extent of the PCL damage.

If he finds a PCL tear, he would then schedule a combined ACL/PCL repair surgery. Wit as unstable as I am, I cannot help, but think the PCL is completely torn. I am glad that he is willing to look for himself. That's more than anyone else has done.

Poppy & Nana · 01-15-2015, 03:42 PM

good luck to you - when is the procedure scheduled???? Gary did you do this at work or home???

EMD_Driver · 01-15-2015, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy & Nana

good luck to you - when is the procedure scheduled???? Gary did you do this at work or home???

Thank you Kathy,

They haven't called, to schedule it yet.

This did happen at home..

bunjin · 01-15-2015, 05:16 PM

Gary,

Fingers crossed here. Hopefully this will work out for you.

EMD_Driver · 01-15-2015, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunjin

Gary,

Fingers crossed here. Hopefully this will work out for you.

Thank you..

I'm not keeping my hopes up though.. Been through too much already..

Gene · 01-16-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

... He also told us that they don't want to do the 4-5 hour repair surgery on someone my age..

Oh my gosh, you must be over 35

At least the surgeon is willing to look which is a good sign. Hope it works out ok.

Janalee · 01-17-2015, 08:13 AM

Hoping for a good/great outcome for you Gary! I know how frustrating it is to be in pain and try to find a physician who understands and is willing to jump in and give it a try! Keep us posted...good luck! Janalee

vcrt · 01-17-2015, 07:56 PM

Hi Gary,
Sorry to hear of your knee problems. Have you been to Johns Hopkins?
Hope this has a good outcome soon.
Rich

hiller64 · 01-17-2015, 09:01 PM

Hi Gary

Sorry that this knee problem is so serious. Barb and I are pulling for you

Don't give up hope that this knee can be corrected.

Rich

EMD_Driver · 02-03-2015, 07:01 PM

I got a call today and they have scheduled me for surgery, this Friday 02/06/15. All that is being done this time, is meniscus repair. While he is in there, he is going to see how bad the ligament damage is. If he decides to fix it, they will schedule me for another surgery. He could also opt to leave me the way I am.. We have to wait and see.

The plan right now, is to head for Ramblin pines CG on Thursday. Head to the surgery center early Friday morning get chopped and chill the rest of the day Friday. I'll also get to chill all day Saturday and we'll head home on Sunday..