As an avid runner and triathlete, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial to who I am. When knee pain started to interfere with my routine, I knew I had to explore my options. After years of gel and cortisone shots that eventually lost their effectiveness, my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sabrina Strickland from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), recommended a partial knee replacement. However, the thought of giving up running was not an option I wanted to entertain.
Discovering MISHA: A Less Invasive Alternative
This led me to MISHA knee surgery, a less invasive alternative that promised a return to running. But before committing, I did extensive research, seeking to understand every detail of this procedure. MISHA, which stands for Medial Implantable Spacer for the Human Arthritic Knee, is designed to alleviate pain and restore mobility while preserving as much of the natural knee structure as possible. The appeal of returning to my active lifestyle without the significant recovery time of a partial knee replacement was undeniable.
The Role of Dr. Sabrina Strickland
The decision to undergo MISHA knee surgery was not made lightly. It involved weighing the pros and cons, considering my personal goals, and trusting in the expertise of Dr. Strickland, who has been a part of my journey for years. Her guidance and support have been invaluable, ensuring that my passion for running remains a part of my life.
Recovery: The Road to Feeling Like Myself Again
Three weeks post-surgery, I started to begin to feel more like myself.
After 13 weeks, I’m back to my regular routine less the running. I’m hoping to start back up again soon.
The road to recovery hasn’t been without its challenges; I’ve experienced extensive pain, but it’s gradually improving.
A Caveat
At my six week check in with the surgeon, I was told that one of the units needed to come out. When I further delved into the situation, I was told that the units were all defective. I’m not 100 percent sure what that means. But I’m not happy about it.
I thought that this MISHA Knee System would last me at least 10 years. Now, I’m not certain it will last a year. (I hope that’s not the case!)
Moving Forward: Optimism and Future Goals
As I continue to recover and rebuild my strength, I remain optimistic about the future. The journey isn’t over, but with each passing day, I’m closer to hitting the trails and feeling the wind on my face. Running long distance may no longer be in my future but I’m hoping to still hit the trails and do what I can as long as the unit stays in tact.
