For months leading up to my Misha Knee System surgery, I was trapped in a cycle of anxiety, indecision, and pain. The thought of surgery made me nervous and unsure, but I knew something had to change.
My surgeon, Dr. Sabrina Strickland, who I’ve been going to for more than ten years at the Hospital for Special Surgery, told me I needed a partial knee replacement. When she said that, I frowned. I wasn’t ready to give up running. Many surgeons who perform partial or total knee replacement say running is off the table. Then, she mentioned the Misha surgery.
After countless hours of research – though the information was scant – I decided that the Misha, a surgical implant with a shock absorber, was my best option.
Dr. Strickland did my meniscus surgery in 2019, and I’ve been getting gel and cortisone shots from her for years. I felt confident that she was the right surgeon for the job.
Day 1: Surgery Day (Wednesday)
I arrived at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) at 10:30 a.m. for a 1 p.m. surgery, I felt woozy from the Xanax I’d taken the night before. Memories of my brain surgery for an aneurysm nearly nine months ago flashed through my mind as I prepared for yet another procedure.
Initially told I’d receive general anesthesia, I was relieved when the anesthesiologist opted for a spinal instead. The thought of being intubated again was terrifying.
Walking into the freezing operating room, surrounded by bright lights, I was grateful for the warm blankets the nurse draped over me. The IV quickly lulled me to sleep, and I awoke in recovery, where nurses administered Demerol to knock out the pain, numbing my leg in the process.
Day 2: Post-Surgery (Thursday)
The following day, I felt surprisingly good and thought I could manage without medication. Later, Michael, the PA from Dr. Strickland’s office, warned me that the pain would intensify. Having been a patient of Dr. Strickland for over a decade – receiving gel and cortisone shots, and a meniscus surgery – I trusted his judgment.
Day 3: Reality Hits (Friday)
Michael wasn’t wrong. The pain on this day was the worst I’ve ever experienced, a relentless throbbing and burning sensation. I began taking Gabapentin and Oxycodone as prescribed, finding some relief as the medication took effect.
Day 4: Tough Night (Saturday)
Sleep was elusive. My leg felt unresponsive. I struggled through the physical therapy exercises assigned at the hospital. Showering was also a challenge, wrapping plastic around the bandages to keep them dry. Despite being in good shape, I couldn’t fathom enduring a partial or full knee replacement, which I imagined would be even more grueling.
Day 5: Slightly Better? (Sunday)
Today marks day 5 post-surgery. I’m starting to settle into the rhythm of recovery. Last night, I felt some pain, but thankfully it wasn’t too severe, which allowed me to get some much-needed sleep. Sleep has become more precious than ever, offering a break from the physical demands of healing.
I’m diligently working through the exercises prescribed to me, but I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard. Every movement feels like a small victory, a step closer to regaining full function. The Misha packet optimistically suggests I’ll be able to hit the pool in four weeks, a goal I’m eagerly anticipating. Water therapy sounds like a dream right now, a chance to feel weightless and free.
Next week, physical therapy officially begins, and I also have a follow-up call with the physician assistant. These are important milestones, as they represent proactive steps toward recovery. For now, I’m managing with crutches, which require me to put only 50% of my weight on my leg. Let me tell you, maneuvering with crutches is no easy feat—it’s a workout in itself!
Today, I noticed some crunching noises coming from my knee. It’s a bit unsettling, but from what I’ve gathered, it’s not unusual. To reassure myself, I reached out to a Reddit group dedicated to the Misha Knee System. The support and shared experiences there have been incredibly helpful, offering insights that only come from those who are walking a similar path.
Recovery is a journey with its ups and downs, but connecting with others and setting tangible goals keeps me motivated. I’m taking this one day at a time, reminding myself that each day brings me closer to reclaiming the activities I love.
Here’s to the small victories and the strength to keep moving forward!
This journey is far from over, and I’m committed to documenting each step along the way. Stay tuned as I continue to navigate the path to recovery.
