Three months after a knee arthroscopy, 34-year-old Sandeep Desai, an Easyjet pilot is recovering well following meniscus tearing and an early onset of osteoarthritis.
It all started 17 years ago, when Sandeep became injured playing football at school. He did not want to have a full ACL reconstruction and he seemed to recover well having physio sessions and gym treatment, but then, he went to university in Coventry and injured himself again playing football. This time he needed to have a full ACL reconstruction by an orthopaedic surgeon which took a year out of his life. He had six months of seeing a physio for one to two sessions a week and then he went on to play football for another 12 years.
Sandeep started flying in his late 20s, but the sedentary nature of his work meant Sandeep needed to keep mobile by going to the gym three to four times a week and play 5-aside high intensity football. Things changed when he had two children - he would come home from work and spend time with the kids rather than go to the gym as much.
He started getting muscle atrophy and pain behind his knee cap. The pain grew to an acute pain and a limited flexibility on the knee so he couldn’t really squat or bend down. He decided to see a different GP who referred him to Mr Vedi.
Initially they tried the nSTRIDE autologous injection and gave it a few weeks to take effect – usually this injection has a good rate of success for those suffering from moderate arthritis. For Sandeep, he didn’t really feel much different. He had another MRI which showed a new meniscal tear as well as some osteoarthritis and he needed to have a knee arthroscopy for his mechanical symptoms.
After he had the operation at BMI Bishops Wood Hospital in Northwood, Sandeep did not need to take any more medication. He saw a physio four times and Mr Vedi once more. They talked about the possible outcomes and he was showing a very positive marked change - Mr Vedi was trying to stop the progress of osteoarthritis and give Sandeep the opportunity to build up the muscles that could enable him to self-heal.
Sandeep said “I am positive I can now start a long-term rehabilitation programme on my own which would not have been possible without this operation. Prior to surgery, I was in much pain for six weeks which effected my mood and caused me a lot of stress. Now I have become much more pain free and much happier. My day-to-day has now improved by 50% - I am walking upstairs on my own, I can do a body squat and low impact exercise such as cycling.”
Sandeep says “I would definitely go back to Mr Vedi. I found Mr Vedi very straight-talking and realistic – he tells you as it is to manage your expectations. He is also someone who takes time out of hours to come back and see you - as he really cares and is very patient-led.”
Sandeep concludes “Three months on, all is now well and I’m flying again. My children are now starting school full-time and at nursery - so there will be time for that continual exercise and rehabilitation.”
Mr Vedi commented “It is always so satisfying to see a patient get back to the lifestyle they desire after treatment under my care. I wish Sandeep ongoing health and success in all his endeavours.”