Update

So I haven't posted an update from my December 2015 doctors visit.

We are still good so far, nothing has grown.  I do not have to go back for 6 months, so around May-June I will be heading back to Pittsburgh for another CAT Scan and another doctors visit.  Below is my test result:

EXAM DATE: 12/23/2015 1:12 PM

PROCEDURE: CT LOWER EXTREMITY WITHOUT CONTRAST RIGHT

CLINICAL INDICATION: Age: 26 years . Gender: Male.
Stated history: " BONE NEOPLASM" Additional history: None.,

COMPARISON: CT right knee 09/02/2015

TECHNIQUE:
Thin section noncontrast CT images were obtained of the right knee
with reconstructions in multiple planes.

FINDINGS:
There is redemonstration of innumerable ovoid osteochondral bodies
scattered about the right knee consistent with synovial
osteochondromatosis. Several have migrated anteriorly into the
anterior aspect of the intercondylar notch. Several project over the
popliteus tendon sheath as well as within a small Baker's cyst. There
are most conspicuous in number along the lateral and posterior
lateral joint line, but are diffusely scattered about the knee.

There is moderate lateral patellar tilt with moderate marginal
osteophytes in the patellofemoral compartment. There is a small knee
joint effusion. There are moderate marginal osteophytes in the medial
and lateral compartments, mild spurring of the tibial spines and
intercondylar notch.

There is generalized osteopenia. No intraosseous bone lesions are
identified. There is no evidence of acute fracture or traumatic
malalignment. There is mild nonspecific subcutaneous stranding in the
posterior aspect of the knee. No additional soft tissue masses are
identified.

Impression

IMPRESSION:
1. Similar number of osteochondral bodies in the setting of synovial
osteochondromatosis, some of which have migrated into the anterior
aspect of the notch. There are most prominent laterally and
posterolaterally, and some are positioned within a small Baker's cyst
and the popliteus tendon sheath.

 In other news, I started a new job at a company called EMKA at the beginning of February.

Also, if you like salsa, be sure to check out my business!
Pre-order the salsa: https://b-mys-homemade-famous-salsa-100-all-natural-salsa.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
https://www.facebook.com/BMYsHomemade/
http://www.bmyshomemade.com/

Until Next Time,
Brian

3 weeks after 2nd surgery

So tomorrow marks 3 weeks from my 2nd surgery on my right knee.

I was at the doctors this past Wednesday (March 26th).  He said everything looks good, on my scar anyways and they took out the stitches and put on the white tape.  I guess I have no nerves back there or something because I didn't even feel the stitches coming out, and that is probably why I didn't feel anything after surgery.  Anyways, the only problem that I have now is to get my leg to go straight and bend the whole way back.  Currently it won't lock out to at least 180 degrees and is way less than that and it is only bending back to about 90 degrees and I need to get it back to 140 degrees like my left leg.  So I am currently doing therapy and won't be able to go back to work until I go back and see him on April 23rd, so hopefully by then my knee will be less swollen (which it isn't really swollen) and I can straighten it and bend it back for he most part.

So here is the final results from my surgery and testing of the stuff they took out, understand what you can:

Narrative

FINAL DIAGNOSIS:
BONE AND SOFT TISSUE, RIGHT KNEE, EXCISION
SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS, CLINICALLY RECURRENT.
GG/acs

ACS/ACS


Pathologist: Karen Schoedel, M.D.
** Report Electronically Signed Out **
By Pathologist: Karen Schoedel, M.D.
3/13/2014 08:28

My signature is attestation that I have personally reviewed the submitted
material(s) and the final diagnosis reflects that evaluation.
_______________________________________________________________
GROSS DESCRIPTION:
The specimen is received fresh labeled with the patient's name, initials BMM,
medical record number and "1 synovial chondromatosis right knee". It consists
of an irregular piece of white-tan hard, smooth lobulated cartilaginous
tissue, measuring 3.2 x 2.8 x 2.3 cm. The cut surface reveals white-pink, firm
to soft tissue with diffuse bone. The specimen also consists of 2 detached
pieces of tan-pink, cauterized, firm fibromembranous tissue, measuring 1.9 x
1.8 x 0.6 cm and 2.0 x 0.9 x 0.8 cm. Representative sections are submitted as
follows:
ADC - bony/cartilaginous mass following complex decalcification
B - soft tissue.
Formalin Exposure Time: 7 hours 0 minutes
Decal Cassettes Formalin Exposure Time: 31 hours 0 minutes.

Grossed by: Leigha Watson, PA student
Reviewed by: Kara Balatincz, PA (ASCP)

LRW//LRW/LRW



MICROSCOPIC:
Microscopic examination substantiates the above diagnosis.

The following statement applies to all immunohistochemistry, insitu
hybridization (ISH & FISH), molecular anatomic pathology, and
immunofluorescence testing:

The testing was developed and its performance characteristics determined by
the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, as required by the CLIA
'88 regulations. The testing has not been cleared or approved for the
specific use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but the FDA has
determined such approval is not necessary for clinical use. Tissue fixation
ranges from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 96 hours. Immunohistochemical
stains (where applicable) are performed with appropriate positive and negative
control reactions. Immunohistochemistry assays have not been validated on
decalcified tissues. Results should be interpreted with caution given the
raised possibility of false negativity on decalcified specimens.

ESTROGEN/PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS (ER/PR) TEST DETAILS: Although the use of
ER/PR is primarily for differential diagnostic purposes rather than
therapeutic ones, we utilize the therapeutic criteria for positive and
negative immunohistochemical results below: The test for the presence of
hormone receptor protein is performed by the immunoperoxidase method according
to the ASCO-CAP Guidelines. A positive Estrogen or Progesterone receptor
tumor shows nuclear immunostaining in greater than or equal to 1% of the tumor
cells (i.e. and H-score of 1 or higher). The ER and PR Histologic Score
(H-Score, or HS) is calculated as the sum of intensity of staining times the
proportion of cells staining and has a dynamic range of 0 to 300. The
semiquantitation immunostaining raw data used to calculate the H-score is also
shown above in the report. Generally, the H-score correlates to percentage of
positive cells.
Estrogen receptor antibody SP1, an IVD, is performed using the IVIEW detection
on the Benchmark XT (Ventana, Tucson, AZ). Progesterone receptor antibody 1E2,
an IVD, is performed using the IVIEW detection on the Benchmark XT, (Ventana,
Tucson, AZ).

HER2 IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY TEST DETAILS: 4B5 antibody clone is used as part of
FDA approved Pathway on the Benchmark XT (Ventana, Tucson, AZ) and interpreted
as follows: Score 0 (negative) = No staining is observed or membrane staining
is observed in less than 10% of the tumor cells. Score 1+ (negative) = A
faint/barely perceptible membrane staining is detected in more than 10% of the
tumor cells. The cells are only stained in part of their membrane. Score 2+
(equivocal) = A weak to moderate complete membrane staining is observed in
more than 10% of the tumor cells. This score requires reflex testing by FISH.
Score 3+ (positive) = A strong complete membrane staining is observed in more
than 30% of the tumor cells.

This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments of 1988 ("CLIA") as qualified to perform high-complexity clinical
testing. Pursuant to the requirements of CLIA, ASR's used in this laboratory
have been established and verified for accuracy and precision. Additional
information about this type of test is available upon request.
PATIENT HISTORY:
Chief Complaint/Surgery Pre-op Diagnosis: RECURRENT SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS
RIGHT KNEE
Surgery Post-op Diagnosis: RECURRENT SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS RIGHT KNEE
Surgical Procedure: ARTHROTOMY KNEE
Reason previous hospitalization/surgery = right knee scope

HISTO TISSUE SUMMARY/SLIDES REVIEWED:
Part 1: SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS RIGHT KNEE
Taken: 3/10/2014 08:52 Received: 3/10/2014 11:43
Stain/cnt Block
H&E x 1 B
DC x 1 ADC
H&E x 1 ADC





TC1

Component Results

There is no component information for this result.

General Information

Collected:03/10/2014 8:52 AM
Resulted:03/13/2014 8:28 AM
Ordered By:Kurt R Weiss, MD
Result Status:Final result

This test result has been released by an automatic process.

Finally, here is some pictures of my knee:

9 Months Later

So it has been a while since I have updated this, and it has now been about 9 months since I had surgery and most of this disease removed.

So I was at the doctors in Pittsburgh on Friday (9/20/13) and got some x-rays done.  Nothing major has changed, I could tell, as well as Dr. Weiss, that it has changed, but nothing that it bothers me.  It is still up to me if and when I want to have surgery.  I am just going to play it as not until it starts bothering me, like he said, it could be tomorrow or many years down the road.  Nothing new in the front of my knee, still as empty as it was since after my surgery.  My next appointment is in December, and then we will go to meeting every 6 months, then every year after a while.  No new pictures of my scars, they are generally the same as there were 3 months ago.

I bought an exercise bike and ever since I started using it my knee has gotten 10x better.  It is still sore on some days, especially with this time of year and the temperature varying like 30-40 degrees from morning to afternoon.

So other than that, I got married to Kayla on July 6th, we went on our honeymoon to Aruba, and I am one happy man cause I got me a wonderful woman!!  She is now all moved in with me in York.

Also, we got another puppy!! Here name is Hannah, so now we have Ellie Belle and Hannah Banana.  Ellie is on the right, and Hannah is on the left, she is half Black Lab and half Boarder Collie and she has a white glove, fingertips,

I also have another blog going on if you want to check it out:
http://inspirationald.blogspot.com/

It is updated almost daily.

Here is the Facebook page (that you should like!) and the Twitter feed (that you should follow and you will get a follow back!):
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InspirationalD
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Inspirational_D

6 Months Later

Well, it is now over 6 months since I have had surgery on my right knee.  This will be pretty short, the knee is feeling good, still gets sore on days when I am on it a lot and all that.

I was at the doctors on the 21st, we took x-rays, nothing has changed and the disease is still there.  He said that it is up to me if and when I want to have surgery.  Since it is my call, I will be waiting until it starts bugging me, if it doesn't bother me, there is no need really to have surgery.  That was about it with the appointment.

I am also getting married on Saturday!!  After the wedding we are off to Aruba!!

That is about it for this one.

6 Weeks Later

So I went to the doctors on Friday, he said that everything looks good, I am walking good and everything.  I am allowed to do anything I want on with my knee, as long as it is not bugging me.  I can now go swimming and all that as well.  I am putting lotion on it to help with the dryness.

I started work again today, I am glad because I would rather be going to work than just staying at home and doing nothing.

My physical therapy is over, but I am going to be doing it on my own in my apartment.  I am allowed to start using weights so I am going to be doing the same exercises as before just with weights. I am just adding in squats and one leg stands.

I did get some news that did upset me a little, I got there, me and my Mom got to go in early because everyone was canceling because of the weather, I went and got X-rays on my knee.  When I got back to my room and the doctor pulled up my X-rays, he noticed that he missed a piece behind my knee.  He said that it could bother me in 5 years, or never.  He said that if the disease would come back in the front of my leg and would need removed, he would just remove the stuff in the back as well while he is at it.

I have another visit in 6 weeks, then I will have to have another visit 6 months from my surgery, which is in June.  Then another a year after my surgery.  I will have to visit him every year for the rest of my life to make sure that the disease does not come back or get worse.

I was hoping to go to the doctors right after my honeymoon is done in July, but he only has office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays, so I guess I got to do what I got to do.

So that is about it, below I have pictures of what my incisions look like 6 weeks later and some pictures of baloons that my grandma got 6 weeks ago and they are still afloat.  I will try to take pictures every week for a little bit to see the progress of my incisions.  The pictures are side ways for some reason...

Stitches are out!!

So I just got back from Pittsburgh and my stitches are out.  I now got some of those strips on the back of my leg, that I have on the front of my leg, that will come off as time goes by.  The doctor said that it all looks good and I should be on schedule for healing.  I am not allowed to drive yet, I got to wait until my next appointment which is 3 weeks from today on Friday 1/25 and hopefully returning to work on the 28th.

I asked him about how often my disease occurs, he said it is about 1 in a million, but when he took mine out, it was literally as big as a hockey puck and came out in one piece, he said that's the first time he has ever experienced that.

He wants me to try to walk around my house without crutches but still use crutches when I am out and about, especially with it snowing out and being icy.  I am hoping now that my stitches are out, and I don't have to wear any wrapping around my knee anymore, that I can wear something other than sweatpants, and I know my fiance will be happy if I can look more decent when we go out, haha.

Well, here is my post stitches leg with the strips on the back of my leg.

Doctor Check-up tomorrow

Well tomorrow morning, I will be traveling to Pittsburgh for a check-up and all that.  I just wanted to post some pictures of my knee before I go back to the doctors.

Today I am able to walk around without crutches, and am starting to be able to walk down steps without having to slide on my butt.

I think I have roughly 25 stitches in the back of my leg.

That's about it for today, will update over the weekend after I visit the doctor.

The last day of 2012

So today is the last day of 2012, and what a year it has been!

At the end of last year, yesterday a year ago I started dating a girl, she then turned into my best friend, I then asked her to marry me on July 10th of this year, we got to have our first Thanksgiving and Christmas with each others families this year.  We are getting married on July 6th of 2013 and I am really excited for that and can't wait!!  We had a rough year together, between me getting a job and having to move 2.5 hours away and I lost my grandmother and she lost her grandfather, we could only go through that and much more with each other and I am thankful for her for it all.

I got to end my year with getting surgery on my right knee, found out I got synovial chondromatosis and not PVNS.  I go back to see the doctor this Friday January 4th.  I'll be making an update after that so that is when my next blog post will be, around that time.

So my knee seems like it is healing well, I can bend it a little more each day, I am off the pain meds and just taking tylenol every 4-6 hours depending on when I remember to take it or not.  I am able to walk on it fairly well with one crutch in my opposite arm, I am trying to start walking normally with bending my knee and whatnot when I am walking.  I also tried to walk without crutches a few times, I am walk sorta okay straight legged, but when I try to walk normal with bending my knee, it doesn't go so well.

Well, I hope everyone had a great 2012, and is going to have a great 2013!! My goal (New Years Resolution) for this year is, like many people, to lose weight, or at least lose a lot of body fat, since I am getting married in July, I would like to look good for the photos that I will have forever.