Medial Meniscus Tear

[moosmom]

I've been having severe pain in my left knee. After getting fed up with my PCP just writing script after script for pain killers, I went to an orthopedic surgeon. I not only have Osteoarthritis in my left patella (knee), but after an MRI of my left knee, I also have a Medial Meniscus Tear. I have an appointment for February 3rd to see him and discuss my options.

I don't scare easily. But after googling it and finding out what Arthroscopic surgery is all about, the recovery time, etc., I'm scared. Depending on the severity of the tear, I could be on crutches for a while and have to go to physical therapy. I live on the THIRD floor, drive a STICK SHIFT and have A LOT of cats to worry about!!! What am I gonna do????

Has anyone here ever had knee surgery like this??? I'd like feedback on what to expect as well as their experiences.

[gemini9961]

My husband had surgery twice for a meniscus tear. No crutches for him. They wanted him to go to physical therapy but his Mom is a physical therapist. Needless to say he didn't do any therapy. My Mom also had the surgery and no crutches for her either or physical therapy. It's an outpatient procedure, at least it was for both of them.

[pomtzu]

I had tears in both knees, and surgery on both - 6 months apart. I was on crutches for a few days only and had no problems driving my stick shift car. As long as you give it as much rest as you can, especially for the first week, then you shouldn't have too much trouble. I had both done on a Friday, and was back to work the following Monday. Perhaps if you could stay with a friend for a few days so you don't have to deal with all those stairs, since that's the only drawback I can see. You could get someone to check on and feed the cats, right? I did the therapy route with one, but not the other. There are exercises you can do at home that are just as effective.

Good luck!

[Catty1]

Gosh, this makes me wonder about my knee problems! I guess the surgical repairs work well? I know I need to do more walking.

Donna, I hope you get some answers on recovery time etc. I live up a flight of stairs so I totally understand.

[moosmom]

Ellie,

That certainly does ease my mind a little. My friend Nancy told me that I shouldn't worry about something that is outta my control. SO true. I'll wait to see how bad of a tear it is and what is in store. Once I know WHAT to expect, I can plan accordingly.

This sucks.

[pomtzu]

Donna - you really should have it done if the doc says it needs to be done. Even if the tear isn't too bad, it can get worse, and you could end up in the ER with your knee locked. My knee locked on me with the first one, but luckily I was able to manipulate it and "unlock" it, but a lot of people aren't that lucky. Doc said he didn't know how I was even able to walk, since the cartilage had lodged under the kneecap. Surprisingly enough, it didn't even really hurt much. Go figure.........