Arthroscopic surgery - any feedback?

EtaPhiZTA · #1 08-26-2005, 07:54 PM

Looking to get some information about arthroscopic surgery (knee) from anyone who has been through it.

About 3 weeks ago, I tore my medial meniscus (sp?) in my right knee, and it has been absolutely unbearable! At first, I just limped around and it hurt when I put my weight on it. Now, it just about throbs constantly.

I went to the orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday morning and had an MRI done on Wednesday evening. My doctor called me to confirm that the meniscus is torn and to set up an appointment for a consultation on Monday, August 29.

At our first visit, he mentioned that arthroscopic surgery would probably be the best course of action if the tear was evident on the MRI. If there was no tear or it wasn't bad, the doctor said that cortizone shots and intense physical therapy would be in order.

Right now, I am leaning towards having arthroscopic surgery to fix the tear, but I am really interested in any feedback that anyone could offer. I am especially concerned about the recouperation period. I am a first grade teacher, and I am constantly on the move with my students.

Thanks in advance for any advice that you can offer.

ZTABullwinkle · #2 08-26-2005, 10:10 PM

I have had five arthroscopic surgeries on my left knee, one on my right. I can tell you just about everything you would like to know. PM me, sister! (Or IM me. My screenname is in my profile!)

On the forefront...I had one of my surgeries on Thursday, but attended Zeta Day and a hockey game on Saturday of that same week. I even drove to Zeta Day. Recovery time is a breeze. I am sure it will be okay!

absoluteZChi · #3 08-27-2005, 04:13 PM

I just had the same surgery last Thursday.

When I was in H.S. my knee cap use to pop out and just knock me to the ground (ouch!) well afte the last time of having to pop it back into place myself, it healed wrong. About 3 months ago I started having pain and did the same thing you did, the MRI, xrays, etc.
Saw a surgeon and they suggested the surgery to put the knee cap in place. The surgery took about 45 minutes, which I don't remember since I would put to sleep (local).
The doctor gave me some heavy pain meds incase I needed them...haven't took one yet. I'm in PT 3x's a week and its helping me get my knee stronger and get me use to walking with a straight leg again.
I would say do the surgery. Recovery time is fast, but if you work with kids, you won't be able to run after them. I'm still doing the 2 step up and down the stairs and I can't power walk yet. Doctor's orders are to not run or jump...the knee has to build up to that.
Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

DigitalAngel126 · #4 08-29-2005, 02:09 AM

I've had this done as well, more than once. PM me with any questions you may have, I'm an expert!

FSUZeta · #5 08-30-2005, 09:28 PM

my husband was a collegiate wrestler and has had several knee surgeries over the years-the most recent one was arthroscopic surgery on both knees last summer. it was done at a day surgery center. he walked out with crutches to humor the nurse assisting him to the car(didnot use them after that), rode a stationary bike the next day per the doctors advice and did not take his pain meds.

EtaPhiZTA · #6 09-01-2005, 09:07 PM

I am having my surgery tomorrow at 8:45. I am optimistically hopeful that it will go well and that no unforeseen injuries present themselves during the surgery. I'll let you all know how it went!

ZTABullwinkle · #7 09-01-2005, 10:15 PM

Best of luck with your surgery. Let us know how it went!

EtaPhiZTA · #8 09-03-2005, 01:03 PM

The surgery went very well yesterday. Overall, my doctor had to take about 50% of my medial meniscus. Coming home from the surgical center, I felt invincible. Unfortunately about 12 hours later, the numbing shot wore off.

My doctor prescribed Percoset for me. It seems to be taking the edge off, so I am very grateful. The main problem I am having today (one day after surgery) is walking. I am supposed to be putting weight on the knee, but I find myself hobbling still. Hopefully, this will diminish over the next two days. On Sunday, I get to take the huge ACE bandage off of my knee. I think that might give me more flexibility as well. I need to be sure that I exercise it since my doctor ended up not prescribing physical therapy for it.

ZTABullwinkle · #9 09-03-2005, 04:26 PM

I am glad the surgery went well. You are right, it will get easier to walk after a few days. It is probably very swollen right now and that makes it harder to walk.

A small piece of advice. Don't wait till your pain is "unbearable" (or close to it) to take your Percocet. I found that if I stayed ahead of the pain, I got much better relief from the pain medicines.