"MZB" <moo@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:YDE6k.41$Vq.29@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Howdy:
>
> I've posted from time-to-time. I have had continuing knee problems over
> the
> last 5 years (ever since I overdid jogging one day).
>
> Anyway, it used to be where I would have periods of a lot of pain,
> limping,
> problems walking. In between, I would be okay (could not kneel but other
> than that no problems). But, over time, the periods of pain have lasted
> longer and in the last 15 months or so, it's worsened in that there is
> always some discomfort.
>
> Anyway, MRI seems to indicate results consistent with two meniscus
tears.
> x-rays indicate some degree of arthritis. So, its been a question as to
> whether a scope may solve the problem. I've been to the two best
> orthopedic
> guys in town. The first says he is not sure that the surgery would get
the
> results I want (which is basically to be able to walk briskly) due to
the
> arthritis. He sees a TKR down the road (he says about 10 years). The
other
> one is much more positive. He says the arthritis doesn't look all that
bad
> and of course he can take care of meniscus tears. He says the x-rays do
> not
> indicate a TKR is in my future. Anyway, at this point I've decided to go
> ahead and do the scope. My thinking is this: neither surgeon thought I
> would
> be WORSE off by doing the scope and it should serve a good diagnostic
> purpose as well as hopefully fixing some things.
>
> It is scheduled for 7/9.
>
> Questions: First, any thoughts on my logic and second, I am getting
vague
> answers on the recovery period. My sense is that it should be pretty
quick
> (but of course the surgeons are hesitant to guarantee anything). The
> handout
> even indicated that I should be able to bear weight on the knee right
away
> but that I might need crutches for perhaps 48 hours. That doesn't sound
> too
> bad.
>
> Mel
>
>
>
Nope, doctors don't like to guarantee anything because there are too many
variables. Best case is a quick recovery along with possibly some weeks
doing rehab to strengthen the knee. But they might get in there with the
scope and find the damage is more extensive than was indicated by the
x-rays
and MRI. That would complicate the repair work done and lengthen, probably
by a considerable period, your recovery time and length of time in rehab.
I had stepped on an icy curb. Thought my cartilage was torn (so did the ER
doc). Could hardly bend my knee and couldn't walk very well, though I did
so
for three months. My primary and I were wondering why I wasn't healing.
The
x-rays didn't show anything was wrong.
The ortho did the scope, found a compression fracture. He pieced it
together. I had a four month no weight bearing recovery (real fun when
you're a single mother to 8 year old twin girls) and several weeks doing
rehab.
He also gave no guarantee. Though my knees are in pretty bad shape this is
24 years later with no further surgery and I can still walk though I don't
do curbs and steps well. The left knee (the one with the fracture) is
doing
remarkably well considering. The right one (with a torn cartilage I got a
few years before the left knee injury) is bothering me a bit more.
Here's hoping for a successful procedure and rapid healing.
If you have any more questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.
Nell
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