I'm having meniscus surgery on my right knee this Friday the 18th. I will have therapy on the following Monday. I asked my dr about bearing weight on that leg. He told me I could bear weight. I told him that all my research says not to bear any weight on the leg. In fact, he told me that I could walk home if I wanted without a problem. He did say I could use a walker if I need too!
Hi Chillytoes! First off don't worry, fear is 90% made up in ones' head the other 10% you can deal with. I had two knee surgeries for torn meniscus. April 2012 right knee scheduled for torn medical ( never showed up on MRI but surgeon knew it was torn) I got a second opinion ( guy must have had sunglasses on said REHAB) Pain was crazy so I went back to original surgeon told him I got a second opinion went on to have surgery , ended up with two tears Medical and Laterial. Next day walking with cane. Believe me it being taken care of is less pain than prior surgery ( trust me )When you lay in bed do a few lil excercises prior to rehab. Leg straight in bed and tighten knee as if you are laying it FLAT on bed. Do it 15 times 6 times a day and of course ICE. In other words you're laying in bed leg flat and with the strength of your leg/knee squeeze it and make it flat to bed. Gets blood flow back into the area and blood heals. Secondly after almost completing rehab I had my sneakers on walking almost 3 miles a day and sharp pain on top of knee that had surgery ( hey things happen) left leg pigeon toed inwards, I torn my medial, dislocated my knee cap, bruised my bone and sprained my MCL. Off all the injuries the surgeon ( knee surgeon mine retired ) this one chief of staff at IVY League hospital . He said most of the pain was from sprained MCL. He said you know the pain of a torn meniscus I said yep. Immediatly after surgery... ICE Elevation and next day I used a cane. did the same excercises as before. Day 1 rested took medication. Day 2 walking with cane and iced and did the excercises in bed. Total relief from the discomfort I had prior surgery!!! Remember that, if you are having pain and difficulty.. remember this, after surgery you won't feel it all you'll feel is a slight soreness/tenderness from the surgery. Pain medication for the first day, after that I was good... during excercises he said take the meds... He decided he I didn't need rehab I knew what to do from prior surgery. His protocol for me was this. After 1st week, walk 10 minutes, for a few days. Next walk 15 a few days, Next walk 20 minutes a few days. First few time I took cane with me incase of a weakness and honestly it wasn't necessary. Honestly it doesn't hurt at all considering the discomfort I was in prior to surgery. Today is my third week post surgery left leg. Doing great!! Just don't push it!! The pain meds give you a lil bit of a false boost and you have the tendency to do more. However keep moving!! First surgery I had I waited because I was scared, second I said lets go get it over with. Believe me it is fine and you'll feel great. They clip and clean it out and normally don't repair unless you're older. Otherwise the chief of staff told me you have enough cartlidge there. He said he'll have me doing my 5 miles a day in no time... Best of luck!!
onxy I hope you are continuing with a great recovery. As for the pain pills, I still take one now and then if needed. I just go with how I feel. I think I've been a little to active lately, as I've been in some pain. My husband and I went to a flea market last Saturday. I knew we were going to do a lot of walking, so I worn my brace. I'm glad I did.
I am doing better. I think/hope to have my last PT appointment either today or Monday. I am so ready to be done with therapy. I do have pain every so often but it isn't as bad as it was post surgery. It feels a lot like prior to surgery. I guess with all of the arthritis in my knee I will be stuck with this pain until I get a knee replacement. I asked the doctor if he thought I would hold out for at least 10 years. He said he would be surprised if I lasted longer then two-five years. Not encouraging but I think I have a high threshold for pain.
I am sorry you have had some soreness. It's this darn weather. Once it gets warm I am sure it will not act up as much. Thank you Chilly toes for asking about me
Can anyone help me my husband had this surgery about 1week and ahalf ago and he was doing good but then when he was in the bathroom his knee twisted and now he is in a lot of pain and when he trys to get up from his chair said his leg starts shaking really bad and is in a lot of pain now.
Hey Chillytoes, I'm glad your surgery went well. I too had my right knee done, the Dr. removed the torn piece, I believe it was 40%. I can't tell you how much better I felt/feel post surgery. The recovery time wasn't bad either. Pre-op I was in excruciating pain during the night and my knee would constantly buckle when walking and/or just standing. Keep up the physio and strengthen your thigh muscles too. I have to say one thing I did wrong......a few weeks after the surgery I was late picking up my little guy from pre-school and I ran. At the time I did not feel pain at all but the next two days, for some reason, I was in very bad pain. You may feel ready minus the pain but don't overdue it too soon. To Onyxgates, you should be fine in five weeks, just don't run!!! Hope you both heal well.
